Page 31 of Ember

“I’m seeing somebody, Moe.” Tucker announced, wincing at the sharp intake of breath she took. “At least, I’m in the beginning stages of seeing somebody, and I’m happy where I’m at. The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but…”

“No,” she held up her hand, letting out a humorless chuckle. “It’s my fault for showing up unannounced without taking the time to clarify your intent behind the message.”

“Moe, I…”

The siren blaring interrupted him, and he shot her an apologetic look. He didn’t want the conversation to end on that note, but duty called.

“I’m sorry,” he offered up before rushing back into the station to grab his gear and hop on the truck. When they crossed the city line into Ganton Hills, his stomach twisted into knots. Brighton Heights wasn’t the best, but Ganton Hills was the slums. Their call wasn’t the only thing they’d have to worry about in that city.

It was filled to the brim with crime lords, feuding gangs, and a whole other assload of shit that Tucker didn’t have the time or energy for. When they got to the scene of the car accident, there was nothing there outside of the black truck with shattered windows running in the middle of the street.

“Cece,” he called, getting out of the truck and surveying their surroundings very carefully. Moving towards the car, she stuck a hand inside before glancing back at him with a grim expression. “DOA.” She announced.

Headlights shining in their direction instantly put him on alert. “Everybody in the truck, now!” He ordered as the unmarked car came to a stop.

“Tuck,” The tall, well-built man greeted, climbing out of the car.

Tucker relaxed a fraction of an inch when he realized it was GHPD lead narcotics detective, Samir O’Neal.

“O’Neal,” he replied, jerking his head towards the car. “You need help with this?”

“Nah, we got it.”

Tucker didn’t need to hear anymore. After making sure his team was secure and accounted for, he hopped in the truck so they could get back to their normal stomping grounds. On the way there, he attempted to call Danica to help settle his nerves.

His eyebrows came together when he got her voicemail. He knew that she’d planned to head out of town to visit her ex’s grave, but her not checking to let him know she made it home safe wasn’t sitting well with him. There wasn’t anything he could do about it until his shift was over, but if he didn’t hear from her by the time it ended, then he didn’t have a problem hunting her down.