Author's Note: Decided to update twice today because I won't be for awhile. I have family issues going on right now and will be updating after everything is sorted out. I hope you all like this chapter. I had fun writing it. Oh and thanks for the reviews :)! 90 reviews is so great. I'm so grateful for all the readers and reviewers.

Chapter 20: Drinks Are Flying

Press Conference. Day: Thursday. Time 8:03 AM.

Sergeant Bergman stood at the podium. His uniform was clean and his brass buttons were exceptionally shiny. He stared at the camera with a tight lip. He was either nervous or extremely upset. Anyone could look at the man and tell he was physically exhausted. The cameras began rolling as he ran his hand through his hair.

"A body was discovered buried near the edge of the Hillwood River. The body was identified as 23 year old, Patricia Coleman. She was a rising paralegal at Pembroke's and worked under the mantel of Hillwood's best lawyers. She was buried with her dog, whose necks was severed in three places. The cause of death for Ms. Coleman is strangulation. We have no information on the suspect or a motive but will continue to investigate. With the crime rate rising in Hillwood I ensure the citizens that the police are still working hard to protect you. The deaths of Ms. Wellington-Lloyd and now Ms. Coleman will be thoroughly investigated until the culprits are discovered. Please do not be alarmed. Thank you."

The Sergeant had a long day ahead of him. He had to brief his entire unit on the proper protocol and make sure there isn't pandemonium going on in the city. The citizens needed to know that the police had control, even when there were loonatic murderers running around.

Debriefing. Time 10:45 AM

The room was full of every cop in the city. They all looked equally annoyed and equally tired. In the past two weeks alone the police department was flooded with tips of suspicious activity, murders, and tips on the Lloyd case. Sid and Harold may have been the lead investigators but it didn't mean the entire department didn't have to bare the brunt of the case too. Sid and Harold walked into the packed room and took their seats up front near the Sergeant. They both looked like walking zombies and had spent most of the night digging into the Patricia Coleman case to look for a possible connection to Rhonda's case.

Behind the Sergeant was a board with pictures and red thread linking the pictures together. It was a web, the very same web that Sid and Harold had spent all night working putting together.

"Good of you both to join us. Okay you guys let's make this quick so we can get you all back on the streets," He pointed to a picture of Rhonda. "As all of you are aware it's been almost a month since Ms. Lloyd's murder. Since her body was discovered helpful information has been discovered. She was pregnant but the father was not her fiance. We suspect Frankie George, Hillwood's top lawyer, to be involved. She had an order of protection against him. In addition to these obvious connections Sid ran a number which was linked to a burner phone, which we now have in our possession. The phone has numerous messages between Ms. Lloyd and Frankie. We are having IT extract all of the messages for examination," He then pointed to a photo of Pembroke's Law Firm. "The shooting that occurred a week ago is the best law firm in this city. It's obvious why someone would attack but the main target was Frankie George. He didn't see his assailants but he said they were looking for something," He then pointed to a photo of Phoebe. "Phoebe Heyerdahl is a secretary at the very same law firm. She is under surveillance and protection by our fine police department. She gave a statement that someone planned to kill her boss, who happens to be the same Frankie George. Her cat was murdered in her home last week in the same manner that Ms. Coleman's dog was," He referenced the picture of Patricia Coleman. "She was working directly under the mantel of Frankie G. She could've discovered something. Maybe Frankie is involved in some dirty legal work or maybe he put the wrong person in jail. Who knows what she found out, but she's dead now. If you haven't recognized a pattern here people I suggest you find a new profession."

The Sergeant continued, "Our main concerned is to catch the killer who is hurting all of these people. Our second concern is to protect the identity of our main suspect now. In the case of the Lloyd murder we still are suspicious of Horowitz but we must shift our attention to Frankie G. No one can know about this. Continue your late night patrolling its the least you all can do. Report any tips or leads to me or Detective Berman. Thank you for your dedication. Let's nail these sons of bitches!"

"Also let's give a big hand to Officer Sidney and Detective Berman for spending many sleepless nights on the Lloyd case. All of the information presented today was investigated and discovered by them. Give them some praise!"

The room erupted in clapping. Clapping that quite frankly irritated Sid, who had less than a few hours of sleep last night. Harold on the other hand drowned his sleep deprivation with sugar and coffee so he was doing alright. Sid refused to ingest any of that chemical stuffed crap. A shot of whiskey and he'd feel fine.

"Debriefing is over. Hey, Sidney can I see you in my office?" The Sergeant walked over to him as everyone else exited the room.

"I'll be on patrol Sid, while you talk to Serg. Want anything?" Harold asked as he stood up. Sid nodded no and followed the Sergeant into his office.

Sid was anything but afraid of his boss. In fact him and the Serg played jokes on each other all the time, but the way he was looking at him right now had him worried. Had something gone wrong with the case? Sid took his seat across from the Sergeant at his desk. He admired his shiny file cabinet and hardwood floor compared to his rusty file cabinet and old, shag carpet. He wanted to be him some day. He wanted the office and the respect and most importantly the shiny jacket.

"What's going on Serg? Someone stole your snacks again?"

"Sidney, there's been a leak."

"A leak? Someone sent information out but how?"

"That's why you're here. Apparently a civilian found out that Frankie G. was a suspect in the case and harassed him at his office."

Helga's name suddenly entered her mind. No one could be that ballsy except her.

"Well you just told the entire force about his connection so could it be one of them?"

"This happened yesterday Sidney, before we even debriefed."

"How do you know it was necessarily a leak? What if they just had a bone to pick with him?"

"The young lady yelled that Frankie was ,and I quote 'the murderer of his own child, a home wrecker, and a son of a bitch whose balls would be ripped off for killing Rhonda' end quote. No one else knew about Frankie even being a suspect. No one knew about the baby not being Eugene's but you, me and Harold. I certainly didn't do it and Harold leaves his laptop here every night so that leaves you Sidney."

"Sir, I would never leak information to the public! You know me. I work hard at my job and I would never threaten this force!"

"I'm not saying you purposely leaked information. I know you Sidney and I know you're a man of integrity. I'm simply saying get the leak under control or you will be suspended immediately. I'd hate to suspend one of my best men, but it's my job to protect the confidentiality of our investigations."

"Yes sir. I absolutely will handle it."

Sid was fuming. His mind went back to Helga, in his bed, on his laptop. She wouldn't have done that. She cared about him and not just his connections. Helga wouldn't do that.

~/~

Helga and Phoebe had decided they need to relax and have a night out on the town. Since the murder Phoebe suggested they unwind, have some drinks, and dance with some attractive men. It was strange seeing her best friend in a short, tight cocktail dress and acting like a normal, sexual human being. It was even more strange seeing her drooling over men who weren't Gerald.

They had been together since they were in middle school for God's sake. They were each other's first everything and they had been obsessed with each other every since grade school. When Phoebe called Helga crying one night saying that Gerald had broken up with her even Helga couldn't believe it. She thought it was just a break for a week but now it had been a couple months and neither Phoebe nor Gerald had spoken to each Gerald was over the apartment visiting Arnold he seemed to be loving the single life, while Phoebe was at home accumulating multiple pets to soothe her pain. At least she knew he friend wasn't going to become a crazy old cat lady.

Helga had decided to dress like a girl today and put on a tight body con black dress. What she lacked in breasts (She had proclaimed herself the queen of the itty bitty titty committee long ago) she made up for in her model-esque, sculpted legs. It did wonders with accentuating her long legs. She lacked a chest but Phoebe made sure to comment on her derriere, which she described as round and full. She had a little something going on, considering the guys kept staring at her. Maybe they were looking at her tamed, straight hair or her pouty painted pink lips. Who knows what the men were looking at? It felt good to get some male attention.

The dancefloor was packed. They had decided to try out a new nightclub called Tenderloins and right now they didn't regret it. No one could even see the dancefloor because people were moving from wall to wall against the beat of the club music. It seemed like there was no more room for people but when Helga and Phoebe hit the dancefloor space magically appeared. Men flocked to them.

While they were dancing a man had taken an interest in Phoebe and was eyeing her from across the dancefloor. He was a tall African American man, well-groomed, and had nice strong arms. Definitely Phoebe's type.

"That guy is winking at you Phoebe. You should go talk to him! He's your type. Black with a big-"

"HELGA! No need to be so vulgar. I don't know if I want to talk to him. I haven't even talked to another guy in such a long time."

"Let's go take some shots. Maybe a little liquid courage will get you to loosen up." Helga dragged Phoebe through the crowd.

"Don't look now but isn't that my ex and Arnold over there at the bar?"

Helga's eyes almost bulged out of her head. This couldn't be serious.

~/~

Meanwhile at the bar Arnold was starting his first day as a new bartender. The club was new, had a better pay, and honestly had a much better atmosphere than his old job. The tips were great, the woman were flirty, and the alcohol was top notch. He could make enough rent money in a week than he could between his two jobs. Gerald had tagged along for support, it was his way of apologizing or maybe he just went a couple free shots.

Arnold was busy mixing a mojito for a beautiful brunette, while Gerald was enjoying the scenery. By scenery he was enjoying the half dressed woman surrounding the bar for drinks. Arnold was sure in Gerald's conceited head they were all near the bar specifically for him.

"Man, I love your new job! The honeys are grade A," Gerald said as he sipped on his drink.

"Can you try not to be so gross Gerald? You are practically drooling right now. Let's have some dignity alright?" Arnold shook the shaker, gave it one last flip in the air, and then poured it into a martini glass. He placed fresh mint on the side of the glass and it was done. "Classic mojito ready!"

He handed the drink to the brunette in the purple dress. She dropped a ten in his tip jar and smiled a sexy smile. Gerald caught the girls hand and her attention by grabbing her arm.

"Hey, what's your name baby? You like mojitos. Maybe we can take a nice vacation on an island."

Arnold just shook his head at his friend. He was horrible at flirting and even worse at reading women. The girl snuffed him said "Ew" and quickly disappeared into the crowd. Arnold couldn't help but laugh at his failed attempt of picking up a girl.

"Whatever. She's not my type anyway. What are you laughing at?"

"I'm laughing at you fail miserably at rebounding from your ex," Arnold said as he wiped the inside of the shot glasses down with a cloth. "She isn't your type because she's not Asian and not Phoebe."

"Whatever man. Phoebe was the one who was too busy working all the time. You can't talk considering you didn't get passed 2nd base with Lila because you're too busy pinning after your roommate."

"Speaking of Phoebe and my roommate. Is that not them right over there or are my eyes broken from the lights?"

"Oh shit! That is them and they're looking good," Gerald's eyes scanned over Phoebe with lust then he dropped smile and frowned. "You think she's out here looking for another man? Has she moved on that fast?"

"I don't know but you can ask her yourself.. They're coming over here."

"Can I get a Sex on the Beach Mr. Sexy Bartender?" A female asked.

"Coming right up." Arnold smiled and turned his back to get the orange juice and cranberry juice from the fridge. While he was busy making the drink, Phoebe and Helga had arrived at the bar. Arnold greeted them as he mixed the young ladies drink. "How are you doing tonight ladies?"

"Do you work at every bar in the city Football Head? The one night I wanted to get away from you! Hello Geraldo. I see you brought your twin too," Helga greeted. Phoebe was noticeably quiet. The tension between Gerald and Phoebe was high.

Arnold finished off the drink and almost spilled it when he got sight of Helga. She was stunning beyond belief. In all the time they had lived together he had never seen Helga look so… attractive. Of course she was attractive and beautiful before but now she was so much more desireable. The way the dress hugged her body left nothing to the imagination. I'm sure that's the look she was going for. It definitely worked for her.

"Um, uh Helga… you look reaaaaally good," Arnold complimented.

"Thanks. Um so can we get drinks or are you just going to gawk all night?"

"Yea. What can I make you two? It's on the house."

"So I have to pay but the ladies don't! I see how it is." Gerald protested.

"Two glasses of tequila straight. Hold the ice. Don't skimp on the lime or salt. Two shots of Captain Morgan for a start though. Phoebe here needs to loosen up for the guys." Helga jutted Phoebe in the rib cage to get her attention. Phoebe was far too busy having an eye love connection with Gerald.

"I got it. So if you both are drinking who's-

Before Arnold could ask his question a guy walked over to Helga and was a little too close for comfort.

"I saw you from across the room and I had to get over here. A woman as beautiful as you shouldn't be over here around the bar. She should be the center of attention. I'd love for you to dance with me Beautiful."

Arnold's eye twitched. This guy was scum. Arnold could tell, it was his guy senses. The way he lightly put a hand on Helga's shoulder pissed him off. Who said he could touch her?

"Um I think she's fine where she is," Arnold said out loud. He actually didn't mean to say it out loud but he was glad he did. The guy was ticked off. He was about to be even more ticked off. "Here's your drinks."

Arnold "accidently" spilled a small amount of tequila on the guy's shirt and boy did he flip out. Just. Like. A. Women. He frantically began wiping and blowing his shirt to get the tequila off.

"You need to pay for my dry cleaning bartender guy!"

"And you need to LEAVE. NOW. Nobody cares about your stupid shirt. Get out of here."

The guy went off into the crowd. Helga was quick to grab the drinks and take Phoebe with her.

Gerald was still shocked at what had just went down, "Dude, you just bullied that guy. You need to get that jealousy under control."

"I didn't bully him. He was harassing Helga. You saw the way he touched her, totally uncalled for!"

"Riiiiight. Or you're just mad he was doing something you couldn't. Still upset about Sid huh?"

"Do NOT mention Sid. Every time I turn around it's Sid. Sid. Sid. The guy isn't even THAT great." Arnold had gotten so upset he accidently dropped a bottle full of vodka on the floor.

"You should clean that up man. You can be in denial all you want, but I'm not doing it. I'm going to go get my woman back," Gerald proclaimed as he searched the crowd for Phoebe.

Arnold didn't care what anyone said. He wasn't jealous of Sid or anyone else. She was free to do what she wanted and he was free to do what he wanted. He was just over protective that's all. Besides, Sid wasn't here to be Helga's designated driver was he?

"Bartender! Are you paying attention? I've been trying to order a drink for five minutes!"

This was going to be a long night.