VELVET

AHH…SO YOU WANNA PULL RANK
Dara was a little more disappointed than she thought she should’ve been. Chuck could be annoying, tacky, and downright grouchy. But she found that somewhat attractive. It had taken her almost a year to warm up to him, and just when she thought they’d really get to know each other, their jobs got in the way.
The night had been a success, just as she knew it would be. But as she kicked off her shoes, she couldn’t help but wonder what it would’ve been like to share at least one dance with Chuck. She fell back on her bed. She was beat, but she couldn’t ignore the flashing light on her phone. It was probably her parents, making sure she made it home safely. Her lids were heavy, and the last thing she needed was to listen to a long-winded message. She’d check it in the morning.

*

“Captain, you can’t be serious.” Danica put her hands on her hips. “I sympathize with Mr. Somers, but instead of him trying to strong-arm this investigation, he should tell his so-called friends to stop dodging us and grant us an interview so we can solve this. Unbelievable.”
Captain Barton moved around the desk and closed the door. He had been the bearer of bad news on many high profile cases, so he knew it would only be a matter of time before voices raised an octave or two.
“So let me get this straight.” Chuck untied his bowtie. “We pound the pavement and make thousands of calls, and this guy is going to hire someone? Let him. But they won’t get any information from me.”
“Look, the two of you can’t let this get to you. Work this case like you would any other.” He opened the file and studied it. He paid particular attention to the donation list. “I like where you all are going with this. It’s always good to ruffle a few feathers. Just go by the book.”
They were hot. No, boiling. Grief did strange things to people, but this had less to do with grief and more to do with power.
“I must warn both of you that I’ve received several complaint calls from lawyers. Let’s see,” he consulted his notes. “Danica, you called and badgered everyone on this short list at least once. And it seems that Chuck, you followed up and was just as rude and persistent as your partner.”
He tossed the folder on his desk and looked at the detectives. “When these arrogant fools come in, give them as much grief as possible. Again, go by the book.”
Danica smiled. “Sounds good to me.”