Case 34

Going sideways

this was slightly rushed so I apologize if it isn't as up to par as it usually is!

It has been 2 weeks since the encounter with Cabby, and ever since OJ lashed out on Balloon at the hotel. Since then, everyone's been eerily silent every time OJ entered the room, twice as silent when Balloon did as well. Balloon barely ever got out of his and Suitcase's room actually. He had been bedridden for days now, only ever standing up or getting out to grab food or to call Suitcase.

It has been 2 weeks since Balloon spoke a word to OJ. He never once liked to or wanted to even look him in the eyes when he went downstairs for some coffee or food. Or to even look at him at all.

For all that time, OJ was jampacked with bills and paperwork to fill out. From calls, to emails, to even texts from other people.

Kudos to MePhone for dealing with this shit twice, he thought one time.

He continued to scan through his emails as his foot was impatiently hitting the carpeted floor. His eyes never moved away from the screen once that he didn't notice someone walk into his office and sit on the chair across him.

"OJ."

A deep voice called out, nudging his foot. He still didn't look up, genuinely not noticing the person in the room.

"For fuck's sake OJ, look at me."

"H-huh?!" He lifted his head from his monitor, surprised to see MePhone on the chair in front of him. "Jeez man, do you ever take knock? Plus, why are you here again? I thought you were on break?" OJ sighed, rubbing the bridge of his "nose".

"I'm here because I am on break." MePhone deadpanned, bringing a leg up to his other. OJ stared at him blankly as he tapped his finger on his wooden desk. "Okay then, but why spend your time here?" MePhone let out an annoyed sigh. "Because I'm seeing some problems with the investigation that you are supposed to be taking care of." MePhone pointed at him with an exaggerated movement that made his chair jerk forward. OJ stared at him, still unbothered.

Deep down, however, he felt his stomach drop. If MePhone is finding some issues in my performance, then I'm definitely screwed.

MePhone cleared his throat, gliding his hands over his thighs slowly while he exhaled softly. "Look, I know it's not my place to really boss you around about this since it's your job, but from what I've heard around here? I don't think you're doin' a good job." MePhone gave him a sad smirk, but turned it around as soon as he saw the look on OJ's face. He looked nervous, his palms were clearly sweaty from the way his handprints left marks as he touched the top of his desk. His leg was shaking up and down and he barely blinked as he stared at MePhone.