BELLS IN NEW YORK

Chapter 01- Part 02

Before I could complete my thought, detective Campbell walked into the main hall, a dejected look apparent. As I stood up to ask him about my suspicions, he looked my way.

"Drithi, bring me a temporary leave request form, please. I'll be in my office." With that, he turned on his heel and went back to where he came from.

I was surprised would be an understatement. I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it. Murmurs ensued his departure. I rummaged through my desk drawer to find the transfer letters. Upon finding it, I sprinted out of the hall and towards chief detective Campbell's office.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Come in," a voice from inside the office called.

Detective Campbell looked up at me from his work as I walked in.

"Leave the letter here, "he said, motioning towards a spot on his desk that he hastily cleared. I obliged and kept he file before stepping back.

"I assume you still have something to say since you aren't leaving?" he said, his tone, defeated.

As I opened my mouth to speak, he beat me to it.

"I know what you're going to ask, Drithi. Don't worry, I wasn't exactly fired. I'm just on an indefinite leave," he said

"So... you were fired," I stated matter-of-factly.

"I said I wasn't fired. It's an indefinite leave."

"Whatever floats your boat, Mr Denialist,"

"I'm still your superior, Drithi. You better watch your mouth. And what in the world is a denialist? Does that word even exist?"

"As long as it gets the point across, it doesn't matter whether or not the word exists," I countered, crossing my hands across my chest, a childish smirk dancing on my face. I could see detective Campbell's frown lines easing as he let out a chuckle shaking his head.

"I'm going to miss you and your witty remarks while I'm away," he said, returning to whatever work he was doing before, the sadness still visible in his features.

"Why do you need to leave? It wasn't necessarily your fault. You tried your best. This case is just trickier than usual," I said, unable to hold back on the questions that were eating me up inside.

"Chief Bryson is frustrated too. He needed to take out his anger on something. Unfortunately, my presence and the good-for-nothing reports were more than enough to push him over the edge."

"But firing you was just outright wrong!"

"I told you I wasn't- never mind. I might as well talk to a wall about this. Either way, chief Bryson doesn't want me in this investigation and that's final."

"but-" detective Campbell interrupted before I could complete my sentence.

"Enough, Drithi. It's fine, really. I could really use some time away from all this madness. I've barely been able to sleep properly in a very long time." I listened quietly as he continued, "And I need some rest too. I'll be able to enjoy my days without having to worry too much. I can spend some time with the kids and even pick up some of my old hobbies."

I could only nod my head. Although I could see right through his fake expressions, I knew better than to add salt to the wound. I had put enough already.

"Fine. Have a good rest or do whatever you want. But chief Bryson mentioned a new person to take your place. If you couldn't do much, surely this new person can't do half as well," I stated.

Detective Campbell chuckled.

"How could you be so sure? For all we know he might find the culprit and close the case at the blink of an eye," Detective Campbell looked at me, his eyebrows arched, challenging me to counter his argument. As always, I refused to back down.

"We all know you are the best in the field! You know this case the best. Besides, you've worked with this team for such a long time. You can work with us the best,"

Detective Campbell lightly shook his head. "While I agree with the fact that I've worked with the team the longest and can coordinate well within the team, you know that the rest is wrong. I might be a good officer. Better, even. But not the best. Maybe the chief's choice was right after all. You might need to look at the case from a different perspective. I'm excited to see where this will go."

I watched as he tried to suppress a smile that seemed adamant to appear on his face, and I just knew it wasn't because he was excited about the new perspective.

"There really is nothing I can do to keep you, huh?" I admitted defeat.

"Glad you realized. Now hop along. I know you have a lot of work. You've stalled enough. I need to get these documents in line before I leave."

"But-"

Having had enough, detective Campbell stood up from his seat. Walking towards me, he turned me around and pushed me towards the door.

"Enough with your buts. Go to your desk and get to work. If I need anything, I'll call for you. Now go," detective Campbell said ushering me into the hallway.

I turned back one last time, reluctant to leave the room, knowing that Detective Campbell wouldn't be around for much longer. Detective Campbell must have detected my reluctance to leave. He rested his hands on my shoulder.

"I will miss you too, buddy. Let's keep in touch while I am away. Don't worry. I know we will meet again right here. Now leave. I've had enough telling offs for the day. I should finalise the work before Chief Bryson breathes down my neck again."

Patting my shoulder, he turned around and re-entered his office, leaving me alone in the hallway that separated the main hall of cubicles from the chiefs' offices. Detective Campbell's promise lit a fire within me. He will come back. He said so himself. With re-found energy, I started walking towards my workspace. But I couldn't take one particular remark out of my head.

Detective James Campbell was married?!?

♧♧♧

End of chapter 01!!!
Let me know about your thoughts on the story so far!
Until next Saturday,
Adios!!!

03/04/2022