SHIFT EXCHANGE

Chapter 17

Despite the major cold snap and freezing rain that had heralded the beginning of December, the residents within Kara's jurisdiction had been out in force trying to prepare for the Christmas holidays.

The weather, however, played a significant factor in how busy Kara and her team were. People who should have stayed tucked up safely in their homes were sitting on the side of the road trying to stay warm while waiting for officers and deputies to come take reports on their accidents. The roads were like giant sheets of glass and vehicles were slipping and sliding down their lengths at high speed.

Coupled with the shoplifters, drunks and family disputes of the season, the phones didn't seem to stop ringing. By Saturday morning, she and her team were staring at the clock and rejoicing as each moment ticked by bringing them closer to the weekend.

She had guests for the first two days of her days. Tuesday was her only day off to be home alone to luxuriate and rest. Wednesday she would be coming in for her ride along.

If Jake was free, he'd be welcome to share in her down time with her. They'd seen much too little of each other in the last couple of weeks. He'd been the sweetest in making sure that they talked every day, but her lips still tingled when she remembered their fervid beginning kisses. There needed to be a few more of those.

She sighed out loud at the thought. A quick glance around showed that Anita had noticed her despondent show. The boisterous woman threw her a wink before turning back to the conversation she and Lindy had been sharing.

Darren wasn't much of a chatty Cathy on his best day. In his post baby flu recovery state, he was barely counted as being there. Kara frowned. He was really looking bad.

"Darren?" The man glanced up at his name. "Do you have any plans this weekend?"

"Oh, not really. Just some movies at home probably. Stephaine doesn't really have the energy to go out these days. Really, neither do I." He ran a hand up and down his face. "A mid day nap is the best thing since sliced bread."

Kara smiled sympathetically. "You know, getting out and having some time together might do you both some good. Sometimes you just need a moment without bottles, blankets or vomit. All you have to do is ask and I'll watch her some night."

"Steph's mom said that too. She offered last weekend, but Stephaine just couldn't be that far away the baby yet. She said she'd have more anxiety than fun and it would make it worse." He looked like he hadn't had a good night's sleep in months. Dark bags adorned the underside of his eyes and his normally pale skin looked sallow.

"Well, if you won't get out of the house, please try to make sure you get some sleep. Really, I worry about you." She tried to think of how to say the next part. She lowered her voice and leaned across the console so that only Darren could hear her. "It's starting to really impair you, and I'm only coming at you with this from the angle of someone who wants to keep everyone safe. I have to have that forefront in my mind."

Darren nodded. "I absolutely get it. I understand where you are coming from. You have to do your job and you are the best at doing that. I know you care. I will get some sleep. I promise."

Kara reached across the gap and patted his hand. "Thank you." She pulled back and averted her eyes to her screens. She'd done her duty and she really hoped he got some rest. Aside from being a great dispatcher, Darren was a good person and she counted him as a friend.

Movement caught her eye. The gate rumbled ponderously on its track on the screen above her. "The cavalry has arrived! Lindy's relief is here!" She announced to the room.

"Oh thank goodness!" Lindy smiled and fist pumped the air. "Sorry you guys, but I as soon as she walks through that door I will be gone!"

Kara, Anita, and Darren laughed. They understood. It was a benchmark in Lindy's growth that she'd had her first killer, long week. They'd all been there and knew what it felt like to stare at the clock as it crawled by.