Tough Love

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Dani

It's Thanksgiving today. We're all at work, even though most people have a holiday today. As the Captain told me this morning, bad people don't care about a holiday. Eli and Ash are going to his parents' tonight, but I'm going to stay at home because his brother, his sister and her family are going to be there, as well as Ash's mom. It's going to be too many people in a small space so I don't want to risk it. Eli was going to stay with me, but I won't let him. He needs to spend time with his family. I say I won't let him, but I didn't exactly put my foot down or argue with him. I told him I want to get some work done on translating interview tapes for the Captain and I'll have headphones on most of the night. That's when he decided to go to his parents'. I've been at the range most nights and my aim is getting pretty good actually. Eli is very impressed and he's even taken my target sheet to show Ash. Ash then decided to put a bullseye poster on the filing cabinet behind my desk. I walked in to work on Monday morning and there it was. He does like to joke around.

Just as we're about to leave the precinct for the day, Eli's cell rings. He frowns when he looks at the screen, but picks up anyway as we walk down the stairs.

“Hey Ma. I'm just leaving work now. Ash left like 40 minutes ago, but he's got to pick up his mom first. I'll be there in about an hour... No, Dani's not coming tonight; I told you that already. Yeah, I'll remember the wine. Ok, I'll see you soon.”

As Eli hangs up, he says, “My ma is getting antsy because no one's there yet. She gets a bit overbearing at family holidays. You sure you're going to be ok on your own?”

“Yes sir. I'm going to be working and I'll be no company at all.”

“That's not true. I'll bring some food back for you though. My mom lays out an amazing spread on Thanksgiving.”

“Thank you.”

“You're most welcome. You've got your gun, right? And you'll call if you're worried about anything, right?”

“Yes sir. I'll call you if I need to. I'm sure I'll be fine though.”

“Sorry, I'm being overprotective. I apologize.”

“No need, sir. I just find it a little strange, having someone want to protect me. And not because I'm an asset or a money maker.”

“They're sick people, Dani. It should never have happened...”

“But it did. I just have to learn to find a way to deal with it. Eli? Can I be honest with you?”

“Always.”

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but the need to tell him is burning into me. “You make it easier...”

He shoots me a dazzling smile, which lights up his whole face. I notice more now than ever how handsome he actually is.

“I'm glad I can help. If you ever need anything, all you have to do is ask. Ok?”

“Yes sir. Thank you.”

We're now at the last flight of stairs and we fall into a comfortable silence as we go home. I break the silence at my front door. I surprise myself yet again, by saying, “Eli? I think you should get a key for my house.”

He nearly chokes out of surprise. I think he's as shocked as me with this statement.

“Are you sure? Don't do something like this unless you're certain you want to do it.”

“I'm sure. You practically live here already, but if anything happens, you need to be able to get inside if I can't open the door.”

“If you're sure, then thank you. I'll do it tomorrow.”