KC is on a bit of a roll at the moment so here's chapter two, enjoy :)
Roughly thirty minutes later Catherine found herself sat in the Sheriff's office, Captain Jim Brass occupying the seat next to her, both of them facing Sheriff Keith Abbott and Under Sheriff Conrad Ecklie across a vast mahogany desk.
Abbott scrubbed his hand over his face and sighed; neither Catherine nor Jim dared to even glance at each other, the conversation they'd shared in Brass' office mere moments before she'd handed in her report playing through both of their minds.
Unsurprisingly, Ecklie was the first to speak.
"This whole situation is a mess."
Catherine had to bite back the caustic remark that sprang into her mouth, choosing to remain silent.
"I agree," Abbott continued. "I'm not going to sugar coat things, this looks bad. Not just for both of you, but the whole of CSI and the LVPD. I've read your statement Captain Brass. You were the first officer on the scene?"
Brass simply nodded.
"I've also read the report you filed Supervisor Willows." The strawberry blonde's head snapped up at the mention of her name. "CSI Langston's account contradicts the evidence."
"With all due respect Sir, my team and I studied the evidence thoroughly…"
"On a case involving a member of your own team. This whole thing screams cover up."
All eyes in the room shot to Ecklie, his gaze boring into Catherine.
"You were there Conrad. You of all people were in a prime position to ascertain if anything was being covered up, don't you think? And besides, you had no problem with us investigating your predecessor, despite the case involving 'one of our own'." The redhead met his gaze, holding it without wavering until the other man looked away.
"Nevertheless, we have to take into account how this situation will look to the public," Sheriff Abbott took control of the conversation once more. "The pair of you will be suspended, without pay, until IAB finishes its investigation. Both your futures will depend on the outcome of this investigation. I'll need your guns and your credentials." Brass stood with a grunt, yanking his gun from his belt and his badge from his pocket before shoving them across the surface of the desk. In contrast, Catherine stood slowly, head held high, unclipping her gun and I.D., placing them in front of the Sheriff.
"You'll need to make yourselves available for IAB. They're going to want to speak to both of you about this." The redhead had to fight the urge to jump the desk and knock the smug look off Ecklie's face. Feeling Jim tense beside her she placed her hand briefly on his arm, her touch conveying the message that it wasn't worth it.
He shot one last dirty look at the two suits across the room then stalked out, the door banging loudly against the wall and reverberating around the office.
Catherine turned and left the room without a word, the sharp clicking of her heels reverberating along the corridor, emphasizing the frustration that was building with each step.
Hope ya'll like it
Lily
-x-