Mo Grá| Derek Morgan

chapter eight

My day began as any other, but with a twist: several missed calls from an unknown number. To add to my troubles, Mark's mischievous cat had chosen the night to make a break for it, leaving me wide awake and waiting for its return.

Fortunately, Reid lived close enough to my apartment complex to pick me up on his way to work. I stood on the sidewalk outside my building, clutching a paper bag filled with assorted donuts. A few minutes later, Reid arrived. As we settled into the car, I presented the treats.

"Since you're the best friend I could ask for, I brought you some donuts—hope that's okay!" I said, grinning as he peeled back a napkin and dove into the bag while we waited at a red light.

"You really didn't have to do this," he replied, glancing over. "I live seven minutes and twenty-six seconds from here without traffic. You don't need to repay me for a ride."

"Shut up," I insisted, smiling wider.

"Last week you got me a new coffee cup. You don't need to keep giving me things," he said, shaking his head.

"It's not my fault that my love language is gift-giving," I defended.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket for what felt like the hundredth time that morning. I almost declined it, thinking it was another unknown caller, but stopped when I saw Mark's name flash on the screen.

"Hey, Leah! How's it going? How's Lucy?" Mark asked, and I rolled my eyes.

"Did you call for me or the cat?" I teased, and he chuckled.

"You, of course! How are you?" he replied, and I shook my head.

"I'm fine. Heading to work, so can we catch up later?" I said, hanging up. Typically, I would chat with him for hours, but I wasn't about to confess that I had lost his cat. Moments later, a text from Alex, my neighbor, popped up.

Alex: Found Lucy wandering the halls. I can watch her until you get back.

Me: Thank god! Mark would've killed me if he found out I lost that dumb cat. If you could keep an eye on her, that would be amazing!

Alex: Sure thing! Glad to prevent a homicide!

Me: Thank you again!!

Alex: Anytime! ☺️

Now, I know what most people think about my relationship with Alex, but he's gay and has a boyfriend who constantly spoils Lucy with toys. We finally arrived at the office and entered the building together. Almost immediately, my phone rang again. I paused to check the caller ID—still unknown. Sighing, I looked at Spencer, who had stopped a few steps ahead to wait for me.

"This number has been calling me since 4 a.m. today. Can they please take a hint?" I murmured.

"Maybe it's important?" he suggested.

"If it were, they'd leave a voicemail," I replied, and he nodded. "I can't deal with this during work. Go on ahead, I'll catch up after answering."

"Okay," Reid nodded, walking forward.

"Hello?"

"Sloan?" A familiar voice echoed from the other end—a voice I hadn't heard in years.

"Jason?" I responded, surprised to hear from him.

"It took you long enough! I was starting to think I had the wrong number," he said, his accent clear.

"Well, after fifteen calls from an unknown number, I thought it might be a prank," I admitted.

"It's urgent. Can we meet?" he asked, and I raised an eyebrow.

"Not right now; I'm about to leave for a case, but I can text you when I'm back," I offered, spotting Spencer in the lobby.