A.N Notes: I failed to mention that Juan will be paired up with someone. The same can be said for her sisters but they will be revealed in due time.
That is all I have to say...
Juan's Residence, Juan's POV
The girls left for school a few hours ago, and I'm currently sitting on the couch doing a crossword puzzle to pass some time.
Sometime later, my phone began to ring, and I proceed to pick up the call.
"Hello?" I asked,
"Juan?" Jones voiced through the phone,
"Oh, Hey Jones. Why did you call me today?" I asked,
"We've got another case on our hands again. A Junkie was found dead in the Dockyard and Chief King assigned us to handle it," Jones explained,
"Alright, just wait for me in the station and We'll go to the crime scene," I said,
After I hung up on Jones, I proceeded to change into my usual uniform, went to the garage, and rode my motorcycle all the way to the station.
Crime Scene...
For today's homicide case, it was located in the dockyards where a body was reported to have been spotted.
The victim was already put inside a body bag while I wrote it down on my notepad.
"So, partner. What do you think of today's case?" Jones questioned,
"Pretty tame than the last one. But back to this one, according to our victim's ID, His name is Dan Broke," I listed, "Since autopsy would be in for a couple of hours, I can only deduct that the cause of death was a stab wound with a sharp knife"
I then pocketed my notepad, wore some gloves, and began investigating the crime scene. Moments later, I spotted the victim's wallet, then opened it to see an address written on it.
"What'd you find?" Jones asked,
"Possibly our victim's wallet, and I have no clue on where this address is located," I remarked,
"I know that address. It's in Caribou Corner! We're often called there for ODs and fights. Not the safest neighborhood," Jones recalled,
"Do you know someone there?" I questioned,
"Yep, her name is Gloria, she's the building's superintendent," Jones stated,
"Then we'll get to that later," I said, then notices out of the ordinary. A broken badge on the floor, and bends a knee to it, "Well this is interesting,"
"What is it, partner?" Jones questioned,
"Broken badge," I pointed out, then glances at the victim, "And it doesn't look like it belongs to our victim here,"
"Then we'd better get that fixed then. See if it links to our killer," Jones noted, and I put the broken badge into a small bag,
"But first, let's talk to our witness and see what he knows?" I declared,
The two went to the witness, a barge driver James Smith. The latter explained to us how he found the body and a question regarding if he had seen anyone on the docks was a dead end as he told them that this part of the docks has always been deserted.
"Well, that was a waste..." Jones commented, "Let's go to that address, see if we can dig anything there,"
"Sure, but I'm driving this time," I said,
"Fine," Jones agreed,
The two entered the car and drove their way to the address. Upon arrival, we were standing in some rundown tenant, and we soon entered the building.
Standing by the counter was the Superintendent, Gloria Roach.
"Gloria! My favorite superintendent in this dodgy neighborhood," Jones wholeheartedly greeted, "How are you doing?"
"Rather well, Jones," Gloria responded, then turns to me, "And who would this be? You're partner perhaps?"
"That's right, Meet Detective Juan," Jones introduced,
"Greetings," I greeted as I offered a handshake to her,
"My pleasure," Gloria responded and shook her hand,
"But pleasantries aside, I would like to ask a question," I said, then showed a photo of Dan Broke that was taken earlier, "Are you familiar with a man?"
"Why of course I know him. He lives with his girlfriend on the third floor. Did he get himself in trouble again?" Gloria assumed,
"Far from it, He's actually dead," Jones grimly revealed,
"O-Oh!" Gloria gasped, "Oh well, at least he won't be throwing up on the stairs anymore, right?"
"Your grief is touching, Gloria," Jones commented, "By the way, what's his girlfriend's name and where is she now?"
"Sally Stones, she lives in apartment 315," Gloria answered,
"Thank you," I thanked,
"Don't mention it, and I'll be here if any of you boys need to... interrogate some more," Gloria said,
"We'll keep that in mind," Jones replied, then he and I went to the location of the victim's girlfriend.
A few minutes later...
Upon our arrival, I knocked on the door a couple of times and we waited for someone to answer.
Moments later, the door opens and both Jones and I entered after we were greeted by the victim's girlfriend, Sally Stones. From looks alone, I could tell she was nervous about our sudden arrival.
"Sally Stones?" I questioned,
"Yes?" Sally questioned,
"My name is Juan Martinez, and this is my partner, David Jones. We are here to investigate your apartment for clues of a recent homicide," I stated, and opened the door as Jones and I entered,
"Wait, hold on a second! What's this all about?" Sally demanded,
"Does the name, Dan Broke ring any bells to you?" Jones questioned,
"I-I don't know any Dan... More importantly, shouldn't you officers need a search warrant," Sally said,
"Really? Cause your superintendent said you and Dan Broke are dating," Jones said, while I was searching the room for a bit,
"Mrs. Roach is an old witch, always snooping around, telling stories! She should learn to keep her ugly nose from other people's lives!" Sally yelled,
"All the same, Detective Juan and I will have quick look around your studio, miss," Jones said, just as I picked up Sally's open bag,
"Hey! That's my bag," Sally yelled,
"Rest assured, Mrs. Stone. I won't make a mess around here, and I won't take your bag away from you," I assured as I search the bag,
"This is ridiculous! I want to see a warrant; I know my rights!" Sally said while is being blocked by Jones,
"A warrant? That's sweet. Don't worry, you'll have it back after Juan is done," Jones said,
I thoroughly searched the bag, then found a bracelet with the victim's first name on it.
"I may not be fond of confrontation, but telling us a lie is not an excuse," I said as walked up to Jones' side and held the bracelet towards Sally,
"T-That isn't mine! I didn't even know it was in my bag," Sally lied,
"Look, there's only so much bullshit we can take," Jones warned, "So how about you stop lying and tell us what you know already!"
"Alright, Fine! Dan and I were dating. But I hadn't seen him in days, and I don't know who killed him!" Sally cried out,
But amid her outburst, Jones and I picked out something suspicious in her sentence.
"Mrs. Stone, we never told you that Dan had been murdered," I noted,
"Why else would you be here? Cops only pay attention to people like us when we're DEAD!" Sally yelled, "Now get out already!"
"If you insist but should anything, come up again. We will come back," I said as Jones and I left the room before Sally comes slamming the door on us,
"Her outburst had revealed some details on this case, Partner. Don't you think?" Jones said as we make out way out of the apartment,
"Indeed, how could she possibly know that Dan had been killed," I said,
"Do you think that she did it?" Jones assumed,
"We'll only know after we gathered some evidence," I said, and then entered the police cruiser before making our way back to the Police Station,
Police Station
Jones and I went to the laboratory and Nathan had just finished with the autopsy.
"So, Nathan? What have you got for us?" I asked,
"Several things. Dan was stabbed in the stomach with a sharp object, probably a knife. From the angle of the wounds, I can already tell you that your killer is left-handed," Nathan reported,
"You can't seriously see that from a gash, can you?!" Jones said in disbelief,
"And the worse part about it is that our victim died slowly and painfully," I commented while writing down the first key evidence of the killer,
"Indeed, but that is not all. I also found some red hair under Dan's fingernails. Those weren't his," Nathan said,
"So, our killer is left-handed and red-haired," I said, "Now we're getting somewhere with this,"
Then I pocketed my notepad and turned to Jones, "Let's go to Alex and see what he found from that badge,"
Jones and I went to Alex's workplace.
"Hey, Digital God. What did you find for us from that skull badge we found at the scene?" I greeted,
"Can you try not to sugarcoat him with that nickname?" Jones requested,
"If you say so," I said as I shrugged my shoulders,
"I, on the other hand, don't mind at all," Alex said, "But back to the main topic, The Skull Badge you found had some of Dan's fingerprints. But considering that there weren't any wear and tear, then I say this with my utmost certainty that this badge belongs to your killer,"
I wrote this down on my notepad once more, and then we left the lab after Chief King called for us.
Chief's Office
As soon as we arrived at King's office, we gave our salutes, "At ease you two,"
King then sat down on his chair and clasped his fingers together, "So, Detective Juan, Jones, how is this case going? Have you found Dan's killer yet?"
"No, Sir. We have three leads towards the killer," I said, and brought out my notepad, "That being our killer is Left-handed, has red natural hair, and wears a skull badge. Apparently, the killer and the victim presumably fought as the badge found at the crime scene was ripped off our killer,"
"Brilliant deduction, Detective Juan," King said,
"We've also found Dan's girlfriend, Sally. The leads that we have found rule out Gloria as she is right-handed," Jones pointed out, "Not that she was a likely suspect anyway,"
"Likely suspect or not, a good police officer follows every lead," King said, "And now I would like you both to have another look at the crime scene. Dan died in front of an open container, you might find more clues in there,"
"Yes sir," The both of us replied and make our way to the crime scene,
Dockyard
Upon our arrival, we searched the area and found something that was out of place. I kneeled and picked up what appears to be a cigarette butt.
"A cigarette butt? Why is this here?" I muttered,
"What'd you find?" Jones asked, and I showed it to him, "Huh? Didn't James say nobody EVER comes here?"
"Indeed, he did. But that happens to be a bit of a lie since this thing's lying around the crime scene," I said and got to work on finding something from the cigarette butt.
After a few minutes, I discovered two fingerprints and then placed the cigarette butt into a small plastic, "Let's take this to Alex and see what we can find,"
We make a quick run back to the police station and waited for the results as Alex got to work. Minutes later, he turns to us, "Well, the fingerprint you found from this cigarette butt belongs to James Smith,"
"Oh. I'd been hoping for something different," Jones said and I pat him on the back a couple of times,
"But look at the bright side, we could use this to put some pressure on James," I said, "Who knows, he might even tell us something we don't know yet,"
With that, Jones and I left the station and went to the docks to confront James Smith.
"James Smith," Jones called out and said the person approaches us,
"Yes, Officers?" James questioned,
"We'd like to ask you something," I said, then presented the plastic bag containing the cigarette butt, "Did you smoke when you first found the body?"
"Um, Y-yes. I smoked that cigarette while I was waiting for the police to show up after I found the body," James stated then noticed the stern looks on our faces, "Am I getting fine for littering?"
"Contaminating a crime scene is a serious offense," Jones said, and this made James rather nervous, "But we might forget about it if you cooperate,"
"I-If you say so," James agreed,
"Are you a righty or a lefty, James?" Jones asked,
"I'm right-handed, but, uh, what's that got to do with your dead guy?" James questioned,
"That matter is ours alone, no need to pry yourself into it," I said, while mentally ruling out James Smith as a suspect, "But besides that question, is there anything else you've been hiding after you discovered the body?"
"I, uh... Well, there is ONE thing, like, that I found," James confessed and pulls out some sort of paper, "Next to the body. Maybe... maybe you need it?"
I took the paper out of James' hand and noticed some sort of substance on it.
"You thinking what I'm thinking, Jones?" I questioned,
"Either that's a drug package, or I'm the Queen of England. Though I can't make out what's written on it," Jones said,
"Then let's see what we can find here," I said as we brought this paper back to the station for immediate examination,
After some time, I discovered the code of the drug package paper and wrote it down on a sticky note.
"Looks like we have a drug dealer's handle," I said,
"If that's the case, then we have no other choice but to meet up with a certain Bart Williams," Jones said with an aggravated look on his face,
"Bart Williams?" I mouthed in confusion,
"He's our snitch in Caribou Corner; knows everything that's happening there," Jones said,
"And the reason why you're getting irritated by his name?" I questioned,
"Oh, it's just that he really, REALLY gets on my nerves. Cocky son of a..." Jones badmouthed but clears his throat once as he was acting a bit unprofessional for a moment, "But anyway! Maybe we also should have a better look at Sally's studio. She's clearly keeping stuff away from us,"
"But first, I want to meet this snitch of ours," I said, "The more I know, the better,"
Jones groans at this before pinching the bridge of his nose and making our way to where Bart Williams is always around.
We find him in the alleyway, and he smirks at us much to Jones' chagrin.
"Why hello there, Officers," Bart greeted and turns to me, "And you look like someone I've never met before,"
"Juan Martinez, I recently joined the force," I said,
"Ah, so you're a rookie then," Bart said, "Now then, what do you want from me,"
"Information," I said,
"Okay, and what do I get if I help you out?" Bart questioned,
"I can't tell you that," Jones said "But I can tell you what you won't get: My boot in your face,"
I elbowed Jones for this comment while Bart merely scoffs his threat, "Alright, fine. What do want to know,"
I pulled out the drug package paper attached with a code and handed it to him. When Bart examines the code, he hummed with familiarity, "I know this. It's Bulldog's handle, He mostly deals in Oakville alley, behind Kempe's Barbershop,"
I nodded, proceeded to pull out my wallet and give him five bucks, "Since this is our first time meeting, here's something for your trouble,"
"Huh, guess there are some people with a common sense of decency around here," Bart commented, "Unlike someone, I know,"
Jones grunts at this, but held my arm onto Jones, "Easy Jones,"
"Well, good luck with your case, Officers," Bart said as he pocketed the money into his coat and walked away,
Once Bart was no longer within earshot, Jones turns to me, "Why would treat him like that?"
"It was my first time meeting him, so I had to act a little nice for giving us a bit of information," I reasoned, "But don't expect me to do it again,"
"If you say so," Jones said, "Now let's go and find this Bulldog he talked about,"
Jones and I went to the location on foot as it wasn't far from where we are now. Once we've arrived, we find Bulldog standing idly in the alleyway and notices our arrival,
"Are you Bulldog?" I questioned,
"That's what people call me, why are you asking?" Bulldog questioned,
"We'd like to talk to you about a certain man named Dan Broke," Jones said, while I pulled out the paper "He was found dead down at the docks,"
"So, a stupid junkie's found dead miles away from here with a piece of paper... How exactly is this supposed to implicate me?" Bulldog inquired,
"That's because this piece of paper just so happens to have your handle on it," I revealed, "And from that alone, we have an assumption that you are somewhat involved with this case. Especially when you're Dan's Dealer,"
"Oh really? Do you see drugs on me? What kind of moron do you think I am?" Bulldog said with a coy look on his face,
"A pretty big one. Now why don't you step aside, we need to take a look around this alley, or should I say your 'office?'" Jones declared,
Bulldog just rolled his eyes and left while Jones and I searched the area. That's when I spotted a bloody poster sticking onto a dumpster,
"Hey, Jones!" I called out and carefully took the poster out, "Take a look at this, the blood seems to be fresh on this poster,"
"This might very well belong to Dan! How about you collect a sample and send it to Grace," Jones said, and I got to work with that as carefully collected the blood sample,
After we sent the sample to Grace, we decided to go to Sally's apartment and see what we can find there.
We first knocked on the door a couple of times to see if she was around. But when we didn't receive a response from her, we decided to get a spare key from Gloria and went inside before she comes back.
That's when I noticed some shoes riddled with dirt on the floor. I took one of the boots from the ground and collected a dirt sample.
"What'd ya find?" Jones questioned,
"Just some shoes with thick layers of dirt, and it looked rather recent if you ask me," I said,
"Alright, then let's this to the lab and see what Grace can find," Jones declared,
When we returned to the police station, we sent the dirt sample to Grace for examination and waited for the results of both samples.
After a minor coffee break, we went to the lab and checked on Grace's progress.
"So, Grace. What have you found for us now?" Jones questioned,
"What do you want to know first? The blood or the dirt," Grace questioned,
"Former," Jones and I answered,
"Alright, the blood you found on the poster is a complete match with Dan's blood. Therefore, we can conclude that Dan Brooke was killed in Oaksville, and his body was dumped into the docks," Grace said,
"And the dirt sample?" I questioned,
"I compared it with samples taken from the docks and found similarities... But there's something more troubling," Grace said,
"Which is?" Jones questioned,
"I also found traces of Dan's blood in the dirt. So, not only was Sally with him when he died..." Grace revealed,
"... But she may be his killer! I think little Sally has got some explaining to do," Jones said, though I'm mentally worried about Jones's seriousness in his eyes,
"But before that, let's go to Bulldog, first. Since he's always found in the same place as where our victim died, we might learn something from him," I said,
"Good point," Jones said, and went to the police cruiser as we drove to Oaksville,
There, we confronted Bulldog.
"Oh looksie, here comes the Incompetent Parade," Bulldog said,
"Look, asswipe, you're getting on my nerves, and I can guarantee you won't like me when I'm angry," Jones warned, "Dan's blood is all over a trash bin in the alley where you 'work'! Any idea how it got there?"
"No, and I don't give a shit about it. Now fuck off!" Bulldog yelled,
"This isn't over, Bulldog. One way or another, I'll make your life a living hell!" Jones yelled back while I held him back in the case, he was going to go face to face with the drug dealer,
After I dragged Jones back to the car, he and I took notice of Bulldog flipping the bird with his left hand. As soon as we entered the car, Jones immediately dismisses his angry demeanor to a calmer one.
"You just had to pull that now, didn't you Jones?" I questioned,
"You noticed?" Jones questioned,
"How could I not, but it was effective considering that we found out that our Drug Dealer here is left-handed," I stated,
"When getting suspects angry, they often yield interesting results," Jones said,
"I'll keep that in mind," I said,
"Now let's go to Sally's apartment and see what she knows," Jones said,
"About that, Jones... Do you mind if I talk to her all by myself?" I requested,
"Why?" Jones questioned,
"Don't take this the wrong way. But after you've shown your method to Bulldog, I'd prefer you tone it down since that show of force is a bit unprofessional," I pointed out, "It may work, but that sort of thing can attract a lot of problems,"
"I've heard that part before," Jones questioned, "But are you sure you'll be able to handle it? What if she tries something?"
"Then if take too long, rush in to find me," I said,
"If you say so," Jones said,
We then drove our way to Sally Stone's apartment, and I was the only one to exit the cruiser while Jones waits for me,
I walked up to Sally's room and knocked on the door in case she was there. When she was, she opens the door and took notice of my arrival, "What do you want?"
"I want to talk to you," I said, "But this time, It's just me,"
Sally was uncertain at first, but she decided to open the door for me, and I let myself in.
"Do you mind if I sit somewhere?" I questioned, and Sally shrugged her shoulders before gesturing at a chair,
Sally then sat down on the couch, and that's when our conversation began, "I want to talk about you this time,"
"What about me?" Sally said,
"Don't take this too seriously, but when I looked around your room, I noticed your boots were drenched with dirt mixed with Dan's blood," I said which causes Sally to widen her eyes,
Before she could stand from the couch, I raised my hand towards her, "But regardless of this discovery, I don't suspect you as his murderer since Dan was killed in an alleyway in Oaksville and his body was dumped on the docks to make it looked like he was killed there,"
Sally somehow manages to calm down but remains alarmed as I continued, "Which brings to this question, why were you at the docks when Dan Broke died,"
"I..." Sally stuttered while her body trembled,
As for me, I simply wait as Sally tries to answer my question. All the while, tears were forming from the corner of her eyes.
"I... I got lost, looking for him..." Sally sobbed, "I was so worried... that I went out looking for him... When I found him, I... I freaked out... And ran..."
Sally continued to sob to herself, while I nodded, "I understand, but did you see anyone leaving the scene?"
"N-No... I didn't see anyone," Sally said,
"I understand," I said and stood up from the chair, "In that case, I'll be leaving now,"
I let myself out of Sally's room and returned to the cruiser.
"So, what did you learn from her?" Jones questioned,
"First, James wasn't the first person to find Dan's body as Sally stumbled upon Dan first before James. and second, I took notice of her watch strapped around her right wrist and it signifies that she's left-handed," I elaborated, "She also told me that she didn't see anyone when Dan's body was dumped into the docks,"
"I see," Jones said, "Well, then let's get back at the station,"
Police Station...
Upon our arrival, we were called by Chief King for a status report and went to his office to provide the report regarding the case.
"Face it, officers. You won't get anything more from Bulldog and Sally," King said,
"What? No, we're so close! I'm sure we can make them spill the beans!" Jones said,
"In a week, maybe, but we don't have a week! No, what you NEED right now is a murder weapon!" King stated, "So go back to the alley! Anything could be hidden in those trash bins!"
With that, Jones and I followed his order and went back to the alley where Dan truly died.
We searched the area once more and we noticed some blood on the outside of the trash bags. we proceeded to move those bags away and we find what appears to be a switchblade.
"Jackpot! A knife, and it's got traces of blood on the blade! How much are you betting that this blood is Dan's?" Jones said,
"Not much," I said as I collected a blood sample and placed the knife into a plastic bag.
We then returned to the station and have that blood sample examined by Grace. After minutes of waiting, she gives us the results, "Good news! Not only is this knife covered in Dan's blood, but Nathan confirms it matches the wounds on Dan's body! Officers, you've got your murder weapon!"
"As for who it might belong to... I took a closer look at the blade; there was a weird symbol etched on it. Does it look familiar to either of you?" Grace pointed out,
"Oh, it does, Grace. In fact, I think we pretty much solved this case already," I said, "Let's go, Jones. We've got a killer to put in bars,"
Oaksville...
Jones and I arrived at the alleyway, and find Bulldog standing idly again.
Once we've approached him, the moment of truth comes to light, "Bulldog, you are hereby under arrest for the murder of Dan Broke,"
"Oh really? And what do you have against me?" Bulldog questioned,
"Red hair from Dan Broke's fingernails, Dan's fingerprints on the skull badge that he took off from you, and the knife that has the same symbol as your tattoo," I listed, "But why would you kill him?"
With that, Bulldog confesses to his crime, "Because that punk had it coming! I TOLD him it'd get nasty if he didn't pay me the $2000, he owed me!"
"It's going to get even nastier very soon, for you at least," Jones said as he pulls the handcuffs and we arrested him on the spot,
As we took him to the back of the cruiser, we read him his rights and then took him in for booking.
Courtroom...
The trial wasn't going as smoothly as it was once before, Bulldog's lawyer simply stated that his client was a victim of circumstance,
Sally Stone was present, though she causes an outburst as she didn't believe anything that Bulldog's lawyer was saying.
"Order in the Court! Mr... Bulldog, what do you have to say for yourself?" Judge Hall questioned,
"Fucking lawyer said it all, didn't he? I'm a victim of circumstances! That crazed junkie came at me with his fists, I had to defend myself!" Bulldog said,
"You ought to take this more seriously. You took a human life! Does it mean nothing to you?!" Judge Hall yelled,
"Yeah, does it mean nothing?! How COULD you kill Dan, you BASTARD?! He was going to pay you back; he just needed a little more time!" Sally yelled while being restrained by James Smith and Bart Willaims as the two were present in the courtroom, "I swear, I will kill you for this, Bulldog! I WILL KILL YOU!"
"Young lady, calm down. There is no need for further bloodshed," Judge Hall ordered, "Bulldog. For the murder of Dan Broke, the Court thereby sentences you to 20 years to life!"
"For doing this city a favor? You're gonna cry for a fucking parasite?! Burn in hell, all of you!" Bulldog yelled in utmost anger,
"Officers, take this man away. Court's adjourned!" Judge Hall declared and pounded her gavel once,
Bulldog was then escorted by two guards and will be sent to prison.
After the trial, Jones and I walked out of the courthouse.
"Well, that's one murderer out for good, hopefully. I think we handled it all pretty well, don't you, Juan?" Jones questioned, and I nodded, "Listen, what do you say we go out for a cup of coffee? The doughnuts are on me!"
"Sounds like a plan," I replied,
Aftermath...
Jones and I went to the Chief's office, and he greeted us with a smile, "Detective Juan, splendid job on that case!"
"Thank you, Sir," I said as I saluted him,
"However, don't forget that you're working for the citizens of Grimsborough City. I'm sure some of them still need your help!" King said,
"Understood, sir," I said,
Jones and I then left the office and noticed James Smith at the counter.
"James Smith? What brings you here?" Jones questioned,
"Look, I really need your help here!" James said,
"What seems to be the problem?" I asked,
"You guys have completely shut down the docks, but I lost my delivery form there! How am I supposed to keep my job if I don't know where to go?!" Jack said,
"I see. We'll see what we can do," Jones said, then turns to me, "Juan, how about you go on ahead to the docks? I'll finish that report for King and be right with you afterward,"
"If you say so," I said,
I went out of the station and drove a police cruiser on the way to the docks. Upon my arrival, I searched around and found a piece of paper in one of the open containers and carefully put it inside a plastic bag.
With some spare time on my hands, I've decided to check on Sally as to see how she's faring up. After I arrived at the apartment, I went to her room and knocked on the door a couple of times.
Moments later, Sally opens the door and sees me, "Oh, it's you again,"
"Came to see how you're faring after that trial," I said,
"I feel worse," Sally said as she opens the door and lets me in, "I can't find my antidepressants that damn doctor gave me. If I can't find them, I... I..."
"Hey, it's okay. How about you go out for some fresh air while I try to find those pills for you," I said,
"You'd do that for me? Thanks..." Sally said, and went out for some fresh air,
Then I looked around the room and found a grocery bag lying on the floor. I went to it and searched the contents inside. That's when I found an orange container of pills inside.
'This must be the antidepressants she was looking for... But just to be on the safe side,' I proceeded in putting the container inside my pocket, and went to the police station to have the contents examined by Grace,
As I waited, I tended with James Smith and Jones was ever present.
"James Smith, I went to the docks as you requested and found this," I said as I held up the paper,
"Cool, thank y-" James examines the paper and becomes more concerned than ever, "Oh crap. Crap! The paper's soaked through, I can't read the delivery address! ... what am I going to DO?!"
"Gee, you really need to chill out, you know..." Jones said,
"You don't understand, I could lose my job for this! Fuck, I'm dead, they'll fire me this time, for sure!" James said in a panic,
"Actually, you're in luck. Detective Juan is the best decipherer I know! He'll have that address straightened out in no time," Jones assured, then turns to me, "Won't you, Juan?"
I rolled my eyes at this, took the paper, and began deciphering what the address was written on it. After some time, I finished deciphering the address of the form and attached a sticky note written with the address on it.
"Here you go," I said as I handed the paper to James, "It wasn't easy, but it wasn't hard either,"
"Phew! Thanks, guys, you just saved my neck!" James thanked, then pulled out something from his bag, "Here, take this as thanks!"
I accepted it and it happens to be a raincoat. With this, I kept it in case I need it during times of rainy days.
After James left fully relieved, Jones turns to me while groaning to himself,
"Something wrong, Jones?" I questioned,
"Well, I received a call not too long ago. Apparently, Bart Williams needs our help at Oaksville," Jones revealed,
"Then we'd better not keep him waiting then," I said, and we drove a cruiser on the way to Oaksville,
Upon our arrival, Bart Williams was already expecting us as we exited the cruiser.
"Oh great, just the people I needed! I've lost my wallet, and you've got to help me get it back!" Bart said,
"And what makes you think we'd want to help YOU, exactly?" Jones questioned,
"Oh, come on! You know the Vipers are heavy in these streets! They tolerated Bulldog, but they've never exactly warmed up to me," Bart explained rather nervously, "I don't want to die for a freaking wallet,"
"He's a got point, Snitches tend to be priority targets for gangsters," I said,
Jones sighs at this, then look Bart in the eye, "You're lucky, we've just solved a case and I'm in a good mood. But you'd better have something good for us in exchange,"
With that, Jones and I searched the area and ended up finding Bart William's wallet on the ground.
"Great, you found the wallet!" Jones said,
"And I'm assuming that you want to find something inside?" I assumed,
"What? Was I too obvious to read?" Jones said rather innocently,
"Yes, but I'm curious to seeing Bart's concern with the Vipers," I said, and look through the wallet.
That's when I found a torn picture inside, "Huh, this is something,"
"Well, would you look at that! I wonder why Bart keeps that torn photo in his wallet," Jones said, "Sure looks like someone important,"
"Let's hope so," I said and pulled out the kit.
I proceeded to fix the torn picture, and it reveals a member of the Vipers. Once the photo was restored, we confronted Bart Williams regarding the man on the photo.
"Bart, this is your lucky day, we've got your wallet!" Jones said,
"And here I thought I was going to lose it for you," Bart said as he held out his hand,
"But first, you might want to fill us in on this photo you've been holding around," I said as I showed the photo of the Vipers member, "If not, then I'm afraid we'll be confiscating your wallet,"
"Geez, I didn't know you guys would go so low," Bart commented, "I mean what good is it, paying so many taxes, if cops search through your stuff..."
"Yeah, like YOU pay taxes! Come on Bart, spill the beans!" Jones said,
"Whatever. The guy on the picture is Salvador Cordero, the Vipers' new leader," Bart revealed, "Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't know this already,"
"Holy Moly, I didn't expect him to be THAT important! The boss will be thrilled!" Jones said,
"Indeed," I said, "Here's your wallet, Bart. And for your sake, stay out of trouble,"
Bart then takes the wallet and leaves while Jones and I returned to the police station.
Before we reached the Chief's Office, I was called over to the lab.
"Great, hey do you mind?" I questioned,
"Nah, you go on ahead. I'll tell the Chief on what he had learned from Bart," Jones said,
I make my way to the lab, and Grace had approached me with the bottle on hand.
"I've got the results you wanted, Juan. And I can positively say that these pills are indeed Antidepressants," Grace said, and hands the bottle to me,
"Thanks, Grace," I thanked as I put the pills into my pocket,
"So, I assumed it's for that girl, Huh?" Grace assumed,
"It is, she seemed rather shaken after this case. So, I try to help as much as I can," I said,
"Oh, I know you will," Grace commented with a coy smile on her face,
After dismissing her comment, I made my way to Sally's apartment by my motorcycle and made my way to her door.
I knocked on it a few times, and Sally opens the door after she had seemingly calmed down.
"Hey, do you mind if I?" I greeted,
"Sure," Sally said as she lets me into her room, "So, did you find my pills?"
"As a matter of fact, I did," I said as I showed her the bottle, "After all, I'm quite good at finding lost things. Though be careful with the dosage, ok?"
"I will don't worry. I think... I think I'm going to go to my parents for a while, get away from all this," Sally said, as she rubbed her forehead couples of times, "Once again, I really appreciate you helping me out again,"
"I'm just doing my job," Juan said, "Speaking of which, where do your parents live exactly?"
"They live in Maple Heights, why do you ask?" Sally questioned,
"That's a bit far if you ask me," I commented, "Do you mind if I give you a ride there?"
Sally scoffs at this, "As if I'd ride a police cruiser with you. That would only make me look more like a criminal should my parents see me,"
"I didn't come here on a cruiser, you know," I said,
This raises Sally's curiosity, and I simply told her to come outside once she was done packing some of her stuff,
As I waited by my motorcycle, Sally exits the apartment, and her eyes widen a little as soon as she now knows that I came here on a bike.
"So, you lift home or not?" I questioned,
At first, she was a bit uncertain. But due to the stress she's going through right now, she decided to go with it while I handed her a spare helmet,
Afterward, I started the engine and told her one certain piece of advice in mind, "You good back there?"
"Yeah?" Sally said,
"Then you might hang on to me. Cause we're about to a little fast on way there," I said, and Sally did just that by wrapping her arms around my waist,
Before long, I drove out of the apartment and made my way to Maple Heights. At first, Sally felt rather tense by the sudden speed. But eventually, she would get used to it and instinctively lean against my back as we made our way to Maple Heights.
Upon our arrival at the residential gates, I slowed down, and the gate guard comes up to us, "What brings you here,"
"Came to take her home," I said while showing my badge strapped onto my belt,
"Name?" The guard questioned Sally,
"Sally Stone," Sally said,
"Alright, go on ahead," The Gate Guard said and raises the railing,
As we enter the residential estate, I turned my head to her, "Where's your house?"
"It's just straight ahead, keep going," Sally instructed,
After a while, Sally spots her parents' house not too far from where we are now, "Stop right over there,"
I did just that and stopped right in front of the Stones' Residences.
Sally then disembarks from the bike, takes off the helmet, and passes it to my hands.
"Thanks for the ride... I can't really think of a way to repay you for this," Sally said,
"As I said, I'm just doing my job," I said,
"I don't think taking a girl home is part of the job," Sally commented, and I merely chuckled at that,
Sally chuckles to herself as well, then smiles before doing something that surprised me a bit.
She leans forward and plants a small kiss on my cheek. I just stared at her whilst she was still smiling, "Thank you for everything,"
Sally then walked into her parents' house, and I turned away before smiling to myself as I started my motorcycle and headed home for today...