Pillow Talk

Chapter 6

Pulling his hands out of his coat pockets, Nixon brought them up to his mouth, blowing air into them to ease of the cold as he walked faster. Chicago was known for it's brutal winters and this year was proving to be no exception.

With every step he took, the closer he got to the Cascade Bar and the more the feeling of dread settled in his chest.

He'd spent several days ignoring phone calls and texts, choosing instead to stay couped up in his apartment, needing the space and privacy to clear his mind. The call from Leon had taken him by surprise and brought back demons he'd managed to suppress for 2 years.

Nixon wanted to pretend like Leon hadn't called him. But he couldn't do it. His anger and curiosity just wouldn't let him.

Freya had also constantly been on his mind. That kiss had ignited a hunger in him. She was everything he could ever dream off and he wanted her despite wanting to stay away from her. Despite his reservations about relationships.

And he felt like a complete dick for just leaving after Leon's call and not even trying to contact her. She probably hated him and he wouldn't blame her.

But he couldn't help but wonder if the universe was telling him to stay away from her. Maybe it was a sign and maybe he needed to heed to it.

As he entered, he didn't miss the lack of people in the bar and wondered if it was all part of the cover. It was too unusual and out of place. It had to be.

High tables were laid throughout the space with bar stools around them. Everything was brown and white in colour. The bar definitely had a country feel to it.

The people that were seated inside, looked up at Nixon briefly and then went back to chatting and drinking. The music was soft and soothing but it didn't help his fears.

Leon was seated in a corner, tapping away on his phone. And a moment of doubt passed Nixon's mind making him wonder if coming here was a mistake.

Nixon walked up and stood in front of Leon Sanchez. They used to be friends before the job fucked them both over. After that Nixon wanted out and they never saw or heard from each other until now.

"Please Ford, take a seat.", the handsome Spanish man gestured to the chair in front of him.

Sighing, Nixon tried to ignore the anger building up and sat down. Leon placed his phone down and finally looked at Nixon.

"Why am I here Leon?"

Leon sighed, "I told you Nixon. Roman Gallo is back in Chicago."

The mention of that notorious name had Nixon clenching his fists. Roman Gallo was like a parasite that destroyed everything in his path.

"When I handed my badge in 2 years ago, I told you I was done Leon. I'm not coming back.", Nixon gritted out, trying to control his temper.

Delving back into the past set off feelings Nixon had done well to bury all these years. He tried to avoid thinking about the past and what he'd lost. It just reminded him of his failures. It took him back to a dark place he'd fought so hard to come out of.

He eyed Leon carefully, noticing that he didn't look any happier than the last time he'd seen him. No better than Nixon himself.

"Look.", Leon started, "I know you don't want to be a part of this, you made that perfectly clear. But you tell me one thing, have you ever gotten over losing Ben? Do you sleep any better at night after walking away from all of this? Tell me Nixon."

Nixon sat back and closed his eyes. It was all a broken dream now. For as long he could remember, all he'd ever wanted was to be a police officer, one that would climb the ranks as he slapped on the handcuffs. He never thought it would pan out because it wasn't something that fitted in the with the reputation of his family.