#tds1

a/n: no one asked for this but I’m doing it anyway! it’s probably going to be slow with lots of build up. let’s see how long it takes for me to get freaked out and leave it unfinished. for now, enjoy, and go easy on me pls.

desc: a series of moments throughout the growing relationship between two detectives, and the case that will define the rest of their lives.

warnings: descriptions of violent crimes, blood and gore, mentions of drugs and alcohol, possible drug and alcohol use, adult themes and language, religious themes

Next: II. Absolution

I. Sleep

It’s 5:37AM when the cellphone resting on the scratched wood surface of your bedside table rings out. A hand searching haphazard in the slowly disappearing dark, you know there’s only one person calling at this hour when you flip it and bring it up to your ear. Eyes peeling open, undersides sticky like fly tape and heavy like lead, Marty’s voice rings rough and low on the other side.

“S’a 419. Just outside ‘a Erath, ya know where that is or I gotta feed ya directions?”

It sounds like a dig but you know it isn’t. It’s hard to tell with your new partner when he’s genuinely being an asshole.

“No, I can find my way there jus’ fine, thanks Marty.”

It comes out in one long breath and slow like molasses. Not like you were sleeping much before the call anyway. He chuckles through the phone. You can picture him sitting on his side of the downturned bed he shares with Maggie, thick legs restless, while she sleeps soundly; him whispering.

“Alrigh’. Me and Rust’ll meet ya there. Careful on those dirt roads, tires go slidin’ real easy, hon.”

The line clicks and the crickets pick up the baton.