A/N: You know the drill.
It started getting cooler around mid-September, bringing relief to everyone in Baltimore. Everyone, that is, except for the murder police. Our schedules were just as busy as they ever were. First shift had been pulled onto the night run again, which meant that things were colder for us than they were for the second shift. Bolander had walked off with Felton, leaving Munch and me without partners, again, so when I drew primaries on a new case, it was Munch that I left with.
"And the start of yet another autumn in Baltimore," he said wryly. "D'you think there'll ever be a day when no one in this city murders or gets murdered?"
"No," I said, "This is the city that bleeds, Munch, you know that."
"Yes, but at the same time, I also know that most people have some measure of good within them, whether they like it or not."
"Aren't you an optimist today?"
"No, I'm just happy that the temperatures are finally down."
"Aren't we all? You grab the keys, or am I gonna have to go back up and get them from Crosetti?"
"I have the keys. And I'm driving."
"I'm starting to think I should've just asked Lewis to ride with me."
"That makes me feel so loved, Kay."
"Truth hurts, Munch." Silence fell as we got in and headed off to our latest crime scene. What seemed like forever passed before we came to a stop in a park on the other side of town. Crime scene tape was already in place, and there were already people gathered around. I got out of the car and shook my head in disgust.
"This is just great," I said, as we crossed the tape. "How many people do you think actually know something?"
"None, really," Munch replied. "They're probably just here for the show." He motioned to the nearby trees, smirking, and I rolled my eyes. The leaves were changing; some of them were red, others yellow, and still others orange. We walked towards the medical examiner as I shook my head, biting my lip to keep from laughing.
"Autumns in Baltimore might be pretty, but I'm sure none of them are hanging around here to watch the leaves."