Death Is A Redhead

Chapter Nine: Trish's Alibi

Felicity and David huddle over her cell phone, talking to Detective Carmona.

"So you know who the killer is?"

"No, not yet. The DNA sample doesn't match anything in our database."

"So we're basically in the same spot as before."

"Not exactly," Hector explains. "The forensics don't replace detective work. We still have to find the suspect ourselves. But once we do, we just compare their DNA to what we found at the crime scene. And that's how we'll catch our killer."

"That makes sense," says David.

"So, yeah, we're still in the same spot," Felicity mutters, running her palms together.

David updates Hector on their progress as they file out of the Wendy's dining room. The sit on a metal bench outside the front doors.

"So, he ended up changing his name to Robert Shaffer," David continues.

"Hold on, let me get this down," Hector says, followed by the sound of shuffling papers.

"Robert Shaffer," he repeats slowly.

"Yep, he moved to San Diego and married a woman named Veronica. And get this," David says, pausing for dramatic effect, "She's a redhead!"

"Oh, a redhead! That's perfect! The wife's always the killer. I'll have to get in touch with the San Diego police and work on getting a DNA sample from her."

"No need for that," says Felicity. David turns and grins at her.

"And why is that?" Hector sighs.

"We're on our way there tomorrow. I can get you a sample myself."

"Sure, but a sample collected by a civilian isn't admissible in court. We have to do this right if we want a conviction."

"Of course, but if her DNA doesn't match, it'll just be a massive waste of time. I know how arduous it can be to coordinate with other departments, especially across state lines. I'll get you sample, and if it does match, then you can begin the procedure."

"That does make my workload lighter. You know, Felicity, I'm really starting to like you," he chuckles.

"Don't make me barf." She hangs up.

"And just how are going to get a sample from Veronica?" David crosses his arms and leans back, eying her sideways.

"It's simple. The easiest way is to pluck something out of the trash. A water bottle or a used Kleenex."

"I guess you expect me to do that, don't you?"

"Well, one of us has to," she reasons. "The other will have to distract her. I figured, since it's my plan, I'd get to choose my role." She smiles, gazing into his eyes like she knows she's getting away with something.

"Uh huh." He smirks subtly. "I guess we'll just have to wait until we get there."

Her smile vanishes. "Yeah, I guess we can play it by ear." Abruptly, she stands up from the bench, stretching. "Let's go verify Trish's alibi," she says, gesturing toward the cars. Stepping into the sunlight, she pulls her shades over her eyes and starts for her car.

"Do you know where the hospital is?" he calls after her.

"Umm... no."

"Don't you think that'll be important?"

"Why don't you just use that GPS application you love so much."

"Don't mind if I do."

An hour later, they arrive at a sprawling medical center. It takes them another half hour to find the right building. They manage to find parking space a few cars away from each other.