Unusual Circumstances

Ellie was rounding the corner where the violent crimes unit was located, just as Kaylin stepped through the door leading to it. She had never been attracted to another woman before and considered herself straight as a ruler. Nonetheless, she could see how a smaller, more feminine woman who was gay would find the detective appealing—her tall, strong frame, dark, penetrating eyes, and sharp jawline gave an impression of commanding strength. She could see how Kaylin would make a petite girl like Mayani feel safe and protected. “Hey,” Kaylin said with a smile, recognizing Ellie immediately. “What’s up, Delaney?” “Not much, but the Nolen girl sure misses you. She’s been rather down. I try to encourage her to talk, but she won’t say much.” The detective’s expression softened, a hint of sadness crossing her features. “I see,” said Kaylin. Ellie noted Kaylin’s uniform. “Whatcha doing in uniform, girl?” Kaylin shrugged. “I’m not always undercover, you know?” Ellie nodded. “So, how are you and Les?” “Not good at all. I gave him the boot just the other day. I’ve never been attracted to another woman in my life, but sometimes I wish I could be, the way so many guys are.” Kaylin chuckled. “They give us ultimatums, control us, expect us to sacrifice everything, yet never appreciate it. It’s an endless cycle of bullshit,” Ellie said, frustration in her voice. “So… you want Nolen back?” Kaylin paused, considering her words. “Sure, I’d like that. Is she with you now?” “No, she’s at my place. Maybe we can talk to the captain.” “Yeah, maybe… though I can’t imagine what we’d say. She has less than two weeks to go.” “I have to go by his turf anyway,” Ellie said. “So let’s head in that direction if you’re not tied up with anything urgent, and we’ll think of something clever along the way.” “Okay,” said Kaylin, and they began walking. “So, she’s been depressed, huh?” Ellie nodded. “I won’t lie—I haven’t told her the full truth about my boyfriend problems, but that’s accurate.” “We can also mention that Mayani’s grandmother isn’t in great health and that she’d prefer to be closer. This new captain isn’t exactly sympathetic.” “No, he’s not. I miss Wilkes. She was the best captain we ever had before the cancer claimed her.” “I agree,” Kaylin said. They reached the captain’s office. Ellie felt short walking alongside Kaylin. At the secretary’s desk, a mousy woman with bad breath eyed them. “Is Captain Mulligan in?” Ellie asked. “I believe so. Shall I send them in?” the secretary asked, picking up the phone. A moment later: “If it won’t take long, he said.” “Oh, it won’t take long at all,” Kaylin said. Ellie followed Kaylin into the cluttered office. The captain, an older, pot-bellied man with thinning gray hair and thick glasses, chewed on his tobacco. “What brings you ladies here today?” “Well, Captain, it’s about an inmate under house arrest currently residing with me,” Ellie began. “Yeah? Who?” “Mayani Nolen.” “What’s she done?” “She was caught riding with someone carrying drugs and paraphernalia. Sixty days of house arrest. She was with Officer Bennet until two weeks ago.” “I see. So… what about her?” the captain asked, chewing rhythmically. “Bennet and I discussed it, and we think she should be moved back in with her,” Ellie explained, nodding toward Kaylin. “Oh, really? She was with you to begin with, huh?” “Yes,” Kaylin said. “Then she was moved when I was assigned a busy case, which has since closed. Her grandmother isn’t well and lives close to my house. Officer Delaney, on the other hand, lives clear across town.” The captain chewed thoughtfully, then sighed. “Well, I’m sorry about the grandmother, but the girl should have thought of that before choosing the wrong person to ride with.” Kaylin and Ellie exchanged uneasy glances. “Any other reasons for the transfer?” he asked. “Well,” Ellie said, “I’ve been having personal problems, and I don’t think it’s fair to make Mayani a part of it.” “What kind of problems?” “With the guy I’ve been seeing.” “He’s not dangerous, is he?” “No, it’s not that. It just feels awkward having a stranger around while we try to work things out.” “Then why’d you take her?” “At the time, we weren’t having problems.” “How much time has Nolen left?” “About two weeks,” Kaylin said. “That’s not long,” the captain muttered, still reluctant. “Anything else?” Exchanging glances, the officers shook their heads. “No, sir, that covers it,” Ellie said. The captain considered for a moment. Finally, he nodded. “Yeah, ok. Make the swap. Quickly.” Kaylin tried not to let her excitement show. A simple nod and quick “thank you” sufficed. “Be sure to stop by for a new ID bracelet along the way.” “Yes, Captain. Thank you,” Ellie said. Back in the corridor, Kaylin smiled happily at Ellie. “Thanks, Ellie.” “You’re quite welcome.” “I owe you one for this.” “Nah. You don’t owe me anything. Enjoy the girl while she’s still on probation—and, if it’s meant to be, afterward as well.” Kaylin chuckled. “Maybe I will. But first, a few stops around town after we get the bracelet made up.” “Ok.” “And please, don’t say anything to Mayani. I want it to be a surprise.” “No problem. She’ll find it delightful.” “And don’t suggest I overstepped boundaries to anyone.” “Never. I’ll just say she was moved for her grandmother.” “She’ll feel more comfortable closer to her, and her grandmother will too.” They had the bracelet made before parting in the parking lot. Kaylin planned to pick up Mayani at three. It was now 1:30. In the hot sunshine, she headed for her SUV, pausing briefly as a fleeting feeling of being watched made her hesitate, then shrugged, climbed in, and started the engine.