Rae & Ortíz

the meeting

   He tried not to stare at the woman that observed the interrogation from the doorway.

     She was tall, and her long, dark hair was pulled tightly into a high ponytail. Dark brows furrowed over the solemn expression on her pale face as she lifted a cigarette to her lips and pulled in a deep drag. Her long legs were crossed as she leaned against the doorframe; tight, black sportswear accentuated her lean body. He peeled his eyes away, determined not to look again and focus on the task at hand. The young sex-worker they questioned trembled as sobs racked her body. She tried her best to recount the events she'd witnessed. Cherry, the establishment's manager softly rubbed the younger girl's back and encouraged her to even her breathing.

     His partner, Detective Kim, jigged his leg impatiently, heels softly tapping on the white tile floor. Cherry shot a pointed glance at Kim's leg, sensing his agitation and pulled the sobbing woman closer as if to protect her from further harm. 

Kim opened his mouth but his partner spoke over him, his strong voice easily overlapping the other's. "Thank you for your cooperation. We'll end here for today. Miss, may I drive you to the hospital?" 

      The sobbing woman shook her head and shakily sputtered that she was fine. Her sobs eased and sniffles filled the air, as if she could breathe easier now that the stress of the questioning was gone. Kim opened his mouth and his partner was reminded once more why he hated being paired with the jackass. It happened at least once a day and made working with Kim unbearable. "Working here must be hard. You ladies must need a lot of stamina. About how many clients do you see a night?" His mouth curved into a suggestive sneer. 

     His partner scowled and turned to tell him off, but Cherry was faster and wittier. "Why? Interested in a new profession? I'm sure if you shaved that pretty, young face of yours you'd attract more than your fair share of customers." Kim's jaw fell at the unexpected harassment and his partner laughed. Kim wasn't given a chance to respond as the other detective stood and dismissed the women after thanking them.

   "Go," Kim's partner said to him. "Take care of the paperwork at the station and go home. I'll question the leftover employees and stay the night in case that psychopath shows his face again. Call Witness Protection and have a squadron come here until another secure location is prepared." Kim scowled at his partner and stomped off, anger rolling off of his back. The detective watched him go, chuckling as he remembered Cherry's retort. She'd hit him where it hurt; he knew Kim was conscious of his appearance and went to lengths to grow the little facial hair he had. 

    Cherry returned then, once more sitting across from him and motioning for him to take his seat. "I'm sorry for my outburst, Detective. I-" He held up a hand to stop her and smiled gently. It was an oddly charming sight on such a rugged face. "You have nothing to apologize for, Miss Cherry. My partner acted shamefully and you were right to put him in his place." The tension in her body released as she let out a long sigh of relief and settled back into the sofa. "He's calling for a squadron to guard the establishment until we can enroll all the witnesses into the protection program. All of your employee's reside in this building, correct?"

   Cherry nodded. "No one will be leaving tonight." "Good," he nodded. "If you'll allow me, I'll stay the night too. I'm hoping to interview whomever else is available to tell me their experience of the... event." Cherry moved to stand. "Of course, let me get a room ready-" "No, there's no need. I understand that my presence is uncomfortable for your employees so I will remain here. If I could just bother you for a tall mug of strong coffee..." 

     Cherry jumped up to her feet before he could finish his sentence and quickly returned with one of the biggest mugs he'd ever seen in his life. The corners of his mouth twitched in amusement as she settled it down before him. "Thank you." "You're welcome, Detective... I'm sorry, I don't think I got your name." "Ortíz," he supplied, gulping down the dark liquid. "Detective Ortíz," she confirmed. "Mm. Miss Cherry, could you tell me what happened? I assure you that I am only here to investigate that which is concerned with this murder and nothing else. Speak freely." The glint in her honey eyes told him she understood and she nodded in response before folding her hands in her lap.