“We are human. Sometimes our emotions can tip the balance, influence our point of view.”

☆

She heads to her own office. Her composure in tact until the door closes behind her and the blinds are pulled closed. “Shit fuck shit shit shit!” Jojo grips the edge of the desk, the outburst making her feel breathless as her fingertips turn white at the hold. Her eyes gravitate towards the small drawer in the desk. Without further hesitation, she pulls it open to reveal that pack of damn cigarettes which seemed to shadow her. That one packet she just couldn't discard because in moments like this, it was the only thing which would calm her down and clear her mind.  

She pockets the cigarettes and lighter and heads out of the office, paying no mind to the moment of silence in her wake, as people stop what they are doing to stare. She pushes through the double doors to the back stairs as she makes her way to the building's rooftop. 

The morning air felt crisp against her skin as she took in the view of London. The place never seemed to sleep as she gazed down at the busy streets. Jojo pulls the packet of cigarettes from her pocket, lighting one up and closes her eyes as she inhales. Enjoying the seconds of nothingness the action gave her before her reality returned. 

“There you are.” 

Jojo turns to see Detective Wilder approaching. He is soon by her side, looking out to the same horizon. “I won't be here for too long.” Jojo exhales the smoke into the air. “I have been taken off the case.”  She looks at the cigarette between her fingers before taking it to her lips and once again looks out towards the city view. 

“But that's insane. On what grounds?’ He turns to the detective for an answer but she evades the question with another.

“David. Was I a fool to think I could challenge her?" She looks up at the taller man next to her, but he shakes his head. 

“It's not Chanelle Matheson you are challenging. It's the system.” 

“Tell that to Cook.” She emits a sarcastic chuckle. “He seems to think this is personal. It's not.” But maybe it was, to some degree, though she was never going to admit it. 

“We are human. Sometimes our emotions can tip the balance, influence our point of view.” Detective Wilder smiles at Jojo, causing her to look away, the moment feeling a little awkward somehow. 

“When did you become so wise David?” She drops her cigarette to the ground. Extinguishing it with the sole of her boot. 

“I'm only speaking from experience.” He takes a step closer to her and places a hand on her shoulder. “Don't quit.” 

Jojo looks at the extinguished cigarette on the floor. “I need to. They age my skin…”

“No, not the smokes,  I mean the case. Forget whatever Cook says. You are free to do this your own way now. They don't play by the rules, so why should you?” 

Jojo looks at the detective. Her face lights up as if an epiphany has taken place in her mind. “David, you are a genius! I need to think outside the box. Play the game like the rest of them, but by my rules. Thank you.” She goes to move, but the detective stops her by placing his other hand on her other shoulder. It momentarily holds her in place as she looks up at the man. “What…. What are you doing?” 

“I haven't finished.” David replies, his tone changing to one of urgency. “I need to tell you something else.” 

“Ok, but let go of me please.” She moves her arms, enough for the other detective to oblige. 

“I said I was speaking from experience, just before.  What I mean is...” Detective Wilder smiles as he looks down, composing himself a little before he looks back up. “You, Detective Jojo Kim. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. You are strong, you stand your ground, you make me want to be a better officer...”

Jojo stumbles to find any words as she takes in what is being said. Not used to such praise. “I, uh…. I'm flattered that I have been a positive role model..l.” 

“I haven't finished.’ David interrupts, causing Jojo to purse her lips tight. “You are a stickler for detail. You have this sixth sense, so you should already know what I'm about to say.” Detective Kim squints her eyes at the man before her as if to rack her brain. What was she missing? But then it suddenly becomes clear with the look in his eyes as he places his hands on her upper arms. “Jojo. I love you.” He leans in. Slow at first and all she can do is stay paralysed in his hold. She needed to move. 

“David stop.” She manages to find the words just as he is on the cusp of taking things further. “Let me go.” 

“But…” Detective Wilder pulls back, but his hands stay where they are. “You feel it too right? You came to me for help. You confided in me because…”

“Because you are a good police officer. Someone I could trust. Nothing more. So let me go.” 

“I don't believe you.” Detective Wilder continues. 

“Let me go or…  I'll blow your balls off.” Jojo utters. She senses amusement in the words. That definitely sounded like something Chanelle would say. 

He instantly lets go, with her taking a step back. She straightens her crumpled sleeves of her jacket. “You got this one wrong and for the record, I like women. Got it? Pull yourself together.” She walks past the detective, leaving him to stand and stare at the space where she had been standing.  

He lets a sadistic curl of a smile spread across his lips as slowly it all made scene.  He turns to see Jojo disappear through the rooftop door as he utters under his breath, “No. You just like her.”