Mike swallowed hard as he left the interrogation room behind and headed across the bullpen. Rudy was on his heels for a second, but then thought better of it and took a detour to his own office.
Honestly, there was very little the Captain could do to change his mood at this time. Henderson had been painfully correct and Mike stewed badly about it. Their case had been a shaky one from the start and at the very least, he should have waited before putting the pressure on the Johnsons.
It had been too early in the game.
He and Steve had gotten carried away as the case was evolving, demanding answers before they had concrete proof of their theories. In the end, all it did was allow Harry and Doloris Johnson to leave the Homicide office as free people.
At least for today.
Mike forced a faint smile when he recognized Sandra Orelli standing at Steve's desk. With her long dark locks in a tight pony tail and dressed in a black skirt, purple blouse and high heels, she looked awfully out of place.
Mike wanted to say something but noticed her attention focused on the interrogation room holding Chantal and his partner. Trying hard to shrug off the tension from his latest cross-examination, Mike walked up towards her before clearing his throat.
"I thought you were going to send one of your Social workers over."
Sandra flinched as if she'd been caught deep in thought, before smiling back at him.
"Lieutenant Stone.", grasping her purse, she leaned against the desk before nodding her head, "I am glad to see you. My associates were running late and I couldn't let Chantal spend the night here so I...I ended my romantic dinner a bit early."
"You're one of the caring ones.", Mike noted before returning her smile, "Which means there is never such a thing as social life. You know it as well as we do."
Sandra nodded, as her smile broadened, showing off her immaculate teeth.
"I have to admit Lieutenant, its sights like these that make it all worthwhile."
Mike was confused for a second, but then followed her pointed finger to the nearby interrogation room.
Back in the corner, he could see Steve fast asleep in an office chair, his injured arm resting on the table. Chantal was leaning against him, her arms wrapped around his chest and her head tucked against his shoulder in a deep slumber.
The delicious aroma of a pizza waiting at Steve's desk signaled that the two hadn't gotten to the dinner part before falling asleep.
Mike chuckled, as he shared a smile with the social worker.
"What can I say? It's been a long day. They both needed the rest."
Sandra nodded as her features turned serious again.
"I hope you understand that no testimony gathered before my appearance will be permissible in court?"
"Of course.", Mike answered soothingly and crossed his arms in front of his red vest, "There has been no interrogation. As a matter of fact, Inspector Keller is on medical leave and graciously offered to watch over Chantal while our investigation continued."
Smiling in satisfaction, Sandra checked her wristwatch before sighing.
"Seems like I am not the only caring one around here, Lieutenant. Thank you for finding her and getting her off the streets…Now, I'd hate to break up this adorable scene, but it's time to get your case wrapped up."