Guess what?

[zydrate]

(Closed to The_Spectre)

Name: Katherine "Katie" Williams
Age: 33
Occupation: Homicide Detective for NYPD


*****
"Come on...." Katie looked at her watch...another minute to go. "Please don't, please.." she said over and over to herself. Never in her life had she been so nervous, so...out of control until now.

She was so lost in her thoughts that it took her several seconds to realize her watch alarm was sounding. She turned it off as she walked back to the bathroom and looked on the counter... It was like her whole world stopped and she was walking in slow motion. She picked up the stick and saw the lines, confirming her suspicions right.

"Oh my God!!" She said in a high pitched, frightened voice...these tests didn't lie...at least not about 99% of the time...Katherine was pregnant!

*~* One hour later *~*
As she walked into a sub contracted building for the NYPD, Katie kept her to herself, ignored everyone and their good mornings and went straight to her desk as her mind wandered back to how it all happened...less than 2 months ago the Governor's Ball, one too many drinks...isn't that how it always started...?

Of course this could've been a random guy but it wasn't. It was her best friend...her best friend since they were kids!

They hadn't seen each other in a long time and that night, they had talked and talked...oh my God, did they talk...then something happened...

What was she going to tell him? What would he do?

On top of all that, what was she going to do?

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

Name: Michael Casey
Age: 34
Occupation: Investigator to the District Attorney

----------------------------------------------------
That night with Katie loomed over Michael as he drove to the police station. He hadn’t seen Katie in so long, not since he was given the job of being the DA’s investigator. Part him assumed she resented him for taking the job and leaving her to work alone on Homicide, which was probably why he didn’t even say goodbye to her. Yet when he saw Katie at the Governor’s Ball, there was no snide remarks, no angry words; in fact the two actually hugged. They acted as if nothing ever happened. Their long conversations with one another went on even after the part ended and eventually led to her place and Michael waking up in bed next to her.

It was the last time Michael saw Katie, leaving her place without so much of a goodbye. It wasn’t that Michael didn’t care about Katie, he loved her… too much in fact. But he knew that with their jobs, there was no real chance of them starting a life with each other, not without the fear of one of them dying. In that perspective, Michael thought that the less close they were, the better it was for the both of them.

Today, Michael had no choice but to see her as he made his way to the station. He first went to speak to the chief of police and discuss what he needed. The DA was in the middle of prosecuting one of the members of the Rossi family who was charged with murder of a call girl and he needed Michael to make sure the charge stuck. This meant Michael had to work with the detective who was first investigating the case and Michael knew exactly who that was.

 

[zydrate]

"Oh my God..." Katie said after she looked at herself in the mirror of the woman's restroom. She had just spent the last 10 minutes puking her brains out. It seemed that even though she just found out she was pregnant, she seemed to be suffering more from morning sickness. Even when she had her suspicions... yeah, it wasn't fun.

Splashing her face with a little cool water, Katie cleaned up and headed to the Captain's office. There were some things to discuss before the rest of the day was to get underway. Seems the DA's office was going to be sending someone over to assist her in the case. Maybe in another time, Katie would've been peeved about having someone shadow her in an investigation but this one was extra special.

Yeah, anything involving a crime family was never anything to be taken lightly.

She walked into the Captain's office, seeing him talking with someone...his back was turned to Katie as she entered, not bothering to knock since they had to get down to business. As she closed the door behind her, Katie's heart skipped a beat..Michael!

They had sent Michael... suddenly, she got a whole different queasy feeling deep down but did her best to shake it off. She smiled briefly and took a seat as she felt MIchael's gaze following her all that time.

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

Michael could tell by Katie's reaction that she was surprised to see him, whether it was pleasant or not was not fully known to him. He couldn’t imagine she was happy to see him what with leaving her after their night together. If she was mad, she hid it well as she smiled and sat next to him. “Well Williams look like the DA sent you a little friend to help you out” said the Captain behind his desk, his accent giving no doubt of his Brooklyn heritage. “Jerry Rossi’s trial begins at the end of the month and he’s got good lawyers behind him. DA wants to make sure he has enough to put him away.”

Michael listened to every other word from the Captain said, just like when he was working Homicide with Katie. Katie and he both knew why he was here, but it didn’t things any easier. It didn’t erase what had happened between them, that night that should have eased any tension between them but only seemed to make things worse. Michael looked over at Katie every now and then, afraid to meet her gaze. “I want you to give Casey any information you have, got it? You two need to do this together.” said the Captain before giving a little smile “Just like old time, huh? Now get out of here.”

 

[zydrate]

"Thanks Captain.." Katie said as she got up. Of course, the ever gentleman, Michael let her go first and held the door to the captain's office open for her, then closing it right after... The two just stood there and Katie felt like she needed to say something but couldn't.

Biting her bottom lip, a habit of hers, Katie turned to Michael, "So, did you want to go some where and talk about the case? I mean we could do it here but of course, there will be a lot of interruptions..." She finally made eye contact with him...God, there was so much she wanted to say.

"We could go to...umm... the coffee shop across the street?" She knew it was a hell of thing to say because it would be too much like old times.

He looks good....Katie thought, a suit was always his choice of work attire and he always look so well put together all the time.

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

The tension between the two was palpable. Michael wanted to talk to her, about what happened that night. She didn't deserve to have him leave her like that, then again he didn't figure the two would sleep together. His eye's locked onto her as she spoke, still feeling difficult to meet eye contact with her. Every time he looked at her, he would think of that night. The kissing, the touching, the closeness, it was amazing and it that made Michael sad.

"That's fine" he replied, the coffee shop was always like their home away from home. They would spend hours there on and off duty, talking about case and other time, just talking about whatever. He missed those day or more specifically he missed spending time with Katie. Maybe that's what they needed to ease things between them.

The coffee shop was old, very quaint. In a world where Starbucks was the preferred coffee place, it was nice to have a more authentic looking place to sit. While Michael found it hard to look at Katie, the small glimpses were enough for him to know that she still looked amazing. She always seemed fond of the casual yet professional looking wear, he gun holstered at her waist while her badge hanged around her neck or waist, it usually depended on her mood. It was then that David decided to ask about the case, "So... you made the arrest on Rossi and now he's out on bail awaiting trial... do you have any leads that can help stick the murder charge on him?"

 

[zydrate]

"Yeah..." Katie started off, trying not to roll her eyes to the fact that Rossi had made bail... it irritated her every time she thought about it. She was going to start talking but thankfully the waitress came, taking their order. She didn't look up to see the reaction in Michael's features when all she ordered was iced water. Since finding out about the baby, she had given up anything considered bad for the baby, which unfortunately included caffeine...even though she was practically drooling over the smell of the coffee...especially the rich Jamaican coffee she loved so much.

She took a deep breath and looked at Michael, her eyes were actually shining, "I do have a lead. A 'co-worker' of the vic..." she shook her head, smiling slightly, "I tell ya, it was a bitch to get her to say she would give a statement but I did it!" Katie exclaimed... it was true, it was hard to get the woman to cooperate but as Michael would know, Katie got what she wanted, no matter how tough it had been. "That, including several other key elements that I'll show you back at the lab... but I will say, Rossi was not happy. He tried to use his charm on me and of course, failed.."

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

Michael turned his head just a bit as Katie asked for water, his eyes blinking his suspicion rose. He may not have been here with her in years, but Michael knew Katie. She would always order Jamaican coffee everyday they were there while he would order whatever seemed nice, macchiato, mocha, he tried it all. Something was up, but now wasn’t the time to ask. Michael didn't feel right ordering coffee. He didn't really know why, it wasn't like it was going to bother Katie. Regardless, he asked for a glass of orange juice as the waitress left, leaving the alone once more.

Katie was resilient not only in life but her work as well. When she wanted something, she got it, and it didn’t surprise Michael that she was able to get a friend of the victim to make a statement. To hear of Rossi trying to sweet talk her made Michael’s stomach churn. “I’m sure you had a hard time repelling his charm.” Michael said sarcastically. Jerry Rossi was a delusional pig who thought he was God’s gift to women. When he wasn’t sucking down food like a vacuum at some restaurant, he was trying to flirt with any woman who crossed his sight and supposedly would bang them up pretty badly if they refused his advances. The man would have been behind bars sooner if he wasn’t the nephew of Vincent Rossi, the head of the Rossi family.

Hopefully with enough evidence they’d could put him away for good. With their drinks already in front of them, Michael sipped his juice. “I take it you’re keeping an eye on the woman” said Michael, knowing that Katie was well aware the woman was a target.

 

[zydrate]

After a big sip of water, Katie nodded, "Yeah, I had literally no time to hide her but I did pull it off." She said, ending it there. Katie wasn't even going to tell Michael where she had hid Lucy, the woman who worked with the victim.

It wasn't that she didn't trust Michael but at the moment, it wasn't pertinent to his investigation, besides the less people who knew the better. Katie was the only one who knew where Lucy was at.

"So, this is yet another 'ding' on the Rossi family's already tarnished reputation..I take it Vince Rossi is not happy?" She could only imagine what sort of trouble he was causing for not only the DA but maybe the mayor AND the Governor.

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

“To be honest, Vince seems to be the one with the most to lose regardless of what happens” replied David. This wasn’t the first time Jerry had been in trouble with the law. He had been charged on several counts of assault, procession, even taking a swing at an officer; and every time he was arrested, his uncle would spring him out. Watching over that idiot couldn’t have been cheap what with the pay offs and lawyers used to get him off the hook. Now it was worse, Jerry was charged with killing a prostitute and leaving her in an alleyway. The bail was over $500,000 and the lawyers his uncle hired to defend him weren’t cheap.

If Jerry walked, his uncle would have to keep watching over him and spend more money to keep him out of trouble. If Jerry was convicted, he‘d get life in prison since the state doesn’t do the death penalty. When Jerry posted bail it was all over the news. Michael saw as Vincent hugged his nephew, kissing his forehead. No one could fake the affection he was giving him, it was obvious he loved Jerry and would do anything for him. To him, family was priceless. He doubted the rest of the family felt the same.

Michael took a last swig of his juice as he finished it off, smiling at Katie. Even though he loved working with her again, it didn’t feel the same. When they were both on homicide, it wasn’t this professional. They would always find someway to actually talk to about other things. Now, those small little quips about the movie they went to see or any random thing that popped into their heads were replaced with awkward silences. “Do you mind showing me what you found in the lab?” he asked, his eyes shifting away from her gaze, feeling as if he wanted to say more if not something else.

 

[zydrate]

“Do you mind showing me what you found in the lab?”

"Oh sure..." With the tab paid, Katie nodded. She got up as Michael, the ever gentleman held her chair as she stood. Smiling her thanks, she turned to him and she was going to say something when a bout of nausea hit her...hard!

It took a lot not just let it loose right then and there. She bit the inside of her lip and quickly turned away from Michael, "Will you excuse me, I'll be right back?" She didn't wait for his answer as she headed off toward the cafe's restroom...

Why the hell did they call it morning sickness when she felt it all damn day and night?! Katie couldn't help but wonder as she rushed into the restroom and locked the door behind her. Instead of giving into the sickness, she rested her head against the door, breathing hard. Was this a sign that she needed to let Michael know? Instead of holding it off, she knew she needed to tell him but all this pressure about the case had come up and things just happened.

He had a right to know that was for sure. After several more deep breaths, Katie unlocked the door and saw Michael waiting for her several feet away. She needed to tell him yes, but not right this instant..it would have to wait until later...tonight perhaps, she could get him alone...they could talk...

Yeah, they needed to talk about several things...

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

Michael watched as Katie stormed into the bathroom. She gave him little time to even react as he heard the click of the door lock. Now he knew something was definitely wrong, he eased his way to the door for a moment, able to hear her breathing. Michael was a bit scared as he began to pick the pieces of what could be wrong with Katie. She wasn’t drinking her usual coffee, and she just ran into the bathroom and locked the door. He thought about the look on her face before she went in, a look of nausea. It was sort of like when they first saw a dead body on the street when they started off as cops. Katie ran into the alley to throw up behind a dumpster the second that decaying smell filled her nostrils.

Slowly, Michael was beginning to piece it together. They hadn’t seen each other in well over a month and now Katie wasn’t drinking coffee, and she had just ran like she was about to vomit. His eye’s widened and his jaw dropped a bit as he came to a conclusion, was Katie…pregnant? He didn’t have time to guess as she came out of the bathroom, Michael putting his hand on her shoulder now seeming to be able to look at her with ease “Are you okay, Katie?” he asked.

 

[zydrate]

“Are you okay, Katie?”

With a miserable nod, Katie walked right pass Michael, her arms crossed in front of her as she walked out of the cafe, the noisy street immediately drowning out the sound of her footsteps.

She could sense Michael was right behind her only to feel him walking beside her...

He needs to know Katherine.... her inner voiced chided her.

Stopping in her tracks, Katie looked up at Michael...so many memories flooded her mind as she went over that night...

"Michael... remember that night you and I...well, ended up at my place after the ball? Things had happened so fast when we got back to my place, we sorta didn't use any protection....?" she said, trailing off, knowing he'd get what she was telling him.

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

Even with Michael previous suspicion, it didn’t ease the blow as Katie revealed that she was pregnant. He was taken back a bit, his fingers running though his hair as he processed what was said. The case didn’t anymore. To him this was much bigger; he was going to be a father. Deep down, he always wanted to and with Katie of all people. Why not, they knew one another better than anyone. She was really the only he cared about, the only person he could see himself with.

Michael brought himself back as he looked at Katie. He knew it wasn’t easy for her to tell him that, and there no doubt she was in a vulnerable place now. There was no running away from this, no more leaving her high and dry. She needed him and he wanted to be there for her. He took her hand into hers as he spoke to her. “Maybe we should go back to your place and talk about this”. The evidence could until tomorrow, right now was about them; about their baby.

 

[zydrate]

Katie could only give Michael a small nod, he took her by the arm and they walked back to the precinct, only the didn't go inside, instead Michael led Katie to his car and helped her in.

Soon, they were on their way to her place, nothing was said during the entire ride...

*********************
Twenty-five minutes later, they were at Katie's apartment, she unlocked the door and they entered. The place was decorated in an eclectic style, the living room more so.

Katie took off her jacket and placed it on an armchair, her gun was holstered on her back, her badge still hanging from her neck on a chain.

"So... have a seat.." she said quietly. On the way over she was racking her brain on what to say to Michael about all this. So, out of nervousness, she started to carry on, "Listen Michael...I know this was not something you expected to hear today, let alone any day but what's happened, happened..." she stopped, realizing she was rushing and needed to think before she said anymore.

Katie and Michael had known each other since they were in diapers themselves...they grew up in the same neighborhood, next door to each other in fact, they went to school together, shared some classes, even went to the same college before both joining the force...

Katie cared for Michael in more ways than she could admit. He was always there for her and she for him...

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

Two friends who knew each other before they could even stand, inseparable from one another. They went everywhere together, and did everything together. They were there for one another no matter what. Katie and Michael together, them against the world. He would always tell Katie that, but after he left the NYPD; it seemed less true. Now here he was in Katie’s place sitting there quietly listening as she spoke.

"Listen Michael...I know this was not something you expected to hear today, let alone any day but what's happened, happened..."

That was a more blunt way of saying things, but there was so much more to it, for Michael at least. “We had sex, Katie” he replied “We hadn’t said a word to one another in almost a year since I took that job for the DA, and when I saw you…. I didn‘t realize how much I missed you.”

To explain how Michael got the job as the DA’s investigator was convoluted. It involved Katie and him cracking the biggest case that went straight up to the top, filled with corruption, cover ups and even Michael getting suspended. The less he thought about it though, the better.

Michael didn’t regret much in his life, but the things he regret involved Katie like not telling her about the job he was given and even leaving her after they slept together. He figured that the less they saw of each other the better it was for them. It then that he figured he should be telling Katie this and not just thinking it. “I don’t regret doing what we did, Katie.” he confessed “If anything, it was long time coming” He took her hand again looking at her as he poured his heart. “If there’s anything I regret it’s leaving that morning. I always thought that there almost no chance for us. I mean we’re both in constant danger and if something happened to you, I don’t know what I’d do. So I figured the less close we are, the less painful it would be if something were to happen to one of us.”

Michael’s other hand moved to her face resting on her cheek, “Now I think that kind of unavoidable” he continued “we’ve been friend forever, hell you were my first kiss. A day doesn’t go by when I don’t think of you and to be honest the idea of you carrying my baby does kind of make me happy. I love you Katie, I can’t fight that… not anymore. I don’t know how this is gonna end up for but I promise, I’m not gonna leave you… not anymore.”

 

[zydrate]

Katie could only smile at what Michael was saying, her eyes misting up slightly. She and Michael had been through so much together it was a wonder that they hadn't gotten together sooner... But he was right about them being in constant danger and now with Katie pregnant, she was not only responsible for her life but also for the life of their unborn child. The thing was is that she couldn't take any time off just yet...she was a cop after all, a cop who was in the beginning stages of an important case, not that any of the other cases weren't as important, it's just that this one was going to be a media circus here soon she was sure of that.

"I love you too Michael..." she blushed slightly and looked deep into his eyes, "You know that right? We've grown up together, we both know each other so well...we've been together through thick and thin..gotten on each other's nerves," she finished with a laugh as she gave him a hug.

Katie was going to say something more but then her phone rang. It was a certain ring she had set for Lucy so she immediately pulled away from Michael and grabbed her phone, answering it.

She was greeted by a frantic Lucy, saying something that Katie couldn't understand before losing her call.

"Damnit!" She looked at Michael, "I need to see what's going on..." she told him as she grabbed her jacket, "I'll give you an update as soon as I can."

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

It was always like clockwork. Anytime Katie and Michael were on the verge of some revelation about their relationship, something always interrupted them. To make things worse this time, Michael didn't know what was wrong. He could hear the faint frantic ramblings of some woman on the other end of the phone, followed by the click as the connection was lost. The next thing Michael knew, Katie was grabbing her coat and rushing out of her own apartment. Michael followed her as she left “Wait let me go with you!” he shouted as she ran out into the crowded street.

Dammit Katie, why do you always do this! he thought to himself. Michael loved Katie, but he hated when she kept things from me. Even more so when it was important to a case. He had no idea where she was headed, and he didn’t understand why she didn’t even tell him. He may not have been a cop anymore, but he wasn’t defenseless. He still had a badge and a gun and he sure as hell knew how to use them.

 

[zydrate]

Turning to wait up for Michael, she watched as he caught up with her. He was going to say something but Katie spoke up, "That was Lucy, apparently she called someone to get some drugs and damnit, they found her...!"

Quickly, Katie gave Michael of quick run down of where she had hid Lucy, it was actually a good place, a model penthouse about 3 blocks from Katie's own apartment. Katie was going to question Michael about his coming along but knew better of it. She knew he wasn't an officer in any official capacity, but this was the case he was investigating and well, she had a feeling she knew his other reason for coming along...

In no time, they reached the penthouse, the door to the place was ajar and inside, Katie knew it wasn't going to be good...

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

Perfect, Katie manages to get a witness who happened to be a drug addict. It just gets better and better. Michael felt there was no reason for Katie to keep this from him. He wasn't a cop but being investigator to the DA, he still had the power to arrest people. In odd way, it was exciting to be running with Katie. It was kind of like old times when they would rush to a crime scene and went after a perp. However during those times, Michael knew where he was going.

Michael readied his gun as they entered the penthouse. It was a mess to say the least, the lamp smashed onto the ground along with the phone off the hook. He walked slowly to conceal the sound of his foot steps as he went to reach for the bathroom door. He knocked once, “Lucy…” said Michael very softly but loud enough for who ever was in there to hear him “My name's Michael Casey, I’m an investigator. I’m here with detective Williams.” He looked back at Katie as if telling her to say something to confirm she was there with him “Were coming in okay.” With a slow turn of the knob, Michael opened the door, hoping that if the girl was inside, he was still breathing.

 

[zydrate]

"Hey Lucy, it's Katie...Detective Williams...remember me?" She walked in slowly, her gun drawn. Katie looked around, seeing the place trashed and only the worst could be thought...

"Damnit!" Katie muttered as she walked further into the room... then before she could say anything else, a small trail of blood was oozing out of the bedroom entry. She rushed forward, knowing that Michael had her back. Of course when she got to the door, she used her elbow and pushed it open only to see the body of Lucy, on the floor with 2 gunshot wounds, one in the chest and one more right between the eyes.

Turning from the body, Katie could only sigh in disgust...damnit! How the hell did they find her? She pulled out her phone and called for assistance.

Katie looked at Michael, the look in her eyes obvious, "He can't keep getting away from crap like this Michael..." she said. This was how Rossi got away with all this shit.

*********
It was well into the late evening when things finally wrapped up at the penthouse. Katie was totally worn out, her stomach was growling, but yet, she wasn't sure she could eat.

She looked around for Michael and saw him talking to a few guys he knew from back then. She didn't know what to do, wait for him...just go?

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

Michael didn’t reply, he more than agreed with her. He nodded as she called for back up, taking a look around the bedroom as well as Lucy. It was shame such a pretty girl got caught up in such a filthy job. By the looks of things she was ready for bed, little tank top and panties were all she was wearing. By what Katie told him, it seemed like she needed a little fix before bedtime and that was her downfall. Lucy had two shots; both seeming to be from a 9mm. Michael would have to ask the coroner to check.

Michael then took a look around the bed until he saw something underneath. It was Lucy’s cell phone, no doubt feel after she was found by her killer. Michael went to get a piece of cloth so he could look at the phone without getting finger prints on it. The screen showed Katie’s number, no doubt the last person Lucy called. He pressed back on the phone and looked at the other calls and just under Katie’s is where Michael found a lead. Apparently Lucy called someone by the name of Danny about an hour after calling Katie; this could just what was needed.

-----------------------------------------

After back up came and took Lucy, Michael asked for the officers to trace the number he found as well the type of gun she was killed with. He walked to Katie and put his hand on her shoulder as if asking if she was okay. He had no clue how close she was to Lucy, but he knew she hated losing leads. “We can’t do anything now, let go get something to eat. I’m buying.” Chances were that after seeing a dead body, neither of them could eat, but Michael figured the farther away they were from here, the better.

 

[zydrate]

Michael had chosen a small restaurant, out of the way of the hustle of downtown... it was a small Italian place that they had frequented many times but with all that had happened so far, Katie hadn't realized it yet where they were...

Until after her order was placed, Katie started to talk, "So, with Lucy..." she began as she sipped her water, "You know how much of a bitch it was to get her to even go with me...to even agree to give a statement?" Of course he knew, of all people, Michael would know.

"I'm sorry... this just puts me back to square one. Damn Lucy..." really, Katie was damning Lucy for not being strong enough to not call anyone...she had sworn to Katie that she would be strong. "I guess this just means I'll have to dig deeper." She told him, not realizing that Michael was part of this too, not because of the investigation but because of Katie's safety and well being.

 

[Deleted member 1126402]

It wasn’t Katie’s fault, none of it was. Michael knew that but he wasn’t sure Katie felt as such. “Don’t go blaming yourself,” he assured her “sometimes one can’t help but do something without thinking it through.” He put his hand on hers reminding her of their night together that neither of them thought out before hand. It annoyed him a bit that Katie didn’t see him as part of the case as if she was all on her own. “Well I asked for the guys at the station to trace Lucy’s last call before she called you” said Michael “They said they’ll call us when they find out who it belongs to. For now we just have to wait.”

Michael emphasized the word ’us’ letting Katie know he was working with her too. While Michael was mainly there to help her, personally he wanted to keep her safe. To tell her to slow down would have been pointless, hell they’d have to suspend her before she gave up going out on the streets and doing her job. Katie was stubborn and he loved that about her. But now when she was out there in the street, not only was she in danger but so was their child. In the end Michael knew that in time Katie would have to choose between her job and the well being of their baby.

Michael wanted to change the subject as he looked over at Katie. “How are you doing, have you been feeling sick?”

 

[zydrate]

Katie didn't want to dwell on it anymore, at least not anymore tonight. What happened to Lucy was something she had brought on herself, if she would've just listened to Katie then she would've been safe.

“How are you doing, have you been feeling sick?”

Michael's question caught Katie completely off guard. She just smiled and nodded as their dinner arrived, "If you want to call it sick...trust me, as bad as I feel at times, I don't wish it on anyone." She took a small bite of her lasagna, "Other than that, nothing out of the norm, I'm still waiting for those cravings to hit...maybe, not everyone experiences them so we'll see. I do have a doctor's appointment tomorrow but with how this case is going, I might have to cancel it."