Sincerely, B. Foxtrotter: A NYPD Crime Novel

Chapter Four: Sleepless

Michael rolls over and hits the stop button on his phone alarm. Not that he needed it. He didn't sleep a wink last night and he couldn't tell you a reason why. Maybe it was Liam. Maybe it was the pressure at work. Maybe, maybe, maybe. All these thoughts rushed through his head and then they trailed to yesterday at the M.E. with Liam.

Oh god, what's the opposite of truly fantastic? Any word meaning disastrous, a mess, or anything you could possibly think of could be used to describe those moments.

8 hours earlier

Michael finished wrapping his wrist back in the ACE bandage. The doctor told him to wear it all the time but it interfered with his penmanship so he took it off at the beginning of work and placed it on after the day was over. It still hurt like heck but he was putting himself through hell and back with stupid Liam Barrett so he agreed that it was a sacrifice. Speaking of Liam, they were going to meet the M.E. and go over some of the autopsy results on a murder they were both assigned by the chief.

Yes. Both assigned.

Michael couldn't believe it either. And as much as they both hated each other, they knew they had to go do it. So that is why Michael was sitting in his chair, hands on the wheel, fighting with his conscious and logical mind. Unfortunately for him, his logical mind won and he was off driving down the long winding narrow road. The familiar ringing of his cell brings him back to reality as he zoned out. He pushes a few buttons on his phone and transfers the call to his car and puts it on speaker.

"Hello?"

"Hi. I'm Teresa Gabret from Chaser Credit Card Co. Can I speak to Michael B. Foxtrotter?" Michael immediately focused on the voice. He had no idea why the credit card company would be calling him.

"Speaking"

"Mr. Foxtrotter, you're overdue on about half, actually, all of your credit card bills and I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but if you don't pay them by the end of this month I'm afraid we will have to take more elite measures.

"Hi, Ms. Gabret. I will get those paid and get them to you ASAP. I also wanted to know if you have any of my bills from a few weeks back. I actually believe my credit card was stolen and charged because I'm sorry. I recall paying all my bills"

There is a pause on the other end of the line.

"Have you filed any complaints or reports Mr. Foxtrotter?"

Michael silently swore under his breath. He hadn't.

" I have not. How would I go about doing that?"

" Well you can swing by our office when you get a chance and I can give you some papers? Can I set up an appointment for you?"

Michael adjusts the steering wheel as he turns into a lane.

" Yes. That would be great. I'm actually on my way to an appointment now so unfortunately, it would have to be later today. Can you do.."

Michael trails off as he looks at his watch. He was meeting Liam and the M.E. at 9:15. Michael turns his attention back to the woman.

" Do you have 11 this morning open?"

A pause.

" Yes. We do. See you later, Mr. Foxtrotter"

Michael hangs up the phone and pulls into the parking lot of Tuper's Memorial Hospital. He takes a few deep breaths before he gets out of the car. He adjusts his suit and tie, which he was sure Liam would take less than a second to tear it apart and explain to Michael why his fashion sense is better. Michael walks through the swinging double doors and checks his watch. It was 9:00. Perfect. He follows the signs and walks down the hallway and up the stairs and sees Liam in an office, looking at some files. Michael knocks on the frame of the door and Liam looks up.