T h i r s t

BONUS

After a lot of embarrassing begging that I didn't ever want to remember, she'd agreed to drop planters shopping to watch after my child while I went to save my marriage. But I didn't roll my eyes at her. Not to her face, at least.

My heart beat in a familiar rhythm as I pulled into a parking space at the precinct, heading up to the third floor. I snuck behind the doors and peeked around, to see him sitting at his desk, looking over some paperwork. I walked past him as discreetly as possible, hoping he wouldn't smell my perfume. That man had a really sharp sense of smell.

I ignored the secretary's cries and snuck straight into his office and locked the door. Fred McCarthy looked up from his desk and sighed.

“No.”

“Fred, listen to me.”

“You can't have him, Meyers, we're already understaffed as it is.”

“Fred.” I went over with hands raised in surrender. “I really need this, ok? We need this.”

He glared at me. “You're telling me I should dismiss my only senior detective on COMPSTAT day so two can get it on?”

I sighed. “Well, yes, but--”

“Dismissed.” He waved me off and I was taken aback.

“I don't work for you.”

“If you did, you'd be fired years ago.”

“Fred, please,” I said, my voice cracking as I went closer. “We really need this.”

He sighed and regarded my face. “How long?”

“Rest of the day?” I mumbled.

'“Get out, Meyers.”

“I will get you an appointment with Dr Crawford.”

“The paediatrician?” He scoffed, but he was definitely interested. He'd always asked me for an in with the best paediatrician in the city.

“Absolutely. And you won't even have to wait.”

“Are you bribing me, Meyers?” he said in accusation.

Crap. I just bribed a Police Captain.

“No.” I gulped. “But is it working?”

He stared at me for a long time. “I better not have to wait a second, kid.”

I grinned in relief. “You won't. Thank you so much, Fred!” I went up to hug him and sprinted out the door. It was amazing how no one had noticed me yet.

I made my way up to his desk and stood behind him, plotting on how to make my presence known. I smiled and leaned against his desk, throwing my coat open so my stocking-clad legs were in his face. He glanced once at them and recognised them immediately, jerking his head up to my face.

“Lo?”

“Hey, baby.” I grinned and leaned down to peck his lips. He chuckled and inched closer.

“What are you doing here?”

“Saving you from work.”

He sighed. “I wish you could, sweetheart.”

“And I did. I spoke to Fred.”

His eyes widened. “When?”

“Just now. It's amazing how much goes unnoticed in a police precinct.”

He chuckled, shaking his head.

“Come on.”

“Where?” he grinned.