Page 47 of Lethal Seduction

"Be careful and don't forget to call Michael. He'll know what to do." She starts the car, waves goodbye, and pulls away.

Another happy fucking Monday to me.

20

MICHAEL

It's just another crappy Monday at the station. The suspect who’d been arrested the night before turned out to be a piece of shit liar who turned himself in so he could be arrested. Word on the streets these days has suggested to some being arrested got them three free meals and a roof over their heads.

Had to cut him loose a few hours after I arrived that night, having missed out on a date with Patrick. I shrug. Truth be told, I was more upset about missing the date than not catching the murderer. What that says about me right now, I don’t know. But, I can’t stop thinking about him.

Trying to focus on the job at hand, I'm sitting at my desk with Joe, going over the details of the murders for what feels like the hundredth time. We're both frustrated at the lack of progress. Maybe if we start from the beginning again, we'll catch something we missed before.

"This is really getting to me," Joe says, finishing off his stale coffee.

"Are you talking about the coffee or the case?" I ask.

He smirks and tosses the cup into the trash. "Both."

"There has to be something we're overlooking."

"Of course there's something we're missing," Joe replies, running his hand through his hair. "We just haven't figured it out yet. I need a break. I'm going for a walk."

"Good idea," I say. "Could you grab me one of those sandwiches from the corner store while you're out?"

"Dude, do you have a death wish?" Joe laughs. "No way. I'm getting us burgers from Lou's. Chili fries or regular?"

"Chili fries, definitely," I reply.

Joe's eyes light up. We've both been too absorbed in this case to eat properly, and greasy food sounds perfect right now. "I'll be back soon."

"Thanks, man."

As Joe leaves, I turn back to the whiteboard covered in pictures of the victims and possible suspects. We've eliminated everyone except for one problem - we can't find any solid leads. What are we missing?

Leaning on my desk, I can't help but think about Patrick. Just the thought of him eases my stress. But then I remember our near miss the other day. We were so close to finally being together, but work had to interrupt.

My phone rings, snapping me out of my thoughts. It's Patrick.

"Hey," I answer. "I was just thinking about you."

There's a pause on the other end, making me wonder if I said something wrong.

"Patrick?"

"I'm sorry," he finally speaks. "I shouldn't be bothering you. You're probably busy with work."

"Are you okay? What's going on?"

Another pause.

"Patrick, where are you? Do you need me to come over?"

"I'm at home," he says. "But Tina asked me to call you."

"Okay, what's going on? You sound worried."

He hesitates. "Someone stole my keys – to my car, apartment, and work."

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