| |
I make a point to never deal with Police if I can help it. I was a cop for 5 years. I learned enough to know how they think.
The Police never reveal all the info they possess to the media. So my first stop would be them. No point in wasting my time. I was already paid half upfront. This case is over when I say it is.
Police Headquarters was on W. Mission St. Not far from my office. I would have normally left Penny at the office. I like to work alone. I don’t like when people distract me when I’m in detective mode. But she had a purpose today.
So when I’m on a case I wear a pair of red Dr. Dre Beats earbuds. It makes it easy to focus. For me anyway. Every detective is different.
I was high as shit. I was hitting my disposable THC pen like it was no tomorrow. Penny and I sat in silence in the back of the UBER.
I listened to What's Beef by The Notorious B.I.G. I always found the track to be quite hypnotic. Good mind clearing music.
The UBER dropped us off in front of the station. Penny and I went straight to the mouth of the dragon. I didn't believe in wasting my time.
Captain Benita Gonzales is a law enforcement dynamo. She was pretty enough to fuck her way to the top. But she did it with a solid arrest record and strong community ties.
She was my Lieutenant back when I was on the force. Now her partner is my ex-partner, Wheeler Frye. Wheeler was Lt. of Undercover investigations.
Her office looked like any other office you might see on any TV Police procedural. I didn't bother to knock. Penny and I walked right in there.
Benita Gonzales is full blooded Mexican. Her patience was shorter than the little lines that trace her face. Light brown hair in a bun. She wore some gray off the rack skirt suit. She could be something sexy if she cared about anything but work.
She screamed a few things at me as I slammed the door behind. She went on a rant of expletives before she realized I couldn’t hear because of my earbuds. This wasn’t her first rodeo. She folded her arms and waited.
I took my cue. I removed my left earbud. Sat down and addressed my ex-boss. And ex-lover. (That’s a whole other Oprah). Good evening, Benita, I said. You remember Penny, don't you?
She nodded a greeting to Penny. Then locked her targets on my sorry ass. It’s CAPTAIN GONZALES!!! Not Benita. You sanctimonious little asshole she said.
She wasn’t one to mince words. What the fuck do you want this time Kinkayd? She said. As if on cue my old partner Wheeler Frye walked into the room.
Look what the Cap dragged in I said slyly. Wheeler looked like a mix of Elijah Wood and Daniel Radcliffe. He was neat and exacting to the point in everything he did. He was basically the perfect partner.
He sat down next to me as if to referee the exchange. I asked a question Mr. Kinkayd said the Captain. Her patience was waning in her voice.
Well, Captain Benita, I said. I've recently been enlisted to privately investigate the Archer Hood murder, I said carefully using my words.
Who said it was a murder? She said. Our cat and mouse exchange continued for a few minutes. Before I got the information I came for. I had to ask for it.
Why are you guys still holding Patrick Valentine? If there was a suicide note. Why has he been implicated? He’s not the first person to be in the room when someone commits suicide. And that is something I know first hand.
She looked at Penny realizing she was a relative of the suspect. Daughter? Uncle? she asked of Penny. Uncle, I said before she could speak. The young lady can speak for herself I'm sure said, Benita. Uncle said Penny like a parrot on cue.
And who is your client she said? I smiled at her and gave her the old detective line about confidentiality. She looked at me and folded her arms on her chest.
Wheeler took this moment to jump in. We wanted to let Valentine go from the first night. But at this point, we have to charge him. Why? I said.
Wheeler looked at the Captain she looked away. She then got up and left her office. Without so much as a word to any of us. My guess is she wants deniability if Wheeler gives me too much.
The gun, Wheeler continued. The gun was registered to Patrick Valentine. He doesn’t deny owning it. He’s sticking fast to his blackout story.
I looked at Penny who was shaking her head in disbelief. And I asked one question. But what of their clothes?
Wheeler looked at me thoughtfully and said. You know J. that's the damnedest thing. We have not found a thread of either man's clothes. We turned that whole school upside down.
This was important I thought. I didn’t know how this piece fit yet. But I knew it was a clue. Any chance of you emailing me a copy of the digital report? And that’s all I need. I said to Wheeler.
He nodded and said. Yeah J, but that’s all I can do. The Captain hates you. I’m not trying to get on her bad side for any reason. I mean look what happened to you.
I smiled understanding his trepidation. Thanks, I said. I gave him a pound and a hug. On our way out of the office, I stopped short and turned around.
Oh, I said. Just more thing If you don't mind. I believe Penny has the right to see Mr. Valentine. Can you arrange that?
Wheeler said, Yes as long as you are not there I think the Cap will go for it. I can’t believe you guys dated. She despises you. Actually never mind. I guess I can he said with a laugh.
I kissed Penny on the cheek and left.Wheeler took her off to visitation. Perfect. I need to be alone right now. I need to process. I need to smoke some weed. And solve some crime.