"So, explain to me why you came here today and attacked a Police Officer, Miss Miller?"
It took all of Mike's willpower to stay calm after what had just happened. And for one strange reason or another, it seemed that the burly lady sitting across from him was keenly aware of his inner turmoil despite his professional facade.
"Listen, I am sorry I grabbed your partner. But I had to grab somebody. I had to make a point. I didn't mean to hurt anybody, just get the point across."
Running a tired hand across his face, Mike leaned against the window sill overlooking Bryant Street, before sighing quietly.
"Now, you will have to admit that I am having a hard time believing that; especially when you put a 4-inch Steak knife up against somebody's throat. Federal law refers to that as attempted murder."
"Well, you wouldn't have taken me serious had I walked in with a squirt gun now, would you?", the lady hissed in unmasked annoyance and threw her head back, "I am just…I was getting sick and tired of the lack of progress. All these excuses your boss was making during the press conference. You see, Roy was a hero to many of us. He was a guiding light during our worst struggles. He selflessly helped us find our path…and our sanity."
"Sanity…", Mike muttered in quiet ridicule and glanced over at the bullpen, where a set of paramedics were heading toward Steve's desk, followed by a cleaning lady they'd called in to wipe the blood off the floor.
"You said you had some evidence that'll help us close our case. Could you please elaborate on that, Miss Miller?"
"I do.", the woman said gleefully and licked her full lips, "You see, we all knew about Roy's relationship troubles. That worthless ex-wife of his. He was so caring, always worried about helping others. But when it came to his private life, well…things were quite disastrous. And it worried us."
"When you say us, you mean his fan club? The one you were the…ehm…the chairwoman of?"
Catching onto his mockery, the woman glared back at him.
"That is right, Lieutenant Stone, the Chairwoman. Now, I realize this may be confusing to some of you, downright…disturbing, but you would be amazed at how large of a following Roy had. He changed so many lives, he cared so deeply…people like me can appreciate that."
"Okay…okay…", Mike countered soothingly and raised his hands, "You are a dedicated fan, possibly the greatest of all. Now, let me ask you again, what can you tell me about his murder?"
"He had a girlfriend.", Miller said with so much disgust that Mike began to wonder if she was jealous, "Coreen Smith. He'd been dating her for a few weeks. My sources tell me he's been buying her expensive gifts and that she's one of those…those high maintenance women. Skinny, with long hair and fancy makeup and all that. Not a real woman, just a…a man toy."
"I see. And you think it was her who killed Roy Sullenger?"
"Think? I know it. They were seen touring the Presidio earlier in the day, and one of our club members saw him buy her a fancy leather jacket."
That piece of information piqued Mike's interest and he walked toward the large table, resting both palms on the surface, as he stared at her intently.
"And did one of your club members by chance happen to see the murder too?"
With a wily smile, the woman grunted and licked her lips.
"Not the murder itself, but he was seen arguing with that girl close to midnight. Doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened next. So Lieutenant, now that I solved his murder case for you, do you need me to arrest her too, or do you think you guys can get moving now?"