About you

Chapter 6

Theo Elliot Baudelaire II

"You guys had the head of the cartel mixed up with the money launderer." I show them the description line proof that gave it away to me.

"Ohhhh." A few men say in unison like light bulbs just clicked on their heads.

"I tried to tell them, no one ever listens." Nellie shrugs.

Nellie was one of the few minority women on the force. She was often looked down upon, yet she was one of the most intelligent ones here. She was pretty; she had short, wavy, black hair that was always tied back into a low bun. She had thick eyebrows and long dark eyelashes. Her skin was a honey brown and she had a really good personality. We often flirted, but mixing work with my love life was something I strayed away from.

"There's also a mix up on the location of the next drug dealing. The one on the paper is about five hundred miles away from the actual location. As is the date, you have it two days before the actual meet up." Nellie takes a sip of her coffee.

"That cannot be correct." Phillip stands up and grabs the paper looking at it.

"She's right, I noticed that last night too." I nod.

"I- well good catch." He takes the papers and leaves the room.

Everyone leaves the meeting room.

"Good work catching the flaws." I smile as we walk out to our vehicles.

She was on patrol for the next few hours.

"Thank you, Two." She smiles back. "Been awhile since you've been back, I missed your company."

Two. She's called me two ever since we met. Two, because of my name and apparently two, because she will always be number one.

Don't flirt back. Don't flirt back.

"Yours too, Miss Childress."

"I have to run this route but I'll see you tomorrow." Nellie opens her door.

I nod and wave as she leaves.

Some men outside smoking a cigarette whistle at us. I flip them off and drive home. I had even noticed that my silent alarm was going off in my study. Someone had set the alarm off by trespassing. I sit and watch the cameras.

My teeth clench and angry begins to rise as I watch the brown headed woman peak through my living room windows. What is she doing? Why is she in my business? Does she know? Is she working with someone undercover to get me in caught? I wasn't sure, but I planned on finding out.

I wanted to go over and ask her what the hell she was doing. But after the grocery incident, I wanted to keep my distance. I begin to make a few calls to some of the men at the station to discuss the setup for the bust.

We were on the phone for about two hours discussing the exact plan of the situation. In about a couple months from now, we will have taken out the leader of the cartel in custody. Then soon I'll be back home.

I had taken a nap. I was scrolling through my phone one minute, then dreaming of my neighbor the next. I just couldn't get her out of my head. She was the last person I wanted on my mind. Nellie was attractive, sweet, my coworker. If I had to dream about any woman, I would prefer it to be her. But damnit, Melody was stuck. She was there, she was present and beautiful. I groan as I make myself wake up. I had another mission tonight and needed to prepare for it.

I text Luke making sure he's good for tonight. He confirms and I start making dinner. Not too long after I finish eating, I grab my burner phone and message the woman.

Her abuser was forcing her to go out dinner. The plan was the same as the woman's from last night. It all worked out perfectly as she climbs into my truck. We arrive at my house and I help her inside. Her name was Amy Thompson. I notice her mascara stained her white dress.

I always pick up clothes for the women just from Goodwill. So they would at least have a few outfits. I gave her three bag of clothes and grabs a sweatshirt with sweatpants. She had changed in my car. This was a good outfit to disguise her as well. I mean, hopefully no one is even paying attention.

By the time her nerves calm, Luke was backing into my back yard ready. Amy hugs me and thanks me along as with Luke and they leave.

I would've went to bed, but I had other plans on my mind. I watched as a vehicle arrives at Melody's house. The same one that left the day I moved in. The woman was in a green tight dress. They were going out tonight. That would give me the perfect opportunity. I make myself some coffee and watch by the window.

Soon after, Melody and her friend exit and drive off. Melody was wearing a black dress with black heels that made me want to stare longer than I should. I knew if I continued to look, my brain would get some ideas.

After making sure the coast was clear, I make my way over to the side of her house. I made sure Kate was no where in sight. I check the back door but it was locked, I begin to check the windows and luckily she has a loose window that I was easily able to slip into. The room seemed to be her study or work room. There was many books in this room, a long desk with a laptop, pencils, notebooks, etc, and a comfortable chair. I slouch lazily in her chair and it was in fact, very comfortable.

I try one of the cookies she had in the container. God they were amazing, I had to restrain myself from eating them all. As soon as I made my way into her bedroom, her little dog began barking at me. I instantly close the door, I did not want to deal with a dog even if it was harmless baby. I save this room last to look through since I would be leaving through here. I had checked every room and found nothing. She was clean, just a simple, curious person. I sit back in her chair and open the laptop. It was left open on a document with the title Who Are You.

I read it. I read every word she had typed so far. There was no doubt in my mind that she had not written this about anyone else except me. She was somewhat attracted to me. I had caught her attention. She seen the women, she's been putting the pieces together. But she believed we would end up together.

I close the laptop and leave. I hesitate if I should delete the documents or not. It wouldn't make a difference. It's in her head, she would just type it back up again. It wouldn't be the same, but it would be there. I sneak out back door, locking it before closing it and head home. She knows, what would she do in the morning when she seen another missing woman on the screen.