Chapter Seven – High Praise

It was almost surreal. He'd gone home the night before, listened to the lectures a couple times while taking notes, and then he'd completed the assignments. They were on a USB so that he could upload and sent them to Connor, who was apparently in charge of grading the assessments. Within an hour of sending them he got a new email from the android, stating that he would grade them only once the corrections were completed. Reed frowned warily as he opened the word documents to find that the android had highlighted each grammar, spelling and punctuation mistake he'd made. Reed's brow pinched, something in his chest tightening. He read over the email again.

I understand your difficulties with writing Detective. I'm sending them back only to ensure you attain the highest grade possible. He'd assured with a form of polite sincereness that Reed wasn't used to from anyone else. Guess it comes from his old programming…The human thought as he set to work. With Connor's highlighting it only took him thirty minutes to scan and correct both assignments before sending them back to the android. He set a reminder to check his email later for the new lecture files.

"Hey Gav, you're going to be late." Tina called as she stopped by his desk with two coffees, surprised to see him sitting there. She handed him a coffee in encouragement, wondering if maybe he'd blown a fuse the day before and refused to go back. She wouldn't put it past him. He was notorious for his short fuse and vicious temper. He was still in the office, so she was pretty sure Fowler hadn't written him up or anything.

"Actually I'm off the hook…Fowler and Connor sorted it so I only have to complete the assignments." Reed replied quietly, not feeling the need to draw attention to their conversation. The last thing he needed was other people finding out and kicking up a fuss about preferential treatment. "Probably workload related, you know how things are piling up around here." He added as he nodded to the pile of paper littering his desk. Tina huffed out her agreement.

"Don't I know it, well good for you. Catch you later." She added, fully intending to keep her early streak going even without Reed. Gavin raised a hand in farewell before delving into his latest case, almost dropping the file as he flicked it open to see the smashed up android. Is this the case from a couple weeks back? He wondered curiously as he laid out the photos. They looked so familiar. An android. Drained of thirium. Smashed into pieces so badly it could barely be recognised. Left in a blue stained heap in an abandoned warehouse. This is the same case…He thought with certainty as he opened the notes. No…This number…I don't think it is…

"You're going to glare a hole through that monitor if you…Jesus…" Hank's gruff voice trailed off from behind. Reed looked over his shoulder a moment before finding the casefile he was looking for and opening it. The photos weren't identical. The colour of the dirty floor was also different. It's a different case, but the same MO. He realised, his jaw tightening as he flagged the two cases as likely connected.

"Pretty fucked up, right?" Reed murmured as he leaned back in his chair and looked up at the older detective. He was surprised the old man was so close, leaning down to rest a hand on the back of Reed's chair for a better look at everything. The old man seemed more disturbed than Gavin felt, though he couldn't blame him. He was very close to Connor, and was probably thinking about it being Connor lying there in bits. Now that he'd thought about it, it bothered Reed too. He tried not to shiver.

"That's an understatement…You-uh…You give me a heads up if you need help with this one." Hank added in an almost fatherly tone as he patted Reed on the shoulder. Reed nodded absently as he glared at the photos. We know it's probably linked to Red Ice, so it would make sense to look into any gangs or known drug rings in the area where the bodies were found…Could be some overlap. He thought as he grabbed a small notebook he used for current cases. He decided to give these two special attention for the day. We think there's a Red Ice connection because the drug uses thirium, but what if it isn't? What if some sicko just enjoys torturing these bastards before smashing them to pieces? It was less likely than the Red Ice connection, but it still warranted attention.

Reed brought up the two locations on a map, surprised to find them so far apart. It's unlikely to be a coincidence…in fact I'd say it's impossible. He thought as he looked at the two abandoned areas. They were similar besides location. Both old, disused warehouse districts, both not too far from the main town. There was one difference. One had water access while the other was inland. That's not too far from the old Jericho wreck…He mused as he looked at the location and zoomed in. Fine, different locations, but similar…Narcotics can probably help with gang information on who owns which patch…He added as he opened an email and brought up an old colleague. He didn't interact with other departments that much these days, but he still knew a few people.

He paused for a while after that, idly playing with one of the photos in his hand. He didn't even realise he was staring at it. It must have been quite a look on his face because suddenly he looked up to see Connor staring at him almost unnervingly. He coughed awkwardly, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. He had a habit of staring off into space when thinking. I really need to be more careful where I point my eyes, I probably look like a fucking serial killer.

"Did you hear me Detective?" Connor asked with a tilt of his head. Shit, he was talking to me? It was rare that he didn't notice when someone spoke to him. Guess I really am absorbed in this shit. He thought with a sigh as he dropped the photo and leaned back.

"Fuck no, when do I ever listen to you?" He retorted, his gruff tone laced with something slightly softer that let the android know he wasn't serious. "I'm pretty deep in a case right now." He added in explanation, the smartly dressed android playing with his tie as he nodded. It was a quirk left over from his programming, something he used to do to seem more human. Now he'd do it out of habit.

"Yes, Hank mentioned it. I came over to let you know I was really impressed with the assignments you wrote. Not only were they completed with unnecessary punctuality, but the content was well thought out and extremely detailed. I wouldn't be surprised if you placed highest in the class." The android complimented with his usual brimming warmth and enthusiasm. Reed's eyes widened, his mouth suddenly forgetting how to function as his green eyes darted around the bullpen almost fearfully. For one thing he had a reputation to uphold, and for another he was almost convinced someone was fucking with him. No one complimented his educational work. No one. It had always been too overshadowed by the lazy spelling and grammar, and his bad behaviour or poor attitude in class.

"Uh…Thanks? I guess…" Reed managed eventually, the android giving him a small respectful nod before returning to his own desk. Reed rested a hand on his face, feeling the heat there. He really hoped he wasn't blushing as he looked across at Hank. The old man looked somewhat smug, but he wasn't outright being made a fool of, so he was probably safe. Reed took the stunned silence to make his way into the break room and make a coffee. He rolled his neck, feeling it crack. This is one weird fucking day…