ACT IV

"So, you guys are going to stick with that whole…twisted your ankle by the creek story or what?"

A few minutes after Mike had left the bullpen for the DMV, Tanner's head appeared by his side, a knowing smile on the African American Inspector's face.

Grinning cheekily, Steve leaned back in his chair and ran a hand over his dark red tie.

"Bill, my man, if the Lieutenant says so, it must be true."

"Here I thought I'd never see the day you turn into a klutz, Steve."

Both junior detectives chuckled for a brief moment of comradery when Bill reached over to squeeze his shoulder, the Inspector's expression turning serious almost immediately.

"I know you guys always take care of yourselves and all that, but let me know if you need any help…climbing stairs or getting groceries or anything. Ariel and I only live a few blocks away, it wouldn't be much bother at all. I am kinda worried about how bad you twisted that ankle if it's bleeding and such…"

With a grateful smile, Steve patted the hand on his shoulder and nodded slowly.

"Thanks, I appreciate it, brother, more than-"

Their quiet moment was disturbed when a shadow appeared by their side.

Glancing up, Steve noticed it to be a skinny woman in her mid-fifties, grasping a red purse tightly as she licked her lips in obvious nervousness.

"Excuse me, officers…is this…is this the Homicide department?"

Upon their eager nodding, she pulled a small piece of paper out of her purse and held it away from her face to read.

"I am looking for an…an Inspector Keller. Is he working today by any chance?"

Sharing a confused glance with Tanner, Steve cleared his throat and nodded.

"That would be me. Excuse me, Ma'am, but have we met before?"

"We have, Inspector.", she said with a faint shrug, "Over the phone. We talked for quite some time the other day. I am Martha Roberts, Sarah Roberts' mother. You are…investigating my daughter's brutal murder."

"Misses Roberts, that's right. I am sorry."

He stood up very slowly, grateful to feel Tanner's arm subtly appear on his elbow, helping to steady him until his bad leg was firmly planted on the ground. As he reached for Martha's hand, he cocked his head at the African American Inspector, who'd stepped aside, ready to return to his desk.

"Well, it's not like you'd know what I look like, young man.", she said with a warm smile, when suddenly, her features turned somber, "I am here to talk to you. About some things that have happened in our home. Things that…I heard and that I'd hate to believe might be true…"