A/N: Part 2 of my chapter, additional investigation.

Chapter 2.2
Additional Investigation

"Congratulations on your first big case, Officer Silvers! There is no doubt you've got what it takes to be a great cop!" Chief Samuel smiled. "Thank you Sir." I smiled. Jones looked at my direction smiling.
"However, we've discovered that Brown received a big amount of cash on an offshore account." Chief Samuel added.
"I knew it! I'm sure Marconi paid him to kill Ned Dillard!" Jones gritted.
Chief Samuel nodded. "For once, I agree. You should put the pressure on Dave Simmons, he might know something. He's been seen roaming around your crime scene, you should go there as soon as possible!" He added.
"Got it Chief, we're on it!" Jones said as we leave.
"And wait!" Chief Samuel halted. "And on your way back, drop by the mini-market, Joe Stern has requested our assistance."
"Got it!" We bid a salute and walked out.

Dave Simmons' car was already there when we arrived. We caught him searching for something on the backyard.
"Hey, Simmons! What are you doing here? This crime scene is closed to the public!" Jones called. Simmons winced as he turned to face us.
"Uh... Well, I... I've lost my pen last time I was here! It's my lucky pen, you know, I never sign a contract without it!" He chuckled rubbing his temple.
Jones raises his brow. "Lucky pen, eh? Keirah and I will look for it. Now leave this place!" Simmons nodded vigorously and head back to his car. We watched his car screeched as it turned to the road. We make sure he'll never gonna get back.
"Lucky pen... Does Simmons really think he can fool you with this silly story?" Jones finally said. I shook my head slowly smirking. "Come on Keirah, let's search this place and find out what he was really looking for!"

We stood up to where Simmons searching for his 'lucky pen'. I inspect the other side of the garden. Shoving off the trash to clear my view. Finally, I've found something under the ground, I dig it up, finding an envelope.
"Jones!" I called.
"Yeah? You found his lucky pen?" He said coming.
"No. but this." I waved the envelope and he took it. He opened it and saw some documents, recorded, maybe lists of the some property lease.
"There's Marconi's name in there!" I pointed out. "Right. And what seems to be a file number as well, but I can't read it with these mud stains. Do you think you could figure the numbers out, Keirah."
"No problem." I took the document and get in the car. The document was tainted but I could still read the numbers. I jotted down each of the numbers I deciphered.
"Done!" I raised my hands in triumph. "Wow, I thought you're gonna have a hard time decoding that." He chuckled, eyes focused on the road.
"Seems Alex wasn't the only one who has guts tracking down people." I said proudly.
"Alright. Let Alex handle the rest." He laughed. "We have to get to Joe first."
I called Alex and send him the numbers, he'll gonna track it down soon for sure.
We arrived at Joe's mini market shortly. Joe was expecting us.
"So, Joe, what did you want us to see about?" Jones asked.
"I saw one of these snake-tattooed, gang scumbag storm in my shop and mess with my shelves! He ran away when I busted him, but I'm sure he hid something!" Joe explained loudly.
"Snake-tattooed? The Vipers?" I remarked. "Definitely." Jones answered. "And that's not good."
"Wha... Who?" Joe seems confused.
"Not familiar with the Vipers? They used to be just a bunch of petty drug dealers, but lately they've appeared to be more organized somehow." Jones explained.
"What? Of course I knew of the Vipers somehow! But I can't believe they even have the guts to mess in my shop!" Joe said angrily.
"Don't worry, Mr Stern, Officer Silvers and I will search the place and look for whatever has been hidden."

Joe decided to closed the store early. I inspect the side of the entrance where cookies and sweets are placed. Finding one of the box of cookies to be opened slightly.
"Jones. Look at this box of cookies!" I came rushing.
He turned. "A box of cookies? Come on Keirah, this is no time for a snack!"
"Not the cookies, the box! Look, it was slightly opened." I showed it off to his face to see it clearly.
"Well, you're right. it's been opened and rummaged through." He took the box and tear the rest of the box. We found a bag of some kind of a powder.
"Exactly what we're looking for! Someone likes their cookies extra-frosted." He examined the bag.
"Well, it looks like a cocaine to me." I added.
"We'd better take this to the lab and ask Grace to analyze it. We need to know where it comes from."
"You found anything suspicious?" Joe asked.
"Yeah, we have to test it first. We're coming back at you once it's done." Jones and I immediately went back to the car.

My phone beeped and saw Alex calling. "Hey Alex what you got there?"
"Uh. Yeah. The number in the documents is a land registry file. Marconi's file, actually!" He said on the line.
"Anything suspicious?"
"There is indeed! Marconi wanted to buy a few properties of which mortgages were held by... Ned Dillard! And it also shows Ned refused his offer!" he answered.
I squealed. "That's why Marconi wanted Ned dead! Alex, you're a GENIUS!" he laughed at the said lines. I could see Jones chuckled as he shook his head.
"Thanks Alex!" I said and hang up the phone.
"Well, looks like we had our chance to bar Marconi now." I added.
"That's far from being enough to charge Marconi, but good idea Keirah, we can put this under Simmons' nose and see if he sings!" His brows furrowed.

We decided to head on Dave Simmons for some interrogation.
"Hello Mr. Simmons." We greeted.
"Hi!" He seems surprised. "Did you... find my lucky pen?" He faked a smile.
"Not really, but I've got another one for you right here. It's a "cut-the-crap-and-start-talking-now" pen." Jones said raising his brow. "Thanks to the documents you lost, we found out that Ned owned real estate assets Marconi wants. Isn't that an incredible coincidence?" He placed his hands under his chin grinning.
Marconi stepped back a bit. "I... I don't know anything about this! Mr. Marconi just hired me to sell this one house!"
"Look, we're pretty sure Marconi put a hit on Dillard, and we won't stop before they can prove it!" I said.
"I won't tell you anything about Mr Marconi! And if you know what's good for you, you'll stop sticking your nose in his business!" Simmons warned, stuttering.
"Okay then, but we'll gonna find a way to pinned down Marconi!" Jones said before we leave.

"Dammit! I was sure this coward would squeal on Marconi eventually..." Jones said in dismay as we walk by.
"Don't worry, One day, Marconi will make a bad move, and we'll gonna put an end to his shady business once and for all!" I cheered him up, tapping his shoulders. "We should go and take this powder to the lab?" He nodded and we get in the car.

At the crime lab.
"I've got the test results of the powder you found in the box of cookies. It's cocaine, as you thought, and not of the best quality!" Grace reported. "20% cocaine, and 80% of a sugar substance normally used as... a laxative." Her brows are a bit puckered.
"AH! Too bad our guy didn't take some before leaving the mini-market... He would have left an easy trail to follow!" Jones noted.
"The Vipers are really vigilant when it comes to those business." I muttered.
"And to think there's more of them. Seriously though, we've been seizing more and more of this crap in the Industrial Area lately." He added.
"We should warn Joe Stern that a member of The Vipers may come back for his drugs, and keep an eye on this area." He said and I nodded.

It's late but we still decided to give Joe a visit. "Well, Joe, you were right. The bag that we found on your cookie box was a cocaine." Jones brought up the news.
"What?! Oh crap, what am I gonna do if they come back for it?" Joe shouted in panic.
"Don't worry Mr. Stern, police officers in civilian clothes will be patrolling to make sure you don't get into trouble." I said.
"I'm so sick of these lowlifes... They'll end up ruining my business!" Joe stressed out. Jones patted his shoulder. "It's okay, we'll make sure to watch out your place carefully." Joe nodded sadly.
"Well, thanks anyway for your help, and hey, Officer Silvers. Take this, it's on the house." Joe handed me some of the hamburgers he bought earlier.
"Ah well you look at that! Joe's being a generous after all eh Kei?" Jones noted as we walk by. "He was very fond of you."
"Don't mention it. He still gives me the creeps." I said raising my brow.
"Don't worry. Joe might be one of the annoying person on the city but he has good stuff." He grinned patting my head.
"Okay, got it. Maybe we should eat this up, I'm starting to get starving." I shoved off his hands and offered half of my burger, which he greatly accepted.

"Say, I gotta ride you back home. It's late." Jones offered.
I snorted. "Woah! who's being a lil gentleman right now." I teased. "No worries. I could handle myself. You should get home soon too."
"Trust me. You're on one of the city's dangerous place." He noted starting up the car.
"Oh yeah? Well danger is everywhere. Trust me. Not only in this place." I smirked.
"Just follow me alright. As your senior officer." He chuckled looking at me, his blue orbs meeting my hazels, I conceal myself to blush.
"Fine. Fine, I'm go with it. Besides, this an unusual invitation from you." I waved my hand in surrender and wore the seat-belt.
"Lead the way. Officer." He said as he started to maneuver the car.

Ashley, my sister was watching tv when she heard a car parked outside. She immediately got up to see who it was. Unlike mine, Ashley's hair is a bit lighter auburn that flows down to her shoulders. Her eyes was darker than mine. She was 6 years younger than me.
Jones pulled in the car to park. "Thanks for dropping me by." I said as I untie my seat-belt. I could see light still lit on the window. "No problem. So this your house? Now I know where to find you in case you're getting late." He joked as I get off the car. The door opened and Ashley peered outside. "You have a sister?" He said noticing her.
"Ah. yeah. She's my baby sister." I smiled. "Hey! I heard that! I told you I'm not a baby anymore!" She shouted. I scowled at her, telling her not to get loud, the neighbors might be sleeping. She made a face then turned to Jones. "Hey." She waved. Jones smiled and waved in response.
"Uhh, you might wanna have something to drink before you get home." I offered.
"Sounds great. I might wanna have some coffee for a beat." He chuckled. "Sounds good to me."

I ushered him into the house. Ashley looked at him and Jester our persian cat, came greeting us.
I heard Jester purring. "Hey Jest. how's my baby." I greeted the cat with my baby tone, carrying him. I suddenly forgot that Jones was behind me. "I never thought you were a cat lover Kei." He noted.
"Oh yeah. Cats relaxed me. Jester is a sweet cat." I let him pet Jester a bit.
"Ahem." Ashley raised her brows.
"Oh, Ashley! This is Jones. My partner. He's a senior officer." I gestured. "Jones, this is Ashley, my sister." Jones gave Ashley a handshake.
"Senior inspector?" Ashley noted his badge. "Cool! So how's it going with the case?" she asked.
"Fine. I say, Your sister have done great solving the case." He said smiling.
"Really?" Ashley said making a face. I rolled my eyes putting down Jester.
"Wait. Aren't you supposed to be in bed now?" I scowled. I escort Jones on the living room offering him a seat.
"I was waiting for you! It's late and you aren't home yet." She followed and flopped down on the sofa. I went to the kitchen to make up some coffee.
"I'm sorry if you have to wait for your sister that much." Jones said. "The case earlier was a bit tricky so it takes us time solving it."
"It's okay. Sometimes there even some cases that we didn't solve." She grinned.
"Right." He chuckled. "I'm guessing you're following your sister's footstep?" He asked.
"Nah. I heard working on a field is more dangerous. I rather work in a crime lab." She answered.
"She's taking up a degree in forensic science." I added as I handed the coffee to Jones. Jones took it with a smile. "Really? You could work in the crime lab with Grace." He said.
"Exactly. I asked Grace one time if she could have a training in our lab." I said, flopping down beside my sister.
Ashley's face lightened. "Really?! Well, I'm really have a hard time finding a company to train."
"Seems your sister answered your wish." He chuckled taking a sip on the coffee.
"I'm so excited. I wanted to meet this Grace soon." She squealed. "Wait. So if ever, that happens. I also get to work with you sis?" I nodded.
"No way!" She said and Jones laughed.
"At least I get to monitor your actions if ever." She smirked.
"Isn't me the one who suppose to monitor you?" I scowled.
"I bet working with you two will be a great addition to the team." Jones said finishing off his coffee. "Thanks for the coffee Kei." He smiled.
"Well, gotta go. Ashley, nice meeting you. I'm looking forward to work with you soon." He said and I escort him out.

"Hey thanks again for the ride." I said as he get in the car. "And thanks for the coffee." He smiled. I looked at him and noticed that he smiled so cute. Wait. What's wrong with me. I blinked and shoved that thought off.
"Drive Safely." I said. He waved his hands and start up the car. I watched him maneuvered the car before I went in.