Fives in Triplicate

Andy knocked three times on Diane’s desk before she shook her head and showed any signs of life.

“It’s about time, Diane,” he grumbled. “What’s with you today? You’re totally out of it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m just distracted right now. I’m fine. Really.”

“Have you finished the fives?”

“What?”

“The homicide at the mini-mart? Two DOAs and the genius who fled in the owner’s car? Ring any bells?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m on it.”

“That’s what you said three hours ago.”

A cup of coffee materialized in front of Diane, and she stared intently at it, mystified as to its origin.

“What’s the matter, you don’t like how I pour coffee now?” Danny scowled down at her. He watched her face as she shook her head again, and then finally seemed to notice his hand was still attached to the mug. She followed the hand up to the sleeve, then, slowly, her eyes moved up to his face. The look of surprise on her face startled him. It was if she had expected to see someone else’s face at the top of his shirt collar.

“Thank you, Danny,” Diane whispered. Her skin was pale, and she looked like she was coming down with something. Danny sat down and tried to attend to his paperwork, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off Diane. She sat still, her arms resting on either side of the mug, and she stared at its contents as if it were poison. “It’s just that I’ve already had two cups, and I guess my system is overwhelmed right now.”

“Look, Diane. Why don’t you go on home? You don’t look so good,” Danny whispered, leaning over toward Diane so as not to disturb the entire squad. He glanced over at Andy, whose red face and angry glances revealed his temper was at the boiling point.

Diane shook her head and her eyes fluttered, dispelling her reverie again. “Oh, no, Danny, I’m fine, really.”