Black Nightingale- Chapter 6- The Nightmares Are Back

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Black Nightingale- The Prey That Hunts Back

Due to violence, language and some sexual content.

Previously on Black Nightingale- Read Chapter 5 HERE

Chapter 6- The Nightmares Are Back

That night I gave myself time to sleep and recharge. I know the fight is coming and I’ll really need my strength and I knew Greg was on the night shift so I trusted him to keep the killer at bay, just for the night. Another hidden truth. I couldn’t quite bring myself down from our kiss. My first kiss with Greg. Something, that up until the moment it happened I didn’t think it ever would. Let alone it being something I even wanted to happen in the first place. My romantic drama was getting in the way of my protecting the women who walk the streets of a once very vibrant city. And suddenly it dawned on me. What if I can’t focus on my true purpose once I let myself fall for Greg? I mean like really fall. Because just one look into his eyes after that kiss was enough for me to know that I could stare into those eyes forever. And that became a knawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. All night. All morning.

Nevina Luna does not need anyone. She doesn’t gawk at men over petty romantic advances. She doesn’t place her value on whether or not a man finds her attractive or worthy. She’s worthy because she simply says so. And yet, Gregory Gavin is not just any man. He’s damn near the perfect man. A man who knows my insecurities, my pain, my tenderness, and all of my secrets. And that quite frankly scares the living hell out of me. I can’t put up a front with Greg. I won’t be able to. He knows me too well.

All morning it was like a vicious cycle in my mind. Playing over, and over, and over again. Like a lab rat spinning on its wheel. Like a Merry go round. A Ferris wheel. The repetitiveness of it all was driving me crazy! Until I gave in and finally just texted Greg to meet me at our bench in the park just around 11 am.

Nevina smiles nervously at Greg.

“Hey, What’s the matter?” he asks innocently, kicking her foot with his as they share a park bench, just a few blocks away from the café.

“Nothing,” she says, trying not to get lost in his eyes.

“Luna, come on, you know you can’t lie to me.” he says, his eyes kind and knowing.

“That’s the problem,” Nevina says, her eyes not able to meet his.

“What do you mean?” he asks.

“I feel like after what happened between us…I feel like I can’t talk to you the way that I used to. My once no filter banter suddenly feels very filtered.”

“Well, I thought we had agreed to just act like that never happened.” he says, his eyes burning into hers.

“I know that’s what we said. What I said. But how can I possibly do that, when all I can think about is kissing you?”

“Filtered you say?” he says laughing.

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to make this weird. But I-“

“I can’t stop thinking about it either Nevina.”

“SO what does that mean then? Where do we go from here?”
“Where do you want it to go?” he asks.

“I know that you’re my best friend and I never wanna lose that. And I’m worried that if we veer off into this whole new… thing. I worry that things could get-“

“Complicated?” he asks.

“Well I was going to say messy, but sure let’s use your word. It’s much more graceful.”

He chuckles. And it’s a genuine sound, one that comes right from the gut. Greg looks over at Nevina, his eyes blinking back a sweet twinkle.

And suddenly she realizes the sound had made her stomach tighten and fill with flutter.

“Greg, I don’t know how to navigate this. Or these feelings. I mean tell me, how have you managed to keep this in for so long?”

“I’ve had a lot of practice,” he says smiling with a slight cock of his head.

“I’m serious.” she says.

“So am I. I told you Nev. I’ve been in love with you for a long time. I guess the longer it goes on, the easier it gets to hide.”

“What if I don’t wanna hide it though…” she says flirtatiously. Her mind left to ponder a variety of possibilities.

“Look if you’re serious then we can talk about it. I mean Luna, you’re all I’ve ever wanted. So if you’re into giving this a chance with us. I am ALL in.” He says his eyes laser focused on Nevina’s.

“Really?”

“Yea. Hell yea.” he says smirking and nodding.

“But what if we ruin it?”

“Won’t know unless we try.” he says shrugging.

“I mean all last night and this morning I was just running through all the things that could go so wrong. What if I’m a terrible girlfriend?

“That’s highly unlikely. But relax girl, no one said anything about you being my girlfriend.”

“Oh so then you’d be totally fine with this being a casual thing, then. My occasional guy.” she says smirking, as her hand slides down his chest, knowing full well that will get to him.

“AH haha, yea no, if we do this, I’m going to take up all of your time, you won’t have any left for any other guys.” he says, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

“Hmmm, interesting.”

“What?” he whispers.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that you might kinda sorta wanna kiss me.”

“Considering, I’m crazy about you, yea I’d say that’s a pretty safe assumption.” he says smirking as their lips dance around each other playfully.

Until Nevina’s had enough, she laughs, rolls her eyes and pulls him by the shirt and into a kiss.

Greg smirks against her lips as he kisses her back, deepening their kiss.

Nevina lets it go on for a while, as her brain loses all control of her lips. Her heart skipping beats, her stomach fluttering.

Greg’s grip on her hips becomes a bit more snug, not aggressive, but definitely wanting. Which was sexy as hell. How long have I gone not realizing how just the mere touch of his hand can set me on fire. Send my soul into a tailspin.

Kissing him was like an out of body experience for me. I can just imagine what it would be like to have sex with him.

Sex! With Greg. Gregory Gavin. The boy next door. Your best friend since like the 3^rd grade. Nevina Luna shame on you.

And suddenly a flash of The Black Hawk bolts through my mind. Vanquishing all that is good. I instinctively find myself pushing Greg away. The look on his face one of pure confusion and worry.

“Hey, we don’t have to rush this. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-“

“No… no you didn’t. I wanted to kiss you. I really want to kiss you. I mean I wish we could just do that all night long.”

Greg smirks sheepishly as he gives me a flirty look, his eyebrows raising.

“Well then…” he says lacing his fingers through mine, his lips finding their way to my neck.

My eyes begin to close as I tighten my grip around his hands. He chuckles as he smirks down at me, placing a teasing kiss on my lips.

I see his face. In that dark alley. Night smoke rolling in. Deep dark eyes staring into mine. Wanting to claim me. Gut me like a fish. Like one of the first girls to die in a horror slasher. The Black Hawk. I can feel him. Smell him. He consumes my tender moment with Greg turning it into a near nightmare. I gasp, my eyes opening wildly, as I step back away from Greg’s embrace.

“Hey…Nev…you ok?” he says reaching for me.

I swallow hard. My mind a hazy mess. Stuck between my hormonal surge toward Greg and my deep sole purpose of avenging my sister’s death and ridding this world of the Black Hawk.

I shake my head, creating more distance between us.

“I can’t do this.” I say, the words flying out of my mouth before I even get the chance to object.

“Nev? Don’t.” he says as the heartbreak begins to flood his beautiful face.

“You’re a distraction. A really sexy distraction. But a distraction. I can’t be distracted right now.” I say shaking my head as I step backward, my eyes not wanting to leave his.

“We can work on this together Nev. You know I will help you any way that I can.”

“It’s not about that Greg. I need to focus. And being around you, I won’t be able to do that.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way. But I’m just so confused.” He says.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t feel like I can fully be present and enjoy you with all this insanity with the Black Hawk going on. I’m not trying to play with your heart here. I promise. I’m just…stressed. Please don’t hate me.” I beg clasping my hands together in front of my chest in a prayer like gesture.

“It’s not possible for me to hate you. Ever.” He says shaking his head.

I bring my hand to my lips and placing a kiss on it, I blow it over to him.

“Thank you. Soon. Ok? When all this is over. You and me. Soon. I promise.” I say slowly walking away as he nods. The pain on his face pretty evident.

Nevina walks to her door, as Greg reaches his door next store. He looks over.

“Hey Luna, don’t disappear on me though ok? We’re still friends. And if you ever need anything, you know I’m always here. We don’t have to make out anymore, until you’re ready.” He says with a small but silly smile. But I know he’s just putting on a brave face.

I smile at him, my heart breaking. My legs, with a mind of their own walk over to him. My eyes glued to his, my hands cup his face. His beard stubble prickly beneath my hands. My lips cover his instinctively. It was a good bye kiss that felt like it lasted forever.

Greg stunned at first, reacted rather quickly as his arms wrap tightly around my waist. My stomach flipping and fluttering. Am I going to be able to stay away from this delicious man? How has it taken me so long to realize these huge feelings for him have been bottled up inside me all these years?

“Nev…your killing me.” He whispers against my lips. His eyes closed.

“Sorry. Just wanted one for the road.” I say pulling away as I look at him sheepishly.

He licks his lips as he shakes his head at me. His eyes falling on mine.

“Luna turn around and get in that apartment of yours, before I kiss you again.”

“Don’t tell me what to do,” I say giving him my usual sass.

He chuckles.

“Soon right?” he asks

“Soon.” I reply with a small smile, as my hand reaches my door knob.

“Alright well, I’m gonna hold you to that.” He says winking at me as he walks into his apartment.

“Damn, Luna. You’re in trouble.” I whisper to myself as I enter my apartment.

****

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

For daily updates on this project and others, follow me on instagram @michelleleighwritesvibes

-<3-

Black Nightingale- Chapter 5- Didn’t Even See It Coming

October 30, 2021michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Black Nightingale- The Prey That Hunts Back

Chapter 5: Didn’t Even See It Coming

The Next Morning

I gingerly open my apartment door. Even though Greg had agreed to let this go, I know better. After Greg’s profession of love last night, my head was spinning in a million directions. Couple that with the crazy events of last night’s run in with the Black Hawk and I guess you could say I had a perfect storm in the making.

I close and lock my door as to not make it so obvious that I’m leaving. Immaturely of me, I knew I wasn’t ready to see Greg yet. Low and behold I made it out of my door way without seeing Greg. Keeping my eyes glancing back toward the door every now and again, I rounded the corner of the hall way and out to the sidewalk. As I turned the corner of the city block, I bumped full on into a hard, toned body.

“Oh, sorry.” I say spinning around and noticing a familiar face. I smile.

“Matthew, hey. It’s been a while! How are you?”

“Nevina…The Little Luna. I’m good. It’s been a minute. How are you?” he says with a sweet smirk.

“Good…Good. What are you doing in this neck of the woods?” I ask.

“I actually moved back to the city. The suburban life wasn’t for me,” he says with chuckle.

“Oh?” I say with a raise of my eyebrow.

“Yea I mean you know as good as I do, that the country…simple town where everyone knows their neighbor was more Amelia’s dream.”

There it is, I think to myself. One of us had to bring her up soon enough. Hearing her name still sometimes hurts.

“Yea. I remember.” I say as my eyes begin filling up. Water threatening to spill over.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Matthew says grabbing my shoulder in an effort to comfort me.

“No…no, it’s not your fault. I just- um I don’t get to talk about her much. Partly because I sometimes just can’t and partly because my parents are still a wreck over losing her. Rightfully so. They rented an RV and just took off to go explore the world on their own terms. I just think they can’t seem to allow themselves a minute to sit still. Because that’s when the pain hurts the worst. In the quiet day to day. The days she should have been a part of,” I choke out as my voice knots in my throat, my hand wiping away a fallen tear.

“No, I get it. It’s hard to believe it’s coming up on 5 years since we lost her.”

“Yea I know, even with the passing of time, the wound is still fresh. In a way I think it always will be.”

“For me too,” he says, his eyes falling to the floor.

I don’t know what it is. I haven’t seen Matthew in almost 5 years. I think after losing Amelia we all sort of looked inward to deal with it. Everyone deals with loss and grief in their own way, I guess. I certainly had my own way, that’s for sure. But even though it’s been a while I feel this overwhelming sense of familiarity. Déjà vu… or something.

We stand there silent for a few minutes. Stillness creeping in.

“Hey well listen, I have a meeting to get to… but it was great to see you. Let’s grab dinner soon, and really catch up?” he says breaking the silence.

“Um yea….of course. I’d like that.”

“Great, I’ll call you. Same number?”

“Yea.”

“Ok cool…we’ll talk soon.”

“Definitely,” I say as we part ways.

What a blast from the past I think as I push the door open to my favorite nearby café. Stepping up to the counter, I smile asking the barista for a small iced pumpkin coffee.

“Sure thing,” she says with a smile as she grabs a cup.

I pay the woman and turn to see if my favorite table is free. My eyes meet Greg’s who smirks giving me an awkward wave.

Time to face the music I guess.

“Hey,” I say with a weird smile.

“Hey,” he says almost sheepishly.

“May I?” I ask gesturing to the empty chair beside him.

“Of course,” he says pointing.

As we both sit there awkwardly sipping on our coffees, I hate feeling like we’re strangers.

Finally I break the silent tension by saying, “So you’ve got the day off today?”

“No, I’m on the night shift from now on.” He says

“Ah,” I say nodding.

“What about you…slow day at the shop?” he asks.

The shop Greg is referring to is my auto body shop. It was originally my dad’s. I spent so many days of my childhood there, I took a liking to cars and auto parts. So much so that I studied engineering and auto mechanics in college. When my mom and dad took off to explore, I took over the business. It comforts me once in a while, to have a place where I am able to fix things.

“Um…no not exactly. I just um…needed a day.” I say shrugging.

“Yea I can imagine…it must get exhausting chasing after serial killers at all hours of the night,” he says his voice barely above a whisper as he leans toward me.

“God. I knew you wouldn’t let this go,” I say huffing as I sit back in my seat, creating a safe space between us.

“What do you expect, Nev. I can’t just sit back and let you literally step into the line of fire…night after night. Taking it upon yourself to right everybody’s wrongs.”

“Why not? Isn’t that what you do?” I say angrily as I raise an eyebrow at him.

“Yea… but I’m a trained professional Nev.”

“Oh please… you’re always saying how most of the cops at the station could afford to be a little more diligent. This guy has been haunting this city for nearly a month and what does the NYPD have to show for their little investigation…a few blurry images and some random sightings.”

“Wow…good to know what you think about my work.” He says huffing and looking away.

“It’s not a personal attack Gavin, I know you’re a good cop.”

“Then trust me to do my job,” he says looking at me with pleading eyes.

“You and I both know why this hits home for me…” I say glaring at him, my eyes starting to fill. Today sucks.

“I know…hey…I know,” he says taking my hand in his, as he laces his fingers through mine. He brings the back of my hand to his lips, placing a sweet kiss on it.

I guess being best friends with Gavin all these years, I didn’t realize how often he did this. It was almost like second nature to me. But this time, I felt a spark and a tightness in my stomach. And suddenly, I realized, something big was about to happen. A change I never ever knew would work its way into existence.

I pull my hand away gently, Gavin noticing, he coughs, nervously as he sits back in his seat.

“5 years…and now he’s back. I cannot let him kill any more women like he killed my sister.” I say trying to keep from fully falling apart in front of him.

“Nev, we don’t know for sure that this is the same guy.” Greg says his voice kind.

“Are you kidding me Greg? Open your damn eyes. Of course it’s him. But you know what I honestly don’t care who it is. I just want him taken care of. The police force did a nice job of covering Amelia’s death. Claiming she was just drunk and crashed her car. When you and I both know that bastard killed her, and then drove her car into a river.”

“Nev, look I get that this is hard for you. I was there for it all. I was with you. And I know her anniversary is coming up and this is all a lot. I just think you need to take some time to yourself. Allow yourself a minute to breathe. And just let me take care of this. When I joined the police force I swore to you that I would do everything in my power to help find out what really happened to Amelia. And I will. But I just need to play this the right way. If what you and I suspect is true. That her death was manipulated, than that means someone was working from the inside. And that person has a motive, a link that connected him or her to Amelia. To you. To your family. That’s why I play so close to the rules, because I won’t be suspected of digging into old files and getting to the real truth. We’re playing the long game here, Nev. I just need some time. And I need you to trust me.”

I look up at him sighing loudly. I take his hand in mine, “Greg, I do trust you. More than you know. Which is difficult for me to even admit, considering everything my family has lost. But as much as I love and trust you, these girls…they don’t have time. He’s picking women off left and right, every night. In a pattern. If you noticed.”

“Dark hair, dark eyes, tan complexion. Yea I’ve noticed.” He says his eyes meeting mine.

“I have to do something. This time I HAVE to do something. Because I didn’t get to help Amelia. I failed her. And I carry the weight of that with me, every day.”

“Hey…none of this. Is your fault.”

I turn away from him.

“Hey…none of it. You hear me,” he says pulling me in closer as our foreheads touch.

He is my safe space. He always has been. Even if I don’t say it often. Even though I know I can stand on my own. It’s nice knowing I don’t have to.

I breathe in a shaky breath, my mind starting to fog. My heart dancing in my chest. I’m completely confused by this sudden overwhelming feeling of wanting to just pull him in and kiss him.

But I don’t. And we sit there, in silence. Holding onto each other for what feels like forever.

“Hey…I want you to know I hear you. I hear everything you’re saying ok? And I promise you, I will get to the bottom of this.” He says starring up at me. “After all, why do you think I asked to be on the night shift?” he says with a smirk.

I smile as I blink my tears fall down my cheeks. Greg wipes them away with his thumb and I lean in placing a sweet kiss on his lips. He stills for a minute and then kisses me back and I suddenly realize what I’ve done. I, Nevina Luna think I may or may not be in love with my best friend. And the scariest part of it all is… I didn’t see this coming.

**Nev & Greg.**
[my fan art dream casting manipulation]

Oh well, this should be interesting.

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

For daily updates on this project follow me on instagram @michelleleighwritesvibes

Happy Saturday!

-<3-

Black Nightingale- Chapter 4- Hidden Feelings

October 29, 2021October 29, 2021michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

Black Nightingale- The Prey That Hunts Back

Chapter 4: Hidden Feelings

“Help! Help me!” I scream aloud. I could easily finish him off. But then he wouldn’t be brought to justice. This…this can easily be deemed self-defense. I could hear some nearby sirens. Why this city hasn’t been under total surveillance since these attacks started, is beyond me. Yet another fail on our law enforcement’s part. Protect and serve, my ass.

“Help me, over here, please!” I say waving my hands and running out into the street. I see the gleaming lights of a cop car.

The car comes to a speeding halt, blue and red lights swirling. The siren shuts as the car doors whip open.

“Luna? Is that you? What the hell happened? Are you ok?” Greg says rushing from the car. He and his partner run over. Ok to be clear….Greg is one of the good cops. And yes, I do believe in good cops. There are a lot of them. But there are also a lot of bad cops too. And those are the ones you have to watch out for. The ones that turn a blind eye to everyday crime. If Greg was in charge the world would be a safer place for women and for all.

“Oh my god, Greg, thank God it’s you! I was coming back from a party, and I heard screaming so I went to go see if I could help. It was the Black Hawk. He tried to…he tried to kill me,” I say as I fall into his arms. Greg wraps his arms around me tightly. Tenderly. Even in my fake hysteria he was a source of comfort. After all, I mean I did just stab a man. The adrenaline is real.

“Oh my god, Nev,” Greg says his eyes glued to me. Fear etched across his face.

“Greg, Greg…I…I stabbed him,” I say shakily, The Black Hawk’s blood all over my hands. “He lunged at me with that creepy rake tool and I just stabbed him. I was so scared, I didn’t know what to do.” My eyes welling up with tears, my body trembling. Gasps for breath. Thank you Professor Julie James for the college acting lessons. They paid off.

“Hey it’s ok. You’re ok. Where is he now?” Greg asks worried as his partner follows my gaze rushing toward the darkened alley way.

“Ok, Nev, stay here. Stay in the car, lock the doors. I’m gonna call for back up and head into the alley way.”

“What? You must be crazy! I’m not staying here alone. I’m coming with you,” I say as he gives me an angry glare.

I give him a glare right back. I’ll be damned if I sit back and wait.

He sighs, “Fine, but just stay behind me,” he says as he walks towards the alley, his flashlight and gun raised out in front of him.

“Gavin, over here,” his Partner calls.

Rushing over, all we see is a pool of blood where The Black Hawk once was.

“What? You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” I say anger laced through my voice.

Gregory looks over at me, obviously confused.

He raises his walkie talkie, “This is officer Gavin, requesting back up to the alley way just off of Cloak Street and 6^th Ave. We’ve had another Black Hawk attack. Victim was able to get away. But the Black Hawk is hindered with a stab wound, most likely on foot and armed.”

“Back up on its way,” the voice on the other end croaks.

“Let’s skim the avenue, see if we can track him. With that pool of blood, he’s gotta be leaving a trail,” Greg says.

***

Greg walks Nevina to her apartment door. His uniform jacket draped over her shoulders. He looks at her. His hands cupping her face, tenderly. His dark chocolate brown eyes deep with concern.

“Nev, are you sure you’re ok? I really wish you would have let me take you to the hospital to get checked out.”

“I’m okay. Greg. Really. He didn’t get to hurt me.”

“Swear to me?” he says looking at her.

“Pinky swear,” she says with a meek smile as she holds her pinky up. He smirks, wrapping his pinky around hers, and leaning in he kisses her hand, closing his eyes.

Don’t worry friends, the first thing I did when I got to the station was rid myself of that asshole’s disgusting toxic blood. I could tell the events of the night were weighing on him. I’ve always thought Greg was a softie. A heart too pure to deal with criminals on a daily basis. But that’s what makes him a good, and trustworthy cop. He cares. And in that kiss of my hand, I felt his fear. For me. I wish I could tell him not to worry. That I would be fine. That I’m the Black Nightingale. He doesn’t know about the prey that hunts back, but something tells me, he will. Soon. Especially after tonight’s events.

Greg sighs as he pulls Nevina into a hug. She lets out a sigh of relief, she hadn’t realized she was holding. Her arms wrap around him. He kisses the top of her head, breathing in her scent.

“Do you want me to stay with you tonight?” he asks.

“I think, I’ll be fine Greg, really. I mean your right next door too, if anything.”

“Nev…I get that you can take care of yourself, but this guy is still out there. And now he knows your face. I just…if he comes seeking his revenge, I don’t want you just at his will.”

“I am nor will I ever be…at his will,” I say pulling away from him.

“Nev, I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that, this guy is a serial killer. He’s killed 6 women already. I just- I just want to make sure you’re safe. There’s strength in numbers, right?”

“I guess you’re right,” I say rolling my eyes and unlocking my apartment door, I step to the side, nodding for him to come in.

He smiles, “Thanks for humoring me, Luna,” he says with a smirk as he leans in placing a sweet kiss on my temple.

A lot of women might mistake this type of male affection as one of the romantic nature. But not me. With Greg, he’s been in my life forever. I’ve lived next door to him my whole life. Went to all the same schools, even college. Which is odd for best friends. And when we both got our own places we lucked out and found two in the same building. This man has seen me in braces, and head gear and all the other odd phases in between. Gregory Gavin is in no way attracted to Nevina Luna. Sure he’s good looking in the tall, dark and handsome kind of way. But I guess knowing him for so long, I’ve just never felt that way about him. We’re just friends, and I love him for it. Sure, we may flirt occasionally, but I assure you it’s all in good fun. It’s ironic, like we’re poking fun at the fact that people think that a man and a woman can’t be friends without there being some underlying hint of sexual attraction. Grow up people. If anything Greg sees me as his old childhood buddy.

I toss Greg’s police jacket on my couch as I click on the TV.

“I’m just gonna go take a shower, wash this day off me,” I say with a laugh.

“Yea of course,” he nods, “I’ll be here,” he says with a sweet smirk.

“K, uh, help yourself to a beer, or glass of wine. I have left over Chinese too,” I say pointing to the fridge.

“Oh bless your soul, I’m starving,” he says nodding.

“Go for it,” I say with a laugh, “I’ll be quick,” I say walking into my bathroom.

I turn on the shower, as I wait for it to warm up, I set to undressing.

“Hey do you want me to heat you up food too?” I hear Greg call as I step in the shower, “Yes please! I’m starving,” I call out as the water falls over my skin. Allowing it to relax my tense muscles.

Little did Nevina know, Greg had caught a glimpse of her undressing as he turned his head to ask her about the food. The incident instantly made him blush, as he turned away quickly. A smile finding its way on his face.

A few minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom, having scrubbed my entire body 5 times over. I was clean and refreshed and dressed in the coziest pajamas and fuzzy socks.

Greg had set up two trays, in front of the TV and a buffet of Chinese food.

“Ugh, thank you. You rock,” I say as he hands me a beer.

He smirks at me and plops down on the couch.

“Did you wanna take a shower too,” I ask.

“Um is that your way of telling me I reek?” he asks.

“Well, I mean…I did get Black Hawk blood all over you, so…” I say pointing to his shirt.

“Oh, shit, that’s right.” he says grossed out. “Sorry I didn’t even realize. I’m so damn exhausted.”

“I mean I’m just worried for you, you can shower tomorrow. Maybe just at least change your clothes. I should still have some of your clothes here from when your washing machine koncked out and you did your laundry here last week.” I say standing up.

“Oh that’d be so awesome,” he says standing up and following me.

“Here,” I say reaching into the bottom of my closet and tossing him some clothes. “You change, I’ll grab pillows and blankets for you.”

***

Greg and I sit, indulging in leftover Chinese takeout and beers. The news flashing a Special Report.

Both mine and Greg’s eyes meet. Curiosity peeking. I grab the remote, clicking the volume higher.

The newscaster is on the scene, near the alley way where the events took place.

Standing next to him is the young brunette girl that I had stumbled across earlier before my dance with darkness.

“I am here with this young woman who just had a brush with the killer himself. Miss what can you tell us about this man who has been terrorizing the New York City streets? ”

The woman is clearly exhausted, her eyes puffy and red, her body language one of fear and confusion.

“I…I was on my way home from work, I had to stay at the office late to finish up a project. I couldn’t get a cab this late at night so I was on my way to walking toward the train station. I wanted to get there quick so I took a short cut through the alley on the corner on Cloak Street and 6^th Avenue. And that’s when I saw him. I just ran. And by chance I ran into this woman. She was so calm, confident. Like she knew what she was doing. Looking for him. It was odd. But she had this black bird-like mask on. Like a Nightingale or some kind of bird. She had this black leather, feathery outfit on. I don’t know maybe she was coming from a Halloween themed event or something. The city is always crawling with creatures this time of year. After we bumped into each other, she asked me where the Black Hawk was. At first I thought maybe she was an accomplice. But she said, she was a friend to women. And then she set off in the direction of the Black Hawk. I just ran. I was so scared. I feel so bad. I don’t know what else happened after that. But I knew I had to call the police. I hope the woman is okay. She saved my life.”

Uh oh. Shit. I think to myself. Here we go.

Greg looks at me. His eyes narrowing at me. His brow scrunching.

“Nev?” he says calmly.

I shut the tv off.

“Well, it’s getting late. I am exhausted. I think I’m gonna hit the hay. Night Gavin.” I say getting up and heading toward my bedroom.

“Nevina?” he says standing up from the couch his voice low. Stern. We usually call each other by nick names or by our last names. It’s something we’ve done since we were kids. When he says my full first name. I know something is up.

I turn slowly toward him.

“Where were you coming from tonight?” he asks.

“I went to a Halloween party.” I say shrugging.

“Who’s Halloween party?” he says poking around. His hands on his hips.

“A friend from work.” I say calmly. My eyes shifting to the side. Damn it, why is it so hard to lie to him.

“And you chose to walk home, alone, at midnight, through a dark alley?”

“Actually I was just waiting for my uber and then shit hit the fan. What’s with the third degree Greg?”

“That’s funny. An uber never showed up tonight.” He says his gaze turning into a puzzled glare.

“Well, considering I was fighting for my life, it probably came and went.” I say with a matter of fact tone.

“You’re the one, that woman is describing. You’re The Black Nightingale aren’t u?” He says.

“Greg as much as I would love to take the credit for helping that woman. She and I didn’t even cross paths.”

“And how else would you explain her spot on description of you?”

“A woman in all black on a night near Halloween….your right, so out of the ordinary,” I say laughing. “Besides she was traumatized she probably didn’t even know what she was saying.”

“You know Nev, I know you. And I saw what you had on tonight. It’s not something you would normally wear.”

“Yea. Hence….the Halloween Party.”

“And if not the Black Nightingale, what were you supposed to be dressed up as?”

“A sexy cat. Duh? I had taken my cat years off for a bit at the party, I must have Ieft them there.” I say touching my head in an attempt to check for them.

“Come on Nevina. Don’t lie to me. You come home at all hours. You’re always level 10 tired in the mornings. We’ve gotten a few reports from men about this Black Nightingale haunting the city streets. There has been a few blurry images of her that we were able to pull from neighboring cameras. Blurry or not, I’d know those legs anywhere. Besides you leave a trail of black feathers everywhere you go,” he says pulling a few from his jacket pocket and letting them fall gracefully to the floor landing at my feet.

“Ok then…arrest me,” I say holding out my wrists.

“Nev…” he says glaring at me.

“Don’t Nev me Greg, ok? If you are so sure that I’m The Black Nightingale. That I’ve been as you say- harassing men, then arrest me,” I say moving closer to him.

“I don’t want to,” he says his eyes burning into mine.

“But you have to, I mean your Mr. Perfect Policeman, right? You like to play by all the rules.”

Greg stares at me…a look I have never quite seen before.

“What are you waiting for?” for I say glaring up at him. Some type of tension hanging thick in the air. Our faces just inches apart. Greg sucks in a sharp breath. His eyes looking at me tenderly. I see something new in this flicker. A hidden secret perhaps? What is this newness? An odd feeling boiling in the pit of my stomach. I can’t tell if it frightens me or if I kinda like it.

Without thinking, Gregory grabs me and kisses me, his arms wrapping around my waist tightly.

I push him away instinctively, “What the hell was that?” I say confused wiping my lips.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that,” Greg says turning away and running his hand over his face.

“Greg…what was that?”

“I don’t know, I’m sorry.”

“You do know.”

“Nev…It’s just…I’ve…I’ve been in love with you for… a really long time.”

“You’re kidding?” I say dumbfounded, stepping back, in shock, my knees threatening to give out.

“No. Not kidding.” He says his tone lacking any trace of humor.

“How? Wh- When?” I stammer.

“All this flirting back and forth all these years and the fact that the thought never crossed your mind, is a telling sign. You obviously don’t feel the same, and I understand. I’ll just go.”

“No hey…Officer Gavin can you just slow your roll. This is all a lot. Ok can you just give me a second to process?”

Greg looks at her.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I guess I just never let my mind go there, ya know because we’re such good friends.”

“Look let’s just forget this ever happened.”

“Even the fact that you think I’m the Black Nightingale?”

“All of it,” he says “Good night Nev. Be. Careful,” he says looking at me with worry and a protective glare.

“I will, you don’t have to worry about me,” I say.

“I always do. Always will. You call me….if you need anything ok?”

“Thank you Greg,” I say with a small smile as he leaves.

TO BE CONTINUED…

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

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