Mercy [Buzzfeed Unsolved]

Chapter 14 - Unapologetic Desperation

Despite everything Shane had experienced over the past two weeks or so, he was convinced a tiny part of hell rose to the challenge of greeting him on Tuesday morning. It was, of course, partially his fault, but a lot of the more circumstantial events were definitely God transpiring against him.

Sure, maybe downing a few more drinks at the bar under Ryan's soft gaze and then a few more back at Steven's place (hell, he wasn't going to need them anymore, and Shane probably wasn't going to be staying there much longer anyhow... why waste perfectly good liquor?) on a weekday in the middle of a life-or-death kind of case was beyond irrational, but Shane had immaturely decided that the only way to cope and hopefully even forget about his realization was a good dose of alcohol.

Turns out his efforts were futile, as the first thing he was hit with when he got into the office that morning was an eyeful of Ryan fucking Bergara, bringing him the most welcoming cup of coffee he'd ever seen in his life, along with teasing words and a brief ruffle of his hair. He returned the gesture with a weak smile, as it was all in Shane's power not to melt on the spot as his chest ached.

Seeing Ryan was dangerous, Shane had decided. Sure, he was an essential helping hand in the case, but Shane couldn't handle getting any closer to the man he felt as if he'd known forever, but in reality only met two weeks ago... especially with timing like this.

So, because it was the most logical thing to do considering his still-throbbing headache, Shane took a hurried sip at his drink and nodded distractedly at his partner, rushing away to go find himself another Advil.

Once he returned, Ryan had retreated to his usual spot at an empty table.

Tuesday wasn't very productive, considering the hell of a hangover Shane was left with in addition to everything else. At first he attempted to write out more of what had happened to him in his house, but staring at a mostly-blank piece of paper, picking at his bandages on his arms, heeded very little productivity.

Luckily, around midday, Keith swung by to rant a bit to his ex-partner about the patrols he had been put on last. Shane suspected it could have been out of pity, but he was entirely grateful either way to have something to distract his mind as he nodded and laughed on cue. Ryan did end up hanging around, listening as well, but as soon as he joined the conversation, Shane excused himself and made his way over to Bennett's office, desperately hoping that he had some extra work lying around.

And in daring to glance over his shoulder, Shane couldn't help but notice the confusion muddled in Ryan's pale face and the way his posture drooped, his shoulders sagging. Keith's lips quirked into a frown, but continued explaining his story to Ryan nonetheless.

Chief Bennett was on a call as Shane slipped inside the closed office, motioning with a finger for the officer to wait. Nodding in understanding, he shut the door softly behind him and waited for his boss to get off the phone.

"Didja need something, Madej?" Bennett finally asked, putting the phone back on the receiver. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his abdomen comfortably.

"I was just wondering if you had any extra work for the case... or any news."

Bennett peered at him, cocking his head to the side. "Do you not already have enough on your plate?"

He shrugged. "Just wanna try and keep my mind busy, and it'd be better to stay ahead rather than get behind." His boss stared at him for another minute, eyes scrutinizing his posture and every microexpression that flit across his face (if any). Finally, he took a deep breath and sat forward, rummaging through files on his desk.

"We just got a call in about another suspicious suicide," he began, still busied with papers.

Shane raised his eyebrows. "That's the first one in a while."