Leave No Trace

Chapter 31

Danielson

He was sitting at his desk, knowing that eventually the night would have to come to end, and at some point, his shift would end. He couldn't complain.

It was after midnight, and Kate was asleep at her desk. She was barely dozing, her dog tags glimmering in the soft light of her desk lamp.

He stared at the phone, sure it would ring again, and Kate would wake up. He was so certain of it that he nearly jumped out of his chair- when his cell phone buzzed against his leg. Not even a real phone call. He checked it, and realized it was just a text from that pesky reporter, Russell Hughes.

RH: So tell me, is your partner up for an interview?

Danielson frowned, wondering why a reporter was texting him on his cellphone after midnight on a Tuesday night (now early Wednesday morning). It didn't make sense. Another glance at the sleeping Kate told him that now was not the time to be asking her to speak to a reporter.

Danielson: No.

He knew he would later regret the sharp text, but he couldn't help it. It was stupid, attacking two cops who were eagerly awaiting the end of their shift.

They had both come in late, so were staying until twelve-thirty. Less than half an hour he told himself, but he was so tired.

He knew Kate just wanted to get home to Tim. He couldn't blame her. He was supposed to be meeting Maura for lunch in the afternoon, but right now all he wanted was to sleep until after four in the afternoon. And then walk around his apartment in his pajamas.

He walked over, about to wake Kate up in case they had a call. On her desk was the evening newspaper, opened to the real estate section. He looked at several circled items, only to realize she was looking for a house. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder to shake her awake. She jolted up, in shock, her eyes wide with alarm.

"Hey" he said calmly. "Shift is almost over."

She rubbed at her eyes. "Any calls?"

"No." He smirked. "We're all on our own this evening."

"Joy." She pulled out her cell phone. "Ah, nothing but a good night text from Tim. He's wanting me to come back to the apartment."

"What so you can-."

"We're not, if that's what you're asking." She replied sharply.  

He held up his hand. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I was just teasing, Kate." Since they had closed Ally's case, they had found the trust to start addressing each other by their first names. He smiled, and she reluctantly smiled back.

"What about you and Maura, Mike?"

"Nah..." He shook his head firmly. "Definitely not yet."

Kate's turn to smirk. "Oh you poor deprived soul."

He made a face, but grinned. He enjoyed this teasing relationship, even if it had come during such a case as Ally's. "You should head home" he said, nodding at the clock.

"I still have part of our shift left" she said with a yawn.

"I'll cover for you. You look exhausted."

"So do you." She noted. "We might as well ride it out together."

She yawned again, just as the sirens started up outside the window. "Damn it." he sighed.

"Ambulance" Nolan said, listening carefully. "Crime scene?" she asked.

He glanced at the silent phone. "If Dispatch calls... I'm hanging up."