Chapter Sixteen
1302 Words
Same day...
After Cass called in for our break, we both decided to go to The Broken Badger Bar and Grille. We heard the food is mouth-watering and excellent. Hey, it never hurts to try something new, right? And helping out a small business is an added plus as well.
On the first appearance, it may not look like much. It has gone through several owners over the past eight years. The current one I hear has an MBA. Maybe that might help? I don't know. Anyways, the building is dated as the exterior has both brick and some wooden siding. The large front window as well as the one on the door is covered in black iron bars. Someday, those will no longer be needed.
The interior has dark wood paneling and exposed brick. Various signs and mirrors hang on the walls throughout the place. One of the signs reads, “This is a Bar. Not a Brothel. Either keep it in your pants or take it elsewhere! Thank you, Management.” The owner is gutsy for sure. The bar is of a darken stain mahogany. Glasses hang from a rack above it in an organized manner. The widow that leads to the kitchen is tucked neatly between tall shelves that hold the liquor. The door that leads to the owner's office and the kitchen sits off to the side. Thick wooden tables with matching chairs are placed in a neat arrangement. Several of them are currently occupied by some patrons enjoying their mid-morning meals and drinks.
Cass finds a table near the window for us. About ten minutes after we sat down, a barmaid-waitress-server-whatever comes over to take our order. She looks familiar, but I can't seem to recall why. Her light brown hair is pulled back into a ponytail. Her uniform is a plain collared buttoned-up shirt with black dress pants and black flats. Her name tag bears the name “Tiffeny” on it. Hmm, is “the” Tiffeny that Roger Oren was going on and on about yesterday? Lucky bastard.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to the Broken Badger. So what can I get you two officers today?” our waitress greeted us in a bubbly manner.
Suddenly it occurs to me why she seems familiar. That odd girl, the biologist. She reminds me of her. Okay, that's just weird. Right? I wonder if they take orders to go? I should take that girl some lunch.
“Mike! Mike!” Cass yelled in my direction trying to get my attention—again.
“Uh? Oh, right. I'll take a burger, fries, and Coke,” I state making my order. Both girls, excuse me, I mean, ladies, begin to giggle at my request.
“I'll get both orders out as soon as possible,” Tiffeny stated displaying confidence with an infectious smile. When our bubbly waitress comes back carrying our drinks, I take this opportunity to ask her, “Do you handle take-out orders as well?”
“Only on special occasions, may I ask what it's for?” she stated as her bubbly-ness turned to seriousness in a flash.
Taken off guard, I quickly muster up the words, “It's for...” I began. “There's this girl...” Why is this so hard to explain? Cass and Tiffeny both look at me with their eyebrows arched clearly curious about what I'm trying to say. Taking a deep breath, I try again.
“Okay, yesterday, my partner and I met this girl who works at the University,” I start off much better this time.
“The biologist?” Cass interrupted suddenly remembering herself.
“That one,” I verified. “Well, she kind of couldn't stomach the breakfast that she purchased. So she gave it to me instead. I thought I could repay her back with lunch?” I smiled at myself for getting through that. Why is this waitress so intimidating all of a sudden?
“Sure, no problem. I know someone who works there,” she remarked. “I can get Hanna's order out for you,” she simply stated turning toward the kitchen again.
“Wait? What?” I stumbled. Does she know who I'm referring to?
Small world. Cue the music.
Not more than twenty minutes later, Tiffeny brought out both of our orders. Cass apparently ordered some sort of salad with grilled chicken on top. She's still watching her figure for her main man Thomas. They're still both in love with each other. One should be so lucky. The Moon, stars and everything above bless them both. My burger is huge and juicy. All the fixings are piled on, trying not to fall off. My stomach, as if on cue, growls from hunger at the sight of it. The large cut fries are seasoned just right and compliment the meat. Compliments to the chef!
“When you're ready for the bill, please let me know, and I'll bring Hanna's order out,” Tiffeny mentioned. “Enjoy your meals,” she said and walked away.
“Thanks,” I mumbled as I took a large bite from the burger, juices, and condiments dripping down the sides of my mouth. Yeah, I'm doing great here. (Please, note the sarcasm.)
“Mike, you have a little something right there,” Cass snickered gesturing toward her mouth. So glad that she is enjoying herself at my expense.
After another ten minutes, we both finish up our delicious meals. I gesture toward Tiffeny for the bill and Hanna's take-out order. She is quick with tending to our requests. We pay our bills. And yes, I gave her a very generous amount for a tip. I grab Hanna's order and follow Cass out to the SUV.
Upon reaching the University, we make our way into the Science building. When we enter the stairwell, we are roughly bumped into by a tall blonde male who seemed to be in a rush.
“Excuse me,” he spats out with an obvious chip on his shoulder. He acts as if it is our fault for his rudeness. I can only glare at him. Cass' expression reflects my own. Neither one of us is amused with this person. Glaring back he shoves the main doors open and scampers out of the building toward a truck. Getting in it, he slams the door shut and quickly drives off squealing the tires in the process.
We continue downstairs toward the science lab that the campus police directed us to. Ducking into the lab's doorway, I see Hanna sitting at a small wooden desk with her head looking over papers. I knock on the door frame before stepping into the room. Slightly startled she looks up in our direction.
“Come in,” she acknowledges us with a look of confusion on her face. Putting down her red pen, she folds her hands together and places them on the desk in front of her.
“Sergeant Black, Officer Peterson. Correct?” she asked.
“What are you doing here? Is this about yesterday? Am I in trouble?”
“No. No. You're fine,” Cass quickly chimed in to reassure her. “Sergeant, here, thought you might like some lunch since you provided him with some breakfast yesterday.” She said pointing her thumb in my direction.
I held up the bag of food and a large paper cup filled with coffee. Her face lit up upon seeing them both.
“Is that from the Broken Badger?” she asked reaching out for the items.
“Yes, yes it is,” I grinned handing over the delicious food.
“Tiffeny has the best food ever,” she blurted out.
After the meal, I just had from there, definitely no argument from me.
- Writer
