Leave No Trace

Chapter 28

Danielson

He had exactly ten minutes left before he was supposed to leave for Thanksgiving dinner at Nolan's, but his phone was ringing off the hook. He was getting incredibly frustrated, but everyone calling to either request an interview, discuss the film rights or congratulate him on a case well done.

He finally picked it up, barking. "Danielson!"

"Hey.. it's Bates."

He sighed, covering his face with his hand. "What's the problem, Bates?"

"It's a problem and a solution. Dean Marshall tried to escape custody this afternoon. Had a few tricks from his brother up his sleeve. But... we stopped him. He was subdued for the rest of the journey, and he's now in lockup. Solitary confinement." Bates explained. "I heard you're taking my new partner out on a date, Danielson."

He nodded to himself, sighing as he said. "Yeah, I just asked her to dinner."

"Thanksgiving dinner."

"There are other people who are going to be there, Bates. Calm down." He chuckled.

"You take care of Hart, okay?"

"Bates, you're not my supervisor. But yes, considering she's your new partner, I'll take good care of her. One date, Bates. One date."

Bates chuckled. "Take care of yourself, and stop sounding so pissed off when you answer the phone. The press love that."

He hung up, shaking his hand. It rang the instant he put it down. Resignedly, he picked up "Detective Danielson speaking." He said, mustering fake cheer.

"Detective Danielson, you were the lead investigator in the Allison Perry case, is that correct?"

"Yes, that was me. The other investigator on the case is-."

"Detective Caitlin Nolan. Trust me, we know. Her ex-fiancé made quite a stink in the socials about how his fiancée ditched him for a different army guy."

"You read social gossip?" Danielson asked, amused. "Who exactly am I speaking to?"

"Russell Hughes. I'm a reporter for The Globe and Mail. I was hoping to do an interview with Allison."

"At this time...." He started reciting the standard line, but stopped. "I don't know when she will be available for comment."

"Could you please have her give me a call? I can be reached at this number... or she can go onto the website. Either way is fine. I just want to speak to her and Mira Neal."

"Mira has declined to comment to the press."

"Just tell both of them I'm interested in an exclusive interview?"

"Sir, I really have to go, it is Thanksgiving." Danielson tried.

"I know publishers I could contact as part of the deal for the rights to exclusively interview them." He said.

"Publishers?" Danielson asked, incredulous.

"Yes, I read in one of the other articles that Allison is an aspiring writer."

"Look, I appreciate the offer, and I will pass it on, but I'm afraid I really have to go." Danielson sighed, thinking this will NOT go over well with either of them.

"Thank you for your time, Detective." He hung up, and checked the time. Damn. He had to hurry. He quickly unplugged his phone, and pulled on his jacket. He was dressed nicely- hopefully not overdressing- for the dinner at Nolan's. All he had left to do was pick up his date.