The Philocalist 〰 ♡ 〰 Volume One

Standoff

"mmm" Elle whines, turning over in her sleep when Zoe's phone rings. 

" 's my work phone" Zoe grumbles, sitting up in bed.

Elle is pleasantly sore from the night before and her body says as much when Elle sits up as well. 

"here" Zoe hands Elle Checkers.

Checkers is Elle's stuffed bear that her mama sewed for her when Elle was three, now Elle keeps him safe in her bed. She was happy when Zoe found it cute that Elle still slept with a stuffed animal and not immature and childish.

Elle hugs Checkers close while Zoe answers the phone.

"Anderson" Zoe says over the phone.

There's talking on the other end for a minute before Zoe sighs "of course he did"

Zoe hangs up the phone. 

"the guy Nolan killed two days ago brother just tried to kill Nolan" Zoe announces, getting out of bed and grabbing her uniform along with Elle's.

"is he okay?" Elle asks, climbing out of bed as well, shivering by the sudden chill.

"I think so, but we're going to head over there" Zoe answers.

"of course" Elle nods, putting on her uniform as well.

[Thirty Minutes Later]

"Are you sure you don't need to go to the hospital?" Elle asks, watching as Nolan's head wound is sutured by a paramedic.

"No, I'm fine." Nolan insists.

"Good thing you got that gun away from him." Zoe comments.

"Yes, ma'am." Nolan nods.

"Officer Nolan. I did not expect to see you again so soon." Commander West comments, approaching the three.

"Me neither, sir." Nolan replies.

"Well, can you brief me while it's still fresh in your head?" Commander West requests.

"Yeah, of course. Uh, I couldn't sleep, went to the kitchen for a bite to eat. I noticed the sliding door was open. I went to investigate. That's when he hit me with the bat." Nolan starts.

"Do you know why he didn't just shoot you?" Elle asks.

"I think he had something he needed to get off his chest. He was clearly feeling guilty about what happened with his brother." Nolan replies.

"He said that?" Zoe inquires.

"No, not exactly, but that's what he meant." Nolan admits.

"How did you overpower him?" Commander West asks.

"I knocked him off balance when he fired the gun. The bullet hit the floor over there. And we fought, and I threw him through the glass." Nolan answers, pointing as he explains.

"And who lives in the big house?" Commander West questions.

"My friend Ben. Uh, we were college roommates. He's away traveling." Nolan responds.

"So you, uh You were home alone?" Commander West concludes.

"Yes, sir. I was alone." Nolan nods.

"would you like anything? coffee or something?" Elle asks.

"I could really go for those pancakes you made me yesterday night" Nolan replies.

"coming right up" Elle smiles, standing up.

[Six Hours Later]

"So, according to Carson, Vance is most likely located at a warehouse facility in South Gate at this address.* All right, Detectives Wolfe and Vestri will stake it out with patrol units from that division, while you guys will head over to Bronson Estates, where Carson says Vance's girlfriend, Cesiah Olivo, lives." Grey says during roll call.