The World Needs More Grimm

Chapter 19

A Different Direction

It's 6:30am. The date is Thursday March 5th 2020.

Trubel is dressed and ready for her day.

She eats breakfast and drinks coffee in the breakroom of HW Portland.

Within minutes of finishing her meal, her alarm beeps. It's 7:30am. She enters the parking garage again, gets on her motorcycle and heads out.

She returns to the vacant lot where the building once stood. She uses her key and enters again. Since daylight is from a different angle this time, she takes new pictures, and new video. She looks awhile through the existing rubble, but it becomes clear nothing important is here.

After approximately 40 minutes, she's done.

She exits the area and locks the gate.

Suddenly, she stops, looking at all the nearby businesses.

Her face lights up as if she having an epiphany.

She pulls out her cell phone and types in the location for the address of Oscar Torres former Tech Shop in Portland.

She leaves the vacant lot, gets on her motorcycle and drives away.

She pulls up to the empty building that once was O.T. Tech Solutions, Inc.

She sees a tax and accounting firm across the street. She walks up to the building and enters.

It appears to be a very busy office.

The receptionist notices her immediately.

"Can I help you?" The receptionist asks.

Trubel approaches her. "Yes hi. My name is Lauren Cole and I have some questions about the building across the street." She says, trying to sound official.

"Alright." The receptionist answers. Being nervous, she anxiously woges into a Seelengut and notices her eyes. "Grimm!" She gasps and instinctively backs away from Trubel.

"Take it easy, ok." Trubel responds. She quickly removes sunglasses from her jacket and puts them on. "I'm not going to hurt you! I'm just doing my job. Archiving my files from 2018." She explains.

The receptionist retracts. "Sorry. You just caught me off guard." She tells her, breathless.

"Yeah, I get that a lot." Trubel says softly.

The receptionist catches her breath. "What do you want to know?" She asks.

"Did you know the man who owned the Computer Tech Shop across the street? In 2018?" Trubel asks.

The receptionist shakes her head. "No. It's been a vacant building as long as I've known. I only started working here 4 months ago." She explains.

Trubel nods. "I see."

The receptionist continues on, intimidated in the presence of a Grimm. "You would have to speak to Mr. Rosencrans, my supervisor. Unfortunately his calendar is full with tax clients being it's that time of the year." She explains.

Trubel nods and immediately makes up her mind about something. "Alright. Well, I'll let you get back to work." She begins walking out. "Sorry I startled you." She says as she exits the office.

Trubel then approaches and enters a bridal gown shop that is next to the tax & accounting firm. The sales clerk does her job as soon as Trubel walks in the door.

The sales clerk smiles. "You're just in time. I have the perfect dress for your wedding." She pitches.

Trubel smiles back at her. "I'm not getting married, thanks. My name is Lauren Cole and I have some questions about the building across the street." She explains.

The sales clerk nods. "Okay."

"Did you know the man who owned the Computer Tech Shop in 2018?" Trubel asks.

The sales clerk shakes her head. "No, I never met him personally. I remember his shop though." She says.

"I see." Trubel replies, disappointed.

"You know, I think he used to get his haircut at Dawn's—the salon next door. You should go talk to her." The sales clerk informs Trubel.

Her eyes light up. "I will. Thank you." Trubel says as she walks out.

Trubel walks up a small flight of stairs and enters the hair salon.

She is approached by a hair-stylist working alone.

The hair-stylist has a customer in a chair, as well as 2 more customers sitting in the waiting area.

"Hi, can I help you?" The hair-stylist asks.

Trubel nods. "Yes, my name is Lauren Cole and I was told at the bridal shop to ask for Dawn." She explains.

"Dawn? She's my boss. Unfortunately she's on vacation this week. She won't be back until Monday morning." The hair-stylist explains.

Trubel is disappointed, again. "I see." Is all she can say.

"My name is Brittany. I'm more than happy to help you today, if you're willing to wait. You know, it's just me this week." She says warmly, introducing herself.

Trubel smiles at Brittany. "Thank you, but I just got a haircut. I was wondering if you remember the man from 2018 who owned the Computer Tech Shop across the street?" She asks.

Brittany ponders, remembering. "Uh, yeah. The South-American dude. Very smooth. I don't remember his name, sorry. He was a client of Dawn's." She tells her.

"Is there anything else you can remember about him, specifically?" Trubel asks.

Brittany shakes her head. "Unfortunately no. You're asking the wrong person. He came into the salon a lot, but he wasn't my client. You should really speak to Dawn." She explains.

Trubel nods. "Alright. Thanks for your time Brittany. I'll return on Monday to talk to Dawn. Have a great day." She says as she walks out.

Brittany smiles. "You too!"

She next approaches a large antique shop and enters.

She finds herself walking around the shop for about 5 minutes before she's approached by a sales clerk.

"Can I help you?" The sales clerk asks, somewhat flustered.

Trubel nods. "I certainly hope so. My name is Lauren Cole and I was wondering if you knew the man that owned the Computer Tech Shop across the street. From 2018?" She asks.

The sales clerk shakes her head. "No, I don't. I've only worked here about a year." She ponders. "You know our store wasn't even open in 2018." She informs Trubel.

Trubel looks at her. "Ah, I see. Then of course, no one else will remember the shop. Thank you for your time." Trubel says as she moves towards the exit.

The sales clerk is puzzled. "Ok. Is there something else I can help you with?" She asks.

Trubel shakes her head. "No, I think I'm good. Have a great day." With that being said, she walks out.

There is one last business across the street from Oscar Torres' building.

She enters the florist shop.

The sales clerk behind the counter at the register immediately notices Trubel. "Hi, can I help you?" She asks.

Trubel approaches her. "Yes. My name is Lauren Cole and I have some questions about the building across the street." She again is acting as if she's on official business.

"Alright." She acknowledges Trubel,

"Did you know the man who owned the Computer Tech shop? In 2018?" Trubel asks.

The sales clerk ponders. "Uh—vaguely." She finally responds.

"Was he a client of yours?" Trubel asks, casually.

The sales clerk shakes her head. "No. He came into my shop once, wanting a rush delivery. I had so many weddings that weekend, I couldn't help him." She explains.

Trubel nods. "I see. Is there anything else you can tell me about him that you remember?" She asks.

"No, sorry. I think he was a regular at Dawn's. The hair-stylist. You should ask her." She reveals.

"Yeah, she's on vacation until Monday. Looks like I'll catch up with Dawn then. Thank you for your time." Trubel says as she turns to walk out.

"You're Welcome." The sales clerk replies.

Trubel has attempted to speak with each business in close proximity to Oscar Torres shop.

She returns to HW Portland and spends the rest of the day, and all day Friday March 6th 2020 pouring over all the photos of the evidence from the bunker.

She attempts to reach the witness from 2018 who claims to have seen 2 men enter the building before the explosives went off in the building where Alan Hodges was setup. She discovers the witness died in an automobile accident in January 2020.

She spends the weekend at HW Portland, on her computer re-evaluating all the facts in this case until her eyes are so tired she has to break off to sleep.

It has become clear to her that there is nothing of importance from the evidence bunker or at the vacant lot. She's starting to feel disappointed.

For a brief moment, she ponders the possibility she just might have to go to Los Angeles, to Oscar Torres first building, and interview business owners nearby, hoping someone there might give her a lead.

She's hoping it won't come to that.

She wakes up and eats breakfast at approximately 7:30am on Monday March 9th 2020.

She gets on her motorcycle and heads out at about 8:30am.

It's 9:20am on Monday March 9th 2020 when she once again approaches and enters the hair salon.

There are two women inside the hair salon today. Brittany is not one of them. Both appear to be cleaning up after clients have left. The older lady approaches Trubel.

"Hi, can I help you?" The older lady asks.

Trubel smiles. "Yes, I was told at the bridal shop that I should ask for Dawn." She says.

She smiles back. "That would be me." Dawn introduces herself.

Trubel immediately goes into official business mode. "My name is Lauren Cole and I have some questions about the building across the street." She says to Dawn.

"Alright." Dawn replies as she looks at the clock on the wall. "I have a few minutes before my next appointment arrives. Why don't we sit over here?" She leads the way, walks over and sits down in the customer waiting area.

As Trubel follows, she takes a moment and sizes her up. Caucasian, slender build, blue eyes, reddish-brown hair, fair skin, about 5 feet 6 inches tall. She has confidence that only an older woman would have, even though at first glance, you would think Dawn is in her mid-thirties.

Trubel follows, then sits right next to her. "Thanks. Did you know the man who owned the Computer Tech Shop in 2018?" She asks.

Dawn nods. "Yes. Oscar Torres." She smiles. "A man like that you never forget." She adds.

"I see. Was he a client of yours?" Trubel asks.

"Yes." Dawn looks at Trubel curiously, with a puzzled look on her face. "What's this about anyway? It's been over a year since his business closed." She asks, factually.

Trubel puts on her official business face. "Just a routine follow up. Archiving my files." She says, casually.

Dawn nods. "Ah. Paperwork." She says, satisfied with Trubels' answer.

"What can you tell me about Oscar Torres?" Trubel asks.

Dawn ponders, remembering. "Well, his charisma charmed most people he came in contact with. It was his accent." She smiles again.

Trubel nods. "Alright. Did he have any associates you met personally?" She asks.

Dawn looks at her. "Oh yes. I remember one day, he just showed up for a haircut without an appointment. There were two men with him." She reveals.

"Did he tell you their names? I mean, introduce them to you?" Trubel asks, sort of stumbling over words.

Dawn ponders. "Well, considering they were bragging about being scientists, which I personally didn't believe, I was immediately drawn into conversation with them. All three of them had their hair cut, so we talked awhile ." She explains.

"Interesting. What did they tell you?" Trubel asks.

Dawn looks up, remembering specific details. "Steve Grainger, said he specialized in biochemistry. He was a tall, lanky man. Kind-of ugly if you ask me." She reveals.

Trubels' eyes light up. "I see. You have a great memory." She compliments her, hoping to keep the conversation going.

"Thank you." Dawn replies.

Trubel treads lightly. "What about the other guy?" She asks, casually.

"Stan Lewis." Dawn replies, speaking very slowly. "That was his name." She smiles. "I remember thinking at first he was trying to be funny, copying the famous writers' name, since it's so close. But he corrected me immediately." She explains.

"Did Mr. Lewis say he was a scientist also?" Trubel asks, casually.

Dawn replies without hesitation. "Yes."

"Did he say what he specialized in?" Trubel asks further.

Dawn shakes her head. "No. And I didn't ask." She tells Trubel.

Trubel nods. "Alright. What else can you tell me about Stan Lewis? I'm sorry, I mean his physical description." She asks.

Dawn smiles for a moment. "That's ok Lauren." She ponders. "Tall, not as tall as Mr. Grainger. Caucasian, average build, light brown hair, intense blue eyes. You know-the kind that pierce through your soul." She says, with both awe and fear.

Trubel is surprised. "Wow. How old do you think he was?" She asks.

"My age probably. In his late forties, or early fifties." Dawn replies without hesitation.

Trubel pulls out her cell phone, and swipes her screen. "Can you verify that this is-WAS Oscar Torres?" She asks, carefully.

Dawn looks at the picture on her cell phone. "Yep. That's Rico Suave himself." She smiles. "Sorry, that was my nickname for Oscar Torres." She looks out her window wistfully for just a moment. "It's too bad he died when that building collapsed." She adds.

Trubel nods. "Yeah, I know." She replies, acting just as sad Dawn appeared to be. "Hey Dawn, did either Mr. Grainger or Mr. Lewis speak with an accent of any kind?" She asks.

Dawn shakes her head. "No. At least none that I noticed." She explains.

Just then the door to the salon opens. A lady with long blonde hair enters.

Trubel smiles at Dawn. "That must be your next appointment. I won't keep you." She stands up. "Dawn, you've been very helpful. Thank you." Trubel offers her hand.

Dawn also stands up and shakes her hand. "You're welcome Lauren. Please feel free to make an appointment anytime you need a haircut." She adds.

Trubel smiles. "I will. Have a great day." She says as she walks out.

Trubel wastes no time. She gets on her motorcycle and heads back to HW Portland.

Once Trubel arrives in HW Portland's command center, she sits at her computer, pulls up the video conference link and calls Josh.

Josh appears on screen, answering the video conference beep on his computer. "Hello Trubel." He smiles at her.

Trubel can't hide her excitement. "Hey Josh. I got another lead. I was going to run it, but I think Matthews could do it faster." She explains.

Josh is intrigued. "Ok. What've you got?" He asks.

"I interviewed a few business owners near Oscar Torres shop from 2018, hoping someone would remember him." Trubel tells him.

Josh nods. "Alright." He says.

"The owner of the hair salon, Dawn, said Oscar Torres was one her clients." She continues.

Josh ponders. "I see. What else did she tell you?" He asks.

"One day he came into her shop with two men." Her eyes go dark. "One of them was Steven Grainger, the scientist." She reveals.

His eyes light up. "Really? Who was the other man?" Josh asks eagerly.

"Stan Lewis." Trubel replies, speaking slowly. "His legal name is probably Stanley Lewis." She adds.

Josh ponders. "Stan Lewis. Stanley Lewis." He looks at his computer screen. "Trubel, I think he's on our list of past associates of Steven Grainger." He reveals.

Trubel nods. "That would make sense." She says.

Josh suddenly looks beyond his computer. "Let me get with Matthews on this right now." He looks at her on his computer and nods. "I'll call you back." He informs her.

"Ok Josh." Trubel acknowledges.

About 25 minutes later, her computer is ringing like a phone call:

Trubel presses a key on her keyboard to answer. "Hey Josh." She acknowledges him.

Josh nods. "Hey Trubel." He pauses a moment. "So, Mr. Grainger and Mr. Lewis both attended Suffolk Community College on Long Island, New York, and later, Princeton University in New Jersey." He explains.

"Alright, there's the connection." Trubel adds.

"However, Mr. Lewis continued on and received his PH.D in 2015, specializing in molecular genetics." Josh adds, speaking slowly.

Trubel is floored. "Whoa. Just like Claire Parkerson." She concludes.

Josh smiles. "Yes, and get this; they both attended a college reunion in late 2017 in Portland." He reveals.

Her eyes light up. "Sounds similar to Oscar Torres meeting Marsha Colburn. You know, at a seminar." Trubel adds.

Josh nods in agreement. "Interestingly, Stan Lewis is Wesen. He's a Löwen." He reveals.

Trubel ponders. "Wow. All the others aren't Wesen. I wonder why?" She asks.

Josh shakes his head. "I don't know." He's just as puzzled as she is.

"Anything else Josh?" Trubel asks.

"Well, Stan Lewis was not a known associate of Oscar Torres. That's why we never made any connection. And, other than going to college with him and the reunion in 2017 in Portland, there is nothing else that connects Steve Grainger and Stan Lewis." Josh pauses a moment and smiles at her. "Great work in finding this out by the way." He praises her.

Trubel sighs, then smiles slightly. "I was beginning to think this trip was a waste of time, until I met Dawn." She confesses.

Josh smiles widely this time. "Trubel, remind me to ALWAYS trust your Grimm instinct." He says.

Trubel can't help it. She smiles at him also. "You copy-cat." Is all she can say.

"Well, we now have eyes-out for Mr. Stan Lewis. I've updated the files so you can review them—as well as his photos." Josh informs her.

"Alright Josh. I'll take a look." Trubel says.

Josh suddenly remembers something. "Hey, what about that badge we saw in the photos from the 'department of public works'?" He asks.

"Yeah, I saw it. It's very old and no longer a lead. Obviously not connected to Oscar Torres." She informs him.

"Alright." Josh acknowledges.

"I also reached another dead-end. That witness who claims he saw 2 men enter the building before the explosives went off in Torres hideout is deceased. Automobile accident this year." She reveals.

"That's too bad. Anything else Trubel?" Josh asks.

Trubel shakes her head. "Nope, that's all for now." She says.

Josh hesitates a moment. "Does this mean that you're planning on coming back soon?" He asks, unable to hide his anticipation for her return.

Trubel sighs deeply this time. "Yes, soon. I have a few loose ends to tie up first." She reveals.

Josh nods. "Alright Trubel." He smiles.

"Talk to you soon. Bye Josh." Trubel ends the video conference.

END OF CHAPTER 19