Redemption

Chapter 2

If there was a time to rush back all the memories of his time with Isabel was now. He only had tonight to strip everything he knows and go to isolation.

The second Tim arrived home. He wasted no time to pack only the necessities in one bag and turned his phone off. It was no telling if the Chemist already arranged a tail to follow him.

Whether she will take his bait or not, he did not want to take any risk. At such short notice, the most he could do is toss out all the perishable food that will not survive a month and empty his garbage. He made one exception to enjoy one final shower in his own home.

He spent the extra money to uber to a humbling motel that had the least reviews of bed bugs located at least an hour away from his home. Inside his motel room, it fit the expectation of what a $60 a day looks like. One bed. An out of date television he remembered last seeing as a child. And a dusty radiator below the window he put his money it serves more as an alarm clock from all its wheezing.

He unrolled a sleeping bag on top of the questionable bed and sat himself down. The adrenaline was just enough to keep his mind of reason to be quiet. But with everything all still it was all coming back to him.

Was he really prepared to walk in his wife's shoes? This will be the last straw to his whole career if this all fails. He could only get so many passes before he might as well just start over like Nolan.

He cradled his head and leaned his arms on his knees. His eyes squeezed shut, searching for the image of Isabel. Despite how his mind was quick to think of the worst possible scenario, it was unkind of to not give a clear visual of his wife again.

~ For two days, Tim remained inside his room. He was already on edge by the first day. By day 2, he turned his phone back on and saw a list of missing calls and messages, notably from Grey. For the first time, he was relieved to have a conversation with a person again, even if it is his angry boss.

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Grey shouted.

Tim was startled by the volume. He looked through the peephole one more time to see if the close is clear.

"The opportunity was right in my face. I couldn't just follow protocols right there, besides it's not certain she bought it. As far as Officer Harper reported, we don't even know whether Chen gets to choose her own people."

"I sent you home so you can rethink your actions going against all protocol. I am very much aware yesterday was not the only day I had to worry about, Bradford"

Tim could only guess if Nolan finally blabbed. Or perhaps he was working a lot more sloppier than he thought even outside of his TO position. He drew a deep breath and held firmly to the phone.

"I am aware this is a huge risk to my position. And I am willing to bet everything on it. If I succeed, I ask you to give me a final chance to believe in me again. If I get caught and fail, I will accept the full punishment you have been holding back, sir."

He spoke the words with all the confidence he could muster. But he was unable to believe it himself. There was no going back now.

A long pause stretched between them. Tim waited impatiently. He counted each heartbeat thudding in his chest. If not a yes or no, he feared the other option was termination.

"Detective Harper will meet with you to arrange your UC cover work. Do not, in any circumstances, make contact with anyone for the next 48 hours. As of today, we will announce to the entire station you are officially the new UC for the Chen case."

"I'm sorry for all of this, sir."

"You know out of everyone what happens if you fail. There may not be enough room for just another slap on the wrist, son. This is a matter of your life."