Sorry for the late prompt, but a fever and migraine disposed of me for all of yesterday and most of today, so I wasn't able to do this post. But I hope it makes up for itself, so please enjoy!

Challenge 10: Letters From Nowhere

The red carpet shone in the night from the camera flashes as the black stretch limo rounded the corner. It took 30 seconds for the back car door to finally reach the carpet, and 45 seconds for the driver to reach the door. Photographers aimed their cameras at the door, waiting for the star to step out.

Tonight was the night of the Tony awards, and everyone was expecting Eugene Horowitz to once again steal the show with his theatre performances. The rising star had won several Tony awards for past showings, including Eugene, Eugene; his first appearance in a Broadway show/musical. His career has sky-rocketed, and it would be no surprise if the young man once again took home the most Tonys.

Cameras flashed as the door was opened, but Eugene Horowitz did not step out of the car, waving his hand with a confident smile before tripping on the carpet, as he had the previous year. No one stepped out of the car. As the door remained open, the photographers began to lower their cameras and look quizzically at each other. One reporter was brave enough to look inside the door.

He gasped and snapped photos like crazy, which prompted all the other photographers to glance inside the limousine as well. Gasps and camera clicks were heard as the news spread like wildfire. Tonight's Tonys would be the #1 story of the night, but not for the awards, or the shock of the wins and losses.

It would be the mysterious death of Eugene Horowitz.

The police arrived and taped down the area within minutes. The prime witnesses to the initial realization were taken away and questioned. Evidence was collected and sent back to the police station, where Police Chief Director Gerald Johanssen immediately took over the case.

Gerald was the youngest director of the Hillwood Police Department in its history. He rose through the ranks quickly, saving lives, capturing criminals, and solving mysteries such as this since Gerald began his training. After only 5 years, he was voted by the board to be the newest director, the youngest director. This was his 3rd year as leading director, and he was getting tired of sitting at a desk and filing paperwork and attending meetings. But he knew someone had to do it.

While Eugene and Gerald had for the most part drifted away after school, Gerald still kept up to date with some of his old friends, including Eugene. The surprise of his death was almost like a punch to the gut, and Gerald had received several of those. His emotions took over his professional demeanor for the first time in years, and he called the agents first on the scene and took over. This case was personal.

He had every photographer who witnessed the body questioned, and he was present at all the interrogations behind the 1-way glass. None of the photographers were guilty, though most were baffled by the sudden end to the young performer's life. The exceptions knew he had had several close calls with past die-hard fans and his own clumsiness. Gerald discounted them since their stories were covered and all the reporters were dismissed. He then examined possible fans that could have done this and he looked back into Eugene's past to find anyone with a motive.

None were apparent at first, but his list was sent to his personal team to narrow down. He then went to the evidence lab for more clues, hoping Phoebe would find something that could pop the case wide-open. He smiled to himself as he took the elevator to the basement floor. Phoebe had never let him down yet, and she would probably be on this case as much as him.

The doors slid open as Gerald walked into the evidence lab, Phoebe's back turned as she bent over something on a table, examining the object with undivided and possibly fascinated attention. He stopped behind her and slid his arms gently around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder.

He said, "Hey babe. Whatcha looking at?"

Phoebe smiled, "Hello Director. I am just examining this fine piece of paper that was found at the scene of poor Eugene." She turned within Gerald's grasp, and looked up at him. Gerald loved to see her working, it was kind of hot how she could be so smart, look good in a lab coat, and still get her job done all at the same time. Her ring glistened in the lab light as she pulled him in for a small kiss.

Smiling wider, Gerald continued, "What does the beautiful piece of paper tell you?" Phoebe giggled slightly and turned around again, this time getting to business.

"It appears that the paper is a letter to Eugene, written with a Uni-ball Signo 207 pen on ordinary copier paper. The ink has dried but the writer smeared it while writing, so maybe I can pull a fingerprint from that. Notice the slight slant of the letters from right to left; top to bottom?" She lifted the paper up with tweezers, allowing Gerald to see her observation. "That means the writer was right-handed. By my analysis the letter was probably written at least 24 hours before Eugene's death. That will narrow your search down to anyone Eugene has seen within 48 hours of his death. I also found…"

"Director!" shouted Inspector Sid, as he rushed into the evidence lab. He paused just inside the door, wondering if he was interrupting anything, but Gerald waved him in. He rushed over, his boots almost booming within the room. Gerald winced slightly, but Sid began to talk.

"Sir, agents have finished inspecting Eugene's mansion, and they found more letters addressed to him."

"Do they look like this?" Gerald motioned for Phoebe to raise the paper, showing Sid the letter.

He nodded and continued, "Yes sir, no signature or address, returning or sending, was found on any of them. They are on their way here to be examined."

Gerald stroked his goatee, thinking. "These letters came from no address huh? The letters from nowhere."

Phoebe nodded sternly behind him. "We must work hard to find out who murdered Eugene. I would like the letters brought to me immediately when they arrive, by you Sid." Phoebe's authoritative tone caught Sid off guard, but with a quick glance at Gerald, he stammered, "You got it Phoebe." He clomped himself back out of the lab, leaving the two alone again.

Gerald smiled at his wife, "I sometimes wonder who the Director around here is. Helga seems to have rubbed off on you, Babe. I'll talk to you later, all right?" He gently kissed Phoebe on the cheek, and began the other way.

"All right dear. Dinner's at 7, don't forget" called Phoebe to her husband. She turned around again and said, "Oh, and honey?" Gerald stopped at the door and turned to see her again. "Don't hurt the reporters again, will you?"

Gerald exhaled. He had almost forgotten that he had a meeting with reporters as to how the case was going on. He always hated the press, they were just rats scavenging to come up with a story, any story. Eugene's passing would be nationwide news, at the very least, and he knew the questions were coming. He grunted an affirmative, and quietly left the lab.

In his uniform, Director Johannsen stepped onto the podium and cleared his throat. He read his speech as he had prepared it.

"The death of Eugene Horowitz is under intense investigation. I have personally taken under this case, as the murderer(s) are still at large and could potentially bring around the deaths of more innocent lives. This case is being handled with the best men and women in Hillwood, and I urge for all citizens to please stay on the lookout for anyone suspicious. Please notify the police if you have any tips to this murder. I will not be answering any questions please."

With this closing statement, the Director left and headed to his team to see their new list of suspects.

On the far side of Hillwood stood the murderer. Tonight was the Tony awards, and the plan was all figured out. Everything was set in place for this last letter to be delivered, only this time, they would deliver it personally. Eugene Horowitz was to have a little reunion, and it was going to be one to die for.

This story will be continued in today's prompt, It's Too Late, and I will have it completed by tomorrow. Please review and critique, and look forward to the next chapter.