FIC: The Vieux Carré Takes Care of Her Own - 5/8
Title: The Vieux Carré Takes Care of Her Own - 5/8
Author: docwho2100
Fandom and Pairing: Nikki/Nora - F/F
Timing: This is the seventh in a series. It takes place after the TV pilot and after the stories "I Want Them", "Dark Lady", "Firsts", "Seconds", "Delaney C.O.D. or D.O.A." and "Mississippi Straddle" - you can find these stories here - home.comcast.net/~jstratton1/storywebsite/nikkinora/index.htm
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Nikki & Nora are the property of Nancylee Myatt and Warner Bros. Television. No infringement intended.
Authors' notes: - Character thoughts appear between ~ ~ symbols
AN - the check at a social event comment references events in the story "Firsts"
-------------------------
Chapter 5
Wednesday
"You agreed to what?"
"Hmm, is this the right address? I think this says the Standard Meeting Hall on Decatur."
"What?" Nora took the paper from Nikki, looking at the buildings as well as the notes on the paper. "I think this is it. Whoa, whoa..." Nora reached out to grab Nikki's shoulder, the brunette having started down the side walkway.
Nikki took in a breath, pasting on a smile as she faced Nora. "We are running late as the meeting has already started, I know you hate making a spectacle of yourself."
"Than just explain to me one more time how you conveniently made plans for the whole weekend including some fancy social event all the while assuming I would be excited about said social event. These are your friends Nikki..."
Sighing, and deciding to let the 'your friends' comment go as it was somewhat true, Nikki took the paper back from Nora and began folding it up. "We both could use a weekend diversion. I was invited by a good friend to see his fiancée's film and then offer support later. You know how it is about needing support at these things. I am helping a friend; aren't you always telling me how important it is to stick by friends?"
Nora shifted from one foot to the other as she tried to think of a way to counter Nikki's position.
Trying not to gloat as she could see she was winning, Nikki pressed her advantage. "It is just a weekend of fun and enjoying some good company."
Nora grabbed the paper from Nikki's hand. "Fine, but I get to pick the other movies we see and you are buying the popcorn." She shoved the paper in her pocket, waving a warning finger at Nikki, "And no smirking."
"See, just a double date of dinner and a movie. What can possibly go wrong?" Smirking, Nikki gave Nora a pat on the shoulder as they headed toward the meeting.
--------------------------
Nora and Nikki crept into the meeting, hunched over, trying not to be noticed as they took a couple of seats in the back. Nora's focus drifted to the window, the detective inspecting the scenery as Nikki focused on the woman who was speaking.
"So as you can see, this latest round of redevelopment is once more impinging on our beloved neighborhoods. This is why we exist. As with most "grass roots" organizations, we are the result of threats to our neighborhood's quality of life. If the problems continue to be ignored, we will perish and our very existence will be endangered. Group symbiosis is the foundation that can give us the energy and cohesiveness so we can stand against those that disregard order and tradition."
Nora put a hand up to her mouth, coughing a little to try and cover her snicker, her actions drawing a few glances from those around them as well as a stern glare from Nikki. The brunette leaned over, her lips against Nora's ear. "Try to listen and maybe you will learn..."
The admonishment cooled Nora's chuckles and the blonde straightened in her chair, looking properly scolded. Her manner however changed as her attention once again drifted.
"... the city politicians, and the other major preservation organizations seem to be jumping on the bandwagon of tear down and rebuild, rather than preserve and persist. Rampant problems of spot zoning for commercial uses, excessive noise, changing ordinances on the fly, and a total lack of law enforcement by police officials who seem more concerned with taking home a paycheck then keeping Nola's citizens safe are all contributing to this pestilence."
Nikki was two parts amused by the tone and words this person was using and two parts disgruntled that the speaker had targeted both her job and her father with the heated statement. Now she was beginning to understand Arthur's carefully chosen words and dealings.
Politics was definitely a sticky web and one wrong move could tangle you right up. Nikki gave a side glance at Nora and confirmed what she had suspected as the blonde had snapped back to attention and was sitting ramrod straight. She knew how loyal Nora was to the N.O.P.D. and took affront at any slight to the shield in any form. Nikki sighed a bit, wishing she could teach Nora the finer points of letting things spill off you like water beading off a toad's back.
"This is why I invited Chief Bailey and Major Hosly here today." She clapped and waved at the two sitting in the front row. Nikki craned her neck and realized she had missed noting the presence of other N.O.P.D. officers.
"Thank you Ms. Dereux." Chief Bailey said as he stepped up to the podium, nodding at the president of the Vieux Carre Preservation Society as she sat to the side of the podium with three other women. "And to the VCPS members, I thank you for the invitation. Even though I do not have residence in the Quarter, I know many of my officers do. I also recognize the importance of the Quarter to New Orleans, in all aspects. I realize the Department has had a rough year," he paused as Clara cleared her throat, two of the other ladies adding an amen, much like you would hear at a Sunday Sermon.
"Yes, well, rather than continue to hide or try to ignore that regrettable aspect, we would like to begin working to improve relations between the Department and the citizens we serve."
"I am not sure I can take more of this. My mouth is beginning to taste like..." Nora's words were halted by a finger to her lips.
"Nora..." Nikki warned.
"This is why we are establishing a Color Guard to improve relations between the New Orleans Police Department and the citizens we protect. This group will attend functions, such as this meeting and be the bridge between our department and the city."
Nora made a harrumph sound as she crossed her hands over her chest. "Sounds like a bunch of prissies are going to end up parading around in dress uniforms."
"Like someone sent to get a check at a social function?" Nikki whispered, referencing the way the two first met.
That shut Nora up, the blonde making a huffing sound, Nikki smiling in response.
"And," the Chief paused, sorting through the notecards he had. "To show we are committed, we have…" He looked up, scanning the crowd, his eyes stopping as he recognized one of the people in the crowd. "Two of the representatives here today."
There was a murmur and some of the attendees started looking around.
The Chief held out his hand, "Detective Nikki Beaumont, please, stand."
Nikki managed a gracious expression as she stood briefly, waving. She noted Nora was frozen in her seat, looking like a startled rabbit trying to find a place to bolt. Nora shrank further as a round of applause rang through the meeting hall.
"As you can see by the N.O.P.D.'s attendance here today, we do intend to do everything we can to improve relations." He waved as the applause continued, the officer moving back to his chair.
Clara took the podium, nodding her thanks at the Chief. "This is what we have been striving to achieve. And thanks to people such as Chief Bailey, we may once again see the glory of the Quarter restored." She waited until the splatter of clapping had died down.
"I want to thank everyone for attending our fundraiser event a few days ago, it was very successful and the monies raised will help as we work to restore the Quarter. This will be especially important as elections are coming up and we will need to coordinate to insure those that support the Quarter are those elected. Now than, I believe we can adjourn. We will see you next week."
"Alright, we just need to do those interviews and get out of this nightmare." Nora jumped up, watching where the VCPS officers were heading.
Nikki vaguely nodded, noticing the two N.O.P.D. officers making a beeline in their direction. She bit her lip, the action her one small concession to the uneasiness she felt about this meeting. With a mental sigh and shake, she internalized her worries, something her upbringing had taught her how to do, as she put on on her social face and stature, knowing she would need to be poised for both her and Nora.
"Detective Beaumont," the Chief approached, hand held out, shaking Nikki's hand as she greeting him.
"Chief Bailey," she turned to greet the other officer, "Major Hosly. It is surprising to see you here."
"And I can say the same." The Chief stepped back, looking around to gauge the crowd, smiling as some of the attendees filtered by the officers. His spit-and-polish smile easily slipping across his face.
"We are here on an investigation." Nikki replied.
"Ah yes you and Detective, ah," he looked blankly at Nora, the blonde having slipped behind Nikki, using the brunette almost as a shield. As the silence stretched, he tilted his head at Nora, giving her an encouraging smile, a sideways glance telling him no one was watching this awkward lapse.
"Delaney," Nikki filled in as Nora just stared back at the older officer.
"Ah yes. Well it is good to see you here Beaumont. Oh and Delanky too."
Nikki's hand immediately went behind her back, grabbing hold of Nora's shirt to keep the protest she could sense building from blurting out.
"Your appearance is fortuitous as it is making my job easier. And I do believe there are no accidents; God has his grand designs afterall."
"And you just follow along making sure everything works out," Major Hosly intoned.
"You are right on the target William. We need this Color Guard to help smooth things over. Throw the press and all those naysayers off our backs. Especially while P.I.B. gets its act together and cleans house." He reached out and clapped the Major on the back. "This move to create a PR friendly department should do just that."
He looked to Nikki, "I'll contact your Lieutenant; make sure you have the time off. There will be the meetings with groups such as this one, the upcoming M.O.M. coalition, as well as anything else that would fit what we need." He rubbed at his chin, his fingers picking up a few nubs of stubble, the officer making a mental note to shave before his next meeting.
"You know there is another set of detectives in Detective Beaumont's unit... Detective Casanave might fit for the Guard." Hosly interjected as he took out a small notepad and noted down the names.
Chief Bailey snapped his fingers, his face lighting up. "That's right. She's black isn't she, born here as well, right?"
Disgusted Nora answered the question, even if it seemed rhetorical in nature, her tone snippy and sarcastic, "Really? I hadn't noticed, I've been too busy working with Georgia to solve crimes and do our job."
If the Chief heard Nora, he didn't show it in the least as he went on without hesitation, the older man wrapped up in his plotting and planning. "Oh and her partner, Izumi, he's Asian... this is perfect Hosly."
Nora's snide tone deepened as she shot back, "He's American, born in Virginia." Her comment went unheard as the superior blustered on.
"This is good Hosly, and we can round out the group with, oh, Sanderson, he's gay. That should quell those comments the interest groups keep making if we have a lesbian and gay featured."
Nora blanched, taking a small step backwards, "What? A les..."
Chief Bailey looked confused. "You don't know about your partner?" The three looked at Nikki, the detective's expression calm, poised and casual. "Everyone in certain circles knows about Councilman Beaumont's daughter. Some say it helped him win the election last time. Don't worry Detective Delacey, partners usually don't share much after hours, there were a lot of things I never knew about my partner. It's common for partners to keep secrets." He waved the blonde off as if he had satisfied any doubts she might have.
"Alright, I'll send out the letters. Make sure to update your uniforms, we want spit, polish and shine to let the community know we care. The public works on perceptions these days; if you don't look and sound good, you're nothing." He nodded at the two women. "Good day officers. And thank you for your willingness to serve."
He leaned close to the Major as they headed towards the exit, giving the man a few more items to write down.
Nikki reached out and laid a hand on Nora's shoulder as she could see her partner was completely white and tense. Nora jerked backward as if burned, Nikki's face registering confusion as she looked first at Nora and then where Nora was looking, the Chief and Major having been halted a moment and looking their way.
"We..." Nora licked her lips, running a hand through her hair, the gesture one Nikki knew meant the blonde was rattled, badly, and trying to regain composure. "We have real work to do, not some playing at political correct bullsh... come on, we need to interview the VCPS officers." She swiveled around, stomping down the aisle.
Nikki stood, watching Nora retreat. Once Nora had exited, the meeting hall now empty, Nikki closed her eyes and looked upward, taking in a large breath. "Fuck!" she said loudly, exhaling as she ran her fingers over the badge clipped to her belt. After a moment, she tilted her head back down, once more regaining her reserved manner as she headed after Nora.
--------------------
Author's Note: PS NIkki - you should never, ever say "What can possibly go wrong"
Author: docwho2100
Fandom and Pairing: Nikki/Nora - F/F
Timing: This is the seventh in a series. It takes place after the TV pilot and after the stories "I Want Them", "Dark Lady", "Firsts", "Seconds", "Delaney C.O.D. or D.O.A." and "Mississippi Straddle" - you can find these stories here - home.comcast.net/~jstratton1/storywebsite/nikkinora/index.htm
Rating: R
Disclaimer: Nikki & Nora are the property of Nancylee Myatt and Warner Bros. Television. No infringement intended.
Authors' notes: - Character thoughts appear between ~ ~ symbols
AN - the check at a social event comment references events in the story "Firsts"
-------------------------
Chapter 5
Wednesday
"You agreed to what?"
"Hmm, is this the right address? I think this says the Standard Meeting Hall on Decatur."
"What?" Nora took the paper from Nikki, looking at the buildings as well as the notes on the paper. "I think this is it. Whoa, whoa..." Nora reached out to grab Nikki's shoulder, the brunette having started down the side walkway.
Nikki took in a breath, pasting on a smile as she faced Nora. "We are running late as the meeting has already started, I know you hate making a spectacle of yourself."
"Than just explain to me one more time how you conveniently made plans for the whole weekend including some fancy social event all the while assuming I would be excited about said social event. These are your friends Nikki..."
Sighing, and deciding to let the 'your friends' comment go as it was somewhat true, Nikki took the paper back from Nora and began folding it up. "We both could use a weekend diversion. I was invited by a good friend to see his fiancée's film and then offer support later. You know how it is about needing support at these things. I am helping a friend; aren't you always telling me how important it is to stick by friends?"
Nora shifted from one foot to the other as she tried to think of a way to counter Nikki's position.
Trying not to gloat as she could see she was winning, Nikki pressed her advantage. "It is just a weekend of fun and enjoying some good company."
Nora grabbed the paper from Nikki's hand. "Fine, but I get to pick the other movies we see and you are buying the popcorn." She shoved the paper in her pocket, waving a warning finger at Nikki, "And no smirking."
"See, just a double date of dinner and a movie. What can possibly go wrong?" Smirking, Nikki gave Nora a pat on the shoulder as they headed toward the meeting.
--------------------------
Nora and Nikki crept into the meeting, hunched over, trying not to be noticed as they took a couple of seats in the back. Nora's focus drifted to the window, the detective inspecting the scenery as Nikki focused on the woman who was speaking.
"So as you can see, this latest round of redevelopment is once more impinging on our beloved neighborhoods. This is why we exist. As with most "grass roots" organizations, we are the result of threats to our neighborhood's quality of life. If the problems continue to be ignored, we will perish and our very existence will be endangered. Group symbiosis is the foundation that can give us the energy and cohesiveness so we can stand against those that disregard order and tradition."
Nora put a hand up to her mouth, coughing a little to try and cover her snicker, her actions drawing a few glances from those around them as well as a stern glare from Nikki. The brunette leaned over, her lips against Nora's ear. "Try to listen and maybe you will learn..."
The admonishment cooled Nora's chuckles and the blonde straightened in her chair, looking properly scolded. Her manner however changed as her attention once again drifted.
"... the city politicians, and the other major preservation organizations seem to be jumping on the bandwagon of tear down and rebuild, rather than preserve and persist. Rampant problems of spot zoning for commercial uses, excessive noise, changing ordinances on the fly, and a total lack of law enforcement by police officials who seem more concerned with taking home a paycheck then keeping Nola's citizens safe are all contributing to this pestilence."
Nikki was two parts amused by the tone and words this person was using and two parts disgruntled that the speaker had targeted both her job and her father with the heated statement. Now she was beginning to understand Arthur's carefully chosen words and dealings.
Politics was definitely a sticky web and one wrong move could tangle you right up. Nikki gave a side glance at Nora and confirmed what she had suspected as the blonde had snapped back to attention and was sitting ramrod straight. She knew how loyal Nora was to the N.O.P.D. and took affront at any slight to the shield in any form. Nikki sighed a bit, wishing she could teach Nora the finer points of letting things spill off you like water beading off a toad's back.
"This is why I invited Chief Bailey and Major Hosly here today." She clapped and waved at the two sitting in the front row. Nikki craned her neck and realized she had missed noting the presence of other N.O.P.D. officers.
"Thank you Ms. Dereux." Chief Bailey said as he stepped up to the podium, nodding at the president of the Vieux Carre Preservation Society as she sat to the side of the podium with three other women. "And to the VCPS members, I thank you for the invitation. Even though I do not have residence in the Quarter, I know many of my officers do. I also recognize the importance of the Quarter to New Orleans, in all aspects. I realize the Department has had a rough year," he paused as Clara cleared her throat, two of the other ladies adding an amen, much like you would hear at a Sunday Sermon.
"Yes, well, rather than continue to hide or try to ignore that regrettable aspect, we would like to begin working to improve relations between the Department and the citizens we serve."
"I am not sure I can take more of this. My mouth is beginning to taste like..." Nora's words were halted by a finger to her lips.
"Nora..." Nikki warned.
"This is why we are establishing a Color Guard to improve relations between the New Orleans Police Department and the citizens we protect. This group will attend functions, such as this meeting and be the bridge between our department and the city."
Nora made a harrumph sound as she crossed her hands over her chest. "Sounds like a bunch of prissies are going to end up parading around in dress uniforms."
"Like someone sent to get a check at a social function?" Nikki whispered, referencing the way the two first met.
That shut Nora up, the blonde making a huffing sound, Nikki smiling in response.
"And," the Chief paused, sorting through the notecards he had. "To show we are committed, we have…" He looked up, scanning the crowd, his eyes stopping as he recognized one of the people in the crowd. "Two of the representatives here today."
There was a murmur and some of the attendees started looking around.
The Chief held out his hand, "Detective Nikki Beaumont, please, stand."
Nikki managed a gracious expression as she stood briefly, waving. She noted Nora was frozen in her seat, looking like a startled rabbit trying to find a place to bolt. Nora shrank further as a round of applause rang through the meeting hall.
"As you can see by the N.O.P.D.'s attendance here today, we do intend to do everything we can to improve relations." He waved as the applause continued, the officer moving back to his chair.
Clara took the podium, nodding her thanks at the Chief. "This is what we have been striving to achieve. And thanks to people such as Chief Bailey, we may once again see the glory of the Quarter restored." She waited until the splatter of clapping had died down.
"I want to thank everyone for attending our fundraiser event a few days ago, it was very successful and the monies raised will help as we work to restore the Quarter. This will be especially important as elections are coming up and we will need to coordinate to insure those that support the Quarter are those elected. Now than, I believe we can adjourn. We will see you next week."
"Alright, we just need to do those interviews and get out of this nightmare." Nora jumped up, watching where the VCPS officers were heading.
Nikki vaguely nodded, noticing the two N.O.P.D. officers making a beeline in their direction. She bit her lip, the action her one small concession to the uneasiness she felt about this meeting. With a mental sigh and shake, she internalized her worries, something her upbringing had taught her how to do, as she put on on her social face and stature, knowing she would need to be poised for both her and Nora.
"Detective Beaumont," the Chief approached, hand held out, shaking Nikki's hand as she greeting him.
"Chief Bailey," she turned to greet the other officer, "Major Hosly. It is surprising to see you here."
"And I can say the same." The Chief stepped back, looking around to gauge the crowd, smiling as some of the attendees filtered by the officers. His spit-and-polish smile easily slipping across his face.
"We are here on an investigation." Nikki replied.
"Ah yes you and Detective, ah," he looked blankly at Nora, the blonde having slipped behind Nikki, using the brunette almost as a shield. As the silence stretched, he tilted his head at Nora, giving her an encouraging smile, a sideways glance telling him no one was watching this awkward lapse.
"Delaney," Nikki filled in as Nora just stared back at the older officer.
"Ah yes. Well it is good to see you here Beaumont. Oh and Delanky too."
Nikki's hand immediately went behind her back, grabbing hold of Nora's shirt to keep the protest she could sense building from blurting out.
"Your appearance is fortuitous as it is making my job easier. And I do believe there are no accidents; God has his grand designs afterall."
"And you just follow along making sure everything works out," Major Hosly intoned.
"You are right on the target William. We need this Color Guard to help smooth things over. Throw the press and all those naysayers off our backs. Especially while P.I.B. gets its act together and cleans house." He reached out and clapped the Major on the back. "This move to create a PR friendly department should do just that."
He looked to Nikki, "I'll contact your Lieutenant; make sure you have the time off. There will be the meetings with groups such as this one, the upcoming M.O.M. coalition, as well as anything else that would fit what we need." He rubbed at his chin, his fingers picking up a few nubs of stubble, the officer making a mental note to shave before his next meeting.
"You know there is another set of detectives in Detective Beaumont's unit... Detective Casanave might fit for the Guard." Hosly interjected as he took out a small notepad and noted down the names.
Chief Bailey snapped his fingers, his face lighting up. "That's right. She's black isn't she, born here as well, right?"
Disgusted Nora answered the question, even if it seemed rhetorical in nature, her tone snippy and sarcastic, "Really? I hadn't noticed, I've been too busy working with Georgia to solve crimes and do our job."
If the Chief heard Nora, he didn't show it in the least as he went on without hesitation, the older man wrapped up in his plotting and planning. "Oh and her partner, Izumi, he's Asian... this is perfect Hosly."
Nora's snide tone deepened as she shot back, "He's American, born in Virginia." Her comment went unheard as the superior blustered on.
"This is good Hosly, and we can round out the group with, oh, Sanderson, he's gay. That should quell those comments the interest groups keep making if we have a lesbian and gay featured."
Nora blanched, taking a small step backwards, "What? A les..."
Chief Bailey looked confused. "You don't know about your partner?" The three looked at Nikki, the detective's expression calm, poised and casual. "Everyone in certain circles knows about Councilman Beaumont's daughter. Some say it helped him win the election last time. Don't worry Detective Delacey, partners usually don't share much after hours, there were a lot of things I never knew about my partner. It's common for partners to keep secrets." He waved the blonde off as if he had satisfied any doubts she might have.
"Alright, I'll send out the letters. Make sure to update your uniforms, we want spit, polish and shine to let the community know we care. The public works on perceptions these days; if you don't look and sound good, you're nothing." He nodded at the two women. "Good day officers. And thank you for your willingness to serve."
He leaned close to the Major as they headed towards the exit, giving the man a few more items to write down.
Nikki reached out and laid a hand on Nora's shoulder as she could see her partner was completely white and tense. Nora jerked backward as if burned, Nikki's face registering confusion as she looked first at Nora and then where Nora was looking, the Chief and Major having been halted a moment and looking their way.
"We..." Nora licked her lips, running a hand through her hair, the gesture one Nikki knew meant the blonde was rattled, badly, and trying to regain composure. "We have real work to do, not some playing at political correct bullsh... come on, we need to interview the VCPS officers." She swiveled around, stomping down the aisle.
Nikki stood, watching Nora retreat. Once Nora had exited, the meeting hall now empty, Nikki closed her eyes and looked upward, taking in a large breath. "Fuck!" she said loudly, exhaling as she ran her fingers over the badge clipped to her belt. After a moment, she tilted her head back down, once more regaining her reserved manner as she headed after Nora.
--------------------
Author's Note: PS NIkki - you should never, ever say "What can possibly go wrong"