Title: On the Job
Prompt:
writerverse challenge #16 july table, prompt #17 ‘not the best odds’
Word Count: 274
Rating:
Original/Fandom: original (
Zeke Jones ‘verse)
Summary: “There is a difference between whining and being honest with your partner.”
Note(s): originally posted to the
writerverse wv_library On the Job
“Hi,” said a voice, when I regained consciousness. I ached everywhere, enough that I was surprised to wake up to Howell’s guest room instead of in a hospital.
“Um, hi, sir,” I said- or, I tried to say it. My throat felt dried out, and it came out more of a croak.
Howell helped me sit up. He handed me a glass of water, and waited until I’d drunk about half. “Feeling better?”
“I… think so?” I said. “I mean, I feel kind of crappy, but I’m gonna assume by the look on your face that something happened.”
“You don’t remember?” my partner asked, sharply.
“I remember!” I protested. “We were on shift. Walking our beat, as we do. I distinctly remember thinking that it was about time for a snack. And then- Oh.”
“And then you fainted, Jones,” said Howell. “Damn lucky for you we were on our way back to the precinct, and I can haul your sorry butt around.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” I told him. “I didn’t mean to, but I didn’t feel that bad when I left home, and I figured I’d be okay until the morning.”
“And you didn’t think to mention it?”
I shrugged. “I’ve felt worse, and there wasn’t much anyone could do.”
My partner’s frown was stern, but still worried at the same time. “There is a difference between whining and being honest with your partner, Hezekia. If it’s something you think I’d tell you, there’s a good bet that’s honesty.”
I managed a laugh. “You’d tell me if you weren’t feeling well, sir?”
“If we’re on duty, I would,” he promised, and I smiled.
“Deal.”
THE END
Current Mood:
mellow