Hoodies and handcuffs : Between duty and desire

01.The First Encounter

Detective Becky sat at her cluttered desk in her modest Bangkok apartment, the tension in the air palpable. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating a chaotic mess of case files and photographs. The scent of coffee lingered, her only comfort during this relentless week.

She leaned in, flipping through the latest file on the serial killer known only as the “Phantom of Bangkok.” With no clear identity, each chilling detail deepened the mystery. The media was in a frenzy, and pressure from her superiors weighed heavily on her.

“Focus, Becky,” she muttered, fighting the anxiety swirling in her mind. The wall beside her was a tangled web of evidence, each piece a mocking reminder of her slow progress. The feeling of being watched gnawed at her, an unsettling presence that had haunted her since the case began.

Lives were at stake, and time was running out. Becky took a deep breath, determined to unravel the enigma before the killer struck again, lurking just out of reach in the shadows of her beloved city.

“Oh shit, here we go again,” Becky groaned. This was like the twenty-fifth time Plot had arranged a visit. She was fine living alone—her sanctuary amidst the chaos of her job. But Plot was convinced Becky was lonely, her relentless matchmaking a thorn in her side.

“Fine,” Becky typed back, sarcasm creeping into her words. “I’ll be ready. But I’m not making any promises.”

With a frustrated sigh, she shoved her phone aside, refocusing on the case. Roommates could wait; right now, she had a killer to catch.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. “What the hell? She’s already here?” Becky’s anger surged as she closed the files, locked her office, and stormed out. She had barely processed the irritation bubbling inside her when she spotted Plot by the door.

“Seriously, Plot? You couldn’t wait a—”

But her words caught in her throat. Next to Plot stood a stranger. Sam. The moment their eyes met, time froze. Becky stood still, like a mannequin, heart racing, mind swirling. There was something magnetic about Sam—her easy smile, the way she stood with a relaxed confidence that made Becky’s stomach flip.

“Sorry, Beck! This is Sam. She just moved here and is looking for a place. I thought it’d be great if you two could meet,” Plot said, oblivious to the tension crackling in the air.

Becky’s mind was a whirlwind, drowning out Plot’s voice. She felt lost in the moment, captivated by Sam's presence. Plot nudged Sam forward, encouraging her to introduce herself.

Sam extended her hand, a friendly gesture that felt monumental. “Hi, I’m Sam,” she said, her voice warm and inviting.

Becky blinked, still frozen in place, unable to form words. Her heart raced faster than she had ever thought possible. The world around them faded, and all that remained was the connection sparking between them.

“Um, nice to meet you,” Becky finally stammered, shaking Sam’s hand, the brief contact sending an unexpected jolt through her. It felt electric, something she hadn’t anticipated.

“Plot said you’re a detective?” Sam continued, her eyes shining with genuine interest.

“Y-yeah,” Becky replied, forcing her brain to engage. “It’s... a tough job.”

The space between them crackled with unspoken possibilities, and for the first time in a long while, Becky felt something shift within her. Perhaps this roommate situation wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Becky found herself caught in a strange blend of excitement and anxiety. “Why don’t you come in and explore the place?” she offered, her voice steadier than she felt. As Sam stepped inside, Becky’s heart raced, her gaze glued to the newcomer.

The apartment felt different somehow, charged with a new energy. Sam walked through the living room, her eyes scanning every corner as if assessing her future home. “Wow, this is really nice,” she said, turning to Becky with a bright smile. “It’s almost like the place was built for me.”

Becky swallowed hard, struggling to process the whirlwind of emotions surging within her. Every time Sam looked her way, Becky felt as if her heart might leap right out of her chest. Those deep-set eyes, framed by dark lashes, held a spark that left Becky breathless. Sam’s lips curled into a smile, and Becky felt a pang of longing that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

“Uh, I’m glad you like it,” Becky managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. Inside, her mind raced. Please, let her agree to stay. A desperate prayer echoed in her thoughts, an unshakeable hope that Sam might become more than just a roommate.

“Seriously, I could see myself living here,” Sam continued, walking over to the window and gazing out at the vibrant city below. The sunlight danced in her hair, and Becky was mesmerized. Each heartbeat echoed louder in her ears, urging her to say something more, to make Sam feel welcome.

“I’ve got plenty of space,” Becky blurted out, her urgency surprising even herself. “If you want to stay longer, I mean.”

Sam turned, curiosity lighting up her face. “Are you saying I should move in?”

Becky’s pulse quickened, a mix of hope and fear flooding her senses. “If you’re interested,” she replied, unable to hide the eagerness in her voice.

For a heartbeat, silence enveloped them, the air thick with anticipation. Becky held her breath, praying that Sam would say yes. Something inside her whispered that this could be the beginning of something extraordinary.

Plot stood in the doorway, mouth agape, unable to process what had just unfolded. Becky, her friend who had shooed away every potential roommate, was now welcoming this short, baby-faced tomboy into their home. What the hell?

Meanwhile, Sam, eyes sparkling with excitement, turned to Becky. “This place is amazing! I can’t believe I found it. I could just stay here, right?”

Becky’s heart raced at the thought. Just stay here with me… But reality crashed back as she regained her composure. “Um, the apartment is fully mine. I just wanted a roommate. You’ll only need to split the utility bills and your expenses. That’s it.”

Plot’s jaw dropped, clearly astonished at how easily Becky was bending her rules for Sam. But Sam just smiled, that infectious grin lighting up the room, and Becky felt her knees weaken. Each smile was a dagger to her resolve, and she nearly drowned in those deep eyes.

“Great! I can move in by the weekend” Sam said cheerfully, glancing around the apartment as if it already belonged to her.

Becky watched Sam’s excitement, her heart pounding. Oh my head—she’s going to be my roommate. Just as she was about to step forward for another glimpse, her phone buzzed, breaking the spell.

It was Joe, her junior at the precinct. “Becky! The killer struck again at Market Square. All units are on their way. We need you.”

The playful atmosphere evaporated in an instant, replaced by a chill that gripped Becky’s heart. She grabbed her keys, her mind racing. “I’m on my way,” she replied, urgency snapping her back to reality.

Before she dashed out the door, Becky glanced back at Plot, who nodded knowingly, her expression shifting from shock to concern. Plot understood that the moment had changed—that the weight of the world was pressing down on them both.

As she sprinted into the night, Becky stole one last look at Sam, still beaming with possibility. But the warmth of the moment was gone, replaced by a looming dread. The case had escalated, and she had no idea what she was about to walk into.

The city outside felt different, heavy with anticipation. The shadows lengthened, and the vibrant streets took on a sinister edge. Just as Becky stepped outside, a distant scream pierced the air, sending a shiver down her spine.

She turned, her instincts flaring. “Stay safe, Sam,” she murmured, before sprinting into the unknown, the thrill of the chase replacing the warmth of their earlier encounter. Little did she know, a web of danger was closing in, and the killer’s next move could change everything.