Engagement Bliss?.. (Pt. 52)

Analisette took a moment to remember the last argument that had occurred between her and Adrine…

They stood inside a bridal shop two hours from New City looking at a book of tuxedos. She pointed to the one with the red detail, and said, “What do you think of this one?” Adrine ignored her question and turned the page. Analisette moved her hand before the next page fell on it and replied to his action in anger, “What the hell is your problem?!” Adrine as if in a daze answered, “What are you talking about? We are here at another shop, looking at the same set of tuxedos the other 12 shops had, when I told you I could just wear my dress uniform from when I was an officer.” Analisette was fuming, “Remember you were the one who asked me to marry you-“ Adrine smiled, “-And you were the one who agreed.” Analisette took out the keys from her purse and said, “Let’s just go, I cant do this anymore today.” Adrine just watched her then followed her outside the shop. Outside of the car Adrine said calmly, “Maybe I should drive? Since I’m less angry right now.” Analisette walked to the passenger’s side and handed over the keys and got into the car. Adrine took a deep breath and got into the car…

Analisette’s knee began to bounce and her muscles got tense and she began to get angry again. It’s as if he doesn’t care about this wedding, as if it doesn’t matter, she thought to herself. I’m here trying to work around his schedule so that we could do this together, and he just treats it as a monotonous act. This time should set the stage for what our life will be, and from what he is showing me..I just don’t know. She took a deep breath and tried to rationalize the situation. Well, it is kind of monotonous. A lot of the items seem to be similar. Maybe I’m just being-difficult. Maybe I should be more understanding, I mean he’s working hard on this case and I could tell how he is going through a change as he gets more details and less leads. I don’t want him to think that because I’m being aggressive that I’m not passionate about us anymore. She shook her head, and then looked around Adrine’s apartment. Maybe I should clean up and cook him dinner before he gets home from work. Ill text him what he would like to eat.

Adrine was pulling his fresh t-shirt over his head in the locker room of the police department. He then heard his phone beep that he got a message:

Analisette: I’m at your apartment, I thought we would have dinner and talk about things since I have been at my apartment for a week and I have been thinking a lot about us. I think it’s time we figure this all out. What do you want to eat?

Adrine thought for a moment of all the possibilities that could happen. If she would leave, stay, yell, or break off the engagement. He then replied: …Anything is fine Mami, I’ll be there soon.

Don't Call It a comeback [pt.51]

..Tonight we are taking a closer look at the new city bomber. It has been three months and the New City Police Department still have no leads and no further information other than what was stated by a local business owner Romona the owner of Mona’s a local night club. But the people of this fine city have questions that they want answered. Why has it taken so long? Are we safe? What should we do if a bomb goes off? Tonight we will explore this in further detail and speak to a first responding fire fighter and the chief of police..

                Analisette sat on the couch in a pair of sweat pants and a tank top with her curly brown hair in a messy bun. She looked away from the TV and instead looked out the window. The rain hadn’t let up for days and it was starting to bring her mood down.  She huffed, and then began to scroll through photos on her cell phone. Analisette and Adrine had been visiting every wedding shop in town for the past two months. They decided on very little and argued recently about the date. Analisette wanted to wait and Adrine wanted it to be yesterday. It had been their first argument and they hadn’t spoken much since then.

                Adrine had been working all day on the New City Bomber case. Watching Romona’s statement on a loop and reviewing all the materials used. He was trying to find a motive, a reason why someone would keep this up. He gave his full attention to the statement…

                                Adrine sat across from Romona in the NCPD interrogation room and asked, “Romona I know this is hard for you, please tell me exactly what you remember.” Romona looked away then began, “Antonio and I had just walked into the club and walked over to the bar. After everything with Rick and Lolita we needed a drink. We talked about us, talked about how if we had been in the same situation we would be strong and do our best to protect each other. We embraced, and then ….do I have to tell you what happened next?” Adrine shook his head then said, “No its ok, what happened after that.” Romona gave a half smile then continued, “ Well after,  we got dressed and Antonio had turned his head and said he thought he heard something, It’s not uncommon, the club was usually open but I closed because of the circumstances so I brushed it off. Antonio and I had been talking more and then I had gone to my office where I have a fridge so we could eat something. Antonio said he was going to go outside just to check if anyone was outside so he could tell them that we were closed. He had looked out the window and then yelled for me to get down! I instantly dropped and within seconds we heard a loud boom and there was fire everywhere. Antonio was coughing a lot and could barely breathe. I was trying to stay low. The emergency exit was on the other side of the club and my office is by the front door so we tried to get out that way. Antonio began breaking down the door because he said there was something blocking it. I stood there and kept looking back at all my work, my livelihood being burned, and as the fire drew closer to us I had told Antonio. He began to panic and all I remember is him hitting the door harder and harder and the fire coming closer and closer. Finally he opened the door. And we ran to the other side of the street and sat on the street trying to catch our breaths. I told Antonio that I couldn’t believe what was happening and I just watched as Mona’s burned. Then I looked over to Antonio who was next to me and he said I seen..I seen…then his whole body went limp and he passed out.”

Adrine looked away from the video and to his notes and seen the latest update of Antonio’s condition. He was still in a coma and his shoulder had been broken while breaking the door down. Adrine sat back in his chair and looked at his watch; he had missed lunch and was off duty soon.  He looked around and saw that Salma was talking to another officer making it obvious that she was flirting. Then she looked over at him and smiled. Adrine gave a not today face and she still walked over. Salma swung her cruves and smiled at him, “How’s the case coming?” Adrine looked at her and ignored the question. “Oh that bad huh? Maybe I could help? Maybe I could help you relieve your stress?” Adrine laughed and Salma took that as a yes and continued, “So when are you going to let me help you?” Adrine replied shortly, “Never. I laughed because you actually think you could compete with my fiancé.” Salma’s face turned red and shot back with anger, “I’ve told you Adrine, I will have you wheatear you like it or not.” And she stormed away. The officer who she had been flirting with watched the argument and her storm off then gestured to Adrine what’s up? Adrine smiled and gestured that she’s crazy and got back to work.

Boom (pt.50)

Rudolf could hear them. They crawled under his skin like rats in the sewer below the building. "How could they disrespect me!" He yelled to himself then continued,"And in front of Grace!" He opened the door to his apartment and slammed it shut. Turning on the lights he revealed that the hallway was covered with newspaper clippings and magazine articles of the New City Bomber. He allowed his fingertips to touch each one as he walked down the hallway toward his living room. "I showed them,showed all of them." He said as he stood in the living room with a devilish smirk. He then sat on a stool in the center of the living room and looked around at the scraps of newspaper and magazines and thought,"What would the world do if they knew the bomber was me?Me,a simple man from Russia." Rudolf was far from simple with advanced training of explosive materials and electriacal knowledge.
He looked over to a work bench and thought,"Maybe they have forgotten who I am.Maybe they need a reminder!" He dragged the stool to the work bench and began to assemble a bomb. 
He was nearly completed when he began to think of Analisette,"Little bitch! She wouldn't be so tough if she didn't have Adrine! What does he see in her anyway? Shes nothing but a loud mouth whore! Shes nothing like Grace." He stopped what he was doing and remembered the expression on Grace's face,"I want her so badly,what if i messed my only chance up with her?" He wiped a tear from his eye and stood up from his work bench. "She will be mine!If my chances are ruined its their fault! All of them!" He ran to his bedroom and stood in front of a collage of pictures and smiled. "Soon." He looked around his room then grabbed a video camera and tripod. He set it up in the living room facing the work bench.
"They've pushed me again too far.They will get what they deserve. I care for none of these low life scum,that occupy in my residence. They are nothing. Again the only one who matters is Grace. All the others could die,next time. For now i will take away things precious to them.And if-if they ruined my chances with my true love Grace,this building wont exist,they wont exist." He looked over his shoulder and laughed maliciously,"That should show them."

Closure (pt.49)

The rain fell heavy today; it fit perfectly due to the circumstances. Analisette sat at the first pew of the church and looked back at the river of people in black attire. They mumbled what she hoped was good memories and every eye was moist with fresh tears, with the exception of Rick’s family. She ignored them and focused her attention to the entrance.  Adrine walked in and made his way to her.

Analisette was so happy that everyone who knew Lolita and Rick showed up. She was worried that an ad in the newspaper and online wouldn’t have been enough to reach out to everyone. She was also so grateful for the help from fellow tenants of New City Apartments, especially Minerva. Minerva hadn’t stopped looking for the best plot and tombstone until she found the perfect one. She had even suggested that everyone come back to the Apartment building to eat and share stories, even paid for the caterer and drinks.

Adrine sat next to Analisette and put his arm around her then said, “Babe, they said in about five to ten minutes they will bring them in and the priest will start the service.” She nodded then replied in a worried tone,”Im going to go to the bathroom and throw some water on my face.” Adrine removed his arm and said,”You want me to go with you?” She shook her head no and walked up the aisle. She seen Samantha and Marcus sitting with Henrey, Lilliana and her husband Gregorio. She nodded her head to them as they waved and mouthed ‘are you ok?’ reassuring them. As she continued to walk she saw Clifford Baxtor. He stood up and hugged her, “How are you Analisette?” She frowned, “Hanging in there, how about you?” He looked over to Minerva who was sitting alone. Analisette looked over at Minerva then back to him, “Go and sit with her, comfort her.” Clifford walked over to her and sat down.

Minerva looked at him then to Analisette as she watched. “She said I should come and comfort you,”Clifford stated. Minerva looked at him with attitude, “You shouldn’t have if it wasn’t what you wanted to do.” He looked at her hand as she began to fiddle nervously with her fingers, “I wanted to, I was worried you didn’t want anything to do with me.” Her hands stopped and she looked down, “I want you in my life, I love you, but you lied to me.” He held her hand and said, “Ill never do that again, I promise you.” She looked up at him and seen the truth in his eyes, “I want us to take our time, please, I just don’t want to get hurt again.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed, “As long as the time is ours, I’ll wait forever.” They smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Analisette turned off the water and grabbed a paper towel and dried her face in the church bathroom.  A woman walked into the bathroom, she took a second to look at Analisette then walked over to the mirror and began checking her makeup. Analisette looked over at her; she was older and looked remarkably like Rick. Suddenly she looked at Analisette and said, “It’s impolite to stare.” Analisette looked away then replied,”I’m sorry, you just look a lot like Rick.” The woman stopped what she was doing and smirked, “Rick was my son.” Then continued checking her makeup and speaking, “He was a little shit, always disobeying me or his bastard of a father. We haven’t seen or talked to him in years. His way of punishing us, I suppose. He could have had everything that we do, but no, he wanted to move to the City and be a struggling artist. Look where that got him, killed with a whore.” Analisette was shocked that his mother could speak this way about her son, and of Lolita. The woman looked at her expression and began to walk out of the bathroom when Analisette jolted for the door and held it closed, “You never deserved him, and she wasn’t a whore she was a woman, more of a woman than you will ever be.” The woman looked snobbishly at Analisette and said, “And who are you to talk?” Analisette released the door and said, “I was the one to arrange this service-everything for your son and what would have been your daughter in law.” The woman straightened herself up and watched as Analisette left the bathroom holding her head high.

Analisette was in her seat with Adrine for a moment before they brought in Rick and Lolita’s caskets. The organ played a sad song as everyone stood and watched the silver and champagne colored caskets as they were placed in front of the alter.  The priest looked at everyone and signaled for everyone to sit and began to read what he had written, “Today we are all here to give peace to the souls of Lolita Cruz and Rick Stevens. Lolita and Rick had many things in common. For one, they were both free spirits. Both determined on being independent and different no matter the costs. I had the privilege of meeting both not together but at different times. Lolita came to me concerned and troubled about men, when I told her that god would guide her, she told me,”God,Father,what am I paying you for?” I remember her laughing and how quickly she apologized and said, “I hope he works quickly.” With Rick he came to me and asked me if God had forgotten him, when I asked him why would he say such a thing he told me that he was sick of looking at everyone happy with another and how he was alone. I was quick to reply as I did with Lolita, that God would guide him. And God guided them to each other. It has been a long time since I have seen both, so let me introduce a close friend of theirs Analisette Gomez .” Analisette took a deep breath and stood up and walked to the altar.  

She looked out to everyone that was there and said, “Before I read a poem that I have prepared for them I want to say thank you to everyone being here and helping to make this possible, they would have been more grateful than I could possibly express. Later we will have food and beverages at New City Apartments so we could share stories and fond moments. I know-I knew the person who Lolita was, and how she did things that I would never mention because they don’t matter anymore, she changed. A complete turnaround from what she was and that person, that Lolita, I will always remember. And Rick, I never knew him until he saved Lolita. But he was the kindest, funniest, most dedicated man I’ve ever met. The paintings you see here and throughout the church are done by Rick, I never knew how great of an artist he was until I seen them.” Analisette looked down and held back her tears and continued, “I knew that they would have made it together, I knew in my heart that they would get married, have kids and prosper. They were just those types of people that could take any situation and make it great. So I know in heaven, they are making the best of it. On that note, the title of the poem is Like a Phoenix.”

She took a deep breath then spoke,” Blues and green your feathers preen. Noticing the sight of things better left unseen. You stay low to the ground praying to be found. And healed from your self shackles to be unbound. Around and around searching you cannot rely on others. You must fly higher to reach the real love of fathers and mothers. Purples and oranges your feathers change for your now in limbo. You make changes and find truth, but appreciate how it wasn’t simple. You ignite into yellows and reds. Wanting so desperate to fight for love, marriage, children the things that everyone wishes and says. And you make it, higher and higher. Above us all and see that your on fire. As beautiful as a shooting star, and it’s yours. You opened the doors; you completed the chores, worked tirelessly until sore. And we watch from the floor. In awe, begging to be you, but we cannot copy, we cannot rewrite, we cannot remix. For you, are only like a phoenix.

Everyone stood up and clapped as she walked back to her seat next to Adrine. The priest walked up to the alter and said, “Now everyone may pay their last respects.” Everyone formed lines and touched the caskets and cried as they walked back to their seats. One man walked up and stood there with his palm on Lolita’s casket. He looked over at Analisette and said, “I should have been there for her; I was her uncle I should have taken care of her like her parents wanted. “ Analisette watched as everyone looked at him in shock and cried. She walked over to the man and said,”It’s not your fault, It will get better we just have to know she’s in a better place.” He hugged Analisette and she hugged him back then walked him to a nearby pew and sat with him as the Priest closed the service and walked the caskets out to the hearse.

Back at the main lobby of the apartment complex everyone grabbed something to eat, and the alcohol was gone before the first hour. Analisette and Adrine stood with Lolita’s uncle as he told stories of Lolita. Samantha and Marcus were close by listening to the conversation. The older people sat together and spoke of love and of Analisette's poem. Clifford and Minerva drank and were speaking of how they could make things work. Antonio and Ramona stopped by to say hi to everyone and pay their condolences to Analisette and Adrine then made their way back to Mona’s.  

Suddenly Rudolf stormed in, “What the hell is going on!” Everyone went silent. “Why the hell are all these people here! Get Out! Get Out!” Adrine walked over to Rudolf until he was a safe distance and said, “Rudolf, chill out. Lolita and Rick died, we’re here sharing stories and consoling each other.” Rudolf’s face was blank then he yelled, “I don’t give a fuck if that no rent paying slut and that faggot are dead, everyone get the hell out of my building!” Analisette spoke up, “Don’t you ever call them that you piece of shit!” Rudolf began to walk toward Analisette but Adrine broke his path,”You really want to go there Rudolf?” Rudolf gave Analisette a death stare and walked over to the table with chips and crackers and tossed it on the floor. Samantha spoke up, “What the fuck! You feel better about yourself? Can you fucking leave now?” Marcus pushed Samantha behind him and held his ground and held her back.  Rudolf looked around at everyone’s angry faces, seen Grace with her fingertips over her mouth and eyes widened. Rudolf took three big breaths and stormed off…

List (pt.48)

Analisette was awake way before Adrine. She sat in her living room planning the funeral for Lolita and Rick.She pushed the list away and inhaled deeply,held it,then released it. "Funerals shouldn't be about money but about the person,or in this case people,"She thought shaking her head in disapproval. Adrine reached out for her in his bed and woke up quickly when he noticed Analisette wasn't there. He pulled himself from his bed and headed for the living room,in hopes that she was there. Adrine seen her rubbing her eyes then spoke with concern,"How much did you sleep?" She turned her head to see him in the hallway and said with a slight smile,"Enough,how about you?" He walked into the living room and sat next to her on the couch,"Same. I was looking for you,I thought maybe you stepped out." She shook her head no then replied,"I was just going over the things i have to do for the funeral,the list gets longer and longer each time i look at it. I asked everyone in the building if they wanted to contribute to the funeral,they gave me some money but,"She looked at the money on the table then into his honey brown eyes,"Its not enough,I don't know what I'm going to do." Adrine looked at the money then grabbed the list and read it. He took the list and ripped it in half and said,"We will get through this together,Ill take half and you take the other." Analisette smiled at his simplistically kind gesture and kissed him a thank you. After she looked around and said,"Do you want breakfast?" Adrine smiled and said,"Ill make it baby,what do you want?" She smiled then replied,"I don't know what you know how to make." Adrine dropped his jaw acting like he was in shock,"Didn't you know that I throw down in the kitchen?" Analisette tried to hold a straight face. Adrine nodded his head and walked like he owned the world into the kitchen. Analisette listened as he mumbled how 'he got this' and smiled. Then she herd him curse over and over again,but ignored it as she smelled something sweet and herd sizzling.
Analisette looked at her half of the list. It read: Go through Ricks artwork for display. Contact any friends or relatives (Maybe run an ad).Tombstones.Plot. Church. She shrugged and thought Simple..right?
Adrine brought out a plate with perfectly non circular pancakes,a peeled orange,and a glass of apple juice. His smile was unsure as she took a bite. "This is really good,i could live with this,"She said as she devoured the plate halved the orange and handed the bigger half to him. He ate it and said,"I still have to tell you about yesterday." Analisette frowned then replied,"Yeah,what happened?" Adrine broke it down slowly, explaining in the most non graphic way how Rick and Quinten got into a fight then Rick died,Lolita shot Quinten then shot herself. Analisette felt a close on her wonder and nodded in understanding. "Its a shame that we wont know really what happened,but that's what the facts tell us."Adrine said hoping that she would understand. Analisette shrugged,"At least they were together.I cant even imagine what I would do If...But i know for you its the same if I.." She couldn't get the words out,it was too hard to say,too hard to even think of the what ifs. Adrine hugged her and said,"We don't have to worry about that for a long,long,long time.I'm not going anywhere and neither are you." She half smiled.
After discussing their separate lists they did their morning rituals and went on their ways.
Analisette went straight to Ricks apartment and seen that it had recently been cleaned,probably when Lolitas was cleaned. She felt her chest grow heavy with the pain of them being gone,but quickly remembered her mission. She seen various paintings,from cityscapes to portraits. One specific painting caught her eye, it was a woman running. Analisette was captivated by it. Then it hit her,the woman in the painting was Lolita. Tears welled up in her eyes. He made her look so beautiful. "Is this how you saw her Rick?" Analisette smiled and put the painting to the side,wanting to show it at the Church. She picked two more portraits, and three cityscapes. "You were such a great artist Rick,I wish you could have been here to hear me say that."
She took the paintings up to her apartment and layed each one out respectfully. Then her phone began to ring,the caller ID read Minerva. "Hey,Alise,"She said in a unsure tone. Analisette smiled,"Hey,Minnie.How are you?" Minerva replied in the same tone,"I'm good,I was calling to ask if you needed any help? My mother has the kids for a few days so I'm completely free." Analisette looked at her list and said,"Um,you could call the cemetery and reserve two plots and see how much the tombstone is going to be." Minerva was silent for a minute then agreed. "Just keep me posted ok Minnie." Minerva agreed then they said their goodbyes.
Meanwhile,Adrine had made the call to the morgue where Rick and Lolitas bodies were being held and arranged for them to be moved to New City for the service and burial. His list was much easier than Analisettes with:Get Rick and Lolita to New City.Buy a flower arrangement.Pick a day for the Church service. 
Adrine was speeding through his tasks and text Analisette along the way. He was on his way home to discuss the date of the church service with Analisette when he ran into Clifford. Adrine walked over to him and said,"Hey,how are you?" Clifford looked down,"Still bad." Adrine put his hand on his back and replied,"Its going to get better,don't worry." Clifford looked up at him with hope,"Analisette told me you guys are going to have a service,when that happens,we all could close this sad story." Adrine smiled and nodded,agreeing with him. Clifford smiled back then said,"Analisette also told me that you both are planning to get married." Adrine laughed then said,"Yes,as soon as things get..Easier." Clifford looked around,"Make sure Grace don't hear about the wedding,you know her ass would tell all of New City in five minutes." They both looked around secretively then laughed loudly as they said goodbye.
Analisette left a note on Adrines door that read meet me in the garden. Adrine made his way to the rooftop and seen Analisette sitting on the edge of the building looking out. He quietly sat beside her. "Alot has happen in New City since I've been back.More than I would have ever imagined." Adrine held her hand and replied,"What I've learned is,sometimes we have to go through things like we have in order to find out about ourselves and who we are." Analisette smiled,"I would have never thought Id be here with you,engaged." Then she looked away,"Or planing the funeral of two people we grew to care about." Adrine stood up and put out his hand,she took it and stood in front of him. "Whatever the emotions that we go through,we will go through them together and survive stronger.I know this is a sad time,and it hurts me to see you going through so much pain,but we will get through this.Its up to us now to live out their dreams." They embraced each other and looked out into New City together.

Real (pt.47)

Adrine woke up early the next morning,He wanted to keep his promise to Analisette that he would be home tonight. He told her before he went to sleep about Salma and her attempts to have him for her own,Analisette wasn't surprised but said simply,"If she touches you ill kill her." Adrine laughed but knew if anyone had touched her or hurt her in anyway he would do the same.
The hotel room was small. Full size bed,end tables with lamps on both sides,a small dresser in front of the bed with a twenty inch television on top,and one closet. Adrine turned on the TV and changed the channel to the news.
.."Good morning today we're talking with a Doctor Kira Avin a local Psychologist about what this serial bomber might be planning. Kira what do you think will happen next,is it safe to go out anywhere anymore?"The anchor looks at a Kira a middle aged woman with dark red hair and a suit on who said,"Well  Martha,I honestly think that life should go on. The main key point in this discussion is not to panic,it has been months since the last bombing and there is a chance that this menace has gotten it out of his or her system." Kira took a sip of her coffee as Martha looked for the next question on her card,"In your practice do you deal with many people who act this way?" Kira smiled,"I don't deal with anyone,i like to put it as I'm helping them. I do HELP many people prone to this type of destructive behavior." Martha nodded in a very fake attentive manner then asked the next question,"What are some typical characteristics of people who have this destructive behavior?" Kira looked away then at Martha with her eyes narrowed and replied,"Nothing is typical about "these people",One could be a loner and shy and another could be,for lack of a better word,the life of the party.The person who is doing this,could be looking for attention and has no friends,or this could have been an accident. Right now so much isn't apparent,its a waiting game."  Martha looked around shocked then touched her ear and said,"Now a message from our sponsors."...
Adrine smiled and thought,"Guess you weren't expecting that answer Martha." He laughed to himself then got out of bed with a stretch and walked toward the bathroom. The bathroom had a standing shower, toilet and sink. It was nothing special but it would serve its purpose. Adrine turned the shower on and undressed.
 The water felt amazing and allowed him some time to remember...
"What the fuck you want pig?" Lolita said looking strung out on a park bench. Adrine walked up to her,"I just want to help you,whats your name?" Lolita smiled,"Are you like the rest of them? Want to have a good time?" Adrine tightened his jaw,"I don't know what your talking about.Whats your name?" Lolita looked away,"Why should I tell you pig?I'm no one.Nothing." Adrine shook his head,"I want to help you." She looked up at him,"Why me? There are plenty out there like me,why do you want to help me?" Adrine swallowed hard,"Because you deserve help." Lolita looked up with tears in her eyes and said her name.
It was then that he talked her out of using drugs. He wanted the best for her,didn't even know her,but wanted her to live.
A series of knocks at the door broke his memories. He hurried out of the shower,changed into his clothes,turned off the TV and opened the door. Salma stood there with two cups of coffee and a brown bag,"Blueberry muffin or plain bagel with butter?" Adrine was hungry but food from her.Not an option. "No,I'm good." She looked at him with a half smile,nodded then talked business,"Well, I talked to forensics they took the bodies for an autopsy yesterday.Ill have the results later." Adrine nodded in understanding ,"Lets go to the house."
In silence.It took them an hour to get to the house,The SUV Clifford had gave them was still there,bags lay on the path in front of the house. "Had they even made it inside?" Adrine asked himself. He parked and got out of his car,Salma followed. She handed Adrine a pair of rubber gloves and walked over to the car. "It was Lolitas and Ricks,"Adrine yelled to her as he checked the bags on the walkway. "Its still full,nothings been moved,"She yelled back. Adrine wanted to check in the house but went for the garage at the end of the driveway. He herd Salma open the front door to the house and walk in. He opened the door beside the garage door and walked in to a Lincoln SUV. It looked familiar to him so he figured it was Quintens,he wrote down the registration and license number to look it up later."If he parked somewhere they would see,maybe they would still be alive." He said as he walked around the side of the SUV deeper into the garage. A safe and boat stood beside each other. "Wonder whats in the safe?" He wrote the serial number down and got out of the garage.
As he entered the house he seen the blood stains,tape outlines and numbered cards.The smell was over bearing but he managed to ask, "What do you know?" She looked up at him then down,"Looks like there was some sort of altercation by the door that led to the living room,They said that the woman-i mean Lolita was by Rick,"She walked over to the chair at the far end of the living room and continued,"Do you see this splatter,Quinten was here." Her phone began to ring and she excused herself to the kitchen. Adrine couldn't help but envision what happened. Everything was seen in flashes. Rick and Lolita lay next to each other covered in blood,across from them Quinten sits with his head thrown back. Adrine removed his glove and rubbed his eyes but the images kept flashing in his head. Salma rushed back into the room and said,"That was forensics,they told me that Rick was shot in his lung and that's what caused his death,Quintens skin was found under his fingernails so they were in a fight and possibly was shot on accident,They said moments after the estimated time of Ricks wound Quinten was shot in his stomach,so it had to be during the fight. But Quintens head wound,wasn't self inflicted,he was shot in the head and that is what ended his life. And Lolita,she shot herself moments after Quintens estimated time of death." Adrine was in shock but managed to say,"She loved him,She couldn't live without him." He shook his head and a tear dropped from his eye. Salma walked over to him and rubbed his arm,"Its ok,at least we can close the case.We're done here." Adrine straightened up himself and moved his arm from her touch."Lets go then."
Adrine drove faster than he ever had before,he wanted to ditch Salma and get to Analisette and tell her what he knew. When he reached the precinct Salma said,"This is the number for the place where Lolita and Rick are being held,I didn't know if you were going to arrange a service or not." Adrine took the card with the number and said,"Thank you.Bye." Salma half smiled and left. He took out his phone and hit send on Analisette,"I'm almost home,Mami should be there in fifteen minutes." Analisette replied,"Ok baby,I'm in your apartment still and i cooked dinner." Adrine smiled,"Love you.be there in a minute."
He opened the door to his apartment and seen the table set with short stemmed pale yellow daises,long white candles in silver holders,gold lined plates,and silverware all lined up. It made him smile that she set that up. He walked over to the kitchen and seen her wearing a blue silk nightie and stirring a pot of pasta and the aroma of meatballs and garlic bread filled the air. Analisette looked over her shoulder,"Go shower,I don't want to think about anything but me and you tonight,tomorrow we will talk about Lolita and Rick,not tonight,i cant." Adrine did as he was told.
Dinner was sweet and romantic to say the least,he was happy to see her smile for the first time since the news about Lolita and Rick. She needed this. After dinner they laid on the couch together and put on a movie. Adrine held her tight as she laid with her back on his chest.Suddenly the thought of Lolita taking her own life after Rick was dead exploded in his head. He kissed her neck and said,"I love you so much Analisette,never forget that." She turned to him so that they were face to face and said,"Ill never forget,my only." Adrine kissed her as if it were the last time, and promised himself that he would kiss her like that every time,no exceptions.
 

Moments of Truth (pt46)

"Why wont she shut the fuck up already!" Adrine yelled to himself. Salma Sanchez was on her third link of her life story and had no intention of stopping. Adrine had tried everything to get her to shut up,lowered all the windows so the breaking highway wind could over power her voice,raised the volume on the radio but even the bass couldn't compete with her,even stopped at a rest stop just to find retreat in the men's room but he returned to her continuation of why she would be an asset in New City because of what she went through. Adrine was annoyed to say the least. He couldn't think of anyone else that got under his skin,like she did. "Did you hear me?"Salma asked concerned. Adrine looked at her on the brink of opening up a verbal can of whoop ass,"What!What is it!" Salma backed up in the passenger side chair and said,"Someones touchy.I said that we should find something to eat,maybe somewhere to sleep its getting late and i have to get in contact with the forensic team i sent there earlier." Adrine jumped at the chance to be separated from her for a longer period of time than at the rest stop. He pulled off at the next exit and followed some signs to a fast food joint and looked at Salma. "Couldn't find anything more,classy?"She said in a smug tone. Adrine smiled,"Order a number instead of the dollar menu." Her jaw dropped. Adrine got out of his car and began to walk in. It was kid friendly with an adult twist. The smell of burgers and fries were thick in the air. He looked back to see Salma on the phone in his car. He placed his order and got it then sat down and began to eat. Salma walked in and shot him a dirty look then placed her order and sat in front of him once she had her food. He looked up from his meal and seen her with a smile on her face. "We don't have to sit together." She opened up the box containing a big greasy burger with all the fixings,"Your going to learn to like me Adrine,whether you like it or not." Adrine took a sip of his bottle of water and asked inquisitively,"How you figure?" She laughed maliciously and looked him in his eyes and said in near snarl,"We will be spending alot more time together than you think.Once you are promoted guess who will be your partner." Adrine tightened his jaw and looked at her with hatred. She smiled and stole one of his french fries and ate it seductively,"They say opposites attract,you hate me and i want you,we could make this work." Adrine rose from his seat and lifted his tray from the table,"You will never have me,ever.Get that through your head." Adrine walked over to the garbage can and emptied his tray,without making eye contact with her he left to his car.
Salma watched him leave. Once he was gone she looked at the empty seat in front of her and said,"Adrine,you'll learn how to love me as much as I love you." She acted as if she was listening to him say something,"You mean it?Really?You'll leave her for me?I knew you would." She smiled and ate her food.
Earlier in New City, Analisette sat in Minervas apartment with Abby and Susie. Susie was laying on the couch across from her talking to her dolls. And Abby sat next to Analisette and told her all about her trip and how she met Clifford and thinks he is cool. Analisette nodded her head trying to keep up."Abby take your sister into your room and watch TV there me and Analisette have to talk about grown up things." Minerva said as she walked into the living room where they were and placed two cups of coffee on the coffee table in front of Analisette. Abby looked at Susie and said,"Come on Suze lets go watch that movie you love with the big headed girls." Susie smiled and walked with Abby out of the living room.
Analisette grabbed the coffee and took a big gulp. She needed it. Everything was happening so fast. She didn't know what to do. Minerva took a seat across from her and said,"I'm so sorry to call you randomly.I just don't have anyone else. Your my only friend besides Clifford,but i don't even know anymore." Analisette put her cup on the table and shook her head,"Don't worry about it,I'm here for you. What happened between you and Clifford?" Minerva brushed her hand through her hair and said,"Well,we kissed.I mean everything was fine,until i found his wallet.He was rushing out and dropped it.A picture of me and the girls fell out and on the back Charlie had written on it. He said he was his cousin. He said he loved me." She placed her hands on her lap and began pushing back her cuticles. "Minerva,Clifford isn't a bad guy.Sometimes people are related to monsters,but that doesn't make them a monster." Analisette said calmly. Analisette had known that Clifford was related to Charlie,and that he might love Minerva,but due to everything happening so fast she had forgotten to tell her. Minerva smiled,"I really like him,but he should have told me.What if Adrine hadn't told you something like that? What if he hid something from you for all this time that you have been together? Would you forgive him?" Analisette tried to think if she was in her shoes. Tried to think about how deceitful he would have been. "I honestly don't know Minnie.I would follow my heart." She said shrugging her shoulders repeatedly. Minerva looked away,"My heart tells me to run to him. But my head is telling me he's a liar." Analisette swallowed hard,"Minnie i cant tell you what to do,ultimately the choice is yours.He's a good man,He came to us and helped Lolita and Rick-" Tears welled up in her eyes. Minerva quickly got up and sat beside her and held her hand,"Whats wrong Alise?" She looked into Minerva's eyes and said,"Lolita and Rick are dead. Clifford found them,he went to Charlies house upstate where he told them they would be safe to check on them.But,Quintens body was there too.He found them all dead.We don't know yet the story of what happened.Adrine is on the case.I have to arrange a funeral for Rick and Lolita now.Clifford told me what he found he was so hysterical.I wanted to tell you about Clifford but everything happend so fast.Im sorry." Minerva threw her arms around Analisette and hugged her tight and cried with her. "Ill help you Alise,Ill help you with everything don't worry.We will give them the best goodbye,they deserve it.Dont worry about not telling me,he told me,its ok."Minerva said reassuringly through her saddened voice. Analisette nodded and tried to compose herself. "I just really believed this would have been the best thing for Lolita,now ill never know.But Clifford gave her that opportunity to start over,he didn't know her,only knew what happened and tried to make it right.And this?" She shook her head from side to side and pushed back the tears. Minerva let her go and held her hand,"We will get through this Analisette, don't worry.Do you want to stay here until Adrine comes back?" Analisette wanted to be alone and told her but thanked her for offering. She looked at the door and said,"I think i should head back up to my apartment and get started on the planning of everything and get some estimates,i don't know." Minerva walked her to the door and gave her a big hug and reassured her if she could help to let her know.
Adrine took out his phone when he was sitting in his car waiting for Salma to return. He imagined how he could leave her here in the middle of no where,then remembered that he was working with her and would most likely get fired for it.The thought made him smile though. He hit send on Analisette and waited. "Hey,Baby." Analisette said in a sad tone. Adrines heart pained for her,"How you holding up,Mami?" She took a deep breath then replied,"I'm better than i was,i vented a little to Minerva.She said she would help with the funeral." Adrines world brightened at the sound of some progress,"That's good,baby.I haven't reached the house yet.I think i might have to get a hotel room,but i will definitely be back tomorrow night." Analisette sighed,"Ok.I'm gonna sleep in your apartment then,my apartment reminds me too much of Lolita and Rick." Adrine watched as Salma walked out of the restaurant and headed for the car. "Ok Mami,if you feel more comfortable there then do that.Make sure you eat something please."He said hoping she would listen. Salma got into the car and said with an attitude,"Who are you talking to?" Analisette looked at the phone then said,"Let me talk to her,Ill tell her who I am." Adrine rolled his eyes,"I love you Alise.Ill call you when I'm settled in the Hotel." Analisette sighed,"I was gonna play nice,promise.She was the one who had the attitude." Adrine smiled at his tough chick then repeated,"I love you." Analisette took a breath then said, "I love you too." They said goodbye then hung up.
"So,that was your girlfriend?" Salma said jealous. Adrine smiled,"No.That was my wife.And if you ever act like that again, ill put you on the phone with her.Trust me she wont be as patient as i am with you." Salma crossed her arms,looked out the window,and mumbled to herself. Adrine smiled at his win and drove.
As he pulled up to a motel he said,"Wait here,Ill get us rooms." Salma smiled,"The precinct only pays for one room,I guess we're sharing." Adrine laughed sarcastically then said,"I have my own money princess.I'm getting my own room." She looked away and huffed...