Working the Case

8

♥︎𝙴𝚟𝚒𝚎♥︎

"Did you find anything with Packers?" Adler questions, looking Mills's and Jennings's way.

Mills shakes her head. "No," She frowns. "He had lunch with the inn keep and has been at his house ever since."

Jennings perks up. "I think he fits our profile nicely." She declares, almost proudly. "Terrible with women," She counts one finger. "Early thirties, white male, average build, shows signs of genuine aggression too."

"Especially with the way he drives." Mills scoffs, shaking his head at us. "That dude is a complete maniac."

"All right," Adler dismisses her before she even starts. "Just keep an eye on him." He mumbles with a scrunched nose bridge. Mills shrugs him off. "And what about Balker?" He glances my way.

I frown. "Why're you looking at me?"

"Because you like him." Jennings grins, singing the word to tease me. I scoff at that and look to Adler to scold her.

Adler stares at me.

I cock my head back. "What?" I question. "Are you serious?" I scoff, looking around the room at the rest of my coworkers.

"You've shown a special interest in him." Adler points out, speaking sharp and objectively.

"That doesn't mean I have a fucking—" I cut myself off and sigh, realizing who I'm talking to. Adler straightens. "I just know he isn't our guy. I'd rather not waste our time with someone who can't give us what we need." I hum, tipping my chin up at them all.

Adler presses his lips together. "Has anyone been tailing him?" He asks, just moving on without saying anything about it.

I'm in trouble.

"No." Beckett shakes his head. "But I agree with Hopkins. I really don't think he's our guy." He decides, offering me a short glance. "He seemed genuinely disturbed by those pictures and although he seemed to have a relationship with all of the victims, he's in grieving."

I nod at him. "Exactly." I agree. "He hates those pictures because he isn't used to them. These are women he had a relationship with one way or another. He wouldn't hurt them. Honestly, I don't think he's capable."

"Well," Beckett whispers, squinting at the ceiling. I narrow my eyes at him.

"Fine." Adler nods, only now accepting it because Beckett's one my side. I resist the urge to scoff at him.

"I feel confident in William Packers." Jennings declares. She pauses and looks to me. "Unless...Well, Hopkins, do you feel differently?" She offers a little frown.

I inhale sharply. "I don't know." I admit. "He's an awkward guy, no doubt, but there are more people we should look at." I decide.

"Like?" Mills coaxes.

"Kaden Murks."

"Kaden Murks has a solid alibi." Mills dismisses me immediately, in the middle of lifting her soda straw to her lips.

I nod. "For one of the murders." I agree. "The other two aren't as solid. He was alone for a minute during both murders. Now, Finn says that he's the most aggressive—"

"Let's not talk about Balker."

I pause and look at Adler. "Sir, he's our most reliable source." I point out. "He knows everyone in town."

"So he says." Adler corrects. "We rely on Coleman and Coleman only for our information." He points out. "We always have, Hopkins."

I press my lips together. "Yes, Sir."