Nature versus Nurture Chapter 2
"What? How do you know," questioned Goren. He jumped up from his chair and started pacing and rubbing the back of his neck.
"That was the lab. They ran her DNA in the computer; it was a familial match to Nicole Wallace. They have the same parents, Bobby," explained Eames, as she looked at her partner with concern.
"There has to be another explanation. If she did it, why didn't they find a syringe in the car? She wouldn't have allowed herself to get hurt," Bobby rationalized.
Eames was confused. "Bobby why are you so concerned about this woman," she questioned as she watched her partner continue to pace.
"I just don't think we should jump to conclusions just because she is Nicole's sister. We don't even know if she has had any contact with her sister. Just because her sister is a criminal doesn't mean she is," he argued sitting back down at his desk.
"Doesn't mean she isn't either," replied Eames. She started to conduct a search on her computer to find out more about Nicole Wallace's siblings, but Ross walked out of his office.
"Jane Doe woke up. The hospital just called," he said as he looked at Goren and Eames.
He noticed Rodgers standing there. "Is something wrong?"
"Uh, no. Just bringing a copy of the lab results up. My fax machine was broken," she quickly covered up her reason for being there. She walked back to the elevators
Ross walked back into his office and closed the door.
"Shouldn't we tell him," questioned Eames as she looked at Goren.
"We still don't know who she is. Let's just wait till after we get the whole story. Eames, let's give her the chance to explain herself. Innocent until proven guilty," pleaded Goren. He gave Eames a tender look.
"There is something you're not telling me Bobby. After what Nicole did to you, I can't understand why you would be so understanding to her sister. But I will follow your lead," agreed Eames. The both gathered their things and were on their way.
When they arrived at the hospital they approached the nurses' station. No one paid attention to them. Goren got impatient; he began tapping on the counter trying to get someone's attention. He walked behind the desk and tapped a nurse on the shoulder.
"Excuse me sir. You're not supposed to be behind the desk," she barked.
"Miss, we are...," he started.
"Get out from behind the desk!" she said forcefully.
Eames smiled as Goren removed himself from behind the desk. He placed his hand on the counter and started tapping his fingers again. The nurse looked up at him; she was getting even more agitated. When she was finished with what she was writing, she walked up to the counter.
"Now, how can I help you," she asked.
"We are Detectives Eames and Goren, we were told Jane Doe woke up," replied Goren.
"Yes, her name is Janie Reese," said the nurse.
"Are you sure it isn't Wallace," asked Eames.
"She said her name is Janie Reese, a third grade school teacher," said the nurse. "She is in room 402 if you want to ask her yourself."
"Could be she changed her name to out-run Nicole's notoriety," suggested Eames as they walked down the hall.
"We need to keep an open mind, Eames, remember," informed Goren.
Eames rolled her eyes; she didn't know what was going on with her partner. When they reached the room, he opened the door and let his partner in first. The doctor was examining Janie. He was explaining to her that she was ok, and that she should be able to go home later that day.
"Thank you so much doctor," she said. She noticed when Goren and Eames had walked in. She recognized Goren right away, but didn't say anything. She wondered why they were here; she didn't have to wonder for long.
"Ms. Reese, we are Detectives Goren and Eames. We are working on the Commissioner's murder," said Eames. Eames paused waiting to see her reaction. Goren stood back he let Eames handle the questioning.
"Murder? I though he died in the car crash." She was shocked.
"No see, the accident didn't kill him. He was killed with a shot of potassium chloride. Which happens to be the same way your sister killed some of her victims," explained Eames.
"My sister? I don't have a sister. I was an only child," replied Janie. "You must have me confused with someone else. Why are you doing this? I would never hurt Charles. I have been friends with him and his wife for years." She began to cry.
Goren touched Eames shoulder and gave her a signal to back off. Bobby handed her his handkerchief, then sat in the chair next to her bed.
"Ms. Reese, how did you end up in the car with the commissioner?" asked Goren.
"We were at an art auction together. He likes art but really didn't know anything about art, so I would go with him and help him decide what to buy. We were on our way back and this car was on our tail and kept hitting us from behind; then it drove up on the side of us. Charles tried to stop the car but the brakes didn't work. Eventually it pushed us off the road," she was still crying as she explained.
"Did you see the car or who was driving?" he asked calmly and gently.
"It was a red car with dark windows, I couldn't see inside. I must have been knocked out, because I don't remember anything, except waking up here," she finished.
"You said you don't have a sister. Where are your parents?" continued Bobby, trying to remain calm.
"They died when I was 3. I was raised by my grandparents. They died 4 yrs ago," she said.
"I notice you don't have a European accent. Have you ever been overseas?" he asked.
"No, I was born in America. My parents died in a car crash in Hartford, Connecticut. After that my Grandparents raised me," she said.
"What were their names," asked Bobby.
"My grandparents were Harvey and Lily Reese. My parents were Paul and Vivian Reese, but I was their only child. They would have told me if there was another child," she insisted.
"Thank you, Ms. Reese for answering our questions," said Bobby as he touched her arm.
"You're welcome Detective. I want to find out who did this, and you can call me Janie," she said as she tried to smile.
Eames rolled her eyes and walked out into the hall. Goren joined her after a few minutes.
"Don't tell me you fell for that," smirked Eames.
"Well, we should at least check it out," replied Goren. He wasn't looking at Eames but still writing notes in his binder, because he knew what type of look he would get.
"Bobby, she is a con artist like her sister, she manipulates men and then discards them. I know you haven't been on the top of your game lately, but don't let this woman be your downfall. I bet Nicole is watching this and laughing her ass off. She can't get to you, so she sends her sister," explained Eames.
"Let's just check with the Connecticut Police and check out Reese's story and background," insisted Goren. "We have to investigate everything. "Oh and she claims she had her purse. Where did that disappear to?"
"Maybe someone came by the crime scene and stole it?" added Eames.
"Also they didn't find a syringe in the car. How did she get rid of that," asked Goren.
"Maybe it was in the purse that got stolen," responded Eames. "Ok, you got me, let's check it all out. Don't give me that grin of yours."
But Goren couldn't help it. He knew someone was setting her up or Nicole and Janie were working together. Something about her eyes told him she was telling the truth. But maybe Eames was right; lately he had been off his game.