Into Temptation Pt. 3

S.W.A.T. Headquarters – Afternoon –

Hondo and Lt. DelDotto had agreed to keep each other informed of any new information.  Hondo still wasn’t sure if he could trust her even though she had assured him that she trusted him and no longer suspected that he was involved in the Bolton murder. 

Hondo pulled the flash drive from his pocket; he’d kept the original and had given the feds a blank one.  With all that had happened Hondo wasn’t sure what his next move would be. It was hard knowing who he could trust perhaps that was why Buck had kept what he’d learned a secret.  The knowledge had gotten him killed and Hondo had found out first-hand what it could cost him if he insisted on pursing this.  It wasn’t just about him anymore; Nia had been hurt and it scared him to think what could happen to his family and his friends. Still, this wasn’t over, not by a long shot. He had to be careful; the fight against Lauder was like boxing with ghosts and he was taking hits from all sides.

Eartha’s Kitchen – Afternoon –

Maurice had found a table in the far corner of the restaurant. Eartha’s stood as a landmark in the south side of the city.  The small restaurant had been on this corner for as long as Maurice could remember it had been well cared for and had recently been updated during a community-wide effort to clean up the neighborhood. Even with the improvements the walls inside and out still told a rich story of the people who had visited and spent their hard-earned money patronizing the business. 

Herman sauntered through the door as if he weren’t forty minutes late.  Maurice shook his head in disbelief as his friend slid into the booth across from him.

“I know, I know, I’m late but how many times have you kept me waiting, my man.” Herman began.

“Yeah whatever. So, what’s going on?”

Before Herman could answer, the waitress handed them menus while reciting the specials for the day. Herman grimaced while Maurice smiled and eyed the woman.

“How can you eat this crap?”

“I grew up on this crap!” Maurice snapped.

“Whatever, man!”  

Disgusted, Herman placed his menu on the table.

“I have a delivery of guns and explosives scheduled for tomorrow. I need you to make sure nothing goes wrong.”

“When have I ever let you down, Herman?”

“I’m just saying; the heat is still on and we can’t afford any missteps. That cop is probably still sniffing around…”

“That cop is still licking his wounds! The moment he starts looking again, I’ll know about it. So far, he’s being a good boy.” Maurice assured. 

“Well good; after tomorrow he’ll be too busy to worry about me anyway.”

“McGregor High School; man, it seems like a hundred years since we were there.” 

“Yeah and I bet that crotchety old geezer Mr. Spurnwell is still there too!” Herman laughed.

“I know for a fact, that he is.” Maurice chuckled.

“Good, I want him to be the first to get a bullet between the eyes!”

“You sure about this boss? You really want to shoot up a high school?”

“I need this city on its knees! I want the citizens of this fine city shaking in their boots!” Herman answered.

Maurice watched the waitress as she brought two large plates of food to the table.  Looking her over, Maurice was filled with regret. He’d chosen a line of work that didn’t leave much room for carnal pleasures…what he wouldn’t do for an evening with the cutie. He salivated watching her place their food on the table while sharing a pleasant view of her ample breasts.

“Enjoy your meal gentlemen.” 

She smiled and then she was gone to take care of another table.

“Damn!” Maurice moaned.

“Focus! You don’t have time for that.”

Maurice frowned and placed his large white napkin in his lap. Herman looked at the food and shook his head while Maurice ignored him and dug in. 

“Maybe I’ll have to find the time.” Maurice thought to himself.

S.W.A.T. Headquarters – 

Chris had managed to keep a secret from the team for the last two weeks.  She didn’t want Deacon, Luca, Tan and especially Street teasing her about it.  She felt honored but she had always been uncomfortable with attention and accolades, so she’d kept the fact that she was being honored by McGregor high school to herself.  She’d only told her family and a few close friends who were not associated with the police department.  Her stomach was doing summersaults but she felt honored to be getting such recognition.

“AHHHHHHHHHHH there she is!” Yelled Luca. 

Luca rushed into the supply room with the rest of the team behind him. All of them including Deacon were grinning from ear to ear.  Chris tried not to be affected while she continued her counting.

“Did you think we wouldn’t find out?” Street asked.

“We could have planned a party or something.” Deacon teased.

Chris rolled her eyes wishing she could disappear.  

“How’d you guys find out?” She moaned.

“A little birdy told us.” Street answered.

“What little birdy?” Chris frowned looking up at them.

She was surrounded by them now and she vowed to kill the, little birdy, once she found out who had been chirping out of turn.

“My foster sister is a security guard at McGregor, and I ran into her last night at the market.” Street responded.

“Great, just great!”

Chris’ face was beet red now; this was the last thing she wanted to happen. Her worst nightmare had come true.

“Come on, Chris.” Deacon began. “This is a great honor; why didn’t you tell us?”

“This!” Chris waved her hands around pointing at each of them. “This is why! I didn’t want a big fuss.”

“We’re proud of you!” Tan added. “Hey, isn’t that the school where Daryl goes?”

“I think it is.” Deacon answered. “Does Hondo know?”

“No! And I…” Chris panicked.

“Great, let’s go tell him! He could use some cheering up!” Tan suggested.

“No…please…”

Laughing the four headed toward the door and toward Hondo’s office.

“Guys! GUYS…!”

Chris rubbed her temples; she felt a migraine coming on.  The last thing she wanted was to have them sitting in the front row of the school auditorium. It was her worst nightmare coming true.

“Great…just great!” She moaned.

(Photo credit: Fandom)

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