Sad Songs and Waltzes [Evan Buckley]

Chapter Two: Sucker Punches in Hotel Rooms

Buck:

"Well, this couldn't have happened at a worse time." Athena said from the driver's seat.

She and Buck were in her police cruiser, on their way to a call.

Buck shrugged. "I don't mind. What was the call?"

Athena and Bobby had been throwing an anniversary party at their house that involved alcohol. When Athena got the call, Buck was the only party member who hadn't had a drink just yet. He had just arrived.

"Shots fired. It was a domestic violence situation and the perpetrator shot through another hotel room."

"Is everyone ok?"

Athena laughed. "Yes, according to the clerk the hotel patron heard what was going on after the shot and knocked on the door. When the man came out, she sucker punched him so hard it knocked him out. The ladies tied him up to a chair with a blanket and are waiting on us to get there."

"The hotel patron sounds bad ass." Buck laughed, looking down at their outfits.

Athena lived close to the call is why they called her to it. However, she was wearing a sparkly black dress. Buck was wearing a pair of jeans and a button down pollo shirt.

"I just need you to be the muscle to get this man in the back of the squad car. Another police officer will take him in. Me and you will be on getting women statement duty."

Buck nodded. "I can do that."

He let his eyes watch the buildings as they zipped by them. He let his mind wonder back to the pretty blonde he brought as his date tonight. Her name was Abbi and they had been seeing each other a few weeks. However, the spark wasn't there. He hated that he brought her to the party. He had plans to even break up with her tonight.

To be fair, he didn't invite her officially. She asked to come and Buck just said yes. There wasn't anything wrong with Abbi. She was beautiful and smart. She was also very nice. However, she was the type of girl you settle down with. Buck wasn't sure if he was ready to settle.

"This is it." Athena said, pulling up to the hotel.

Buck hopped out, following Athena inside.

"They're over there." He had heard the hotel clerk, tilting his head towards two women sitting on a blue couch in the waiting room.

One woman, a red head, had her head in the brunette's lap. She was crying. Buck could see bruises on her arms. She was wearing a black tank top and shorts. Buck locked eyes with the brunette and his heart stopped for a moment. Her honey brown eyes were full of adrenaline. Her skin was white as snow, and she had freckles on her nose and cheeks. Her hair was in a bun on her head, and she was biting her cherry red lips. He noticed she was wearing a Motorhead t-shirt and black sweats. Her cheeks blushed a deep rose as him, and Athena made their way over.

"Hi." She said, her voice shaking. "Look, I'm really sorry." She stated. Her fingers were intertwined with the other woman's hair. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I just heard the gunshot and her screaming; I don't know what came over me. I never do things like this."

"You're not in trouble." Athena said, smiling gently. "I believe you saved her life tonight. We're just here to arrest him and get some answers."

The brunette sighed in relief. "Oh good. She will need to be looked at. She is covered in bruises and has a black eye."

The redhead was sobbing in the brunette's lap. Buck felt so horrible for the woman.

"What's your name?" Athena asked.

"Hallie." The woman half whispered.

"Hallie." Athena repeated back to her, "Is he still upstairs?"

Hallie nodded. "I tied him to a chair. I was a girl scout, so I know how to tie a tight knot. He is still up there."