Wings from Death

Chapter Four

I descended a square spiraling staircase. It seemed to take forever. Maybe it was the thoughts of my wife on my mind which kept me occupied. I had stopped the elevator a few floors short of the ground so I could exercise my legs. I always did it whenever I had to leave the apartment and had some time to spare. I'll figure something out, I always have I told myself. I had finally reached the ground floor, a faded blue carpet greeted my feet. I lifted my head to behold a dimly lit lobby, bronze coloured panels lined the walls, a receptionists desks sat to the right of me; no-one was behind it. I strode toward the double doors at the end of the lobby. Pushing the large doors open, I was startled by the bright morning light; the familiar sounds of city traffic filled my ears. I squinted my eyes, letting the doors fall shut behind me as I walked out onto the pavement. The air was cold, and burned my nostrils slightly when I breathed. I turned to my right and continued down the street. Tall silver towers loomed over me, some reflected the sunlight in odd directions, lighting up back-alleys and narrow streets. I was headed south, the station was in walking distance of my apartment. I decided it would be easier to navigate the footpath than the soon-to-congest roads.

After a few minutes of my morning stroll I had arrived at the station. The building was large, but unlike its high-rise counterparts, it consisted of five stories, and was much wider at the base. I crossed the street to reach its doors, which had been propped open to allow for the morning flow of everyday workers: officers, janitors, clerks. I merged with the crowd, leading my own way through doors and up staircases until I reached the main office, which consisted of cluttered desks. I was greeted by the captain, Walter. He leant upon the side of a desk with his personalised coffee mug in hand.

"Morning Dustin, you're earlier than I expected" He said between sips of his coffee. His voice was deep and husky.

I looked at my wrist watch, half-past Eight. I was early.

"I decided to walk, save the trouble of getting caught in traffic," I looked back up at Walter's face, his brow was furrowed.

"Aren't your legs sore?"

"No sir," I shook my head. "You know how high fuel prices are getting lately you might have to do the same thing."

We laughed at my small joke. Walter turned his attention away, sipping his coffee at regular intervals. He wore standard issue police uniform and a black leather jacket. He must have rode in on his motorcycle this morning. His white hair styled in a rough side part. His olive skin showed signs of age.

"We've got a murder on our hands as you know. We'll wait for Arden and Scott before we head out to investigate." Walter turned to me "I hate bringing you out on off-duty days, but cases like this call for a great mind like yours to solve."

"I understand" I think I blushed at the time, not knowing how to react to the compliment.

We waited for about a quarter of an hour in silence. I caught myself wandering the office, inspecting my desk and sorting through papers from past cases that had been solved. Arden arrived first.

"Good morning Captain," called a female voice from across the office "Oh Dustin! You're here too?"

"I called him in Arden" Walter quickly responded before I could get a word out of my mouth. I smiled and nodded at her.

"Sorry, I just didn't expect you in on a Saturday."

"Crime never rests, and nor will I" I could sense a slight flare of bravado as I quoted the force's pledge.

"You're an idiot"she shook her head; her blonde pony-tail flicking against the back of her neck.

"Sorry Arden, I should act more serious given the situation."

Arden stared at me in a scornful manner. Her dark brown eyes fixated on my own. She was intimidating. The police uniform didn't help. I turned my attention back to the files that I was holding. A short moment later another person entered the room.

"Morning all" called a tall bearded man from the rooms entrance, his voice was rough. "Cap'n" he motioned towards Walter with a small salute.

"Scott, good to see you" Walter had returned the salute.

Scott approached the group and stood with his hands placed on his hips, as if he wasn't already taking up enough space. He was gigantic, his determination in police work only matched by his determination to build muscle mass.

After everyone had completed their greetings, Walter began to briefly explain the situation. I pulled out a small notebook and pencil from my coat and scribbled any information I thought was relevant.

     -Female victim
     -Found dead at 2AM
     -43rd Rys Lane  --> Industrial Housing sector

"Any more information we'll get from the crime scene" Walter concluded.

Walter got up from his desk and walked out of the room,  Scott and Arden followed. I pocketed the notebook and dashed to catch up.