PREDATOR: AN ANDREW HALE SERIES

The rain hit the streets of New York like it was on some rampage to release fury on earth and destroy the earth.

I didn't like the weather, there was this sadness attached to rainy days,I just couldn't explain it but that feeling was always there.

I woke up in a very foul mood today, the heater in my apartment decided to take a casual leave,abandoning me in the brutal hands of Mr cold,I had a very very lousy night.

 I had to admit—despite the weather and all,I was in rare form today. The last case I closed had made headlines, and even the local news was practically singing my praises. Driving through Manhattan, I couldn’t help but smile, there was this sweet victory in having the last laugh, seeing the looks on those bastards as I cuffed their hands.

Ahhh, life has got some moments indeed. 

Traffic was unusually tame, as if the universe knew I deserved a smooth ride. I rolled down the window, letting the air fill the car, and for a moment, I let myself bask in it. It felt good to be recognized, to see hard work paying off.

But then my mind wandered—inevitably—to Jesse. My boss. Jesse, who had a permanent scowl as though he drank soured milk every seconds. I couldn’t shake the feeling he disliked me. Why? Jealousy, probably. He couldn’t stand that I had a knack for closing cases, for seeing the angles others missed, for… being good at my job. It was petty, but somehow fitting.

Shaking the thought off, I parked the car in the lot. Work. I liked work, mostly. But sometimes work had a way of reminding me that the world wasn’t always aligned with my victories.

Off I went to the coffee maker, there was nothing good like starting your day with a cup of coffee, this was all the adrenaline I needed, it was like a drug I needed to get me through,I didn't even know why people took drugs, when a cup of coffee would solve everything.

As I stood, coffee in hand, thinking of how I was going to fly high today with whatever interesting case comes my way,I felt a tap on my back.

“Hi, Andy”, croaked Stuart, “Excuse me”.

You had to give it to me for the perfect description, this guy's voice sounds just like that of a frog and he was also mousy-looking. I guess I didn't just like because he was my boss's cousin.

“Yes Stewie, what do you want?”

“Jesse wants to see you”, the young man said, eyes darting nervously.

I hadn’t even stepped into the office. What does that guy want from me exactly?.

“Hmmm, your uncle must really like seeing my face right?,“ Okay boy, tell him I'm busy, and will see him once I'm free”.

Of course, I wasn't doing anything but I just wasn't going to give that rat-face the satisfaction of jumping up at his beck and call.

I was going to savor my cup and coffee and then go see him.

I straightened my shirt, tried to tell myself that there was nothing important he was going to discuss with me, just business. But when I pushed open the door and saw them both—the captain and Jesse—sitting there, eyes fixed on me like they were afraid of what they were about to say, I felt a flicker of unease.

“Andrew, I requested to see over half an hour ago?” Jesse said.

“Was it”, I replied.

“You know how it is with work,no time for sitting down and chit chatting, there's so much to be done and sincerely I haven't got the time,I apologize" I said quickly with this slight grin on my face.

Jesse knew I was making fun of him and with my eyes I dared him to say anything.

He was my partner for ten years, both of us working our asses off, closing cases and making fun of people at the top,we were soulmates - well just workmates please but we were very good together. I never knew that the bastard was eyeing an office position without even telling me, I got to know after he was given the position and the bastard just assumed this air of authority like he was better than me.

“Very nice of you to join us, Agent Hale, please sit” the captain quickly said,he probably wasn't ready for our brouhaha.

I swallowed,sat down and forced a casual tone. “ You wanted to see me?”

Neither of them answered immediately. Jesse’s jaw tightened. The captain’s fingers drummed lightly on the desk, betraying his discomfort.

I sat there, trying to read their expressions, guessing at the words they were holding back. Whatever it was, I had the sinking feeling it wasn’t good. And somehow, I already knew it had something to do with me.