Dickory

A Secret Affair

The next day they ended up working pretty much separately. Reed agreed to stick around the precinct while Nines went to help Colin with the two scenes. They were going to stop by the Detroit Standard to search their victim's workspace and interview colleagues before heading to her apartment to search for clues. They'd already been given permission by her family, who were understandably eager to help in any way they could. Reed had arranged for Edward Morgan to drop by the precinct for an interview. The Hickory Killer was Morgan's story after all, so an exchange of information was to be expected.

"Detective Reed!" Morgan called eagerly as he was let through the barriers. Reed turned his chair before getting to his feet with a welcoming smile to grasp the younger man's hand. He looked pretty bright-eyed that morning, clearly excited for a new lead. Did he not hear about Emma Berkley yet? There was no reason he would. It only happened a few hours ago. Reed invited him to one of the interrogation rooms. It was an informal interview, so he didn't bother to record it. "I came as soon as I could. You mentioned he struck again last night?" Morgan asked expectantly as he set up his recording and pad. So he doesn't know...

"Uh, yeah, we got another call last night...What can you tell me about Emma Berkley?" Reed spoke softly, trying to be delicate about it. It was never easy to talk about things like this. He steeled himself as Morgan froze, pen wavering above the paper as he looked up with almost confused blue eyes. He stammered quietly, swallowing and licking his lips as his eyes darted between Reed and the paper. He looked uncertain, almost overwhelmed by disbelief as his lower lip trembled just a little.

"W-what-uh-Emma? W-what do you mean? Emma Berkley? She's-uh, someone from my office...She was there last night, she was fine. Are you sure? Was it Emma?" He was restless as he got to his feet. Reed watched patiently as he paced beside the table, trying to wrap his head around the question. He was clearly finding it hard to accept. He huffed out a breath, which sounded a lot like a sob. "She left early...said she was going to walk home. She lives over in the Hampton District." Morgan remained standing as he crossed his arms and cradled his chin in one hand.

"The Hampton District...Would that take her through the old Statton Mall?" Reed readied his own pad, laying it open on the table. Morgan looked thoughtful and somewhat lost, brow slowly furrowing in an almost troubled manner. He shook his head as he finally sat down, leaning his elbows on the table as he covered his mouth. He was jittery, almost beside himself with shock and disbelief. It was to be expected.

"I-uh...I don't think so...I'm pretty sure Statton is on the wrong side of the office...I'm pretty sure she usually turns right, off towards Belle Isle." He sniffled a little as he coughed the lump out of his throat. Reed nodded sensitively as he noted it down, reminding himself to check and confirm it later. "I'm sorry-I can't...Are you sure it's her?" A small sound stuck in his throat as Reed nodded and pulled out a few photos Nines had stored on the computer. Reed paused again as Morgan took one of the photos, tears leaking from his eyes as he looked at it.

"Were you close?" Reed was hopeful and keen to get a lead. If she knew Morgan well enough, she may have confided in him. Despite his eagerness, he maintained a sympathetic air. Morgan had just lost a colleague. He knew what that felt like.

"No, I mean, not really...We worked in the same office for three years, and I know she was fun at parties, but...We didn't really talk outside of work much, you know?" Reed tried not to show his disappointment. Morgan seemed really sensitive, to be crying over someone he didn't really know. Three years though, day in and day out...I could say the same about Connor or Miller..."Sorry, it's just a shock, you know? I mean, I saw her yesterday, and she was fine!" Morgan didn't seem to understand his own overly emotional state as he wiped his eyes.

"Take your time...Is there anyone in the office she had a disagreement with recently? Conflict over a case or story?" Morgan shook his head. The office had more than enough work for everyone to be getting on with. There was no need to steal stories, but there was something. He seemed almost hesitant, mouth opening and closing before he shook his head. "You thought of something...What is it?" Reed pressed as he caught the scent.