Chp 1
I wake up earlier than usual and start the coffee. Usually, I have two cups in the morning; one at home and one when I get to the crime lab. I moved into this apartment at Brooklyn when I have enough money. It's simple and cozy. Though mum did ask me once to get a proper carpet because I don't have one and honestly, I only buy what I think it's necessary – couch, bed, TV, dining table and chairs, fridge, cutleries and some mugs, kettle and so on.
After a quick shower and cleaning my coffee mug, Mac texts me, telling me to meet at this company where a body was found hanging from a broken window. I drive there and meet up with Don, Dr. Hawkes and Mac with Sid and an ME officer, who was trying to get the body back into the office. "So, where should we start?", I ask. "Hawkes is already unplugging the vic's computer to send it back to the lab and Don is about to start his questionnaire. I need you with gathering people's fingerprints, Em", says Mac. I went out to find Don and found him with two men as he was about to begin his questioning.
"Before I start", says Don as I arrive next to him, "This is Det. Darrell and she'll be collecting your prints and DNA, just to exclude you as a suspect in case we find any fingerprints and DNA". One of them, David I think, says that Don can conduct the interview at his office. As I begin my work, Don questions them – who was the victim? What was his job here? All the typical questions, but as he answers Don's questions, he keeps gazing at me, which makes me uncomfortable. Don, who notices this, snaps his fingers. "Hey, goatee, eyes on me, not her", says Don. David's friend merely laughs at him.
"There's nothing wrong to gaze such pretty woman who has a gun at her hip", says David. I notice that he has a wedding ring. Not my type. "Better watch your mouth unless you want the Reagans to come after you", says Don. David gives him a quizzical look and says, "The Reagans? Who are they, the mafia?". Don laughs cynically and says, "You're a New Yorker and don't know who the Reagans? Shame on you, pal", says Don. I pull out a cotton swab to take his DNA and he says, "I can give more than that".
God, he's disgusting! "Either you give me your DNA or I'll have to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against you and also not to mention obstruction of justice because you are basically slowing our investigation with your tacky pick-up lines. Did I mention that I have a cousin who is one hell of a DA and can easily put you in jail with all those pedophiles and convicts who is far worse than you? Would you like that?", I say. His face turns pale of horror after I said that and Don is trying his best to contain his laughter. David opens his mouth and I take a sample of his DNA, which I thank him for that.
I point out to his friend and say, "You're next buddy". Don finishes his interview with David and he leaves the office. "Forgive my friend, he's always like that", says David's friend, "I'm Brandon Sullivan, the advertisement executive". I start with taking his fingerprints as Don begins to question him. After Brandon, we interview all of the workers, taking their DNA and fingerprints. Dr. Hawkes and Mac are finishing up their processing the crime scene and Sid has left earlier to begin the autopsy. Before we leave, Brandon catches up with me at the elevator, asking to talk to me for a second. I step out and tell the boys that I'll catch up with them later.
"Mr. Sullivan, what can I do for you?", I ask. "Is there any chance that I can see you after work?", he asks. Man, this guy is just the same as David. "I don't think so, Mr. Sullivan. You are a suspect in this particular investigation and I prefer to keep everything professional", I say. "I'm a suspect?", he says as he twitches a smile. "Yes, until I've proven you innocent and till the case is solved, you are a suspect, Mr. Sullivan", I say. "It's Brandon", he says. I chuckle and press the button. I step into the elevator and say, "Have a good day, Mr. Sullivan". The elevator door closes as I see his eyes darken with lust. Phew! That was close.
Back at the lab, Don asks what made me late and I tell him everything. "Em, I gotta tell you this. The way he looked at you the whole interview, he just want to get to your pants", says Don. "Well, he has to go through dad and Uncle Frank, not to mention Danny and Grandpa Henry", I say. "And us", he adds. They are like family to me with Don as the big brother. I can never imagine life without these people. We finish up our investigation and go home by the end of the day.
That evening, mum and dad call to let me know the dinner at the Reagans. After Uncle Frank said grace, we eat, passing foods to each other and munching on them. "Don said someone's been bothering you at the crime scene, Em. Give me his name and I'll hassle him up for ya", says Danny. Everyone turns to look at me and I swear under my breath that Don will pay for this. "It's nothing", I say, "Plus, if he decides to get cute, I'll give him a karate chop. It's not like I've never done it before".
"Em, outside world is not the same as high school. I mean, men look at you and there's only one thing they can think of", says dad and before he could continue, mum kicks his shin from beneath the table and says as she points out at Jack and Sean, "Honey, there are kids here". Dad rubs his shin and says, "Honey, I'm just saying ok. Besides, she's my daughter and I have all rights to shoot someone who plans to only use my daughter for pleasure purposes only". Mum only glare at his statement which makes me laugh. Fathers can be protective especially to their daughters.
"No, Jake. You shoot a civilian and you go to jail", says Uncle Frank, "If I shoot or Danny shoots him, then IA will be chasing after us". "Besides, Emmy knows how to kick box and karate her way out of trouble", says Jamie. "And if he decides to get cute, he'll find it hard to fight at court with me", says Erin. We have a great time and say our goodbye after dinner. I went back home and hit the sack.