Robbery in Progress

One

"We have a robbery in progress at Derco Fine Jewelers on 888 Brannan Street. All units in progress."

I look to my right at my partner, Paul, as I turn on the sirens and put my foot harder on the gas pedal. One other cop car is already there when we arrive. I immediately jump out of the car and bend down behind the door. I pull out my gun and check my surroundings, looking inside to see where the robber is. I catch a glimpse of him in front of the jewelry counter. The worker is standing on the other side of it with a bag in his hand, emptying all the cases of jewelry into it.

"Paul, I'm going in. cover me."

"Jen, wait!" Despite his outcry, I run towards the door of the jewelry store. I am unspotted by those inside and I look over my shoulder to see what is occurring now. I look back at my partner, giving him a nod of my head so he knows the robbery is about over. He heads up to the other side of the building and I look back inside, just in time to see the man running towards the back. Without informing anyone, I turn and start running. I knock the gun from his hand and it hits the brick building and then falls as I tackle him to the ground and handcuff him. Paul finally gets to the back after taking his sweet time, and he leads him to the cop car. I go in through the back and check on the worker.

"You hurt any?"

"No, I'm okay."

"I'll fill out a report. You'll need to come down to the station and answer a few questions. Would you prefer to contact the owner or should I take on that task, too?"

"Uh, no. I can do that. I'll head down to the station right after."

"Well, you can hitch a ride in the car down there."

"What?"

"Well, I didn't see any cars parked outside so clearly you didn't drive here to work, but if you'd rather walk, that's your choice."

"I'll take the ride if the offer still stands."

"Alright, we leave in 5." I headed back out to the car and waited inside for the men to hurry up. By this point, the other car is gone to take the criminal to jail and Paul is inside the jewelry store.

"Ready?" The man nods.

"Is that your partner?"

"Yeah."

"Is she always like this?"

"Jen? She takes care of business. She hasn't had a boyfriend since her freshman year of college, I hear. I guess no guy can put up with her being the boss." Paul snickers and heads to the car, the man following. When we get to the station, I go in and grab the paperwork for the report and start filling it out.

"And your name?"

"Derek."

"Last name?'

"Oh, yeah, sorry. Derek. Derek George."

"Two first names. That's nice. Alright, we're finished here. Paul will take you into a room to be questioned." They walk away and I go to the desk to speak to my boss.

"Everything went well I assume?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Go home. You're finished for the day."

"Thank you, sir." I nod and grab my jacket and phone from my desk and head out. The next day, I go to grab a coffee as I do most mornings before heading to work.

"Excuse me?" I turn and the man looks vaguely familiar.

"Yes?"

"You couldn't have forgotten me already, could you?"

"Um..."

"Derek? The guy with two first names?"

"Oh, yes. I remember. Robbery at Derco Fine Jewelers last night."

"That's correct."

"Can I help you with something?"

"I was just wondering if I could join you."

"I have my morning coffee alone."

"Change can be good, though." Disregarding my answer, he sits in front of me.

"Well, just make yourself comfortable."

"I will. I always do. So tell me, what does a cop as you do for fun?"

"There is no time for fun. I do my job and go home."

"Oh, come on. Everyone has to have fun."

"I'm not everyone."

"You certainly aren't."

"And what does that mean?" I take another sip of my coffee.

"Nothing."

"Mhm. Are you through?"

"Just getting started." This man was already testing me. I did not like it. I am always in charge. My boss even relies on me. Everyone backs down from me but Derek...he didn't and that was eating me alive. I noticed him staring at me so I spoke up, hoping this time he would get up and leave.

"Is there something you'd like to say?"

"Have dinner with me."

"Excuse you?"

"You heard me."

"I don't have dinner with others."

"Do you enjoy this?"

"Enjoy what?"

"Taking the fun out of everything?"

"It suits me."

"Well, I'll go now. I wouldn't want you to enjoy talking to me for a few before work."