Tyler knocked on the partially open office door. "Yo, Messer. They're here."

"Sid know?"

"Yeah."

"Thanks Man."

Danny ran his fingers through his hair and straightened his jacket as he walked to the elevator. There were few tasks in his job he disliked, but visual id's by a victim's family were top of the list. Especially when the vic was a kid. It was always messy.

A older couple, mid 50s he guessed, was waiting in the anteroom.

"Mr and Mrs Clark. I'm Detective Messer." Danny gently waved them towards the viewing window. The curtains were still closed but Danny knew that on the other side was the body of their son, carefully covered so only the face was showing. No need for them to see how he died. It wouldn't make losing their son any easier.

"What do we do?" Lucas' mother asked softly.

"When you're ready, just push the button and the curtains will open." Danny explained, pointing to the switch. "Take your time."

He stepped to the side to give them room. He always felt like an invader during these moments. And he'd be the first to admit that being there made things personal. It was easier when he could just focus on the evidence, not think about the person connected to the blood, the photos, the crime.

An eternity seemed to pass before the boy's father reached up and pushed the button. Danny kept his focus on the curtains as they opened.

He didn't need to ask the question. The sobbing gave him his answer. Sobbing which became crying which became yelling. Yelling and hitting and flailing. Danny felt a sting as his cheek was gashed. He was as gentle as he could be, grabbing Mrs Clark, pinning her arms down to avoid getting hit again. Eventually she gave in and crumpled to the ground. He stepped back and let the grieving parents have their moment.

He hated when it got messy.