I Bet on Losing Dogs - Patrick Jane

302 - Cackle-Bladder Blood

Kenzie let out an annoyed sigh as she and Rigsby walked side-by-side through a parking lot of an industrial building. Police cars practically flooded the lot, and cops surrounded the entrance that was "blocked" by yellow police tape.

"They really found Jane holding the murder weapon?" Rigsby asked as they lifted the tape, allowing them both to grow through.

"Yes, they did," Kenzie answered. "Hightower twisted some arms at Sac PD. It's a joint investigation. We share the sandbox, but CBI is taking the lead." Kenzie narrowed her eyes at Rigsby as they continued walking through the small lobby. "Why are you smiling?"

"Well, it's a new angle at least, right? I mean, he's never been a murder suspect before."

She softly chuckled. Once the elevator stopped on the correct floor, they made their way up to the crime scene floor and stepped into an office. Teresa and Cho stood next to a cop. A man was lying on the floor with blood staining his shirt.

"We got an ID on the victim. Landon Wale, 45," said Teresa. "He's some real estate mogul from San Francisco."

"What was he doing in Sacramento?" Kenzie asked.

"Well, office is a financial brokerage— K-Ram Investments, Inc," said Cho. "Van Pelt's trying to locate the owner."

"What's Patrick say he was doing?"

The detective gestured to Kenzie and Rigsby to follow him. She fought back a sigh as she walked into the office next door. Patrick sat in the rolling chair with his hands cuffed. They stood in front of him. Kenzie crossed her arms.

"I-I was taking a walk, and–and when I came by here, I heard a shot, so, uh, I came to see if I could help, and that's when I discovered this man lying here with the blood and— and no pulse," Patrick explained.

The detective turned to Kenzie. "He had the gun in his hand."

Kenzie turned back to him, glaring. "Yes, I confess, I-I picked it up. I'm not good with forensics."

"No, I can vouch for that," said Rigsby. "He is, uh, terrible."

"You heard a gunshot and ran in to help?" Kenzie asked, a bit doubtful.

"Yes, I did," said Patrick. "I'm no hero. I just did what any person would do in that situation."

"No one is calling a hero."

"Really? Good."

"Detective, how'd your guys catch this? 911?"

"Yeah," the detective began to answer. "Uh, an anonymous call, said a man was murdered at this location."

Kenzie turned to Patrick. "Patrick, did you make that call?"

"No," he answered. "Why would I do that?"

"Boss," Rigsby called out. She turned around to see Rigsby trying to pull something out of the victim's pocket. He let out a small grunt of effort before lifting it. He walked over to them, holding a small red stone. "This was stuck in his pocket."

"Looks like a ruby. A pretty nice one."

"Cool."

Kenzie turned back to the detective, walking toward Patrick. "Detective, could you uncuff this one now, please?"

"He's still a suspect," the detective replied.

"And he is not gonna leave town. Release him into my custody. You know he's not good for it. Zero connection to the victim."

Patrick opened his mouth to speak, but Kenzie reached behind her and pointed at him while still staring at the detective. He quickly closed it. "Nothing. And I mean none. I could go on, but that would take us a while. I am reaching out to you, Detective. I know this man, and I know he's telling the truth about what happened."