by Anthology
The tape stuck to my fingers as I anchored the streaming, gold ribbon onto the top of Liam’s gift. A silver wristwatch. I hoped he liked it. With mandatory overtime at an all-time high, shopping fell low on the list of things to be done. It wasn’t much, but we’d agreed to keep the presents small. I had to work tomorrow, so tonight was our night. My hands shook with nervousness as I picked a stray piece of tape off my pinky and the dispenser hit the floor.
Liam was going to come over later today and we were going to have Christmas together. Just the two of us. I was in charge of the main course and he was going to “bake” an apple pie, which I’m sure would come premade from the store, along with several other desserts. He loved food. I hadn’t cooked for anyone, apart from myself, on a holiday since Marcus passed. For me, this made us real. It was our first holiday together and honestly, probably the first time I was beyond anxious to have him in my apartment.
A slight scratching on the door started out soft and then became persistent. Afterward, a black paw appeared and disappeared a few times as Wesley made his presence known. Ever since he’d wreaked havoc in my apartment, every time he left Liam’s apartment, he came to mine to sit under the Christmas tree. I guess he decided being in it wasn’t the place for him.
After safely placing Liam’s present on my blue and silver Charlie Brown tree skirt, I went to let Wesley in. He would start meowing soon and probably wake someone. I stretched and yawned as I opened the door and looked down, expecting Wesley to slink his way into the living room.
Liam was on his hands and knees as he held Wesley down, clipping something to his collar.
“Dammit, Wesley!” he said as he clasped the necklace to Wesley’s collar.
“He probably thinks that’s his full name. Dammit Wesley Snow.” I giggled and kneeled down to meet them. “D.W. Snow,” I said to Wesley, running my fingers along his spine, and watched him arch his back in response.
“Shit. It was going to be a surprise. I was going to let him deliver it.” Liam breathed in and out slowly and picked Wesley up, handing him to me so I could see what he now wore.
A delicate gold and silver rope chain held a gorgeous silver heart with the words, “I love you” written in blue on its surface. Tears clouded my vision and I hugged Liam. Wesley meowed in complaint. He squirmed, and I released him as he climbed up my shoulders and found his way to his usual spot. Under the tree.
Liam rubbed his chin. “Dam—”
“I love you too,” I said through a smile, interrupting him, before our mouths found one another’s.
A persistent black cat, who was a bit of an asshole, may very well be our Christmas miracle.
The Mistletoe Secret
By Madison Street
The cool winter air seeped through my lungs as I made my way toward the precinct. Streets covered in the white soft snow cushioned under my boots, left a trail behind me. I stepped inside, pushing past the heavy front doors, just as the bright fluorescents blinded my eyes.
I winced, adjusting to the brightness and step inside, already feeling warm.
“What’s up Jake. How’s life treating ya?”
The sound of my name rings from behind me and I turned, only to see the one person who gets under my skin. A low groan escaped me and my feet pivoted, turning my body to face her. Dylan Hastings.
As soon as I faced her, she slaps my shoulder and laughs. “Lookin exhausted Jake. Can’t keep up with the squad?”
I breathed a sigh and nod toward her. “Dylan. Come to pester us because the other guys pay you no mind?”
A couple of the other guys heard my remark and snickered from the distance. The sound of Hernandez’s voice chimed from across the desk. “Look, Jake and Hastings are at it again.” Chuckles and laughs echoed from throughout the room and halls while Dylan and I battered into one another.
“Ooooh, was that supposed to hurt my feelings? Please…you wish I’d give you the time of day.”
“Trust me. I’m relieved you don’t.”
“Dammmnnn!!” Hernandez rioted along with the other guys. “That’s fightin words right there!”
I sensed Dylan’s blood boil as I looked into her bright blue eyes. They immediately changed colors from sky blue to deep red. Her lips pursed and I could easily imagine smoke coming out of her ears. I let out a low chuckle, happy that I succeeded in pissing her off.
“Now why would I even bother with you? You’ve failed the detective exam how many times? She stepped up closer to me, placing her hands against my chest. Her head inched toward me and she whispered, “Simple questions too hard for ya, Jake?”
I shrugged away from her. “At least I didn’t have to get my daddy to pull some strings to get me into the Academy.”
She stood before me, crossing her arms against her chest as I awaited her comeback. But after a few silent seconds passed, she lowered her arms and spun away.
“This ain’t over Jake!”
I watched as she pushed past the guys and exited the precinct. I breathed a sigh of relief. Thank god.
I felt eyes on me as I walked to my desk. I pulled off my coat and immediately sunk into my chair, closing my eyes. That girl exhausts me to no end.
I opened my eyes, only to find one of the rookies staring at me. “What is it?”
He shrugged and looked away. “Nothing, sir.”
Hernandez strode past me and I stopped him before he left the room. “Hernandez, what the hell was she doing here anyway? This ain’t her precinct anymore.”
He pauses before he leaves. “She came by to get a few things and she needed to fill out some paperwork. You know, after all this time fighting, I figured you two would’ve hooked up already.”
His remark left me at an unease. I nodded and went back toward my day. Hernandez’s statement kept chiming in the back of my mind. If only he knew the truth. In fact, Dylan and I did hookup; several times to be in fact. But, the crazy thing about all this is…I thought we had a shot at life together.
I’m not the type of guy to get all mushy and sulk in the corner but yeah…that girl broke my heart. She pulled it right out of my chest and crushed it into a million pieces.
We met in the academy; assigned to the same training group. I remember seeing her for the first time and was absolutely amazed by her beauty. But what I liked most about her was she didn’t’ realize how beautiful she was. She always considered herself to be an average-looking girl, but I knew better. For six months, Dylan and I worked together and partnered together. She knew my strengths and weaknesses and I knew hers. We bounced off each other so well, it made the other recruits jealous as hell.
We had that genuine chemistry that people strived and worked hard for. With her, it didn’t feel like work. I had fun with her and even though she denies it now, I know, deep down, she felt it too.
It wasn’t until after the academy, we decided to take things to the next level. We were both assigned to the same precinct and fate decided to step in. I couldn’t resist my feelings for her and one day, I made my feelings heard when I kissed her in evidence lockup.
As I sat at my desk, thinking about our time together, I remembered that night she broke my heart. I had just gotten back from a stakeout and completely exhausted. We weren’t technically living together, but she practically spent almost every night at my place. Our romance was a secret; only the two of us knew. We didn’t tell a soul, not even our friends and family. It wasn’t long either; it lasted only a couple of months but it felt like forever.
I stepped into my apartment and immediately saw her sitting at the dinner table. I placed my gear on the counter and walked over to her to greet her with a kiss. As soon as I bent down, she pulled away and looked at me.
Tears filled her eyes and panic soared throughout my body. “Dylan, what’s wrong?”
She sniffed, “I…I can’t do this anymore.”
“What do you mean? What happened?”
I placed my arms around her and pulled her into me. “Baby, tell me. Pleas
e.”
She pulled away from me. “I just don’t feel the same way about you anymore. So, I’m done. This is over. I need to leave.”
Before I could respond, she stood up and grabbed her things, already packed. She stepped toward the apartment door and turned to me. “I’m sorry Jake. I didn’t mean for it to play out like this.”
She walked out of my life that night and completely changed into a stranger. Her entire attitude and demeanor became someone I couldn’t stand to be around. After our split, we worked at the same precinct for three years. It wasn’t easy. There were times when I wanted to strangle her, while other times, I could sense her sadness and wanted to pull her into my arms. She never gave me a good enough reason on why she left, but eventually I stopped asking.
Just a couple weeks ago, she transferred to a different precinct and it’s been easier. No more fighting, no more of that unnecessary drama.
Our memory together distracted me throughout the day until Captain came into view and called us all into his office.
We gathered inside just as the door was shut. Captain stood tall and informed us all of the situation. “Alright team, with the Christmas tree lighting happening tomorrow, we’re going to need round the clock patrols at all perimeters during and after the ceremony. We’re expecting a huge crowd so let’s get all into gear so there’s no surprises. You got that?”
We all chimed in unison. “Yes, sir.”
The Captain divides us into teams, delegating each teams’ duties for the night. Hernandez and Martinez follow me as we devise our plan for patrol tomorrow. Both of them are rookies, brand spanking newbies. I could sense the excitement displaying off their faces.
Martinez chimed first. “What do ya got for us Jake?”
I glanced at both of them as they stare at me with wide eyes. I knew most of the rookies looked up to me but nothing like this. “Alright you two, first thing’s first; we are a team. Meaning we all have to work together. Now, Hernandez, you take the south corner; Martinez keep to the north. I’ll watch the main west corner and that will intersect with the Rockefeller. Keep alert and stay on coms the whole time. Now’s not the time for radio silence. There’s going to be a shit-ton of people so keep your eyes peeled. If you see anything or anyone that looks fishy, radio it in. Got it?”
They both nod and sound in agreement. “Yes, sir.”
I lifted my hand and shook my head. “Stop with the ‘sir’. Just call me Jake.”
The team and I head out toward Rockefeller to begin installing the barricade. Lots and lots of carrying these heavy ass metal gates back and forth took a toll on us. With the temperature being below freezing, I wasn’t looking forward to tomorrow. I was already in a grumpy mood and the sight of Dylan, just made it worse. I caught a glimpse of her talking to Captain for a brief moment before helping her own precinct apply the barricades across the street. As much as I hated admitting this, I missed her.
With very little sleep the night before, I groaned as I forced myself out of bed. The tree lighting ceremony is in a few hours, so I decided to grab a quick shower and a bite to eat. I knew that I’d be standing in the freezing air for a couple hours, I decided to put on some thick layers of clothing. Gotta keep warm.
I pushed through the doors of the police station, only to find everyone in Christmas spirit. Holiday music blasted throughout the speakers from Hernandez’s desk as he took Gabi Martinez into his arms and twirled her around. She smiled with laughter as she spun in his arms. A small smile spread across my face as I watched my team enjoy their time before tonight’s job. I walked over to my desk and booted up my computer. With procrastination being my best quality, I filled out any missing and remaining paperwork that needed completion before Captain chewed me a new one. He’s been on my case the past couple of weeks about incomplete paperwork and I knew how much it bugged the hell out of him.
Hours passed like a flash and I glanced up at the time. I stretched my arms and took in a big yawn as I stood up; walking toward the kitchen to fuel my body with coffee and caffeine. Hernandez walked in behind me, eager to get the night started.
“So, you going to Captain’s party tomorrow?”
I poured the hot beverage into my travel mug just as Hernandez asked. I nod toward him. “Yup, I plan on making a quick appearance. You?”
“Of course, I could never pass up free drinks and food. You brining a date?”
I sipped the coffee and allowed it to flow down my throat, heating my body as it trickled down. “Nope, just me. Are you?”
Hernandez shrugged. “I’m thinking about it. Not sure yet.”
I sensed his hesitation and patted him on the shoulder. “If you’re nervous about taking action, don’t be. You’ll end up regretting it in the future. Trust me.”
He nodded with agreement and we headed out back toward our desks. At that moment, Captain arrived and called out to us. “Alright gang. This is it. I just got off the phone with the Commissioner and we need to be on our game tonight. Crowds are going to get big, loud, and cold. Don’t be alarmed and stay on your toes. I want all of the Sergeants and Lieutenants to take control of any situations that you may deem to be hostile. Take control and squash it. Jake, Luc, and Mathers, I’m looking to you three. Alright?”
I stood tall, listening to Captain’s orders. I glanced over at Luc and Mathers and we all nod in unison; ready to get this party started.
The Captain dismissed us and we dispersed and headed toward Rockefeller Center. I grabbed my things, slipped on my coat and scarf, and made sure to grab my extra baton; just in case. Hernandez and Martinez strode up behind me, waiting for me to finish up. I called behind me. “You guys ready?”
“Ready as we’ll ever be.”
I turned toward them both. “It’s freezing. We’ll need to stay warm so bundle up.”
Martinez pulled out her hat and gloves from her coat, with a smile. “I’m all set Jake.”
We stepped outside and toward my car as I see the others jump into their vehicles and drive off. “Are you both driving with me or going solo?”
Hernandez chimed up first. “I’ll drive solo. Gabi, you’re more than welcome to come with.”
She hesitated for a moment before agreeing with him. “We’ll meet you there Jake.”
“Sounds good, meet me on 48th.”
They nod and drive off. I slipped into my car and decided to blast some Eminem before pulling out into the busy streets. With most of the streets blocked off, traffic was unbearable but I managed to get through it. About fifteen minutes later, I parked the car and hopped out, to head toward 48th street. A few minutes later, I caught sight of Martinez and Hernandez waiting for me in the clearing. I called out to them as I approached and gave them the final set of directions.
“Remember what I said yesterday; keep alert and report any suspicion. We’re all on channel three. Test out your coms before we part ways.”
The two of them tested their radios, ensuring they were on the correct channel. Martinez glanced at me with a smile. “All good Jake. See ya in a few hours.”
She stalked off toward her post while Hernandez finished up his test.
“You good Hernandez?”
He nodded, “Yeah, I’m good. Just making sure I had everything. I always feel like I’m missing something.”
I laughed at this honesty. “You’ll get the groove of things. It takes time, but you’ll get it.”
He thanked me before heading off toward his own position. I turned the corner and started heading toward 49th street, until Dylan came into my view. I noticed her standing across the street, already scoping out the crowd. A look of determination and poise spread across her face as she surveyed the area around her. That’s one thing I’ve always admired about her; she’s a damn good cop.
Her eyes glanced and turned toward me, catching me staring at her. My breath hitched and I immediately looked away and kept on walking toward 49th street. A few moments later, my radio kicked on and chimed. Her voice echoed from the
chatter.
“I see you Jake.”
I could sense her pester from all the way across the street and I kept on walking. I had to ignore her or I’d end up spending the entire night arguing with her over coms and everyone would hear it.
“What…nothing to say?”
She continued to persist and I ignored. I won’t fall into her traps. She knew what she was doing and it wasn’t going to work this time. It’s like she enjoyed messing with me and I’m so sick of it.
I made my way toward 49th street and propped myself up against a street light. It’s gonna be a long night.
An hour passed and I hadn’t frozen over yet. I kept routine check-ins with Hernandez and Martinez and so far so good. The radio channel buzzed constantly as all the precincts did their routine check-ins. The ceremony started about thirty minutes ago and lasts about three hours, four depending on technical issues. Another hour passed and still silence. Martinez checked in with no news to report. Hernandez had a little scuffle but he dealt with it. Apparently one of the patrons accused another of cutting in line to see the tree. Hopefully that’s all we have for the evening. I was wrong.
Martinez’s voice chimed in on the radio. “Jake, I have a 10-10 suspicious person.”
I grabbed my radio off my shoulder pad. “Go ahead Martinez.”
She echoed through the channel. “Tall…about 6’2’’, wearing a dark trench coat, heading toward the ceremony up 48th.”
Hernandez chimed in as well. “I don’t have a visual.”
MY hand pressed the radio button. “Hang tight guys. I’ll check it out.”
Martinez sounded off. “No, Jake. I see him and he’s about to turn the corner.”
