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Sunlight streamed through the blinds. Jack opened his eyes and quickly shut them. God damn! when did it get so bright? he thought. He turned away from the window and looked at his watch; 11:14:12. He groaned. He pulled himself out of bed. He showered and got dressed. He lit a cigarette before activating his CommNet terminal. He entered in Maxine Grove’s address. A slow beeping echoed in his ears, notifying him that the call was going through. The screen flashed and Maxine Grove appeared on the screen. She was just as beautiful since the last time Jack saw her. Her brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she was wearing a simple white blouse. She seemed surprised to see him.
Sunlight streamed through the blinds. Jack opened his eyes and quickly shut them. God damn! when did it get so bright? he thought. He turned away from the window and looked at his watch; 11:14:12. He groaned. He pulled himself out of bed. He showered and got dressed. He lit a cigarette before activating his CommNet terminal. He entered in Maxine Grove’s address. A slow beeping echoed in his ears, notifying him that the call was going through. The screen flashed and Maxine Grove appeared on the screen. She was just as beautiful since the last time Jack saw her. Her brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she was wearing a simple white blouse. She seemed surprised to see him.
“Oh! Detective! I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon. Have you found anything?” she asked.
“Yes. Would you like to come by the office so we can discuss it?” he asked. She bit her lip and looked down.
“I think I could manage.” she murmured.
“Let’s say, three?” he asked.
“I’ll be there.” she said before hanging up. Jack’s screen went dark. He puffed on his cigarette thoughtfully. He grabbed his coat and hat and exited the apartment.
When Jack arrived at the office Jenn was sitting at her desk.
“Good Afternoon!” she piped.
“Afternoon. Ms. Grove is coming in at three” stated Jack, “Send her in when she gets here.”
“Sure thing!” smiled Jenn. Jack entered the office and flopped into his chair. David was leaning against the window a cigarette stuck between his lips.
“Hǎo shén, you look like shit!” David pointed out, “Bad night?”
“Another dream.” stated Jack.
“Maybe you should go to a doctor.” suggested David.
“Nah, I don’t need a fucking doctor.” muttered Jack as he withdrew a cigarette from his jacket pocket, “I’m fine.”
*****
It had begun to rain when Miss Grove arrived at the office. The smoke from his cigarette hung in the humid office air like a wraith. David and gone out for lunch. She entered the office like a child entering the principal’s office. Jack puffed thoughtfully on his cigarette.
“Sit down please Ms. Grove.” he requested, gesturing to the chair in-front of his desk. She sat in it daintily.
“What have you found?” she asked, leaning forward in her chair. Jack set the bullet casing on the desk. She looked at it with raised eyebrow. “What is that?” she asked.
“A shell casing, nine-millimeter, hollow point.” stated Jack.
“Where did you find it?” she asked
“In your fathers office. I suspect it was used to break the glass that your father fell out of.” informed Jack. Her hands jumped from her lap to her mouth.
“So do you think he was murdered?!” she cried out.
“It sure looks like that. I have someone that is looking into the security feed.” said Jack. He took a drag on his cigarette. “Does the name ‘Jewel’ mean anything to you?” asked Jack.
“N-n-no. Why?” stammered Ms. Grove. Jack pulled the cigarette out of his mouth.
“We found the name on his personal schedule several times over the past couple of months. We think it is a joy-girl.”
“A joy-girl? You mean like a prostitute?” asked Ms. Grove.
“Thats what it looks like.” replied Jack.
“NO!” shouted Ms. Grove, “Daddy was focused on the business after Mother died! There is no way that he had a mistress!” Jack jumped as she shot from her seat.
“Every man has desires.” explained Jack calmly.
“But why would he tarnish Mother’s memory by laying with a common whore!” cried Ms. Grove.
“Calm down Miss Grove.” said Jack.
“Why! You bring me here, and tell me that my father was sleeping with a whore! And you expect me to be calm!” she spat. Jack sighed.
“Miss Grove. Please. We don’t know who this ‘Jewel’ is.” explained Jack. She reluctantly sat down. “I know someone named Jewel, and she isn’t a joy-girl.” lied Jack. This seemed to calm her down a bit.
“Is there anything else?” asked Ms. Grove.
“No. Not until my contact gets back to me.” said Jack.
“Well Thank you for what you have done. I look forward to what else you find.” said Ms. Grove. She stood. Jack stood as well. She took her leave and strode out the door.
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Issue #7: Coming Wednesday July 2nd!!!!
I liked your description of the smoke being like a wraith! Also curious to see what he learned from the daughter's reactions to the conversation!
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