CASE 02: First Step
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - Laozi
Anna glared at the screen before her, the faces of Mr. Lundberg and Tudyk staring back. After running the guns and prints through the system, several cold cases were suddenly reopened and consequentially solved. Mr. Lundberg & Tudyk were convicted of several crimes posthumously. It disgusted her to think that these men had remained free for so long.
She knew that the bright optimism she started out with had been sufficiently tempered, but her hunger for good to triumph over evil hadn't. Some people needed to be put behind bars, and Anna was happy to be the person to do it.
Rubbing her eyes, Anna picked up a random case file and scoured through the contents. She and Hans were trying to find the case that the murderer so eloquently staged.
"You owe me a sandwich Christensen!" Han's exclaimed before hurriedly making his way to Anna's desk, a manilla folder in hand.
"No fucking way, you found it?"
"We're going to Barry's." he said with a smirk.
"Son of a bitch." Anna groaned. Barry's was their favourite albeit pricy cafe and Hans being the dick he was would probably order the most expensive thing on the menu.
"May 12th 2002: There was a drive by shooting resulting in two deaths and multiple wounds, the two victims being Thomas Thatcher and Marina Delaney. Mrs. Delaney was 20 weeks into her pregnancy when both she and her child were killed..."
His eyes scanned the document, eyebrows slowly raising in surprise. He let out a little huff as he closed the folder, handing it to Anna. The strawberry blonde gave her partner a once over before grabbing the document, "What is it?"
Hans sighed, "I remember this"
"You would've been like 18." Anna scoffed.
"Yeah, Mrs. Delaney was an art teacher at my old high school..." Hans said with a grimace.
Anna blinked, then quickly scoured the document.
Name: Marina Delaney (neè Brown)
D.O.B: 18/5/71
Occupation: Teacher
Employer: Arendelle School of Higher Learning
"Y-you went to Arendelle prep?! You?" Anna guffawed, then thought about how Hans always held himself, that perfect posture and charming grin so uncommon in their co-workers, "Wait, that actually makes a lot of sense."
Hans rolled his eyes.
"Woah, woah, woah! Easy on the eyes there buddy! Your partner here had to slum it with the rest of the commoners in public school. Now I need to see photographic evidence. I have to see a little bitty Hans Isles in those high socks, shorts, and blazer."
"No," Hans said with a glare. "Absolutely not."
—
The Delaney house was situated on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by the nature that embraced Arendelle. The little split-level house was quaint, featuring it's own water mill. Mr. Delaney had moved back into his family home after his daughter graduated from high-school. It seemed like the perfect place for a retiree to live out the rest of his days.
Hans pulled up next to the Camry parked in the driveway. Silently the pair made their way to the rustic wooden door.
"This is the ADPD; we'd like to speak to Mr. Delaney." He said after knocking.
A muffled "Just a minute!" made its way to their ears before the door was hastily opened. A brunette, early twenties, opened the door, her hair swept back in a messy pony tail.
"How can I help you officers?" Her voice was soothing, brown eyes shined with curiosity. The pair quickly flashed their badges.
"Detective Isles and Christensen, is Mr. Delaney available? We've recently had a breakthrough with a string of cold cases and have some news for him." At the lady's furrowed brows Hans quickly added, "All good things I assure you." To further assure her, Hans put on his patented charming smile.
"Does this have to do with my mother's death?" asked the brunette, seemingly unfazed by Hans' attempts to placate her. Anna smirked, so there were people immune to the 'Isle's Charm' as Hans liked to call it.
"We've recently uncovered vital evidence instrumental in finding your mother's killer. We imagine your father would be inclined to hear what we have to say." Anna said questioningly.
Brown eyes cut into blue, evaluating what was before her. Slowly the lady nodded, opening the door fully and ushering the detectives in.
"Yes of course please come in."
As the brunette lead them through the house Anna took in her surroundings. The home had a cluttered but homey feel to it. Papers were strewn haphazardly across various surfaces, mugs and coffee rings stains littered across the house. The brunette lead the detectives to the living room, plush green couches available to sit. The living room was noticeably cleaner than the rest of the house. Anna spied a still steaming cup of tea next to an open book on the coffee table.
"Please make yourselves comfortable. I'll get my father." Hans nodded and the brunette left.
Anna stalked the room as Hans settled into one of the couches. Above the fireplace was a curious piece of work. A painting adorned the mantle. It featured an aggressive mix of shades of purple. It evoked a myriad of emotions from the detective, anguish, confusion and a debilitating feeling of hopelessness. Anna shook her head, banishing the emotions before moving around the room once more.
There was a smack of wood then a loud crash.
"Papa!"
Energised, Anna quickly made her way to the cry, skidding to a stop in the kitchen. A portly, balding man was sprawled on the floor, absently kneading his back. Belle hovered worriedly around him.
"Papa, I told you to be more careful."
A wheezing chuckle, "Now, now, Belle don't fret. These bones of mine just aren't as sprightly as I remember."
Belle merely pouted in reply.
Anna smiled, "Would you like some help there, Mr. Delaney?"
Bushy eyebrows shot up; Mr. Delaney studied Anna with curious brown eyes. He seemed to consider the offer before waving it away.
"I'll be fine young lady."
Anna frowned. She was well aware of her baby face and innocent looks, but she was a detective dammit!
Gripping the nearby counter, Mr. Delaney lifted himself up. Belle watching hawkishly. He dusted himself off before moving forward. Suddenly he faltered letting out of shout of surprise. Anna was there in a flash, arms smoothly scooping up Mr. Delaney's falling form. A heartbeat later, Belle was on the other side supporting him.
"I think those bones of yours need a little time to uh- perk?" Anna looked to Belle who merely shrugged, "up Mr. Delaney."
The elder man made motions to object before Belle quickly cut in.
"Papa, please; this is not a time to be stubborn."
"Is everything alright?" came Hans' voice before he entered the room.
"Everything is fine! I merely wanted two beautiful ladies on my arm." Mr. Delaney said before letting out a boisterous laugh.
"Papa!" Belle said scandalised, burning red. Neither Hans or Anna could quite hold back a smile at the sight.
Slowly they made their way to the living room, gently depositing Mr. Delaney on a chair. Anna and Hans took opposite seats while Belle darted off to the kitchen to make tea. The pair patiently waited for Mr. Delaney to get settled before diving into the reason of their visit. Always the charmer, Hans opened up the conversation.
"Mr. Delaney, as you know Detective Christensen and I are from the ADPD. We have some news for you."
"Yes, yes Belle told me everything."
"Good." Hans leaned forward, his green eyes serious. "Recent evidence has come up that convicts Gregor Lundberg and Olsen Tudyk as the men responsible for your wife's death."
Mr. Delaney's jaw twitched and hands clenched. His previously mellow disposition transformed into one of barely withheld indignation and disgust.
"And where are these… bastards?" He growled.
"They're currently in our custody." Hans replied. Anna barely stopped herself from looking at him, the omission of the deaths surely served some higher purpose.
Mr. Delaney shot up from his chair, short stature trembling with rage, "Let me see them. Let me see the men who ripped my family apart!"
Hans held up his hands, a futile gesture to calm the old man down, "Mr. Delaney I'm afraid tha-"
Anna noticed Belle entering the room.
"Afraid?" he asked incredulously. "Detective, ever since my wife was murdered I've lived afraid for what's left of my family!"
"So you've known this entire time that your wife's death was not by accident?" Green eyes flashed with triumph.
Mr. Delaney let out a garbled cry.
"What I know is that you can't offer us any protection!"
Belle slammed down her tray, stunning everyone into silence.
"Papa," Belle said with barely concealed frustration, "Please sit down."
Looking properly chastised, Mr. Delaney sat down with a thump. Hans and Anna watched on, curiousity peaked at the sudden change of the brunette's temperament. With a practiced level of finesse Belle set out the cups to their respective drinkers. Anna noticed two white pills sitting on the saucer given to Mr. Delaney.
"You must forgive my father. He gets quite grumpy when he doesn't have his tea."
There was a forced moment of silence as they all drank. Tension thickening. Mr. Delaney took a deep breath.
"Detective Isles, you must understand that my wife's violent and needless death had resulted in a great deal of fear to my family." He retreated deeper into his seat, staring down Hans under grizzled eyebrows, "That time in our lives was one wrought with paranoia. A paranoia that has never really gone away."
Belle who was standing somewhat awkwardly behind the chair, hands cupped around her mug, took to looking at the artwork above the mantle.
"So, please know that my words were spoken rashly."
Hans locked gazes with Mr. Delaney as he hunched forward.
"Mr. Delaney, your wife's killers were found dead a few days ago." Brown eyes widened, "Can you please tell us your whereabouts from 10pm on Wednesday the 6th to 4am on Thursday?"
"I was here sleeping."
Belle's eyes flicked towards Hans.
"It's true. After I got Papa to bed, I stayed up till around 1am before going to sleep."
Hans quickly took note of the information.
"That was only a rudimentary question Mr. Delaney," Hans said in hopes to placate the seemingly irate man. "I meant you no disrespect."
Hans shifted in his seat, his body language remaining open, "I will be asking you a few more questions. Since you have motive, I am required to follow you up." He lifted up a hand before Mr. Delaney could speak, "I do not believe you are guilty, Mr. Delaney, but these are procedures I must adhere to."
Mr. Delaney frowned, looking at Hans warily. Suddenly he exhaled deeply, his moustache hairs bristling at the force.
"Very well, proceed," He said with tired eyes.
As Hans began his questioning, Belle moved into action, picking up the mess of mugs on the table.
"Here, let me help you with that," Anna said softly but firmly, not to distract Hans or Mr. Delaney from their conversation.
Belle looked to Anna in surprise and, acknowledging the detective's tone, did not argue.
Anna quickly swiped up her and Hans' mugs before following the brunette into the kitchen, allowing her more sociable partner breathing room to question Mr. Delaney. That left her with Belle. Divide and conquer as Caesar would say. She would just have to find an 'in', something to get the conversation going with Belle.
"That artwork above your mantle. It's beautiful."
"Are you an art enthusiast Detective?"
Anna blushed lightly, "Would it surprise you if I said yes? I know that art and police work don't exactly go hand in hand but it's something I love. I could spend days wandering museums and galleries. I'm partial to the neoclassical movement myself, but I don't let that stop me from enjoying all movements and styles."
Anna took note of Belle's bemused look.
"Oh sorry I'm rambling, aren't I?"
"Yes but I don't mind."
"I uh- tend to lose myself when I'm talking about art…" Anna said sheepishly, fighting the urge to rub the back of her neck.
"No, don't be sorry." Belle said softly, a wistful look spreading across her face, "My mother used to ramble on like that…Iit's nice to hear that again."
Boom. Go Anna, you got your 'in'!
"Is that one of your mother's paintings then?"
"One of her student's actually."
Anna didn't bother holding back her surprise, "Really?"
Belle smiled at her expression.
"Really. It was a gift to us after my mother's death. Many students thought the same, but that one was special. It spoke to us…" Belle shook her head slightly before adopting a droll expression, "The student became quite famous actually, calls herself Isabelle Quinn."
Anna felt her jaw drop.
"No. Way."
There a slight pause, Anna processing the information, before she let out a barrage of words.
"You've got a painting done by the infamous- secretive- Isabelle Quinn hanging in your mantle place. I can't believe it. I can't believe it." Anna began pacing distractedly, "I was staring at one of Isabella Quinn's early works! The Isabella Quinn! Calm yourself down Anna, I mean it's not like she's the freaking goddess of modern abstract expressionism right now. Or that she's-"
Belle couldn't contain herself any longer and laughed in delight. Anna immediately stopped and turned bright red.
"Oh my god I'm so sorry I did it again."
"You really do lose yourself don't you?"
Anna shrugged helplessly, "Told ya…"
They let the silence settle between them. Belle studying her shoes with obvious indecision. The brunette had felt a sense of camaraderie between them, leading to some level of trust. She bit her lip. Brown eyes pierced blue. Anna tilted her head, a silent 'what'. Coming to a decision Belle moved towards the table, grabbing a scrap of paper and writing something across it.
"My father doesn't like talking about the events surrounding my mother's death. He- he's never really recovered from it." Belle leant against the table, "I've always thought that there was something more to my mother's death. That it wasn't an accident but… targeted. I once told my suspicions to Papa and he… he wasn't too happy about it. So I've never investigated further. But there was someone else who shared my views."
Belle chewed on her lip before thrusting out her hand, "Here."
Anna took the offered scrap of paper, noting the address was in the wealthier part of the city.
"She investigated a bit further but couldn't find anything conclusive. Hopefully she still has the information somewhere. She's moves around quite a lot, but she should be staying at that address until next week. She's a bit of a recluse, so make sure you tell her Belle sent you or you might not get let in." Belle said apprehensively.
Anna nodded once before pocketing the paper.
"Go before the next week ends. Say your name. Ask for files."
Belle gave a firm nod. Before Anna could question Belle further, Hans voice echoed from the living room.
"Anna, we're leaving!"
With a burst of energy, Anna quickly made her way to the doorway where Hans and Mr. Delaney were already waiting, Belle trailing behind her. Mr. Delaney opened the door for them and allowed the pair to step through. Hans put on a winning smile.
"Thank you for your time Mr. Delaney."
"Detectives," Came Mr. Delaney's gruff reply.
Then the door slammed in their faces.
Anna giggled at the shocked look on Hans' face. The surprise was quickly replaced with a scowl as they trudged back to their car. Anna continued to smile at Hans' despondent look.
"What a crazy old man!" Hans said as soon as they entered the car.
"Guess the Isles' charm doesn't work on everyone," Anna remarked.
Hans put his arm at the back of Anna's chair as he backed out, their eyes locking for a moment.
"I only need it to work on beautiful women," he countered with a wink. Anna rolled her eyes in response.
"Belle didn't seem that affected by it," she said with a smirk.
Han's shrugged, his attention on the road. "What did you two do anyway while I was questioning her dad?"
"Oh!" Anna quickly took out the scrap of paper, "Belle told me she knew someone who could help us. We're going to 44 Highland Street."
Hans nodded, "So who are we meeting?"
Anna flipped over the piece of paper.
"Someone called Elsa Andersen."
A/N: A huge thank you to Kaylee Alice Harman who is my beta, you're the best. Would love what to hear what you all thought about this chapter. Next up, Elsa!
Thanks for reading!