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JWalker2406

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The scorching winds hit my flushed face as I walk back to the entrance of the building. Rick waiting for me, placing his heavy arm around my neck. He guided me to a secluded area. Ugh, what the hell does he want now? I thought as we stop, Rick taking his place in front of me.

"So, the killer contacted you?" He asks looking around like he was a field mouse looking out for the bird that will take him away. I stare at him with my blank face, not sure of why he is acting so strange.

"Uh, yeah. Why are we so secretive?" I ask, my eyes wandering the surroundings. I had other things on my mind, and did not have time to be bothered with his crap. Rick straightens his self up a bit and regains composure.

"Well, just incase the killer is here ya know? I mean he did say he was looking forward to the interview." His eyes frantically searching the office. Sighing I place my hand on his shoulder, shaking my head I walk back out into the noise filled air. The killer would not be that stupid...right? I stopped as I thought about it. Before coming to a conclusion my shoulder was hit with a slap from the captain.

"You ready son?" He turns to look at me, but before I could answer he cuts me off, "great. Now, just don’t mention anything about that package you got earlier alright? We will inspect it first before giving something to those piranhas to blow out of proportion." He gives a quick smile that shows his smoke stained teeth. Nodding I straighten my tie some and watch as he takes his place in the back, against the wall, laughing silently inside. My eyes spot the water fountain and I speed walk to it, taking a long drawn out drink from it. The cool water rushing down my dry throat and entering my butterfly filled stomach. With my throat lubricated I was now ready to meet with the press. Passing through the crowd I hear few whispers of "good luck" and "you can do it." Rick tells me to keep my cool. The last time I did a conference I got so fed up with their ridiculous questions that I started cussing them out, throwing pencils, paper, anything really. I was surprised that they even showed up today. Breathing in the strong smell of coffee and donuts I reluctantly took my stand, the five microphones jabbing up at me like stakes.

I situated my tie as I gaze out to the mass of people. They hold out their mini recorders, the red buttons gleaming. Cameras are being hoisted on shoulders, newspapers have their still cameras ready for that perfect picture. I can feel myself getting hot and the slow formation of sweat pleading to be released from my skin. I clear my throat before I speak. The silence is deadly as everyone waits for those few little words.

"My name is Josh Conners, I’m with the Whittle County Police Department, I am one of the lead detectives in this case. And I will like to state that as of today we have no suspect, no weapon, but we do have reason to believe that it is connected to last years murders." I take a pause as I watch the reactions, looking down at the podium trying to collect myself. "Right now I will be pleased to answer any questions ya’ll might have regarding this case to the best of my knowledge." It was as if I rang the bell at the Kentucky Derby as reporters hands shot up into the sky. Everyone saying "Mr. Conners!" Contemplating which one I am going to choose, I squint my eyes. Pointing my finger to a small man in glasses. He looks like the type of kid that everyone picked on when he was in school.

"Thank you Mr. Conners. Now, what reasons do you have that make you believe this is the same killer?" He asked, the mini recorder stretching as far as it can go.

"I am not at liberty to say as of right now." I give a pleasant smile, "Next question." I point to a woman who stands out with her salmon colored suit. She looks as though she has had too much plastic surgery done.

"Why thank you Mr. Conners." She smiles, showing her perfect teeth. "I am told that there was one survivor, a daughter. How is she holding up and is there a possibility that she could have done this?" Her pen resting on the small notepad she held in her 40 dollar manicured hand.

"Yes Sally, the daughter is the only one left. I know for a fact that she was not the one to do this. As far as how she is doing, I do not know, I have not spoken with her." I give her a smile and look out to find another. I then motion to another man who looks to be six feet tall.

"Hello Mr. Conners. How are you handling this case differently, I mean just a year ago you were investigating your own families deaths. Now you say this is linked with it?" His voice has a tone that seems offensive to me. I narrow my eyes and glare at him. Cameras fixate on me, waiting for my boiling point to burst. Gritting my teeth I hold on to the podium, the only noise is that of the cameras clicking.

"I..." Clearing my throat I feel the sweat rushing down my face. The heat from the lights cooking me. I gawk at the man, I see he is wearing a smile. That bastard is smiling! I slam my fist down on the podium, gasps are heard and one woman lets out a quiet scream. "You know what you son of bitch!" My hand flailing up in the air towards him. Before I can do or say anything else my body is halted by Rick and Jefferys. They pull me down off the podium and I hear the captain up there speaking, my ears not able to pick up what he is saying. I get thrown into the captains’ office where I wait only a few minutes. The door flies open, furry is the force behind it as it collides with the wall. The sound echoing.

"God dammit Josh! You just can’t keep your cool up there can you?" He sits down and motions for Rick and Jefferys to leave. Without turning my head I watch out the corner of my eye as they leave shutting the door. I turn my attention back to the captain, he has taken off his hat and is rubbing the little white patch of hair.

"Well, I guess you shouldn’t put me up on the podium then sir." I said, a bit of sarcasticness in my tone. My fingers fiddling with my pants. We sat in silence for a few moments, my eyes never drifting to look at him.

"Conners, you are off the case." He said, his voice rough and without compassion. I look up at him in shock. Shaking my head not believing he had just said that. No way. I can’t be.

"Are you serious?" My voice raising as I sat up in my seat.

"Yes, I am. I also think you need to take a few days off. No if, ands, or buts. Just get up hand me your badge and your gun and leave until I call you back." His eyes never blinking, just staring into my soul and slowly ripping it. My mouth open, I was unable to close it, I was unable to move. Sighing, I stand, take off my gun holster and slam it hard onto his cherry wood desk. Popping out my badge on my belt I look at it, my thumb gliding over the cool gold metal. This is bullshit. Looking up at him I toss the badge towards him. Startled he tries catching it, but fails, it hits the floor with a dull thud. Walking out I could feel everyone’s eyes piercing my skin. Maybe he was right, maybe I do need a couple of days off.

Sitting on the edge of my bed I pour myself another glass of vodka. I refuse to turn the T.V. on since I know that they will have me on there. Laying back on the hard mattress I wonder what the killer thought of it. I’m sure he is probably laughing hysterically. Shit! Why did I have to lose my cool! What the hell am I going to do for a couple of days? Before I could answer my self the phone rings. Sitting up I stare at it, taking a sip of my drink I pick it up.

"Yeah?" I ask, the slur of my speech letting the person on the other end know I have been drinking.

"Josh? It’s Rick man. Look you gotta come in. Captain is putting you back on the case. We got something from the killer." He said, his voice a bit shaky.

"What? Uh, alright I will be there." I hang up the phone, looking off to a spot on the wall in front of me. Placing my drink down, I wash my face and put my jacket on heading out the door, forgetting my freedom pills.