"A Broken Promise" Mystery Book 7

NYCPD
Precinct 33 roles

Precinct Commissioner: Ellen Ricks - 45 years old, female, worked at Precinct 33 for 20 years. Sexuality: Straight. Married
Technical crime scene investigation officer: Jesse Brookes - 35 years old, male, worked at Precinct 33 for 15 years. divorced currently. Sexuality: Straight.
Medical examiner: Karen Elles - 56 years old, female, widowed, worked at Precinct 33 for 30 years. Sexuality: Straight

Crime scene investigators:
Denissa Williams
Vivian Erickson - female, 32 years old, single, no nonsense, gets a bit irritable with Denissa, but usually has a little bit of sympathy for her after what she's gone through. Only really a bit hard on Denissa because she has a crush on her. Sexuality: Lesbian
Jason Garcias [Formerly] {Now deceased}

Character card -

Name: Denissa Evelyn Williams
Occupation: Detective/Crime Scene investigator
Sexuality: Bisexual
Partner/Fiancé: Jason Garcia [Formerly]
Vivian Erickson
Children:
Jacob - 13 years old, male, Responsible enough for Denissa to leave him in charge of watching his siblings
Rhea - 5 years old, female, quiet, twin to Carmen
Carmen - 5 years old, intersex, hyper, twin to Rhea
Hair color: Blonde to dirty blonde
Eye color: Hazel
-Currently widowed, but starting to date someone else

Story: With Vivian immediately taking to her side after Jason died in line of duty, Denissa isn't struggling as much to balance her family life and her work life. Her kids seem to really accept Vivian, except maybe her no nonsense attitude, and apart from Jacob, Denissa's oldest son, he doesn't seem to accept Vivian as much as he did with Jason, since he was his father.
But that's really on hold, because Vivian's past seems to all come back to her during a homicide and a drug bust case, but does she really have the heart to tell Denissa about it? Because really the only people who knew about her past were the officers at Precinct 33 when she was still a rookie, and before her first girlfriend was killed in the line of fire as well.. Which she took in as her own fault. No one else knew her past with her father's suicide, with her mom's constant abuse and homophobic slurs towards her, everything from her old drug addictions and deals and her alcohol problems to her time in a rehabilitation program.
______________

"You've got to be kidding me, Karen," said Jesse, rubbing his eyes. "Another one?"

Karen Elles, the seasoned medical examiner at Precinct 33, nodded gravely. "Afraid not, Jesse. This makes four this week." She slid the photo across the cluttered desk.

"What is going on in this city?" he muttered, picking up the picture. His stomach turned at the sight of the latest victim's lifeless form sprawled on a grimy alley floor.

"That's what we're here to find out," she replied, her voice firm. Twenty-five years on the job had hardened her to the macabre, but it never ceased to sadden her. "We need to get a move on this one. The commissioner is breathing down my neck."

Ellen Ricks, the precinct commissioner, strode into the room, her heels clicking against the linoleum. "I've got the mayor's office on my back, Karen. This isn't just another statistic. We need answers."

The air grew thick with tension as the two officers exchanged a knowing look. The unspoken truth hung between them: the recent spike in crime was more than just a typical New York City summer.

Denissa Williams, a fellow detective, walked in, her blonde hair pulled back in a tight bun. The weariness etched on her face suggested she'd seen more than her share of tragedy. She glanced at the photo on the desk, her hazel eyes narrowing. "What do we have?"

"Looks like our usual suspects," Jesse said, his voice gruff. "Drugs and gangs."

Vivian Erickson, the sharp-tongued crime scene technician, stepped up beside them. "Or maybe something more," she added, a hint of challenge in her tone.

The room fell silent as they all stared at the image, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The city they'd sworn to protect was changing, and it was up to them to figure out why. Denissa cleared her throat, her thoughts racing. She'd seen this kind of carnage before, but it never got easier. "We need to start with the usual suspects, yes, but let's not overlook the possibility of a new player in town."

Karen handed over the file, her eyes meeting Denissa's with a silent understanding. They'd worked together long enough to know when something was off. "Everything we have so far points to a local gang, but the brutality... it's almost ritualistic."

Ellen nodded, her gaze lingering on the photo. "Let's get to it, then. Time is not on our side." She turned to leave, her footsteps echoing in the quiet room.

Denissa felt a sudden weight on her shoulders. Her family's grief still fresh from losing Jason, she knew she had to keep her personal and professional lives separate. But as she glanced at Vivian, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth. The woman had been a rock for her during those dark days, and she was quickly becoming a reliable partner in crime-solving.

"Alright," Denissa said, snapping into action. "Vivian, let's start with the gang connections. Jesse, can you run the usual background checks? I'll talk to some of our informants, see if they've heard anything."

Vivian took the file, her expression unreadable. She knew better than to argue with Denissa when she was in this mode—focused and determined. "On it," she said, turning on her heel and heading for the door.

As the team dispersed, Denissa couldn't shake the feeling that Vivian was keeping something from her. She pushed it aside for now; they had a case to crack. But she made a mental note to talk to her later, maybe over a drink at the local bar where they often unwound after tough cases.

The heat outside was oppressive as Denissa stepped onto the sidewalk, already sweating in her tailored suit. She took a deep breath, the scent of the city assaulting her—garbage, exhaust, and a faint hint of something sweet from the nearby bakery. It was a stark contrast to the cold, sterile morgue they'd just left.

Her first stop was a dive bar a few blocks from the precinct, known for its loose-lipped patrons and the occasional nugget of information. The bell above the door jingled as she entered, the cool air-conditioning a welcome relief. She made her way to the back, where her most reliable informant, a man named Larry, was nursing a beer.

"Hey, Larry," she said, sliding onto the stool beside him. "Heard anything about a new player in the game?"

He looked up, his eyes bloodshot but sharp. "You're not gonna like it, Denny." He took a swig of his beer before continuing. "It's not a person, it's a thing. A new drug. They're calling it 'The Nightfall'. Real nasty stuff."

Denissa leaned in, her interest piqued. "What do you know about it?"

Larry's expression grew serious. "Only that it's spreading fast, and the people who get hooked... they end up like that." He gestured to the photo in her hand.

Her heart skipped a beat. Could this be the link they were looking for? She thanked Larry and headed back to the precinct, her mind racing with the implications of a new, deadly drug on the streets of New York.

When she arrived, Vivian was hunched over her desk, surrounded by printouts and maps, her brow furrowed in concentration. She looked up as Denissa approached, a question in her eyes.

"I think we might have a lead," Denissa said, sliding into the chair opposite her. "A new drug called 'The Nightfall'. Have you heard anything?"

Vivian's eyes went wide. "That's... that's the same name that kept popping up in the interviews." She swallowed hard, her hand shaking slightly as she handed over her notes.

The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fit together, but Denissa couldn't ignore the feeling that Vivian's past was about to collide with their present case in a way none of them could have anticipated.

That night, Vivian patrolled near an alleyway that drew a bit more familiar the more she patrolled. She searched the area for anyone that was hiding and sighed in relief when she didn't. Only she spoke too soon. "What the actual fuck?" Someone snarled from behind her. Vivian turned quickly, her gun pointing in front of her, panic filling her gray eyes. Then she lowered her gun a bit, her eyes widened in fear and realization. "Holy shit.." She whispered. She recognized the man in front of her almost instantly. It was literally her old drug dealer when she was still a teenager. "You're still a fucking cop?! What the hell..! I would’ve thought you’d quit after everything." the man snarled, his voice laced with betrayal. "And here you are still making drug deals, huh?" Vivian growled. She didn't know what to say or do, but she knew she had to get him in custody.

"You're not taking me in," the man said with a smirk, his hand reaching into his pocket. But Vivian was quicker. She tackled him to the ground, the sound of a gunshot echoing through the alley. She felt something hot sear through her arm, but she kept her focus on the man. She had to. It was her duty. Her eyes watered in pain, but she managed to handcuff him, her voice strained. "You're not going anywhere," she said, her voice shaking slightly. She called for backup, her breathing shallow and her arm burning.

Denissa arrived first, her eyes widening when she saw Vivian's arm. "Viv, are you okay?" She asked, her voice filled with concern. "I'm fine," Vivian lied, gritting her teeth against the pain. "Get him to the precinct."

The two women took the man to the station, adrenaline pumping through their veins. Denissa noticed Vivian's discomfort but didn't say anything, assuming it was just the heat or stress. Once the perp was secured, Vivian's legs gave out, and she slumped against the wall, her arm now bleeding profusely. Denissa's eyes widened, and she rushed over. "What happened?"

Vivian took a deep breath, her face pale. "It's... it's nothing," she said, trying to play it off. But the pain was too much. "It's from... from before."

Denissa's expression softened, and she helped Vivian to the medical bay. "You need to tell me what's going on," she said firmly. "This case is getting too personal."

Vivian gritted in pain, "It's.. It's nothing, Denissa.. I promise. I was just patrolling around and I ran into.. him. When I went to tackle him, my gun went off when it dropped and the bullet hit me in the arm." She pointed out.

Denissa nodded, though she wasn't fully convinced. "Looks like you need medical attention." She said, leading her to the medical bay.

The medical bay was as sterile as ever, the smell of alcohol and bandages making Vivian's stomach turn. She sat on the bed, her arm outstretched as Denissa began to clean the wound. The pain was intense, but Vivian remained stoic, not wanting to show her weakness.

"You need to tell me, Viv," Denissa said, her voice low and urgent. "I can't help you if you don't tell me everything."

Vivian really didn't want to talk about it. It was a rabbit hole of things she didn't want to get into. Her whole past was down there. Her past with doing drugs and drinking as a teenager, her father's suicide, her mother's horrible words to her, the fact she faced getting kicked out of high school, and ending up having to go through a rehabilitation program before they let her into the academy. Even her ex-partner.. First girlfriend's death in the line of fire was down there, and Vivian couldn't pull any of that out. The only person on the squad now that knew was Commissioner Ellen Ricks, who was a senior CSI officer when Vivian first joined Precinct 33.

Denissa looked at her with those haunting hazel eyes, eyes that had seen the same darkness she had. "That man isn't a random drug dealer.. I knew him when I was a teenager.. I was a roughed up kid back then.. I had a pretty big drug and alcohol problem.. Mainly cause of my dad's suicide.. And especially because my mom was not only abusive as fuck, but she was homophobic when I came out as lesbian.. This guy got me hook on some pretty fucked up shit and before I knew it.. I was addicted.. Up until I cleaned up my act. I had to go to a rehabilitation program before they let me into the academy. The only person who knows really.. Is Ricks.. And your dad knew as well. I was a rookie when he and Ricks were both Senior CSI officers.." Vivian explained. She was surprised by her own openness, but something about the situation made her feel like she had to come clean.

Denissa's hand paused, the alcohol wipe poised over Vivian's wound. "Wait wait.. My father.. As in former CSI Officer Tristan Williams..? He knew?" She asked. "Yeah.. I wasn't expecting to tell anyone now, and really... When Tristan died, I was both relieved and upset. Relieved because my secret was pretty safe with him, I trusted him. But upset because of just that.. I trusted your father with helping me, and after all of what I went through.." Vivian said.

Denissa nodded, understanding washing over her. "I had no idea... I mean, I knew you were tight with him, but not about this." She gently applied pressure to the wound, trying to stop the bleeding.

Vivian took a deep breath, "It's alright, I've had years to deal with it. But now with this new drug popping up, and seeing that scumbag again... it's all coming back." She clenched her teeth as Denissa began to wrap the wound.

Denissa finished bandaging the wound and took a step back, her eyes searching Vivian's. "Look, we're partners. Whatever you're dealing with, I'm here for you. But we can't let this get in the way of the case." She handed her a painkiller. "Take this, I'll talk to Karen about checking out the wound properly. You need to be in top shape."

Vivian took the pill with a nod, feeling the weight of her past pressing down on her chest. "Thanks, Denny." She said, using the nickname that only a few of the old timers at the precinct knew about.

The two of them walked back to their desks, the air thick with unspoken words. They had a case to solve, and a city to protect, but Vivian couldn't shake the feeling that the walls she'd built around her past were starting to crumble.

Denissa picked up the phone and dialed Karen's extension. "Hey, Karen. Can you come down to the medical bay? It's about Vivian." She hung up, turning to her partner. "Now, let's go over what you found on 'The Nightfall'."

Vivian's eyes searched the notes spread out on the desk, her thoughts racing. "It's definitely a new player in town. The drug is synthetic, and from the samples we've collected, it's a mix of fentanyl and some other shit we haven't seen before." She paused, her voice tight. "It's what's causing the ritualistic overdoses."

Denissa's jaw clenched. "We need to find out who's behind this." She said, her voice hard.

Vivian nodded, her mind racing. "I've got a few leads. Some of the old contacts from... Before. They might know something." She said, not meeting Denissa's gaze.

Denissa squeezed her shoulder. "We're in this together, Viv. We'll get through it."

The words of support meant more to Vivian than Denissa could ever know. But as they dived back into the case, the shadow of her past loomed larger than ever before. She couldn't help but wonder if her demons were about to come back to haunt her, and if they'd ruin not only her career, but the newfound relationship she had with Denissa and her kids.

The phone on the desk rang, jolting them out of their thoughts. Denissa picked it up, her eyes narrowing as she listened to the frantic voice on the other end. "We've got another one," she said, hanging up. "Looks like 'The Nightfall' isn't waiting for us."

Vivian took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Let's go." She said, standing up. They had a killer to catch, and a city to save. And for now, that was all that mattered.

The crime scene was a grim tableau, the victim's body contorted in a way that spoke of unbearable pain. Denissa's eyes scanned the area, looking for any clue that might lead them to the source of 'The Nightfall'. She knew they were dealing with something big, something that was tearing through the city like wildfire.

As they worked, Vivian couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She glanced around the alley, but there was no one there. Just the echoes of her past, whispering in her ear.

The next few days were a blur of interviews and dead-ends. The case was taking its toll on the entire precinct, but especially on Vivian. Every face she saw, every alley they searched, brought back memories she'd rather forget. But she kept her head down and pushed through, driven by a need to protect the city she loved and the people in it.

Denissa noticed the change in Vivian, the way she flinched at every shadow, the way she'd get lost in thought in the middle of a conversation. She knew her partner was holding something back, but she also knew that pushing her now would only make things worse. They needed to focus on the case.

Ellen Ricks, the precinct commissioner noticed Vivian's behaviors too, and if the commissioner was starting to notice, then the behaviors must have been pretty concerning. "Officer Erickson, Could I speak with you?" Commissioner Ricks asked. "Yeah, sure.. Whatever... Be right there." Vivian signed, getting up and going to the commissioner's officer. She shut the door so their conversation was only between them. "Erickson, If you feel like you need to step out of this case, just let me know. We both know your history with drugs and all that, and if you need it, I can put you on a different case, especially if this is becoming too personal for you." Commissioner Ricks explained. Vivian's hand shook as she listened. The case was getting pretty close to her personal life, and she really could not handle it. But she didn't think she could let Denissa take on something she had no clue of what was going to happen. "It's okay, commissioner. I can handle it." She said. "Okay, But I don't want you pushing through something you're uncomfortable with.." Commissioner Ricks said.

Vivian nodded and left the office. She went back to the crime scene, her mind racing. She knew that she couldn't let her personal life get in the way of her job, but she also knew that she couldn't ignore the past. It was a fine line she was walking, and she had to make sure she didn't trip.

Denissa could feel the tension between them as they worked the case, but she knew that pushing Vivian would only make things worse. Instead, she focused on being the best partner she could be, offering a listening ear and a steady hand when needed.

As the case progressed, they found themselves drawn deeper into the dark underbelly of the city. The drug 'The Nightfall' was being peddled by a new gang, one that was ruthless and organized. The bodies kept piling up, each one a grim reminder of the stakes.

One night, as they were leaving the precinct, a figure stepped out of the shadows. It was Larry, the informant from the bar. His eyes were wide, and he was visibly shaking. "You gotta get out of here," he whispered. "They know you're onto them. They're coming for you."

Denissa's heart skipped a beat, and she grabbed Vivian's arm. "What the hell is he talking about?"

Vivian's eyes were dark with fear. "It's... it's nothing," she said, her voice shaking. "Just some old business I need to take care of."

But Denissa wasn't so sure. "Vivian, what's going on? Who's after us?"

Vivian took a deep breath, the weight of her secret threatening to crush her. "It's my past, Denny. It's come back to haunt me. And now it's threatening us all."

Denissa's eyes searched hers, and she saw the truth. "You need to tell me everything," she said firmly.

Vivian nodded, the words spilling out in a rush. She told her about her mother, the abuse, the drugs, and the rehabilitation. And she told her about her ex-partner, the woman she'd lost in the line of duty, and the guilt that still haunted her. "I thought I left it all behind me," she finished, her voice barely above a whisper.

Denissa listened, her heart breaking for Vivian. She hadn't realized the depth of her partner's pain. "You didn't do this," she said firmly. "We're going to find whoever's behind 'The Nightfall' and make them pay. And we're going to do it together."

Their eyes met, and in that moment, something shifted between them. They weren't just colleagues anymore; they were two people bound by a shared mission and a deep, unspoken understanding.

The next day, they received a tip that led them to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The air was thick with the acrid smell of chemicals and the distant sound of machinery. They approached cautiously, guns drawn.

Inside, they found a makeshift lab, complete with beakers and vials filled with the deadly concoction they'd been hunting. And there, in the middle of it all, was the man from Vivian's past—her old drug dealer.

"Hello, Vivian," he sneered, holding a syringe filled with 'The Nightfall'. "Long time, no see."

Vivian's hand trembled, but she kept her gun steady. "You're under arrest," she said, her voice calm.

The man just laughed. "You think you can take me down? I'm just a small part of this, sweetheart. This goes way higher up than you can imagine."

Denissa stepped forward. "We're not just here for you," she said. "We're here for everyone you've hurt."

The dealer's smile faltered, and he lunged at Vivian. But she was ready. In one swift move, she dodged his attack and tackled him to the ground, her years of training taking over.

Together, they cuffed him and called for backup. As they waited, Vivian's thoughts were a whirlwind of anger, fear, and a strange sense of closure. This was it—the end of a chapter she'd thought was long over.

As Vivian watched as the criminal was taken in, she let out a sigh of either irritation or grief. Who was to tell. She pulled out a photo from her pocket, and stared at it. It was a photo of her and her late girlfriend, and police partner, Lila. The look of Lila's crisp, brown hair and blue eyes was a sight Vivian had lacked seeing since the night she died. Someone who was there for her in the academy.. Someone who had known what it was like going through the life she had gone through.

As she shoved the photo back into her pocket, Vivian felt someone walk up behind her. Her eyes darted back, and the moment of recognition hit her like a freight train. "M-Mom..?" Vivian asked. She looked at her mother's dark brown hair and dark gray eyes. She was in just as rough of shape as when Vivian had left her whole life behind her. "Listen, Vivian... I'm sorry for not being there for you as much as I should have... And- And I should've supported you for coming out, not pushed you down for it." Mrs.Erickson said. Those words were all Vivian was waiting for all this time. Her light gray eyes started tearing up and she lunged into a hug with her mother, always wanting some form of love from her.

Denissa looked over as Commissioner Ricks walked up. "I figured somebody had a bit of something that they had left unfinished..." She said. "Wait, Did you bring her here?" Denissa asked. "Well, After a lot of convincing. But it was worth it." Commissioner Ricks said. Denissa looked back at Vivian and Mrs.Erickson. Maybe now Vivian would just relax a bit. Instead of being stressed out and pretty irritated all the time.

Vivian pulled away from her mother's embrace, her eyes wet with tears. "Why now?" She whispered.

Mrs. Erickson looked down, her own eyes filled with regret. "When I heard about what you've been going through with this case, I knew I couldn't stay away anymore. I had to tell you how proud I am of you, Vivian. You've turned your life around, and you're making a real difference in this city."

Vivian's voice was barely a whisper. "Why couldn't you tell me that before?"

Her mother took a deep breath. "I was scared. Scared of losing you, scared of not understanding you, scared of being wrong. But I've had a lot of time to think, and I know now that love isn't about being right or wrong. It's about supporting each other, no matter what."

The sound of sirens grew closer, a stark contrast to the quiet moment between mother and daughter. Denissa gave them space, her own emotions a mix of shock and hope.

As the paramedics arrived to check on Vivian's arm and the suspect was led away, Denissa couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. They had a break in the case, and maybe, just maybe, Vivian would start to heal.

The days that followed were a flurry of activity. They worked tirelessly to dismantle the operation, following the trail of 'The Nightfall' back to its source. The pressure was on, but with Denissa by her side, Vivian felt stronger than ever.

One night, as they sat in the quiet of the precinct, going over case files, Denissa reached out and took Vivian's hand. "You know, I'm here for you, right?"

Vivian looked up, her eyes meeting Denissa's. "Yeah," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know."

It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes. They had each other's backs, and together, they could tackle anything that came their way.

The case was far from over, but with every lead they followed, every suspect they questioned, Vivian felt the chains of her past loosening their grip. And for the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to feel something other than anger and guilt—she felt hope.

Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, and as they pieced together the puzzle of 'The Nightfall', they also began to mend the broken pieces of their own lives. It was a delicate dance, balancing the darkness of their work with the light of their newfound understanding.

But as the pieces fell into place, they realized that the biggest threat wasn't just the drug itself—it was the people who were willing to go to any lengths to protect it. And they were about to find themselves in a battle that would test their limits and their partnership.

The final act was about to begin, and they had no idea what was waiting for them in the shadows of Precinct 33.

The intel they had gathered led them to a luxurious penthouse overlooking the city, a stark contrast to the grimy alleys where 'The Nightfall' had claimed so many lives. The tension was palpable as they approached the building, knowing that the mastermind behind the operation was likely within.

"Remember, we go in quiet," Denissa whispered, her hand resting on the grip of her gun. Vivian nodded, her heart racing. They had to be careful—these weren't just street thugs they were dealing with.

Inside the penthouse, the air was thick with the scent of money and power. The walls were adorned with art that likely cost more than their combined salaries, and the floor was marble under their silent steps.

As they moved through the shadows, they heard the murmur of a conversation coming from a nearby room. Denissa signaled for Vivian to stay put while she moved closer to listen. She recognized the voice—it was the district attorney, someone they had never suspected of being involved in the drug trade.

Denissa's mind raced as she listened to the incriminating words exchanged. This was bigger than they had ever imagined—it went all the way to the top.

"We can't let this go on," she murmured to Vivian when she returned. "We have to take them down."

Vivian nodded, her eyes hard. They weren't just fighting for the city anymore; they were fighting for justice.

They waited for the perfect moment, then burst into the room, guns drawn. The look of shock on the district attorney's face was priceless, but it quickly turned to fury as he realized he'd been caught.

The shootout was intense, bullets flying and shattering the opulent decor. They had the element of surprise, but the DA had hired muscle that was more than ready for a fight.

Vivian took a hit in the leg, but she kept going, her adrenaline pushing through the pain. Denissa was a blur of motion beside her, taking out the last of the guards.

When the dust settled, the DA was in cuffs, and 'The Nightfall' operation was in ruins. They had done it—together.

As they left the penthouse, the weight of the case finally lifted from their shoulders. They had faced their demons and won.

But as they stepped into the elevator, Vivian couldn't help but look back at the shattered remnants of the life she had once known. "It's over," she said softly.

Denissa squeezed her hand. "Yeah," she said. "But we're not. We're just getting started."

The look they shared was filled with promise, with a future that was brighter than the neon lights of the city outside. They had each other, and that was all they needed.

The case of 'The Nightfall' had changed them, had brought them closer than they could have ever imagined. But it had also left scars, reminders of the darkness they had faced.

The months that followed were a mix of healing and adjusting. Vivian had to deal with the fallout from her mother's confession, and the realization that she had missed out on so much love. Denissa was there, a steady presence as she worked through her feelings.

And as for their relationship, it grew deeper, more intimate. They had seen each other at their worst and had come out the other side stronger.

But the job was never done, and soon enough, a new case would come along to challenge them. But they knew that no matter what, they would face it together. Because that's what partners do.

And as they drove through the city, the sirens echoing in the distance, they were ready. Ready to tackle whatever Precinct 33 threw at them. Because together, they were unstoppable.