A CHARMED LIFE - PART 4
Some days later, Nora visits Bo at the station. He's not in his office at the moment, so she goes inside to sit down and wait for him. He gets a slight kick out of seeing her in his office.
B: Hey, Red! Good to see you. What's up?
N: I have a question for you. You have an open door policy for me, so here I am.
B: Okay, shoot.
Nora places the black velvet pouch in front of him.
N: Tell me about this.
B: Well, it's a black velvet pouch that people use to put jewelry in. I guess you could use it for other stuff. But, I think it's mostly used for stuff that's worth something.
Nora tries not to laugh.
N: Very funny! But that's not what I meant. I mean tell me about what's inside it.
B (he laughs): Ohhhh!
He slowly opens the pouch and takes out the bracelet. The smile leaves his face. He stares at it.
B: Uh, this is just a bracelet I gave you.
N: Just a bracelet? Bo, it's not just a bracelet. I remember very clearly why and when you gave it to me.
B: Then what do you want me to tell you about it?
N: I don't remember the significance of the other charms. I want you to tell me about them.
He is very obviously avoiding answering the question.
B: This is the most important question you could come up with about your past?
N: Bo….you told me several times how I could come to you with anything. Here I am and you're avoiding me already!
B: I just don't see the relevance that's all.
N: It's my life and this bracelet always meant something to me. I want to know about the other charms.
Reluctantly, he gives in and begins to answer the question.
B: Okay, well, let's see….the music note - that's a given. That was for our love of the rock-n-roll oldies. Um, the rose was because I loved sending you flowers.
He stops there.
N: What about the other three? Have you forgotten?
B: No, no….I didn't forget. The key and heart was because you held the key to my heart and the I Love You one was because I love you. That's it. There's your answer. The others you remember, right?
He looks up. She's crying.
B: Nora, what's wrong?
N: Nothing, nothing. I'm fine. I just needed to hear you say it.
B: Say what?
N: I lied. I remember about the charms. Some sick part of me wanted to know if you remembered! I wanted to know if you would sound the same as you did when you first gave them to me. And you do….right on the mark, right down to the meaning of each one. Oh my god!! How pathetic am I?
She's crying harder now. He sits down next to her and hugs her.
B: Nora, you are not pathetic!! I understand. I really do.
N (sniffling): You do?
B: I do.
He takes the bracelet and places it on her right wrist. He kisses her and gives her some tissues.
N: I can't tell you how much I love this bracelet.
B: You don't have to. Trust me, I know. Do you have plans for later tonight?
N: No, I don't. Matthew is staying over a friend's house. I just thought I'd stay home with a good book.
B (intrigued): Really? Hmmm, how about dinner instead?
N: All right. That sounds nice.
B: Feeling better?
N: Yes I am. Sorry for the outburst of tears.
B: Don't be sorry. Can I give you a call later to work out the details?
N: Actually, I'll be out most of the afternoon running errands and keeping some appointments.
B: Okay. How about I pick you up around 7:00?
They walk to the door.
B: See you at 7:00.
N: I'll be waiting. Bye.
B: Officer Rice, can I see you for a moment? Step in my office please.
OR: Is there a problem, sir?
B: No. Listen, I need you to tail Mrs. Buchanan today and report back to me on my cell phone every half-hour.
OR: May I ask why, sir?
B: No, you may not. Just do as I ask. Is that understood?
OR: Yes, sir. I'll get right on it.
B: Good. And tell Sykes to get in here.
J: You wanted to see me?
B: Yes, I need you to take over for the rest of the afternoon. I have to take care of something.
J: Is everything okay?
B (smiles): Yeah….I think it's more than okay. I'll check in with you later.
TO BE CONTINUED……
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