Chapter Text
Greta Gill leaned against the wall, trying to calm her racing heart. She took a deep breath. The sounds of chaos echoed around her, as paramedics rushed in and out of the small apartment. In the center of the room lay the body of a young girl, no older than eighteen, her lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling. The vibrant cerulean blue usually full of hope, now forever dimmed.
It was a familiar scene, one that Greta had seen all too often in her line of work. But this time, it was different. This time, she knew the victim. The girl’s name was Janie Mills, and she had been in the foster care system since she was a child. Greta had met her a few years prior, when she had been assigned to investigate a case of abuse at Janie’s previous foster home. Greta had been impressed by the young woman’s resilience and determination to survive; despite everything she had been through.
But now all of that was gone. Janie had been murdered, her once bright future completely taken from her, and Greta had been the one to find her. She looked up as her partner, Detective Jo Deluca, approached her.
“You okay, Bird?” She asked, concern etched on her face. Her kind eyes tracking Greta with unshed tears.
Greta shook her head. “I don’t know, Joey, this one’s hitting me hard. I knew her. You know? She had a future ahead of her. She was a good one Jo, and now...”
Greta still hadn’t found the courage to go back to Janie. She scanned the scene, searching for a safe place to focus, frantic to land anywhere else but where the medical examiners were collecting evidence of Janie’s final moments.
Jo put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Her love for her friend so apparent on her face, and determination creasing her brow, “We’ll find who did this, Greta. You know that. And we’ll make sure they pay for what they’ve done.”
Greta was grateful for Jo’s unyielding faith in her and for their partnership, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt that was gnawing at her. After she removed Janie from her previous, abusive placement, she had been the one to recommend Janie’s current foster family. Greta had thought that this family was a good fit, that they could provide the stable home that Janie so desperately needed and deserved. She had been wrong.
As Greta walked out of the apartment, she was met by a group of angry onlookers. Among them was a young man, no more than twenty, his face twisted with rage. It took Greta a moment to recognize him – he was Janie’s foster brother, Curtis.
“You did this,” He spat at her. “YOU brought her here, YOU put her in danger. This is your fault!”
The Detective tried to explain, to tell him that she had only had Janie’s best interests at heart. That she cared about Janie and about what happened to her. She had never meant for something like this to happen. “No. No. No…Curtis. You have to understand…” Greta could barely manage to meet the young man’s eyes. Her heart was heavy. Curtis was inconsolable, and with every step he took towards her, Greta felt like breathing had become a luxury only for the innocent. Her lungs were on fire and her legs were trembling. Greta reached her hand out to the wall of the building beside her to steady herself. The world felt like it was crumbling at her feet. She needed Curtis to listen to her, but he wouldn’t. His anger was palpable, and Greta knew he wasn’t the only one who blamed her for what had happened to Janie. Curtis took another step towards the young detective and suddenly, Jo was there. A sturdy presence behind her, holding her up. Her perfect Knight always riding in at the right moment. Greta didn’t deserve her. She didn’t deserve anything. Curtis was right. This was all her fault. The intensity of the night had finally caught up to her and Greta reluctantly let go, falling into Joey’s arms as her tears soaked through her partner’s jacket. She could only watch as Curtis’s retreating form made his way away from her and disappeared into the steadily forming crowd surrounding them.
As Greta rode back to the precinct, quiet in the front seat of Joey’s cruiser, she couldn’t help but wonder what it meant for her if Curtis was right. If she had made a fatal mistake in recommending that foster family, if she had failed Janie? Greta couldn’t go down that path. The guilt and self-doubt would consume her, threatening to drown her in a sea of regret.
Greta knew she couldn’t let her inner demons win. She had a job to do. She owed it to Janie. She owed it to Curtis. She was damn good at her job. With the help of Jo, she would find the person responsible for Janie’s death, and she would make sure that justice was served. No matter the cost.
~~ 7 Years Later ~~
Carson Shaw takes a deep breath as she steps out of her squad car. She stares up at the towering building that houses the police station that will be her new home base for the foreseeable future. New York’s Station 43. Today was her first shift as a detective at a new precinct. She was nervous and excited. Carson Shaw had come a long way from Idaho, and she figured what she was about to walk into would be nothing comparable to the petty crimes she was used to back in Lake Valley. That was the entire reason why she had applied for the transfer in the first place. She wanted more than what Lake Valley could offer her. She hadn’t become a detective to solve the crime of who had stolen Mrs. Jenkins’ prized tomatoes right before Lake Valley’s annual chili bowl, hosted every year at the Fairgrounds. Carson needed more action. She craved making a difference. The young detective believed in this, despite what everyone who cared about her at home had tried to warn her about before she had taken the new position in the city. Her older sister, Meg, had been convinced that Carson accepting the job was as good as signing her own death certificate. Her father hadn’t muttered many words at all when she told him. A “Hmm,” coupled with a few signature grunts from the man was probably as good as an acceptance that she’d get from him anyway.
Carson smooths down her shirt and runs a hand through her chestnut brown hair, trying her best to calm her nerves before she makes her way inside. She can’t help but feel a bit intimidated by the bustling atmosphere around her. Suddenly, she hears a booming voice call out, “Hey, you there! Farm girl!” Carson turns around to see a stocky woman with short dark hair and comforting brown eyes striding towards her.
“Not actually from a farm,” Carson mumbles under her breath. Either the other woman doesn’t hear her, or decides to ignore her input altogether, and follows up Carson’s retort with a simple, “Come with me.” The woman gestures for Carson to follow her. Carson manages to match the other woman’s pace. Winding through the department and across the bullpen of the station. “I’m Captain Jo Deluca, welcome to 43.”
Deluca has a no-nonsense presence that usually comes with her brand of authority, but at the same time, there is something so jovial about her that Carson can’t help but immediately take to her. She is instantly comfortable around her new Captain. The new detective swallows her nerves and follows Jo the rest of the way down the long hallway, already feeling a mix of admiration for the captain and a concealed apprehension about her first day. I can do this! I have trained for this! Nothing can get in my way! These are all the thoughts the new detective thinks to herself until about half an hour later; When she comes face to face with her new partner, Greta Gill, at her first ever active crime scene. Greta Gill skillfully throws a wrench in her plans.
When Carson first sees her, Greta Gill is leaning over the medical examiner, watching as she carefully examines the victim’s hands. No doubt the pair is trying to find early evidence of a struggle. The medical examiner’s dirty blond hair is held together in one tight braid. She has the most intense blue eyes that Carson has ever seen. Carson takes a deep breath, steeling herself for her next interactions.
As the young detective surveys the rest of the scene, her eyes always find their way back to Greta. Her new partner stands tall, almost 6 whole feet of striking glory. The woman is basically an Amazonian goddess in a power suit. Her auburn hair falls in waves around her shoulders. Her features are sharp, but also gentle. The juxtaposition of her beauty is almost jarring.
Everyone knows who Greta Gill is, and Carson would be lying if she says she hasn’t done a little digging into her new partner since accepting the position. There is something about Greta that is intimidating. The way she commands the scene by a look. A simple laugh here, a “Hey, could you do this for me?” given to one of the clean-up crew. She oozes a confidence and charisma naturally that Carson wishes she had.
These people want to help her. They want to listen to her because she demands that respect. Greta Gill knows how to get people to look at her. She is beautiful and alluring, this realization has Carson Shaw feeling absolutely fucked.
As if sensing Carson’s gaze, Greta turns from her position next to the examiner and their eyes finally meet. Carson holds her breath. Greta’s lips are so red, a smirk plays out on her face as her eyes narrow. How does she do that? Why am I feeling this way about a woman that I’ve never met? What? Just because she’s good at eye contact? Carson isn’t used to this kind of attention. She feels her heart skip a beat. She would probably only find her rhythm again lost in the distance between where she stands, and the five feet separating her from Greta. She must admit, she is intrigued.
As the seasoned detective moves closer, her eyes lock with Carson’s and Carson feels the jolt of electricity between them. At 29, Detective Shaw is well aware of the look in the other woman’s eyes. There’s interest there and something else that is unreadable. Carson doesn’t know what to think, but her stomach drops. There is only Greta Gill and that now familiar fluttering.
Carson pushes it all Down. Down. Down. Greta finally reaches her. Perhaps standing a little too close for someone you’re only just meeting, but Carson has a feeling that Greta must not know the definition of personal space. She can’t imagine anyone has encouraged such a concept around her before. Carson hates herself a little for wanting the other woman closer.
“You must be the new detective,” Greta says with a raised eyebrow. Carson’s mouth is dry. “Hi.” Greta just smiles and lets out a laugh. “Hi there.” Carson’s cheeks are warm. She can feel herself blushing and she’s pissed. “Hi…Carson Shaw.” The younger detective coughs and clears her throat as she fumbles through this introduction. So much for first impressions Carson thinks to herself. At this rate, Greta will request a new partner by the end of the day. One who knows how to put together more words than just hi and their name.
Greta, however, doesn’t seemed phased by Carson’s awkwardness in the slightest, instead she responds by extending her hand for a handshake, “Greta Gill.” Carson takes the hand she’s offered and feels the warmth emanating from Greta’s touch, causing her heart to race even faster. She hopes Greta isn’t too good of a detective that she’s already on to her.
As Greta lets go of her hand, Carson tries to steady her breathing and keep her cool. She attempts to divert her attention to the task at hand, but her mind keeps drifting to Greta’s stunning features. the way her eyes sparkle with intelligence and wit, the curve of her lips that hint at a hidden smile. Carson knows her thoughts are getting out of hand. She should make the dead body in front of her the new focal point. She doesn’t need to know the shade of Greta Gill’s lipstick. She needs to listen to what the medical examiner, who she now knows is named Jess, is explaining to them both about what they’ve found so far on the victim’s body.
Her first homicide case ever and Carson can barely concentrate with her new partner standing so close. The redhead’s scent fills Carson’s senses. Does she smell like lavender? Maybe bergamot? Was every contradiction so effortless for Greta Gill?
Greta’s expertise and confidence is apparent as she discusses theories and evidence with Jess. The medical examiner barely acknowledges Carson. “This one seems a little spacey, Gill. Are we sure she’s going to be the right fit?” Jess doesn’t even bother hiding their observations about Greta’s new partner. Carson can do nothing but gape. Words once again failing her for what feels like the hundredth time today.
Greta saves her from a response. “Oh, be nice, Jess. Don’t you remember what it was like on your first day?” Greta looks down at Carson. Her smile is warm and so inviting. She gives her a little wink as she brushes a strand of long auburn hair behind her ear. Carson melts. Jess can do nothing but laugh. Even if Greta hasn’t noticed her barely concealed attraction, Jess sees right through her. “First day jitters, huh Shaw? I’m sure that’s difficult. Must be a hard day for you.” Jess smirks. “I think our victim here might have you beat though. So maybe we focus back on her, yeah?”
Carson Shaw has never been more embarrassed. This is her career, and she’s already letting someone get into her head. “Of course, yes, you were saying? Blood spatter was consistent with what again?” Carson focuses her gaze intently on Jess. Crossing her arms and narrowing her dark chocolate eyes, waiting for the examiner to enlighten them with their findings.
Jess seems amused. Maybe Carson hasn’t completely screwed up after all. The younger detective doesn’t even look at Greta. She knows chancing a glance at the other woman now would only disrupt the flow she’s finally found. Jess continues, “As I was saying, from the looks of it, blood splatter is congruent with blunt force trauma to the back of the head. She likely didn’t see her attacker coming before it was lights out.” Carson nods in agreement, absorbing the information with a fierce determination and respect for each new fact revealed to them.
The detective finally finds her voice, her years of training kicking in after the whirlwind of a morning, “Such a shame too. She can’t be much older than in her early to mid-twenties. Who would do something like that? She didn’t even have a chance to fight back. We can add coward to the list of suspects.” Jess is quiet after that, but Carson can tell they silently agree with her.
Greta, impressed by Carson’s focus and insight, turns to her with a slight smile on her face. “I like your style, Shaw.” She says, her deep brown eyes glinting with a newfound respect. Carson feels her cheeks heat up at the compliment and she can’t help but steal a quick glance at her new partner. Their eyes meet for a moment. It’s fleeting, but Carson still feels the spark between them. She is once again inexplicably drawn to Greta Gill. This was going to be an interesting partnership.
After that, they turn to walk away. Thanking Jess and promising to stay updated once they get the young victim’s body back to the Lab where Jess will know more. Carson can’t help but steal a quick glance at her partner’s figure, hoping that she won’t get caught. If she thought she was fucked before, the view of Greta walking away from her in her tight black slacks would’ve quickly corrected that previous assumption. Day 1 point to - Greta Gill’s slacks. Carson, fumbling idiot, Shaw - 0. She was royally fucked.
Carson can feel Greta’s gaze on her as they make their way to the cruiser that will take them back to the station. She can’t help but feel like she’s being watched under a microscope. When they finally step into the car, Greta breaks the silence. “You’re new to the force, aren’t you?” It’s not really a question, but more of a statement. Carson nods, “Yeah, pretty much. I was a beat cop back in Idaho. The new promotion had me transferred over from their 23rd precinct.”
Greta hums in response, “Well, welcome to the team. And congratulations, you handled yourself well back there for it being your first time. Let’s hope we can solve this one quickly and get the scumbag responsible off the streets.” Carson nods again, feeling that same admiration for her new partner rising.
~~~~~~~~~
When Carson and Greta finally arrive back at the station, they head straight for their Captain’s office. As they walk in, Captain Deluca is sat behind her desk, sifting through what looks like hours and hours’ worth of paperwork. Greta’s eyes immediately light up at the sight of her oldest friend and former partner.
“Jooooeyyyyy, my love. I’ve missed you!!” Jo laughs at the sheer drama that is Greta Gill. Rolling her eyes at her friend’s antics, “Hey bird. It’s only been a few hours. And you’ve had farm girl here with you the whole time!” Greta at least has the decency to look confused. “Farm Girl? Is that what we’re calling her? Is it the hair? I wasn’t going to say anything, but it is very farm. Honestly, Shaw, it might be holding you back. I do give haircuts if you ever find yourself needing one.”
Greta purrs at Carson, slinking her way towards her new partner like the cat who ate the canary. The tall redhead stares directly into Carson’s eyes, her hands holding the younger detective’s shoulders in place in a way that makes escaping impossible. The smaller brunette can’t believe she’s serious right now, that this is her life. She doesn’t have the energy to be offended at this point.
God damn Greta Gill and her stupid beautiful face insulting her while making her feel desirable during the same moment. Carson huffs. “Well thanks, Detective Gill. How sweet. I’ll keep that in mind. For the record, I’m not from a farm. There are suburbs and actual metropolitans in Idaho, ya know?” Carson’s annoyance might show on her features for the first time since meeting both women that day.
Greta’s only response is a quiet, “Ooh.” And a look that anyone else who is not Carson Shaw would only describe as heart eyes. “Enough guys. Let’s get back on track here.” Jo says. “How was the Crime scene?”
It seems like a switch is flipped and suddenly Greta is all business again, responding with her usual nonchalant demeanor. “Nothing too much out of the ordinary, just the usual mess. Jess is doing their thing, and once the body gets back to the lab, we should have more information.”
Carson nods in agreement with her partner, silently grateful for Greta’s cool composure. She wasn’t sure she could handle rehashing any more of the upsetting sights she had witnessed earlier. Jo Leans back in her chair. Studying them both carefully.
“Good work. Both of you. Before you go, I do have some news.”
Carson and Greta exchange a quick glance, both silently wondering what the news could be.
“Before you got back, we received word on who the victim is. It’s high profile. Jo says with a serious tone. “I know this is only day one and you’re both getting used to a new dynamic, but I’m going to need everyone to bring their A-game for this one.”
Carson and Greta listen intently as Jo outlines the specifics of their current victim.
“Elora Chase. Adopted child of Senator Vivienne Chase. The adoption was a big deal years ago. Vivienne wanted a kid and fostering and then later adopting, Elora, turned out to be great PR for the senator.” Jo exhales. Forging ahead with the details. “Turns out rescuing a teenager from an abusive foster home is one way to secure a senatorial seat.”
“Politics aside, there is no indication that Elora was unhappy in her new home with Senator Chase. If anything, her life improved in ways that would only be logical for a previously under privileged teen.”
Greta takes this moment to interrupt Jo and speak up. “Something doesn’t sit right with me about this.” She says, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Jo raises an eyebrow, “What do you mean, Gill?”
“I mean, we’ve seen it time and time again. Wealthy, powerful individuals abusing their power to take advantage of vulnerable women and girls. Elora was basically a child when she was placed in that household, and Senator Chase was in a position of power. Meaning, powerful people were always around. I’m not saying the Senator had anything to do with this, but we need to at least investigate the possibility. It’s our job to find out what really happened to her.”
Carson can’t help but feel a rush of reverence for Greta, watching as she stands up for what she believes in, even if it has the potential to ruffle a few feathers. She can tell that Jo is impressed too, as she nods thoughtfully in agreement.
“You’re right, Bird. We can’t rule anything out at this point,” Jo says, glancing back down to the stack of papers littering her desk. Greta breaks her silence again this time proposing a direction for the case. “Let’s start by looking into Senator Chase’s background and her inner circle. Anyone who would’ve had significant involvement with Elora’s day to day.” Jo nods at her senior detective’s preferred course of action. “From there we can see if there’s anything to connect what we find to Elora’s Death.”
As they leave their Captain’s office, both women feel a renewed sense of purpose. This was something they were both passionate about. Carson was ready to prove that to Greta and the rest of the team.
Both detectives head to their respective desks to start working on the case and digging up new possible leads. Carson can’t help but steal glances at the redhead. She knew this case was shaping up to be what could be a true test of their partnership. The shorter detective feels an inevitable sense of longing while watching Greta’s long fingers typing away on her keyboard across from her in the bullpen. It’s a confusing feeling for Carson that she can’t quite identify. Not wanting to deliberate on the emotions any longer, the brunette turns her attention to the list of contacts on her desk that she needs to start calling. She has a lot of work to do.
~~~~~~~~~
It’s a normal Thursday morning about three weeks after Elora Chase’s body had been discovered and Greta is sitting at her desk going over the files related to the young girl’s Murder. Despite her efforts to the contrary, her mind keeps wandering to her new partner. There’s something captivating about Carson Shaw, despite her awkwardness. Greta can’t help but notice how Carson’s eyes light up when they talk about the case. The slightly younger woman is clearly a good detective. She’s eager to learn and willing to listen.
Greta’s inner musings are soon returned to the case file in her hands. In the following weeks, they had uncovered some new leads on Senator Chase and her inner circle, but nothing concrete yet. The more she delved into the case, the more she became convinced there was something darker at play. The Senator and her associates were hiding something, and Greta was determined to find out what it was.
She looks over at Carson, who is typing away at her computer, completely focused. Greta wonders what she’s thinking, what her theories are. She can’t deny the attraction she feels towards her partner, even though it goes against everything she has been taught as a detective. The stakes are higher than ever, and Greta needs to stay attentive.
The redheaded detective sighs and leans back in her chair, closing her eyes for a moment. She can’t let go of the feeling that they’re missing something, a crucial piece of the puzzle. But what was it? As she opens her eyes, she catches Carson looking over at her. They exchange a knowing look. Greta feels a spark of hope. Carson can only try to hide her blush and clumsily looks away. Damn Shaw. Always acting so weird. Greta likes her.
After a few hours of silently working together, and two coffees later for Greta, Carson pulls her chair up beside Greta’s desk from across the tiny bullpen.
“So, what do you think?” Carson asks, leaning in close to her partner.
“I think we need to focus on Senator Chase and her inner circle,” Greta responds, turning to look at Carson. Her proximity to the younger detective is perhaps a lot closer than strictly necessary. Greta can’t stop herself. Her nature is flirty, and Carson clearly started this. She came to Greta. The younger woman was suddenly everywhere, looking up at her with those doe brown eyes. The unbridled interest that Carson gives her so freely is impossible for the taller redhead to ignore. Carson truly does want to know Greta’s thoughts.
“I have a feeling they know more than what they’re letting on about Elora’s Death.”
Carson nods in agreement, “Agreed. We need to start with a list of all the Senator’s closest aides and associates. Lucky for you, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing the last three hours while you’ve been over here stewing and trying to look busy drinking your coffee, Detective Gill.” Greta throws her head back and laughs at her.
“Oh, yeah?! Is that how it is, Shaw?? I thought we were friends.” Greta throws her body back into her rollie chair dramatically. One of her hands covering her face like she can’t believe the length of Carson’s transgressions.
Carson just looks proud of herself. Smiling in a way that has her dimple popping out of her cheek. Greta hates how badly she wants her.
Just then, Jo walks in, “Helloooo ladies, am I interrupting something?” Carson looks up at their captain with barely concealed mirth. Greta smirks.
“Of course not, Joey. We were sitting here all morning just waiting for you to walk in.” Jo seems pleased by this answer.
“Good. Exactly what I like to hear.” Jo continues with the real intel she came to the bullpen with, “I have an interrogation set up with one of Senator Chase’s top advisors. I want you both there.”
The detectives find each other’s eyes, knowing that this could be the major break they’d been searching for.
Carson looks a little nervous as the partners make their way to the conference room where the interrogation will be held. Greta selfishly can’t help but feel grateful to have the shorter brunette by her side. The junior detective’s grounding energy was proving to be a calming side effect to Greta’s often pent-up emotions. Carson’s presence was like a balancing neutralizer that Greta hadn’t found in a partnership since Joey.
Wanting to jump her bones every five seconds isn’t ideal. Greta muses to herself, but she can keep her lust in check and not act on her developing attraction. Acting on it would be messy. It could hurt them both and Greta had worked too hard to let a pretty girl waltz in and ruin years of climbing up the latter and gaining respect within the precinct. She wouldn’t risk it. Not even for Carson Shaw.
Still, working so closely together the last few weeks hadn't been easy. Her curiosity still got the better of her. Her mind would inevitably wonder if Carson might be having the same issues, or if she was just imagining things.
It’s not long before they arrive at their destination. Greta practices her compartmentalization skills and puts all Carson related thoughts in a tiny box. Choosing instead to focus on interrogating their new lead. The advisor they will be speaking with is Grant Walker. The lanky government official turns out to be rather tight-lipped. Greta’s keen sense of intuition tells her that he knows more than he’s willing to share.
“Come on. Give us something here, Mr. Walker.” Carson takes a turn at pressing him for more information, turning on her small-town charm in an innocent way that would never work if Greta had been the one to attempt it. Her big brown eyes shine up at the man with a sense of desperation that even Greta almost believes. Carson’s giving this man the illusion that only he can help her. The younger detective’s tone takes on a pleading quality. “We could really use your guidance here. Any information you have might be exactly what we need!” Greta raises an eyebrow. She’s impressed that Carson has decided to play it this way. This woman is a genius. The way Mr. Walker glares at Carson after she’s done, basically begging on her hands and knees for information, makes Greta want to punch him in the face. She struggles to hide her scowl as she crosses her arms over waist, silently leaning against the wall on the other side of the room.
Eventually he cracks. “Oh, honey, that’s why I’m here.” He talks with a southern drawl and his eyes never stray from Carson’s pacing figure at the top of the interrogation room. His gaze is predatory and both women are uncomfortable. Greta rolls her eyes at this man’s audacity. The redheaded detective carefully lowers her hand to her sidearm while maintaining eye contact with Mr. Walker. She hopes to land more on the side of threatening than intimidating. I’m not taking my eyes off you; You piece of shit. Go ahead, try something. Give me a reason. She can feel her fingers twitch.
Mr. Walker tells them about a secret meeting that Senator Chase had with several of her top officials on the night of Elora’s death. “There’s no way it could’ve been the Senator. There are at least a dozen witnesses that could attest to where she was that entire night.” Greta can tell he’s trying to be charming, and he fully believes he’s coming off that way. He flashes another smarmy smile at Carson.
Carson and Greta exchange a knowing glance, communicating without uttering any words, they realize they finally have him heading in the right direction. Carson comes to stand next to her and maybe Greta can calm down enough to admit that this interrogation wasn’t a complete waste of time. Mr. Walker is glancing at Carson again. Greta can tell he’s about to ask her something. Yeah right. Over my dead body. Before he has the chance to ask for something or say anything that Greta would undoubtedly make him regret, The taller detective cuts him off. hurrying the end of the interrogation along and shuffling the man quickly towards the door. Her grip is firm and bruising. Mr. Walker winces. Greta just smiles, all confidence all the time. “Thank you, Mr. Walker, it’s been quite an experience.” She chuckles at her own sarcasm. “We’ll let you know if we need anything else from here.”
“Of course. Ms. Gill, Ms. Shaw.” His hungry eyes linger on Carson one last time and Greta has had enough. With a sharp edge to her voice she snarls, “That’s DETECTIVE Gill and DETECTIVE Shaw to you.” Not knowing a more effective way to make herself clear, she shuts the conference room door in his face.
~~~~~~~~~
In spite of their recent interrogation and taking into consideration how much progress they had made on the case, Greta was having trouble moving past the feeling that something still wasn’t right. They’re waiting for the forensic report from Jess when Greta goes back to analyzing the crime scene photos that had been taken of Elora’s body at the scene. She can’t put her finger on it, but there is something about the way the body is arranged that doesn’t make sense; This case feels familiar to the redhead. She doesn’t want to admit it, but from the moment they discovered that Elora Chase was their victim, Greta hasn’t stopped thinking about Janie Mills. The M.O. is the same. A dead foster kid with a bright future who finally escapes the abuse of their past, then BOOM! Their future wasn’t so shiny anymore, only stolen right out from under them. The thought alone that the death of this poor young girl could somehow be connected to Janie makes Greta instantly sick to her stomach. Jo’s always telling her to trust her gut; It had never steered them wrong before, but for this, Detective Gill hopes she’s just letting the specifics of Janie’s cold case get into her head.
Sitting beside her in the cold metal chairs that line the hallway of Jess’s lab is Carson. The young detective hasn’t said much since their interview upstairs, but she has been quietly following up on a few leads on her phone while they wait with bated breath for Jess’s findings.
“Hey, you, okay?” Carson nudges her right shoulder against Greta. Slowly leaning into the taller detective’s space and quietly resting against her partner. Content enough around each other to just exist while they wait.
Greta exhales the breath she didn’t know she was holding on to and shakes her head. “Just trying to make sense of all this. It doesn’t feel good. Something isn’t adding up.” Greta takes this moment to lean back against Carson. Everywhere they touch, her body is warm. Greta hasn’t felt this safe in ages, it’s terrifying to know it’s due to Carson Shaw’s support.
For a moment, they don’t speak, and everything is blissful. Greta bites her lip to stop herself from bursting this carefully carved out minute of peace that they’ve finally found for themselves. She is not successful. Carson makes her feel comfortable enough to acknowledge all her thoughts. She ruminates on the idea that Carson Shaw would probably be the type of person to remind her that her experience is valid and worth voicing. Internally she rolls her eyes, outwardly she opens her big mouth, “This case, Elora, it all reminds me of another case I worked on almost a decade ago. I think it’s bringing up a lot I’d rather not think about.” Greta doesn’t look at Carson at first. She lets the words fall where they may and doesn’t let on how important this conversation really is for her.
Carson listens to her partner’s every word soaking in Greta’s vulnerabilities like a sponge. As open as Greta Gill is on the surface, Carson doesn’t think she knows that much about her at all. The redhead only lets people know what she wants them to know. Which is truthfully very little. Carson can count on one hand what she knows about Greta Gill the person and not Detective Gill.
The list goes as follows: Greta has a fluffy orange and black cat at home named Henrietta, who she calls Hetty. Typical lesbian . Her favorite color is Midnight Blue. She lets everyone think it’s red to keep them all guessing . And her favorite drink from Jo’s wife Maybelle’s bakery is Honey Milk tea…This is different. Carson has never heard her sound so uncertain. So small. It scares the hell out of her.
“This older case, did you solve it?” Carson keeps her voice confident and steady as if one wrong move will spook her overly guarded partner.
Greta hates that she always asks the right questions.
“No…We didn’t. But we did try everything we could. There wasn’t enough evidence and every lead we had turned into one dead end after another…I let the girl down so many times. It was like I could never get it right.” Greta lets out a deep breath, begging the tears stinging behind her eyes not to fall. She doesn’t want Carson to see her this way. It was important to her that Carson saw her as anything but weak. Janie’s case was the biggest regret of her life.
Carson’s heart breaks for her. The urge to reach out and touch the taller detective has never been so strong. She listens to her intuition and places a hand on Greta’s knee. Her thumb slowly rubs back and forth, offering small bids of comfort in the only way Carson knows how in this moment. She hopes Greta is in a place to receive it.
Greta’s throat feels tight. A few tears fight their way past her eyes and Greta aggressively wipes them away as if they were never there. Carson pretends not to notice, and Greta has never been more grateful to have her by her side.
A few minutes later, Jess is finally ready for them. When they walk in, they’re presented with the file that Jess has been building for Elora’s case. Greta takes it out of the Medical Examiner’s hands while Carson leans against the stainless-steel counters that line the lab. One hand lightly resting on her hip, while she runs the other through her shorter brunette locks.
Farm Girl had finally taken Greta’s advice one night after they had left the station and met up at The Perfect Peach. Carson had been promised a slice of pie, Greta had ulterior motives. The taller detective had packed her scissors and cutting shears that morning on purpose. Greta Gill knew exactly what she was doing, always. It’s why she tended to get what she wanted. Maybelle could only look at them both and shake her head with laughter. Greta had begged for access to the back room of the bakery so she could, as the charismatic detective had put it, “Take the farm out of Carson.” Carson on the other hand, only rolled her eyes and finished her pie. Later, when Greta had finally managed to get her hands on the other woman, she had asked, all fire in her eyes and whispered words, “Do you want me to stop?” Carson felt helpless to not let Greta Gill do whatever she pleased with her. “No.” One syllable that they both felt spread all the way down to their toes. Greta had continued, the familiar twinge in her stomach letting itself be known, and one more syllable uttered between the two. “Good.” That was the last time Greta had ever called Carson Shaw Farm Girl again.
One look over at Carson forces the memory to the older detective’s mind and suddenly she’s warm all over. Ugh. She could not do this today. Focus Gill. It’s just your incredibly hot partner, and her incredibly hot body. That you’d love very much to push against those counters and rip her clothes right off. Fuck. She was getting lost again. Focus. Jess. Elora. Sad. Dead foster kids. Carson comforting her about Janie. So sweet. So gentle. Carson. Fuck. Fucking Carson. Stainless steel counters. Cold. Carson’s warm hands and then probably her warm mouth trailing…Down. Down. Down. Double fuck.
“You okay there, Gill?” Jess is looking at her weird. Greta doesn’t know how much time has passed. She’s gripping the file with a completely unnecessary amount of strength. The tall redhead’s cheeks burn. Carson looks concerned for her. Greta bites her lip. She hates how badly she wants her when she looks worried about her. When she looks at her.
The detective clears her throat and crosses both her legs and arms as she leans her body back against the counters as well. “Fine. I’m fine, sorry Jess. You were saying?” Carson moves closer to her. No doubt in efforts to offer her support after their moment out in the hall. Greta can’t breathe. Carson Shaw will be the death of her, It’s official. At least she’s in the right place.
“I said, twice already, might I add.” Jess looks their usual amount of annoyed, “That it looks like we might have something here. The toxicology report shows that Elora had traces of a powerful sedative in her system.”
Carson’s face screws up in quiet contemplation, “That doesn't make sense…Why use the sedative at all when the guy was just going to hit her across the back of the head anyway when she wasn’t looking?”
Jess seems to have anticipated this question, “I wondered the same thing myself. The means to the end seemed counterintuitive. That was until I dug a little further. It turns out the sedative that our killer used happens to be the same drug that Senator Chase has been known to have prescribed to herself on a decently regular schedule.”
Greta’s eyes narrow at the medical examiner. “Well, that’s a coincidence if I’ve ever heard one.”
Carson chimes in. “Are you saying that you think the senator might have been involved in Elora’s death?”
Greta shrugs and shakes her head at the thought before Jess can answer. One hand coming to rest at the bridge of her nose. “It’s too early to say something like that, but it’s definitely worth investigating further.”
Jess interrupts before the detectives can get too carried away with their theories. “I also found something else.” They advert Carson and Greta’s attention to the table where Elora’s body lies peacefully. “Look at this,” Jess says, pointing to a faint mark on Elora’s wrist. “It’s a small abrasion, but it’s recent.”
Greta leans in closer, Her eyes widening as she sees the tiny wound. “That’s odd. What could have caused it?”
Carson perks up, her voice quiet. “Maybe she did struggle with someone. Or someone had her restrained?”
Greta glances at her partner, noticing the sadness etched on her face. This part of the job never gets any easier. Seeing the victims on the table, all the wasted life. In Greta’s experience, the younger the victim, the harsher the impact. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and comfort her, but there was a time and a place for that, and it wasn’t here.
“Jess, can you see if there’s any other DNA evidence on her anywhere?” Greta asks the medical examiner.
“I’ll do my best,” Jess replies, their eyes still focused on Elora’s wrist.
“You always do.” Greta’s eyes light up and a smile graces her gentle features as she pats her friend on their shoulder.
Jess smiles in return at the senior detective’s compliment and Carson and Greta use that moment to discuss their next move. “We already know where the Senator was the night of her daughter’s death and who was with her.” Greta starts, pacing the short length of the lab as Carson tracks her movements carefully with her dark eyes. “I still think we need to talk to her though, get her side of the story, see if there could be anything that Mr. Walker was hiding from us.” The taller detective finishes.
“If it wasn’t clear before, I really didn’t trust that guy.” Greta huffs. Carson can only let out a bark of laughter at the redhead’s admission.
“Oh yeah? You weren’t a fan? I hadn’t noticed. The door slamming in his face at the end of his interview wasn’t enough evidence for me.” Carson laughs some more, and her dimple is out of hiding again. Greta melts and then proceeds to roll her eyes.
“You saying the jury’s still out for me, Detective Shaw? There’s still hope for me, yet?” Greta teases back at her partner.
The younger woman scoffs and sucks in a breath, “Ohhh, I dunno about that Detective Gill. I might still have to arrest you. But maybe, I can let you off on account of good behavior and all that if you can learn to behave yourself and not slam doors in the faces of innocent men.”
Greta hears let you off. Damn. Behave yourself. Lord have mercy. And then immediately innocent men and her ire is back in full force. “ALLEGEDLY INNOCENT, SHAW!!” Her voice raises and there’s fire in her eyes.
From where Jess is leaned over Elora’s body, combing for additional DNA evidence, the medical examiner can’t help but notice the evident chemistry between the two detectives. They had seen a lot of partners come and go over the years, but there was something about the way these two worked together that felt different. Jess made a mental note to keep an eye on them before speaking up. “Are you guys done flirting over the body? Or should we leave and give you the room?” Jess flashes their signature smirk, looking first over at Carson knowing she’ll be the most affected by this line of questioning.
Carson’s reaction doesn’t disappoint. She’s instantly stuttering and fumbling over her words. “Whaaa…We weren’t…That wasn’t…” Carson can’t even finish her sentence. Her face is flushed crimson and she’s shaking her head while violently throwing around her arms like she doesn’t know what to do with them anymore. Jess has never seen the detective so flustered.
Greta can’t stop laughing. This causes Carson to freak out even more. Jess doesn’t know if the shorter woman is about to cry or pass out. What a day. What a place to work. It’s in this moment that Jess is genuinely glad that detective Shaw joined the team. They hadn’t seen Greta smile at anyone like that in years and Jess just wanted their friend to be happy. With this thought and before Carson could spontaneously combust, Jess finally dismisses them both from the lab. They had work to get done, and these bumbling lovesick idiots would probably be more helpful literally anywhere else.
When they finally leave, Jess can hear Carson’s voice five octaves higher trying to explain herself, and Greta’s resulting laughter all the way down the hall.