KILLING ME SOFTLY
CHAPTER 2
48TH PRECINCT 8:00AM MONDAY
The minute Elliot arrived at the station the next Monday he immediately started working on the new lead. "Hello this is Detective Stabler; can I please talk to a reporter named Smith?" He inquired politely as soon as the phone was answered.
After a few minutes of silence a young sounding reporter answered, "This is Jackson Smith, how can I help you?"
Introducing himself Elliot got right to the point, "I'm hoping you can give me a little information on a segment you did the other night for the eleven o clock new cast. Unfortunately I'm not sure what it was about and who you interviewed. I'm hoping you could fill that in for me!"
"Sure no problem, that's an easy one! Only one of my stories made it on air last night. You must be talking about the interview with Mr. Riley. But that wasn't done last night, it was taped two days ago before he left on a business trip!" informed Jackson.
"What exactly was the interview about?"
"Nothing to exciting, he's the contractor that won the bid to build the new stadium down town. It was a big deal when everyone found out that Mr. Riley had won it. The city was hoping that a local contractor would get it."
"Is there anyway I can get a copy of that interview?" Asked Elliot as a million thoughts raced through his mind.
"Sure, just come down to the station and I'll have a copy waiting for you at the front desk."
NEW YORKER BUILDING NOON MONDAY
Walking into the magazine office Elliot flashed his badge at the receptionist before explaining why he was there, "I'm detective Stabler, could you please tell me where Miss Pearce's office is?
"I'm sorry sir; she's in a meeting all day and can't be disturbed. Can I take a message?" inquired the receptionist giving Elliot the once over.
Wishing he had called ahead he gave the receptionist his number with the instructions for Ethany to call him the minute she got out of the meeting.
48th PRECINCT MONDAY
Two hour later the phone on Elliot's desk rang pulling him out of the paperwork he was working on. "Hello Detective Stabler, this is Ethany Pearce. I just got your message; I hope your calling about good news."
"I got a copy of the interview you saw the other night. I was hoping we could get together so you could take a look at it and see if the guy on the tape is the same one from the garage." Elliot asked noticing the tiredness in her voice.
"How about we make it a lunch date? I'm afraid it's the only time I'll be able to meet you. It's a mad house around here." Laughed Ethany explaining her tiredness.
"Sounds good, how about we meet here at the station around one? After watching the tape we can go across the street for a quick bite."Elliot invited watching as Dean returned to his desk across from him.
"Sounds like a plan, see you later!"
Once Elliot hung up the phone he gave him the third degree, "Who you making a lunch date with? Should I be jealous?"
"It's not a date, its work related! If you must know I'm meeting Ethany so she can look over the tape that I got from the news station. Maybe she can ID one of the guys from the shooting." explained Elliot avoiding eye contact with his partner.
"Are you still on that? Give it up, there's nothing there! Unless you're just using this non existing case to get to know the beautiful Miss Pearce a little better. She might be a nutcase, but she's a nice looking nutcase." Dean joked with Elliot.
"Man your incorrigible." Elliot laughed throwing yellow legal paper at Dean. "Why must your mind always be in the gutter? I'm just following a lead that hopefully she can help me with. Although you might think there's nothing to this case, I on the other hand don't think Ethany would make up seeing someone get shot."
"Ok, ok no need to get so defensive! It was just a joke! Don't fool your self; you know you wouldn't have given this case a second thought if it didn't involve a helpless damsel in distress. Everyone but you can see your attraction to Ethany." Dean said in a matter of fact tone.
"Think what you want, but I'm just doing my job." Elliot shot back keeping his face turned from his partner so he couldn't see his flushed face.
"Detective Stabler, you got someone here to see you" called the duty officer from across the room.
Surprised to see it was all ready one, he was pleased to note that Ethany was right on time. Walking over to the desk Elliot greets her before showing Ethany to the interrogation room that contained the TV and VCR. He couldn't keep focused on anything but how nice she looked this afternoon in her short black skirt and white blouse that was unbuttoned enough to show the valley between her breasts.
As they inspected the tape he watched Ethany's reaction. There was no doubt he was on the right track when he saw how tensed she got upon hearing Mr. Riley's voice. So that was one of the voices you heard in the garage? He questioned even though he all ready knew the answer.
I can't be sure of his appearance, But, I know that's one of the voices I heard! How can you question him if he's dead?"
"Unfortunately we just have your word about him being murdered. It hard to convict a shooter without a body or any kind of evidence. The reporter said Mr. Riley had a flight out of town right after the interview. I'll check on that. Until then we can't report him missing until we have proof he was the victim." Elliot said.
"Where will you go from here? You can't just leave it like this! Because of me, you at least have a name to go with the body. There's got to be more you can do."argued Ethany.
"Come on lets go get something to eat and I'll explain. I don't know about you, but, I'm starving." Elliot said as he directed her out the door.
AUTUMN'S DELI 1:30 PM MONDAY
At the beginning of the lunch they talked about nothing but the case. By the time they had finished their sandwiches the conversation had turned personal, not that either one minded.
"Ok you have been avoiding my question for the last twenty minutes. Are you going to tell me what you will do with the information you found out about Mr. Riley?" Ethany asked taking a sip of her Coke.
"Well, no one has noticed him missing. The next step, my dear Watson, is to search for a relative that can prove where he is." Joked Elliot in between bites.
"You know I did notice that he was wearing a wedding band. So I guess you'll be talking to Mrs. Riley next? What if she doesn't know he's dead?" Ethany asked noticing a bit of Mayo on the corner of his mouth. Without thinking she leans over and gently runs her finger over his thin lips causing a electrical serge, that could light up all of New York, run through her body.
As their surrounding melt from view their eyes lock in a gaze. If it wasn't for the waiter clearing their table they could of sat like this forever. As Elliot directed his gaze back onto the table his thoughts were no longer on the food or the crime.
"You're right; I'll track down his wife and see where that leads me. After that I'll just have to see where it takes me! Are you sure you're in the right profession? Maybe you should be a detective instead of Journalist.
"You're mocking me!
"I mock not."
"Flattery will get you everywhere." Ethany noticing the time. "Oh shit, I was supposed to be back at work ten minutes ago! Thanks so much for lunch! Next time it will be my treat! Will you keep me informed on anything new you find out?"
Elliot only had time to nod his head before she disappeared out the door like a tornado.
48TH PRECINCT MONDAY
Walking to his desk Elliot tried to keep his smile hidden to avoid any comment from Dean. "So I take it from that huge shit eating grin on your face that you made it to second base?" teased Dean.
"Oh man, you're so funny! Why don't you concentrate on your own love life and leave mine alone." Elliot said while looking through his desk for the phone book.
"Whatever you say man, but you never smile like that when we come back from lunch! I was just worried about you." laughed Dean waiting until his partner was on the phone so he couldn't comment. That didn't stop Elliot from flipping him the bird.
Checking the phone book for Lee Riley's phone number and address he was surprised to find several listing under that name. Of course the man upstairs couldn't make this too easy for him. Spending the rest of the day on the phone he was almost out of names and hope when he finally hit pay dirt. Hanging up the phone Elliot jumped out of his seat as he grabbed his coat.
"Dean, you wanna get some air?"
Nodding his head Dean hurriedly turns off the computer before following after his partner. It was only on their way to the unknown destination that Elliot filled his partner in on his hunch.
Riley Residence 5:00pm Monday
Elliot was amazed that a contractor could afford such a lavish house with five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Driving up the winding tree lined driveway they passed by a two and a half acre lake before pulling up to the house. The door was instantly answered by a housekeeper who showed them to Mrs. Riley after seeing the two detective badges. Walking into the library they found a woman who looked as if she had just graduated from High School. There wasn't anything natural about her from her bleached blonde hair, blue contacts and fake boob job. Just the kind of woman Dean found interesting.
"Mrs. Riley?" asked Elliot hoping that this wasn't the person they had come to see. But the nod of her head caused all his hope to escape him, "Mrs. Riley, I'm detective Stabler and this is my partner detective Ryan. We would like to ask you some questions about your husband.
"I don't know why you're here, like I told you on the phone, he's out of town." She said.
"Your husband might be involved in a case we're investigating. We just need a little information from you." Dean said eyeing Mrs. Riley from behind his sunglasses.
Knowing if he let Dean handle this, his hormones would take over and they would get no where, Elliot stepped forward taking control, "Mrs. Riley, can you please tell me where your husband is right now?"
"Please call me Sunni with a I." she giggled ignoring Elliot's question.
"Ok Sunni, can you answer the question?" asked Elliot watching Dean flirt openly with Sunni.
"What was the question?"
After repeating it for her again Elliot waited as Sunni thought about the answer. Seeing it was taking her awhile to come up with an answer he wondered if her gears needed greasing.
"He left Friday for a meeting. I'm not sure when he'll be back!"
"Where exactly did he go?"
"Out of town." answered Sunni quicker than before.
Rolling his eyes Elliot tried again as Dean laughed softly beside him."He's in Chicago, I think. If he didn't keep a itinerary with all his trips in it for me, I don't know how I would keep them straight." Sunni said as her head finally came out of the clouds.
Finally they were getting somewhere thought Elliot as he asked to see the itinerary. With a little giggle Sunni motioned them to follow her into the next room. Searching through a massive oak desk that looked antique she finally found what she was looking for. With a triumphant look on her face Sunni holds up a brightly decorated Hello Kitty itinerary with her name written across the top. Elliot couldn't fight back the smile and laugh that was threatening to escape his lips.
Clearing his throat he tried to get Sunni back on track, "Can you show me his schedule for this month?"
As she started to flip through it a confused look crossed her heavily Made- up face. Since she needed help Dean came to her rescue by pointing out what month they were in. Taking it out of her hand Dean walked over to his partner for a closer look. As Sunni had stated before Lee was scheduled to leave Friday and be back at the beginning of the week. It was all ready Wednesday and still no Mr. Riley.
"Can you tell us what airline he took?" Asked Elliot, preparing himself for the worse.
"The ones at the airport of course." giggled Sunni rolling her eyes at Dean as if Elliot was the air head.
"Yes, I know that! Can you tell me what company he flew with? Did you happen to go with him to the airport?"
"He went by himself; he had no company with him. I wasn't paying much attention because we were saying our good-byes. But I think it was a blue and white plane."
Elliot knew they had gotten everything they could from Sunni. Walking out the door Elliot prepared himself for Dean's wise cracks. He stayed quite until they were out the gate and back on the road. "Well, that started out a little stormy, but I must say at the end everything turned out Sunni." Dean laughed.
All the laughter Elliot had been holding in from first meeting Sunni exploded from him. He was still wiping the tears of laughter away when they returned to the station.
When the two detectives left the property Sunni picked up the phone and dialed a number that she knew by heart. Waiting she twisted her long blonde hair nervously around her finger until the phone was answered. "Hello, I thought you might be interested in knowing about the two detectives that just visited me. They were asking allot of questions about Lee".
After listening to the person on the other end she shook her head as she replied, "Yes of course I told them exactly what you told me to say. They know nothing. Following another long silence Sunni said good-bye and hung up the phone more worried now then she had been before she made the call.
NEW YORKER BUILDING PARKING GARAGE 10:00 PM MONDAY
After a long day of sitting through boring meetings Ethany was thinking about nothing but getting home to a hot bubble bath. As thoughts of Elliot bounced through her head she smiled secretly as she unlocked her car door. Sitting in the driver's seat she flipped through her CD's for the perfect cruising music to drive home by. As she slipped the CD into the player she turned the key to start the car. Before she could shift into gear a dark figure appeared from the backseat. As the scream died in her throat she felt a cold sharp blade of a knife against the fleshy part of her throat. As she whimpered with fear her head was jerked back against the seat by a handful of hair. Instantly her ear filled with a deep dark male voice warning he not to say a word or he would cut her throat. Shaking her head yes she waited for her attacker to continue.
"It seems we have a little problem Miss Pearce. You have a big mouth and because of it there are now two detectives nosing around where they aren't needed or welcomed. You need to keep your nose out of other people's business unless you want to get hurt. I was sent to give you a warning, but, next time there will be no warning. If you open your mouth about this to anyone I'll come back and finish what I started tonight. I don't think you want that to happen! Stay like you are and don't turn around until I leave. The man slid of the knife across her throat as if cutting through a thick slice of bread.
As the stinging sensation over took her sense the stranger escaped out the backdoor. Stunned Ethany could only sit and stare out into the darkness waiting for her breath to return to normal. The sudden reality of the attack caused her to run a finger across her neck where the knife had intruded. Feeling the sticky substance on her fingers she looked at her hand only to find it covered with blood. At the sight of it tears started to spill from her eyes. Ethany allowed herself to momentarily fall apart before she gathered her wits again. As if in a daze Ethany grabbed her wallet and quickly searched through it for a number. As if on cruise control she dialed it fighting to stay in control of her emotions. As she listened to it ring in her ears she prayed silently for Elliot to answer.
"Hello." Answered a sexy male voice.
"Hi Elliot, it's Ethany. I hope I'm not disturbing you. I was just wondering if you gotten any farther on the case. She said trying to hide the quivering her voice.
"Nothing really has changed much since we talked. Are you ok?" he questioned picking up some stress in her voice.
"Yea I....I...I just..." she stammered trying to think of something that would keep him on the line a little longer.
"Ethany, what's wrong? You don't sound like yourself tonight." comforted Elliot as his gut told him she was hiding something from him.
"I'm fine, just tired! I ummm...sorry to bother you!" offered Ethany as tears betrayed her.
"Ethany, Ethany!" but the only answer he got was dead silence. There was no doubt in his mind now that there was something wrong. Hanging up the phone he called the station. Getting right to the point he asked to have Ethany's cell number traced. As he waited he struggled back into his tennis shoes not wanting to waste a moment that might prevent him from getting to Ethany. The minute the officer came back with the information he had requested Elliot threw the phone down, not even sure if it had made it back into the cradle, before racing out the door.
Racing into the covered garage he found Ethany's car parked in her space with the motor running. Throwing his car into park he bolted across the short distance yelling her name. Roughly he pulls the door open to find her collapsed in the front seat crying hysterically. Covering the seat and her hand were splatters of blood. Fearing the worse he collects her into his strong arms before pulling her out of the car. Squatting he tried to get her to sit on the pavement so he could find the source of the blood. Wrapping her arms tighter around his neck she pleads for him to continue holding her as she cried on his shoulder. After she had calmed down he raised her head from his shoulder to find the source of blood. Seeing the long jagged cut across her throat he knew that this was no accident. The person who did this knew exactly what he was doing. If the cut was any deeper it would have killed her. This wasn't a attempted murder, just a warning.
"Honey, I got to get you to the emergency room so someone can take a look at that nasty cut of yours." Elliot said as a million thoughts raced through his brain.
The wait was worse than the actual exam but through it all Ethany never let go of his hand. Once the doctor bandaged up the cut he gave her the ok to go home to rest. Accompanying her back to his car he couldn't ignore just how quite she was. Figuring it had something to do with the attack he pushed it out of his head. "Where would you like me to take you?" questioned Elliot trying to lighten the mood, "You wanna go back to your car or home?"
Ethany Pearce Residence Midnight TUESDAY
There was a pause to think as Ethany gave him directions to her house. Unfortunately no matter how hard he tried that was just about the only thing he could get out of her the whole way home.
"Thanks again Elliot for all the help tonight." She said once he stopped at her front door. "I'm so sorry about that little hysterical fit I had in front of you! I'm not usually like that! It's just...it's just." but she couldn't finish her sentence.
"Think nothing of it. You wouldn't be human if you didn't get hysterical after an event like that. I'm just glad you called me to be your knight in shinning armor, instead of some other guy. Just remember I'm always here to help." Elliot said as he lost himself in her green eyes.
He felt like a teenager again sitting there trying to fight back the urge to kiss her. Knowing it was neither the time nor place for such a thought he let the idea vanish from his mind like Ethany vanished into her house. Waiting until a light came on in the house Elliot backed out of the driveway trying to clear his mind of all thoughts of Ethany unsuccessfully.
On Elliot's way home something about the garage kept eating at him. There was something strange going on but he just couldn't put his finger on it yet without a second look. Grabbing the cell phone from the console he quickly dialed Dean's number knowing how thrilled he'd be to hear from him so late at night. "Hey man, whatcha doing?" questioned Elliot once Dean answered the phone.
"Whatever it is the answer is no! For Pete's sake it's midnight." complained Dean.
"Now is that anyway to talk to your partner? You don't even know why I called. Maybe I'm calling to invite you out for a drink." answered Elliot turning towards Ethany's office building instead of his house.
"Yea right and there are no hookers in New York." joked Dean as Elliot told him about Ethany. "Damn Elliot, this Ethany chick got your boxers in an up roar! Can't you think of a better way of getting laid then by going on a wild goose chase on an unexciting crime? Man, I'll give you the money to go get laid if you'll just leave me alone! Can't we do it tomorrow?"
"Just meet me at the garage in ten minutes." ordered Elliot before hanging up. Fortunately for Dean, Elliot didn't have to wait the full ten minutes for his arrival.
CHAPTER 2
48TH PRECINCT 8:00AM MONDAY
The minute Elliot arrived at the station the next Monday he immediately started working on the new lead. "Hello this is Detective Stabler; can I please talk to a reporter named Smith?" He inquired politely as soon as the phone was answered.
After a few minutes of silence a young sounding reporter answered, "This is Jackson Smith, how can I help you?"
Introducing himself Elliot got right to the point, "I'm hoping you can give me a little information on a segment you did the other night for the eleven o clock new cast. Unfortunately I'm not sure what it was about and who you interviewed. I'm hoping you could fill that in for me!"
"Sure no problem, that's an easy one! Only one of my stories made it on air last night. You must be talking about the interview with Mr. Riley. But that wasn't done last night, it was taped two days ago before he left on a business trip!" informed Jackson.
"What exactly was the interview about?"
"Nothing to exciting, he's the contractor that won the bid to build the new stadium down town. It was a big deal when everyone found out that Mr. Riley had won it. The city was hoping that a local contractor would get it."
"Is there anyway I can get a copy of that interview?" Asked Elliot as a million thoughts raced through his mind.
"Sure, just come down to the station and I'll have a copy waiting for you at the front desk."
NEW YORKER BUILDING NOON MONDAY
Walking into the magazine office Elliot flashed his badge at the receptionist before explaining why he was there, "I'm detective Stabler, could you please tell me where Miss Pearce's office is?
"I'm sorry sir; she's in a meeting all day and can't be disturbed. Can I take a message?" inquired the receptionist giving Elliot the once over.
Wishing he had called ahead he gave the receptionist his number with the instructions for Ethany to call him the minute she got out of the meeting.
48th PRECINCT MONDAY
Two hour later the phone on Elliot's desk rang pulling him out of the paperwork he was working on. "Hello Detective Stabler, this is Ethany Pearce. I just got your message; I hope your calling about good news."
"I got a copy of the interview you saw the other night. I was hoping we could get together so you could take a look at it and see if the guy on the tape is the same one from the garage." Elliot asked noticing the tiredness in her voice.
"How about we make it a lunch date? I'm afraid it's the only time I'll be able to meet you. It's a mad house around here." Laughed Ethany explaining her tiredness.
"Sounds good, how about we meet here at the station around one? After watching the tape we can go across the street for a quick bite."Elliot invited watching as Dean returned to his desk across from him.
"Sounds like a plan, see you later!"
Once Elliot hung up the phone he gave him the third degree, "Who you making a lunch date with? Should I be jealous?"
"It's not a date, its work related! If you must know I'm meeting Ethany so she can look over the tape that I got from the news station. Maybe she can ID one of the guys from the shooting." explained Elliot avoiding eye contact with his partner.
"Are you still on that? Give it up, there's nothing there! Unless you're just using this non existing case to get to know the beautiful Miss Pearce a little better. She might be a nutcase, but she's a nice looking nutcase." Dean joked with Elliot.
"Man your incorrigible." Elliot laughed throwing yellow legal paper at Dean. "Why must your mind always be in the gutter? I'm just following a lead that hopefully she can help me with. Although you might think there's nothing to this case, I on the other hand don't think Ethany would make up seeing someone get shot."
"Ok, ok no need to get so defensive! It was just a joke! Don't fool your self; you know you wouldn't have given this case a second thought if it didn't involve a helpless damsel in distress. Everyone but you can see your attraction to Ethany." Dean said in a matter of fact tone.
"Think what you want, but I'm just doing my job." Elliot shot back keeping his face turned from his partner so he couldn't see his flushed face.
"Detective Stabler, you got someone here to see you" called the duty officer from across the room.
Surprised to see it was all ready one, he was pleased to note that Ethany was right on time. Walking over to the desk Elliot greets her before showing Ethany to the interrogation room that contained the TV and VCR. He couldn't keep focused on anything but how nice she looked this afternoon in her short black skirt and white blouse that was unbuttoned enough to show the valley between her breasts.
As they inspected the tape he watched Ethany's reaction. There was no doubt he was on the right track when he saw how tensed she got upon hearing Mr. Riley's voice. So that was one of the voices you heard in the garage? He questioned even though he all ready knew the answer.
I can't be sure of his appearance, But, I know that's one of the voices I heard! How can you question him if he's dead?"
"Unfortunately we just have your word about him being murdered. It hard to convict a shooter without a body or any kind of evidence. The reporter said Mr. Riley had a flight out of town right after the interview. I'll check on that. Until then we can't report him missing until we have proof he was the victim." Elliot said.
"Where will you go from here? You can't just leave it like this! Because of me, you at least have a name to go with the body. There's got to be more you can do."argued Ethany.
"Come on lets go get something to eat and I'll explain. I don't know about you, but, I'm starving." Elliot said as he directed her out the door.
AUTUMN'S DELI 1:30 PM MONDAY
At the beginning of the lunch they talked about nothing but the case. By the time they had finished their sandwiches the conversation had turned personal, not that either one minded.
"Ok you have been avoiding my question for the last twenty minutes. Are you going to tell me what you will do with the information you found out about Mr. Riley?" Ethany asked taking a sip of her Coke.
"Well, no one has noticed him missing. The next step, my dear Watson, is to search for a relative that can prove where he is." Joked Elliot in between bites.
"You know I did notice that he was wearing a wedding band. So I guess you'll be talking to Mrs. Riley next? What if she doesn't know he's dead?" Ethany asked noticing a bit of Mayo on the corner of his mouth. Without thinking she leans over and gently runs her finger over his thin lips causing a electrical serge, that could light up all of New York, run through her body.
As their surrounding melt from view their eyes lock in a gaze. If it wasn't for the waiter clearing their table they could of sat like this forever. As Elliot directed his gaze back onto the table his thoughts were no longer on the food or the crime.
"You're right; I'll track down his wife and see where that leads me. After that I'll just have to see where it takes me! Are you sure you're in the right profession? Maybe you should be a detective instead of Journalist.
"You're mocking me!
"I mock not."
"Flattery will get you everywhere." Ethany noticing the time. "Oh shit, I was supposed to be back at work ten minutes ago! Thanks so much for lunch! Next time it will be my treat! Will you keep me informed on anything new you find out?"
Elliot only had time to nod his head before she disappeared out the door like a tornado.
48TH PRECINCT MONDAY
Walking to his desk Elliot tried to keep his smile hidden to avoid any comment from Dean. "So I take it from that huge shit eating grin on your face that you made it to second base?" teased Dean.
"Oh man, you're so funny! Why don't you concentrate on your own love life and leave mine alone." Elliot said while looking through his desk for the phone book.
"Whatever you say man, but you never smile like that when we come back from lunch! I was just worried about you." laughed Dean waiting until his partner was on the phone so he couldn't comment. That didn't stop Elliot from flipping him the bird.
Checking the phone book for Lee Riley's phone number and address he was surprised to find several listing under that name. Of course the man upstairs couldn't make this too easy for him. Spending the rest of the day on the phone he was almost out of names and hope when he finally hit pay dirt. Hanging up the phone Elliot jumped out of his seat as he grabbed his coat.
"Dean, you wanna get some air?"
Nodding his head Dean hurriedly turns off the computer before following after his partner. It was only on their way to the unknown destination that Elliot filled his partner in on his hunch.
Riley Residence 5:00pm Monday
Elliot was amazed that a contractor could afford such a lavish house with five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Driving up the winding tree lined driveway they passed by a two and a half acre lake before pulling up to the house. The door was instantly answered by a housekeeper who showed them to Mrs. Riley after seeing the two detective badges. Walking into the library they found a woman who looked as if she had just graduated from High School. There wasn't anything natural about her from her bleached blonde hair, blue contacts and fake boob job. Just the kind of woman Dean found interesting.
"Mrs. Riley?" asked Elliot hoping that this wasn't the person they had come to see. But the nod of her head caused all his hope to escape him, "Mrs. Riley, I'm detective Stabler and this is my partner detective Ryan. We would like to ask you some questions about your husband.
"I don't know why you're here, like I told you on the phone, he's out of town." She said.
"Your husband might be involved in a case we're investigating. We just need a little information from you." Dean said eyeing Mrs. Riley from behind his sunglasses.
Knowing if he let Dean handle this, his hormones would take over and they would get no where, Elliot stepped forward taking control, "Mrs. Riley, can you please tell me where your husband is right now?"
"Please call me Sunni with a I." she giggled ignoring Elliot's question.
"Ok Sunni, can you answer the question?" asked Elliot watching Dean flirt openly with Sunni.
"What was the question?"
After repeating it for her again Elliot waited as Sunni thought about the answer. Seeing it was taking her awhile to come up with an answer he wondered if her gears needed greasing.
"He left Friday for a meeting. I'm not sure when he'll be back!"
"Where exactly did he go?"
"Out of town." answered Sunni quicker than before.
Rolling his eyes Elliot tried again as Dean laughed softly beside him."He's in Chicago, I think. If he didn't keep a itinerary with all his trips in it for me, I don't know how I would keep them straight." Sunni said as her head finally came out of the clouds.
Finally they were getting somewhere thought Elliot as he asked to see the itinerary. With a little giggle Sunni motioned them to follow her into the next room. Searching through a massive oak desk that looked antique she finally found what she was looking for. With a triumphant look on her face Sunni holds up a brightly decorated Hello Kitty itinerary with her name written across the top. Elliot couldn't fight back the smile and laugh that was threatening to escape his lips.
Clearing his throat he tried to get Sunni back on track, "Can you show me his schedule for this month?"
As she started to flip through it a confused look crossed her heavily Made- up face. Since she needed help Dean came to her rescue by pointing out what month they were in. Taking it out of her hand Dean walked over to his partner for a closer look. As Sunni had stated before Lee was scheduled to leave Friday and be back at the beginning of the week. It was all ready Wednesday and still no Mr. Riley.
"Can you tell us what airline he took?" Asked Elliot, preparing himself for the worse.
"The ones at the airport of course." giggled Sunni rolling her eyes at Dean as if Elliot was the air head.
"Yes, I know that! Can you tell me what company he flew with? Did you happen to go with him to the airport?"
"He went by himself; he had no company with him. I wasn't paying much attention because we were saying our good-byes. But I think it was a blue and white plane."
Elliot knew they had gotten everything they could from Sunni. Walking out the door Elliot prepared himself for Dean's wise cracks. He stayed quite until they were out the gate and back on the road. "Well, that started out a little stormy, but I must say at the end everything turned out Sunni." Dean laughed.
All the laughter Elliot had been holding in from first meeting Sunni exploded from him. He was still wiping the tears of laughter away when they returned to the station.
When the two detectives left the property Sunni picked up the phone and dialed a number that she knew by heart. Waiting she twisted her long blonde hair nervously around her finger until the phone was answered. "Hello, I thought you might be interested in knowing about the two detectives that just visited me. They were asking allot of questions about Lee".
After listening to the person on the other end she shook her head as she replied, "Yes of course I told them exactly what you told me to say. They know nothing. Following another long silence Sunni said good-bye and hung up the phone more worried now then she had been before she made the call.
NEW YORKER BUILDING PARKING GARAGE 10:00 PM MONDAY
After a long day of sitting through boring meetings Ethany was thinking about nothing but getting home to a hot bubble bath. As thoughts of Elliot bounced through her head she smiled secretly as she unlocked her car door. Sitting in the driver's seat she flipped through her CD's for the perfect cruising music to drive home by. As she slipped the CD into the player she turned the key to start the car. Before she could shift into gear a dark figure appeared from the backseat. As the scream died in her throat she felt a cold sharp blade of a knife against the fleshy part of her throat. As she whimpered with fear her head was jerked back against the seat by a handful of hair. Instantly her ear filled with a deep dark male voice warning he not to say a word or he would cut her throat. Shaking her head yes she waited for her attacker to continue.
"It seems we have a little problem Miss Pearce. You have a big mouth and because of it there are now two detectives nosing around where they aren't needed or welcomed. You need to keep your nose out of other people's business unless you want to get hurt. I was sent to give you a warning, but, next time there will be no warning. If you open your mouth about this to anyone I'll come back and finish what I started tonight. I don't think you want that to happen! Stay like you are and don't turn around until I leave. The man slid of the knife across her throat as if cutting through a thick slice of bread.
As the stinging sensation over took her sense the stranger escaped out the backdoor. Stunned Ethany could only sit and stare out into the darkness waiting for her breath to return to normal. The sudden reality of the attack caused her to run a finger across her neck where the knife had intruded. Feeling the sticky substance on her fingers she looked at her hand only to find it covered with blood. At the sight of it tears started to spill from her eyes. Ethany allowed herself to momentarily fall apart before she gathered her wits again. As if in a daze Ethany grabbed her wallet and quickly searched through it for a number. As if on cruise control she dialed it fighting to stay in control of her emotions. As she listened to it ring in her ears she prayed silently for Elliot to answer.
"Hello." Answered a sexy male voice.
"Hi Elliot, it's Ethany. I hope I'm not disturbing you. I was just wondering if you gotten any farther on the case. She said trying to hide the quivering her voice.
"Nothing really has changed much since we talked. Are you ok?" he questioned picking up some stress in her voice.
"Yea I....I...I just..." she stammered trying to think of something that would keep him on the line a little longer.
"Ethany, what's wrong? You don't sound like yourself tonight." comforted Elliot as his gut told him she was hiding something from him.
"I'm fine, just tired! I ummm...sorry to bother you!" offered Ethany as tears betrayed her.
"Ethany, Ethany!" but the only answer he got was dead silence. There was no doubt in his mind now that there was something wrong. Hanging up the phone he called the station. Getting right to the point he asked to have Ethany's cell number traced. As he waited he struggled back into his tennis shoes not wanting to waste a moment that might prevent him from getting to Ethany. The minute the officer came back with the information he had requested Elliot threw the phone down, not even sure if it had made it back into the cradle, before racing out the door.
Racing into the covered garage he found Ethany's car parked in her space with the motor running. Throwing his car into park he bolted across the short distance yelling her name. Roughly he pulls the door open to find her collapsed in the front seat crying hysterically. Covering the seat and her hand were splatters of blood. Fearing the worse he collects her into his strong arms before pulling her out of the car. Squatting he tried to get her to sit on the pavement so he could find the source of the blood. Wrapping her arms tighter around his neck she pleads for him to continue holding her as she cried on his shoulder. After she had calmed down he raised her head from his shoulder to find the source of blood. Seeing the long jagged cut across her throat he knew that this was no accident. The person who did this knew exactly what he was doing. If the cut was any deeper it would have killed her. This wasn't a attempted murder, just a warning.
"Honey, I got to get you to the emergency room so someone can take a look at that nasty cut of yours." Elliot said as a million thoughts raced through his brain.
The wait was worse than the actual exam but through it all Ethany never let go of his hand. Once the doctor bandaged up the cut he gave her the ok to go home to rest. Accompanying her back to his car he couldn't ignore just how quite she was. Figuring it had something to do with the attack he pushed it out of his head. "Where would you like me to take you?" questioned Elliot trying to lighten the mood, "You wanna go back to your car or home?"
Ethany Pearce Residence Midnight TUESDAY
There was a pause to think as Ethany gave him directions to her house. Unfortunately no matter how hard he tried that was just about the only thing he could get out of her the whole way home.
"Thanks again Elliot for all the help tonight." She said once he stopped at her front door. "I'm so sorry about that little hysterical fit I had in front of you! I'm not usually like that! It's just...it's just." but she couldn't finish her sentence.
"Think nothing of it. You wouldn't be human if you didn't get hysterical after an event like that. I'm just glad you called me to be your knight in shinning armor, instead of some other guy. Just remember I'm always here to help." Elliot said as he lost himself in her green eyes.
He felt like a teenager again sitting there trying to fight back the urge to kiss her. Knowing it was neither the time nor place for such a thought he let the idea vanish from his mind like Ethany vanished into her house. Waiting until a light came on in the house Elliot backed out of the driveway trying to clear his mind of all thoughts of Ethany unsuccessfully.
On Elliot's way home something about the garage kept eating at him. There was something strange going on but he just couldn't put his finger on it yet without a second look. Grabbing the cell phone from the console he quickly dialed Dean's number knowing how thrilled he'd be to hear from him so late at night. "Hey man, whatcha doing?" questioned Elliot once Dean answered the phone.
"Whatever it is the answer is no! For Pete's sake it's midnight." complained Dean.
"Now is that anyway to talk to your partner? You don't even know why I called. Maybe I'm calling to invite you out for a drink." answered Elliot turning towards Ethany's office building instead of his house.
"Yea right and there are no hookers in New York." joked Dean as Elliot told him about Ethany. "Damn Elliot, this Ethany chick got your boxers in an up roar! Can't you think of a better way of getting laid then by going on a wild goose chase on an unexciting crime? Man, I'll give you the money to go get laid if you'll just leave me alone! Can't we do it tomorrow?"
"Just meet me at the garage in ten minutes." ordered Elliot before hanging up. Fortunately for Dean, Elliot didn't have to wait the full ten minutes for his arrival.