I was exhausted from digging into the case all day with no progress. Molly and I had been working tirelessly, and I decided to order lunch for us.
"Any luck? I'm at a dead end,"I said, frustration evident in my voice as I pushed a stack of papers aside.
"Not really, but come look at this." She showed me the DNA analysis and crime scene photos. "It seems the victim allowed the attacker in cause there is no force of entry to the car ."
"But that doesn't explain the motive of the killer and what about the black liquid stained on the victim's clothes?"
"It's deoxidized blood, not the victim's. It has no genetic markers. The attacker doesn't exist in any known database.The victims body has been taken for lab tests it might shed more light on what really caused her death."
"Keep these findings confidential. Let me recheck the -"
"Howard, you're needed in the Director's office," a lieutenant called out, his voice cutting through the tension in the room.
I went to Rogers' office. He was looking out the window, his silhouette framed against the evening light. His office was a perfect blend of old and modern decor, with antique bookcases lining one wall and sleek, modern technology adorning the other. A mahogany desk dominated the centre, covered in neatly organised files. My favourite paperweight, a golden retriever, sat proudly on his desk.
"I know you are fully aware of David's Kartz case that we had to close because of no leads.Lily I have entrusted you to lead this case , we cannot afford to lose this one . People are becoming more aware and they are asking questions.Promise me this that anything new comes up you come to me immediately understood?"
I looked at his eyes searching mine to see if I had grasped how serious he is about this ,"Hey, you got it boss",I said with a reassuring voice , I closed the door and headed for my office where I left Molly.
"As I was saying before we were interrupted, I want to go recheck the street cameras or ask the locals there. Maybe something was overlooked," I said, my mind already racing with possibilities.
"Weren't they already checked thoroughly?" Molly asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, but you can never be too sure."
"Well, if you feel it's necessary, then hit me up if anything comes up."
"Bet, but I have a gut feeling we have an imposter."
"You mean among us?" she asked, her curiosity piqued and worry evident.
"Yeah," I whispered, the weight of the word settling heavily between us.
"Well, a random guy came out of the Director's office. He looked like a god. I kinda bumped into him. I wasn't paying attention because I had just gotten the blood test results...."
"Wait? A random guy?"
"Yeah, that's what I said, but he was perfect. His physique, his eyes…"
"When did this happen?"
"Before lunch."
"Okay….,"I paused to process Molly just said "We will have dinner at my place and discuss what I will find," I said as I took my car keys to get to work.
****
The doorbell rang. It was Molly. The boys hadn't arrived from school yet.
"I thought you wouldn't make it," I laughed, opening the door wider.
"Oh please, Lil. When invited to dinner, I can't refuse." She smiled, stepping inside.
"The boys haven't arrived, so we have peace before Liam starts drooling over you," I joked, leading her to the kitchen.
"I think he's just naturally sweet, not crushing on me."
"I'm his mother. I know him. You look good for 20. You could pass as his age," I teased, handing her a glass of wine.
"Really?" She seemed self-conscious, brushing a hand through her ombre curly hair. With her blue-grey eyes, dimples, and smooth brown skin, she was beautiful. I look forward to the person who will appreciate her for her genius and quirky personality just the way I do .
"What did you discover?" Molly asked, settling into a chair at the kitchen island.
"So I checked CCTV cameras on that street where the crime scene was."
"And?" Molly asked, curiosity lingering in her eyes.
"Well, it was the same footage brought in, but I got something."I said
"No way. What did you find?"Molly asked curiously
"Well I can't say I found something I kinda got a tip."I said shyly
"Okay…so how does this tip further into our investigations?" Molly asked, confused.
I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.
"No way! You are going off the book, isn't that illegal?"Molly said worried
"You think I would want to do this , if it wasn't this important ? Maria's case is going cold, Molly…I feel there are things in this case that can't be explained if we keep going by the book " I looked into Molly's trying to give her an assuring look .
"Okay,"She said trying to steady her voice but i can tell the worry tone in her voice
"And I said there was nothing there, but…Ooh well, hello Molly. Mother, what's the occasion?" Liam grinned as he entered, his presence filling the room with energy.
"Hello Liam, we were just finishing work, but we are done, and we are having dinner," I said, giving Molly a smile as Lucas followed behind, looking exhausted.
"How was school?"
"Interesting. Ask Lucas," Liam said, amused.
"What happened, Lucas?" I asked, concerned.
"I got into a fight with Charles during practice. It wasn't intentional. I'm sorry," he said, guilt on his face.
"Did Charles deserve it?" I asked.
"Yeah."
"Well, I know you got punished at school. That's enough. You're smart, so no more gangster behaviour," I laughed, ruffling his hair.
The evening went well. The boys shared their school dramas, and we laughed. I felt proud of the small family I had created, even without him. Even though the thoughts of the thin waters we were crossing were concerning, I knew every small effort was for a better future for Molly and the boys.
After dinner, I put the dishes away while the boys finished their homework. Molly and I moved to the living room, the comfortable silence between us speaking volumes about our long friendship. The room was cosy, filled with family photos, bookshelves, and a soft glow from the fireplace.
"So, where is your tip taking you?" Molly asked, breaking the silence.
"I'm heading to a tattoo store near the crime scene first thing in the morning. I'll see if it can give me leads ."
"I'll have the lab reports of the body. I will give immediate feedback…Lily, I got your back no matter what ," Molly said with determination.
"Thanks, Molly. I don't know what I'd do without you," I said sincerely.
"Hey, we're a team. And besides, it is all part of the job ," she replied with a grin.
As the evening drew to a close, the boys joined us in the living room. Liam had a mischievous sparkle in his eye.
"Mother, can we watch a movie? Since Molly is here," he suggested.
"Sure, why not? What do you guys want to watch?" I asked, settling onto the couch with them.
"How about something fun? We've had enough drama for today," Lucas suggested, his earlier tension now replaced with a relaxed smile.
We settled on a comedy, and as the movie played, I felt a sense of contentment. Despite the challenges we faced, moments like these reminded me of what was truly important—family, friends, and the small joys that made life worth living.
As the credits rolled, I saw they were all sound asleep, lost in dreams untouched by the chaos I carried. In their peace, I saw everything I had to protect—and everything I stood to lose.