Page 23 of Rookie Days

“No problem.”

As Quinn settled against the front of her desk to face her, with her legs crossed at the ankles, Ellie raised hopeful eyes to her face.

“She said I’d be able to return to full duty as soon as my staples are removed.”

“That’s nice. Of course, it’s not up to Janet to decide.”

“That’s what I told her, yes. But I’m just hoping…”

???

Ellie went quiet on that, hoping that her agitation was not too obvious. She usually felt incredibly at ease with Quinn, both onand off the job. But now she was nervous. For sure, they were friends… Or rather, Quinn was friendly toward her. Ellie never lost sight of reality. They were both cops. Quinn was her CO, and not the sort to dish out preferential treatment. She was fair, though, and Ellie admired her. No matter what her boss decided should be her sanction now, she would accept it and move on. Ellie already knew that she would not respect her any less.

“I called the hospital and spoke to the doctor in charge of Gonzales,” Quinn started by informing her. “Saturday morning and evening. Same thing yesterday, twice, and this morning as well.”

“Wow. That’s a lot.”

“Regular hassle, but I needed to know. Every time I called, the doc reported that his patient was awake and fully aware. Bitching about not getting enough painkillers, the terrible free food they’re giving him in his private room, and being cuffed to the bed.”

“I’m glad he’s able to complain.”

“Me too. I also think that if it were me, I’d be screaming for your arrest as soon as I woke up. Tell my lawyer, and call every newspaper in town.”

“I would too,” Ellie was forced to admit.

“Of course. Yet it’s been three days and we haven’t heard a thing.”

Ellie held her breath. Hoping some more, you bet.

“If Gonzales hasn’t spoken about it yet, I don’t think he ever will,” Quinn concluded. “The memory of what happened must be lost to him.”

“He might remember more… Later on.”

“Yes, that’s always possible.”

When Quinn paused to stare, Ellie tried and failed to read her expression. Her lieutenant looked fierce, that was about allshe could tell. She decided to keep her mouth shut and let Quinn carry on.

“My report states it clearly,” she said. “He came at you with a knife and attempted to kill you. Left you with no choice but to put him down hard, since he’d already wounded you. You acted in self-defense, and I will confirm that I witnessed all this with my own eyes, if and when I’m asked.”

Ellie opened her mouth and closed it again. She blinked. Swallowed. Relief flooded through her, making her feel weak all over. Only now did she realize how worried and stressed she had been throughout the entire weekend, as she was forced to wait for an outcome. Not knowing what Quinn would decide or if she might lose her job… Not wanting her commander to lie in order to protect her, but also hoping for some kind of support. Well; now she knew the score, and that Quinn would stick up for her. There was her support, and it meant a hell of a lot.

“Thank you,” she started.

“Nothing to thank me for, is there?”

“Uh. No. That’s right. Lieutenant. I—"

“It’s hot in here,” Quinn cut her. “If you insist on talking, let’s take a drive. Come on, Detective.”

Ah, dammit!Ellie followed across the parking lot to Quinn’s unmarked Subaru, her initial relief fading at the speed of light. Her commander appeared decidedly pissed-off. No doubt this was going to bite.

“Can I say something?” she asked.

“No,” came the answer, sharp and short.

“Okay, fine.”

“That was something. Shut up, Detective.”