Disclaimer: I have a cat and a room full of books. Almost everything belongs to someone else. Recognisable characters, TV shows, movies etc. belong to their creators, (who, in some cases, are otherwise known as god), producers, directors etc.
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Walls.
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Seven... Gifts
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Estrella put the flash drive onto the paper copy and slid them to the other side of the desk.
"I can't print this." She said quietly.
Joey went white, then red.
"Why not?" He asked through gritted teeth.
"Joey..." Estrella pushed her chair back a few inches, ready to stand if she needed to, "You don't want to know."
"I wouldn't have asked then!" Joey took a deep breath, counting to ten, he'd seen her push her chair back and didn't like that she might be afraid of his reaction, "It's a good story Essie, with sources that check out."
"It's not about the sources or how good the story is or if it will stand up to scrutiny. I just can't... If it was anything else, but I can't-"
"Can't or won't?"
"Joey-"
"Why can't you print it, Ess?"
Estrella wrapped her arms around herself, protecting herself.
"Wayne Media owns 30% of the paper. And Leah works at a Wayne Industries owned company. We've got a mortgage, the kids are finally in a school that doesn't care that their mum's are lesbians. And Leah's aunt; the one who stood by her when she came out, is sick, but she's covered by the Leah's health insurance." She could see it all fall into place in Joey's head, "I don't think that we would lose our jobs, but I don't want to find out what would happen if I printed a story saying that Bruce Wayne spent time in a Chinese prison. I can't risk it."
Joey picked up the flash drive. "So what do I do with this?"
"Safety deposit box." Estrella nodded, mostly to herself, "You won't find anyone to print it now. Save it for a rainy day."
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Garcia stuffed a $5 into the coffee mug, giving Detective Fraser what he hoped was a warm smile.
Meg Fraser gave him a 'who are you trying to impress?' glare.
"Thanks." She told him.
"How much have you got so far?"Garcia asked, turning back to the body, "If you want more you'll have to wait for me to get to the ATM."
He liked Detective Munroe. She wasn't as squeamish as others.
Meg tipped the mug out on an empty table.
"About $1...25 and 80 cents, "Meg counted, "It's enough to get her something other than flowers."
"I hear Wayne cleared out a florist." Garcia liked gossip.
"Delaney said he got her a big thing of bird of paradise and a pot of violets." She stuffed the money back into the mug, "Maybe a 1/100th of a florist."
"What did Darren send her?"
"Sunflowers," Meg sat on the table, "The kids in her building got enough together for half a dozen pink roses, the neighbours sent gerberas, tulips, the usual not too expensive, but nice stuff."
She covered her eyes as Garcia set out the equipment he needed for the autopsy.
Meg was a little squeamish.
"There was a cheese basket from the D.A.'s office, the union sent a chocolate basket and a bunch of people trying to suck up to Wayne sent things. Liz had the nurses put them in other rooms."
"Classy girl that one." Garcia pulled Meg's hands away from her face, "What do you think you'll get her?"
Meg shrugged. "Gift certificate?"
"Really?"
"Maybe she needs a new blender or something?"
He helped her down from the table. "That's the best you can think of?"
"My four year old suggested I get her a cat." Meg sighed, "I I used to be good at buying things people need."
"Just a matter of asking the right people, the right questions."
"Such as... How did this guy die? And when?"
Garcia turned back to the body. "When was about four days ago. I can tell you how in a couple of hours."
Meg backed up a couple of steps, looking a little pale. "I'll come back later then."
Garcia waved her goodbye. "Good luck with the ideas."
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To be continued...
