Laura

March 15, 2015, 9:33 a.m. Crowley Hall Apartment Complex, Apt. 307

Laura rolled out of bed, grateful for the opportunity to sleep in. The first thing she did was check her phone. No new messages. She had told Kirsch to tell her if anything new came up, but she supposed no news was good news.

Laura went into her kitchen and opened her fridge. It was pretty empty, she hadn't had a lot of time to go grocery shopping. At least there was somewhere to be today.

She grabbed a granola bar and wolfed it down before heading to her bathroom. She took her time in the shower, enjoying the fact that she didn't have to rush.

When she was done, Laura headed to the supermarket. She stocked up on enough food for the next week or two, she didn't know when she'd next get a day off. Laura hesitated at the bakery, but then bought a cupcake. It was her birthday after all.

Laura went back home and put all her groceries away. Her kitchen looked a little less depressing now. She jumped when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Laur, how's my girl?" Laura laughed,

"Dad, what time is it there? Did you really stay up this late just to call me on my birthday?"

"No, I just woke up in the middle of the night and figured it was a good time." Laura shook her head, but smiled. It was good to hear from her dad, she missed him.

"Yeah, it's great. I'm getting pretty well settled in."

"You haven't said much in your emails. A dad could start to worry."

"Sorry, there just hasn't been much to say. I have a complete jerkface partner and a nearly impossible case."

"Well, nearly impossible has never really been enough to stop you. I'm sure you'll figure it out. And I'm sure your jerkface partner will warm up to you. Everyone always does." Laura had never missed her father as much as that moment.

"Thanks, dad. I love you."

"Love you too, Laur. Now, I'll let you get back to your birthday."

"And I'll let you get back to sleep." Laura heard her dad laughing before he hung up the phone.

Laura put the phone down and sighed, this was going to be a long day.

Carmilla

March 15, 2015, 6:09 p.m. Crowley Hall Apartment Complex

Carmilla looked up at the old apartment building, wondering why she was even here. Maybe she just felt bad that Laura was alone on her birthday. Besides, she really didn't have anything better to do. Carmilla clenched her jaw and pulled open the door. This wasn't one of those nice apartment buildings you had to be buzzed into. Carmilla made a beeline straight for the stairs and made her way to the third floor.

She didn't even hesitate before knocking on Laura's door. She had checked the apartment number before she left. Twice.

The door opened, and Laura looked surprised when she saw Carmilla,

"Carmilla! Is there something wrong? Did you get a call about the case?"

"Calm down, Cupcake. I'm here unofficially. Get changed, we're going out." Laura looked at her,

"What? Why?"

"Because it's your birthday, and I had nothing better to do. Besides, you'd probably just sit here and cry if I left you alone." Laura pouted, but opened the door wider,

"Well, come on in. I guess I'll change." Carmilla came in and immediately flopped down onto Laura's couch. She looked around casually,

"Not a lot of time to unpack?" There were boxes stacked against the wall, and it seemed that only the necessities were set up.

"Yeah, too busy with work." Laura called from her bedroom. She came out wearing a red dress, with lace at the hem and neck.

"So...is this okay? Or should I wear something else?" Carmilla stared for a moment before she found her tongue,

"No, that's fine. You look good. Come on, my car is parked outside." Carmilla swept out of the room, not even bothering to check if Laura was following. If she wasn't coming, she wouldn't have changed.

Carmilla reached her car and held the passenger side for Laura.

"How chivalrous." The tiny blonde commented as she slid in. Carmilla shut the door after her and went around to the driver's side,

"If chivalry were limited to men, we'd be out of jobs." Laura giggled, and Carmilla had to fight the smile that was threatening to break out. Something was very wrong, she didn't usually have to remind herself that she didn't want a partner.

They got to the restaurant and Laura followed her inside.

"Reservation?" The host asked, without looking up, Carmilla cleared her throat.

"Carmilla! It's been a while. Come on in." he led them to a table in the corner,

"A waitress will be right out." Carmilla nodded and the man left. She turned back to Laura, who was looking at her questioningly, Carmilla shrugged,

"A while back I worked a case. The owner of this place was the victim, he gives me the royal treatment when I come in."

"Wow...that is...impressive." Carmilla shrugged,

"It's nothing really." The waitress arrived with their menus and Carmilla took it with a small smile.

"Get whatever you want. He gives me a discount, too." Laura smiled at her, and Carmilla returned it automatically. Laura seemed to have that effect on her.

They enjoyed dinner, and Laura was entirely too excited by dessert, but for some reason Carmilla couldn't find it in her to be annoyed. They were waiting for the check when both of their phones rang. Carmilla pulled it out and cursed softly when she saw the number.

"Will. What's going on?"

"It's about your case. That missing girl, Natalie? She's here." Carmilla felt a sour taste in her mouth that had nothing to do with food.

"Alive?" She asked, there was silence for several moments before Will answered.

"No." Carmilla cursed again,

"Okay, Laura and I will be there ASAP." She hung up the phone and glanced across the table at Laura, who was just hanging up her own phone.

"Let me guess, the big puppy called, telling you we need to get to the station?" Laura nodded. Carmilla grimaced and put a wad of bills on the table.

"You guys can keep the change." She said quickly, as she passed their confused waitress. She opened the car door, and Laura slid in again. The entire motion was smooth, as though they'd done it hundreds of times.

I don't want a partner. Carmilla reminded herself again.

Laura

March 15, 2015, 8:12 p.m. Silas City PD

Laura and Carmilla came straight down to the basement when they reached the station. JP and LaFontaine were both there, along with two bodies. LaFontaine looked at them with thinly veiled amusement.

"You know, you didn't need to dress up, these guys aren't judging." Carmilla glared at them,

"It was our day off. Some of us like to go out occasionally." LaFontaine shook their head and JP beckoned them closer.

"So, you were told about Natalie," JP said, uncovering one of the two bodies. Laura forced herself to look. It was definitely the girl from the pictures she had seen. Her torso had those same flame-like patterns and stab to the heart.

"Same MO as last time," Carmilla said quietly, "Are we looking at a serial killer here?" JP shrugged,

"It's a distinct possibility. But here, you need to see this too. Remember that Sarah-Jane girl?" Laura felt like she was going to throw up,

"Is she here too?" She asked, JP covered up Natalie and moved over to the other body. He uncovered the head, it was definitely Sarah-Jane.

"Does her body have the...you know..." Laura gestured towards Natalie. LaFontaine shook their head,

"No. Sarah-Jane fell off the Lustig balcony." Carmilla sighed,

"Let me guess, Natalie was also found in the Lustig?" LaFontaine smiled,

"Can't put anything past you, Detective." Carmilla shook her head,

"Sarah-Jane is the only death that's different. Maybe that means they made a mistake." LaFontaine nodded,

"I'll find out everything I can. You guys go home and get some rest. You're probably going to need it."

Laura went home that night and collapsed into bed. Today had been one of her more interesting birthdays.