The Forgetting, Part Four

“You’re joking.” Lucy forced her voice down to avoid drawing attention. The coffee shop was livelier than usual, people bustling around them. She subconsciously fiddled with one of her larger rings, the one black as onyx. “You can’t seriously think I can do this, Officer Martin.”

“Jesus, so formal. We’ll work on that. Call me Jude.” The man lit his cigarette despite the no-smoking sign two feet away.

“I’m not a celebrity… Jude.” The name didn’t sit well with her. She tightened her grip on her mug.

“But you could be. You’ve got the looks for it.” His eyes roved over her. “And, more importantly, the talent.”

“For robbing banks? You caught me.”

“You’re giving the police force too much credit. They aren’t nearly as competent as you think.” He let out a puff of smoke.

“And you are?”

“You said it yourself: I found you. It was a pain in the ass, too. You’re practically a nobody.”

“Then why me? I’m definitely not the best out there.”

“True, but I don’t want the best.” He met her gaze. “I want you, Lucy.”

For a second, she swore she felt her heart stop at those words.

“I don’t even know where to start.”

“That’s why you’ll have me.”

Lucy set her mug down, careful not to spill anything on her hands or rings. She didn’t know what to think.

“It’s your choice.” He set his cigarette on the ashtray. “But I can’t protect you if you say no. You’ll be on your own, and as incompetent as the other officers are, they’ll find you.”

“Are you threatening me, Officer Martin?” Lucy flexed her hand, knowing now he could see the small camera on the onyx ring. “You could be convicted for what you’re saying, and you’re threatening me?”

“Oh please, every cop who does this knows what they’re getting into. I just think it’s a risk worth taking.” He gestured toward the ring. “If you want to hand it over to them, go ahead. I won’t stop you. But I don’t think you would do it.”

“What makes you think I want to work with the likes of you?”

“You’re still talking to me.” He took out a few bills and set them on the table. “If you were honest with yourself, you’d know you’ve already made up your mind. I just hope you’re making the right decision.”

Lucy looked at her hands again and the ring.

“The camera was a nice touch,” He commented. “Subtle but beautiful.”

“How could a camera be beautiful?”

“The ring matches your eyes.” He shrugged. “And I didn’t know what I should’ve stared at more.”

She looked up again, hoping to find some level of insincerity, of a lie. He just smiled at her, and for the first time, it felt real.

“Keep surprising me, Lucy.” Jude walked away, leaving her there with her coffee and her thoughts.