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    Breathe– Chapter 33

    “Why didn’t she just give us a name?” James asked wearily as he sat his long frame in the chair next to Bette’s desk, suddenly feeling bone tired and frustrated by having to investigate one of their own.

    “She went as far as she could,” Bette said as she continued to study the numbers in front of her. “She already violated every rule in the reporter’s handbook by tipping me off to the story and the leak. We needed to connect the dots on our own.”

    James nodded and silently waited as task force members began to filter in for the hastily called early-morning meeting. Soft murmurs and quiet discussions were soon replaced by angry exchanges as varying opinions were shared on the front-page story of the Seattle Times.

    “Was it hard to trace?” Bette asked as her mind struggled not with the who, for that was clearly before her in black and white, but with so many other questions that she could not answer.

    James shook his head. Even though the call had routed through two separate PBX systems, Caller ID technology had advanced to the point where a few subtle manipulations of data revealed the individual extension that placed the call.

    “He walked out of the meeting and picked up the phone,” James said as surprise, anger and disappointment colored his tone. “Even placing the God dam call from his home would have at least,” James stopped, realizing he was suggesting ways the informant could have betrayed the department more effectively.

    Sensing that James’ shock and disbelief went far deeper than a casual working relationship Bette asked quietly “Have you known him a long time?”

    James nodded and rested his head in his hands. Without looking up he said in barely more than a whisper “I’m his son’s Godfather.”

    “James, I am so sorry. I had no idea.” Bette said softly, laying the report on her desk and placing a comforting hand on her lead CSI’s forearm.

    “Will it cost him his job?” James asked, finally looking up and meeting Bette’s worried and supportive gaze.

    As she looked at his tired, drawn face Bette more fully appreciated the toll this case was taking on everyone involved. She walked the halls and saw the sunken eyes from lack of sleep, she overheard the conversations with angry spouses tired of being single parents, and she saw the stress manifest itself in so many ways.

    Comments

    1. Soooo glad you’re back and starting to feel better. The words ‘dislocated pelvis’ themselves make me squeamish – let alone knowing that you’re actually experiencing it. Gods! This installment was great and not at all patchy. Please continue writing – it’s one of my faves! Hey, get one of those ergonomically correct chairs for your office. They are pricey but will definitely save your bones! Continue healing, Sox! – dragon

    2. *waving and jumping up and down* soxy so glad to hear from ya. was very worried. thanks for the dinner.

      it flowed for me. i love the details and the pain i feel bette in everytime she thinks about tina. back in fighting form. take care and be safe.

    3. THRILLED!!! you are back I am glad to are on the road to recovery..This story is so compelling..I can’t wait for it to unfold..You are one hell of a writer girl..Please take care of yourself and your family and post as soon as you can..Great chapter…Thanks again for your time..Feel better soon.

    4. Before I even start to read this chapter, I just want to say welcome back. Oh, how I have missed you. And so glad to hear that you’re healing. Now off I go.

    5. SOX…so glad your feeling better… you were missed but we were praying for you… and i’m glad your back and better… you know i love this story… so continue when your up to it… we will bw here waiting.. thanks

    6. Welcome back, Sox. Happy to hear that you’re getting back to your normal self.

      This story is just as riveting as ever! I am always amazed at home quickly I fly through the pages.

      Sensationalizing the killers actions unfortunately only gives credibility to his actions. But like Bette said, this was not publicity that he orchestrated. When people are upset that is when they are likely to make critical mistakes. We hope the same goes for him.

      A city full of copy cats…that’s a very disturbing thought. There’s always some nut job that wants their 15 minutes of fame and will be willing to ride on the coat tails of someone else that did the ground work.

      The arrogance of the young officer was only one of the things that got him removed from the task force…it was the fact that he was a danger to Tina’s safety that was the most damning.

      Most of the officers on some level are probably hoping that this will be a feather in their cap, but that is less important than their oath to Protect and Serve.

      Protocol and common sense were transcended by Jeff Kaplan’s ideal of protection. He thought outside of the box and decided that he would rather try and save a victim, rather than sit ideally by and provide the clues to how she died. Becoming a parent changes your perspective.

      Would Bette have done the same thing as Jeff Kaplan? He didn’t do it specifically to save Tina, and if Bette were in his place she wouldn’t have the same investment with Tina as she has now. Hopefully, we will never know.

      Tremendously thrilling story. Happy to see you have posted, even happier to know you will post again!

    7. Nice to see you back – you were missed. I hope you continue on the road to recovery.
      This was a good “behind the scenes chapter” about how this type of horrific case affects everyone involved.
      Looking forward to the next chapter and for the record, I am really worried about Tina!

    8. Hope everything keeps going well with you and yours. It a shame that one person in the name of justic did the wrong thing.Most of us would have done the same thing to save some one any harm. Bette is still between a rock and a hard place. Her job or Tina. Justic will prevail tho… thanks so much

    9. Sox1,

      Glad to hear that you are on the mend. Sending you kind thoughts to encourage the healing process.

      This chapter was a great change of pace and displayed the dogged determination and temerity that is required for police work, particularly involving a homicidal maniac. It is not the spoils that drive these officers but the knowledge that the criminal will not re-offend and will pay for the crimes.

      Bette’s call to arms speech is a brilliant observation of leadership and motivation. The investigators know their job and the responsibilities however it is often necessary to ensure that everyone is fighting in the same corner.

      The unveiling of the informant was heartfelt and compassionate. I felt every emotion that Bette, James and Jeff went through. This is a testament to your talent.

      I will, as ever, be waiting and watching for you next post.

      This story like a fine wine only gets better with age.

      Your Loyal Fan.

    10. welcome back Sox. I hope your recovery going well and u r feeling alot better. Now on to the chapter – once again, absolutely captivating. The way inwhich you describe a scene and create tension is outstanding. Thanx for your time and so looking forward to the next chapter.

    11. So glad you’re back and on the mend. Such a slow, painful process for you. Anyways your story – as tight and powerful as always. Absolutely rivetting.

    12. Great that your back and so glad that your doing better after the accident. As usual this chapter is excellent – looking forward to the next!

    13. so glad to hear you are recovering and feelin better. and hey..thx for this great post!! i’ve been waiting long enuf..!! :) take care meanwhile….hope to catch the next chapter soon!

    14. Sox….what a joy to have you back! I know Bette is going to nail this guy but , then what is her decision going to be? Will she stay with the SPD, will she retire to some romantic place with Tina, will she become a consultant, a trainer of young cops? Geez…endless possibilities.

      So glad you are on the mend and by the way, this chapter was well worth the wait.

    15. soxy – I wasn’t worried about the pooch or Tina – I was worried about you glad to hear you are healing and that you were taking care of yourself. You know your loyal fans will be here whenever so may your recovery continue and the story is as aways wonderful.

    16. Hey Sox..nice to see you´re back with us…hope you are feeling better after your little incident….take care now and do write something for us very soon. We so love the drame here…post soon

    17. It’s good 2 have u back and i hope ur feeling better, take care of urself would ya. thanx 4 the post, and just 2 let u know i love ur story.

    18. Newbie here. I’m glad you seem to be doing well. You are one lucky person.
      A good friend turned me on to this story, and I’m glad she did. All I can say about your work is @#e483^&3!~ &^(*&* AHJG8%^$@7@^ *^2wef6@$@!!. Exactly. There are just no words. I consider myself very lucky to have felt what you write so eloquently about.

      True love always ends in tragedy. Do you believe this? *holding breath*

    19. Hey Sox…..just wanted to say that I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter. This story is great! I hope you’re almost fully mended and things have now gotten back into their normal groove.

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