Wings from Death

Chapter Three

"Dustin," called the voice over the phone "we need you down at the station."

"Walter, what's happened?"

"We've got another case on our hands. A murder"

"Understood. I'll be down there as soon as possible"

I sighed, knowing that work had gotten in the way of time I could have spent with Jess. I guess it's what I deserve for becoming a detective. I placed the phone down and proceeded to get changed. I moved to the wardrobe and made a selection of clothes. A white button down long sleeve shirt; a pair of black slacks; a red tie; and a green long coat. I quickly got dressed, shifting around in the fresh clothes to get used to the feel of them. I looked to the bottom of the wardrobe where a few pairs of shoes sat atop a metal box. I moved the shoes aside and produced a key from my coat pocket, inserting it into the lock at the front of the container. The lid lifted slowly revealing a foam base where two handguns lay. One was nickel plated and caught the light from all directions. My trusted CZ 75. The other was a dark colour and smaller in comparison, a Glock 19. To their right sat leather holsters. I removed my coat and worked to clip the holsters in place. I shoved the CZ into the holster under my right arm and the Glock behind my back along my belt line. I threw the coat back over my shoulders and picked up the magazines for each gun, in case I had to reload. I had almost finished preparing myself for the day ahead when I heard footsteps behind me.

"Dustin? What's going on?" Jess sounded worried.

"Work's got me on another case, they need me at the station" I turned to face Jess. Her head was lowered, she held one of her arms by her side, her hand was clenched. She gripped her elbow with her other hand.

"When will you be back?" She shifted her feet on the carpet.

"I don't know, hopefully before tonight. I doubt we'd find anything on the first day" I hoped to hell I'd be back.

I moved towards Jess, and placed my hands on her shoulders. She raised her head and we looked into each others eyes. Her eyes glistened with oncoming tears

"I'm sorry, I really wish I could have spent the day with you."

"It's not just that!" she was almost yelling "I don't want to have to wait around at home while you're possibly getting shot at. I can't stand the thought of not seeing you again!" Jess had quietened down "It's not fair."

I wrapped my arms around Jess. "I know it's not fair. I'll do everything I can to make sure you'll see me again. I promise I'll be fine. I will come back alive."

"You better"

Jess had brightened up a little. She was smiling but she still had a few tears streaming from her eyes. I produced a handkerchief from my pocket and began to dab the tears off her face. Jess grabbed it and continued herself. I grabbed both sides of her head and kissed her forehead.

"You stay safe for me, will you?" Jess tilted her head slightly.

I nodded. I eventually turned to grab anything that I had missed, my watch, shoes, phone and wallet. Once I had collected everything, I hugged Jess, gave her a kiss, and left the room. I regretted leaving, especially at a time like this. Thinking back on what Jess said, I started to worry that I too could possibly not see her again. I felt horrible for putting her in a position like that. I walked down the entrance hall and left the apartment without looking back. A loud and definite click filled the air as the door locked behind me.