Chapter Nineteen
1121 Words
Chapter Nineteen
“We know that when any two objects come into contact there is always a transfer from one object to the other. This brings us to the next item,” Demi Mason, the forensic minion, said holding up a clear plastic evidence bag with a ring. It's the fraternity ring mentioned earlier. Oh, and she's referring to Locard's Exchange Principle.
“Since we can assume that the victim was in a fight via his bodily injuries. We also assume that he did attempt to defend himself. We found traces of skin flakes and blood on this ring. From two different unknowns. The first we were able to identify to be as a possible sibling match. The other unknown's results, however, have come back as contaminated. We can't seem to get a read on it.”
“Okay, well, just from the brief interview we had with Patrick yesterday. We know that the brothers were having differences,” Cass brought up while looking at her notes. “And that Peter was in the process of moving out.”
“Should Patrick Bryant be considered a suspect then?” George inquired. “What's his motive?”
“There's nothing worse than sibling rivalry,” Roger reminded his patrol partner.
“True,” I agreed. I remember my father mentioning how some packs were destroyed over the very same thing.
“So why at The Roundhouse?” Cass asked.
“Why not at The Roundhouse?” Mr. Riesling spoke out. He must've snuck in. The more the merrier. “It is the most isolated area in the whole city. After all, what happens at The Roundhouse, stays at The Roundhouse. Our own mini-Vegas if you will.”
“All thanks to Mayor Jabberwocky,” we all mutter under our breaths.
“What about that bag of meth? Let's not forget that Knapelli's print was a solid on it,” Lieutenant Isaiah Barton mentioned. He wants Knapelli off of the streets as well. We all do. I somehow think he believes Knapelli is involved in Rhonda's disappearance. Rhonda Addams is a plainclothes narcotics officer. She still pulls off looking like a college student, which was her last assignment.
“You know we can't bring him in just on a print,” I gruffly reminded him. So much for having a decent day for once.
“You try that Lieutenant and I can guarantee you that he'll walk right back out without a charge,” Riesling stated.
“We'll put him up as a suspect and keep watch on him,” the Chief stepped in. “Look we know you feel responsible for Rhonda, but she knew what the dangers were when she agreed to the assignment.”
“I know that, but I promised her folks that I'd look after her,” Isaiah said in a defeated tone.
We're cops. Our line of work is dangerous. He never should have made that kind of promise.
“Okay, moving on. Please continue, again, Miss Mason,” the Chief stated getting on with the report.
“Ahem,” the minion cleared her throat. “Thank you, Chief. As I was saying, from the three different types of hair that were located on the victim. One of the three we can rule out, as it is common canine hair. The next one is from a wildlife creature, and it, unfortunately, appears to be suffering from mange. The final hairs were of the same type. Light red hair and some strands were dyed purple.
“Knapelli's last mug shot showed him sporting purple-dyed hair,” Lieutenant Barton casually mentioned.
Eye-roll and facepalm moment. Why won't he let it go for now? He knows damn well that we need definitive proof that he has committed a crime. G-ddess knows we are sure as hell don't need any lawsuit brought on us for false imprisonment or wrongful arrest.
“Were there any other findings that would help the case,” inquired Cass?
“Not really, those were the only viable ones. And the DNA is sketchy at best,” Demi the forensic minion replied.
“Couldn't the University science department help out? I'm sure they have better-updated equipment than us,” Roger suggested.
“Good suggestion, Officer Oren,” the Chief said praising him. Way to go, Chief. Way to encourage him. “I'll get right on the phone with Dr. Frederickson.”
Both Cass and I just look at each other. We literally just came from there. Miss Grimm is going to be so happy to see us again, especially this late in the day. I hope you noted the sarcasm again.
“Micah and I just came back from there,” Cass just had to say to the Chief. I gave her a sideways glare. She just inadvertently volunteered us for a job that I really didn't want. I just remembered that I needed to buy some groceries!
“Good, then you two can take Miss Mason and the object in question with you when you head back there,” the Chief strongly stated with authority.
Great, just what we need. Demi Mason graduated from minion to henchman howbeit only temporary. This is going to be fun. That minion obviously hates me, and now we have to share the same vehicle.
“I wonder how Miss Grimm and Miss Mason are going to get along,” I muttered in Cass' direction. The look of shock on her face said it all. Yep. This is going to be a fun meeting.
Meanwhile, back at University Biology Department...
Hanna, with her left-hand cramped from correcting the tests and various papers, finally placed the red pen down. She took a deep sigh and placed the last paper inside the box. Now she only has to haul it back up three flights of stairs to Professor Bryant's office.
“Getting up hours before daybreak just to retrieve some memory cards and then spending the rest of the day grading and correcting papers is exhausting,” she muttered to herself. “Maybe tomorrow will be less eventful for me. At least my shift is done once I drop these off.” She grabbed her purse, the box and made her way to the door. He switched off the lights and locked the door behind her. Balancing the box with one knee up, she got a better hold on it and made her way upstairs.
Upon reaching Professor Bryant's office door, Hanna was surprised to see Dr. Frederickson standing there. He gave the impression that he was waiting especially for her.
“Great. Now what?” Hanna grumbled under her breath. She just wants to go home. Is that too much to ask?
- Writer
