Officer Downey

Part 27 - Consequences

These last weeks you had been doing everything you could to keep Robert and David away from each other. You knew the tension between them was palpable, and you didn't want to add fuel to the fire. You figured that the only solution was for them to not face each other, for a while at least.

Since the incident, you had stopped inviting David to your apartment, offering to meet him elsewhere instead, mostly his house. The last thing you wanted was for the two of them to cross paths and for another confrontation to occur. But as fate would have it, things didn't go as planned.

One Saturday afternoon, you were returning from a lunch date with David. You were walking back to your car, which you had parked near your apartment building. David's mood was lighter than usual, and he was making an effort to be charming and funny.

"You know, I think we should go on a few-day trip soon. Just the two of us" David suggested, his smile broad.

You smiled back, though your heart was still heavy with the knowledge of what had transpired between him and Robert.

"That sounds lovely. Maybe we could go to the coast?" you suggested.

"Absolutely. A weekend by the sea would be perfect" David nodded enthusiastically.

As you reached the building, your heart sank when you saw Robert coming out of the entrance, dressed casually. You silently prayed that they could just walk past each other without any interaction, but luck wasn't on your side.

Robert looked up and his eyes immediately met David's. A tense silence fell over the three of you. You instantly felt the atmosphere shift, the air becoming charged with unresolved tension.

"Well, if it isn't Detective Downey. Enjoying your time off from the big case?" David said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"What do you want, David?" Robert's jaw clenched, and he sighed in his attempt to remain as calm as possible.

"Oh, nothing much. Just wondering how it feels to be sidelined. Must be frustrating to see someone else handle your precious case" David chuckled, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"David, please. Let's just go" your heart raced, knowing how hurt Robert got from this whole situation.

But David ignored you, stepping closer to Robert. Once again, he gave into his jealous driven side instead of the rational one that you've been begging him to embrace.

"I heard they gave it to Detective Evans. He's barely got his own desk, right? Must be a real blow to your ego" he chuckled again.

"You think this is funny? You think you can just manipulate your way through life without any consequences?" Robert's eyes flashed with anger.

"I think you should have thought twice before messing with me. You didn't know who you were dealing with" David's smile widened further.

"You're a coward, David. Using your connections to get what you want" Robert took a step forward, his fists clenching.

You stepped between them, trying to defuse the situation. Although, you had to admit that you standing there did nothing to actually relax them.

"Please, stop. This isn't helping anyone" you said through your teeth, realising you were in public as well.

"Tell that to him. Approaching me with his puffed chest and clenched fists to intimidate me. It didn't work last time and it's not working now, okay pal?" David continued teasing sarcastically.

"Last time I was professional. There's no budge on me this time" Robert's eyes stared straight into David's with no hesitation.

"Are you threatening me or something? It's difficult to hear from down there" David laughed.