Giustizia

Previously in Caramelle...

     It was morning and Alaina came out of her room, still in the sweatshirt and leggings from last night. Her hair was messy as she zombie walked over to the coffee machine and started it.

     "Mm, morning." Matt said in a raspy, just-woke-up voice.

     "Morning." Alaina smiled.

     "What time is it?"

     "Eleven am."

     Matt got up and went into the half bath while Alaina pulled down two mugs from the cupboard. She poured the coffee in the mugs when it was done and added creamer. Matt exited the bathroom and sat at the island. She handed him a mug and he took a few sips.

     "So... You gonna tell her?" Matt asked.

     "I think. I mean I should, right?"

     "She should know."

     "But what if she spirals. And besides, we aren't really supposed to talk about our missions."

     "It's not like she's a threat or in danger if she knows. She knows the drill."

     "I know. I just don't know if it would make a difference."

     "Would you want to know? If the roles were reversed?"

     "Yeah. I guess I would."

     "Well okay then. Tell her."

     They each took a couple more sips, sitting there in silence. Then, Irelin's door opened and she exited. She had on athletic shorts, a sports bra, and sneakers. Her hair was up in a ponytail and she had headphones in her ears.

     "Hey Morning." Irelin said, as she grabbed a water bottle from the fridge.

     "Hey." They both said in unison.

     "See you guys later."

     Irelin called Diesel over and put on his harness and collar before exiting.

    Matt turned around and looked at Alaina as he took another sip.

     "I'll tell her after her jog." Alaina spoke.

     "Okay."

     They finished their coffee and Alaina cooked some sausage, eggs, and toast for the three of them. They both ate their breakfast as they looked over case files.

     It was about ninety minutes before Irelin returned. She was breathing heavy as was Diesel. He came in and plopped down on the cool hardwood.

     "It smells so good in here."

     "Oh yeah. I made breakfast." Alaina said.

     Irelin came over, washed her hands, then grabbed some food. Alaina closed the case files as Irelin came and sat down.

     "How was your run?" Alaina asked Irelin.

     "Good. It's getting hotter outside though. I need to go for my run earlier."

     "Looks like you wore out D-man." Matt said. They all laughed at Diesel laying on the floor, panting.

     After Irelin finished and put away her dishes, she began to head into her room.

     "Lin, wait." Alaina spoke up. "Can you come sit down?"

     "Sure. What's up?" Irelin asked skeptically.

     Alaina looked at Matt then back at Irelin.

     "Lain, what is it?"

     "We have a new case."

     "Okay...?"

     "It's Jasper. He's back."

     "Oh." Irelin looked out the window.

     "Look I know you're in a good headspace right now." Alaina began. "I don't want to ruin that. But I thought if it was me, I would want to know. So, I wanted to tell you. I didn't want you to hear it from anyone else. But I promise I am gonna catch the son of a bitch."

     "No."

     "No?"

      "We are gonna catch him." Irelin stated.

     "We?"

     "Yes. I'm gonna call Chris and ask if I can do this case with you." Irelin stood up from the table.

     "Irelin, I don't think that's the best idea."

     "Dominic is dead because of him. I will not let him get away this time." Irelin went into her room, dialing on her phone.

     "Well, I think she handled it well." Matt pressed his lips together, nodding.

     Alaina glared at him.

     It was a week later. Chris did an evaluation on Irelin, which she passed, and allowed her to come back for the case. In all honesty, he was happy to have her back. He hoped she would return but didn't think this was the case for her to come back to. But he wasn't going to argue. As long as she passed the evaluation, he was okay with it. It was a team of three and he was optimistic of their chances of finally catching Jasper Evans. So they set out to South Africa, ready to put an end to his drug operation once and for all.