The Art of Being Right

Case History

"What time did Spence want you at the station for?"

"Two," he answered absently, finishing his coffee and placing it down on the counter. JJ did the same then collected the two mugs up, putting them in the dishwasher behind her.

"Well it's only eleven, I could go over the other files we have on the case with you if you want? I can't imagine Fobbs sent you all of them."

"That'd be great. I'll go shower and change."

"And don't forget a shirt this time," she laughed, nodding in his direction before switching off the radio and following him out of the kitchen. They climbed the stairs in silence before splitting off to go to their own rooms.

The shower made Wilson feel a little more human. The bathroom had been enormous; definitely a contrast to what he was used to, not that his apartment was that small. He took a few minutes to unpack his things - ditching his clothes in the wardrobe and drawers before stowing his bag under the bed.

A little more settled, he searched through his neatly put away clothes for something to wear, finally settling on a pair of dark jeans that were faded around the knees and a white t-shirt that hugged his abdomen and was long enough that it just covered his belt. Wilson changed quickly and was just about to grab his old pair of black Converse all-stars when there was a knock at his door.

Carrying his shoes in his right hand, he opened the door to see JJ stood in the hall.

Her hair had now been pulled into a loose fishtail braid that fell over one shoulder, and instead of her riding gear she had changed into a purple and blue plaid shirt and light blue jeans with rips in the legs.

"Ready?" She asked, one arm wrapped around a box full of files. He nodded and they descended back to the ground floor, this time passing through the kitchen into what Wilson assumed to be the sitting room.

A bright scarlet rug covered the wooden floorboards, and placed around it were two large sofas and an armchair - making a rough semi-circle around the fireplace. In the centre of it stood a coffee table similar to the wood on the floor. It was covered in paper, folders and photographs; all from the case. Opposite the table there was a large whiteboard hanging from a frame, but with nothing written on it.

"Wow...um."

"Yeah," JJ mumbled, "we've got a lot to go through."

"This was the first disappearance after Arkfield was set up. Max Ewell, 31, was last seen on the ridge above the facility by two horse riders from one of the local farms. He was described to be panicked, but when the two girls asked if he wanted help he took one look at the dog they had with them and he ran."

"The dog?" He snorted, eyes narrowing disbelievingly. JJ shrugged.

"Yup. But what was weird was when we talked to the family, they said he never had a problem with them before. He had two of his own - two spaniels."

He flicked through the pages of the file, looking over the pictures included from the family. They continued through the stack of papers; every now and again Wilson would get up and stick something on the board, writing something down beside it before returning to his seat.

"This was the guy we found yesterday. Jay Linford. You were right - he's 28, was reported missing nearly eight weeks ago. Went to the gym daily, ran marathons, he was a semi professional rugby player. His family filed the missing person's report when he didn't turn up for the semi finals."

Wilson opened the Manila file and took a brief look at the information in front of him. There was a photo - clipped to the inside front: Jay Linford stood on a muddy field in a rugby kit, grinning broadly.

"He must've been considerably weakened for something to take down a man like him. There were no defensive marks on the body. Whatever killed him did it without much of a struggle." JJ nodded sombrely. There was nothing either of them had to say.

After a moment Wilson dropped the file back with the others, but kept the photo in his hand. He stood slowly and paced to the whiteboard, sticking the photo down with a small piece of blue tack then stepping back to examine what had been pinned already.

"So, you got anything new?" JJ asked, trying to be optimistic. Wilson didn't answer - his eyes were closed but his lips were moving as if he was speaking, or rattling off a list. "Wilson?"

He looked up suddenly, his face vague.

"Several theories, but to which one is right I have no idea."

"Okay, so tell me."

"Not yet."

"Why the hell not?" She demanded, standing up. Wilson's eyes widened slightly.

"I need more information. Give me a few more days and I should have a rough idea."

"If you're sure." She sighed bluntly, starting to understand now what Spence had meant when he claimed Wilson could be difficult.

A/N: Sorry there was no update yesterday, I had a hockey match yesterday so had no time to publish the next chapter. Anyways enough of the excuses, thanks for reading, there's quite a bit more to come so hope you like it! Comment, vote, ect.

~Holly