Castleton Police Department

  Tuesday

  Freddo's Food Truck

  Noonish

  Detective Patterson and Dave arrive at the window exactly as Freddo pops up from behind the counter with a bottle and towel. The food truck proprietor checks the two law enforcement officers out, noting Octavia's lack of a uniform and the beaming smile on her face. He studies the woman detective even closer as Detective Mackey also joins them at the window.

  "I am sensing something...Is different today," Freddo says. "Am I not correct? You are smiling and laughing a lot more than usual, Detective Patterson. And I have never seen you dress more beautifully. Well, maybe once before."

  "Yes, Freddo. Something is very different today," Octavia says between a light chuckle.

  The detective raises her left hand and extends it forward, so that Freddo may glimpse the ring on her finger. Freddo smirks and nods his head up and down.

  "Ah. I see. And who is the lucky man?" Freddo inquires, feigning ignorance.

  "Freddo?!? Come on. Who else?" Octavia responds, laughing more loudly.

  "How should I know, Detective? I was not there."

  "Seriously, Freddo?" Dave interjects. "You're gonna do me like that?"

  "Oh. It is you, Deputy Newsome? I might've guessed. Yes, I should have known," Freddo say. "But then again...I do remember a time. Not so long ago. When you and the detective did not seem to enjoy each other's company. You made fun of her food. She made fun of your weight. It was all very strange. But people change."

  "I don't think that's exactly how it happened, Freddo," Dave protests in a husky whisper.

  "Oh, that is exactly how it happened," Freddo retorts. "Ask Senor Mackey. He will tell you. We have had this conversation before."

  "What?" Octavia gasps. "James?!?"

  "Well, maybe not this exact conversation," Detective Mackey says in his defense. "But a similar one. We kind of had a bet that you two would either become good friends or mortal enemies. I guess Freddo won."

  "Oh my gosh, James. You were betting against me and Octavia? From the start?"

  "Not betting against you. Just...Forget about it. That bet cost me twenty bucks. I'd rather we didn't talk about it."

  "Says the guys who throws down almost twenty grand for a woman he's not even dating...At the time," Dave grumbles. "Anyway, let's eat."

  "My favorite catchphrase," James exclaims, clapping his hands and rubbing them together. "Give me two chili dogs...Smothered in onions. Lots of ketchup."

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  "I'll just have a cheeseburger, no condiments," Octavia says.

  "Make that two," Dave adds. "And a side of fries with both. Do not take Detective Patterson's money. No matter what she threatens you with. I'm paying."

  "Dave...,"

  "Nuh-uh. The man heard what I said."

  "Fine," Octavia pouts, crossing both arms over her chest.

  Freddo glances from Dave to Octavia. Detective Mackey's bet had been the easiest twenty dollars he'd ever made. Even in the beginning, Freddo had been able to see the tiny tug of war between the two law enforcement officers standing before him. Dave's not so subtle flirtations, the detective's lowered eyelids whenever she would speak, and the deputy's concern for the woman detective's welfare--making sure that she ate well and properly. Those are not the actions of an enemy. Those are the actions of two people who feel attraction but are weary of letting such feelings show. Freddo had been that way with his late wife. Thankfully, they had graduated from fear to become husband and bride. If only for a short time.

  -

  Twenty minutes later, the trio have their food and are heading for the parking lot. Detective Mackey discusses his most recent case with animated hand gestures, demonstrating the instability of the suspect when brought in for questioning.

  "The guy was completely hammered. If we'd tested his blood alcohol level, I'm certain there would've been more alcohol than blood. He claimed he was nowhere near the scene of the crime, but we have a glove and a hat with his DNA. Not to mention, the victim had his skin under her nails. Guy's face was scratched up worse than a kid in a Freddy Krueger movie...And he still had the balls to lie to me. The nerve of some people."

  "Tell me about it," Octavia agrees, rolling her eyes skyward. "I can't tell you how many times a suspect has literally been caught on film and they still refuse to change their story."

  "You know the old saying, Octavia," Dave interjects. "Believe half of what you see...And none of what you hear. Could be CGI or something. You never know."

  "Stop giving them excuses, Dave," Octavia exclaims, slapping the big deputy playfully on his left forearm. "They don't need any more help."

  "I'm just saying."

  As they approach Detective Mackey's Crown Vic, Octavia turns to Dave and hands him what is left of her food. Dave takes the food carrier with a quizzical look.

  "Dave...Do you mind if I talk to Detective Mackey a sec. I'll be along directly."

  "Sure, Octavia. I'll wait for you in the truck."

  "Okay, Dave."

  Octavia goes up on tiptoe and plants a kiss on Dave's lips. She cups his face as she draws away, staring deeply into his eyes.

  "I'll only be a sec."

  Dave nods and offers Octavia a wink. The deputy waves at James as he makes his way toward his parked Nissan. Octavia turns to Detective Mackey with an expression of genuine worry.

  "James, I meant what I said...About you being a good friend. You are. More than you'll ever know. Not just to me...But to Dave. I...You've done so much for us. You've helped us grow as a couple. There's just some things...I really don't think I can tell Dave. Things...I don't feel he'd understand. He might blame himself. And that would hurt me just as bad. I tried to tell him...Well, I'm thinking about leaving the force, James. Or maybe...Just stepping down. I'm not sure. I don't want to lose Dave the same way I lost Jackson. I love him too much. He was there for me...During some of my worst times. I want this relationship to work. I just don't know what to do."

  "Then, don't do anything," James says with finality. "Give it time. Take your vacation, see your family, and when you get back...Try discussing it with Dave again. If you're going to be tying the knot, it's best that you both be on the same page. I can't help you with that, Octavia. That's between you and Dave. It'll be okay. Give it time."

  Tears well in Octavia's eyes and she opens her arms for a hug. James hugs his detective counterpart, rubbing her shoulder with one hand.

  "You'll be fine, Octavia. It'll be fine," James reassures her.

  Octavia separates enough to grin into James' face. Her eyelids drop to halfway over her eyes and her voice becomes a husky whisper.

  "You know, James. If you hadn't already been spoken for...kinda...I might've tried for you myself. Madison is a lucky lady."

  "So I keep hearing," James chuckles softly.

  "Bye, James."

  "Bye, Octavia. Call me before you two head out."

  "I will. You can count on that," Octavia says, letting go of Detective Mackey.