Wednesday Briefs: Coming Home

Thanks to Jonas and the copious amounts of snow received, Avery had time to write a story for this week.

This is a new set of characters so I hope you enjoy them! Thanks to Julie for helping with edits and coming up with a title.

Shh…the story doesn’t include a prompt but does fall within the word count of 500-1000 words.

Coming Home

by

Avery Dawes

Detective Henry LaSalle pushed through the squad room doors. Exhaustion etched the deep lines of his normally youthful face while his meticulously pressed suit sported a number of wrinkles as well as several smudges of unknown origin.

A round of applause arose from the remaining officers and investigators. Shouts of “good job” and “way to go” greeted LaSalle’s now reddened ears.

He ducked his head, throwing up his hand in a wave of thanks. LaSalle was never comfortable with being the center of attention, even in situations where praise was more than warranted.

The yearlong investigation had culminated less than an hour ago with LaSalle cuffing the alleged murderer and stuffing him into the back seat of a black and white. However, LaSalle’s job wasn’t finished just because the perp was in lock-up. He pulled out his desk chair and sank heavily into the worn black leather. He tugged at his already loosened tie, waiting for his computer to start up.

“Henry, why don’t you just head home? Get some sleep?” Lt. Anson Denton gently pushed a perfectly aligned pile of file folders to the side and made himself comfortable on the corner of LaSalle’s desk. “That paperwork will still be here in the morning.”

LaSalle leaned back in his chair and scrubbed his hands over his eyes. “I suppose you’re right.” He sat forward, staring hard into his supervisor’s face. “Fact is, I couldn’t tell you when I last slept.”

“It’s been what? Over thirty-six hours since you got that tip?” Denton leaned closer to LaSalle and lowered his voice. “Go home and snuggle up next to Jerrod.”

LaSalle sighed, contemplating just how much energy it would take to make that happen. But the thought of Jerrod…being able to touch him and be held by him…was enough to motivate his weary bones. LaSalle punched the power button on his computer and pushed to his feet.

He nodded at Denton. “You know what? I think that’s a great idea. I’ll see you in the morning—but it won’t be first thing.”

His boss chuckled. “Let’s say nine. I think you deserve to sleep in.”

“You’re too gracious, Lieutenant.” With that, LaSalle headed toward the door.

* * * *

Henry sent a quick text, alerting Jerrod that he was finally on his way home. His unmarked car rumbled to life, and before he knew it, Henry was on autopilot to the quiet rowhouse they shared. As he passed his third fast food restaurant, the smell of grilled burgers filtered into his car. His stomach suddenly remembered it was hungry—as in ravenous. Jerrod would kill him for bringing home a burger and fries, but he was always up for trying to bribe his man. It didn’t hurt that Jerrod had a soft spot for strawberry milkshakes.

He shoveled fries into his mouth as he drove. He even managed to polish the burger off before opening the front door of his home. Henry quickly brushed off his shirt. No visible evidence…although, Jerrod would know. He always did. That ridiculous sixth sense of his.

“Babe, you’re home.” Jerrod rushed in for a hug and a kiss, but stopped short when he saw the plastic cup in Henry’s outstretched hand.. “And you have a strawberry milkshake. What did you do?”

“Nothing, darling. I figured since I haven’t been around much, the least I could do—”

Jerrod pressed a finger to Henry’s lips, halting his excuse. “I know how tough that case was for you. I’m so glad you were able to solve it and bring in the bad guy.” He took the cup out of Henry’s hand. “Why don’t you grab a shower while I enjoy my shake? Then, I’ll meet you in bed.”

“Jer, I’m not going to be worth anything tonight. I just…”

“Hey, it’s okay.” Jerrod wrapped his arms around Henry. He pressed a soft kiss to Henry’s neck. “Change in plans. I’ll draw a bath for you, get you cleaned up, and then tuck you into bed.”

A small smile appeared on Henry’s mouth. “I like the sound of that much better.” He gave Jerrod a squeeze before whispering, “And you’ll hold me when the nightmares come, right?”

Hearing his tough detective’s voice sound so shaky and unsure nearly broke Jerrod’s heart. “Of course, babe. You didn’t need to ask.”

to be continued…

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