WIP | First Draft – Don’t Kiss Me Goodbye – Chapter Two

Shania Savage, in her mid-thirties, exudes youth and energy. Her striking emerald eyes and vibrant red curls frame her fit physique. Dressed in a fitting peasant blouse and denim jeans, she embodies confidence. As her former colleague Copper Steele enters the office, she greets him with warmth, a hug that hints at their past connection. The office, once his, now reflects Shania’s style alongside her partner Derick Stolsky.

Settled in, the atmosphere shifts as Stolsky coughs and reveals they are working on a missing person case that has escalated into a murder investigation. The victim, found dead, had been a young man who died from heroin laced with fentanyl. Shania explains their client, the victim’s sister, believes there’s more to the story. Steele expresses interest in the case, reminiscing about their shared history.

As Steele pours whiskey and lights a cigarette, Shania playfully warns him about smoking. He reviews the case file, feeling the weight of the young victim’s lost potential. When Stolsky dozes off, Steele offers a light-hearted suggestion about sleep. Their banter reveals a camaraderie that underscores their past.

Amidst the rain outside, Steele glances at Seattle’s skyline, haunted by memories of his late wife. Shania stands close, offering comfort but also understanding the shadows of his past. Their shared history surfaces as they discuss the case, and Shania urges Steele to confront his lingering guilt over his wife’s death.

The tension between them is clear, filled with unspoken emotions. Shania probes him about his feelings, prompting Steele to acknowledge his regrets. Their past affair complicates their current partnership, reopening old wounds. As they share food in a moment of quiet closeness, the burden of their history and the weight of the case loom large, intertwining their lives in ways they cannot ignore.