Title: No such thing as a normal crime scene
author: Cindy Ryan
Being a D.I. Greg was used to dead bodies and blood. However, the Tinsley scene caused Greg's stomach to churn and his heart to drop to his knees. Two dead officers and a badly injured tech. Lestrade knelt carefully down by the small blood stain by the apartment's front entrance. He'd given up on calling Molly he knew she'd have responded by now if able to. The small foot prints in the blood were what had Greg's attention. They were female approximately Molly's size. The thought of Molly hurt caused anger to bubble into rage. With an effort Lestrade forced the anger back. There would be a time and a place to get Molly justice. Nobody hurt the people Greg cared about.
The DI stood and moved gingerly not wanting to disturb the crime scene. Additional crime scene techs and officers were arriving. A few minutes earlier Greg had put a call through to Sherlock and gotten a ring back from Watson stating they were out of town consulting on a case. They'd return as soon as possible. Anderson caught Lestrade's gaze and motioned him to the front of the stairs.
"No sign of a struggle."Anderson reported grimly."But looks like a body was dragged."
"No blood trail."Greg added.
"Means perp cornered…"Anderson began but was interrupted by the ringing of Greg's cell.
Lestrade snatched the device from his pocket and glanced at the display. Seeing Molly's name he motioned for Anderson to start a trace.
"Molly, where are you?"Lestrade demanded.
"She's tied up at the moment."An unfamiliar male voice responded.
"Who is this?"Greg asked through clenched teeth.
"Not important."Molly's kidnapper responded. "What is important is a respected D.I. of the Yard has a weakness."
Greg closed his eyes briefly and fought for control. He cared about Molly that was true. She was important to him. What Greg wanted more than anything was a chance to figure out what he felt for Molly. All that hinged on Greg keeping this murdering bastard on the line.
"How do you know I work for the Yard?"Greg asked stalling.
"Your girlfriend has a very detailed address book."The murder responded."Technology you can add all sorts of information."
"What do you want?"Greg demanded.
"That is a lovely question."The younger man replied."What is a life worth?"
Greg's knuckles were turning white from holding the phone so tightly. He looked over at Anderson who held up a fore finger; one minute.
"From what I've seen you don't value life."Lestrade stated coldly.
The younger man chuckled. "On the contrary, I value life very much; my own. I want two million Euros wired to the account number I've texted you in an hour. "
"I want proof Molly's alive."Greg demanded.
"Very well."The kidnapper replied reluctantly. "Time to wake up, luv."
Twenty seconds later a groggy familiar voice came on the phone.
"G-Greg?"
"Molly-girl,"Greg acknowledged in relief. "I promise I will find you."
"Only one way to keep that promise, Inspector."The murderer interrupted. "Tick,tock."
The call ended and Greg whirled to face Anderson.
"Burner phone; disposable."Anderson reported."Signal bounced off a cell tower near china town."
"I need more than that."Greg snapped.
"They're working on it."Anderson replied as Lestrade raced past him down the stairs.
"Tell them to work on it like their jobs depend on it."Lestrade ordered. "Let's go."