#youlikeit - BLACKBIRD book 1

12. call me scully

It was still dark when they met next morning, all of them trying to look more awake than they actually were. Gillian got to the office first, and considering Orlando's was still closed, she managed to make the coffee machine work and welcomed the others with fresh coffee for everybody.

While she delivered the state badges to her team, Russell said they would have a workspace waiting for them at the State Police Detectives office in Auburn. Tanya was already starting her systems, and Kurt was able to find the right keys to print maps of Northampton, Webster and the Pike junction they planned to watch.

"Okay, I'm taking Northampton and Al is taking Webster," said Gillian. "If we get lucky and you lads spot the van, we're gonna need clear pictures of the logo and the plate to work on. So whoever spots him should follow him to get them. Then one of you should join Al in Webster, and the others go to Auburn, to set up shop and stand by just in case."

When they went down to the parking lot, Brock waited for the team to head to their cars and stopped Gillian. Russell paused too, curious.

"Excuse me, Lieutenant, but I think one of us should go with you to Northampton, rather than waiting in Auburn with the others. You'd cover more ground."

He had a point, but it took Gillian by surprise anyway. "Of course, you're right," she muttered, and turned to Russell.

"Don't look at me, I have a bet with Hank over breakfast to spot our subject." Russell smirked and flickered his fingers at her, already stepping away from them. "I'm taking my car, so you guys should take the SUV."

She couldn't refuse, so she had no choice but to go pick up her bag and her bottle of coffee.

Russell winked at her on his way to his car. "Enjoy the ride, Scully."

Brock noticed Gillian's stiff shoulders, and the frown she tried to soften as she headed to him. He opened the backdoor for her to drop her duffel bag and asked, "You sure you don't wanna take your car, Lieutenant?"

That made her shake her mood off. She couldn't be that childish. So she managed a quick smile as she shook her head. He just nodded and opened the passenger door for her. "Thanks," she muttered, getting in.

They all checked their radios and left. Brock drove in silence for a couple of minutes, then he glanced at Gillian, who was very still at his right. He saw her check her printed map of Northampton and compare it with something on her tablet, so he looked ahead again without a word. Soon the others started chattering over the radio. Gillian pulled out her earphone, huffing, and Brock waited a moment to take out his, too. He could sense Gillian was still stiff, yet a moment later she offered, "Coffee, Agent Brockner?"

He wasn't used to so much coffee so early, but he accepted anyway. "Lieutenant, I'm sorry if I forced it, didn't mean to bother you," he said, and found her questioning frown when she handed him a steel cup. "My coming to Northampton."

Gillian kept her eyes on him a moment longer. Was he apologizing? Why? She flashed a tight smile. "I'm sorry, sir, it's just that I'm not a morning person."

Brock scowled a little deeper. "You don't need to call me sir."

"Okay, I'll try not to," she said softly.

He nodded as she turned to her tablet again, sipping her coffee in no hurry. Mostly to hide the stupid smile that pursed her lips after Brock's sincere attempts to be friendly. It was hard, focusing on Northampton's map instead of giggling like a silly teenager, as she pictured herself calling out, "Yo, Declan! What's up, bro?"

Yet it worked. Brock sensed that Gillian's silence wasn't awkward anymore, but casual. She would speak if she felt like it.

She didn't, though. Another rainy day was breaking as they drove down the Turnpike. Brock was a smooth driver, and it felt just fine, letting her mind wander away with her eyes out her window.

Brock relaxed as well, and enjoyed their silent drive just like her.