SOS - Talia Bishop

THE HAWKE - Alternative

Jason stuffed his backpack in the passenger seat then turned his key in the ignition lock of his car. It didn't budge. He tried again, with more aggression this time. Still, nothing.

"Damn it," he slammed his twenty-year-old Ford Fiesta, getting out of it. His car broke down right before work. If he doesn't get someone to give him a ride, he's definitely going to be late. And he is NOT going to be marked late for the twentieth time.

He scrolled through his list of contacts: Supercop, Angel, Jesse, Sgt. Grey, Ofc. Chen, Tally—

He paused. Calling Talia would be a terrible idea. He kept scrolling until his eyes landed on a name. 'Ofc. Bennett". He realized he'd never contacted her before, so he decided to call her.

"Vic Bennett, who's this?"

"It's Jason. Do you not have my number saved?" he questioned.

"Oh, sir. I must've forgotten. Anyways, what's up? I uh, really wasn't expecting this."

"Are you on your way to the station?"

"Not yet, why?"

"Can you give me a lift? My car broke." he squinted his eyes at his yellow Fiesta. Stupid car.

"Oh, uh, yeah, of course."

"I'll text you my address."

He hung up and sighed in relief. A few minutes later, a sky blue Volkswagen pulled up in front of his apartment. The window rolled down and Victoria signalled him to get in.

"Thanks again," he said, getting in the passenger seat.

"Yeah, no problem. I felt like giving you a hand, you've been looking pretty miserable lately."

Jason forced a smile, "Have I?"

"What's on your mind? What's bothering you?"

"Just, you know, personal shit."

Talia is saying their relationship doesn't mean anything.

Victoria tapped her fingernails on the steering wheel, "Let me guess, relationship issues?"

They're not dating. Just sleeping together. Like friends. Friends totally fuck every week.

Jason just laughed and smiled, but there's a hint of pain in his voice.

"I'll take that as a yes then. Do you want me to set you up with someone?"

"What the hell?" he cracked up, "You're not usually this nosy."

"I'm only quiet when you're not actively testing and evaluating me. But I'm pretty used to it now. So brace yourself for the new Vic Bennett."

"Fair enough," he chuckled, "Why are you even offering to set me up? Do I look that alone and single? Or are you trying to get on my good side?"

"Can it be both? I mean, my sister is looking for someone to date, so..."

"Yeah, fine."

No, not fine. Why did he say that? Shit, shit, shit.

"Oh, yes. I'll tell her to meet us at the station after shift," she sounded excited.