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The tip of her pen scribbled across the small notebook, adding the information of the most recent victim. Her heart ached for Haylee. Only two weeks since she was brutally attacked and put on for a horrible display. They were no closer to finding the culprit than they had for any of the other victims. The notebook not only contained victims from The Vulture, but also previous cases that she never found true justice for. A small reminder and guilt that pushes her forward.
"Hey Cordelia!" The loud, obnoxious voice of her partner caught her attention even in the sea of constant noise. "Why didn't you stop me from drinking last night?" His tall frame leaned against the walls of her cubicle, a small reflection catching on his glasses.
A small smirk tugged at her lips as she slipped the notebook to the side, "What did you give them for payment this time?"
She noticed a look of irritation cross his features as his fingers tugged at loose, dark strands on top of his head. "I can't find my watch."
"Oh? You mean the diamond one your parents gifted you?" Part of her felt bad but it was a lesson he needed to learn. He was thirty years old, three years older than her, yet why did she feel like she was older. "I don't think even in your drunken escapades you would offer the watch as payment. The women of the Golden District know better than to take such objects since they walk a fine line. I'm sure you just misplaced it."
Danny grumbled words that were inaudible to her but she didn't doubt that he was annoyed by her words.
"Detective Myers and Baker, my office, now." Both of their bodies stiffened at their names being summoned. Sharing a look both quickly stood and made their way towards Chief Adam's office.
"What did you do this time?" She whispered. Cordelia had an idea what it could be about but she knew it was best to play dumb.
"I didn't do anything!" He hastily whispered back.
Chief Timothy Adams was an intimidating man. It had only taken him two years to jump from rookie to detective when he had first joined the force. He was recognized for his knowledge about the law, desire to stop crime, and compassion with the public. Cordelia only wished they saw that compassion side more in the office. His office was decorated with his various accomplishments over the years, certificates, and awards. Pictures of friends, colleagues, and family lined neatly on the wooden shelves. With piles of clothes he tried to hide throughout the room and an obvious worn couch in the corner, she knew he spent most of his time in that single room.
Dedication to the job is tiring.
"I'm sorry Chief! I told him not to do it but he doesn't listen!" She spat out the moment the door shut. Danny shot her a surprised and confused look before he started mumbling trying to find something to defend himself with. Not that he knew what he was defending himself against.
A deep sigh erupted from the man in front of them as he waved a dismissive hand. "The coffee matter is not the concern right now. I have something else I need to discuss with you two." Cordelia shot a smile in her friend's direction who returned a glare.
"Detective Clark is going to be handling the press for today. Someone leaked the gift we received last night so he will be dealing with that situation."
"Who do you think could have leaked it?" She asked.
"We are trying to figure that out now. Whether it be who delivered it or the culprit himself, I don't know. What I do know is there has been another body reported." They both froze at his words. "Thankfully not a lot of news has spread about it due to the letter as well as a few other interferences. I already sent our...consultant to the site." He looked them both in the eye, "Do not disappoint me." The Chief’s gaze hardened as he spoke. "Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" They both responded in unison. A paper was passed over the desk with the details. Cordelia noted that he now labeled Vincent Young as consultant versus detective as had in the beginning. No use hiding it as now they were all made aware he didn't have actual credentials. The question was, how did The Vulture know?
They both quickly gathered their things and headed towards the parking garage. "Where is it located?" She asked.
Her partner glanced at the paper as they shuffled into the shared car. She noticed he hesitated in telling her which prompted her to push for an answer. "It's the building next door."
"Next door? But that's-" city hall. She didn't finish her sentence as they shared a brief look. The short report didn't mention any name yet. Who was the victim? It could range from the mayor, government officials, or even city judges.
Due to the short travel, they had little to gather their thoughts as they pushed through the main doors of the grand building. At first glance it would appear that nothing was amiss. People dressed in business suits and heels walked and conversed normally around the building. Was there really a dead body in the building?
The marble floors, walls of glass, and statues all seemed perfect. Nothing was ruined or covered in blood. Was this really the scene of a murder?
The two of them approached the front desk as the receptionist clicked away on her keyboard. The dark circles under the woman's eyes was something Cordelia knew well. Being worked to the end was something most people lived for whether they admit it or not. She was no different. Before they could say anything as she looked to greet them, a tall man tapped Cordelia on the shoulder. "Follow me." The man had a security badge on his shoulder, but he was not someone she recognized. His expression was hard, not a single speck of emotion could be seen. Not bothering to question anything, the two of them followed the man in silence as he lead them to the elevator. "Floor 8. One of your men is already waiting up there. Keep quiet."
It was understandable that they wanted to try and keep the atmosphere as quiet and calm as possible but how could the news not have spread like wildfire already? It was human nature to gossip and spread information, especially for something of this caliber.
"It's not just me, right? This is strange." Danny spoke the same thoughts she shared.
"Very."
The elevator door dinged open and they were greeted with the only sound of a clock ticking. The floor was quiet and only half of the hallway was lit. To the right was lined with closed office doors and marbled floors. To the left was a large gathering room that was eerily quiet and filled with darkness.
"Detective Baker, Detective Myers over here." A deep voice echoed down from the right hallway, the owner out of sight. Cordelia walked behind Danny as they turned the corner at the end of the light hallway meeting the auburn eyes and matching colored hair of Vincent. His back rested against the wall behind him, his gaze focused on the two of them.
"What is the situation so far? Do you know why everyone is acting weird? What hasn't this place been fully blocked yet?" The words left her lips the moment they were close to him.
The man held his hands up in defense, "From my understanding the security guard that led you two up here was the one that found him. They told everyone who worked on this floor that there is an electrical problem and they have to do work elsewhere today. They don't want to cause panic right now."
The panic will only be worse once everyone realizes that they have a dead body in the building.
"Who else knows?" Danny asked, his arms folded across his chest.
"In this building? Just the security guard, the mayor, and a few other officials." His gaze shifted to the door behind him. "It's another fun one."
Cordelia narrowed her eyes before approaching the door. Her eyes widened at the nameplate. District Attorney Brad Wilkins. "Ah, this isn't our victim in there...is it?" All she got was a nod in return. In the bustling city of Coppermine, no one was known more than DA Brad Wilkins. The public loved him. The criminals loathed him.
"Looks like he can catch big fish too." Cordelia glared at Danny's remark.
Vincent shrugged slightly. "Considering how no victims have been this high up the societal food chain, no doubt he is just proving that no one can escape his grasp."
He was right. Out of all the victims in the two years of his activity, none have been someone of high status. Nor as heavily guarded. The DA had many enemies. He was hardly spotted without at least two guards close to him. Was that who the security guard was who greeted them at the entrance?
But why now? Was it because of the letter? Did the DA have anything in relation to it or was he just another unlucky soul?
"The Chief said he will send over some more help but wants us to get started." Vincent looked at the two of them. "I've been told that they have not touched a single thing since the body was found two hours ago. The guard at least had that common sense not to disturb the scene." Unfortunately, that has happened before. Especially when a loved one finds the victim. They ruin what was supposed to be untouched and often ruin potential clues and contaminate the scene.
Danny cleared his throat as he set his bag down by the front of the door. "Let's start doing what we can. Myers, you have the camera right?" Cordelia nodded. "Good, start taking what pictures you can. You have worked closely with Thomas so you know better than us two what kind of photos are needed." She shuddered at the thought. There was no telling what awaited them behind that door.
"Vincent, you and I will start bagging what evidence we can find. You can also do your," Danny moved his fingers as if he was sprinkling something, "magic."
The other nodded as Danny took the lead, opening the door. Cordelia gripped the strap on her bag as she braced herself. She hated that she was so sensitive to every one of these scenes. Her mind would instantly picture crying families. Most of the victims to this monster could only create their loved ones due to the intense mutilation done to their bodies.
The feelings of pity and guilt always fought inside her chest. No one should have to experience these horrors. But they were mice being toyed with, stuck in a trap that was controlled by someone else.
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