Thread: In The Hearts of Men [Torrid x Rekoj]

The chief had been recording every word she had been saying, both with a voice recorder he had active and a log which he kept scribbling things on- mostly the important details, the license plate number, the names... he listened intently but quietly. Once she was finished he nodded and kept his eyes right on the paper. There was a part of him that recognized her cracking voice, her distress... but in his years on the job he had become clinical- dispassionate and disinvolved with the people. He did not reach out to take her hand to offer her a soothing touch, he did not say a calming word. He was focused on the job, writing down every precious bit of info and as she asked if any of this was going to help he finally looked up and noticed her eyes. He was already standing up and he said, Thank you so much for coming in with all of this, I assure you... this is all going to help. Now, if you'll stay here a moment I need to run some of this info and if you're OK with working a sketch artist? Actually never mind, I may know who you're talking about, we'll skip right to a lineup. The chief had a habit of thinking out loud, and he was already walking to the door. He backed into the door and said, I'll be right back in just a few moments with one of my top men. And Nani, I promise we'll keep you safe. He exited the room and turned to the evidence room, his eyes down on his notes so he didn't notice Damien arrive and almost walked right into him. He looked up with a sigh of relief and smiled at the sight of Damien, I swear you get here quicker every time, I know you don't live too far away but it astounds me just how quick you make it in when you want. Look, I've got a lineup to run, in there is a witness to the murder of y'know Judge Tenenbaum? The one overseeing the latest murder done by one of the Da Costa brothers? Damien looked to the door the chief was talking about quickly and then back to the chief, hands on his hips as he gave a quick curt nod. She's in there, I've got her waiting as I print out a quick lineup... I think I may know who pulled off the murder- another person with ties to the Da Costa family, if we nailed the bastard... I think we might be able to make a case for conspiracy to commit. The chief spoke quietly, with a broad smile of genuine hope. It was an expression Damien hadn't seen on his face in quite some time. Officer Ramirez quickly walked by their conversation in the hallway and the smile diminished from the Chief's face immediately. He pulled open the door to the evidence room and pulled Damien into it. He closed the door behind them and in the shadows of the dark room the Chief pulled Damien close to speak quietly to him. I know I've got men in this department I can't trust, I know just how important this witness is... and I know that she's in danger with us. I'm going to do something off the book here Damien, I'm putting you on a special assignment here. I need to do something special with her to keep her safe, posting an officer at her place won't do anything... they're likely to bomb the apartment once they find out who it is- and what if the officer I assign is corrupt? Look, I know I can trust you Damien, you've been... you've been like an angel to this department, Superstar, and I need you now more than ever. I need to know, are you committed to this case and to this department? the chief got very serious in his last few words, grabbing Damien by the shoulder and staring deep into his eyes as if to see his intentions. Damien did what he always did. He gave a quick nod, and spoke with as few words as possible, Of course, Chief. Whatever you need, I'm on it. The chief stared into Damien's eyes at that uncomfortably close distance for a few more seconds before smiling again with relief. OK, good. I'll be in in a few minutes to explain the plan, you go in there and meet her- get to know her well, you're going to be spending a lot of time with her soon- but I'll explain all that once I'm in there. But go in there and take care of her, and look... if it's not me coming in there, don't trust them, whoever it is. With a shove to the same shoulder he had a grip on, he pushed Damien towards the door. Damien swung open the door and quickly walked to the evidence room. His footsteps clearly audible as he assertively walked down the carpeted hallway. His shirt was an athletic T-shirt, with a small nike logo on the chest but nothing more. It showed his toned form beneath it- his body was a temple to him and although his shirt wasn't chosen to show it off there was no way to hide it. He stood a solid 6'3, but his form was incredibly rigid and powerful. He was always slightly tense, as if permanently on guard for something. His blue eyes stared at the door until he got to it and swung it open. He closed it behind him and walked to the woman on the chair, who had spun around at the noise of his entry. He made eye contact right away, held out his hand and took hers in a handshake- as he did, he took his left hand and clasped it over their hands as they shook. Good afternoon madam, my name is Damien, Damien Rhodes. The chief will be back in here momentarily, is there anything- coffee, food, water- anything at all I can get you to make you feel more comfortable? His tone was firm, but his words were spoken with a soft edge. Once he finished their introductory handshake, his hands were back on his hips and he offered her a small smile- an attempt to make her feel at ease as he quickly picked up on the tenseness of her body.