Detective Max

I walk into the all too familiar bar scene. The noise of the crowds drown out my thoughts. I sit on the third bar stool to the left. Any further would let people know how alone I am.

 

“What’ll be Max?” Al asks.

 

“Coke and Rum.” I answer.

 

He nods and starts making my drink. I wish he would hurry up, the sooner I can drink, the sooner I can forget.

 

“Slow day today?” Al looks up at me.

 

I guess he noticed me staring at him.

 

“You could say that.” I mumble.

 

Al slides the glass over to me. I feel a rush of relief when my hand touches the cold glass. Drinking it felt even better, the slight burn of Rum mixed with the sweet taste of Coke.

 

I start to think about the case from today. It went from domestic violence to homicide real fast. This woman, who looked to be about in her early 30s was in an abusive relationship with her long time boyfriend (Or husband, I can’t fucking remember). He treated her like a slave. According to the neighbors she barely got to the leave the house. Unless, it was for groceries or some other errand that he was too lazy to do himself. They also had a baby, a boy who was about nine or ten months.

 

Today the baby was crying and wouldn’t stop (a neighbor pointed out that he was probably sick as the woman barely took him to see a pediatrician). The boyfriend was getting angry and tried to make the baby stop crying himself. Of course, he was being aggressive and that understandably upset the woman. This caused an argument to start and the woman finally had it and started packing up her stuff to leave. According to the neighbors, this was a constant cycle for the family. The boyfriend does something, woman gets upset, she leaves, and then the boyfriend talks her into coming back because he “loves” her.

 

Unfortunately, the other half of the cycle didn’t happen. This guy just… snapped. Killed both the woman and the baby, I won’t go into too much detail. As I don’t want to think about it too much myself to be honest. The guy tried to flee but didn’t get far luckily. I wish I was called onto the scene after they cleaned up, but that would take the “fun” out of being a detective.

 

I sip my drink slowly as I think about the life that woman could of had. I noticed a sewing machine that was hidden behind her belongings. It was in good condition and looked as if it was the only expensive thing she owned. Neighbors said she would tailor clothes for people in the building for a small fee. Saying she was exceptionally talented and deserved a lot more money for what she asked for. I can’t even sew a button onto a shirt, but this woman could tailor a whole wardrobe in a day.

 

Yet, I’m here and she’s not.

 

“Hey pretty lady.”

 

I snap back into reality. I turn my head to see some random guy sitting next to me. He looked no older than a freshman in college, probably used a fake I.D. to get in here.

 

“Excuse me?” I raise an eyebrow.

 

“What’s a sexy lady like you doing all by yourself?” The guy says as he gives me a toothy grin.

 

Great, just what I need. Some underage prick trying to get in my pants.

 

“I’m not looking for romance, I’m just here to have my drink.” I declared without even looking at him.

 

“Oh, I like your type. Always playing hard to get.”

 

I then feel a hand touch my thigh.

 

“Hey, what the fuck!?” I reach for my gun but instantly remember I’m off duty.

 

“Ay! Fuck off, she said she’s not interested!” Al shouts as he starts to approach us.

 

The guy throws his hands up in defeat and quickly shuffles away. Going back to who I guess are his group of friends. They all start laughing at him and making swift glances at me.

 

If I had the patience I’d go over and pull my badge out and ask if he thinks it’s wise to sexually harass an officer. But, I have better things to do than make college boys shit their pants.

 

“You alright detective?” Al questions.

 

“Yeah, thanks.” I acknowledge.

 

He nods and gives me another drink.

 

“That one is on the house.” He adds.

 

I give him a firm smile and gladly take the cocktail. Al is a decent guy, I think he sees me as sort of daughter figure. I noticed the pictures he has behind the bar with him and his family. He has daughters about my age, maybe a little younger.

 

“Maxine?” A familiar voice calls out.

 

That’s strange, seeing how I don’t know anyone well enough in this town for them to call me Maxine.

 

I turn to where the voice came from and my eyes meet with a native pair.

 

“John?”

 

“Hey! I thought it was you! Wow, you look nice.” John walks over and gives me a tight hug.

 

I reluctantly hug him back. All of the police training in the world couldn’t prepare me for this.

 

A genuine social interaction.

 

“Thanks, uh, you too.” I respond.

 

John takes the seat to my right, the same one that drunk college guy was in. I look up and notice Al leering at John. He then looks at me and gives me that “Do you know him?” glance. I slightly nod my head and he nods back. Phew, crisis avoided.

 

“So, I’m guessing you live in this part of town huh?” John asks.

 

I try to make eye contact, but every time I do I can’t help but get nervous. But why? I can keep eye contact with criminals but not an old college fling? God, I am pathetic.

 

“Y-yeah, they transferred me here last year.” I down the rest of my drink.

 

“That’s awesome. I’m actually here to work on a film. So, I’ll be here for a few days. Hey, how about a round on me?”

 

John calls over Al and gets us a pitcher of beer. It’s the cheap stuff but I don’t mind, a lot of beer taste the same to me.

 

“I’ll be back, I gotta take this phone call.” John holds up his phone and quickly leaves to answer it.

 

I just nod as I pour myself a glass.

 

“Who’s the pretty boy?” Al asks as he wipes the counter down.

 

“Just an old friend.” I answer.

 

“Oh, so big bad Max isn’t the loner she paints herself out to be.” Al taunts.

 

“I never said I was a loner.” I denied.

 

“You don’t have to, you come in here with that “fuck off” vibe and sit here drinking coke and rum till you’re red in the face. You don’t talk much, nor do you actually meet up with anyone. That just screams loner to me.” Al elaborated.

 

“Since when did you become a fucking psychologist?” I sneer.

 

“It’s part of the job sweetheart.” Al winks at me.

 

I roll my eyes and take a drink.

 

“Wow, this place is something. You come here often?” John questions as he sits back down.

 

“I guess I’m a regular.” I shrug.

 

“How’s the detective life going? I bet you beat up a lot of bad guys.” John smiles.

 

I chuckle at that comment. That’s what everyone thinks, they see these detective shows on TV and think it’s just an elaborate chase of cat and mouse. Bad guy does the crime, we catch them, rough em up a bit, and then go on with our day. If only it were that easy.

 

I finish the rest of my glass and slam it down.

 

“Something like that.” I answer.

 

John looks at me as if he were impressed. Oh yeah, college Max wouldn’t even touch beer. Now, I’m drinking it like it’s water.

 

“I see you cut your hair, looks nice.” John compliments.

 

Is this what flirting is? Because if so, then I’m not impressed. I’ve seen people flirt better when trying to get out of a speeding ticket.

 

“Yeah, I like it short. Less maintenance.” I say, pouring myself another glass.

 

“I see.... I know this is random but… I’m sorry I didn’t keep in touch after college. I’ve been so busy with work and…”

 

John’s voice drifts off as he starts laying on the excuses. I rather not hear them, I get enough of that at work.

 

“Oh, I’m sorry officer. I didn’t realize I was going 20 over the speed limit. I’m late picking up my kid from school.”

 

“I didn’t know it was against the law, it’s not like I pointed the gun at you or anything.”

 

“Listen,” I interrupt, “I’m not mad you didn’t keep in contact. We’re adults, I’m not going to throw a bitch fit like I’m 13. You got your life and I have mine.”

 

John didn’t say anything, I didn’t expect him to.

 

I look down at my watch.

 

“Shit, it's already 10:30.” I grumble to myself.

 

I pull out some loose bills from my pocket and throw them on the counter.

 

“I’m going home. I’ll see yo-”

           

“Wait, I’ll walk you home.” John stands up with me.

 

As much as I want to object, I don’t feel like putting up a fight tonight.

 

“Sure, whatever.” I decided.

 

I’m not a big fan of the cold, and this January weather is unforgiving. Even under my jacket and vest I’m still shivering.

 

“You look cold, mind if I…”

 

John puts his arm around me and pulls me closer to him.

 

Fuck, now it really looks like we’re together.

 

“You’ve gotten pretty cool, I mean you were already cool before. But now you're like mysteriously cool.” John disclosed.

 

“Mysterious?” I question.

 

“Yeah, you just seem more…. Laid back.” John says.

 

I’ll debate if I find that offensive or not later.

 

“So… How’s filmmaking going?” I ask.

 

I’m pretty much stuck with him for the next five minutes. Might as well make the most of it.

 

“Good, I’m no Spielberg or Kubrick. This current movie is my biggest gig yet. It’s a TV movie, but it’s still something.”

 

John looks as if he were proud of himself. I guess he should be, a TV movie is better than working at Starbucks or something.

 

“Cool, I’m glad things are going so well for you.” I say, trying not to sound like I’m forcing conversation.

 

We remain quiet for a bit, I enjoy the silence.

 

“Maxine, do you ever wonder what it would be like if we actually… dated?” John proposed.

 

Shit, I knew he was going ask that.

 

“Not really, I mean no offense, but you made it pretty clear in college when you said, ‘I only see you as a friend, not a girlfriend.’” I quote.

 

I notice someone sitting at the front of my apartment building. Probably someone waiting for a cab.

 

“I know, is it weird to say I sort of regret it?” John adds.

 

No don’t say that, I know you don’t mean it.

 

“Well, I think you’re a l-”

 

“Davidson?” The figure stands up.

 

“Jacobs?” I get out of John’s embrace.

 

Jacobs, Henry Jacobs, is my partner. Not my romantic partner, though I may have a small crush on him…

 

“What are you doing here?” I approach him.

 

“Uh, today’s case was pretty rough. You looked pale leaving the station. I just wanted to make sure you were alright. You know, with you being a feminist and all.” Jacobs says while avoiding eye contact.

 

“What the hell does me being a feminist have to do with that?” I try to hold my laugh in but fail.

 

“You know, the whole domestic violence thing.”

 

“You’re a dumbass, Jacobs.” I chuckle.

 

I notice him looking at John.

 

“Am I interrupting something? One night stand?” Jacobs whispers.

 

“What? No. This is John, we were um, friends in college.” I mumble.

 

John quickly walks up to Jacobs with his hand out.

 

“Nice to meet you… Jacobs?” John affirms.

 

“Henry Jacobs, nice to meet you as well. I didn’t even know Max had friends.” Jacobs smiles at me.

 

“Fuck off.” I smile back.

 

John looks at the both of us then looks at his phone.

 

“I better get going. It was nice running into you Maxine. I’ll add you on facebook and maybe we can grab lunch?” John says as he starts to walk away.

 

“Uh, yeah sure. I’ll see you later.” I wave.

 

When he was out of earshot, Jacobs turns to me.

 

“Maxine? People actually call you that?” Jacobs giggles.

 

“Well, it is my name. So yeah, unfortunately people do.” I sigh.

 

“Can I start calling you that?”

 

“Unless you have a death wish.”

 

“Better than having to go to work. Hey, can I crash at your place? I don’t feel like going home.”

 

I know it sounds strange to have your co-worker spend the night at your apartment. But, Jacobs and I are pretty close, so it’s not that strange.

 

“Sure, I’ll pull out my futon.” I take out my keys and unlock the door to the front lobby.

 

I don’t know what is about Jacobs that makes me like him. Maybe it’s because he’s seen the same shit I’ve seen. And can still have a smile on his face.

 

“So, you and that John guy. You two use to be a thing or something?” Jacob presses the elevator button.

 

“I guess you can say we ‘dated’ but nothing serious. I wasn’t girlfriend material to him.” I explain.

 

“Aw, Max got put in the friendzone.” Jacobs teases.

 

“I wouldn’t call it the friendzone. More like the ‘I can fuck you but not actually be seen with you in public’ zone.”

 

We step into the elevator and Jacobs presses the button to the third floor.

 

“Apparently he’s into me, because I’m ‘mysteriously’ cool.” I add.

 

“God, this guy sounds just delightful. No wonder you wanted to be his girlfriend.” Jacobs bellows.

 

“I was young and stupid back then, give me a break. He’s not even attractive to me anymore.” I grumble.

 

We step out the elevator and walk over to my place. It’s a small apartment, nothing swanky.

 

“Why is that?” Jacobs takes off his jacket and vest.

 

I walk over to my fish tank and make sure all of the fish are okay. I have two bettas and one catfish.

 

“I just don’t feel like we’re compatible anymore. I’m a detective and he’s a filmmaker. We’re practically oil and water. Hey, Aileen, Myra, and Ted.” I drop some pellets into the water.

 

“Hm, understandable. He seemed a little too Hollywood to me anyway. Does anyone else know your fish are named after serial killers?” Jacobs throws himself onto the couch.

 

“Only the ones who notice. Do you want a beer?” I walk into the kitchen and take one out for myself.

 

“Nah, I think I’m going to stop drinking for a while.” Jacobs suddenly has a serious tone.

 

“Oh?” I sit next to him.

 

“Yeah, I just feel like… It doesn’t make anything better.” He continues.

 

“I guess.” I take a sip, but it doesn’t taste very good.

 

“I know you feel the same way. I know you don’t want to drink as much as you really do.”

 

“Henry, come on. I’ve had a rough day.”

 

“I have too. But rushing to alcohol isn’t going to make things better. Maybe temporarily, but at the end of the day… Our demons are still going to be there when we sober up.”

 

There is silence between the two of us. This time I don’t enjoy it, I don’t like it when Henry is quiet.

 

“Look, I’m not trying to lecture you or give you an intervention. If you want to continue, that’s fine, you’re an adult Max. But I  don’t want to, end of story.” Henry assures.

 

I stay silent and just turn the TV on. Some low-budget sitcom is on, we quietly watch even after the credits roll and the next show comes on.