Mystery Of The Night

Part 2

February 13th, 2029

  I Feel someone poking my face...once at a time. I hear my name being called. 'Cooper...Cooper, wake up...'. I slowly open my eyes and at once being sit by the sunlight, blinding me. I see a figure standing over me. Upon closer inspection, its Lee. Waking me up after I passed out last night. 'How did you get in?' I ask while being hungover. 'You left the door unlocked. Unbelievable—Were you drinking last night?' he asks. I get up and head in with strong pounding in my head, I groan as I say 'No one is supposed to barge in...and yes, I was'.

'It's not barging in you aren't answering. And I left your belongings in your room.'

'Thanks for that...coffee?'

'No, I had mine. Why were you drinking? Judy?' he asks. I pause, looking the other way while he stands behind me, staring at me, waiting for my response. 'No...I don't know.'

'I think you're making a mistake letting her go. You're lucky that she wants you to commit. Don't let that go to waste, coop. call her and fix this.'

  Him saying that made me feel good, I wanted someone to tell me that me backing out is stupid and that I should fix this relationship. There is no one else I rather do this with. Being scared is good, maybe it's because it's the right decision. I grab my coffee and look at Lee's direction but not looking at him. 'You're right, man. I was thinking about that too, I can't let her go' I say as I sip my coffee.

'Good. Finally got some sense in your head.' He says with a smile. He's proud of my decision and he's happy for me. I'm grateful for that. 'And also, I heard Harrison has given us the lead on this one. You called her?' he says.

'Yes, I did, that's the least we deserve.'

'True, after you nearly got yourself killed? Definitely. Those boys gave us the names of the leaders. Those are the targets. The copy is in your room. Take a look at it.'

'That's a relief...I'll do my research on it. Thank you, Lee' I say.

Lee walks in my direction, puts his hand on my shoulder and says 'Don't worry about it. Goodbye now.' As he begins walking to the front door. Lee leaves and its just me now.

  I have to call Judy and apologize to her and make things right. I slowly walk towards my phone, slowly picking it up, hands shivering due to me being nervous. I'm scared too, scared of what she might say. Maybe she doesn't want to be with me anymore, maybe she moved on or maybe she hates me now or maybe...she might take me back. I have to stop overthinking about this and just call her. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before calling her. After 2 rings I hang up. I exhale sharply. 'Moron...' I say to myself under my breath. I start walking around my apartment, trying to build up courage. I take a deep breath and I call her again. She picks up immediately. No backing out now. 'Hey...Judy. How are you?' I say, trying to keep my composure.

'Hi, Cooper. Fine, how are you?' she sounds upset and annoyed.

'Still recovering. I wanted to call you and tell you that I'm sorry about how things ended. I want you back, but I'm scared. I'm willing to fight my fears if that's what it takes to be with you.' I say in a defeated voice.

'Cooper, I know you're scared, I am too but this is the best thing that has happened to us. Sure, we will screw some things up but that's life.' Truer words have never been spoken. I love her.

'you're right, Judy, you're right. So, let's do it together, you and me.'

  She chuckles and I can feel her emotions through the phone. She is so happy and glad that I did this, made the right decision. 'Perfect. So, pick me up tomorrow at 8 PM.' She speaks. 'I Will. See you then, Judy' I say before I hang up. I throw my phone on the couch and sprint the other way. I cannot express my happiness. I am on top of the world. I Leave a message for Lee, telling him how it went. Hope he sees it soon.

I head in my room and see my jacket. I pick it up and put it on. I search for the badge and the knife in the pockets, but I don't find them. I look on the bedside table and that's where I find both of the items, along with the file. I open the drawer and slide my badge and the knife in it and closing it. I walk back out in living room and sit on the couch. I exhale deeply and look at the ceiling. Still thinking about tomorrow night and how things will go. I'm excited and happy but also a bit anxious.

  It's late and I need to review the files on the case, but I am out of coffee. I put on my jacket, grab my phone and leave the house. This time I'll lock the doors, despite only leaving for a couple of minutes. I head in the store and meet William again. He comments on my sudden change of mood and my jacket. I tell him everything is going amazing and he's happy to hear it. Let's me pick something from the store for free. I can't refuse something when someone is being nice about it, so I pick something that reminds me of Judy. A chocolate bar that I gave Judy when we met for the first time. I leave the store giggling with my coffee and the chocolate. As I reach the door, my phone chimes. I look at it and it's Lee, 'I knew she would also make the right choice. Goodluck!' he says.

  I try to insert my key, and something is off, the lock is broken, someone has broken in. I slowly drop my things on the floor and open the door slightly. I get inside and I don't see anyone. I grab my gun that I always leave in the kitchen cabinet. I slowly move around, fully focused. No one is here. I hear something from my room...I slowly walk in my room and notice the door is half open, I bust in, and I see a girl standing by my bedside table, facing away from me, holding the file. 'Drop the file and turn around with your hands in the air.' I demand. She slowly drops the file and I hear her sobbing. 'Turn around I said with your hands in the air' I speak a bit louder this time. she turns around slowly, tears dropping from her face. She appears to be wearing an exact copy of my jacket, but aged. She sobs before speaking. 'Dad...' she says. My determined face turns into pure dread.