And a night outside

Pt 05 | Selina Johnson

-Hey, hey? It's okay baby girl. It's alright. I am sorry for this,- There was that softness inside his voice. Something you can't believe as a part of him in general; at least it was like that for all the officers around him, including Frank too.

-Dad...(weeping)...what...what can I do?? I...don't...know. I have...failed this,- It was almost always impossible to comprehend but somehow only he used to get it.

-No. You went ahead and took necessary steps. Tried your best to assist him...to save him.

-...

-I couldn't have done better myself with the given situation and no back up. You are a strong girl Sel, stronger than your mother, than me. Even though we're not close, you ARE my daughter. I'm proud of you.

-(Sighs)...But...what...how do I face her? The girl...I don't think..

-Hm, you see Sel Frank could have gone for any child care policies. In fact he had one of the best insurances and Violet can have a very good life. There was this woman named...Star for short, volunteered,- And right then after hearing that name I couldn't but feel the urge to stand up.

-Yeah. I have heard Frank often used to say that name over his phone.

-What I mean is, you were not supposed to be her guardian but he asked for you, in his last moments.

-Frank said...it was just too much to ask that Star lady to look over Violet..

-He said that so you could take the role of parent.

-...

-Talk to her when you are ready.

-Yes. I will.

-Now eat healthy. And come back safely, okay? Love you sweetie.

-Yeah Dad. Love you too. Try to look after yourself. Talk to Mom at some point.

-(Sighs)...bye baby. And don't meddle with the locals. You know this.

-Bye Dad.

19:05 | Outside the apartment

After talking to Dad I felt like I could use a walk. Still needed some real drinks to set my mind right. The bar came into my head as soon as I stepped outside. The little ad was still inside one of my pockets. I took out my phone and started to dial in the number hoping he would pick up...

-Yeah?

-Whoah big guy! I was just thinking of coming to the bar.

-Ms. Inspector huh? I gotta say I didn't expect a call from you; not until everything's been clear.

-And what's that supposed to mean??

-Nothing, nothing. Tell me if it's not for my new recruit then what am I having the pleasure for?

-I need some drinks, and suddenly you came into mind.

-Is that so? I am honoured.

-And I believe I still have to pay my due. Are you up for that?

-I am...but unfortunately the bar is closed for tonight and maybe tomorrow too.

-Wow...

-You know you may think gunshots, amateurs kids getting beat up by some other amateurs, missing limbs and property damage; these are pretty common here but thanks to you I may have earned a day off.

-Well, you did have that 'official safety certificate' hanging over your head all the time.

-(laughs)...yeah...right. Tell you what; say...I won't hold it against you. Your due at here. Actually, I was gonna convince management anyway.

-That's a first. I think I can still make a gentleman out of you yet.

-Ugh, I am not exactly looking forward to that. But since you are responsible for my 'free' day off...

-Hmm?

-Maybe I can fill up the glass for you.

-Can you?

-Come at my place tomorrow at your leisure.

-What about tonight? I wouldn't have called you tonight if I needed a drink tomorrow.

-That...won't be a good idea. For me, I mean.

-Come on...Jerry. Don't give me a story now.

-That's cute; okay, you win this one but I can't promise anything on alcohol right now. It's up to you if you're okay with this.

-Funny, now tell me where do you hide that 42 inches chest of yours?

-(Signs)...do you have pen?

I noted down his address on my phone. I wasn't sure what I was thinking. Probably I felt like being selfish for one night. I know that I needed some warmth inside my body to wash away the cold storm over my mind. And I was prepared to borrow that warmth from somebody else if I had to.