JR SWAT 2: Two, Taken

Chapter 8: Intervention

Harrelson residence, little after 8pm...

Nichelle received Kelly and Leyla , who came in the house very shyly, observing all around. All three females sat down to chat in the living room. Both girls were tired, but, to Nichelle's surprise, they were very motivated and driven.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Miss Nichelle." Kelly said

"Yeah, you probably gots lotta things to do." Leyla added.

"Actually, I'm not busy.  I have a couple of people helping me with tons of things. Been answering calls and texts, nothing complicated." Nichelle said, sitting on the chair, while the girls sat on the couch. "So, are you girls alright? I know it has been kind of hectic, especially for you Kelly."

Nichelle noticed Leyla drifted off, staring straight over her shoulders. Nichelle frowned, then followed her gaze. Kelly did the same, and soon all three found themselves staring at a picture of Hondo and 20 Squad.

"They took that picture for a news article, some time ago." Nichelle explained.

"They all look so happy...even captain." Leyla said.

"After the bombing on Monday" Kelly explained, "captain left, but promised to give us a call for the interview. We didn't think much of it. After all, she's a captain of a very important team, right? What's she gonna care about some teenagers from the poor side of the LA? Well, to our surprise she called. We were super excited! After pizza, we talked to her and she let us ask a million questions, like... it didn't bother her at all."

"She's so dope! I couldn't believe it. Like, she's so humble and sweet! I told Kells, that's how every cop should be. Like, she firm and tough, but she's an all around human being, for sho!"

"We asked her so many questions, Miss Nichelle. Like, at one point, I told Leyla, 'We gotta stop. Poor captain must be exhausted!' But she was like 'nah, I'm good. You girls ask as many questions as you want. If I can answer, I will. Matter of fact, here, here's my email. If you have more, send em my way!' I was like, this is unbelievable! She was so nice!"

"You know? If cap can be that strong, to go through a whole day of action and craziness, plus travel, hotel, bags, family -coz you know dealing with Rubio is a migraine!- I mean, we can't really complain about our situations. Right?"

"But, she's She Hulk! So..." Kelly said shrugging her shoulders. Both girls giggled.

Nichelle smiled, because she was starting to understand how important Chris was to them. She began, "She is a very brave lady. I pray for her every day, thanking God she saved the father of my baby." Nichelle paused, then turned to Kelly. "So, Kelly. School nurse said you had some stomach issues. Is that right?"

Sigh. "In all honesty, Miss Nichelle. No." Kelly said bowing her head. "I couldn't really focus on school. My head's not right."

Leyla shook her head, and with teary eyes looked at Nichelle. "Can you help my girl out, Miss Nichelle?"

Nichelle stretched her hand and gently placed it on Kelly's shoulder. "Only if she wants to."

Kelly swallowed hard, feeling the tears lining up in her eyes and the huge knot in her throat. "Please." she whispered.

Nichelle showed a shy smile. "Let's talk."

Leyla sat back on the couch, as Nichelle took the young lady into the nursery room, where she gestured for her to sit in the lonely chair that Hondo had used to take a break late last night, after dinner. While he finished mounting the crib's frame, he watched Nichelle eat a slice of apple pie in the rocking chair next to him.