The Adult Denby Fanfic Site

Simplicity

AUTHOR: Amanda J Frechin.
DISCLAIMER: The usual. I don't own the characters from NYPD Blue, but I own Amanda (sound familiar?) Dez, and Kelli.
FEEDBACK: To Amanda J Frechin

"You're kidding."

"No."

"But this can't...Fancy-"

"Diane, the guy was switched. Nothing I can do about it. Now, from what I've heard, the guy used to be a decent cop. If you'll be nice, maybe Denby will be nice."

Diane snorted. Yeah, Denby nice.

"I doubt that will work boss. Denby's an ass, a full out ass. Now, with Greg and Baldwin switched, we now have the two others coming today. Why can't you stick Denby with one of them? Why am I placed at Lucifer's feet?"

"They specifically said, 'Russell, Diane with Denby, Harrison.' I can't do a thing about it. If we were to protest, it'd be months of paperwork and you'd have to work with the guy until the meeting, which would be hours and hours. Besides the point, I don't think they are gonna give you a new partner just because Denby is in dire need of an inferiority complex."

Diane wanted to stomp or scream or throw something, but she couldn't. But she resolved herself to later on use Denby as a verbal punching bag.

"All right, all right, I'll be fine...just, keep an eye on Denby."

"Diane, do you think I'm stupid? The guy is on nails with me too."

Diane nodded and walked out of Fancy's office. She was cringing inside, dreading the renewal of contact with a certain Harry Denby. She stopped by the coffee room, hoping to find some hot caffeine to rejuvenate her shaky system, but was let down to find that there was only decaf.

"Shit," she said, walking over to the refrigerator and pulling out some orange juice.

"Something troubling you, Diane?"

She spun around, an open carton of O.J. in her hand. Denby. All systems on alert. She brought her slouching posture up and shook her hair behind her shoulders. Diane gave him a quick once over. Apparently he was off the booze cause he didn't look like he just rolled off the bed to puke. His hair was freshly cut and slicked back with water. He hadn't changed psychically that much, but it was his eyes, those damn eyes that bothered her. They were too human. Denby nodded to the decaf pot.

"You want me to put some adrenalin in there, Diane?"

She hated the way he said her name. It came out so smooth, not at all like she wanted it to sound on his lips.

"Uh, it's fine. I'll go to Starbucks or something later."

Denby snorted.

"Yeah, Starbucks. Spend $6.00 for the most overrated coffee in America. That's what I call a New York experience. Don't bother," he said, reaching into the bag that was strung over one shoulder. "I've got my own, and I'd be perfectly willing to let you have some. Free of favors of course."

The reference was obvious. He wasn't being a jerk but one wrong move and he would strike. Diane nodded slowly. Okay, take it slow and he won't pounce.

Harry smiled. He reached into his bag and pulled out the coffee, along with a huge number of...stuff. A DSMV, papers, 4 erasable pens, a container of yogurt, a book, paper clips, and a photo.

"Moving anytime soon?"

When she said it, Diane realized how stupid it sounded. She mentally cursed herself for the opening. But Harry said nothing, he just walked over and put the coffee on. Diane didn't know how to react. Thankfully, before she had to, Danny and two women she didn't know who looked detective like came in. When Danny saw Denby his face tightened up and his hand went to his pocket which undoubtedly held paper clips.

"Sorenson, I was never able to give you my regards. Without you, Don still might be on the streets."

Danny was not the only one who changed. Denby had tightened up like a bow, his back becoming ridged and his eyes narrowing.

"Denby."

"Harry, please. And you're the new transfers?" he directed the question to the women who walked in with Danny.

"Yeah, I'm detective Amanda McKinley, this is detective Dez McGregor," one of them said. She had straight blonde hair and a straight lined chocolate covered blouse on. Her eyes were deep blue, and Diane had a feeling she was going to be interesting to work with. The other, a brunette with shorter hair and hazel eyes, reached out and shook Diane's hand then Denby's.

"I'm detective Harry Denby, this is detective Diane Russell, my partner, and I believe you already know blonde boy over here?"

Danny cringed. Diane sent warning looks to both of them. Andy came in, saving them from any further embarrassment.

"Danny, Diane...Denby, we've got a shooting 4 blocks over. Who want's to take it?" Andy noticed Amanda and Dez. "Oh how stupid of me. Do you guys wanna take it?"

"Nah, I really don't care either way," McKinley was tired, you could see it on her face.

"Andy, Diane and I will take it. It'll be no problem."

Andy's face was taught, and Diane could see that he didn't want to let Denby and her go, but with the new officers, it would be an uncomfortable argument he didn't want to risk.

"Fine. Yeah, okay."

Denby turned to her.

"Well, shall we go see what fate has put on our platters?"

Continued in Part 2.