18

How Do I Work a Murder Scene?

Here is the next chapter. As always, I hope that y'all enjoy it. I thank each of you for reading, reviewing, making this story a favorite as well as me, and alerting to my story. The story idea belongs to me but these wonderful characters belong to Charlaine Harris.

A/N: I'd also like to give thanks to Blanche Deveraux for her witty, southern idiom. If you're a Golden Girls fan, you will see it when you read it.

We did go out to dinner. The restaurant was everything that I thought it would be. It was a nice, quiet, out of the way joint that had great food and even greater service. Everything was great but I ate alone. I wasn't alone but I was alone. I'll explain exactly what I mean. Eric, he sat at the dinner table with me but he was on the phone the entire time. He would ask me sporadically if the meal was to my liking or if I would like more wine or if I wanted dessert. I would graciously decline as I ate my meal in silence. Though this was supposed to be our first real date, I didn't get disappointed that he wasn't too focused on me. I understood that there were other pressing things at hand. His child had been taken. He was worried about her. His most loyal vampires and Weres had been murdered by an unknown assailant. He needed to set up a meeting with Thalia and her people before the night was over. After losing a few of his most trusted vampires, he has to call in more reinforcements. There were a lot of things that he needed to get done and I more than understood that. That's why when he left the table to meet with a fellow vampire, I called a cab to take me back to the bar so that I could get my car.

Please, don't think that I was upset because I wasn't upset. Not at all. I wasn't rude with it. I left him a note to let him know that I understood that he had work to do and we could have our first date some other time. I don't know if my note bothered him because I haven't heard from him. He may be cool with it since he had so much work to do. Maybe he wasn't too worried about me. I told him that I was going to go home. That was the plan.

I'd honestly planned on getting my car from Fangtasia and going home but I didn't do that. Well, I did get my car but I didn't go home. Instead, I called my dad. "Hey, daddy," I started. "Are you busy?"

He chuckled. "I'm never too busy for you," he said. "I'm at the police station. I'll be here for another hour if you want to stop by and keep your old dad company."

"I'll be there in a few minutes," I said. I called daddy when I got there and he met me out in the parking lot.

When he came outside, he got into the car and sat with me. He leaned across the seat and kissed my cheek. He sighed before speaking. "I talked to your brother today. I didn't know that Jason would go through my address book. He must have heard me on the phone with dad. We were discussing you and your new apartment. I didn't give him your address. I apologize for what he did." He then shook his head in disappointment. "I didn't know that he'd ask you for money."

"Yeah," I replied. "I did. I'm not surprised. It's Jason. In his world, it's all about him. I don't blame you."

Dad placed his hand on my shoulder but said nothing else about Jason. What could he possibly say about Jason that I didn't already know? All of Bon Temps knows what type of person Jason is. "So," he began. "To what do I owe this surprising yet wonderful visit?"

I knew that I couldn't tell dad anything specific. I was going to have to speak in hypotheticals and dad hates hypotheticals. "Dad, hypothetically speaking …"

He rested his head on the headrest as he squeezed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. He rolled his head around and looked at me. "Sookie. Come on. You know how I hate hypotheticals."

"Well, dad," I began. "I really don't have too much of a choice. I can't tell you what's going on because I work in the vampire world and they are private people. I just need a little help from you, daddy. I just have a few questions and that's it."

He sat tall in the seat and faced me. I heard what he was going to say before he said it. "I don't know if I like you working with the vampires, Sookie. You haven't been working with them for a full month yet and you're already here asking me questions. This isn't sitting well with me at all."

My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open. "I haven't asked you anything yet," I declared. "And how do you even know if it's something bad? It could be something basic. I could be here wanting to know how to write out parking tickets or something. You don't know."

"Sookie." He said my name the way he used to say it when I was little girl.

"Daddy."

"Sookie."

"Come on, dad," I said.

He sighed. "Ask me."

Here goes nothing. "If I'm working a murder scene, what types of clues should catch my eye? How do I work a murder scene so that I can get the best clues?"

I believed that was an innocent and simple question. Not my dad. "What!?" he yelled. "A murder scene? What have you gotten yourself into, Sookie Stackhouse?"

A couple of his colleagues walked past the car and looked at us. I waved and smiled at them. Dad gave them the head nod as he stared at me. I turned to my dad and asked, "Will you keep your voice down?"

He leaned in closer and whispered. "What has happened, Sookie?"

"I can't tell you, daddy," I repeated. "You don't tell me every single detail of the cases when I help you." And no. That wasn't a dig. "I just need to know what to look for and what I need to do. Will you help me or not?"

He looked guilty and that is the last thing that I wanted. All of that was water under the bridge. I just wanted him to help me. "Okay," he replied. He almost sounded defeated. "But you will hear this whether you want to or not. You are my daughter and I have every right worry about you. I have every right to know if you are putting yourself in any type of danger. You may be grown and out on your own now but you are still my little girl. I have every right to worry about you, Sookie. Don't make me feel guilty for doing so."

I placed my hand on his and smiled. "I know that, daddy, and I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. I wouldn't do that. I didn't have to help you. I could have said no but I didn't. I helped you because I wanted to. But you've got to understand that I'm not a little girl anymore. Just as you do, I have a job to do. I have to make sure that I use every advantage that's available to me. You are a detective. You have been a cop for over twenty years and you can help me. You can make sure that I do my job to the best of my abilities. And if you help me, I know that I will be safe. I won't go off half-cocked without a plan. By helping me, you can keep your little girl safe. Daddy, I just want to do my job as best as I can. I know that if you help me, I can do that. So, will you help me?"

He chortled as he looked at me. "You are good," he said. "Boy, you're good. Okay. Murder scene clues. Well, first you have to be careful of your surroundings. Even the smallest thing could break your case wide open. Not everything is about fingerprints. Talk to people. Watch people. Listen closely to what is and isn't being said. Keep your eyes and ears open always. Keep impeccable notes and remember. No one is innocent. Everybody that is involved in any way, is a suspect."

"Why?"

"Because they have some knowledge of what's going on," he said. "Anyone that has been at the crime scene before it was inspected by the 'police' … in this case, anyone that isn't you or your superior, is a suspect. Has anyone been at the crime scene before you and your superiors arrived?"

I nodded. Jake. Trey. And whomever else's bodies that weren't among the dead.

"They're all suspects," he repeated. "They could have moved something before you got there. They could have cleaned up some of the crime scene to hide what needed to be hidden. They could've helped their accomplices escape to throw you off of the trail." He then sighed. "You have one major disadvantage. You're working in the supe world. All of the supes are very private. They don't like it when outsiders are poking into their business."

"Yeah," I agreed. "I can't read them all and I'm more than sure that they won't like it if I invade their personal space to get a read on them. I'm sure that I can find a way to get around it."

Daddy sat back in the seat and stared ahead for a moment. "You're going to have to watch them … their every move but don't be too obvious with it. Use that Stackhouse charm that flows through your veins. You're going to need it." He paused for a moment. "Can you do this?"

I took in what he said. It doesn't sound too hard to do. "I can do it," I affirmed. "Daddy, something happened this morning … as you've probably already figured out. Have you heard anything about something happening on Saint Francis Road early this morning? Maybe at about 4:00 am or earlier?"

He frowned at me. "As a matter of fact," he began. "We did get a call about hearing gun fire in that area. I don't know what time it was but we did get a call. Is this the case that you're working on?"

"Could be," I answered. "Do you know who called in? Was it a neighbor?"

Daddy shook his head no. "I hadn't come on yet. They were talking about it when I got here this evening. Detective Bellefleur said that they sent a car to the address. When he got there, everything seemed to be fine."

"What do you mean?"

"Everything seemed to be fine," he repeated. "A guy answered the door to the house where the gun fire was supposedly heard. Andy said that he was wearing a robe and sipping on a cup of coffee when he got there. He was with the lady of the house I assume. He said that he could smell breakfast cooking."

There is no way that was possible. Pam is a vampire and she doesn't answer the door during daylight hours and she surely doesn't eat breakfast. There's no man that would be answering the door to her home wearing a robe and drinking a cup of coffee. If Pam's humans were still alive, I'd assume that it was one of them but she doesn't let them get that comfortable in her home. Something's not right.

"Did he get the name of the guy that answered the door? Do you think that he would recognize the guy if he saw him again?"

"Possibly," he answered. "I don't think he got his name. He didn't mention one. And I'm sure that he'd recognize him. Andy has been a cop just as long as I have."

I scooted closer to the edge of my seat. "Did anyone else report anything? You know, were any other calls made about the shooting? Did anyone see anything at all? A car? A truck, maybe? Something. Anything that I can use."

"No." Daddy was still frowning. "Is this your case?"

"I can't tell you but if you guess, I won't answer you."

"This is your case."

I didn't answer.

This time, daddy squeezed his eyes closed. "I don't like this, Sookie. I don't like this at all."

"I'll be fine, daddy," I replied. "I'm doing the same thing that you're doing and I'm going to be fine. Grandpa has given me weapons. He's taught me to fight and he's taught me many different languages. I'm not going in blind, daddy. Trust that I can take care of myself." I placed my hand on his and said, "I've been doing it for a long time. I'm going to be fine."

Daddy looked at me and nodded his head. "If you need me, don't hesitate to call me. I will come running."

"I know," I said.

Daddy leaned in and kissed me before getting out of the car. He walked to the driver's side of the car and said, "I love you, Sunshine."

"I love you too, daddy."

He waved at me as he began walking away. I hated seeing him like that. He looked so defeated and so worried. I didn't want him to worry over me but I know that because he's my dad and I'm his baby girl, he's going to worry. I guess that's part of being a parent.

"Hey!" I yelled at him.

He turned around. "Yeah?"

"How did I do with the questioning? Was I good?"

He smiled at me. "You were excellent. Best detective I've ever met."

I blew him a kiss as I cranked my car. "Thanks, dad. I love you."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

When I got home, I showered and got ready for bed. I thought about what dad and I talked about tonight. I found a notebook and took notes of everything that we'd discussed. I'd even written down the names of my possible suspects. I hated to think that Jake, Trey, Bassir, and Alcide could be involved with what has happened but they were the first ones on the scene. I wanted to speak with Trey about what he knew since he was the first one there. And he is downstairs guarding me. I could invite him up and question him. I should invite him up and question him. Jake said that Trey was the first one there. I sat crossed legged in the middle of my bed and stared at my cell phone.

"Should I call him?" I said to the phone. I shook my head in wonder. "I don't know how he'll take it with me questioning him. I know that I'd be offended."

The phone didn't reply.

"I think that I'll call him."

Before I could do that, my phone rang. I jumped because it scared me half to death. I guess after all that's happened in this past week, my nerves were getting the best of me. I was as jumpy as a virgin at a prison rodeo. Once, I'd gathered my bearings, I answered the call. "This is Sookie."

"Hello, Ms. Stackhouse."

I had no idea who was calling me. I looked at the caller id. It read private. I didn't know anyone that had a private number or even used one for that matter. "This is Ms. Stackhouse. Whom may I ask is calling?"

"It is I," he said. "William Compton, the king of Louisiana."

"Oh."

He laughed.

I remained silent.

"I called to see how you are doing this evening."

"I just saw you about an hour ago. I was fine then and I am fine. Thank you for your concern, Mr. Compton."

Again, he laughed. "I know that you are wondering why I have called you."

"No," I said. "What I'm wondering is how you got my phone number. It is unlisted and only my family and my closest friends have my number. I am a very private person. I don't give out my personal information so easily … especially to strangers."

"I am a king," he announced. "I can get any number that I want and I wanted yours."

"Who gave you my number?" I asked. I didn't try to hide the suspicion in my voice. I don't trust him. I don't think that I ever will.

"I am king," he said. That time, he didn't sound as playful or confident. "I wanted to speak with you about your relationship with my sheriff."

"I mean no disrespect, your majesty," I began. "But I feel that my relationship with Eric is no one's business but ours. I will repeat for good measure that I belong to him. I am not willing to leave him for anyone else. Not a regular vampire or another sheriff or even a king. I am with Eric."

The king laughed loudly that time. A little too loudly. That told me that he was either lying or he was lying. I could only deduce that he was lying. "Oh, Ms. Stackhouse," he said. "I am not calling to take you away from your Viking. I want to know what he has you doing for him. Tonight, I have received a list of supes that will be helping him in locating his child. I want to know why your name has appeared on the list of supes. As far as I can see, Ms. Stackhouse, you are not a supe. Or am I missing something?"

"What are you asking me?" I paused for a moment as I thought of his words. "Are you asking me if he glamored me into being his? Is that what you're asking me?"

"I am."

My ears perked for just a moment. "Is Eric there with you?"

"Why does that matter?" he asked me. "I want to know whether or not Eric has glamored you to keep you under his thumb."

I could only guess that Eric was there but for now, I wanted to answer the king's question. I was highly insulted and I wanted to make sure that this a-hole knew it. "Eric is a vampire of great honor. He would never glamor me into doing anything that I don't want to do. You should do well to know this. I would think that you would know this since he is your sheriff, your majesty. You trusted him enough give him a position of some power and question the type of vampire that he is? You give me reason to question you."

He was quiet for a moment. "I would never believe that Eric would do that. I just wanted to know why you were included with his list of employees. There are no hidden insinuations in my questions or concerns."

Though I was unwilling to do it to Eric, I was more than willing to lie to the king. "Pam is one of my best friends and I want to do whatever I can to help bring her home. I want her to be safe. It's important to me that Eric gets her back because he loves her so. Those are the reasons why I am involved."

"Hmmm," the king said. "For some reason, Ms. Stackhouse, I feel that you are trying to deceive me. Are my feelings correct, Ms. Stackhouse? Are you trying to deceive me?"

"If there's nothing else, your majesty," I said. "I have work that I have to do."

"Yes," he replied. "I also find that to be a bit odd. I would think that the Viking gives you no rest. He must enjoy you every chance that he gets … though not intimately. You are still a virgin. Do you enjoy his company?"

"Your earlier comments and assumptions from this evening were not very kingly, your majesty," I commented. "I see that nothing has changed. Your words are becoming quite repetitive … your comments about Eric's and my sexual relationship. This is the second time you've questioned me about our sexual status and again, I will not dignify your statement with an answer. I would think that you would have a more respectful attitude when you are speaking to a lady and I, sir, am a lady. And whether I enjoy the company of Eric is none of your business. So, please don't insult us with your comments any further. It would appreciate."

"Forgive me," he said. He even sounded as if he meant it. "I meant no disrespect to you, Ms. Stackhouse. If you don't mind me saying, you are different. No wonder Eric seems to be so besotted with you. I, as well, am quite intrigued."

"Good evening, your majesty," I said once again.

"Ms. Stackhouse," he said. "There is another reason for my call. I wanted to let you know that you will be reporting to me along with Eric. I came back to his bar to offer him my full support in finding his child; though when I arrived he wasn't present. As you are now aware, I let him that I will help him. I know that I should have done that during my first appearance but it didn't occur to me to do so at that time." There was brief pause. "When he arrived at the bar, he looked as if he was looking for something, Ms. Stackhouse. Was it you?"

Those words made my heart skip a beat. Eric went back to the bar. Maybe he was hoping that I was going to still be there. "So Eric is there?" I asked before I realized that I'd asked.

"Did you not know where your Viking is, my dear?" His voice oozed smugness.

"I hadn't too long left him," I clarified. "I didn't know that he was going back. That is the only reason that I ask."

"Hmmm," he said. "Are you concerned that he's been with the fangbangers again?" He laughed. "If you are, I can understand. He is quite the lady's man … and men from what I've heard. Though I don't entertain gossip, I can see why you would question his whereabouts … his loyalty."

He is the second vampire to mention Eric's sexual prowess. He's the first one to mention that he's been with men but I'm not going to let that cloud my judgement of him. That's Eric's past. I won't allow him to try and plant seeds of doubt in my mind. That's what William wants. "I don't question Eric. I don't question him because I trust him completely. His past is just that. His past."

"You are a treasure, Ms. Stackhouse," he said. After a brief pause, he said, "Let me continue with my previous comment. Because I have offered Eric my full support, I want a full update of what is learned. I want to know who has taken it upon themselves to remove my subjects from within my kingdom. I want to know who has come into my sheriff's city and killed his vampires and humans." He paused for a moment. "I am not what you think I am, Ms. Stackhouse. I may be a king but I respect Eric wholly. I will stand with him when the time comes. You have my word. You can trust me."

I wasn't too sure about that and to be sure that I was right about him, I mentioned Hebert. "I hate that you had to kill one of your vampires tonight. I don't quite understand how you came to the idea that it was he that was trying to glamor me but it bothers me that he had to die just the same; especially if he died because of the actions of another. Isn't it a shame?"

"It is," he agreed. "It definitely is but Hebert knew the law. We are not to try and glamor another vampire's human. That is penalty of death. It is a good thing that Eric added that extra precaution to keep you safe. No telling what would have happened if he hadn't done that."

"No telling indeed," I agreed.

"He is a smart one, he is," the king replied.

"Yes, he is." And with that, I was done with this conversation. "Good evening, your majesty," I repeated.

"Good evening, Ms. Stackhouse." I could hear the smile in his voice as I ended the call.

I stared down at my phone as I placed it back onto my bed. I wasn't in the mood for talking to Trey. I would do that in the morning. I needed to figure out what Mr. Compton was up to but until then, I knew what I had to do.

"Another suspect," I said as I scribbled in my notebook.