Life As Though I Knew It Part One

Chapter One

I fluttered my eyes open, the dry and repugnant taste of dirt lingered on my tongue when I moistened my dry lips. I wanted to push myself up, but didn't have the strength in my arms. But before I could work up any power, I was yanked to my feet and stumbled along with a man dressed the same as Tracy. He took my arm and threw it over his shoulder, supporting me as we prodded across the lawn of this suburban home. People ran pass me and my supporter yelling and hollering commands to each other. They held guns down low as if they were expecting a gun battle. I didn't think much of it at that time. My vision was blurry and the throbbing in my head pounded with anger. Bright spot lights shone in my face, a helicopter hovering above. There was a tent set up, glowing, with numerous amounts of police officers standing underneath of it.
"Bring him over here, Ives!" a woman's voice called out towards my direction. I couldn't quite put a finger on it, but the tone was so familiar. I didn't get a look at her, since I was pushed along quickly, landing in a fold out chair. Medical personnel rushed over in no time, a man flashing a bright light in my face. A grunt escaped me as I tried squinting my eyes and covering them with my hand.
"Follow my light" he commanded. I continued to look away, heaving out an annoyed sigh. Someone threw a blanket over my shoulders.
"Andrew!" the voice called to me. I know who this is! The woman came dashing over to me but I was still seeing doubles. This emergency asshole was not on my good side either. He called over to some other guys, asking for gauze. Suddenly two other officers came over and grabbed hold of her. She tried fighting them, her eyes widened with insanity.
"It's me! It's Katherine, your boss!" If that wasn't some sort of memory trigger, I don't know what is. I pushed the man off of me, causing him to tip and fall backwards out of his seat. The officers stared at me, a crazed look coming across my face. They slowly released Kathy when they saw my hands curled into fists, my shoulders raised.
"Andrew!" She jogged over to me, in her skirt suit, and high heels. She's probably the most intimidating woman, and to be my boss. Hell, I envy her, a woman playing a man's role. And that's where I'll be, Hell, if she ever heard me say that.
She gripped my shoulder tightly, desperation seeping from her eyes. I cringed, shoving her hands from me.
"Jesus, Reese!" I rubbed it, no doubt the rest of my body was going to be sore. She sighed, apologizing quickly.
"Did you see Tracy?" She sounded exasperated. I turned to face her, and even with the heels, I looked down at her. I knew Tracy was seeing Kathy, no doubt. The way he acted around her all giggly and too friendly for a boss. And now this.
"I-I can't remember much," I admitted regretfully. The hope escaped from her and suddenly she seem drained of all energy. She slumped into the chair I'd been sitting. I looked out from underneath the bright tent, scanning the surroundings. The suburban home was now engulfed in flames, the neighbors stood behind the yellow tape with their cellphones. I couldn't just stand here!
There was one thing I could recall. A 9-1-1 call claimed a house was on fire. When we were told the address, the entire team recognized it. A case I was working on involved a drug lord and me being a homicide detective, was investigating Donnie Cartaglia for the murder of his late wife. I didn't have enough evidence to get a warrant but we had beyond a reasonable doubt to contain weapons when entering the house.
I rubbed my temples, stammering over to a nearby ambulance. I leaned on it for support. A man wearing a black t-shirt and firemen pants walked pass me, giving me the dirtiest look a person could receive. I still tend to wonder why he gave me such a look. But he stormed through the canopy in search of, you know who. Reese.
"Detective Reese! We have to get my men in there and the fire out before it reaches the other homes! You're attracting way too much attention and our asses will be the first to get screwed with!" He growled as Detective Katherine Reese stood from her chair. She regained her stature and appeared twice as cocky.
"Just wait until my que, Burns." He must be the chief of firefighters.
"God dammit, Kathy! There are men in there!--"
"It's about to collapse!"
My head ripped through the sound barrier, facing towards the burning home. My heart pounded, breaths quickened. I was about to do something, I will neither regret nor forget that moment. I looked back to see if anyone was watching, taking notice that Reese and Burns disappeared. I looked back at the house, then took another glance behind me. What are they going to do? Yell at me to stop, shoot me? I have to... Better yet, I NEED to save my best friend. What would I do without him? No, I owe him for everything he's done for me. Down to the last bar tab I didn't pay! That son of a bitch deserves to be smacked around for doing something so foolish.
And with that, the flood gates opened up inside of me and determination swallowed me whole. I began staggering, which increased to a fast paced walk, my vision clearing with each step. The people scurrying around were oblivious to me, so consumed in what they were ordered to do, they completely forgot about me. That was an upside. I picked up the pace, bolting now.
To be honest, I had no idea what I was going to do when I got there. Everything was now a spur of the moment.
"Hey." I didn't look back when the voice yelled to me.
"Hey. Hey! What the Hell are you doing?" It had to be Burns, the voice was to scratchy to be anyone else. I was no more than 30 meters away when the front left beam collapsed. I skidded to a stop and watched the dreadful show. Except the only difference was, I felt like I'd been the lead role. The front part of the building shifted forward, forcing me to take a few steps back.
"Tracy.." I spoke aloud. My voice crescendoed into a loud violent scream.
"Trace!" I cried taking a small step forward. A hand grabbed at my shoulder, attempting to tug me away. I went to look, but a loud snap brought my attention to a much bigger problem. The house was just flames now, the only thing visible through the brightness was the ash wood still burning. To make things even better, the roof took a dive into the ocean of flames, caving in on itself. That's when everything crumbled. Literally and mentally.
A grunted cry got stuck in my throat as thousands of gasps could be heard in a chorus behind me. My face grew hot, if that were even possible with the hot flames and all. My eyes weld up, my hands flopped to the sides of me in defeat. I pulled free from the grip, taking off in a sprint towards the fire, so pissed it took my friends' lives. I never got the chance to say goodbye! But before I tried to rumble with the fire, about three men tackled me to the ground, bellowing out some sort of nonsense. My face was smothered all in the dirt. Which is getting pretty old. I just allowed them to take me, in handcuffs. The red and blue flashing lights blending together, the newsreporter talking way too fast for me to understand any of it. There was the people with guns again, still walking around as if war was declared. My eyes grew heavy, my body went numb, and I didn't fight it. I didn't fight for Tracy, or Lashawn. I couldn't even fight for Kathy for God's sake!
I looked back at the bonfire once more, guilt setting in. But a tiny movement caught my eye. I could see something go by quickly. I squinted my eyes, trying to see through the smoke. It was going away from the fire, towards the group of trees just behind the house. I wasn't letting this go. Hell no.
I turned my attention to the cop gripping my arm. He looked pretty weak. I breathed out deeply.
"Hey, I'm alright now." I spoke up as we neared the ambulance truck. The cop stared at me for a moment, then looked at the others who walked away with boredom. He just shrugged his shoulders whipping out his handy dandy keys. I was home free, but the rookie wasn't. Seconds and inches before we reached the truck, I grabbed his arm, twisted it against his back and pressed on him so I could pin his other arm. Grabbing his gun, I shoved him to the ground, and took off towards the woods.

The branches crashed into my face like whips, as I desperately pushed them away. I could almost taste the fear of whoever was running. I'm not a bad detective, if I was then I wouldn't be so damn good at my job! A hysterical smile sprawled across my face. I saw a quick movement, something white, flash at the corner of my eye. I turned slowly, my gun ready, locked and loaded. But who I saw wanted me to jump out of my skin, come back, and kick this guy's ass.
"Jesus Christ," I scoffed with pity. "Donnie Cartaglia, how did I not know?" I hissed, the gun pointed straight between his eyes. His hands were up and he breathed heavily. He begged for mercy, getting down on his knee. There was no mercy to be given, especially to a man who can murder his woman and my best friend! I shook my head.
"Hands behind the head , Cartaglia." Donnie began to sob, the commotion from behind lighting his face. This was the drug lord's last breath... Or so I thought.
"Get on the ground!"
I looked back, then at Donnie.
"Looks like its over for you Donnie boy!" I gave him a girly wave before being shoved to the ground and lights coming every which way. My head hit the ground hard, and when I looked back up, Donnie was gone. Gone. Within inches of me. The officers and SWAT all came in with guns set, struggling to get the handcuffs onto me. I just wanted to say screw it all! To hell with you all! My head throbbed, and being dragged to my feet was doing it any justice, which is why... I toppled over, asleep. Or knocked out.

Hoped you enjoy this one! Comment for suggestions, or criticism! thanks all :)
EDPowell