A disgraced officer teams up with a goofy late night hero to track down a lead and ends up finding more than she ever expected.
ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ ᴄʜᴀꜱᴇ // ꜰᴇᴍ ᴏᴄ
ꜱʜᴏʀᴛ ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ || 2022
ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇᴍᴀᴋᴇʀ | ᴅᴄ
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Sit tight, this is a long one.
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There was a sense of urgency that continued to push her forward. Maybe it was from being an officer for nearly a decade, or the fact that her life depended on her ability to react, either way lately she'd realized that most days she was pushing herself to get to the next big thing. The next job, the next location, it never seemed to end, but the reality of slowing down and settling in one place sent a knot into her stomach. Settling down would mean her accepting everything she'd done and what her life had turned into.
Intrusive, repulsive, and uncomfortable thoughts constantly plagued her. She'd been alone with herself long enough that she knew it was from her PTSD. She knew it was from the guilt of the murder, and the shame in the weeks after. But would she get help? Probably not. Some things were easier to push down and bury over than to stare in the face.
Jenna was outside the address that the client had given her. Allegedly, his wife had disappeared all hours of the night, rumors swelling around evergreen that she'd joined a group that he suspected was a cult. The details behind the strife were shitty at best and honestly, she couldn't give a second fuck about why some senile asshole was being so controlling of his wife. The bounty for the photo was great, and that's what she intended to get.
Jenna was held up in her car. Frost formed on her windshield as the autumn chill had begun to finally settle in. She was more comfortable in the confines of her driver seat, sipping her lukewarm coffee and swiping left on an app she'd swore she would never download. Romantic moments were slim to none when you're a traveling disgraced detective with a sick sense of humor and night terrors. The only companionship she'd had as of late was in the form of serial killer podcasts, stale pastries from the local coffee shop, and the occasional self session with her vibrating shower head. A brief, but an overwhelming feeling of nervousness washed over her as Adrian's smile suddenly surprised her consciousness, causing her to nearly drop her phone and coffee as she shifted uncomfortably in the driver's seat. The busboy had been keeping her company on the days she'd visit the restaurant, she'd look for him every time she visited, a warm smirk and nod greeting her each time she made eye contact with him. Adrian was the opposite of most men she'd been with, he was funny and kind if not a little geeky and oblivious. She was drawn to him for obvious reasons, and being in a new city it was comforting to meet someone who had common hobbies with her. He wasn't too bad on the eyes either.
But that's just what she needed, right? To get into a serious relationship and then have to skip town to another city-it was just easier this way. A hook-up would be nice, she'd been single for nearly nine months, and like a warm shadow, her mind once again went to the man at the restaurant with the warm smile and defined dimples.
That was it. She couldn't sit still, especially not with her thoughts. Maybe the cold air would clear her mind and distract her. Jenna put on her warm, fraying hat, and grabbed her camera before quietly leaving the confines of her vehicle. She placed the strap around her neck and let the weight fall on her shoulders. Tucking her hands into her coat pockets, she noticed a few street lights that had gone out, she'd hang out in the shadows for a few before pacing the block. She didn't want to go too far and miss her mark. Fortunately, she wouldn't have to wait long.
