When September Ends
"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."
― Orhan Pamuk
Seth ducked underneath the yellow crime scene tape. Technicians from the state forensics' lab were scattered across the lawn, and most likely, inside of the small, Cape Cod style home. He made his way through the door to find the Captain waiting on the other side.
"Took you long enough, Rolllins," the Captain said before escorting him to the back of the house. He led him into a small room that looked like it was being used as an office. On the floor, behind the desk, lay a man, in his early sixties. Seth recognized the man right away, he owned and ran Seth's favorite used book store in Eaton, one of the few shops in the small city.
"Mr. Martinez? Who would want to kill Mr. Martinez?" Seth knelt down beside the body.
"That's what we need to find out." The Captian responded, raking a hand through his thinning, salt and pepper hair.
"Two to the chest and one to the head," Seth observed. It reminded him of his days in the DEA. He had seen several execution style murders, but he couldn't imagine why a hit would be sent out on Mr. Martinez, a rather eccentric, albeit harmless, widower.
"Like a hit."
The thought made Seth's stomach lurch. People didn't hire hit men to go after small-town book store owners. "Yea, a lot like a hit." Seth climbed to his feet and raked his fingers through his hair. "Did anyone hear anything?"
"No, none of the neighbors heard the shots and there were no signs of forced entry."
Definitely a hit, "Our shooter probably used a silencer."
"We need you on this one, Rollins. None of our men have experience with cases like this."
"And I do," Seth nodded, feeling nauseous. "I'm on it."
"Good. They are collecting evidence; go see what you can find out."
Seth nodded and walked over to the head forensics officer. He was only a few years older than Seth, with light blonde hair and dark brown eyes. He was scribbling in an evidence log. "No fingerprints, no fibers, no hair, and absolutely no DNA that belonged to the attacker." The officer answered Seth's question before he had a chance to ask.
"Well, make sure you didn't miss anything." Seth replied, weakly.
Seth began his search around the small house. Nothing seemed to be out of place, everything was neat and clean except for the large pool of blood on the hardwood floor; left after the medical examiner moved the body.
He turned into the small hallway that led to the kitchen and stop abruptly. He swore he heard something scratching against a door or wall. He stood still and listened.
It came again, the faint sound of nails on wood. He walked over to the hall closet, "Captain, I think I've got something!" Seth opened to door. He was surprised by what he found.
A dog, a collie, laying on his side, the fur on its back leg matted with blood. The dog whimpered as Seth knelt down to examine its leg and muzzle.
Seth wouldn't have been aware of his boss's presence, except he let out a rather heavy sigh.
"It's just a dog, Rollins; call animal control." The Captian turned to walk away.
"No, this is a witness."
His boss gave him one of his signature glares. "It's a dog." He added emphasis to the last word. "It can't talk to us; how is it going to tell us anything?"
"It can talk. We just have to learn how to listen. Besides, maybe it took a bite out of the attacker, or jumped on it and has DNA under its nails. I'm going to take it to the vet."
The Captain stared at him, his dark grey eyes unrelenting, but Seth wasn't going to budge. "Fine, let an officer check its front claws and teeth and then get going." He muttered, raking his fingers through his graying hair. "This better be useful."
"Thank you Captain." Seth gently stroked the dog's back as an officer quickly collected any evidence on the dog's teeth and nails.
His boss waved a hand dismissively as he walked away. His leather shoes leaving a soft squeaking sound in his wake.
"It's okay buddy, we'll get you all fixed up." Seth spoke soothingly to the dog as the technician sealed the last evidence bag.
"You better hurry up. He doesn't look too good," the officer patted Seth on the shoulder before walking away.
Seth carefully picked up the dog and carried him out of the house. He couldn't help but smile when the dog nuzzled its head into the crook of his neck.
Next chapter: Seth meets a very unusual and alluring veterinarian.
an. well, I guess this chapter didn't turn out any longer then the first one. But, I think it turned out okay anyway. We needed a cute, happy ending after all that depressing stuff at the beginning, right?
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Hope you guys all enjoyed this chapter. Please, take a second and tell me what you think; I would really appreciate it. : )
– danie.
