Insane - Who Are You To Judge? (Gripping Psychological Thriller)

Chapter 12 - Harry

Wiping the water beads from his panicked forehead, Harry jogs through the doors of the station.

He throws his belongings into his locker with little care, his mind only mulling over the bollocking he is about to receive from the Chief. This is the first time since he joined the department that he had even been five minutes late – let alone forty.

He and Martha reconnected last night and this morning was the first time in a year that they both truly and mutually enjoyed each other's company – neither of them wanted to leave their bed. Though it puts Harry in physical pain being late for work, he doesn't regret a moment of it. He just wishes the dark cloud of secrets would stop lurking over his every move and making it nearly impossible to enjoy any time with his wife.

The briefing is just finishing up as he lurks in the doorway, heart thumping and mind racing.

Chief catches sight of Harry but ignores him while James shoots him a good luck mate look and Harry swallows with an audible gulp.

Fiddling with his 'important documents' as he always does following the morning briefing without even looking up, Chief remarks, "so nice of you to join us, Ellis."

Like a puppy being scolded for taking the turkey leg off the kitchen counter, Harry whimpers, "I know, Chief, I'm so sorry. There was an accident along the main road I take from home and the entire thing was blocked up—"

"Don't feed me bullshit, Ellis," he cuts Harry's ramblings short. "I honestly don't give a flying rat's arse why you weren't here when this briefing started. All I care about is the fact that you were not here."

He pauses briefly to see if Harry is going to spin him any more lies. Luckily, Harry is smart and knows when to keep his mouth shut. Marriage has taught him some things after all.

"Just make damn sure it does not happen again, or there will be hell to pay. You may still be new here but don't think for a second that that gives you some sort of free pass. Don't be late again. Got it?" When Harry doesn't reply immediately, Chief promptly repeats with a razor-sharp tone, "Got it?"

Clearing his throat, Harry murmurs, "Yes, Chief. Sorry, yes."

Chief inhales heavily and breathes his turkey bacon sandwich onto Harry. "Right, well get out of here and start doing some bloody work for Christ's sake."

As if he was just dismissed by Miss Trunchbull herself, Harry is out of that meeting room before Chief finishes.

"Why have you brought that damn dog in again?" Harry complains as his eyes are drawn to the slobbering lump that sits under the desk at his friend's feet.

James rolls his eyes, frustrated by the question. "Mate, we both have full time jobs and the kids are at school. There is no way in a million years the wife's work is gonna let her take him in and I can just about get away with it here."

Harry chuckles at him, "why not just leave him at home?"

"Oh shit, you must be a bloody genius. Why did I never think of that! That is such a good idea and just on the spot like that? Man, you shouldn't be a detective you should be the 21st century Einstein!" James's mocking tone shifts into an unamused glare. "We tried leaving him at home, he ain't having none of it. We're out the house from eight until five and seriously—" his voice lowers "—this thing pisses and shits everywhere! It has some serious anxiety issues."

"Anxiety issues? A dog with anxiety. Really?" Harry tries to remain sincere and serious but he cannot control the beaming grin that forms at the corners of his mouth.