KILLING ME SOFTLY
CHAPTER 3
NEW YORKER PARKING GARAGE 12:30 TUESDAY
As Dean approached his partner he found him staring at the light fixtures. "If you dragged me out here to show me some lights I'm going to shoot you." Dean said standing beside his partner.
"You're in a great mood! Anyway this won't take long. Can you tell me why I picked this exact spot to meet at?" questioned Elliot as he began to search the walls and ceilings.
"Ummm, because this is where you and Ethany had some kind of kinky love thing going on and you wanted to relive the moment? How the hell should I know! Just get to the point so I can go back home!"
"I will never understand how you passed the officer's exam. This is the exact spot where Ethany reported the murder. What's different about it? Elliot asked pacing back and forth.
"I dunno it's brighter or something! Can we quit playing games and get to the point!"
"You're right it's brighter! If this is where Ethany was standing when the murder took place she shouldn't of had any problem seeing the faces of the men. Unless this light wasn't working. By the way do you feel as if you're being watched?" asked Elliot waving at the security camera facing them a few feet away on a pillar.
"I'll be damned! That means if this camera was working that night we might have a deaf and mute witness to the crime after all. All we need is to get the tape from that night!" followed Dean thinking like a cop.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" asked Elliot hypothetically walking towards the elevator.
There was no need to answer him as Dean followed him into the elevator. They rode in silence to the security office letting their minds wander for the time being.
Walking into the security office Elliot flashed his badge with an explanation, "I'm detective Stabler and this is my partner Detective Ryan. Is there someone we can talk to about the security of this building?"
The young officer at the desk flashed them a startled look before composing himself. Stretching into his full height he tries to respond, "I'm the only one here right now, maybe I can help you."
"We were just curious about one of the cameras in section three of the parking garage by the elevator. We were hoping you could show us the video from that camera a couple nights ago around midnight." informed Dean pulling out his black notebook as if he was getting ready to write down some notes on the case.
"Ummm sure, let me go check in back" offered the young officer biting his lip troublesomely. In a few minutes he returned with a couple of tapes in hand. Handing them over he didn't even think about asking what this was all about.
"By the way, do you know when Bob is working again?" asked Elliot.
"He no longer works here! Something about his health made him quit. Can you believe he would do that just a month before retirement?" The young officer said.
"Thanks so much for the help; we'll return theses in a couple of days."Dean said as he followed Elliot out the door.
"That was just a little too easy! What was all that stuff about Bob?" questioned Dean as they rode the elevator back down to their cars.
"Just a hunch I had. Hey thanks for the help man. I think I can handle it from here. I owe you one." They got off the elevators and headed to their cars.
"I'll expect a steak dinner on payday as a payment" Yelled Dean as Elliot honked his horn before driving away into the darkness.
48th Precinct Tuesday 8:00 am
Although Elliot was itching to work on Ethany's case when he got into the precinct he knew he was needed in court most of the morning. Walking into the busy office he walked brain dead to his desk where Dean was waiting for him.
"Tough morning in court, hon?" joked Dean watching his partner loosen his tie as he gives him a patronizing look.
"I'm amazed I have any brain cells left. It's a miracle the jury found the guy guilty after having to listen to a bunch of science geeks spew out scientific facts that even I didn't understand! What are you grinning at?"
"Uh nothing. How about I treat you to lunch? It'll give you a chance to clear out the cobwebs in your head." Dean said grabbing his jacket.
Raising an eyebrow at the suggestion Elliot lets it pass. "Sounds like a plan, besides I got to tell you what I found on that security tape we got from Ethany's building last night."
Noon Tuesday
Figuring that they would end up at one of the hot-dog venders on the street; Elliot was shocked to find Dean pulling up to one of the fancier restaurants in town. Only the power hungry lawyers, journalist, stockbrokers occupied the tables. Again he gives his partner a raised eyebrow, which Dean continues to ignore.
"Order whatever you want, it's on me." Dean taking his own advise and ordered the thickest steak platter and a beer.
"We're on the clock." Elliot said after ordering his own lunch. But once again Dean did as he liked and paid no attention to his partner.
"So what's the deal? I can't believe you're still on this thing! You must really need to get laid..." started Dean but Elliot interrupted him before he could go farther.
"I don't think Ethany's as much of a nutcase as you make her out to be! There's truth behind what she told us that night. Unfortunately someone was bright enough to turn off the cameras and lights to prevent us from finding any evidence on tape. This makes this Bob the first suspect on my list. He may not be directly involved with the crime, but someone made sure he would be working that night. Knowing this they had no worries about being video taped. Ethany just wasn't in his plan. If it wasn't for her he might have gotten away with it." Elliot explained as the waiter placed his plate in front of him.
Taking a long swig of his beer Dean commented on the information Elliot had given him, "Why do you think this Bob guy is involved? Maybe he's just a innocent bystander like your girlfriend is?"
"Oh come on Dean, you got to be kidding me! What did you just graduate from the academy yesterday? Don't you find it a little bit suspicious that Bob just happen to quit a day after the murder? What about quitting a month before his retirement? I think we need to take another field trip to the parking garage after lunch." suggested Elliot in between bites of his food.
Dean rolled his eyes in response as he noticed a familiar figure standing in line waiting to be seated. "Well speak of the devil." He mumbled watching as a beautiful chestnut haired woman starts walking in their direction.
Elliot turns just in time to come face to face with Ethany. Blushing deeply he takes a quick survey of her tight form fitting salmon shirt and black skirt before meeting her striking Jade green eyes with his own.
"Fancy meeting you here Detective Stabler! You come here often?" She asked politely in passing trying to erase the startled look from her face.
"I must say this is the first for both of us." explained Elliot trying desperately to swallow the whole piece of cow he had in his mouth.
Laughing she quietly excuses herself to join the rest of her party at a near by table. Turning his attention back on his partner he finds Dean is dying laughing in his own chair.
"That was really smooth partner! No wonder you always spend your Friday nights alone." Dean mumbled polishing off his beer.
New Yorker Building Parking garage Tuesday
Dean leans against the stone pillar watching as Elliot traced his steps inch by inch around the same section of concrete floor. They had been there for maybe twenty minutes and so far Elliot had come up empty handed. With his back towards Dean he walks to the elevator at a snail's pace keeping his eye's glued to the floor in hopes of finding something. Spotting something out of place Elliot squats to take a better look. There stuck to a piece of gum in a middle of a crack in the cement was a thin black plastic strip. Grabbing a baggy from his pocket he picks up the plastic with his tweezers and deposits it in the bag. Turning he catches his partner putting something in his own pocket.
"Find something?" He challenged with one bushy eyebrow raised.
"Nah just bored! Can we get out of here and investigate some real crimes before the Captain jumps on our case?" he answered quickly directing his attention onto the toe of his right shoe.
"If I'm boring you that much, why don't you go back to the station and start on that truck load of paperwork that's waiting on our desks." Elliot said as his mind raced with unanswered questions. He had no time to baby- sit someone that didn't even want to be here. He could do the leg work himself. Knowing that in the end Dean would be right there to bask in the glory of solving the crime when it was all said and done. He just couldn't figure out his partner sometimes! Elliot was to busy with his inner thoughts to even notice that his partner had taken his suggestion to heart and had deserted him.
Ethany Pearce's Office New Yorker Building 2:00pm/ Tuesday
"Miss Pearce, these came for you while you were out for lunch." The secretary said reaching for the long white box tied with a rose colored ribbon beside her desk.
"EWWWWW, who's the lucky guy? You have been holding out on us." joked one of Ethany's companions as she followed Ethany into her office.
"You're guess is as good as mine." Laughed Ethany hoping deep in her heart that maybe they were from Elliot. As she started to untie the ribbon she tried to get those thoughts from her mind. No use getting her hopes up over nothing. Carefully she raises the box lid. Disappointment was the farthest thing from her mind as she looked at the bunch of dead black roses lying in the box.
"Keep your mouth shut and your friends won't be going to your funeral any time soon!" the card warned. Turning white as a ghost she collapses in her chair barely realizing that her friend was still in the office with her.
"Ethany, who on earth would do this?"
"Becky, I'll talk to you later okay! I'm sure it's just a stupid joke someone's playing. Probably my little brother being stupid again! Nothing to worry about. She announced although her voice was shaking like a leaf.
Once Becky had left her first instinct was to call Elliot. She even tried to pick up the phone a couple of times. But the little voice inside wouldn't let her. She didn't want Elliot to think she was some silly child that couldn't take care of herself. She all ready made a total fool of herself in front of him at the hospital. No need to make it a regular event. It probably had nothing to do with the shooting in the garage. She tried to convince herself of this as she put the lid on the roses before tossing them in the near by trash. But it wasn't working.
New Yorker Building Parking Garage TUESDAY
As the wheels in his head turn frantically Elliot walked over to the security officer in the toll booth. Knocking on the glass he flashes his badge. "Detective Stabler, I was hoping you could answer some questions for me?"
Before he could ask his question he had to wait patiently as the security guard checked the drivers Id before letting the driver enter the parking garage.
"What can I do for you? Questioned the guard.
"Where you working on Friday night?"
"Yea, I usually take that shift since none of the other losers around here want to do it. What of it?" Asked the guard as he stopped another car to check their ID.
"What does it take for a person to park in here? Can the public use this when ever they want?" questioned Elliot ignoring the guard's question.
"Hell no! As if we need any more problems around here! Only employees of the building are allowed in here. They have to have their employee Id or they can't park."
"So no one can come in or out without you seeing them. Is that correct?"
"Yup, we can't even take a piss around here unless we have someone to cover our ass! This toll booth is our home for our eight hours. You better have a damn good reason to leave it if you want to keep your job around here." Informed the guard.
"Can you tell me how many cars left the garage around ten, eleven last Friday?" Elliot finally getting some where.
"How the hell should I know? Friday's a busy night! No one wants to stick around here when there's partying to be done somewhere else! Half the people who work here takes advantage of the place and leave their cars here while they walk up the street to Annie's bar." Explained the guard rolling his eyes.
Elliot could tell just by looking at the beer belly, long haired hippie looking man that he wasn't the partying type. "When my partner and I arrived here a little after ten there was no one in the booth. Where were you?"
Looking like a deer caught in the lights of a passing car the guard stood up to his full height before answering. "Are you trying to get me fired or something? Man. I don't need this shit; I got a family to feed..."
Elliot cut him off before he could go on with his whining, "Whatever you tell me will be in the strict confidence. But if I have to come back here with a warrant all deals are off. So where were you?"
"These two bitches were fighting up the street. A real cat fight with screaming, pulling hair and nails flying everywhere. I stepped out to get a better look. But I can tell you no one got past me! There's no way to open the gate by yourself." He said in a lower voice.
"Do you remember Miss Pearce leaving for the night?"
"Shit, that bitch is always the last to leave! I guess she thinks if she burns the midnight oil she'll get ahead in the world. To bad she doesn't know that the only way to the top is to sleep your way there."
Elliot had to hold himself back upon hearing the low life call Ethany a bitch. Was he really letting her get under his skin that much that he was ready to protect her honor? Not willing to let himself answer that question he simply said goodbye to the security guard before slipping under the bar.
Once on the sidewalk he took in every bit of detail around him. Nothing escaped him from the second security camera pointed down to the driveway to the parking lot to the different venders stationed around the parking garage. Making some mental notes he ventures the short distance to the rose vender.
"I'm Detective Stabler; can I ask you some questions?"
"Don't worry man I got a permit! I wish you guys would quit harassing me! You gotta let a man earn a living some how." The guy said with an attitude.
"That's the last thing on my mind son. I was hoping you could answer some questions for me. Are you out here every day?"
"Rain or shine! Maybe I should become a mailman." laughed the young man showing a set of crooked teeth.
"Where you here last Friday night around ten?"
"Yea, I try to stay out as late as possible, especially on Friday nights! That's my best night since its date night and all."
"Can you tell me if you saw any cars enter or leave the garage around ten or a little after?"
"Well, there was the usual traffic around five when everyone left work. Then it was pretty quite. I do remember a cop car arriving shortly after ten with its lights flashing, hey was that you guys? Is that was this is all about?" The young man asked as his eyes widen with excitement.
"Did you see anyone leave or enter before we arrived?" inquired Elliot.
Thinking about it for a few seconds his eyes widen even more as he snapped his fingers before exclaiming, "Yea, now that I think of it A car did leave pretty quickly around then. The security guard was still watching the fight up the street. A black corvette came screaming out of the garage as if the devil himself was chasing him. It sure got the guards attention! I'm surprise that red neck still got his job after leaving his post like that."
"Why you say that?"
"Well, I didn't see it of course but from the loud crash and the way the guard was cussing up a storm I don't think he appreciated the bar being broken like it was. Do you think the guard had to pay for it out of his own pocket since it was his fault?"
"Can you tell me anything else about this black Corvette you saw?" asked Elliot frantically scribbling in his notebook.
"Well, when it drove past here I swear I saw a arm sticking out of the trunk. I guess the guy was in such a hurry he didn't close the trunk. Because the lid was bouncing up and down until he hit the speed bump causing it to slam shut. I didn't get a clear view of the plate but I think there was an H in there somewhere." Finally he was getting somewhere! Thanking him Elliot strolls back to the parking garage for his car.
CHAPTER 3
NEW YORKER PARKING GARAGE 12:30 TUESDAY
As Dean approached his partner he found him staring at the light fixtures. "If you dragged me out here to show me some lights I'm going to shoot you." Dean said standing beside his partner.
"You're in a great mood! Anyway this won't take long. Can you tell me why I picked this exact spot to meet at?" questioned Elliot as he began to search the walls and ceilings.
"Ummm, because this is where you and Ethany had some kind of kinky love thing going on and you wanted to relive the moment? How the hell should I know! Just get to the point so I can go back home!"
"I will never understand how you passed the officer's exam. This is the exact spot where Ethany reported the murder. What's different about it? Elliot asked pacing back and forth.
"I dunno it's brighter or something! Can we quit playing games and get to the point!"
"You're right it's brighter! If this is where Ethany was standing when the murder took place she shouldn't of had any problem seeing the faces of the men. Unless this light wasn't working. By the way do you feel as if you're being watched?" asked Elliot waving at the security camera facing them a few feet away on a pillar.
"I'll be damned! That means if this camera was working that night we might have a deaf and mute witness to the crime after all. All we need is to get the tape from that night!" followed Dean thinking like a cop.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" asked Elliot hypothetically walking towards the elevator.
There was no need to answer him as Dean followed him into the elevator. They rode in silence to the security office letting their minds wander for the time being.
Walking into the security office Elliot flashed his badge with an explanation, "I'm detective Stabler and this is my partner Detective Ryan. Is there someone we can talk to about the security of this building?"
The young officer at the desk flashed them a startled look before composing himself. Stretching into his full height he tries to respond, "I'm the only one here right now, maybe I can help you."
"We were just curious about one of the cameras in section three of the parking garage by the elevator. We were hoping you could show us the video from that camera a couple nights ago around midnight." informed Dean pulling out his black notebook as if he was getting ready to write down some notes on the case.
"Ummm sure, let me go check in back" offered the young officer biting his lip troublesomely. In a few minutes he returned with a couple of tapes in hand. Handing them over he didn't even think about asking what this was all about.
"By the way, do you know when Bob is working again?" asked Elliot.
"He no longer works here! Something about his health made him quit. Can you believe he would do that just a month before retirement?" The young officer said.
"Thanks so much for the help; we'll return theses in a couple of days."Dean said as he followed Elliot out the door.
"That was just a little too easy! What was all that stuff about Bob?" questioned Dean as they rode the elevator back down to their cars.
"Just a hunch I had. Hey thanks for the help man. I think I can handle it from here. I owe you one." They got off the elevators and headed to their cars.
"I'll expect a steak dinner on payday as a payment" Yelled Dean as Elliot honked his horn before driving away into the darkness.
48th Precinct Tuesday 8:00 am
Although Elliot was itching to work on Ethany's case when he got into the precinct he knew he was needed in court most of the morning. Walking into the busy office he walked brain dead to his desk where Dean was waiting for him.
"Tough morning in court, hon?" joked Dean watching his partner loosen his tie as he gives him a patronizing look.
"I'm amazed I have any brain cells left. It's a miracle the jury found the guy guilty after having to listen to a bunch of science geeks spew out scientific facts that even I didn't understand! What are you grinning at?"
"Uh nothing. How about I treat you to lunch? It'll give you a chance to clear out the cobwebs in your head." Dean said grabbing his jacket.
Raising an eyebrow at the suggestion Elliot lets it pass. "Sounds like a plan, besides I got to tell you what I found on that security tape we got from Ethany's building last night."
Noon Tuesday
Figuring that they would end up at one of the hot-dog venders on the street; Elliot was shocked to find Dean pulling up to one of the fancier restaurants in town. Only the power hungry lawyers, journalist, stockbrokers occupied the tables. Again he gives his partner a raised eyebrow, which Dean continues to ignore.
"Order whatever you want, it's on me." Dean taking his own advise and ordered the thickest steak platter and a beer.
"We're on the clock." Elliot said after ordering his own lunch. But once again Dean did as he liked and paid no attention to his partner.
"So what's the deal? I can't believe you're still on this thing! You must really need to get laid..." started Dean but Elliot interrupted him before he could go farther.
"I don't think Ethany's as much of a nutcase as you make her out to be! There's truth behind what she told us that night. Unfortunately someone was bright enough to turn off the cameras and lights to prevent us from finding any evidence on tape. This makes this Bob the first suspect on my list. He may not be directly involved with the crime, but someone made sure he would be working that night. Knowing this they had no worries about being video taped. Ethany just wasn't in his plan. If it wasn't for her he might have gotten away with it." Elliot explained as the waiter placed his plate in front of him.
Taking a long swig of his beer Dean commented on the information Elliot had given him, "Why do you think this Bob guy is involved? Maybe he's just a innocent bystander like your girlfriend is?"
"Oh come on Dean, you got to be kidding me! What did you just graduate from the academy yesterday? Don't you find it a little bit suspicious that Bob just happen to quit a day after the murder? What about quitting a month before his retirement? I think we need to take another field trip to the parking garage after lunch." suggested Elliot in between bites of his food.
Dean rolled his eyes in response as he noticed a familiar figure standing in line waiting to be seated. "Well speak of the devil." He mumbled watching as a beautiful chestnut haired woman starts walking in their direction.
Elliot turns just in time to come face to face with Ethany. Blushing deeply he takes a quick survey of her tight form fitting salmon shirt and black skirt before meeting her striking Jade green eyes with his own.
"Fancy meeting you here Detective Stabler! You come here often?" She asked politely in passing trying to erase the startled look from her face.
"I must say this is the first for both of us." explained Elliot trying desperately to swallow the whole piece of cow he had in his mouth.
Laughing she quietly excuses herself to join the rest of her party at a near by table. Turning his attention back on his partner he finds Dean is dying laughing in his own chair.
"That was really smooth partner! No wonder you always spend your Friday nights alone." Dean mumbled polishing off his beer.
New Yorker Building Parking garage Tuesday
Dean leans against the stone pillar watching as Elliot traced his steps inch by inch around the same section of concrete floor. They had been there for maybe twenty minutes and so far Elliot had come up empty handed. With his back towards Dean he walks to the elevator at a snail's pace keeping his eye's glued to the floor in hopes of finding something. Spotting something out of place Elliot squats to take a better look. There stuck to a piece of gum in a middle of a crack in the cement was a thin black plastic strip. Grabbing a baggy from his pocket he picks up the plastic with his tweezers and deposits it in the bag. Turning he catches his partner putting something in his own pocket.
"Find something?" He challenged with one bushy eyebrow raised.
"Nah just bored! Can we get out of here and investigate some real crimes before the Captain jumps on our case?" he answered quickly directing his attention onto the toe of his right shoe.
"If I'm boring you that much, why don't you go back to the station and start on that truck load of paperwork that's waiting on our desks." Elliot said as his mind raced with unanswered questions. He had no time to baby- sit someone that didn't even want to be here. He could do the leg work himself. Knowing that in the end Dean would be right there to bask in the glory of solving the crime when it was all said and done. He just couldn't figure out his partner sometimes! Elliot was to busy with his inner thoughts to even notice that his partner had taken his suggestion to heart and had deserted him.
Ethany Pearce's Office New Yorker Building 2:00pm/ Tuesday
"Miss Pearce, these came for you while you were out for lunch." The secretary said reaching for the long white box tied with a rose colored ribbon beside her desk.
"EWWWWW, who's the lucky guy? You have been holding out on us." joked one of Ethany's companions as she followed Ethany into her office.
"You're guess is as good as mine." Laughed Ethany hoping deep in her heart that maybe they were from Elliot. As she started to untie the ribbon she tried to get those thoughts from her mind. No use getting her hopes up over nothing. Carefully she raises the box lid. Disappointment was the farthest thing from her mind as she looked at the bunch of dead black roses lying in the box.
"Keep your mouth shut and your friends won't be going to your funeral any time soon!" the card warned. Turning white as a ghost she collapses in her chair barely realizing that her friend was still in the office with her.
"Ethany, who on earth would do this?"
"Becky, I'll talk to you later okay! I'm sure it's just a stupid joke someone's playing. Probably my little brother being stupid again! Nothing to worry about. She announced although her voice was shaking like a leaf.
Once Becky had left her first instinct was to call Elliot. She even tried to pick up the phone a couple of times. But the little voice inside wouldn't let her. She didn't want Elliot to think she was some silly child that couldn't take care of herself. She all ready made a total fool of herself in front of him at the hospital. No need to make it a regular event. It probably had nothing to do with the shooting in the garage. She tried to convince herself of this as she put the lid on the roses before tossing them in the near by trash. But it wasn't working.
New Yorker Building Parking Garage TUESDAY
As the wheels in his head turn frantically Elliot walked over to the security officer in the toll booth. Knocking on the glass he flashes his badge. "Detective Stabler, I was hoping you could answer some questions for me?"
Before he could ask his question he had to wait patiently as the security guard checked the drivers Id before letting the driver enter the parking garage.
"What can I do for you? Questioned the guard.
"Where you working on Friday night?"
"Yea, I usually take that shift since none of the other losers around here want to do it. What of it?" Asked the guard as he stopped another car to check their ID.
"What does it take for a person to park in here? Can the public use this when ever they want?" questioned Elliot ignoring the guard's question.
"Hell no! As if we need any more problems around here! Only employees of the building are allowed in here. They have to have their employee Id or they can't park."
"So no one can come in or out without you seeing them. Is that correct?"
"Yup, we can't even take a piss around here unless we have someone to cover our ass! This toll booth is our home for our eight hours. You better have a damn good reason to leave it if you want to keep your job around here." Informed the guard.
"Can you tell me how many cars left the garage around ten, eleven last Friday?" Elliot finally getting some where.
"How the hell should I know? Friday's a busy night! No one wants to stick around here when there's partying to be done somewhere else! Half the people who work here takes advantage of the place and leave their cars here while they walk up the street to Annie's bar." Explained the guard rolling his eyes.
Elliot could tell just by looking at the beer belly, long haired hippie looking man that he wasn't the partying type. "When my partner and I arrived here a little after ten there was no one in the booth. Where were you?"
Looking like a deer caught in the lights of a passing car the guard stood up to his full height before answering. "Are you trying to get me fired or something? Man. I don't need this shit; I got a family to feed..."
Elliot cut him off before he could go on with his whining, "Whatever you tell me will be in the strict confidence. But if I have to come back here with a warrant all deals are off. So where were you?"
"These two bitches were fighting up the street. A real cat fight with screaming, pulling hair and nails flying everywhere. I stepped out to get a better look. But I can tell you no one got past me! There's no way to open the gate by yourself." He said in a lower voice.
"Do you remember Miss Pearce leaving for the night?"
"Shit, that bitch is always the last to leave! I guess she thinks if she burns the midnight oil she'll get ahead in the world. To bad she doesn't know that the only way to the top is to sleep your way there."
Elliot had to hold himself back upon hearing the low life call Ethany a bitch. Was he really letting her get under his skin that much that he was ready to protect her honor? Not willing to let himself answer that question he simply said goodbye to the security guard before slipping under the bar.
Once on the sidewalk he took in every bit of detail around him. Nothing escaped him from the second security camera pointed down to the driveway to the parking lot to the different venders stationed around the parking garage. Making some mental notes he ventures the short distance to the rose vender.
"I'm Detective Stabler; can I ask you some questions?"
"Don't worry man I got a permit! I wish you guys would quit harassing me! You gotta let a man earn a living some how." The guy said with an attitude.
"That's the last thing on my mind son. I was hoping you could answer some questions for me. Are you out here every day?"
"Rain or shine! Maybe I should become a mailman." laughed the young man showing a set of crooked teeth.
"Where you here last Friday night around ten?"
"Yea, I try to stay out as late as possible, especially on Friday nights! That's my best night since its date night and all."
"Can you tell me if you saw any cars enter or leave the garage around ten or a little after?"
"Well, there was the usual traffic around five when everyone left work. Then it was pretty quite. I do remember a cop car arriving shortly after ten with its lights flashing, hey was that you guys? Is that was this is all about?" The young man asked as his eyes widen with excitement.
"Did you see anyone leave or enter before we arrived?" inquired Elliot.
Thinking about it for a few seconds his eyes widen even more as he snapped his fingers before exclaiming, "Yea, now that I think of it A car did leave pretty quickly around then. The security guard was still watching the fight up the street. A black corvette came screaming out of the garage as if the devil himself was chasing him. It sure got the guards attention! I'm surprise that red neck still got his job after leaving his post like that."
"Why you say that?"
"Well, I didn't see it of course but from the loud crash and the way the guard was cussing up a storm I don't think he appreciated the bar being broken like it was. Do you think the guard had to pay for it out of his own pocket since it was his fault?"
"Can you tell me anything else about this black Corvette you saw?" asked Elliot frantically scribbling in his notebook.
"Well, when it drove past here I swear I saw a arm sticking out of the trunk. I guess the guy was in such a hurry he didn't close the trunk. Because the lid was bouncing up and down until he hit the speed bump causing it to slam shut. I didn't get a clear view of the plate but I think there was an H in there somewhere." Finally he was getting somewhere! Thanking him Elliot strolls back to the parking garage for his car.