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The holiday season was always a pot of mixed, warring emotion for people in professions such as Jill’s. On one hand, Christmas promised honey glazed hams, terribly wrapped but endearing presents and a tree with enough lights on it to induce a psychedelic seizure. On the other hand, Jill was a law enforcer and people like her didn’t really get the night off. Cops, nurses, doctors… They saw the darker side of the festive spirit. To put it succinctly, people were crazy on that holiest of nights and people like Jill learned to fear the sound of jingle bells and promises of bottomless, spiked eggnog.
Jill had been in her chosen career long enough for none of this to be surprising but this year was different. For the first time in too long frankly, she hoped to make plans which involved more than her chilling on her couch with her favourite blanket while rewatching horror specials. Christmas movies were too cheesy and something about a good horror flick while carollers butchered the keys of a song in the distance appealed to her.
She’s always been someone who felt extremely comfortable by herself and valued the importance of her private space. Ever since her time in the army where her tenacity and hard work blazed the path for women to join Delta Force, followed by her choice to spend some years on her own to better find herself. That led to her decision to seek a career in law enforcement since she had an exceptionally accurate moral compass and her stellar capabilities spoke for themselves. So much so she was the only woman offered a position in the elite S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team and that was not nothing. Even Forest, her army buddy who had been a far better shot at one point, didn’t make the cut. Fortunately, he wasn’t the sort to begrudge a friend’s success and the drinks had flown freely that celebratory evening when Wesker offered her the position.
Jill’s natural attention to detail and her determination to do every aspect of her job as close to perfect as humanly possible was one of the reasons she was an absolute powerhouse within the team. She was sharp, razor sharp but this escapade she planned to embark on would really test her limits. If she played her cards right, Jill was certain she could load the dice so they would fall in her favour but she had to be crafty.
She surveyed the office while the cogs turned, going over an already formulated plan one final time before she was ready to act. Jill’s wishes were simple really. She hoped to secure cover for three of her nights where she’d be on call. Normally this would have been a no brainer and she’d curried enough good will with many of her mates to call in a favour but those were Christmas shifts. That automatically took anyone with an actual family out of the picture and while a night shift was usually annoying, it was understood to be generally steeped in boredom. Not those nights.
Whomever was on call was sure to have their hands full. Wesker had made it clear he wanted everyone ready to act should they be called in but he wasn’t a hellion. There was a rotation in place to make sure everyone got some time to unwind and take care of personal affairs and Jill had been just unfortunate enough to miss out on the nights she hoped for. In the past this had been perfectly fine and her captain knew she was content to cover what needed covering but who could have foreseen a future in which Jill Valentine would actually be interested enough in someone to considered making plans?
Least of all Jill herself. She hadn’t seen herself getting serious with anyone anytime soon and she was fine with that. Most men simply didn’t have what it took to keep up with her and she saw no reason to compromise. She’d always expected the best out of herself and she couldn’t see why that should be any different in a potential partner. Which was not to say she was a hermit or a prude. She simply never saw a reason to let things get past the initial, fun part. Then she’d went on a date with a random guy and well… It was too early to say but she liked him enough to repeat.
The man’s name was Carlos Oliveira and she’d caught his eye while out with Chris and Forest one fine evening. He’d offered to buy her a drink. Immediately Jill knew the sort of cheeky playboy Carlos was but he was handsome and she wanted that free drink so she said yes. He was attractive and charming enough not to be grating even when he pulled out the cheesiest pickup line in circulation and asked if Jill was an angel who fell out of heaven. She’d laughed and he’d joined proving he was good natured enough not to get defensive over his obvious missed shot.
Perhaps it was the drinks or her lowered guard or simply her decision to share her bed, but Jill ended up bringing Carlos to her place that night. They hadn’t gotten personal and hadn’t exchanged numbers. The sex had been fantastic but Jill was sure that’d be it for the good natured stranger but in a genuine twist of fate she ended up running into him a second time. He’d spotted her actually and Jill agreed to join him for a quick coffee after work. To this day Jill could honestly say she wasn’t sure what voice on her shoulder prompted to take up the invitation. Carlos wasn’t displeasing or anything but he was so not her type.
Still, Jill Valentine wasn’t one to break promises so she showed up and they had coffee. Then two coffees. Then they decided to go grab a bite to eat since it was getting late and the whole time Jill had actually enjoyed herself. She found herself relaxing around the man and they talked for hours. This was new for her, outside her work relationships and even there she drew a line between her personal life and what she was willing to share. Few got to actually know her and they’d had to work for it.
In all fairness, Carlos did most of the talking and Jill was surprised to find his devil-may-care façade actually hid a very intense story. He’d been reluctant to go into his past and Jill respected the decision but from a few words she gleamed a childhood saturated in trauma. They talked mostly about their jobs and Carlos confided he understood how taxing being in a team like S.T.A.R.S. could be. He worked security jobs for a team of his own and the particular criteria of his career tended to take him all over the word on various assignments. Jill was intrigued but Carlos wasn’t ready to divulge too many tasty details yet. Jill could respect that too but she’d be lying if she wasn’t willing to take his obvious bait if it meant satiating her curiosity. There was a far sharper mind working behind those chocolate brown eyes than one would expect.
That first night she’d randomly met Carlos had been months ago and they were still keeping it casual but he was the only man Jill gave her number to. Her actual personal number. They’d meet on occasion, usually sleep together, but sometimes just hang out. Usually Carlos was gone on some assignment or other and Jill was weary of asking for details in case she broke her own rules and got too personal but she was starting to question if that was such a bad thing. The facts were, she enjoyed spending time with Carlos and he was good for her. Perhaps it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to open up a little more, see if there was something more solid between them worth pursuing. Someone as cautious as Jill wasn’t reckless enough to throw her heart at someone but she could maybe see a scenario where she’d snuggle next to Carlos on her couch and watch a movie on Christmas, maybe even a cheesy holiday one.
And there was the nexus of her entire dilemma. Carlos had texted to let her know he was free for the holiday and asked if she wanted to spend Christmas together. Jill remembered staring at the invitation for hours while she considered her answer. Christmas was a very divisive holiday to spend with someone. It was a family sort of holiday. More importantly, it didn’t set off any red flags in Jill’s mind because she immediately knew that yes, she would like to spend the day with this man. It was still too early to call it serious but it was the most serious she’d ever been about someone and that was something worth taking note of.
The problem lay in their respective careers. Carlos told her he’d be in town for only three days between assignments which would take him all the way to Brazil and Jill was on the roaster to cover shifts those days. He told her it was no big deal and they could meet up next time but she could tell he was a little dejected. Jill was sharp enough to know the man was into her and Carlos really wasn’t that good at hiding his emotions. She could tell he’d really hoped to spend those days with her. It was important to him and she cared enough not to let him down so she told him to give her some time. She’d come up with a definitive answer in a few days. Depending on the success of her secret mission, she’d either deepen her budding relationship with Carlos or drag her feet a little longer.
Every year the office played a game of Secret Santa. Jill wasn’t sure who started the tradition and it had enough years under its belt to be expected. The captain was fine with it as well, probably because it was by far the lesser of most evils. She remembered a time when Wesker stayed out of such activities and nobody made much of an effort to change his mind since he frankly scared the shit out of most people but she’d been one of the few who thought that was b s. It wasn’t a proper S.T.A.R.S. tradition if everyone wasn’t participating. Chris agreed and between the two they managed to cajole the stoic blond into participating this year and now Wesker had a rolled up piece of paper with a name known only to him in his pocket.
Secret Santa was fun but it was also very high stakes. There were three possible types of people one could draw out of the Santa hat and depending on one’s desire to forge a closer relationship with the gift receiver this little game could open the door to unlimited possibilities. Of course, the opposite was true. If someone drew a name of an individual they didn’t get along with then disaster could reign supreme. Jill’s entire plan centred around taking advantage of this highly volatile scene.
Originally she considered sweet talking someone into taking over all three days but then she’d reconsidered. It was unfair to saddle one person with so much work and though there was little doubt in her mind that she could do it, Jill decided it’d be better to spread them out. However, this also meant more work for her. Plus, once she convinced her targets to volunteer their time she’d have to get Wesker to sign off on it.
Jill’s sparkling blue gaze settled on her closest friend and she hid her devious smile under the subterfuge of her crossed hands. Chris was the key. Rather, his relationship with the captain was the key. Their ‘secret’ relationship. Chris hadn’t said anything which Jill was genuinely impressed with but if she could read Carlos then she could certainly read the office puppy. Jill had a suspicion Chris’ insistence and participation were the main reason Wesker even agreed to be part of the game but she wasn’t about to complain.
She knew Chris hoped to draw the captain’s name and it was heartbreakingly plain to see he’d been unsuccessful. Jill was absolutely certain she could trade a day with him for the coveted name but she hadn’t been lucky enough to pick Wesker either. Furthermore, she knew Wesker didn’t have Chris and that would be the perfect bargaining chip for her to convince the otherwisely unbending blond to sign off on a few shift changes if it came to that. The key was dancing around the room masterfully enough to trade names for favours until she had what she wanted and the people convinced into a simple trade would go away thinking they were the ones with the better deal.
There were a number of names which were extremely desirable due to their pleasing nature and easy gifting criteria. Then there was the second group who were nice enough but harder to get just right though none would voice outright contempt. Then there was the one man group. Wesker didn’t need to share the spot with anyone… Nobody hated the captain but who was insane enough not to shake in their combat boots once they realized they had to shop for the terrifying man? Jill would start there.
Finding the person who struck out was far too easy. All Jill had to do was look for a terror stricken face and she’d never seen Forest go as white as now while he read the name on his folded paper. Jackpot. Her smile grew. Forest would be an easy person to play and the perfect person to get enticed by her drawn name. Admittedly, Jill was sure anyone would have swapped Wesker for anyone though she didn’t see the big deal. The captain really wasn’t as scary as everyone thought but she could tell Wesker was fine with letting the team think otherwise and who was she to foil his game. She knew better. It was a closely guarded secret between herself and Chris which bonded them further.
Schooling her face in a friendlier, more neutral expression, Jill stood and made her way towards her army buddy. Many of the others present in the office were chattering excitedly between themselves and Wesker was letting them blatantly ignore their ever present paperwork. He was in his office apparently intrigued by some report or other but Jill knew he was vigilant. If need be, the man could seemingly materialize behind someone in the blink of an eye and as silent as a cat. She’d seen it and usually it was Chris who drew his focus. No surprise there.
‘Hey buddy. You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Who did you draw?’ Jill perched delicately on the edge of Forest’s desk and smiled at her friend, as if she didn’t know. Forest was far more brilliant than some gave him credit, most definitely due to the way he conducted himself. He was a notorious playboy and far too quick to get competitive with the lads but she loved him because he’d been there for her when Jill went through some hard times in the army and Forest proved himself to be unexpectedly open minded.
He’d tried to get in her pants of course but hadn’t been as boorish as she’d pegged him to be and in a sea of sexist dicks he’d turned out to be a breath of fresh air. They’d kept in touch ever since. Forest was the one who suggested she join law enforcement actually and told her there was an opening in S.T.A.R.S. and she’d love it. Jill hadn’t even been in Raccoon City at the time but she’d trusted his guidance and migrated over. To her delight she got the job and been a part of the city tapestry ever since. Forest had been right. Working in S.T.A.R.S. had been a good fit for her and she did love it. Plus, it was always a bonus when one got to work with a friend.
‘Who do you think?’ Forest’s voice was uncharacteristically low and he glanced quickly to make sure Wesker was still in his office as if he had super hearing or something. He was one of the people routinely called into the dreaded office for some silly behaviour or other, usually something relating to Forest trying to bed every pretty pair of long legs joining the force. Jill knew he was absolutely harmless but sometimes he could be a bit much…
‘Ouch. That sucks. Any ideas?’ Forest grimaced and looked at her.
‘Maybe an upside down crucifix? A sacrificial baby? How about a beating heart?’ Jill smirked.
‘Come on, he’s not the devil and you know it.’ Forest rolled his eyes but smiled as well, leaning back in his chair.
‘Yeah fine but you’re perfect. You never get called in for his creepy talk downs.’ Another hasty glance before Forest relaxed. It was impossible to know when Wesker was looking at someone with his shades on but he had his chair turned around and even he didn’t have eyes at the back of his head.
‘Creepy?’
‘Yeah. He just stares at you for like five minutes and then he asks if you know why you’re there. It’s creepy as shit! No idea what he’s thinking with those glasses on either.’ Jill could see how that would unnerve someone.
‘To be fair, you usually know why you get called out. When he actually starts giving out that’s when you know you fucked up.’ Forest went a little paler.
‘Yeah…’ He unfortunately knew what she meant.
‘While I think the captain would love a fresh heart he might be happier with a bottle of bourbon or something.’ Forest was silent for a moment while he considered this then his expression sagged.
‘Anyone else in here would be just dandy with a bottle from Jack’s but call me crazy, he seems posher than that. Don’t think I can afford his drink. Probably virgin blood or something…’ Jill hummed, knowing Wesker didn’t expect anyone in the office to go beyond their means for him but letting Forest think otherwise worked in her favour.
‘Yeah… You’re probably right. Wouldn’t want to insult the captain with something cheap. Have you seen the car he drives? He’s not a Jack’s whiskey sort.’ Forest worried his lip and Jill knew her trap was ready to be sprung. ‘I actually have a pretty fancy bottle I got from my dad last year. It’s French and I was saving it for a special occasion. I think the cap would like it.’ Forest gawked up at her.
‘That’s too fancy. No way he’d believe I got my hands on something like that.’ Jill scratched her chin and glanced away, pretending to take her time and seek out a solution.
‘Yeah, good point. Wouldn’t be weird if it came from me though.’ She arched an eyebrow and Forest waited for her to continue. ‘If you want we can swap since I already have a gift to go. Up to yo-‘
‘Yes! Please, yes.’ Jill grinned at Forest’s eagerness. ‘Who did you get anyway?’ She took the piece out of her pocket and glanced at it as if she’d forgotten.
‘Rebecca.’ Forest’s face lit like the tiny artificial Christmas tree Barry placed on the edge of his desk. The field medic was the newest addition to the Bravo team and fresh enough that Forest hadn’t found the right opportunity to try making a move on her. This would be a golden opportunity. ‘Maybe I shouldn’t, if you’re going to be weird. Rebecca’s nice.’
‘Oh come on Jill, please? I promise I’ll behave. You know me.’ Forest did his best attempt at a reasuing smile but it came off as a little desperate.
‘That’s the problem Forest. I know you. And she’s cute.’ Forest glanced towards the petite woman’s direction with a longing look. Rebecca was having a cheery, animated discussion with Edward, From what Jill could hear it had something to do with squirrels. ‘How about this? I’ll trade the names if you also throw in a night cover for me.’
‘Fine, sure. Whatever.’ Forest beamed again and Jill returned the smile. Too easy.
‘It’s a Christmas shift just so you know.’ Jill could have just taken the win but she was better than that. It didn’t matter. Forest’s thoughts were already shifted from Wesker to Rebecca. She was fairly certain she could ask for the three nights and the man would think with his lower brain first but again, she was better than that.
‘That’s fine. I can deal with a few hours of shitty holiday drunks.’ Jill shrugged and held out her paper for Forest’s. He read it gleefully, making sure he hadn’t just been duped. ‘Thanks Jill. You’re awesome!’
‘Yep. But seriously, don’t fuck with her or Edward will break your neck and I’ll go for your balls.’ Jill genuinely liked Rebecca and it was nice having another woman in the office. Maybe she was making a horrible mistake trusting Forest to behave himself but she also thought the plucky medic was a lot tougher than she looked. Still, she had to uphold the sister code and threaten Forest’s manhood should he step out of line.
‘You wound me Jill. I’ll be a perfect gentlemen.’ Jill scoffed and moved away, patting Forest on the shoulder for luck. Rebecca looked cute but Jill suspected her friend would need his lucky stars to shine down upon him if he hoped to score.
‘Alright, one down. Next up…’ Jill whispered the words under her breath so only she could hear as she located the next target and sauntered over to another one of her close friends. ‘Chris? What has you looking so down? You usually love Secret Santa.’
‘Oh, hi Jill.’ She wasn’t lying. Chris was one of those guys who attracted people to him with effortless ease and he could get along with just about anyone though he refused to budge on his principles which could also lead to some explosive outcomes. Everyone in the office got on well with him so there was never an issue of who he drew out of the hat. Chris would win them over one way or another.
Jill always envied people like that who magnetised the air around them but she also knew despite his glamour, Chris was very guarded in actuality. Once he’d opened up to her about his past and his struggles after the death of his parents she understood why. She vaguely wondered how far Wesker got in unravelling the secrets of Chris’ shelled heart. Chris hadn’t come out and admitted he was dating the captain yet so she couldn’t come straight out and ask but she was always watching. So far Jill could say she’d never seen Chris this happy before so she deduced things were going well between the two.
‘I was just hoping to get someone else this year. It’s no big deal.’ Chris smiled at her but it didn’t quite reach his eyes and Jill knew it was actually the opposite.
‘Who did you get?’
‘Richard.’ Jill widened her eyes a little, actually surprised. Richard was one of the good ones. Good natured Richard was always a score to hang out with.
‘You and Richard are on good terms though. Did you have a falling out or something?’ Jill knew very well Chris was down because he hoped to get Wesker. The odds were against him but that was Chris, always a chancer.
‘Nah, nothing like that. Forget it. It’s stupid.’ That sad puppy smile again. Jill wouldn’t have to do much leg work before she got Chris to agree to a name exchange but the man wasn’t ready to out his relationship yet and she was a good enough friend to dance the dance for now.
‘Well, you’re lucky. I got the captain. No idea what I’ll get him.’ Jill really needed someone to recognize her acting talent. She crossed her arms and looked miserable, pretending not to notice the immediate shift in Chris’ consternation from the corner of her eye. His tail was practically wagging.
‘You…You got Wesker?’ Chris was obviously trying, really trying, to dampen the excitement in his voice but he wasn’t fooling anyone. Jill pretended not to notice and prayed the man would never be asked to lie in a high stakes situation.
‘Yes. I think I’ll get him a bottle of whiskey or something.’
‘He likes scotch.’ Chris spoke before he could help himself and reddened a little when Jill looked at him. ‘I mean, I think he does. He has a bottle in his office you know…’
‘Right. Thanks for the tip. I think Jack sells some good options at his bar?’ Chris began shaking his head but had the frame of mind not to say anything. He knew exactly which brand Wesker preferred and Jack didn’t have it. It wasn’t some expensive showy liquor like one would assume but it was a specific brand which only two off licences sold. He couldn’t tell Jill that however and come up with a proper reason why he’d know something so specific from casual observation….‘Too cheap?’
‘No, it’s not that. He’ll… He’ll appreciate whatever you get.’ Chris’ voice deflated because he couldn’t figure out how to ask for a name swap without making it weird and Jill decided to throw him a bone.
‘Maybe you have a better grasp on what the captain wants? Seems like you two are close.’ She couldn’t help herself and yes, the teasing side of her lapped the immediate alarm flashing across the pointman’s face. ‘Since you’ve been practicing together at the range.’ Chris grabbed onto that out like it was a lifeline.
‘Yeah…Yes! The range, yeah. That’s why we’re close.’ Jill nodded, totally believing him. ‘So yeah, I’m cool with swapping if you want.’ Jill could see the tiny tremors of tension in Chris’ fingertips as he held back from snatching the paper from her.
‘You sure? Nobody wants the captain’s name.’ Jill pretended to be unsure and her delay was clearly driving Chris insane. She was having entirely too much fun at his expense but she couldn’t help it. Chris just had one of those personalities which was so hard to resist playing with.
‘I want it.’ Chris didn’t even realize how loaded his words were and even if Jill didn’t already know he would have given himself away with this admittance. ‘I’ll do your paperwork if you want.’ Wow. Jill was in awe. If Chris was volunteering the one thing he hated most than he had it far worse for Wesker than she expected.
‘Unfortunately I did all my paperwork up to date.’ Jill dusted her acting skills once more and pretended to think of an alternative. ‘But there is one thing you can do for me. I don’t know why you want the captain’s name so bad but I’m willing to trade for Richard and one night shift cover. It’s during Christmas…’ If Chris was thinking properly he would have questioned why Jill had an option locked and loaded almost as if she’d planned the whole thing but the man was in love and blinded by it.
‘Yeah, sure. I’m cool with that.’ Jill almost shook her head in wonderment. Was Chris actually even trying to keep his relationship a secret or was he so comfortable around her he forgot for a moment? She exchanged the pieces of paper and left Chris to his delight. At the start of her plan Chris looked like a kicked puppy and now he was grinning from ear to ear. She considered that her good deed for the day.
‘Two down.’ Jill needed one last night covered and one more name to exchange. She’d saved this one for last because she knew exactly who held Chris’ name. Jill wasn’t exactly proud of this but she might have tipped the scales in her favour a little. She’d been the one to go around the room with the hat and wait for the others to draw a piece of paper. She’d also been the one to inscribe the names and for one particular name she’d very consciously chosen a piece of paper with a tiny coffee stain on it. Innocuous enough to the unsuspecting eye but Jill knew for a fact that stained, torn scrap had Chris written on it.
‘Brad. How are you?’ Jill made her relaxed way towards the pilot who was typing away at something. As she got closer she noticed it was an overdue report. Seriously, was she the only one who filed her papers on time? No wonder Wesker didn’t smile…
‘Hello Jill. Just getting this done. Forgot about it what with the Secret Santa and all…’ There was an heavy note of trepidation in Brad’s voice and Jill supposed she couldn’t fault him for that. Handing a report late to Wesker was a daunting task for most. Chris practically made a career out of it but for the rest of them, the temperature dropped below freezing when they entered the captain’s layer with overdue paperwork. Jill herself didn’t know the feeling but she assumed it was bad.
‘Yeah, guess it’s hard to remember whit all the festive cheer in the air. Who did you get anyway?’ Brad grinned widely at her, clearly pleased with how his stars aligned this year. Chris was a good get, no doubt but she was confident he could talk Brad out of it. Jill was fully aware of how much Brad thirsted to be part of the cool kids’ group but his painful shyness tended to hold him back. If they were in high school, Chris would be the jock and Brad would be the drama kid.
‘I got Chris.’ Brad held up the piece of paper as if to prove that he wasn’t lying and it only served to verify what she already knew.
‘Oh, lucky you. Any ideas?’ Brad shook his head and Jill narrowed her eyes though her expression remained as pleasant as ever. ‘He’s pretty easy but be careful not to get him wrong either. He might not show it, but Chris can hold onto a grudge. Surprisingly petty.’ Brad widened his eyes, not seeing a reason for Jill to lie.
‘Chris? You sure?’ Brad glanced behind him at the other man who was still grinning as he stared at his piece of paper. Jill was fibbing of course. There wasn’t a petty bone in Chris’ body but lying was permitted in war and she was taking her mission very seriously.
‘I’m just saying. Joseph got him something he didn’t want for his birthday and their friendship hasn’t been the same since.’ Brad and Joe didn’t get along so she banked on him being in the dark about the other man’s airtight friendship with Chris.
‘What did he get?’ Brad’s smile had slipped exponentially and the edge of worry was palpable in his voice.
‘Not sure… A toy for his desk or something. Doesn’t matter. I’m sure you’ll get something awesome.’ Jill winked at him and Brad almost shook with the growing anxiety.
‘But what if I don’t? Can you help me out?’ Jill widened her eyes in mock horror.
‘Can’t do that Brad. That would defeat the whole purpose of the game. You have to take your chances and if you miss then… Guess Chris won’t talk to you outside work again or something. But I’m sure it won’t come to that.’ Jill wondered if she pushed Brad hard enough could she make him cry? Judging from the wetness starting to sheen his irises she very accurately guessed the answer as yes.
‘Wh-whait Jill! Who did you get?...’ Brad was looking far too pleadingly up at her for Jill not to feel a little bad for playing on the man’s insecurities.
‘Richard. Wanna swap?’ She decided to take pity on him. Brad’s face immediately lit up again and Jill was relieved. She wanted a few days off not to make her coworker break down in the middle of the office…
‘Yes please. Thank you so much Jill.’ Brad held his hand and Jill made as if to give him her piece of paper than hesitated. The man glanced up at her in confusion.
‘Maybe not. I already got something which would suit Richard and if I get Chris now, I gotta go shop. Too bad I’m on shift the night I could maybe squeeze in a trip to the mall. Sorry Brad, I can’t-‘
‘I can cover one of your shifts. It’s no problem.’ Jill glanced at him.
‘I dunno…. You sure? It’s close to Christmas so you know it’s going to be crazy.’ Brad shook his head.
‘I don’t mind. Have no plans anyway and I like keeping busy. Seriously, you’ll be doing me a favour.’ Jill was almost scared at how well she’d played Brad. She silently promised herself to only use her powers for good and pho-reluctantly nodded her consent.
‘Ok. If you’re sure… I don’t mind.’ Brad’s smile was back to being easy and stress free. Jill handed him Richard’s name and helped herself to Chris’. That was three for three.
‘Thanks Jill. You’re the best.’ Jill smirked and stood.
‘Yeah, I really am.’ Before the man would begin to try figuring out what she was talking about, the triumphant law enforcer made an elated but hasty retreat. Now that Jill had three people willing to take a day off of her hands that left one final piece of the puzzle. She just had to convince Wesker to sign off on the whole thing and she had the perfect bargaining chip. Jill wasn’t about to underestimate the final step however.
On paper it seemed an easy one but if she fucked up now then all her hard work would amount to nothing. Without the captain’s go ahead, they could agree to change shifts all they wanted and it’d be nothing more than empty promises and broken dreams. She didn’t see Wesker having a problem with the coverage as long as there was apt personnel on staff but she had to be careful navigating the far more terrifying waters of Wesker’s implied relationship. She knew about him and Chris but she didn’t think she was supposed to. Would Wesker even go for the bait or would he hold back so as not to arouses suspicion? One thing was certain. Wesker wasn’t Chris.
‘Captain? May I come in?’ Jill rapped her knuckles on the glass of his door and waited for the man inside to look up. Wesker waved her in, closing the file he’d been revising neatly.
‘Valentine. Is there something you need?’ Jill stepped inside and closed the door behind. Wesker waited patiently until she took a seat.
‘There is something actually. I was wondering if you’d be willing to sign off on a few shift changes.’ If Wesker was surprised he didn’t show it.
‘Go on. Normally I wouldn’t consider it but I’m curious to hear you out since you rarely ask for such favours.’
‘There are three nights I’d like to withdraw my name off.’ Wesker frowned, the crease of his brows barely noticeable on his smooth forehead.
‘Three is entirely out of the question during this time of year. You know how lapse judgement can get when people indulge in unbridled jubilation.’ Oh, she knew. Last year some brilliant specimen of failed Darwinism decided it be an ingenious idea to get drunk and steal a fire truck. Drove right into a building, ironically starting a fire.
‘I understand but what if I said there are three others willing to cover my shift? That way the cover doesn’t suffer.’ Wesker hummed, the corner of his mouth just a tiny bit curving upwards.
‘I see. That’s what you were doing.’ Wesker hummed and answered Jill’s question before she asked it. ‘I was watching you and I had a suspicion but I must say, I’m impressed. Who are the three names?’ Jill felt a little more at ease once Wesker acknowledged her work and didn’t seem irritated by her meddling ways.
‘Forest, Brad and Chris all agreed to take an extra night of work on top of theirs.’
‘You convinced Chris? That is impressive. How?’ Jill took a calming breath.
‘I traded my Secret Santa.’ Wesker hummed noncommittally and did what Forest called the creepy staring thing. Jill wasn’t easily unnerved.
‘Whose name did you trade?’ Jill smiled a little, meeting her captain’s piercing eyes unabashedly. Even through the tinted lenses she could feel their intensity.
‘Someone who Chris values very much. Enough to trade his free time over.’ Wesker was silent for a second and sighed but he was smiling softly.
‘You know then?’ Jill nodded and she didn’t think Wesker was upset at her discovery. ‘Did Chris tell you?’ She quickly twisted her head from side to side.
‘No. He really didn’t but he’s just… I mean, he didn’t say anything but… He’s not the hardest man to read.’ Wesker scoffed.
‘I suppose you are correct. Still, I would appreciate it if you kept this to yourself for the time being. Can I trust you to do so?’
‘Of course you can sir. You know you can.’ It was in times like those where Wesker’s more agreeable nature shone through and Jill pitied the others who didn’t take the time to see it. She wondered if he was like this all the time with Chris outside work. If so she could absolutely see what drew the pointman to him.
‘Thank you Jill. Consider yourself off duty during your chosen nights. I’ll sign off on the changes.’ Wesker picked the file back up and that was Jill’s que to leave but she had one more thing to take care off.
‘Captain?’ Wesker paused and lowered the paper down again.
‘Was there something else?’
‘I think you might be interested in trading with me. For Secret Santa I mean.’ Wesker was doing that lopsided smile again as Jill held out the piece of coffee stained paper for him to inspect. He glanced at the name before folding it and placing it on the table.
‘Very thoughtful. Unfortunately we seem to be at an impasse.’ The captain held out his draw for her to see and Jill smirked at her own name. ‘Isn’t it against the rules to pick yourself?’
‘I won’t tell if you don’t and I have the perfect present for me.’ Wesker nodded and watched Jill stand, the victory clear on her face. She was at the door before he decided to do something uncharacteristic but if anyone deserved it, it was her. ‘Jill?’ She turned, her hand hovering over the knob.
‘Yes sir?’
‘Take four days off. Consider it your present. I’ll cover your shift.’ In truth, Wesker planned to spend the night at the office anyway especially since Chris was on the roaster to work. Being on call was barely a problem and he was the sort who went stir crazy very quickly without a distraction. If this pathological need to die at his desk could also carry some favour with one of his favourite subordinates then Wesker only saw positives in the offer.
‘Captain? Are you sure? Three days is all I need but if you’re offering…’ Wesker waved her off dismissively and returned to his work. She grinned brightly and Jill was certain he saw her delight. ‘Thanks cap.’
‘You’re welcomed and thank you for your… interference.’ Jill smirked, glancing at Chris who, wonder upon wonder, was still wagging his proverbial tail.
‘Anytime.’