Okay bit of a warning that there is a little swearing in this. I tried to avoid it but I felt this is how it should be! The database names may be wrong, I'm working from my memory of CSI and it's been a while since I paid attention to the names of stuff.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately not mine. Only Melody and family.


"As you've figured, it happened when I was seventeen."


"The three of us had been up late, out at a show, we came home tired. We went to bed, nothing strange there. Normally I would wake lots during the night, I'm a light sleeper. Well, not that night." Melody waved her arms around as she paced. Not concentrating on what she was saying she just kept on with her story. "The next morning I woke up and got dressed for school like normal. First thing I see as a walk out my room, the back door smashed in. To be honest, apart from the fact I had slept right through, it didn't surprise me; it had happened before. In the morning I was always first up so I went through to tell Mum and Dad about the door and to check that nothing had been nicked. That became the least of my worries."

Melody paused not knowing quite how to continue. "What happened Mel? You can tell me, you can trust me." Nick said standing up and coming round his desk, placing a hand lightly on the young doctors shoulder. The remains of the confident mask fell away as Mel broke down in tears. Nick pulled her close whispering assurances, "It's fine. When you're ready, let it all out."

"The knife was still there. The heartless son of a bitch had just left it there. I freaked, the blood and how they looked so calm did it. I dunno what happened next, I was at a friend's house and the police were questioning me and I didn't know what had happened or how I was there and it was so confusing and, and" bursting into a fresh round of tears Mel pulled away from the embrace and sat back down. Nick leant against the desk and just stood there quietly, he couldn't offer much advice. He felt useless, there was nothing he could do. 'I'm sorry' wouldn't be enough.

"Did the police catch whoever did it?" Nick asked, Mel looked up and with more tears glinting in her eyes Nick guessed the answer.

"No" Mel started, "This isn't like CSI or something, there was no DNA left at the scene. There were fingerprints on the knife but this isn't America. We don't have databases for your everyday bloke, no APHIS or QUOTAS or whatever their databases are called. And do you know the worst bit of it, for me anyway? I was prime suspect. Only for a short time but still, it was horrible. Suddenly everybody doubts you. Like I had actually killed my own parents! If the bastard is ever caught God help him; I don't know what I would do." The rant finished, Mel slumped back in the chair.

"I'm sure the police will catch the person eventually." Nick said, it was the least reassurance he could give.

"Yeah, well it's been eight years. How much longer can it take?" Mel said closing her eyes and sighing.

"Let's go. We can stop for a drink on the way home. It's been a long day and I need a drink and I think you probably do too." Nick changed the topic. The methods of the police were alien to him despite knowing Yvonne Rippon.

Grabbing her bag and making her way for the door Mel turned and smiled, "Yeah, a drink sounds great."


Hmm worth a review? I think so, good bad or just plain boring? Until the next update adieu!

Hattie xx