Chapter 2

Five thirty the next morning, Rick woke up to a loud squeaking noise. He got up quickly and turned on the bedside lamp, just in time to see someone, all dressed in black run out the sliding doors to the balcony with something gleaming in the light. He jumped out of bed and ran onto the balcony but the figure had already disappeared by then.

He walked back into the room, pulled in the sliding doors and secured them before sitting on his bed. He contemplated calling security, but what could they do? The figure had already left and it was five thirty in the morning, he doubted anyone else had seen this person anyway. No, he knew he had to tell Jason. Maybe now he might believe him.

***

Rick’s driver parked the car outside the 49th precinct where he got out and headed up the concrete stairs. He went straight up to the counter where he was met with a short guy with a mass of curly, brown hair and a friendly smile, who looked like he was in his mid-thirties.

“Good morning.” He began politely, “Can you tell me where I can find Sergeant Kincaid?”

“Sure thing.” The guy replied, and then pointed to the left, “You see that door over there?” he asked Rick.

Rick followed his finger and saw a dark, wooden door with some writing on it.

“Yeah.”

“That would be his office. He should be in there.”

“Thanks a lot.” Rick said before walking towards the door. He paused when he got close enough to read the door. There was a large sticker covering the sign that he figured said Sergeant Kincaid. He laughed as he knocked.

“Come in!” he heard Jason shout.

Rick walked in and shut the door behind him. Jason looked up from his paper work and got up.

“Rick? What are you doing here?” he asked surprised, “Wasn’t I supposed to be coming to see you later?”

“Yeah. I know.” Rick said walking over to him, “But this was important and I couldn’t wait. I’ve been trying to get you all morning but-“

“I wasn’t home.” Jason finished, “I know, I was out on a case early this morning and just got into the office about ten minutes ago.” He explained.

“Oh.”

“Yeah. So what is it?” Jason asked, leaning on his desk and folding his arms.

“Well, “ Rick began taking one of the seats that were placed conveniently in front the desk, “I was asleep this morning when I heard this kind of squeaking sound and when I woke up, I saw this black figure run out my room onto the balcony and he or she or whoever it was, was holding a knife.” Rick finished.

“Are you sure it was a knife?” Jason asked his eyebrows drawing close.

“I’m positive.” Rick said his eyes narrowing, “I know what I saw Jason.”

“Okay, okay.” Jason said putting up his hands defensively. “I was just making sure.”

“Now do you believe me?” Rick asked him.

“I never thought you were lying Rick.” Jason told him, “So did you ask any of the other guys if they heard or saw anything last night?”

“Yeah I did but they all came back to the hotel really late and were sound asleep. No one saw anything.” Rick said disappointed.

“Hmm..that’s pretty strange.” Jason said scratching his head, “And you said before you’re on the top floor. How did someone just disappear from the balcony?”

“Well, coming to think about it, the balcony between the rooms are pretty close.” Rick said then, ”It’s pretty easy to jump from one balcony to the other.”

“Maybe.” Jason said as if contemplating it.

“So what are you going to do?” Rick asked, “You can see now someone’s after me.”

Jason sighed.

“What do you want me to do Rick?” he asked putting out a hand, “You’ve already got a bodyguard.”

“Yeah, but I still don’t feel safe.” Rick told him frankly.

“Rick , bodyguards are trained to handle these kinds of things.” Jason assured him.

“I know I know.” Rick said then paused, “Look Jas, can you do me a favor and come to the show tonight?” he asked, “I would really feel a lot better if you did.”

“I don’t know. I might have to work.” Jason informed him.

“Just try to make it.” Rick pleaded.

Jason watched his expression and sighed.

“Okay I’ll try.” Jason said, “But I can’t promise you I’ll be there.” He added quickly, “After all this is LA and I’m a COP.”

Rick got up then and slapped him on the back.

“I know you’ll do your best.” He said before walking to the door. He stopped, his hand on the doorknob, and turned to face Jason once again, “By the way, did you know that there’s a sticker on your door over your name?”

Jason groaned loudly.

“Great. What does this one say?” he asked.

“Dumbass.” Rick said with a chuckle.

“Last week it was amateur.” Jason informed him, “I think they’re getting a big kick out of this. They’re just jealous. They think I’m too young to be a Sergeant.”

“You are.” Rick agreed.

“Shut up and leave.” Jason said.

Rick’s chuckle followed him out the door.