I’ve been sleeping at the precinct because we only had 72 hours to hold this guy without charging him, and he hadn’t asked for a lawyer, so I wasn’t taking a break until he gave up his guilt.
Rod had found a replica of the knife used, in the man’s apartment, and we knew we had to keep going at him. Pulling back wasn’t an option.
Eight hours ago, he cracked and told us everything. The kids wouldn’t give up their wallets. That’s it. No other reason for murdering them than greed. He’s the lowest kind of criminal; the one with no sense of his crime.
After Rod and I had formally charged him, we went back to the families to tell them that we caught the man who killed their boys. Explaining why was almost as devastating to them as hearing about the initial loss.
Climbing the stairs to Marina’s floor, I feel nothing but r
elief when I see her door. Knocking on it, I pray she’s home. After ten minutes, I start to get worried.
“You looking for Miss Parks?” An older woman comes out from down the hall.
“Yes. You know where she is?”
She eyes me critically before asking, “Who are you?”
Pulling out my badge, I introduce myself. “Detective Arsen Daniels, MNPD, ma’am.”
Her mouth moves side to side in contemplation before answering me again. “She left for her parents earlier today. Looked mighty sad and exhausted. Been hearing her cry for a couple days now.”
“Shit.” Waving my hand at her, I leave. “Thanks!”
Exhausted. Sad. Crying.
Didn’t take a fucking genius to figure why. I’m such a fucking idiot. Knowing exactly where I have to go, I’m prepared to grovel as I drive across town to Sophie and Nico’s place. I’m sure I am breaking a few laws as I turn on my siren and fly through red lights with accuracy and speed.
Barely shutting my truck off, I’m out the door and running up the steps to their front door. Pounding on the piece of wood, I call, “Sophie! Nico!”
“Bro, what the fuck?” Nico opens up, an angry scowl on his face.
“I need Sophie’s help,” I tell him in a rush, hardly able to stand still.
“Arsen?” I hear her call.
“Marina. Where’s her parents live?” If I were thinking logically instead of emotionally, I would have remembered that I could find her on my own.
“What happened?” She eyes me the same way as the old woman did.
“I fucked up. I had a big case…a bad case. I was called away to find the perp just as she told me-” I stop mid-sentence, unsure if she’s told them or not. “I fucked up. I broke my damn phone and haven’t been able to get in touch with her the past couple of days, and now, she’s at her parents. I need to see her, Soph. I need to make it right.”
Nico has a fucking smirk on his damn face again.
Sophie is almost in tears as she hands me a piece of paper. “Make it right, Arsen,” she instructs.
Kissing her cheek, I yell out, “Thanks, Soph!” over my shoulder as I head back to the precinct to beg my damn captain for a couple days off to fix things.
Noticing him on the steps in front of the precinct with a camera crew and news vans all around, I prepare for the three-ring circus that’s about to happen. He’s a glory-hound, and I know he won’t hesitate to pull me into the spotlight.
“Detective Daniels!” he calls as he continues on. “This man was the lead investigator. Caught the perpetrator and stayed for three days to interrogate him. All credit goes to him.” A cheer and clapping follow his words for a brief second before questions come slinging my way.
Walking up the steps, I stand beside my superior and address the press. “The family is asking for peace to grieve their tragic loss. All they want is privacy, but if you’d like to help, a donation box has been set up with our desk sergeant. Feel free to write down your condolences as well.”
One reporter, one who’s always going out of her way to make us look bad, shouts out, “Are you going to use this case as a milestone to further your career, Detective?”
I’m not sure what she’s getting at, but I’m going to use it my advantage. “I’m a career detective, ma’am. Happy where I’m at. I’m simply looking forward to having a week off to spend with my girl since she’s on summer break now.” There’s no way the captain’ll turn me down now.
“Taking time off, are you?” he mutters in my ear. “That’s all folks! Like Daniels said, all donations and condolences are appreciated.” He claps a hand on my shoulder and guides me inside. “We’ve got your new phone ready. Same number and voicemail. Enjoy your time, Daniels, and don’t use me again.” He smirks as I slip out the back after the sergeant hands me my new phone.