Sweet Lullaby

Chapter One

"Deep breaths, just keep breathing." These were the five words that Cierra spoke over and over throughout the 20 minute drive from her home to the bar she was being forced to enter. She felt uncomfortable, the feeling increasing with each passing moment. She didn't like the tight clothing she wore. She didn't like the fact that she would have to spend what would most likely be hours interviewing people from said bar to find who she was looking for. She most definitely didn't like that the bar she was going to, was a lesbian bar.

She'd finally gotten a lead on the serial killer after speaking with friends of the deceased woman, Catherine Porter. The woman was married, the husband being out of town on business at the time of her murder. It was an unhappy marriage; according to her friends, she'd gone to this bar every other week to pick up different women.

This information was what had lead Cierra to Minute After Midnight bar to investigate, a picture of a newlywed Catherine nestled within the pocket of her jeans. Her partner, Jessie, couldn't go because he was a man; they weren't allowed inside the bar. Because of this, their captain suggested that she go in undercover while Jessie waited somewhere outside; no need to scare the killer off if she was, in fact, there.

The car pulled to a stop in front of building on the opposite side of the street, the inside completely invisible due to the lack of windows. There wasn't much of a line; made sense due to the fact that it was a Wednesday night. The bouncer, a woman on the taller side with penetrating brown eyes and broad shoulders looked Cierra up and down as she came close, raising a studded eyebrow.

"You know this is a gay bar, right?"

Internally, Cierra scoffed. Although she was straight, she didn't find it promising that she was being clocked before even entering. It didn't bode well with her investigation, and not to mention, she honestly didn't want to be mistaken for a lesbian.

"Yes," She brought her cinnamon colored eyes up to the woman's, her fingers curling around her badge in the pockets of her jacket. She resisted the urge to flash it so that she wouldn't have to deal with unnecessary confrontation.

Thankfully, after a moment, the woman shrugged as if deciding she didn't care enough, moving aside to let her enter. "Go on in."

Releasing a sigh, Cierra brushed past her into the building, the scent of alcohol, and perfume becoming immediately apparent. Soft music accompanied with the lull of conversation reached her ears as she stood at the entrance, scanning the room, her thumb unconsciously stroking Catherine's picture in her pocket.

As suspected, there weren't many women around; a few sat at the actual bar counter top, while others were scattered around at booths and tables strategically placed around the room. There were comfortable looking couches here and there near coffee tables, the walls decorated with paintings, written quotes stencils, and trinkets. Open light bulbs hung from the ceiling, offering warm spheres of light within the dimly lit area.

Had it not been a gay bar, the Detective wouldn't have minded spending a few of her own nights there.

Chewing the inside of her cheek, Cierra went with her first instinct and drifted towards the bar, taking a seat on one of the leather stools farther away from any other patrons. The bartender immediately made her way over, a kind smile on her face.

Cierra studied her. She was young, no more than her 27 years old. She was a simple beauty with dirty blond hair and a pair of baby blues to boot, her olive skin clear and her lips thin. She didn't look as if she had it in her to be a murderer, but then again, looks could be deceiving.

Cierra's mind ran a million miles a minute, working through a checklist engrained in her from the very start of her career.

"Can I help you?" She spoke just loud enough to be heard over the background music, bringing Cierra from her musings.

No getting drunk. "Uh, yes. Can I have a... Pepsi, please?"

The woman raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment, moving towards the end of the bar where a cooler was most likely placed beneath it, because when she lifted her hand again, her drink was there, fresh condensation dripping from the sides.

"Can or glass?"

"Can is fine, thank you." She slid the drink over to her, picking up a rag from the bar that had seen better days. Cierra watched her wipe down the glass top of the bar momentarily, debating with herself the best way to proceed.

After a moment, she pulled out her badge discreetly, placing it on the top so that only the woman could see it. She then put the picture of Catherine next to it, leaning over it so as to minimize the result of prying eyes. "I'm a Detective, and I'll need you to answer some questions for me about this woman." Pushing her badge back into her pocket, she made sure she had the woman's attention.

Even as Cierra's eyes scanned her face, she didn't seem affected; not nervous. She didn't seem to have a guilty conscious.

"This woman, do you know her?"

Her blue eyes roamed over the printed out picture, the flame of recognition lighting them within seconds. "That's Catherine, right? I forgot her last name. She comes around every other week. Real nice." She paused, a dent appearing between her eyebrows. "Wait, why are the cops looking for her? She in some kind of trouble?" There was a tinge of genuine concern in her voice, one that Cierra had learned to put aside.

Ignoring the question, Cierra continued. "When was she last here?"

"It was less than a week ago, I think, but don't quote me on that; after a while, the nights just start to run together. She left with this new woman who's started showing up." She whistled lowly, holding the woman in question in obvious high esteem. "She's gorgeous, that one. Had everyone's eye the moment she walked in. She's not here right now, but she usually shows up around seven, I think?"

A glance at the Detective's watch told her it was a quarter until seven. Whoever this woman was, hopefully she showed up tonight.

Leaning forward once more, Cierra fixed her gaze completely on the bartender, willing the information out of her. "Do you know who that woman is?"

The bartender didn't get a chance to answer, her lips parted as they began to form the words. Instead, another voice broke in.

"Hello, Melissa," A soft, feminine voice spoke from behind her, startling Cierra.

The bartender's face, Melissa's, was immediately overtaken by awe, desire flickering in the depths of her eyes where there had been nothing but friendliness and mild concern previously.

What the hell?

"Hi, Hunter." Hunter?

`1Frowning, Cierra twisted around on her stool to face the woman, fully prepared to scold her for interrupting. However, the words were immediately lost as the breath was knocked from her lungs.

Running a perfectly manicured hand through her long, dark chocolate hair, her full pink lips twisted into a smirk under their gazes. Her eyes were a smokey greyish green color that glowed with confidence, and something told Cierra that the woman knew exactly how she presented herself.

"Oh, hello there. I don't believe we've met. I would have remembered such a gorgeous face." She had a soft yet confident tone of voice.

She smiled, revealing a set of perfect white teeth, holding out her hand. "Hunter Drakes."

Despite the thought that she probably used the line on too many women to count, Cierra couldn't help the blush that covered her cheeks. She then mentally slapped herself, straightening up her back.

This woman is a suspect, She scolded herself. And besides, you're straight.

Taking it, Cierra resisted the urge to yank her hand back in surprise. Her skin was warm against hers and so soft. "Cierra Speares."

A moment after saying it, she again kicked herself. Why had she given her real name and not an alias?

Lifting her hand, Hunter placed her lips briefly against her fingers, maintaining eye contact with her the entire time. At the feel of her lips, Cierra nearly melted, her heart pounding against her ribs. The act felt too sensual.

What was going on?

Releasing her, Hunter took a seat next to her, raising an eyebrow at the drink she'd ordered, but that still lay obviously untouched, the tab left as is.

"No alcohol? You come to a bar to get soda?" She didn't seem to be making fun of her, instead sincerely curious.

Get yourself together. "I wanted the atmosphere without the hangover," Cierra explained, having a little more control over her hormones than seconds before.

Breaking in, Melissa alerted both of them to her presence, confirming. "This is the woman Catherine left with last."

At the surface level of her words, a pang went through Cierra's chest. Frowning, she ignored it, instead opting to mentally curse Melissa. She might as well have written 'Detective' on her forehead with a Sharpie.

Shaking her head, she knew she'd just have to take it in stride - she'd already given out her real name anyways.

"You knew this woman?" Pushing the picture towards her, Cierra watched Hunter's face as she scanned it. Her features remained set in an easy, laid back smile.

"Well, knew her would be a bit of a stretch."