Veronica's Big Case

I pulled my long dark hair into a messy bun because tonight was just surveillance on someone, no need to look the best. Being an over nighter in the car, I definitely grabbed the large travel mug of coffee that actually did little to help with tiredness, but it was more out of habit now.

My phone vibrated in my pocket as I walked to my car, I knew it was going to be one of two people being this late and they were both my best friends.

"Are you ready? I have the GPS on both vehicles, so if he moves we will know about it." Maya texted letting me know that she had my back as she did for every case for the last three years.

Mayas a tech genius and hacker extraordinary, she's the brains behind  this little operation of ours. She always says they are there to have my back and make some money while having fun, but this is more of a family business. They are both my sisters even without the blood to tie us together.

She provides crucial Intel and digital surveillance for our team and without her, I know that I wouldn't be able to do a good job. The doors would have closed a year after being opened, she doesn't know what she really means to me. For example, I happen to know she is crushing on someone hard and doesn't want her friends or the guy to know.

That was going to be dealt with later, timing seemed to always be off when it came to each of our lives. I don't care about much, so I think my life is moving at a good pace and I feel good where I at though my friends think that I need a man for some reason. They forgot what happened with Jack which was a perfect reason to stay away from all men

"Yes, you know I'm always ready for this. This part of the job might be boring but that's what I have you two in my ear for each time."

I set my phone on my lap before heading towards the docks, that was one of the hot spots of Ravenwood. If it wasn't one person smuggling something in, it was another one stealing and sinking the items. There was a murder there the year I opened up, but I stayed away from that being new to this and not wanting to step on anyone's toes, yet.

"I hope we catch this asshole quickly. This weekend we need a girls night and I have something to tell you guys."

Lena didn't sound to happy, which wasn't her. She was a serious person that joked when it suited her, but don't fuck with her when she wanted to be left alone. Something was going on with her and some how Maya and I missed it.

"I know I could use a drink and a night to sleep."

"Ronnie, you never sleep stop playing. But, what do you do when you can't sleep? I mean I could always check for myself."

"Okay, are we going to text or taking through the ear pieces?" I asked with a giggle. These two women made me smile but they did shit backwards sometimes.

It took all of fifteen minutes to get to the docks. The smell of salt water and diesel fuel hit you immediately, letting you know where you were. The docks are a  gritty industrial area of course, by the waterfront but it's known for its warehouses, shipping yard, and underground activities; it's a hot spot for smuggle and other illicit dealings. I am sure we will see plenty of it.

My scanned the area as I leaned my head back on the head rest. Sometimes there was no action for days and that did suck, but I never left until I got a new lead or some type of evidence that I am in the right track. I can't see behind things but I can sit here and listen for noises and see if anyone comes in or out. Again, thats where Maya comes in, if I'm not paying attention for whatever reason she lets me know someone was approaching to stay low.

"I'm starving, we should meet up tonight just to eat. Someone make a damn move." Lena spoke out, and did get bored quickly and didn't like to wait

"Don't worry, I think I see something. Give me a few minutes and I'll let you know."

A black SUV pulled into the parking lot with their headlights off. No one made a move to get out of truck and I was leaning as far back against my seat as possible, did they see my car and not recognize it?

"I think we missed a vehicle, Maya. A black SUV pulled in with their lights off and hasn't moved. I can't tell, but I think they are trying to figure out what my car is doing here."

"Stay put, Ronnie! I'm already on it."

No one spoke what seemed like hours but it was less than five minutes. My heart jumped into my throat when I heard a loud clank, it was a boat moving back and forth in the water and it but the sound of the dick where the owner had a chain set up

"Okay, I got the license plate number for truck. The windows are to dark to see who is inside, but since they haven't moved it's probably a meeting spot. They picked someone up and didn't want anyone else to see them,  not even the truck."

"Why does it feel like more players are being added every night?"

Maya and Lena laughed but I was being serious. Two days ago, I had to worry about two people that could be very dangerous. There's been a female I ran into though I have been watching her a little bit because my gut told me there was something up with her and then we run into each other. Tonight the SUV and everyone knows there's going to be at least three people inside. That is six different people to have to deal with, keep an eye on and watch my back from.

"You will bring down cool Joe just like you do each bad guy. Or woman. Sorry, I won't be sexiest. I've seen how mean some women can get."

Maya didn't have a good experience with many females and kept her guard up. It was hard for me to climb that wall and be able to stay on the other side, but I am happy she let me be apart of her life. She deserves to be happy and I was going to talk with Lena about something important to do with their sister.

Once the SUV left, so did I. We met at 'The Haven't where I have gone alone on a couple of occasions to think over some cases. Tonight, I thought we could share it together.

The bar is dimly lit, it's set in old town, but it's a quiet place to unwind and get your thoughts together before going home with your work. As soon as she walked in she noticed her friends sitting at the bar being served already. Thanks for waiting for me, I thought.

With a friendly smile, "rough day?" The bar tender asked as I plopped down on the stool.

"Something like that. Can I get..."

"It's already been taken care of. Whiskey neat."

I raised my eyebrows with a questioning look, he nodded towards my friends. Yeah, they wouldn't order for themselves.

"Smile sweetie, this is going to be fine. We are going to unwind tonight and get back to work tomorrow with fresh ideas."

"Thanks Maya, I know so how about Lena tell us what's going on with her. It will clear our mind of work and we can give her shit." I winked at them with love.

Lena shook her head no before taking a large gulp of her drink. She usually did a tequila or whiskey drink depending on what's going on in her head. Tonight it looked like tequila, which might be bad news.