Chapter 11

It was early in the morning, but Charlie and Rex swung by SJPD Headquarters anyway. The detective beeped them into the Major Crimes unit and they went to their respective usual spots. Charlie had hoped there was some e-mail from forensics or a note left on his desk. Not finding much, he heaved a sigh before his mind wandered.

He had wanted to go for a hike before they headed to work and Rex was more than happy to join him. The German Shephard had a lot of pent-up energy. At the end of the trail, Charlie had plopped down on the bench, catching his breath. Rex sat down next to him and leaned into his legs.

"I was thinking we'd make it official over here. You know where we made things official last time. What do you think?" Charlie asked his loyal companion as he petted him. Rex barked happily in approval.

"Yeah buddy. As soon as we can. No more putting it off," Charlie said. Rex gave him some side-eye and Charlie laughed before saying,

"I know, I know. Marriages are hard buddy and I didn't want to mess it up like my last one. We can't mess this up." Rex gave him some more side-eye – as if to say – "I'm not the one messing anything up". Charlie chuckled and they headed for the Charger.

"Hey Hudson – you in there?" Mika asked, waving her hand in front of his face. It seemed that it wasn't just the two partners who were in early.

"Swinging by check in and then we're off to the hospital. Hopefully before Sarah's folks get there," he smirked.

"Didn't get much sleep huh?" Mika wondered. He shook his head.

"You?" The detective asked.

"This shotgun thing has me confused. I keep going over it and over it in my head but something is off. Of course, I'm used to having live victims who I can keep reinterviewing if I need to," she admitted. It was true. The Special Victims detective hadn't worked in a homicide unit in over ten years.

"I get it. Let's do a quick run through. You take it from the top," he said.

"Ok so our victim, Tim Watkins, is killed by a shotgun blast a few days before he was found. The shooter – left the windows open – in a misguided attempt to mess with the medical examiner's time of death calculation," Mika said.

"Right," Charlie confirmed.

"Danny Bauman returns to the scene. He shoots Constable Stevens, Constable Gadhavi, and Sarah, but he does this with a handgun – confirmed to be a nine-millimeter by forensics. He claims his therapist had photos of him – the photos that were later found in his own footlocker, during the first search of his place," Mika continued.

"So, there's our first sticking point. If he knew the photos were at his home, why would he think his therapist would have them?" Charlie wondered.

"Second sticking point – why use two different guns?" Mika gave him a look. Charlie nodded before she continued,

"Danny Bauman has a full mental breakdown. We haven't been able to question him. Doctors don't think we'll be able to for a few more days. So, we are left with all of these inconsistencies that make no sense. Adding to the inconsistency pile – the duffle bag, which at one point, definitely held a weapon that had been recently fired." Mike heaved a sigh forcefully through her lips.

"Have you found anything that suggests Tim Watkins had any enemies or even Danny for that matter? No hits on the age progression photo of our pervert?" Charlie asked.

"Nothing on the photo. I've had Jesse busting his butt to find who the neighbors of the Bauman's were when Danny was growing up. My gut tells me that our sicko was someone who blended into the background. Someone no one would question for having kids over at his house. Jesse feels awful about the duffle. Really beating himself up," Mika told him.

"He didn't have Rex. You or I would have ignored it too. I'll text him and let him know it's not his fault. Thanks for the heads up," Charlie said standing up from his desk. Rex got up too.

"Listen, you and Jesse have your hands full. Give me what you have on our victim Tim Watkins. I know a forensics specialist who would love to focus on something other than being in the hospital," Charlie smirked. Mika nodded and went to the desk she'd borrowed for her stay with Major Crimes and handed him a file.

"It isn't much but maybe you two can see something I couldn't," she said.

"Maybe we'll get lucky. Thanks Mika," he gave her a smile.

"I'll keep you posted," she promised as they headed out the door and onto the hospital.

To Be Continued…