Crow's Nest [✓]

Chapter 14

As Thomas and Harry walked out of the hospital, the crisp, evening air hit them, a stark contrast to the sterile atmosphere of the hospital. They made their way to their car in silence, both lost in their thoughts. Once inside the car, Thomas started the engine and backed out of the parking lot. "We've got a lot to go over," he said, his tone contemplative. "I hope William's digging has been fruitful."
Harry nodded, his thoughts already drifting back to the case. "Me too," he said, staring out the car window as the city whizzed by. "If we can get any more information about this 'Johnathan' character, we might finally have a lead."
"You think he might be the guy the bartender spotted?" Thomas asked
Harry leaned back in his seat, mulling over the thought. "It's possible," he replied, thinking aloud. "Lucas was seen talking to him a few times, and the parents mentioned Lucas only started hanging out with him recently. We'll have to look into it, find out more about him if we can."
Thomas nodded, his mind still on the puzzle pieces of the case. "Yeah, we need to run a background check, check his socials, see if anything suspicious pops up." He fell silent for a moment. "Hopefully, this doesn't turn into another brick wall."

They pulled into the station parking lot, the familiar sight of the building a welcomed one. Both detectives sighed, their minds still on the case. They got out of the car and made their way inside, the fluorescent lighting and the faint hum of conversations filling their senses. Harry and Thomas walked through the station, acknowledging the other officers with nods of their heads. They arrived at their desks, expecting to find William there, poring over piles of information. However, his usual spot was empty.

"Where's William?" Thomas asked, a hint of a frown on his face as he noticed the empty desk.
Harry looked around, his gaze scanning the bullpen. "Maybe he's in the break room?" he theorized.
Thomas shrugged, but the small crease in his brow showed his concern. "Let's go check," he said, standing up from his desk. The two of them started towards the break room, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.

Upon reaching the break room, they pushed the door open and walked in. The room was mostly empty, save for a couple of officers loitering by the coffee machine. There was no sign of William. Harry and Thomas exchanged a glance, their worry starting to deepen. Thomas spotted Junior Detective Liam Connor.
"Hey Newbie! Where's Lockwood?"

Liam, a young officer with a perpetually earnest expression, turned to face them. He took a gulp of his coffee before responding. "Oh, Detective William? I haven't seen him when I came in this morning. I did come in a bit late though..."
Liam looked at the newcomer, Harry, and greeted him then introducing himself. Harry shook Liam's hand, introducing himself before turning back to the matter at hand. "When was the last time you saw William?" he asked, his voice steady and professional.

Liam thought for a moment, sipping his coffee. "Must have been yesterday afternoon," he stated. "He was here when I left. Said something about going for a drink after work to celebrate the game."
Thomas sighed. "He did come in this morning, but I guess Chief Gibson told him to go home."
Harry tilted his head, a slight frown on his face. "Why did Chief send him home?" he queried, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
"He was a bit hungover remember? That's a big no-no here in the work environment." Thomas said
Harry smirked, the memory of William's state the previous morning coming back to him. "Ah, yes, the hangover," he said, chuckling slightly. "No wonder your Chief sent him back home. He did look like he'd gone for rounds with an entire liquor store."

"The man needs to learn to pace himself," Thomas stated, half amused and half concerned. "I just hope he's not passed out on the floor of his apartment, drooling all over his carpet."
"Let's try calling him," Harry suggested, a note of pragmatism in his voice. "Maybe he's feeling better now, and he's got something useful for us."
Thomas pulled out his phone as Harry said this, dialing William's number and waiting for the call to connect.

After a few rings, William's voice came through on the other end, groggy and rough. "Hello?" he said, his words slurring together slightly.
Thomas pinched the bridge of his nose, already irritated by the state of William. "Great, you're still alive," he snarled, his tone dry. "I was starting to think Chief's scare tactics really sent you into a coma."
There was a slight thump and a muttered curse on the other end. It sounded like William was attempting to sit up. "Yeah, yeah, I'm alive," he griped. "Barely. This damn headache won't quit."
Thomas rolled his eyes, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You brought this on yourself," he countered. "Drinking enough to sink a ship isn't exactly compatible with a work day, you know?"
"William groaned in response, the sound of rustling followed by another curse suggesting he was getting up. "Yeah, I know," he grumbled. "I didn't exactly plan on having to work through a throbbing headache and the urge to throw up my own organs."

William grumbled something on the other end, likely a swear, before responding. "Yeah, yeah, got it, no more drinking till the case is solved. I'll be as dry as a nun's-"

Thomas cut him off before he could utter something inappropriate. "Yeah, yeah, we get the picture," he interjected, glancing at Harry. "Save the colorful analogies for another time. We've got progress to share, but we'll save it for when you're feeling less like a walking corpse."

"Hmph, real nice of you," William muttered, his voice sulky. "Can't even share the good stuff with a guy with a headache from hell, huh?"
Thomas couldn't resist rolling his eyes again. "You'll get the info once you're back on your feet. Till then, rest up and nurse that hangover like a man."
"Yeah, yeah, I got it. Rest, liquids, and pain killers. I'll be a model citizen by tomorrow," William grumbled. The sound of him stumbling on something followed by another curse came through the phone.
Thomas hung up on him and sighed. "I need some coffee..."