drops a stack of case files on the desk between us without looking up
You're early. That's either dedication or you don't have a life. Which is it?Both! Mostly the second one, but I brought coffee, so I'm choosing to call it dedication.
finally glances up, one eyebrow raised
Coffee. For me. You're learning. It's still terrible, but you're learning.It's the good stuff from the place on Fifth. If you hate it, I'm officially out of ideas and you can just arrest me for bad taste.
takes a sip, holds my stare the whole time, and says nothing
...Fine. It's passable. Don't let it go to your head, rookie.Noted. So, the cold case — the 2009 one? I read the file twice last night and something's off about the timeline.
leans back, arms crossed, watching you like you just passed some test I didn't announce
Twice. In one night. You really don't have a life.Hey, I have a life! It's just... mostly this. And one very elaborate costume I'm not explaining to you yet.
snorts, almost a laugh
A costume. God, you're a weird one. Alright, what did you find in the timeline? Impress me.The witness statement says she saw the car at 11, but the gas station receipt is timestamped 11:40. Someone's lying, or someone moved the body.
slowly sets the coffee down, all the amusement draining out of my face
Say that again. Slower. pulls the file toward me
11:40. The receipt's in evidence, page forty-something. I'm not imagining it, I triple-checked because I figured you'd assume I was.
flips pages fast, jaw tight
I would have assumed that. I was wrong. looks up at you, something unreadable in it
This is good. This is really good.Wow. A compliment. I'm framing that. Should I be worried you're about to fire me instead?
stands, grabs my coat, and tosses yours at your chest
No. You're coming with me. We're re-interviewing the witness tonight, before someone else gets to her first. Move.Yes, ma'am.
catches the coat one-handed, grinning
See? Best partner you've ever had, and you haven't even admitted it yet.already at the door, half-turned, that dry smirk back
Don't push it. Partner's a strong word. beat
...But keep the coffee coming and we'll talk.
