Caught in the Act

Matilda is tidying her room when she hears a knock at her door. She turns to see who it is. "Yes?"

"Here's the hot water you asked for," Nancy says as she sits a kettle on Matilda's table.

"Thank you, dear. I hate to bother you with trivial things, but my tap water isn't hot enough to dissolve my coffee. It's a special blend, don't you know." Granny sweeps the canister under Nancy's nose.

"It smells delicious."

"Would you care for some, dear?" Matilda asks, reaching for a second cup.

Nancy glances at her watch. "I'd love to, but I need to get back to work. I have a lot to do before I go home."

"I imagine you are rather busy trying to get everyone to breakfast. Perhaps you can stop by the next time you work?"

"I'd like that, thank you. I'll bring your tray in a minute."

"Don't bother, dear; Marge and I are going out; I'll pick up some breakfast then."

"Do you ladies have big plans for the day?"

"We're going to visit our friend in the hospital. He was nearly killed by a mugger last night."

"Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear that. I do hope your friend pulls through."

"I do too, but it doesn't look too good. Howard is in critical condition in the ICU."

"My thoughts and prayers are with you and with him."

"Thank you, dear."

Nancy shuffles toward the door, turns, and says, "If you need anything, please let me know."

"I will, thank you. Please close the door on your way out. I don't want those horny old men eyeing me to death.

Nancy laughs. "I don't blame you."

***

The daily bustle is just starting to pick up when Joe steps into the station. Give it an hour, and this place will be a total mess.

He sees his team working at their desks when he crosses the room. They came in early today. He thinks as he glances at the old black and white clock.

Yawning, Jerry reaches for his coffee cup. Stretching, he pushes away from his desk. "Good morning, boss." Jerry smiles.

"Have you been here all night, Jerry?"

"It was so late when we got back that I decided to stay in our bunks instead of making the long trip home." Seeing Joe is about to say something. Jerry holds up his hand to stop him. "I know what you're going to say, boss, and you're right, but I'm not ready to give up my house yet." Noticing the stern look on Joe's face, he quickly adds, "I realize it's been years since my family's death, but I need a little more time."

That house is what's holding him back. Joe remembers how he found Jerry in great despair. He then recalls what it took to save him. It's been an uphill battle, but at least we're making progress. "You got some rest, though, right?"

"I even took a shower." Jerry lifts his arm. "I smell like roses."

Joe pushes him away. "I'll take your word for it, Jerr."

"Ah, boss, you've gone and hurt my feelings now." He lays his head on Joe's shoulder and pretends to pout.

Joe chuckles. "You're such a clown."

"Yeah, but you love me." Jerry kisses him on the cheek.

"Get away from me." Joe pushes him away.

"Pucker up, big boy." Jerry makes a kissy face as he steps closer.

"I'm warning you, Jerr, stay away from me."

"You don't know what you're missing, boss."

"I'd rather not find out."

A guy from holding winks then says, "I'll take you up on your offer, big boy."

Jerry puts his arm around Joe's shoulder and says, "Sorry, fella, but I'm a one-man kinda guy."

"Let's not get that started again, Jerr." Rumor has it the two had an affair years ago.

"Your loss," the suspect says, walking across his cell.

"Want me to get you some, boss?" Jerry asks, holding up his cup.

"Please." Joe turns toward the other detectives. "Is there any news on our case?"

"The only thing our victims have on their record is a DUI."

"Did you find any connection between them?"

"George, the guy in the hospital, has been dating our third victim for a couple of months." Jeff points to a picture. "All three of them are recently divorced, and they all used the same law firm."

"Look into that and do a workup on their exes. See what else you can find."

"I already have, Sir." Jeff hands him a report before he continues. "All three of their spouse's records are clean. Their divorces were quick and straightforward, with no long-drawn-out disputes. Both the lawyers, Tate and Mongomery, have a solid alibi.

"I want you to talk to them again. See if anyone can tell you who might have a grudge against our victims and try to find something else that might connect them."

"Yes, Sir." Jeff starts tapping away on the keys.

"Is there any forensic evidence?"

"There isn't anything new, boss. All three died from a bullet-shaped object to their carotid artery," Jerry says as he hands him a cup.

"What about the cameras at our first crime scene. The ones across the street?"

"Kirk didn't find anything there either."

"So our killer is smart enough to stay out of the camera's view and confident enough to kill in public."

"It sounds like a professional hit to me."

"I have to agree with you, Jerry. I'll go talk to our captain see if we can get a few undercovers to sit on the bars tonight."

"What do you want us to do in the meantime?" Rachel asks.

"I want Jerry to look into the victim's history, financials, Rachel; I want you to work on our list of usual suspects."

***

Granny pulls into the parking lot and looks around. A nice quiet day in the park is just what these weary old bones need. She grabs a sack of bread from beside her when she climbs out of her car. It's turned out to be a beautiful day.

The sun is shining brightly from the clear, blue skies. The birds chirp happily in the distance. A gentle breeze blows across her face sending a sweet scent of lilac drifting through the air.

It's a perfect day to feed the ducks. She shuffles towards the lake. She spots a man stumble towards her as she continues down the walk. His long, greasy hair hangs well past his shoulders. A thick, gray beard covers his filthy, ashen face. His clothes are soiled, and the whites of his eyes have a yellowish tint, as does his few remaining teeth.

"Hey lady, do you have a few dollars to spare? My bar is running dry," he slurs. Throwing his bag on the ground, he continues towards her.

Granny glances towards the pond. The ducks will have to wait. "It's a little early to start drinking, don't you think?"

"Start. I have yet to stop." He chuckles.

"I suppose you drove here in that condition."

"Well, I would if I had a car, but I don't." a mournful expression crosses his face. The coppers took it a few months back."

Granny shifts her weight. "For drunk driving, no doubt."

"That's what they claim, but I only had a few. So are you going to give me some money or what?"

"The only thing I'm going to give you is a whack in your head, knock some sense into that pickled brain of yours."

"Come on, lady, be nice for a change." He tries to take a step forward but trips over his feet instead.

Seeing his grimy body falling towards her, She takes a step back. He tumbles to the ground. Lifting her cane, Granny wallops him. "That's the problem with the younger generation, always trying to take the easy way out, begging for money instead of earning your keep. What's worse is that you don't think about how hard someone works for the money you get. You're a drain on society, a waste of space. It's no wonder this country is in such a poor state of affairs with people like you running around." Granny lifts her cane to whack him again when she hears footsteps behind her. She turns to see two officers running towards them with their guns drawn.

"Drop your weapon now," he orders.

She lets go of her cane; it clatters to the ground.

"Hands where I can see them. Do it, now," the officer commands.

"This crazy lady was beating me to death," the victim slurs as he tries to stand.

The cop pushes him to the ground. "Stay where you're at."

"Yes, yes, Sir."

The cop turns towards the old lady. "You, hands in the air. Do it, now."

She raises her arms above her head.

With his partner's gun pointed toward her, the first officer walks over and kicks her cane away. "You're under arrest for assault."

"I... I can explain, officer." Granny begins.

"Save it for the judge."