Disclaimer- They're not mine, they're not jtbwriter's. They don't even belong to GoddessofSnark. Ain't that a bummer.
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"Jordan, Ah'm so tired, even that ratty old sofa of yours looks good right now." Wren yawned and stretched, then pitched her dirty gloves into the wastebasket.
This was the second week of the hunt for more victims of the "Gentleman Slayer", as the press had so obnoxiously dubbed the murderer. Ever since Slocum had taken credit for Nigel's discovery of the pattern of women being found dead in or near new construction sites, Wren had worked feverishly to find the proof that would nail this bastard.
Jordan covered her mouth as a yawn escaped from her, and then she chuckled tiredly. "Wren Morgan, you stop insulting my couch, I've done some of my best sleeping on that thing."
"Well, guess what, buddy, I'm about ready to test it out!" she replied, grinning, then let out a whoop as a pair of strong arms swooped her up and deposited her on the squeaking cushions.
"Not another word out of you, my bird." Nigel teased, laying a kiss on Wren; then covering her up with Jordan's throw. "You need to rest, otherwise you won't be good for anything."
The southern belle winked at Jordan, then whispered huskily, "Anything, honey?"
Nigel gulped and turned bright red, then lowered his head; lips leading forward and lightly touched her nose. "Anything but that, love."
Just then ominous footsteps clattered down the corridor and Bug swung in the room, with Lily close behind. "Slocum's on his way in here, fit to be tied."
Reluctantly pulling away, Nigel stood up, and then gave a hand to Wren. Slokum entered and looked over the group.
"I'm certain with a serial killer on the loose and the rest of Boston continuing to send us their deceased, there is ample work for everyone concerned. Dr. Morgan, Dr. Cavanaugh, where is my autopsy report on the latest victim?" Slokum asked in a condescending tone.
"We will
begin compiling it after lunch, Jack." Wren answered in a tone that
exactly matched his. "We need that report to the police
as soon as possible…" Slokum began, but Wren cut him off.
"Dr. Cavanaugh and I have been in autopsy for the past six hours,
Jack. An hour for lunch will not impede the investigation." She
dismissed the pushy jerk with a nod and turned to Woody, who'd just
walked up to the door of Jordan's office. "Detective, we have
your preliminary if you'll give Emmy about fifteen minutes to type
it, we can discuss the particulars over lunch."
Wren turned back to Slokum. "It's a pity you're lunching with the Mayor, Jack. We'll be eating in the conference room, if you return in time to join us. Looks like we all have working lunches today."
Wren's voice sounded genial to anyone who did not know her, with only the barest hint of her accent. But her new friends had already learned that the calmer and more precise Wren's voice became, the angrier she was and the loss of her accent signaled a tight control over her desire to throttle Slokum.
"Very well, I'll look over your conclusions and we can discuss the case when I return this afternoon, if you have time, Doctor." As usual, the man became more than a little obsequious while speaking to Wren; he was very impressed with her credentials and professional prestige. He tended to check his overbearing attitude toward the staff in her presence, which was why Wren tried to stay at the morgue until the twerp left each day.
"I'll look forward to it, Jack. I'm certain your professional insight will be fascinating." Wren smiled a tight insincere version of her normal grin. Slokum seemed to puff up a little at what he believed was Wren's compliment and left for his political lunch.
As soon as he was out of sight, Jordan collapsed in giggles against Woody as Bug leaned chuckling against the door and Nigel swept Wren up like a conquering hero and danced her around the room.
"How do you manage that tone and look?" Jordan asked catching her breath. "And how can he not see that you're tweaking him?"
"I guess his 'bliviousness is ob." Wren gasped out, trying to think around the thrill of shivers Nigel's touch always evoked. When he sat her down and she could think again, she looked at everyone. "So what are we eating for our working lunch? My treat."
"Pizza?" Lily suggested. "Giorgio's deep dish all around?"
"Sound great." Wren picked up Jordan's phone. "Emmy, call Giorgio's and order six large deep dish and tell them to surprise us, but each one has to have at least three toppings and extra cheese and there's an extra twenty for the driver if we get it in thirty minutes." She hung up and noticed the looks she was getting. "What?"
"Tip and all that over a hundred and fifty, Wren. You gotta let us chip in." Woody said.
"Don't worry guys, my bank account can handle treating my friends, besides we are celebrating." Wren grinned mischievously.
"What are you celebrating?" Garret asked from the doorway.
"I didn't strangle Slokum again." Wren grinned.
"Your restraint and fortitude never ceases to amaze me, Doctor." Garret deadpanned as the rest of the gang laughed.
Within seconds, the good humor in the room ebbed as Woody's police radio went off. Silence deepened as the officer on the other end reported a woman's body found behind a dumpster next to a new building.
"Here we go again." Jordan sighed