Chapter 2
Serenity
“We need to tighten up this case, Serenity. What else do you need to do to make sure that we put this asshole in prison for a long time?”
“Kyle, I got this. I have everything ready for the case tomorrow. Stop worrying about it. This case is a slam dunk.”
Kyle just rolled his eyes at me. I knew he hated how confident I was, but I was the best and I was not afraid to act like it. When someone brought me in, it’s because they had no other option and they needed someone like me. I looked over the notes again and knew I had this. Shut it down, Serenity, I kept telling myself. That was my problem though, my mind didn’t shut off. I was always thinking about the next thing. It’s been a problem since I was a kid.
My parents always told me to live in the moment, but I always thought, then what? What happens after that moment is over? There needed to be a plan.
“I will see you in the morning, Kyle. Don’t forget the coffee this time.” I said in a tone that was nice but firm. I grabbed my bags and turned toward the door.
“Hey, do you want to meet up later for drinks?” he asked.
I turned and studied him momentarily. I wasn’t one to mix business with pleasure, but a girl’s needs do need to be met sometimes. Or not.
“No, I’m busy, but thank you. I will see you in the morning.” This was not one of those moments.
He looked like he could be a good friend, but not the type for me. He was tall, but a little too thin for me. I needed a guy who could take charge and throw me around the bedroom a little. I needed someone who took control from me but let me take it back as well. It has definitely been a while since I have been with anyone.
Shaking the thought out of my head, I left the office. Heading over to the elevator, I hit the button. As I waited, I checked my email for my next assignment once this case is over.
The door opened and I walked in and when the door shut, I put my phone down and stared off into space. This was the life that I was meant to live aside from always feeling lonely. That was a feeling that I never let show on my face, but it was inside me more times than not. Reading my emails as I exited the building, I saw one from my boss in New York.
Serenity-
I hope that the case in Chicago is going well. I have no doubt that you have everything under control and will bring this one home quickly. Just wanted to let you know when you are done with the case you need to take some time off. It’s been a while since you have had any time off and you deserve it. I have already put in for a two-week vacation for you. This is nonnegotiable. You need this time to relax. Again, this is nonnegotiable.
Take care,
Mark
Like what the flying fuck! I closed my phone quickly and put it in my bag. My phone better be grateful that I needed it because I should be smashing it to the ground instead. He was benching me. Mark has been like a second dad to me, but this was taking it too far. He knew everything about me and I understood where he was coming from, but vacations were for when you’re in your fifties and had nothing else to do. This would not be the end of this, but for now I needed a drink.
After I got into the cab and told the driver where to go, I just stared out of the window. Chicago was so beautiful in early fall. The city seemed so alive as we drove down the street. I saw all the people walking and seeming so content. I hadn’t even made the time to go around and sightsee. That was my problem though, I never had time for anything but work. Maybe I could take this time off and relax. I laughed at myself because that shit wasn’t happening.
We pulled up to my hotel and I quickly paid the driver and exited. I started to head up to my room. I took the key card out and swiped it at the door. Beep. What the hell? Beep. I swear if this thing didn’t work, I”m going to be pissed. Click. Finally. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.
I walked into the room and put my bag down and went right to take my shoes off. I sat on the side of the bed and rubbed my feet. I hated wearing heels, but they came with the job. I felt like the more uncomfortable I was, the more I focused on getting the job done. Something else that was just in my head, I guessed.
I laid back on the bed for a few seconds, then decided I was going to take a shower. I spent about twenty minutes in the shower before getting out. I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. I took a deep breath and tried to clear my head of everything from the last month. Maybe going out would help with that.
I looked through my bags and found the little black dress that I stashed away that I usually wore on the night of a victory, but tonight would have to do. I pulled it on and grabbed my red bottom heels and checked myself out in the mirror once more.
I looked thin, but underneath I was all muscle. That was thanks to my trainer back home. She would kill me when I get back because I haven’t exercised at all since I have been here. Shaking yet another thought out of my head, I headed to that bathroom to finish getting ready.