Page 93 of Before We Came

Me: Hey. I need your help with something.

Nikki: Oh, now you need me?

Me: Not like that. I need a date to the gala for an hour or so. This is NOT a hookup.

Me: The rest of the team will be there...

Nikki: Is Rhys Kucera going?

Me: Probably.

Nikki: K. I’m in.

Evidence Item #182

Submitting Agent: Tim Rollins, Andrea Lavoie (LA-4987), Vancouver Fire Department (VFD-81)

Case Number: NF-2000-PR-0856478

Item #: 182

Description of Enclosed Evidence: Car Accident Police Report

Victim’s Full Name: Bridget Lynn Hayes

Suspect’s Full Name: Julianne Katheryn Fournier

Vancouver Police Department

Office of the Chief Constable

Accident Report - September 23, 2022

Agent: Andrea Lavoie (LA-4987)

Report on fatal car accident involving Julianne Fournier, driver of the 2021 Lexus sedan on September 23, 2022. Driver was only occupant of the vehicle. Julianne Fournier–64 years of age, found dead on arrival.

LA-4987 responded to a medium sedan car fire on the northbound side of Trans-Canada Highway near exit 25 at approximately 11:48 hrs. Officer blocked traffic on northbound side. Point of impact was made when the victim’s car hit a tree, but it should be noted that skid marks were not present. VFD-81 arrived on scene at approximately 11:52 hrs and a dry chemical extinguisher was used to extinguish the remaining fire inside the car interior.

Fournier struck a tree on the northbound side of Trans-Canada Highway near marker 25. The angled collision struck the left fender of her car at approximately 90 kph. It has been determined that the fire in the car was due to an airbag explosion on the driver’s front airbag upon impact. Victim was not wearing a seatbelt and head and neck shown a partial ejection from the vehicle.

Fournier was removed from the vehicle and pronounced dead on arrival by the Vancouver Memorial Hospital staff. She suffered a frontal fracture of the skull and severe burns over her 75% of her body. After further investigation, it has been determined that the driver was conscious and attempted to escape the vehicle after it caught fire, but was unable to exit the vehicle due to her positioning and partial ejection, where she succumbed to her injuries.

THIRTY-FIVE

“Let’s get a drink!” Micky grabs my arm and yanks me toward the front door of Top Shelf.

“Wait, what? I thought you were going to give me a tour of your new apartment?”

“I will, but first, we need to celebrate!”

Normally, I’d say no way, but since it’s the offseason, the chances of seeing any players in here are slim to none. Still, I don’t want to hang around too long.

“Okay, but only one drink. I get that this is basically your backyard, but we are not going to become regulars here.”

“Aww,” she pouts with her lip out. “But I thought this could be our home base. OurCheers.” She begins to sing the theme song.

“You don’t want everybody to know your name. Trust me, it loses its charm.”

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