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Questions and Some Answers “And they found you?” Selene demanded.
Celeste sighed and finished buttoning the cuff of her long-sleeve blouse. She hoped it was enough to hide the bandages but not draw too much attention. “I had already changed back. They think I was just a regular passerby who decided to help.” “But that detective saw your brooch,” the cat protested. “Surely that’s going to raise some questions.” “It looks like a funky piece of jewelry, Selene. He has probably already forgotten about it. Will you please stop worrying?” With a shout of triumph, she located her keys and grabbed her purse. However, the cat placed itself between the woman and the door. “Where are you going?” Celeste made a sweeping gesture over her red-and-white striped apron. “Where do you think? Please, stop worrying about me!” “This isn’t a game, Celeste!” “I know that! I’m the one out there every night facing these monsters.” The cat looked away. “While I sit here, just sitting and waiting for you to come back.” “Selene, I didn’t mean it that way.” The cat still didn’t look at her. “Maybe not completely, but part of you does.” “Neither of us asked for this,” Celeste said, “but we’ve made our decisions. We have deal with that. We can talk about this more later, but I am late for my shift at the hospital. I’ll be back later, okay?” “Yeah, sure, later.” The woman sighed. “Selene.” “You’re already late, Celeste. You’d better get going.” Taking the hint, Celeste shouldered her purse and left. * * * * * The sidewalk was filled with the late afternoon crowds. Even if she pushed it, Celeste realized that she was going to be late for her volunteer session. ‘Today can’t get any worse.’ “Ms. Halley?” She turned and ran smack into Detective McKenzie, who grabbed her shoulders to steady her. “Detective? I’m sorry, for bumping into you, literally. Did you need something?” “We were supposed to continue our discussion from last night,” he said, releasing her. “Is this a bad time?” She gave a bitter laugh. “Yes, honestly, detective, this is a really bad time. I’m already late for something.” “Is there any way you can cancel?” She hesitated. The last thing she wanted to do was talk to him about the events of the night before. However, why should she risk making the officer suspicious? “I will need to make a phone call first,” Celeste finally said, “if you will give me a moment.” “Sure, Ms. Halley, take your time.” Searching through her purse, Celeste found her phone. She called the hospital and apologized for missing her volunteer shift, stressing that something unexpected arose. When she was finished, she turned back to Jonathan, who was studying her intently. “You really are a good Samaritan, aren’t you?” “Excuse me?” He shook his head. “Nothing, Ms. Halley. Can we grab a cup of coffee?” “That sounds good, but do you think you could stop calling me Ms. Halley, detective?” “You would have to stop calling me detective then, Ms. Halley,” he replied with a broad smile, “and I doubt that would be appropriate.” She matched his smile. “No, I guess not. Now, about that cup of coffee?” * * * * * Ricco shoved Jonathan’s feet off the corner of the desk and sat down in the now vacant spot. “What are you grinning about? Did you see her this afternoon?” “Who?” Eying his partner warily, Jonathan sat up in the chair and tossed the file he had been reading back on the desk. “Oh, come on, Mac,” Ricco cried, rolling his eyes. “I thought would like this one. That’s why I had you interview her.” “You’re talking about the witness from last night? That’s why you didn’t do it yourself?!” “You’re finally catching on. Man, I was beginning to wonder about you. How long has it been since you’ve had a date?” Jonathan shook his head. “What can I say? It’s hard to find a woman as understanding as Nadia.” “You haven’t even been trying.” “So that’s why you’ve been playing matchmaker with me and a witness? Which ethical dilemma would you like me to begin with? Or should I begin with departmental regulations?” “You need to loosen up.” “Not if I want to keep my badge. Now, any leads about our case from last night?” It was Ricco’s turn to shake his head. “Since there was no sexual assault, there’s no evidence in that arena. We haven't heard back from the labs, but one of the techs said it doesn't look too promising.” “So much for Locard, huh?” “Apparently, but how was your interview this afternoon?” “Not much better. She’s still doesn’t remember much about last night. I don’t think she’s going to be of any additional help.” “Don’t give up hope just yet, now, Mac. Maybe you should talk to her again.” In spite of himself, Jonathan laughed. “You’re horrible.” “You love me for it.” “And you were wondering about me?” “Ha ha,” Ricco said, punching his partner in the shoulder. “Go home, kid. You look like hell. We should have some more results in the morning.” “I’ll just finish up some paperwork before I go. Say hi to Nadia for me, though.” “Sure. Night.” Jonathan didn’t respond but waved instead, already immersed once more in his paperwork. * * * * * Author's Note: The Locard reference is about the Locard Exchange Principle, one of the basic principles of forensic science. It says that with contact between two items, there will be an exchange. For example, part of a crime scene (ie mud) will transfer to the criminal and to the victim, who will leave material as well (ie hair). |
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