lucy_roman

lucy_roman

"What exactly do you think you're doing?" Lupo has followed Bernard out into the street. The detective must have been lurking in the background and seen and heard everything.

"My job," Bernard replies. "You might want to do the same thing."

That comment receives a glare in return. "I am doing my job. I'm trying to protect an innocent man."

"He's your partner. You'd say he was innocent even if a hundred people saw him commit a murder." Bernard's voice is quiet. He hasn't forgotten where they are even if Lupo has.

"And you're IA and you would say he was guilty even if a hundred witnesses swear that someone else pulled the trigger."

Bernard has been keeping a delibrate distance between himself and Lupo but now anger flares and he puts himself right into Lupo's space. "Say that again."

Lupo smirks. "I think you heard me the first time."

"What's your problem, Detective?" Bernard backs away. Getting into a fist fight isn't going to help the situation.

Lupo shakes his head, half turns away and then looks at Bernard. "Ed helped me. When I came back after my brother died he helped keep me straight. I owe him."

There is naked vulnerability on Lupo's face, vulnerability Bernard doesn't think he's meant to see.

"Look, I get it, I do. But we can't just let this one slide. I'm sorry." And he is sorry. Bernard actually likes Lupo. He's obviously a good cop but there are rules that need to be followed, especially in cases like this.

Lupo's face twists with anger. "You know what, screw you!"

"That's not the first time I've heard that," Bernard says but Lupo has already gone, striding away along the street, shoulders hunched. Not for the first time Bernard feels a twinge of regret.