Brian didn't expect Amanda to actually leave like that, so he kept staring at the empty space for the next couple of seconds.
“You’re a good cop, Brian”, Sean came up to him, opening his briefcase, “but you lack basic human empathy”, he chuckled good-naturedly and clapped him on the shoulder, “some day I will see you head over heels for someone like her”.
Brian sighed. He closed his heart to everyone after that accident...When his world got shuttered. When the rug was pulled out from him… He remembered her eyes… They still come to him in nightmares. No, it’s better not to think about it. Not again. He slowly exhaled.
“I’m going to interview the witnesses. See you at the precinct”.
“Sure, we’re just wrapping up, the report will be on your table in an hour and a half”.
Sean said something else but Brian was already far and didn’t hear him.
****
“Ugh, what a jackass!”, Amanda thought angrily, “pompous, self-important, egotistic! The profile was right on one thing, though - he has set his mind on this case and he will fight tooth and nails to solve it. Which is good for us. But why is he being so nasty to me? He sounded very irritated when Moore ordered him to take care of me. Maybe he thinks I’m helpless and weak? But I’m nothing like that! I’m a Capiano, and I can prove my worth!”, she strenuously walked faster, “after all, this is what I’m here for and no amount of Brian’s barking and swearing will stop me. He’s no match for me!”
When she arrived at the dancefloor, Henry was already there. About 10 people were sitting near him.
“Oh, you’re here already!” he hurried to her, “we’re just about to start the questioning”.
“Where’s Brian?”
“He’ll be here soon enough, he went out to get some papers. Are you eager to watch how policemen do interviewing?”
“Actually, I was thinking of taking part in it myself”, Amanda said confidently, “I trust you can arrange that?”
“Well, it’s against the protocol...”, Henry stammered, “I’m not strongly against it but you could learn a lot just by listening...”
“I am the lead detective and I am against it. So we cordially reject your generous proposal”, Brian’s booming voice thundered behind her back.
Amanda turned around and Brian mockingly bowed to her.
Again! Why does this jerk always sneak up on me?! Although, this may work in my favor...
A curious idea started forming in her head. Pretending to be extremely disappointed, she stepped aside and took out her smartphone.
Let’s play on Henry’ s fear of Capianos.
From the outside, it looked like she was about to make a video call but in reality she opened her front camera. The very same second Henry took Brian aside and grabbed him by the lapels.
“Do NOT make a scene! I have already told you that one word from her and the whole PD will have big problems! If you continue bothering with her, she may as well call Luis! And then I’ll pin everything on you and no amount of good background will save you! You’ll be forever on bikes’ thefts and fines if you stay in the forces at all!”
“Sir, she won’t run to daddy just because I was once rude to her...”
“I know she won’t! But I don’t know what’s going on in her head! Besides, I have a hard time believing it was only once! Now go and apologize!”
“What?!”
“You heard me! Go and apologize! It wouldn’t hurt you to do it for once!” Henry said the last words in an authoritative tone, the one he always used when reprimanding his subordinates.
Of course, Amanda couldn’t have heard the whole conversation but she knew how to read lips so she got the last part. “Oh, that’s gonna be good”, she thought triumphantly, “let’s see how his fragile ego withstands such a punishment”. She put her phone back in her bag and headed towards the officers.
“Ms Capiano”, Brian started, “I acted inappropriately. Please accept my sincerest apologies. You’re welcome to join us for the interrogation”.
“He couldn’t come up with anything less boring”, Amanda thought, internally rolling her eyes, “boy, this is such a hackneyed apology...” However, aloud she said:
“Of course, Detective. I understand that your job is very demanding and nerve-wracking. You are absolutely right to guard it so fiercely from any outsiders”, Amanda offered her hand, “truce?”
“Truce”, Brian smiled and shook her hand.
Smiling, that’s progress. Let’s see how you are with people. You should have other weaknesses apart from your ego the size of a castle...
Lost in her thoughts, Amanda continued looking at his retreating back.
Maybe something from his past? A police officer with his experience is bound to have some skeletons in the closet... Should I ask Moore? No, too early for that, he doesn’t trust me enough yet. Maybe uncle Charlie knows something...
“You coming or what? Or did you put this show to space out now?”, Brian called out to her from a distance.
“Yes, sure, I’m coming”.
****
Henry set the improvised interrogation room in the bar. Interviewees sat on the bar chairs and he stood behind the counter.
“Good decision. People tend to feel more relaxed in front of the bartender. Even if it’s just an illusion, they may unconsciously become chattier”, Amanda observed to herself.
“Hello, ladies and gentlemen. We will try to make this quick and let you go”, Captain started in a gentle tone, “this is Detective Davis, he will ask you necessary questions. And this is Amanda Ca...Carrington, our psychologist. She will ensure that you aren’t too stressed out”, he looked at Brian and nodded to Amanda.
“Oh, he’s not stupid, not at all. But how did he know? When did I give myself away?”, Amanda tried to look unperturbed, “he also showed me Brian’s weak point, I don’t care whether it was intentional or not. I’ll use it to my advantage”.
She joined Brian at the counter. The first witness was a girl about 19 years old, a petite pale blonde. She looked very confused and scared. “Brian probably cuts a very commanding figure to her. Girls at this age tend to be very easily spooked and at the same time attracted to such guys”, Amanda pondered, “I’m very curious to see how he will lead the interrogation.”
“Miss Mary Campbell”, Brian looked at her warmly, “how are you feeling? Can you answer the questions?”, he looked genuinely worried about her.
“So he does have manners”, Amanda raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, I’m fine, thank you, sir. I’m ready”, the girl said meekly.
“How do you like the club? Do you come here often?”
“Yes, I’ve been here many times. My friends recommended it some time ago... I come here to have some fun and relax after my shift...”
“I see, so what about the music? Do you like it?”
“Oh, I do!”, Mary’s face brightened for a second and even a smile appeared on her lips, “the colour scheme they use is amazing and the music is so loud it rids me of all negative thoughts!”
“Okay”, Brian clearly didn’t share her enthusiasm, “and where do you and your friends gather most often? Do you have your favourite place in Equinox?”
“Definitely the dance floor, we are all quite the dancers! The drinks are cool, too, I spend a lot of time here, at the bar!”, she shyly smiled, realising she made herself look like a drunk.
Ignoring her, Brian continued:
“Have you noticed anything strange tonight, Mary? Some new faces or any unusual movements here?”
“No, nothing like that, I’m sorry”.
“Very well, what were you doing when the body was discovered?”
“Me? I was drinking a martini…”, she turned red.
“Alright, then, if that’s all you can tell us”, Brian said, putting his pen down, “then you are free to go”.
The girl stood up and with slumped shoulders trudged to the exit. Amanda wanted to facepalm herself. How could he be so inconsiderate that he didn’t even notice when Mary closed off? The only excuse he can have is that he understood at once she wouldn’t bring any useful information.
“Now it’s my turn”, she hissed in his ear, “you’ll scare away everyone with your methods”.
“I’m doing my job”, he snapped back.
“Then change tactics!”
By that time another witness came up to them. It was a tall fair-haired young man in shorts and a tank top. He radiated self-confidence. Having approached them, he put his elbow on the counter to showcase his biceps.
“Let’s see your worth”, Brian spitefully whispered to Amanda.
He was sure she wouldn’t be able to handle this guy. He knew the type - they flirt with any woman they come across. It’s the only thing that interests them. This interview will be a failure. Davis leaned on the wall in a relaxed pose and put his hands in pockets. Suddenly he really wanted to have a smoke.
“Cody Trent. Ready to serve, my lady”, the guy smiled charmingly.
Brian rolled his eyes at Amanda as if to say: come on, let’s see you wiggling like a useless sheep you are!”
Paying him no mind, Amanda smiled back and trained her attention on Cody.
“Nice to meet you. Can I call you Cody?”
“Of course, babe. And how do you want me to call you?”
“Just Amanda will be fine”.
“Your wish is my command, Amanda”, Cody grinned.
“So, do you often come to Equinox?”
“Yep, I’m a regular. Good booze, good music, good girls, in other words, perfect place to cut loose”.
“I’m glad you enjoy yourself here. I take it this incident won’t keep you from coming here?”
“The murder? Ha! As if I care about him! That guy was a regular, too. Had a new babe at his hand every time. Now I have less competition!”, he laughed.
Till that moment, Brian listened half-heartedly. But having heard Cody’s last words he sharply turned his head. He already opened his mouth to ask a question but Amanda was faster.
“So you knew the victim?”
“Ah, just a nodding acquaintance. He spent more time in a bathroom with his chicks than on the dancefloor”, he actively waved his hand, “that guy was soooo enthusiastic! Just like me, you know”, he winked at Amanda.
“I believe I understand what you mean by that”, she replied, seductively biting her lower lip. Let this freak think she is smitten by him.
“You know, Amanda, I think that in the bathroom those girls got various types of pleasure, not only orgasms”, Cody said suddenly.
“Can you be more specific?”
“Well, it’s honestly not my business and I’m personally not taking anything, but I had suspicions that he might be a dealer”.
These words puzzled Amanda.
“Why do you think so?”
“One night I saw him exit with a girl behaving like she was not here, but somewhere else, you know? I came up to them to offer help but he told me to fuck off, so I sent it to hell and went back to my booth.”
“That can be very important. Was there anything else out of place?”
“Hmm, no, right now I can’t think of anything. But if you give me your number I’ll make sure to comb through my memory...”
“Very well. I’ll be delighted to hear from you again”, Amanda told him her number. Cody flashed thumbs up and left.
Brian walked up to her.
“Why did you give him your number? You know that he will just bother you with nonsense”.
“I didn’t”, she replied, arranging pens on the counter, “and I know. I gave him the number of my friend who sells horse manure to farmers”.
“Ouch, that’s harsh”, Brian laughed, “what would you do if he started calling you right away?”
“That I forgot my phone in the car but my smartwatch definitely receives the signal”, she showed him her wrist. Indeed, she was wearing a high-tech watch.
“Fine, I admit that you’re not a total disappointment. But that was only because you are a woman and he is a horny womanizer”.
“Have you finished your competition?”, Captain Moore materialized in front of them, “I watched both of you and even though you are capable of managing this alone, we will get real results if you work together. I will interrogate the remaining witnesses and you - the couple who discovered the body. Brian, be more sentient and humane, you are working with people, for Christ’s sake! Amanda, don’t talk to them like you are life buddies!”
After giving orders, Henry went to fetch the witnesses. When he came up to them again, he hissed:
“Do NOT screw up!”11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR83U51LbWh
