"Hey Sarge, it's Mr. Jamieson. He is the owner of the apartment. He was in work when the break-in took place."- it was Bosco who noticed her first and filled her in on what happened.
Cruz turned her head and now was looking straight into the stranger's eyes. Now she was sure that she met him before but she couldn't put the finger on how and where.
"Do you suspect anybody of doing this?"- she asked him calmly, stupid question but it was standard procedure.
"No, unless it was one of my patient unsatisfied with my methods of suppressing anger. "- he tried to joke but it fell flat.
"I'm psychologist."- he added seeing Cruz's bit disoriented face. Another smartass, Bosco thought and rolled his eyes showing his annoyance. But then something shocked him. He saw Cruz giving this guy a shy, faint smile. Bosco was stunned into silence, Monroe probably too with what was happening. Cruz and Mr. Jamison were looking at each other and sharing a smile.
"Sarge, we are done here. Fingerprints are taken, no traces of blood. We are heading back and will run some analysis to see whether they match the one taken two weeks ago from a similar case. "- one of 55 officers came to Cruz to tell her what they managed to do.
"O.K. I will meet you there in an hour. And keep me informed."- she said and the officer retreated. Mr. Jamieson was intently staring at her, she could feel it, but strangely it didn't disturb her. But it bothered Bosco. This smile and look thing and her actually being nice to that guy, he didn't really like that.
" You are Maritza, Maritza Cruz!"- the guy suddenly said, now easily recognizing her.
"Sorry, but I don't…"- Cruz answered a bit unsure and taken aback.
"We were together in class. I was a bookish, shy boy in fact was your secret admirer. But I never had enough courage to utter a word in presence of the most beautiful girl in the school. So I guess you don't remember me."- he explained it and slightly blushed as looked at Cruz.
"You were wearing glasses and sitting it the back, near the window, right?"- she asked in a playful tone a flicker of recognition in her eyes.
"So you remember me! I would never thought …."- he started but was interrupted.
"Sarge, Swersky needs you in house now. He just radioed."- Bosco cut in. It was a bent, Swersky only told him to get back to the station soon. But he didn't like what was happening in front of his eyes. Cruz was flirting with another men, their crime victim and was having fun. Now he regretted calling back- up.
"It was nice to see you again. Call me someday."- now she gave him a wide, amiable grin and made for door, Bosco and Monroe after her.
"Sure, but I have a feeling that I will see you sooner."- he said and waved a goodbye.
"Oh my, I can't believe it, you having a secret admirer."-as soon as they got out Monroe started teasing Cruz, but in a friendly way.
"Stop it, we are just school friends, there was nothing more."- Cruz wanted to drop it as quickly as possible.
"But there could be now. I can smell romance with my nose. He is hot and hitting on you."-Monroe said as if she was giving her a piece of girlish advice. Her and Cruz started to befriend after the rape.
"You think?"- Cruz asked innocently, suddenly preoccupied with looking at her nails.
"Are you blind? Ask Bosco, he is an expert in this field."- Monroe said and looked expectantly at him.
"What? What do you want me to tell? It's Cruz choice not mine, not yours, Monroe. So drop this chit-chat and don't meddle."- Bosco's anger focused on Monroe, his tone was harsh yet he tried it to sound matter-of-factly.
"So you think I should give him a chance?"- Cruz asked Bosco in unemotional, calm voice with a hint of irony. Who on earth could be better to give some advice on possible date than ex- boyfriend? This was ridiculous.
"Definitely."- he answered harshly and pushing Monroe a bit he passed them angrily.