KILLING ME SOFTLY
CHAPTER 5
New Yorker building Wed/ morning
When Elliot screeched to a stop in front of the building he watched as streams of worried workers fitter out of the building among the ambulance and fire trucks. All ready the yellow police tape was surrounding the scene. Walking up to the building with Dean close at hand, Elliot couldn't help but search the crowd of people for a glimpse of Ethany to stop his worries about her.
"Hopeful this had nothing to do with her!" he mumbled to himself all though his gut was telling him otherwise. Flashing their badges at the cop guarding the entrance they followed their escort to the crime scene.
"Elliot, I'm so glad you here!" cried a familiar female voice as the person jumps from the couch to run to him.
All hope drained from his body as he held a hysterical Ethany in his arms. Letting his emotional side take over for his professional side he holds her whispering calming words in her ear. There was no use trying to ask her any questions until her crying had subsided. As he walked Ethany back to the couch he motioned Dean to go ahead without him.
As she laid her head on his shoulder he waited patiently for her to stop crying. Hearing her hiccup in between her sobs Elliot softly tries to ask her questions, "Can you tell me what happened?" he asked feeling her tremble next to him on the couch.
"I dunno. I was the first person to arrive this morning. So I opened up the office like I normally do. I sat my stuff down at my secretary's desk and headed into the break room to make some coffee hoping it would settle my head and stomach. I waited until it was done and then I returned to my office. I...I....I...." started Ethany as the tears began to roll down her cheek again. Brushing them away with her free hand she continues, "I opened the door and turned on the light and that's when I saw him. The blood was everywhere. I just don't understand why someone would do that to such a nice man!"
"Would you be all right if I get Detective James to come sit with you while I go look at the scene?" questioned Elliot still holding onto one of her trembling hands. Seeing her shake her head in agreement he calls the women Detective over to Ethany. After explaining the situation to her he kisses Ethany's hand and leaves her in capable hands to join his partner in the crime scene.
Walking through Ethany's office door Elliot pulls on his latex gloves as he takes in the scene. The once white walls were spotted with red dots of blood. The walls behind her desk held a terrifying message painted in the victim's blood. This time the message was straight to the point. They were done playing games; it was time to tie up all the loose ends which included Ethany.
"This is what happens when you open your mouth!" read the message of blood. As if the message wasn't terrifying enough to drive the point home the perp had cut the victim's tongue out and stapled it to the wall below the message.
Walking over to he partner he takes in what was left of the victim. He was lying on his stomach dressed in a plain white T-shirt, stained with blood now, and blue jeans. After taking pictures of how they found the body Dean rolls him over. To their amazement it was the recently retired security guard, Bob.
"Well, I guess you can mark him off your suspect list!" smarted off Dean watching Elliot kneel closer to the body.
Ignoring his partner's rude remark Elliot ask, "What do you think made these gashes?"
"I dunno maybe a knife? But I don't think that's what killed him look at his neck!" instructed Dean pointing at the red marks around Bob's neck.
"You think maybe he was strangled and then stabbed? That a bit much, don't you think?" answered Elliot.
"Well by the look of this mess I think who ever did this was trying to make a point! He could have cared less if it was overkill or not!" commented Dean.
"So do you think that Ethany is just some nutcase looking for attention?" questioned Elliot meeting Dean's brown eyes with his own blue ones.
"All I know is your girl got herself in a lot of trouble!" remarked Dean as another detective joined then with an evidence bag in hand.
"Found this in the stairwell where the perp dropped it when he rushed out of here!" informed the detective holding up the evidence bag with a bloody letter opener in it
"Rush that to the lab, but I'm pretty sure the blood will match our victims. There's really nothing else we can do until the coroner and the C.S.U team comes." Offered Elliot as his mind raced with thoughts.
Retreating back into the lobby Elliot was surprise to find Ethany gone. Looking around the room he spots the female officer he had left Ethany with. Excusing himself from his partner he walks over to Detective James and another female officer in the corner "Where's the women that I left you in charge of?" He questioned.
"They took her to the hospital to be checked out. She was pretty upset about the whole thing." explained Officer James rolling her eyes at the other officer.
"Well Detective, under the circumstance I think she had every reason to be upset. I would like to see how you would react under this kind of pressure!" Not waiting or wanting to hear any excuse Elliot turns and leaves.
48th Prescient Wed/ Noon
"Captain Cavelo, can I speak to you privately for a moment?" Elliot said lightly tapping on the open door.
"Sure Detective, what's on your mind?" questioned the captain motioning him into the office.
Closing the door behind him Elliot takes a seat in front of the desk, "Captain, I think Miss Pearce is in a lot of trouble. I believe she could be the next victim." Elliot said trying to keep his personal feelings out of it and act professional.
"What makes you think that?"
"Well, just from the crime scene it looks as if they are trying to scare her. There was a warning painted in blood on her wall and the victim's body was found in Miss Pearce's office. I think this is repercussion to her reporting the shooting in her parking garage!"
"So you want to put her in protective custody? Son, I hate to tell you but we barely have enough Detectives to cover all the crimes that come through this office on any given day. I can't afford to pull two or more cops off their cases to baby-sit one person!" Captain Cavelo said.
"I know sir, that's why I would like to have your permission for some vacation time so I can take Eth.....Miss Pearce to my cabin for protection. As soon as this case is finished I'll come back to work!" offered Elliot as his baby blues pleaded with his captain.
"Are you sure you want to do this now? Is she worth jeopardizing your career over?"
"Yes sir, I think this crime needs further investigating. Miss Pearce is a key witness to the crime and needs to be placed in protective custody for her safety!"
"Very well Elliot! Just remember to keep your personal relationship separated from your job! I've heard rumors and I would hate to see one of my best Detectives blow a great opportunity because he let his heart lead instead of his head!"
Walking back to his desk Elliot begins to pack up his things as Dean finished his conversation on the phone. Seeing his partner actions he asks curiously, "Elliot, whatcha doing?"
"Umm, I'm taking the rest of the day off. This case is hitting to close to home so the captain has taken me off it. Don't think Ill be in for few. Boss thinks it would be good for me to take some time off to clear my head. Just promise me you'll continue with Ethany's case. Follow the leads ok!"
"As you wish partner. Let's go out for some beers sometimes!" Dean said getting up from his chair to shake Elliot's hand.
Calling ahead he found that Ethany was still waiting to be seen at the hospital. Since she wasn't a serious case they were keeping her in the waiting room. Double parking Elliott flew out of his car and rushed into the waiting room of the ER. Spotting Ethany crying in her chair he makes haste towards her calling out her name.
ER WAITING ROOM 12:30/ WED
"Elliot, what are you doing here?" she questioned looking up to see who had called her name.
"You ready to get out of here?" he asked keeping an eye on his surroundings.
"Now that you're here, yes! But you didn't have to come down here for me. I could have found my own way home!"
"Well you aren't exactly going home! I'll explain more in the car! Let's go!" Elliot said placing his hand on the small of her back to escort her out the door. As they speed out of town Elliot tried to explain what he had in mind.
"But I don't have anything with me! No clothes, makeup, personal stuff! Can't we stop at my apartment on the way to pack some stuff?"
"Honey, I'll bring you whatever you need. But I'm afraid you can't go back to your apartment until this settles down. Just make me a list of things you need and I'll go shopping once we get there. Until then you can wear some of my stuff." offered Elliot softly reaching for her hand.
"Well, I guess we won't have to worry about when we'll be able to see each other again!" half joked Ethany tiredly as she watched the city scenery speed past her out the window.
"Just think of it as a much needed vacation!" joked Elliot turning the radio onto one of his favorite station.
As the city disappeared they talked quietly between themselves to past the time. But the day's excitement soon caught up with her. Halfway to the cabin Elliot smiled to himself when he realized Ethany had gone asleep besides him still holding his hand.
CHAPTER 5
New Yorker building Wed/ morning
When Elliot screeched to a stop in front of the building he watched as streams of worried workers fitter out of the building among the ambulance and fire trucks. All ready the yellow police tape was surrounding the scene. Walking up to the building with Dean close at hand, Elliot couldn't help but search the crowd of people for a glimpse of Ethany to stop his worries about her.
"Hopeful this had nothing to do with her!" he mumbled to himself all though his gut was telling him otherwise. Flashing their badges at the cop guarding the entrance they followed their escort to the crime scene.
"Elliot, I'm so glad you here!" cried a familiar female voice as the person jumps from the couch to run to him.
All hope drained from his body as he held a hysterical Ethany in his arms. Letting his emotional side take over for his professional side he holds her whispering calming words in her ear. There was no use trying to ask her any questions until her crying had subsided. As he walked Ethany back to the couch he motioned Dean to go ahead without him.
As she laid her head on his shoulder he waited patiently for her to stop crying. Hearing her hiccup in between her sobs Elliot softly tries to ask her questions, "Can you tell me what happened?" he asked feeling her tremble next to him on the couch.
"I dunno. I was the first person to arrive this morning. So I opened up the office like I normally do. I sat my stuff down at my secretary's desk and headed into the break room to make some coffee hoping it would settle my head and stomach. I waited until it was done and then I returned to my office. I...I....I...." started Ethany as the tears began to roll down her cheek again. Brushing them away with her free hand she continues, "I opened the door and turned on the light and that's when I saw him. The blood was everywhere. I just don't understand why someone would do that to such a nice man!"
"Would you be all right if I get Detective James to come sit with you while I go look at the scene?" questioned Elliot still holding onto one of her trembling hands. Seeing her shake her head in agreement he calls the women Detective over to Ethany. After explaining the situation to her he kisses Ethany's hand and leaves her in capable hands to join his partner in the crime scene.
Walking through Ethany's office door Elliot pulls on his latex gloves as he takes in the scene. The once white walls were spotted with red dots of blood. The walls behind her desk held a terrifying message painted in the victim's blood. This time the message was straight to the point. They were done playing games; it was time to tie up all the loose ends which included Ethany.
"This is what happens when you open your mouth!" read the message of blood. As if the message wasn't terrifying enough to drive the point home the perp had cut the victim's tongue out and stapled it to the wall below the message.
Walking over to he partner he takes in what was left of the victim. He was lying on his stomach dressed in a plain white T-shirt, stained with blood now, and blue jeans. After taking pictures of how they found the body Dean rolls him over. To their amazement it was the recently retired security guard, Bob.
"Well, I guess you can mark him off your suspect list!" smarted off Dean watching Elliot kneel closer to the body.
Ignoring his partner's rude remark Elliot ask, "What do you think made these gashes?"
"I dunno maybe a knife? But I don't think that's what killed him look at his neck!" instructed Dean pointing at the red marks around Bob's neck.
"You think maybe he was strangled and then stabbed? That a bit much, don't you think?" answered Elliot.
"Well by the look of this mess I think who ever did this was trying to make a point! He could have cared less if it was overkill or not!" commented Dean.
"So do you think that Ethany is just some nutcase looking for attention?" questioned Elliot meeting Dean's brown eyes with his own blue ones.
"All I know is your girl got herself in a lot of trouble!" remarked Dean as another detective joined then with an evidence bag in hand.
"Found this in the stairwell where the perp dropped it when he rushed out of here!" informed the detective holding up the evidence bag with a bloody letter opener in it
"Rush that to the lab, but I'm pretty sure the blood will match our victims. There's really nothing else we can do until the coroner and the C.S.U team comes." Offered Elliot as his mind raced with thoughts.
Retreating back into the lobby Elliot was surprise to find Ethany gone. Looking around the room he spots the female officer he had left Ethany with. Excusing himself from his partner he walks over to Detective James and another female officer in the corner "Where's the women that I left you in charge of?" He questioned.
"They took her to the hospital to be checked out. She was pretty upset about the whole thing." explained Officer James rolling her eyes at the other officer.
"Well Detective, under the circumstance I think she had every reason to be upset. I would like to see how you would react under this kind of pressure!" Not waiting or wanting to hear any excuse Elliot turns and leaves.
48th Prescient Wed/ Noon
"Captain Cavelo, can I speak to you privately for a moment?" Elliot said lightly tapping on the open door.
"Sure Detective, what's on your mind?" questioned the captain motioning him into the office.
Closing the door behind him Elliot takes a seat in front of the desk, "Captain, I think Miss Pearce is in a lot of trouble. I believe she could be the next victim." Elliot said trying to keep his personal feelings out of it and act professional.
"What makes you think that?"
"Well, just from the crime scene it looks as if they are trying to scare her. There was a warning painted in blood on her wall and the victim's body was found in Miss Pearce's office. I think this is repercussion to her reporting the shooting in her parking garage!"
"So you want to put her in protective custody? Son, I hate to tell you but we barely have enough Detectives to cover all the crimes that come through this office on any given day. I can't afford to pull two or more cops off their cases to baby-sit one person!" Captain Cavelo said.
"I know sir, that's why I would like to have your permission for some vacation time so I can take Eth.....Miss Pearce to my cabin for protection. As soon as this case is finished I'll come back to work!" offered Elliot as his baby blues pleaded with his captain.
"Are you sure you want to do this now? Is she worth jeopardizing your career over?"
"Yes sir, I think this crime needs further investigating. Miss Pearce is a key witness to the crime and needs to be placed in protective custody for her safety!"
"Very well Elliot! Just remember to keep your personal relationship separated from your job! I've heard rumors and I would hate to see one of my best Detectives blow a great opportunity because he let his heart lead instead of his head!"
Walking back to his desk Elliot begins to pack up his things as Dean finished his conversation on the phone. Seeing his partner actions he asks curiously, "Elliot, whatcha doing?"
"Umm, I'm taking the rest of the day off. This case is hitting to close to home so the captain has taken me off it. Don't think Ill be in for few. Boss thinks it would be good for me to take some time off to clear my head. Just promise me you'll continue with Ethany's case. Follow the leads ok!"
"As you wish partner. Let's go out for some beers sometimes!" Dean said getting up from his chair to shake Elliot's hand.
Calling ahead he found that Ethany was still waiting to be seen at the hospital. Since she wasn't a serious case they were keeping her in the waiting room. Double parking Elliott flew out of his car and rushed into the waiting room of the ER. Spotting Ethany crying in her chair he makes haste towards her calling out her name.
ER WAITING ROOM 12:30/ WED
"Elliot, what are you doing here?" she questioned looking up to see who had called her name.
"You ready to get out of here?" he asked keeping an eye on his surroundings.
"Now that you're here, yes! But you didn't have to come down here for me. I could have found my own way home!"
"Well you aren't exactly going home! I'll explain more in the car! Let's go!" Elliot said placing his hand on the small of her back to escort her out the door. As they speed out of town Elliot tried to explain what he had in mind.
"But I don't have anything with me! No clothes, makeup, personal stuff! Can't we stop at my apartment on the way to pack some stuff?"
"Honey, I'll bring you whatever you need. But I'm afraid you can't go back to your apartment until this settles down. Just make me a list of things you need and I'll go shopping once we get there. Until then you can wear some of my stuff." offered Elliot softly reaching for her hand.
"Well, I guess we won't have to worry about when we'll be able to see each other again!" half joked Ethany tiredly as she watched the city scenery speed past her out the window.
"Just think of it as a much needed vacation!" joked Elliot turning the radio onto one of his favorite station.
As the city disappeared they talked quietly between themselves to past the time. But the day's excitement soon caught up with her. Halfway to the cabin Elliot smiled to himself when he realized Ethany had gone asleep besides him still holding his hand.