Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Six

NOT EDITED After lunch with Theodore, which had turned out to mostly be a long hug on the hood of his car with Theodore instead, Russell had headed back to the station. Now, he sat at his desk, flipping through Lauren’s folder. Sam had told him that they couldn’t remember if they had told theContinue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Six”

Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Five

NOT EDITED Theodore sat down on the stool behind the register, using his cane to help shift his balance and weight away from his left hip. He lifted his head as someone set a small stack of books on the counter. He smiled. “Hey, Dad.” “Hey, kiddo. I am shopping for books you and VeraContinue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Five”

Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Four

NOT EDITED Russell came to again for what felt like the millionth time. He’d been in and out of sleep ever since he had handed Super Mario Bros over to Theodore and Vera, taking his choice of Luigi out of the game. He cleared his throat, reaching out for his beer. Theodore sat between hisContinue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Four”

Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Three

NOT EDITED Theodore thanked Gina with a wave and headed up to the house, Vera’s hand held tightly in his. Eventually, he planned to start driving again, even if the pain wasn’t great for his hip. Though he more than appreciated Gina’s help, having her pick him up in the mornings, take Vera to school,Continue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Three”

Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Two

NOT EDITED A/N: The character introduced in this chapter, Sam, is non-binary and uses the pronounces they/them. ‘They’ in reference to them in the story is on purpose and correct, but I wanted to make sure you weren’t confused when you got there 🙂 Russell pressed a kiss to Theodore’s forehead and thanked him forContinue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-Two”

Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-One

NOT EDITED Theodore lifted his head as a hand touched the counter. He smiled. “Hey, Dad.” Jenner smiled back at him. “Hey, kiddo. I… figured you could take your lunch break with me today?” “Is… everything okay, Dad?” “One hundred percent. But we haven’t had lunch together–just you and me–since before Vera was born. I’dContinue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty-One”

Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty

NOT EDITED As soon as Russell got into the station, he headed down to the basement. He knocked on the open door to the lab. “Ellie? You good to answer a couple questions for me?” “Of course.” Ellie lifted her head, a smile coming to her face. “How’re you doing this morning, Russ?” “I’m fine.”Continue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Thirty”

Books & Badges – Chapter Twenty-Nine

NOT EDITED Theodore wasn’t sure when he and Russell had successfully fallen asleep, but he awoke on his good hip, his back pressed to Russell’s front. The detective’s arm was draped over his side, the face of his watch peeking out from under the sleeve of his sweatshirt. Theodore threaded his fingers through Russell’s andContinue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Twenty-Nine”

Books & Badges – Chapter Twenty-Eight

NOT EDITED Not for the first time that morning, Russell found himself awake. They had gone to bed a couple hours after Vera had finished watching her ghost show and been tucked in. In the last five hours, Russell had managed a whopping half hour of sleep. He rolled onto his back, scrubbing both handsContinue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Twenty-Eight”

Books & Badges – Chapter Twenty-Seven

NOT EDITED Theodore, in the ballsiest decision he had ever made, had Gina drop him off at the police station after work. With a little help from a very kind detective, he found his way upstairs and to Russell’s desk. Tentatively, he cleared his throat. Russell lifted his head, tired expression quickly shifting to worry.Continue reading “Books & Badges – Chapter Twenty-Seven”