Summary: Everyone involved in the Origami Killer case has their story. This is the story of Jennifer, who tries to cope with her past, while hoping for a better future. The hunt for the Killer makes her question herself and chances she has for a normal life. Or love.

Author's Notes: Hello everyone, and welcome to Jennifer's Rain! I hope you'll enjoy the story and won't hesitate to give me some tips and opinions :) I'd really aprecciate that.

I own nothing but my OC Jennifer.

Tuesday
October 4th 2011
5:50 a.m.
0.600 inches.

Jennifer Lebowski heard her alarm clock going off. A loud buzzing sound that can be so annoying. The flashing digits on the screen read 5:50 a.m. Like every other morning.
She slowly rose to a sitting position, rubbing the remaining sleep off her eyes. She didn't turn off the alarm yet, afraid that she'd fall asleep again while still sitting.
She got up.
No need for the alarm now, she turned it off and headed for the bathroom. A new symphony reached her ears, a symphony of falling water. The rain that lasted on for the past few days, never stopping.
It was still dark outside, so she had to turn the light on. She squirmed her eyes shut after the brightness hit her, she always forgot how painful it can be to step into the light after spending so much time in darkness.
After adjusting to the light, she made her way to the sink. There she met her face in the mirror.
Nothing too special and nothing too pretty. If she was in a movie she'd already have make up on and a neatly done hair even though she barely got up. But what stared back at her from the glassy surface was just sad, ordinary, grey reality.
She was tired. And everything in her looks told her so. First the dark circles under her eyes. She barely slept well, having triple amount of work lately. She spent all day straining herself in her office only to do the same till late at night at home. Her grey eyes were dull, she could barely keep them open.
The overwork slowly showed some visible signs on her skin. It was white and sweaty from sleeping in her stuffy room, the pale blue light from her energy-saving bulbs giving it an ill look. Her hair was in no better shape. Unkept and slightly oily made no good impression.
She sighed and turned the water on. Splashing her face with ice cold water always helped her wake up and feel fresh. Then it was time for shower.
Jennifer lived alone so she didn't have to worry about the bathroom's door being open while she was undressing. She had no man in a long time and the sad perspective of ending up as an old maid slowly crept up to her as it usually did when she gave herself time to think about nothing in particular. Then again she didn't really made efforts to fill the loneliness of her existence. She explained it to herself as lack of time or that the life she was leading didn't really allow her to romance, but she knew that there was something else to it. That she just... she couldn't really explain it fully. Sometimes she felt numb, the kind of numbness that comes upon you when you are alone under the shower, naked, helpless, living a routine, with rainy darkness outside the window and ghostly lighting in the bathroom.
- Alright, enough of this nonsense. - she mumbled quietly to herself - Get a grip on, girl. There's a life to face out there.
She rarely had melancholic mornings like this. Coffee usually solved that problem. And that was the solution she used this time. That way, when she arrived at work at 7:00 a.m. she was refreshed, clean, her auburn hair was brushed and the white nightgown was replaced by ashen jacket with a matching, slim skirt.
- Good morning, miss Lebowski.
- Good morning Charlene.
She walked up to her desk and set the papers down. She had a lot of paperwork recently but thankfully it was now done. She was about to take her jacket off and sit down, when someone called to her:
- Don't get too comfy, we got a call some time ago, about a body. We're heading down there in 5.
Jennifer sighed in defeat. She barely had time to walk in and now she had to go out into that rainy weather to stand there and find absolutely nothing. Because she had a feeling she knew what body was found and who's doing was it. And that man never left any clues.
- Alright lieutenant. I'll be ready in a few.
With that she took an umbrella, put on her jacket again and attached a name badge to it. A badge that read:
Jennifer Lebowski
Sergeant
U.S. Police Force.

Tuesday
October 4th 2011
8:05 a.m.
0.680 inches.

The rain was thundering upon the car's roof and the wide-screen wiper had difficulties with keeping the glass clean. And it that weather, agent Norman Jayden was about to get out of this warm sanctuary into the pouring shower of hell. Without an umbrella.
He turned off the engine and took a notice of something.
- Hands are shaking... - he mumbled and quickly checked the inside of his pocket. The vial with a blue liquid was there, safe and ready to use. However he hoped that there will be no need for that.
With that, he opened the car door and exited the vehicle. He looked up to the sky and let the cold water fall on his face. At least the weather's nice - he thought ironically. He then made his way towards the red and blue flashes of the police cars.
- The zone is sectioned off sir, please step back. - a policeman told him when he tried to cross the infamous yellow tape.
- Agent Norman Jayden, FBI. - he replied with a slight smile. He liked that line and the reaction it triggered. Kinda made him feel like in a movie.
- You got a badge or something Mr. Jayden?
- Yeah... Yeah, of course. - he said, reaching into his pocket and taking out his ID.
- Check. You can pass.
Alright. He was in. Now the only thing that remained was to find lieutenant Carter Blake to fill him in with the details. He kind of hoped they could talk someplace dry, but at the station they told him that Blake was in the field, investigating the latest crime scene already. So, not wasting time, Norman got into a car and drove here, kind of glad that he could start working already. Not doing anything made him feel awkward.
But a cup of coffee along the way would've been nice...
He quickly shook these thoughts off and took a look around. He was on a wasteland beneath a highway, full of mud, puddles and rocks. There was a railway right next to it. Like in all the other cases.
What worried Norman Jayden was the number of police officers present on the crime scene. One careless step could sometimes destroy a valuable evidence and with the amount of feet wandering around here, the possibility of that happening was incredibly high.
The weather didn't make the task easier either. All the rain and mud could easily damage some evidence as well. But thankfully, as an FBI agent, Norman Jayden had access to some technology that made rain, mud and crowds of policemen less bothersome.
Out of his inner pocket he took out what seemed like an ordinary pair of sunglasses and a dark glove, but her knew better. It was ARI, meaning Added Reality Interface, his most prized possession.
The moment he put the glasses on the environment became brighter and rid of colors due to noctovision. A numerous data and diagrams appeared before his eyes as well.
- Video Memo recording, agent 47023, Norman Jayden. Tuesday, October 4th 2011. Time is... 8:14 a.m.
He made a small break to take one more look on his surroundings.
- Crime scene seems compromised by all these people. - he continued the commentary - I doubt there will be any clues left, if there were any to start with...
He walked up to the closest policeman and tapped him on the shoulder.
- I'm looking for lieutenant Carter Blake, have you seen him?
- Yeah, he should be over there. - the man replied pointing.
- Thanks.
He nearly had to shout at the guy, the rain was so loud. The rain and some kind of bulldozer nearby.
Soon he found himself right behind a man with short brown hair. He stood out, because he was probably the only one without a cap and a radiant police raincoat.
- Lieutenant Blake?
The man turned around and gave him a questioning look. He had a goatee and a twinkle in his eyes that suggested that he was probably short-tempered.
- I'm agent Norman Jayden from the FBI - Norman said, taking off the ARI. He didn't want to make an impression of a bighead, classic, movie-type agent that had to wear sunglasses even if it was pouring rain. - I went by your office this morning, they told me you'd be here.
- Now, if you're lookin' for rain, dead bodies and highways, you've come to the right place. - Carter Blake replied, in a voice that clearly showed that he'd give anything to be someplace else - Mike, can you tell that asshole with the bulldozer to stop for five minutes, I can't hear myself thinking!
- Right away, lieutenant!
With the Mike guy gone, Blake turned around and started leaving when he seemed to remember the presence of a certain new arrival.
- Well, are you coming Jayden?
Norman nodded and joined the lieutenant on the stroll.
- So... - he started, trying to break the ice - What happened?
It was a blunt question. But it was exactly what he wanted to know.
- Some guy taking his dog for a piss found the body about six o'clock this morning. We don't know much more right now. Based on what we've seen it looks like the work of the Origami Killer.
Norman nodded in acknowledgement.
- Has the time of death been established?
- Based on the rigor mortis, must be less than six hours ago. We should know more when the coroner has had a look.
The moment he finished, he turned towards a nearby officer.
- Any news of the coroner?
- He's on his way lieutenant.
- We've been waiting for an hour for fuck's sake!
Norman decided to resume to his questioning.
- Do we know the cause of death?
- There are no marks on the body. Chances are he was drowned, like the others. Listen... - he said turning to face Norman - I think I've had enough of freezing here, I'm heading back for the station, I've got other important things to do. If you have any further questions, go to sergeant Lebowski, officer in charge whenever I'm not around. - he added pointing at the space directly under the highway.
Norman nodded again.
- Do you mind if I have a look around?
- Be my guest! But come and see me if you find anything, okay? We're on the same team now.
With that, lieutenant Blake left for his office and Norman had to find another person. He made his was to the spot he was pointed. There were two policemen standing there.
- I'm looking for sergeant Lebowski, have you seen him? - he asked.
- That is me. - he heard a reply, but it wasn't a man's voice. Then from behind the two officers came a woman with auburn hair and a steamy cup in hands. - Do you need anything?
- Oh, um... sorry.
- Don't worry about it. You're not the first one under impression that there are no female police officers. And probably not the last one. - she said and smiled slightly. Norman responded alike. - Can I help you?
- Yes. Lieutenant Blake send me to you, said you could answer my questions while he's absent. He just left for the station.
The woman sighed in defeat.
- Trust Blake to go and sit in a comfy chair, leaving all the dirty work to others... Well, no point crying about it. Who are you, by the way?
- Oh, sorry... Agent Norman Jayden, FBI. I was sent here to...
- ...to help solving the case of the Origami Killer, I remember now. Your arrival has been a hot topic for the past week. Some people were glad you were coming, some weren't.
- Really?
- Yeah. After all, the fact that Washington itself had to send their man out here proves how useless and unprofessional our police force is, doesn't it?
- Well, if you put it that way... And what side are you on?
- Me? I just want this fucking mayhem to end.
- Fair enough.
- So... What are your questions?
- Is that coffee you're drinking there?
She smiled a little.
- Not related to the case much, but yes. Here, have a sip.
It was really nice to have a sip of hot coffee in such cold. Norman felt ready to resume to some more serious things.
- Thanks. Now... Has the body been identified?
The smile disappeared from sergeant Lebowski's face, replaced by cold professionalism.
- No, not yet. We should know more later today.
- Do you have any leads?
- I personally checked the whole area, there is not much. To make things worse, that bunch of fools is gonna trample the whole place eventually, and it would be a miracle if we find any lead in the end. I don't know what Blake had in mind while dragging half the police force here.
Nice to know someone shares my reasoning - thought Norman.
- I thought exactly the same thing. - he said - Are there any witnesses?
- No, not yet. And given the neighborhood... I doubt anyone saw anything. - she replied bitterly.
Norman nodded.
- Alright, that's all I wanted to know. I'm going to have a look around now.
- Are you sure? You know, if the killer left anything behind I'm positive we'll find it.
- Yeah, I'm sure. After all, it's my job.
With that he took ARI out and headed to leave.
- Sunglasses for such weather? Aren't you exaggerating with the FBI agent look?
- It's not sunglasses, it's... a kind of gadget to help me with the investigation.
- Alright, I get it. Top secret. – Norman couldn't shake off the feeling that she was somehow being ironic - If you have any more questions, or find anything useful come and see me, I'll be right here.

Tuesday
October 4th 2011
8:45 a.m.
0.700 inches.

Jennifer Lebowski was sipping her coffee quietly, giving out orders to the officers occasionally. There she was, soaking wet and freezing while lieutenant Blake was probably sitting down with his feet on the table right now.
Let's not think about that - she thought to herself, gripping the warm cup tightly. She the focused her mind on Norman Jayden, the arrival from Washington, who talked to her a while back. What she told him about the mixed feelings regarding his presence was true, there were some people that didn't want any outside help with the case, sure that they could solve this case on their own. One of them was Carter Blake. She just hoped he had enough decency to hide his feelings before Jayden. The guy looked like he's rarely done any field work till now. It would be good not to scare him off on the start.
A short while later, the said agent appeared before her. There was a look of satisfaction on his face.
- Have you found anything? - she asked.
- The victim is Jeremy Bowles, declared missing five days ago. - he replied in his slightly husky, but warm voice - His blood report indicates an advanced and long-lasting state of exhaustion. I also discovered footprints that may belong to the killer. Following the trace I stumbled upon tire tracks up near the highway, left by a Chevrolet Malibu 83, most likely the killer's car.
She stared at him in disbelief.
- All this in half an hour? You're a bloody genius!
He smiled modestly.
- Not exactly. I've had a bit of help from technological side.
She however was beyond pleased.
- Who cares? In 20 minutes you've done more than the whole bunch of us in the last two hours. - she smiled - Man, with you around we'll have it all solved in no time. Or so I hope.
- I hope so too.
- Well then, I'm heading back to the office. You're staying?
- No, I've seen all there is to see.
- Good. I'll see you at the station then.
- Alright.
With that, Jennifer Lebowski made her way back to her car, thinking about the progress the new agent made in so little time. This really was a ray of hope in this dark, pointless mess that's been going on for the past two years. Maybe, just maybe, the uncatchable killer would finally be caught.
And she could sleep all night again.

Tuesday
October 4th 2011
7:55 p.m.
1.326 inches.

It wasn't until later that day that Norman Jayden made his presence in the main police station. He had to take care of a few things, mainly unpacking and getting to know his knew apartment. After all, he made his early morning visit here straight from the airport. But now, since everything was done, he could see captain Perry, as he was told to.
The problem was, captain Perry was busy.
- Do you think it's gonna take long? - he asked the secretary sitting near.
- No, he should be finished soon.
But so far, everything suggested that captain Perry wasn't to be finished even near soon.
God, I'm bored, I hate having nothing to do... time to have some fun.
He took out ARI, thanking lord that it had some extra functions, not always regarding work. He chose a ball icon from the panel before him and began enjoying himself bouncing virtual ball off a virtual wall which only he was able to see.

It was a though day for Jennifer. After returning from the crime scene she learned that she was chosen to be the one to pass the grave news to Jeremy Bowles' mother. She tried to argue her way out of this, but the captain's decision was final. You're a woman, it's better that the news are given by someone who the receiver can relate to. - he said.
Yeah, except I'm not a mother. - she thought bitterly, exiting his office defeated.
So then, after giving the news to Mrs. Bowles, she was forced to comfort her crying figure, having no idea what to do, or what to say. She hated herself for that. For being helpless.
She never had any children, she didn't know what it was like to loose someone like that. She wasn't even married. The only thing she was able to do, was to pat her shoulder and repeat over and over that everything was going to be okay. Even though she highly doubted it.
- Think of your other baby Mrs. Bowles. - she said, trying desperately to be of any use - Be strong for her.
So, after she returned to the station, she was a physical and emotional wreck. In times like this, she remembered how important and responsible her job was. How it was up to her and people she worked with, to help and stop the criminal activity and try to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
She smiled bitterly at the thought that just few years back a similar statement wouldn't have even crossed her mind. And how ironic it now sounded coming from her head.
Yet, she swore to herself that she wouldn't allow another victim to be killed by the Origami Killer. She wasn't going to face another mother in despair, another shattered family and another burning feeling in her stomach that once again she was unable to do anything. That feeling was the worse.
It was 8:00 p.m. right now, and Jennifer was on her way to her desk, with a pile of papers to be filled out, including reports and other unpleasant stuff. She flopped them down with a heavy thud and sighed trying to overcome the aversion she slowly developed at the sight of paper, when the lieutenant's voice (whose desk was right next to hers) brought her out of her thoughts.
- Look at him, he's a complete nutcase, that Jayden guy.
She followed his gaze and sure enough, there was Norman Jayden, sitting next to captain's office, swinging his hand around like he was playing an invisible game of bouncing ball.
Jennifer tried not to comment this.
- I don't know what they were thinking assigning him to us. - Blake said shaking his head in defeat.
- Try not to be too harsh for him, lieutenant. - she said, really hoping he'd listen to her. Yeah right.
Meanwhile, captain Perry exited his office and Jennifer's intention of walking up to Jayden so he wouldn't continue making a fool of himself in front of the entire police force failed. The FBI agent got up as quick as the captain showed up and the two of them proceeded down the hall deep in conversation.

Norman didn't know if it was just his impression, or captain Perry was actually disregarding him. First it took him three long seconds to remember who Norman is and why he's here, and secondly instead of sitting down like civilized people, he asked him to tag along and talk while walking like he was some kind of annoying news reporter. But, happy or not, the guy was his superior and Norman had more important things to do that wailing whether his boss liked him or not.
- Have you met lieutenant Blake yet? - the captain asked.
- Yeah, we met this morning.
- He has his own methods, but he's a good cop. I'm sure you'll get on well together. - he continued, desperately trying to tie a tie. - And there's always sergeant Lebowski, his... personal assistant, you could call her that. Do you know... how to tie a knot in a necktie? - he added slightly embarrassed.
- I guess... - Norman answered, surprised by the request. Either way, he walked up to his new boss and started tying the necktie. Then, captain Perry spoke again.
- To be frank with you, I could have done without the FBI on this one, but the press are all over us... The Origami Killer case crept upon us and it's fast becoming a national concern...
That really was frank - thought Norman - In other words: we wish you didn't come here at all, but it wasn't up to us to decide, so try not to be in our way.
- Ugh, there are hundreds of killers in this country, but whadda you know, this guy is... exotic - the captain continued, sounding irritated - He leaves flowers and origami figures, work THAT one out. Then the press get onto it and we suddenly become the centre of the universe.
It seemed that the case was a real worry to the police chief.
- I'm here to arrest a serial killer - Norman said, finishing the necktie - With all due respect sir: the rest is not my business.
- No... of course not - captain Perry replied, checking the tie - Hm... not bad. All I'm asking you is to make progress, fast.
With that he wandered off, leaving Norman alone.
- Oh, go see Charlene, she'll show you to your office!
- Thank you, sir.
- Welcome to the club, Jayden!
Norman wasn't sure if he heard a note of mockery in his voice.
Either way, deciding to skip the press conference he headed for the captain's secretary's desk.
- Captain Perry said you could show me to my office?
- Yes of course, follow me. - she replied in a professional, over-kind voice all the secretaries are trained to have. Then she got up and led him to a door far to the left side of the main hall. After opening them and going inside, Norman's jaw nearly dropped open.
He found himself in a tiny, grey, concrete room with a single file case, an old desk, chair, phone and so much dust that it was clearly visible twirling in the air.
- This... This is my office? - If he had any doubts that he was unwelcome here before, now he was hundred percent sure.
- That's where I was told to take you. - the secretary merely explained and left the room, leaving the door open.
Norman stood there motionless for a couple of more seconds, before he heard a new voice from behind him.
- They didn't make much effort, did they?
He turned around to find sergeant Lebowski (whose first name was still unknown to him) leaning on the doorframe.
- Is it how they always greet the newcomers?
- Not exactly. - she said, walking slowly up to him - I'm Jennifer by the way, sorry for not introducing myself earlier, I'm a social failure. - she smiled.
- It's fine by me. - Norman replied, smiling as well, but something in his smile must've given him away.
- Let me guess, captain Perry treated you like an insect and shared with you his tearful story about crime, media and center of the universe?
- Thereabout. - he answered surprised how quick-witted she was.
- Don't worry about it. He's just as tired of this as everyone else. Everybody in this building lives for the day the killer will be announced caught or dead, believe me. - she sighed heavily - I'm sure he assigned you to me if there were any problems in you way?
- Yeah, he kind of mentioned that. He said you were... lieutenant Blake's personal assistant. - he said scratching the back of his neck. She snorted in disregard.
- There you go, I guess after all this time I'm just that in my bosses' eyes. Oh how prejudice can ruin your life...
- Prejudice?
- That's a story for another time. - she smiled but Norman could see the tensity in her eyes - For now: welcome to the team.
- You have no idea how many times I've heard that already today. - he smirked bitterly.
- I can imagine. But my welcome is sincere. - she smiled at him and exited the room. Norman couldn't help but notice that she had some really nice hips.
No time for that - he told himself. Although it was nice to know that al least one person in this building wishes him good.

Author's Notes: There. End of the first chapter. Tell me what you think! :)