The Falcon Feather

Chapter 9: Whitlock

'I can't believe those two didn't even know that they worked in the same company... Granted, Mr Smith did mention how big that business was'.

You make your way up a path that led to a small restaurant. It was well looked after and even the door wouldn't creak, someone had made sure to oil the hinges.
You make your way over to the front counter with John not far behind you, a young woman stood in front of the cash register. When she smiled you could see braces and it brought you back to when you had some... You fucking hated it.

'Hey there, welcome to Arlos' do you have a reservation?'

'Uh no actually, I'm Detective (L/N) and this is my parters, Lieutenant Wick, we're wondering if Mr Whitlock was working today?'

The girl who you now know as Fiona because of her name badge, hesitated, 'oh uh... He's out in the back, I'll notify the manager'.

'Please do'.

The place was simple to the eye and it was popular. Even the menu was quite appetizing when you flicked through it, 'what do you think of having for dinner?' You chuckle as you wiggle the menu at John, who rolled his eyes, 'focus'.

'I am, but this has made me hungry'.

'Then you should have eaten more at breakfast'.

'Believe it or not I had a good breakfast, I just have a big stomach'.

You hear a small hello from the counter and you see a young man, light brown hair with slight freckles on his cheeks, in your mind you pictured Sam Whitlock looking... Something else other than this.

'Uh, Sam Whitlock?'

'Yes, that's me'.

'Is it alright if you can step aside with us, we need to talk, Detective (L/N) and Liuetenant Wick'.

Whitlock looked over at the guests before rounding the counter and directing you outside to avoid the noise.

'What's going on? Have I done something?'

You exchange looks at John and he speaks, 'you know Stacey Falcon?' Whitlocks' eyes grew wide, 'yeah, of course I do I- is she alright?'

'We're sorry to say this, but Miss Falcon is dead-'.

'Oh my god!' 

He took a step back, 'no, no that can't be! I spoke to her not that long ago!' You cock your head to the side, 'spoke to her? What were you two talking about?'

'We were going to go on a date'.

Oh yeah right.

You're not so convinced, 'so, I'm guessing your relationship is okay then?' Whitlocks' eyes narrowed, 'what do you mean okay? What did the others say?'

'Others? Who are you referring to?'

He groaned in annoyance but you found this rather funny, 'alright look, Staceys' friend Melody? She hates my guts, I never like her either but Stacey and I got along great'.

'The parents were very convinced about that'.

'Maybe it was because of the way I look, I look like a fucking nerd'.

'Was there anyone else that you thought didn't get along with Miss Falcon?'

She was bound to have someone else and you were glad, though it wasn't great, that Whitlock nodded, 'ah this guy, I don't know his name, he's come around the town before, he seemed to know Stacey and they would have fights... I don't know who the hell he is but- I hope it wasn't him who killed her!'

'Don't go jumping to conclusions Mr Whitlock, what does this man look like? If you can remember'.

He shrugged, 'uh... Tall? I know he had broad shoulders it made him stick out like a sore thumb. His hair is dirty blonde I'm pretty sure, I did see a tattoo, it's flames on his arm... That's pretty much it'.

You jot down the description and thank him before letting him go back to work, 'they were going to go on a date?' You seem to question yourself and John hummed, 'we'll have to see if this guy is in town, by the sounds of it he isn't a local'.

'A guy whos' shoulders stick out like a sore thumb, that might make the search easier'.

It wasn't.

You and John had looked everywhere, but nothing, there wasn't a man who matched Sam Whitlocks' description.

'Oh really hope he was telling the truth otherwise I'll go back there and strangle him!'

You try to catch your breath, leaning against Johns' black car, 'it would be a mistake to lie to us and I think he would know that'.

'Jesus, it's already gotten so late, what the hell?'

You rub your eyes and yawn, 'god I look terrible, I guess we've finally reached the husbands, those two are on my radar at the moment'.
You hop into the car and rest your eyes for a few moment whilst John drives.

You feel like you've been asleep for at least a few minutes until John touches your arm and you jerk awake, 'what? I'm awake what's going on?'
You look around quickly and your eyes land on John, who had shuffled away so that he wouldn't get hit by your flaying arms.

'Uh, we're back at the Department'.

'Jesus, I was only resting my eyes'.

'That's a dangerous thing to do'.

You're back at the Department and putting through your new notes, 'god I'm tired, I can't wait to find this guy so i can give him a peice of my mind'.

'This is our job'.

You rolls your eyes, 'yes! I know it is', looking down at your watch you see it's nearly the end of the days work.

'Heading home to an empty house, it's peaceful'.

You unbutton your jacket and make head into the elevator with John to head up to the main floor.

'How's you wife Helen?'

'She's not my wife'.

'But you said-'.

'Partner, I said partner'.

'Oh sorry... You know, I've never been in a relationship'.

John cocked an eyebrow at you, 'really? You've never been in a relationship?'

Well, you have but those ones weren't even close to being serious and were a teenager. You shrug, 'you have a problem with that?'

'No, I'm just surprised'.

You're about to bite back when the elevator jerks to a stop and you tumble over. John manages to catch you but your dead weight pulls him down.

'Shit!'

The both of you sit still when you hear the groaning of mechanics above you, 'oh god, are we going to die?' You begin to panic but John keeps a firm grip on you, 'get yourself together, we're not going to die hold on, get up, I'll use the phone', he gently shoves you off and quickly dials the emergency.

After the call is made you both get comfortable, who knew how long help would arrive and at least the connection was working.

'So.... How long have you and Helen been togther?'

John looks over at you and frowns, 'I don't think that's an appropriate question', you sigh and lean back against the elevator wall, 'look, we may as well get to know each other since we're here'.

'And knowing about each others' partners is a way to really get to know each other?'

'Okay sorry I asked, I'm a little tired so don't take things to heart. If you're going to be by my side for a while you're going to have to get use to this'.

You look up at the buttons, seeing the glowing numbers, you really hope that you both will be saved soon.