Operation Redemption

CAUTIONARY MEASURES

The only sound in the silent workplace was the gentle hum of the air conditioner. I heard the sound of Lillian's footsteps as she walked out of the room. She gave me a hefty file that had a wealth of information regarding our ongoing cases. I flicked through the pages as soon as I opened it, but my thoughts kept returning to Natalia. Her response to my admission was still on my mind. It had surprised me how well she had taken it, but I knew she would have more questions eventually.

A tap on the door jolted me out of my daydream. Michael was standing at the doorway, looking serious. What might he want from me at this hour?

"Do you have a moment?" he inquired, entering without waiting for a response.

I motioned for him to sit down. He took a seat across from me and leaned forward.

“What's the occasion?” Shutting the file and focusing entirely on him, I asked.

Michael sighed after pausing momentarily. “It’s about Natalia. I’m worried about her.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s been under a lot of stress lately, with the Moretti case and everything else. I’m just concerned that she might be pushing herself too hard.”

I slowly nodded. Michael's worry was the same as mine. Natalia was a risk-taker but a great detective still. But also something to be worried about.

“I’ll keep an eye on her,” I assured him. “Make sure she doesn’t overextend herself.”

Michael gave a small nod of appreciation. “Thanks, Killian. I know she can be stubborn, but she listens to you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You think so?”

He laughed. "More than she discloses."

For a brief while, the conversation settled between us and we both became silent. Michael stood at last, nodding curtly to me before making his way to the door.

“Take care, Killian. And watch your back.”

“You too, Michael.”

I returned home later that evening to find the house quiet. Natalia's car was in the driveway, but there was no sign of her inside. All I could hear was the echo of my own voice when I called her name. I searched around the house, a feeling of anxiety washing over.

Finally, I found her in the backyard, enjoying a glass of wine while relaxing on the porch swing. Her eyes were locked on the horizon as she seemed lost in thought. I walked over carefully so as not to frighten her.

"Natalia?"

She gave me a small nod, acknowledging my presence but offering no response. I sat down next her, the swing groaning slightly from our combined weight.

“Rough day?” I asked gently.

She sighed and took a sip of her wine before responding. "You could say that.”

I allowed her the time and space to open up if she so desired. She looked at me after a brief interval, her face displaying weariness and annoyance.

With a hint of bitterness in her voice, she stated, "Michael wants us to back off the Moretti case." "He believes it to be too risky."

Anticipating this conversation, I nodded. "He’s not wrong. Last night was a close call.”

Natalia's ire flared in her eyes. “But we’re so close, Killian. I can’t just walk away now.”

"I know,” I replied softly. “But sometimes, taking a step back can give you a clearer view. We’ll get him, Natalia. We just need to be smart about it.”

Her jaw tightened as she obviously struggled with the thought. I extended my arm and touched her hand.

"We will figure something out," I vowed. "Collectively."

Natalia’s eyes met mine, and for a moment, the walls she had built around herself seemed to crumble. She nodded slightly and tightened her hold on my hand.

"All right," she muttered. "However, I am not giving up."

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

A hint of a smile tugged at Natalia's lips as her eyes softened. I could see the fire that burned within her. Beneath that blaze, though, was fatigue and a weakness she hardly ever let others see. I gave a gentle squeeze to show that I understood and supported her.

"How about we take a break from all this for a bit?" I recommended. "Let us head inside, eat a proper a meal, and perhaps watch something mindless on TV. We can regroup tomorrow with fresh eyes."

She seemed to consider it for a moment before finally nodding. "Yeah, maybe you're right. A break sounds good."

We got off the swing and I escorted her back inside. I made a quick and easy dinner, and we ate in quiet comfort. Then we sat down on the couch with a lighthearted comedy on TV.

Later, when the evening drew near and Natalia fell asleep next to me, I couldn't help but think about Michael's warning. He was right; we all needed to watch our backs. It was risky, and the Moretti case had already gotten too close for comfort. I resolved to find a way to tackle it that wouldn't jeopardize Natalia or anyone else on the team.

I woke up early the next morning and gingerly got out of bed. I made a pot of coffee, took a seat at the kitchen table, and began making notes and planning. I was ready when Natalia eventually came out, looking more rested than she had in days.

"We need to talk."

Natalia poured herself a coffee

"About what?" she asked, sitting down across from me.

"The case of Moretti. After giving Michael's words some thought, I believe he may have a point. But I also respect the fact that I know that you won't back down from this. Thus, I suggest a middle ground."

Curious, she arched an eyebrow. "I am listening."

"We get together, review our plan, and bring Michael into the fold. He's worried about you, about us, and I believe we may benefit from his viewpoint. We get together in a neutral location outside of the workplace to discuss our next course of action."

Natalia appeared to consider this, touching her coffee mug lightly with her fingers. "You think Michael will go for it?"

"Yes, I do. He worries about your safety and is just as involved in this matter as we are. Furthermore, collaborating as a trio could provide us with the necessary advantage."

She sighed, a faint smile was winking at the corners of her lips. "Alright, let's do it. Where should we meet?"