The Lure of a Traitor

by F. L. Jordan

  Copper made himself a promise. If Zach didn’t seek out help tomorrow, he was going to do it for him. He’d wanted to all these years, but never had the means to do so. That Lock woman was his key to making it happen.

  Chapter 2

  “Hey Newbie,” a bubbly brunette girl addressed Natalie in the locker room as she changed into her uniform, “wanna see something cool before you start your meter maiding?”

  “Why not,” she tucked her shirt in and buckled her belt. “I’m Natalie Lock, by the way.”

  “Amber Wren,” the woman beamed at her. “Anyway, Hail has his weapons proficiency test today. It’s always an impressive show to watch.”

  “Really? When?” This was certainly something that piqued her interest.

  “Uh, like,” Amber looked down at her watch, “twenty minutes.”

  “Lead the way,” Natalie motioned for the woman to take the lead.

  “You transferred from 2nd, right?” Amber asked quietly as they walked towards the shooting range in the basement.

  “Yes,” Natalie confirmed cautiously, “I did.”

  “I heard Captain Corvis is a misogynistic dickhead," Amber's nose crinkled in disgust as she spoke.

  "You have no idea," Natalie couldn't help the disdained tone that seeped into her voice. "Working there was a nightmare after he got the promotion."

  "How does someone like that even get into a position of leadership," she shook her head. "It's disgusting."

  "It's politics," Natalie shrugged. "Suck enough of the right dicks and you'll come out smelling like a rose."

  Amber laughed, "but everything that comes out of your mouth is still going to smell like stale cum."

  Natalie snorted as they approached the range’s doors, "Isn't that the truth!"

  “Oh well, at least all you have to deal with here is Hail,” Amber offered sweetly. “He’s a prick, but you don’t have to worry about him grabbing your ass.”

  “If anybody lays a hand on me they’re losing some teeth,” Natalie involuntarily clenched her fists.

  “No worries of that,” Amber looked her over, a slightly concerned expression hidden beneath her smile. “All of the guys here are great. Believe it or not, Hail personally makes sure that everyone employed at the 4th is respectful and of good moral standing. He may not be our lieutenant anymore, but Captain Levit lets him continue running the station as if he were. Oh! The best spot is open, come on!”

  Amber grabbed her wrist and drug Natalie to a space along the observation wall. The position gave them a clear vision of the gun booth where Sargeant Hail currently stood. Natalie watched with fascination as the man expertly took apart his weapon per the captain’s orders. His movements were fast and calculated. She could tell that he was memorizing every single piece as he placed it on the booth’s counter.

  Natalie had been too busy observing the man to notice that his dragon was missing. That was until Copper landed on the railing beside her, effectively scaring both of the women. Amber yelped and Natalie slapped her hand over her mouth to cover up her surprised shriek. The little beast was quiet. His menacing talons had barely made a sound against the metal pipe as he’d landed. She’d only caught a glimpse of his shiny scales before noticing that the animal was mere inches from her.

  “Good Lord!” Amber clutched at her chest, eyeing the dragon nervously. “Hail doesn't like to have him in the shooting range, but normally he leaves him in his office for this.”

  Natalie took a few deep breaths to steady herself from the shock of the creature’s sudden appearance. She looked directly into Copper’s eyes as he stared at her. The lizard looked as if he was going to attack her. His whole body was tense as he perched precariously on the hand railing.

  “What are you doing in here?” Amber waved a tentative hand at the creature. “Zach will be pissed if you’re not where you’re supposed to be, shoo. Go back to his office.”

  Copper looked the two of them over, snorted a small puff of white smoke at them, and climbed into the window ledge to lay down. He tucked his little claws beneath him and wrapped his tail around his body. As the beast turned to watch his owner the women looked at each other in confusion. Natalie cautiously settled back into her previous spot, occasionally glancing down at the reptile beside her. He really was beautiful.

  I’m Natalie, she decided to talk to him.

  Copper, his eyes never left Hail.

  What are you doing in here? she asked, her attention only half on the impressive display of marksmanship that was happening in front of her. Hail was hitting perfect bullseyes on every target, regardless of if it were moving or stationary. Had he not had his face turned away from the range, Natalie would have never known he was blind.

  I wanted to meet you, the dragon’s response was enough to gain her full attention.

  You did? Why? She was curious to say the least.

  I've never had anyone to talk to other than Zach, he finally looked at her, and to be honest, it’s kind of exciting.

  I can only imagine, she smiled down at him. This is exciting for me, too.

  Why don’t you have a dragon? Copper asked, genuinely confused by her lack of companion.

  Ever heard of the Church of Dia? As she thought the institution’s name the creature’s scales lifted on the back of his head and he shivered. Yeah, no kidding, little one. My father was an ordained minister.

  Damn, Copper turned his attention back to his owner, at least you got away from that mess.

  Natalie let the conversation rest for a moment as they watched the captain hand Hail a rifle, instructing him to fire all available rounds into the target that was fifty yards away. So how did you and Hail meet?

  His dad took him to the pet shop and turned him loose with $50 for his 3rd birthday, Copper flicked the tip of his tail lightly as he watched his human line up his shot from muscle memory. He was aiming too low. Copper sighed in relief when Zach rolled out his shoulder and readjusted his aim. The man had taken a vicodin this morning to deal with the aftermath of his poor choices last night. The dragon knew his human was high as a kite right now, and the thought terrified him.

  $50? Natalie looked over the creature next to her skeptically. There is no way in hell he bought you for $50. Not only are you a rare color, you’re male.

  I’m sterile, his response shocked her. When I arrived at the store all the other dragons in the shipment were dead. The owner assumed I was violent and sent me to the chop shop. He never thought to consider the fact that the box we were in didn’t have any air holes.

  I’m sorry, she didn’t know how else to respond.

  Why? You’re not the one that did it. Besides, he turned to face her, his little eyes gleaming with a mischievous fire, he was right. I am violent. I killed every single creature he put me with, costing the store thousands in losses. The man was just happy to be rid of me.

  Natalie smiled at him and rolled her eyes, such proud beasts you are.

  Dragons? Copper tilted his head questioningly.

  Men, she pulled her eyes away from the beautiful being and watched Hail as he fired his final round.

  Copper laughed, a small puff of smoke leaving his nostrils as he stood. Amber instantly backed away from him, but Natalie didn’t budge. Copper gave her a wink before leaping from the window, gliding gracefully to the room’s door before pumping his wings and vanishing from sight.

  “How did you manage to stand so close to that thing?” Amber leaned into Natalie and whispered.

  “He’s not so bad,” she admitted as they turned to leave.

  “You only feel that way because you don’t know what it’s capable of. The captain sent those two into Lower Heights last year to clean up a drug bust gone bad,” Amber kept her voice low. “That dragon killed just as many thugs as Hail did. He’s not just the man’s pet.”

  “Honestly,” Natalie thumbed over her shoulder towards the range, “after what I just witnessed, I wouldn't expect anything less from Copper. They’re a hell of a pair.”
/>
  “I for one,” Natalie looked up to see Burns’ round face smiling down at her, “am glad they’re on our side. Can you imagine if Hail had gone into a gang instead of the police force?”

  “Jesus, Burns,” Amber shuddered. “Don’t give me nightmares.”

  The fluffy man reached out his hand towards Natalie, “I’m Jackson, by the way.”

  “It’s a pleasure,” Natalie shook it. “May I suggest you pay a visit to forensics?”

  “Why?” he looked completely confused.

  “I’m curious to know if they could identify the brand of doughnut that left the powdered sugar on your sleeve,” she smiled at him condescendingly. She despised sloppiness.

  “Likely Krispy Kreme,” Amber joined in, examining the man’s sleeve with feigned seriousness.

  He jerked his arm away from her, glaring at Natalie, “Damn, and I thought you were going to be nice. You’re just as mean as everyone else.” Something about the entitled tone of his offension pissed her off instantly.

  “Why would you assume such a thing?” she felt her face settle into the serious blank slate she'd perfected over the years. “Because I’m pretty? I’m an officer of the law, Mr. Burns. I take pride in my appearance because I am a representative of every brother and sister that protects this city. You should do the same. Citizens look to us for safety. My first impression of you was quite lacking, but I had hoped my second would be better. Should I look forward to a third disappointment from you?”

  “What gives you the authority to talk to me like that?” he shouted at her angrily. It was always astounding to her how some individuals so easily lost their composure. Burns was probably a nightmare to work with in the field.

  Natalie squared up to him, forcing him to back up a step. She may be smaller in stature, but she knew damn well she was meaner than the man before her. She backed him up another step, noticing that the confrontation had gained the attention of everyone in the room. Too late to back down now. Natalie let him know exactly how she felt about him.

  “What gives me the authority?” she repeated his question with as much snark as she could muster. “Let’s see, probably the fact that I could kick your ass just by climbing up a flight of stairs! When was the last time you ran to anything other than your refrigerator? If your partner’s life depended on it, could you carry them to safety? Could you chase down a perp on foot? Could you even defend yourself in a physical fight?”

  The man stammered, “I.. I have a thyroid problem.”

  “You have a diet problem,” Natalie held up his powdery sleeve as evidence. “You represent the city’s finest precinct. Get your shit together, and for Christ’s sake, get that crap off your uniform.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Burns was completely defeated by her public ridicule. The man honestly looked like he was about to cry. Why was someone with such weak resolve on the force, let alone be employed at the 4th?

  Natalie turned to leave and found herself face to face with Captain Mark Levit. She expected him to reprimand her, but instead he smiled kindly, “Officer Lock has presented you with many valid points, Officer Burns. Physicals are in three months. I expect you to learn from her words and work to improve your condition before then.”

  “Yes, sir,” Burns hung his head and left the observation deck, grumbling beneath his breath.

  “As for you, Officer Lock,” the captain returned his attention to Natalie, “try to remember that you’re not a high ranking officer here, at least not yet.”

  “Yes, sir,” she smiled sheepishly, “old habits and all that.”

  “That’s why I’m being lenient,” he stepped aside. “Show’s over people, time to get to work.”

  Natalie quickly made for the door, Amber directly on her heel. When they got into the hallway Amber burst into an excited whisper, “That was the best thing I’ve ever seen! No one’s dared to tell Burns off like that. I mean, we’ve all thought it, but no one’s actually done it!”

  “Why not?” Natalie was confused. “Thyroid problem or not, the man should be in physical shape enough to do his job. He got winded refilling the water cooler yesterday.”

  “Jackson is Mayor Pelemb’s nephew,” Amber hissed.

  “All the more reason for him to take a little pride in himself,” Natalie shrugged.

  “Girl,” Amber slapped her back playfully, “I like you. You’ve got some guts.”

  “Well, at least I’m making friends,” Natalie let out a breathy half hearted laugh as she headed for the garage.

  “Have fun handing out tickets,” Amber waved to her as she set about her own daily tasks.

  “Later,” Natalie sighed, stuck her cap on her head, and made her way to the gallant glorified golf cart that awaited her.

  ~*~

  “Another perfect score,” Zach kicked his feet up on his desk and leaned back in his chair, ignoring the throbbing ache in his lower back and ass.

  He leaned his head against the soft leather of his chair and closed his eyes. The action made no difference to him, other than it kept his eyelids from feeling like dried out shoe leather, but he did it for the sake of anyone who might walk in. He’d been told several times that he looked dead when he left them open.

  “How shall we celebrate?” he smiled as he tucked his hands behind his head.

  Make the call, Copper urged him. You promised.

  “Ugh, fine,” Zach grumbled. “Grab the phone book.”

  Copper was elated. He happily launched himself onto the bookshelf, returning to the desk with the local yellow pages. What am I looking for?

  A good Chinese restaurant, Zach’s voice filled Copper’s mind and he smacked him with his tail. “Ow! I was kidding!” Privately practicing therapists who specialize in emotional trauma.

  Thank you, Copper used his claws to flip through the delicate pages. As he made it to the T’s a commotion sounded outside.

  “I want her gone!” Officer Burns shouted. “She’s a bitch.”

  “Why?” Zach recognised Detective Frickle’s voice. “Because she told you the truth?”

  Uh oh, Zach stood and slowly approached his office door, wonder what’s got Tubby so upset?

  “I have a thyroid problem!” Burns was practically in tears.

  “Your thyroid didn’t cover your sleeve in powdered sugar, Burns,” Officer Bailey Lang chimed in.

  “You’ll see,” Burns was definitely crying now. “My uncle will take care of this.”

  Zach opened his door and stepped out, “What in the fuck is going on out here?”

  “The newbie called Burns out for being a slob,” Bailey answered coldly to his left.

  “Lock?” Zach felt his eyebrow raise in amusement.

  “Yeah,” Bailey confirmed, “She reemed his ass in front of everyone for it.”

  “She’s almost as scary as you,” Officer Feltif called from somewhere directly in front of him.

  “Huh,” Zach was intrigued to say the least. “About time someone did it. I would have, but I don’t have to see his fat ass every day.”

  “I’m still here!” Burns blubbered from the right side of the room.

  “I know,” Zach laughed. “I could smell you from here. Seriously, Burns, what happened to you? You used to be the pinnacle of perfection. How hard is it to stop being lazy? I mean for fuck’s sake, I'm blind and I can tell you've let yourself go.”

  “Oh! I'll go alright, I’m going home!” Zach heard Burns’ chair slide against the linoleum, his shuffling steps heading for the station door.

  "That's wise. Run away from your problems, Jackson!” Zach called out to him, a malicious smile creeping over his lips. “Just like your dad did!” The station’s door slammed and Zach snorted, turning to go back into his office.

  “That was a low blow, even for you, Zach,” Detective Frickle spoke softly.

  “Burns is a fucking wimp,” Zach paused halfway into his office. “He needs to toughen up before he gets hurt somewhere other than in his feelings.” He stepped back into his
office and slammed his door, satisfied with the drama that had just ensued. Lock was already stirring up trouble on her second day. How interesting.

  How’s that Chinese food coming? Zach playfully rubbed his hands together as he headed back towards his desk.

  I think I found a promising one, Copper read the number off to him as Zach spoke it into his phone. The dragon found the clinic’s name to be rather amusing, though he doubted Hail would appreciate it.

  "Hello, thank you for calling Invision Health," a chipper secretary answered on the second ring. "How may I help you today?"

  "I, uh," Zach really didn't want to do this, "I need help dealing with... well, with myself, I guess. Is the doc there any good?"

  "Yes," she answered confidently, "both Dr. Tory and Dr. Patel have amazing reviews from our patients. They're also both in the office at the moment if you would like to speak with one of them."

  "That would be great," Zach stood and walked to the corner of his office that was furthest from the door. He was worried someone might overhear, though people typically left him alone after incidents such as what had just taken place with Burns.

  "Wonderful," he could hear her rustling some pens and paper. "What seems to be the biggest issue for you? I will happily forward you to the physician that will best suit your needs."

  "Past trauma that's messing up my daily life," Hail felt Copper nestle his neck as he spoke.

  "Ah, that would be Dr. Tory. Let me put you on hold for just a moment," before he could agree, the line filled with bland elevator music. He was tempted to hang up, but he was also pretty sure Copper would barbeque him if he did.

  "Hello, this is Dr. Alan Tory," a man's voice cut the monotonous music. "Tell me a bit about yourself and what you're going through."

  "I need to know that everything said is 100% confidential first," Zach chewed on the thumbnail of his free hand, when had it gotten so long? He made a mental note to call Wae Chung next. The woman had the best nail salon in the city and she always offered a complimentary scale polish for Copper. It was the only place he trusted to do such a thing to his dragon and the spoiled brat loved it.