Page 22 of Rookie Days

“Castro up in court this morning?” he asked.

“For a short bail hearing, yes. His lawyer’s expected to push for him to be released since according to him, his client’s neither a threat to society nor a flight risk.”

Wilson snorted.

“Some creative defense lawyer he’s got himself, uh?”

“Aren’t they all? In some parallel universe, it may even be true. Anyway, the judge is expected to set bail at a few million dollars higher than Castro can afford. It’s all fun and games once it hits the courts.”

“I don’t mind legal games, so long as we’re winning.”

“We are, definitely.” Quinn pointed to her laptop. “The first forensics report just came through. Castro’s and Gonzales’s prints are all over the basement of the house, and in the video room as well. We expect to discover more incriminating stuff on the bed sheets.”

“And of course, the kids must have seen their faces.”

“I would think so, yes. These guys really believed they were untouchable. Probably didn’t bother to wear masks.” There may have been other reasons, all of them unpleasant and nasty, for this. Quinn did not elaborate. Wilson would know. “I’ll get in touch with the parents and ask them to bring the kids over to formally ID our suspects.”

“Give them a few days before you do that, Lieutenant.” He nodded when she winced. “I know you want it done yesterday, but our suspects aren’t going anywhere. And the families need a bit more time to settle.”

“Okay. I’ll wait until Thursday.”

“Good. You’ve done well with this case, Lieutenant. Keep at it and make the charges stick. You got anything else for me this morning?”

Quinn thought of Ellie and her stomach tightened.

“No sir, that’s all.”

She’d been crystal clear with him about the op, and also the fact that her written report did not contain crucial information about Ellie’s behavior and actions. But Quinn told her captain everything he needed to know. Wilson listened. He read through her account. Then looked her straight in the eye and simply asked if they should anticipate problems down the line. Quinn was confident in giving him a straightforward negative reply. He signed off on her report.

“Crack on, Lieutenant.”

She closed the door after him and went to work. By 08:55, she was up to date on all the relevant updates and itching to get out of the office. Desk work was not her style or preference, even though her promotion to Lieutenant required slightly more of it these days. She usually got through the chores early morning before she hit the streets. As the expected knock came, precisely on 09:00, she was not much looking forward to the next task of the day.

“Come in,” she invited.

Ellie was dressed as pretty much always in her blue-jeans, running shoes, and a leather jacket with plenty of pockets that would easily conceal her service weapon. Her only concession to the freezing weather was a thick black beanie hat over her head.

“Good morning, Lieutenant.”

She stood by the door, pretty much at attention.

“Have a seat, Detective.”

Quinn saw her take a quick breath, as if to argue, but Ellie seemed to recognize what was best for her and she did slide into a chair. Took off her hat. She looked strong. Tough, with a whiff of danger emanating from her even when sitting down like this. Quinn suppressed a smile. She did not have any favorites on her team, but she liked Ellie, and not just because she reminded her of her younger self. From the start, when the young patrol officer confided that she aspired to become a detective someday,and as Quinn began to mentor her, unofficially, Ellie had been pretty damn perfect. She showed great dedication to the work. She was disciplined, smart, and a fast learner. Streetwise, she also had a natural knack for reading people and establishing rapport with anyone, which was a must in this job. She’d moved through the ranks easily. Quickly.Maybe I brought her up too soon.As her CO, this was on her, Quinn reflected.

“Coffee?” she offered.

“Uh, yes… Thanks.”

Ellie seemed surprised that she would ask, but Quinn was keen to get her to relax. Right now, it was an official chat but the two women were friends as well. She’d do her best not to make it too painful on either side.

“How is your arm?”

“Definitely doesn’t hurt as much this morning.” Ellie flexed her fingers to demonstrate. For the first time, she flashed a smile. “Janet was right about it, it’s improving.”

“The brilliant Dr Fox always loves to remind me that she’s never wrong in her assessments.” Quinn nodded. “I’m glad you feel better.”

“Yes. Thank you. And for texting as well.”

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