"Tomorrow, I'll go with you," I say to Derek. He looks at me surprised; in all our years together I've never gone to their graveside. I only blow kisses to my parents when I'm in Tel Aviv. I don't do cemeteries, but for him, I'll try. He's my brother. We both look at Greg and he shakes his head. He won't go with us, but he's happy that I'm going with Derek.
Our meeting with the superiors is at 10:00 a.m., so we decide to take a nap while the others relax until the meeting.
Duncanand I disagreed about him coming to the station with me. Finally, Joshua talked him into staying with Ana while he came with me. I see that Duncan is afraid to let me out of his sight, but I just can't let him hold me too tight. Even though I'll marry him and I love him, I need to be me. I'm strong, independent, and not afraid to love him anymore.
"You know that he's going to be climbing the walls before we get back, don't you?" Joshua says.
"Yep, he'll be, but he needs to let me have some space once in a while."
"It's not about space, Maya, it’s about him almost losing you yesterday. It's going to take him a while to not feel protective of you."
"How do you know?"
"Experience. Someday we'll discuss my past. Not today though, let's get this over with." I know he's partially talking about his Angel, but the rest I don't know.
We pull up in front of the station and I straighten my clothes. I wore a simple double-breasted pants suit in black, with my gun in its holster on my hip. All the guys are wearing different suits. Joshua is wearing a dark suit with a tie, Derek is in a suit with a vest and tie, and Greg is in his standard black suit. We all look very striking and sure of ourselves.
Joshua assured Derek and I this was what we needed to project so this would be easier for us. I turn to see Derek sitting behind me looking like I feel. I remember the day we signed up, our graduation, and the day we finally became partners. I know this will be the last time I walk through those doors.
"Officer Aaron, Officer Williams, your union rep is waiting for you in Conference Room One with the chief. Officer Aaron, a delivery was left for you, I put it in the meeting room too." I nod to the officer at the door.
Joshua, Derek, and I walk down the hall to the conference room. Greg stays back because of the conflict of interest with Derek. Joshua looks at me, knowing that the delivery isn't going to be good. We walk into the conference room and I see the bouquet of yellow carnations and the card. I walk over and lift the card carefully, using the sleeve of my jacket so I don't leave prints.
Yellow carnations for the disappointment I feel toward you. No man but me will have you. I couldn't have your mother, but I will have you.
Love always,
Sir
Before I can react to the card, my chief and the union rep walk into the conference room. The chief knows what's been going on, so he calls for a tech to come in and take the offensive note and bouquet from the room. I feel rattled and worried I won't be able to go through with this. I love Duncan and want to be with him, but I worry about the danger we're all in now.
"Officer Aaron, Officer Williams, please have a seat. Who’s this?" my chief asks after the tech leaves.
"This is Joshua Donovan, he's one of the owners of Securities International." Derek and I sit across from them with Joshua standing behind us. I feel like we're in trouble, although I know we didn't do anything wrong.
"Officer Aaron, can I ask why Mr. Donovan is here?"
"I'm here to represent my business partner and to support her in this situation. Furthermore, Mr. Williams works for both of us too," Joshua states.
"Officer Aaron was acting on your behalf yesterday?"
"Yes. I believe she spoke to you already about resigning to take a more permanent position with our company. By my investigation, Maya represented all parties fully and only acted with deadly force when was necessary. Derek did nothing wrong but support his partner and boss."
"After speaking with Mr. Nelson and searching his apartment, we have determined he’s been following you for a while. With the confession you turned over and the evidence of his behavior, he confirmed that he was hired to shoot Duncan Preston and Officer Williams, but not who hired him. We’re confident that he will tell us. He also confirmed that he was working with a Jonathon Davidson. We have also found out that Mr. Nelson hired the men who were killed and taken into custody yesterday. Interpol along with the London authorities have been contacted. The Philly police have cleared you and Duncan Preston, although they're still trying to identify the perps who attacked you and Mrs. Davidson. Officer Aaron, you're clear of any charges. Are you sure you want to leave? You and Officer Williams have been an asset to the Secret Service and us."
"Chief, I really appreciate you clearing my name and I thank you for everything you've done for me, but this is my next step. I know that working with Joshua will allow me to protect my family and myself from this stalker, and help with stopping terrorism." I shake their hands and unclip my badge, then I pull my sidearm, drop the mag, and clear the chamber. I set them all down on the table and nod my head at them. "Thank you. Here is my resignation letter, effective immediately." I set it down.
"Here is my letter too," Derek says as he stands and does the same. We both walk out with Joshua and Greg flanking me.
Okay, Mom, Abba, here I go, help me,I whisper the prayer to myself and take a deep breath.
"Welcome, partner! Welcome to the family!" Joshua puts his arm around my shoulder and we walk from the precinct. I lookover and take Derek's hand as Greg steps back so we can share this moment. This was just as hard on him if not more so.
"Are you sure about this, Derek?"
"Yeah, sexy. I'm tired of feeling like I'm in a losing battle."
"I agree with him too," Greg says.
