Disclaimer: No, I do not own Cold Case.
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Scotty picked it up and almost threw it away, but hesitated as an old habit kicked in.
As far back as he could remember, he had always loved reading other people's notes and letters. Maybe it stemmed from his naturally curious nature or a childish hope that he'll find something truly amazing someday—Scotty wasn't quite sure. He was only positive that it wasn't about being nosey, not really. Valens never used what he read as an excuse to get involved in anyone else's business; he simply found it fascinating as an impartial observer.
Scotty gently untangled the paper as he sank down in his chair. It unraveled slowly, and he hoped that he was not wasting his time on a blank sheet. It was open in no time; Valens tenderly smoothed it along the edge of his desk. He held the sheet in front of him and scanned the page.
The first line contained three separate words, the first and shortest of which began with a capital M, but the rest of which were thickly crossed out. The second line, it seemed, only had two words, but they, too, were frantically scribbled over.
The third line had three words, none of which were crossed out. Instead, they were each emphatically underlined:
Det. Lilly Valens
"Huh," Scotty thought, "I don't think I can be impartial about this."
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A/N: I would not have even had the great idea to fuel this chapter if it weren't for you, beautiful reviewers. I don't have too much time to do personal messages, what with school and the job and all, so how about some shout outs? So thank you to Barbydancer, fbi-woman, Rhonda Roo, takenbyHim, Wyaline, LME, Elfi Blue, and oucellogal. You guys sure are great. And any other ideas? Keep 'em coming, cause they've been wonderful so far.
