Mystery Of The Night

Part 1

February 12th, 2029

  Sitting in the balcony while I see people walking down, going places, meeting people and having fun. I was a part of that before I had my injury. Its weird being the one above. Being able to see and witness things you wouldn't normally witness when you're blending in the crowd. You being able to see them but them not being able to see you.

  Almost done with my coffee but not even halfway done with the book. Life is so mundane and boring when you don't have someone to share it with. Never really knew how slow life is when you don't have someone or something with you. I had the job and Judy at the same time. So, never knew how slow everything is. Still have a chance to get Judy if I just make amends, she's stubborn as always. I'm on a one week leave after the injury, still can't use my left arm.

  I was supposed to call in officer Lee, my partner because I left my favorite jacket in the cruiser. A gift given to me by Judy, I love the jacket. I get off my chair and go straight to my phone and call Lee, rings a couple of times and he answers. 'Hey cooper, how're you doing? Any better?' he asks.

'Yeah, much better. I called in to tell you that I—'

'Left your jacket?'

'Yes...that's right.'

'You also left your badge and your pocketknife.'

'It's all in the jacket so I just wanted to mention that instead.'

A long pause from Lee's end, thinking about how to respond to my stupidity. I definitely forgot about the badge and the knife.

'I will drop them off in the morning, lieutenant has given me some assignments that I need to take care of. I'll see you then, alright?' he says. 'Alright, see you then, Lee' I say as I hang up the phone.

  I have been pushing Lieutenant Harrison to give us the green light to bust a major drug operation. 'Very dangerous, coop' 'You can't handle it' 'Not worth your time' is all she says. I got injured while taking down the worst of the worst. If anyone deserves to get this job, its us. I will call her and tell her exactly how badly I want this. I dial her number and she pick up. 'Hello, Cooper. What's the reason for this call?' she asks, feels like she is occupied with her work but still has time for calls.

'Listen, lieutenant. I've had a whole week to think about this and just hear me out, I would like to ask you to give me and Lee—'

'Are you seriously asking me to give you the lead on bust? Despite me rejecting you over and over?'

'Yes, you heard me. I love this job and I've proven myself multiple times. We wouldn't have gotten this far without our leads and me risking my life to stop that shipment. NYPD knows this. Now I ask you again, let us do it...please.'

  A long pause from the lieutenant. Thinking about her decision. I haven't used these points before in my argument so maybe this time she might change her mind. 'Fine, you and Lee get the lead but remember, if anything happens, its on you. got that?' she says. 'I heard you, lieutenant. Thank you, you won't regret this.' I say before she hangs up. Lee and I have been begging her for this for a long time now. I'm glad we got this, and we will finish this.

  I'm heading to the store to grab some drinks because why not. Not an alcoholic by any means but drinking occasionally isn't that bad. I leave my home and head to the store, ran by an old buddy of mine, William. He gives me discounts on certain items including alcohol which isn't a great thing considering a rarely drink. A discount on other things such as doughnuts or maybe even coffee would've been much better, but I won't complain.

  I greet William and we chat for a bit. He asks me about my arm my jacket and I tell him the truth about both of them. Gives me a shocked face after hearing that I forgot my jacket. Something I never do. Its crazy when other people start noticing small changes in your style and routine because that's when you know you're off track. I grab a six-pack of beer and I head back to my apartment. Its dark out and oddly quiet, other than the sirens and noise of the city. I sit by the balcony and open one can of beer. I look at the distance and imagine how things would've been if I just agreed with Judy. What she was asking for was the biggest decision of my life, commitment. I can't stop thinking about her but I'm afraid to commit. I want to be with her, but I am very afraid to fuck up. She wants to have kids, but we are still figuring ourselves out. I'm 25 and I'm not ready yet but I can't be without her. I don't know what to do.

  I'm down to my fifth and I'm very dizzy, unable to move or process anything. Unable to even head inside.