Detective Badass

John Doe (7)

He let go of my hair and removed the knife. "Stay turned around."
I did as he asked but stood up proudly. "See you soon, old man."
He laughed before I heard the jingle of the door as he exited. I turned quickly to see him turn away, he wore a dark coat and was at least six foot two. A good looking older man who could charm anyone, like Ted Bundy.
The young store clerk ran over to me. "The cops are on their way."
"Do you have cotton swabs? Quickly!," I asked as he ran behind the counter.
He pulled out his back pack. "I have a few, sometimes I'm rushing out the door, ya know."
He handed them to me. I swiped at the saliva on my neck and put them into a bag.
"Are you ok?," he asked softly.
I smiled up at him holding up the bag. "Just fine, thanks. You were really brave."
"I wish I could have helped but I didn't want him to hurt you," he looked ashamed.
"You did the right thing," I heard sirens coming down the street.

I walked into the squad room after EMIs swabbed at my neck to check for residue. I was told to head to the precinct as soon as they were done so I could talk to a sketch artist.
Sonny looked at me with concern and stood when I entered. He looked fearful for my safety and if I was being honest I was worried for his. I needed to talk to him later.
"Garcia, my office," Liv spoke up when she saw me.
I took off my coat and headed into her office, ready for what she had to say. Chief Dodds was sitting in the corner of the room watching me intently. He probably thinks I'm in league with the killer.
"What happened, start from the beginning," Liv took a seat and motioned for me to sit down. I put my shaky hands out of their view and began.
I told them about driving to the bakery, the young man who tried to step in, his threats against Sonny, my smart remarks, and how I caught a glimpse of his face. They listened to the whole story until there was a knock on the door. Rollins opened the door and stuck her head in.
"There's a sketch artist here?," she said it as a question.
I nodded and stood but Liv stopped me. "Thanks, Rollins," she waved her away.
Rollins closed the door and my thoughts started swirling with panic. What if this was it? I'm gonna get fired.
"Lieutenant-," I started but she stopped me.
"You are not getting fired today, Garcia," she eased my mind.
"We think you should be removed from this case for your safety," Dodds said bluntly.
"Not to sound disrespectful but I believe I should stay on," I looked him in the eyes with sincerity. "He's still after me, with or without the badge."
Liv looked over at Dodds, clearly this was his decision. After he said nothing, Liv looked to me. "Are you sure?"
I couldn't give up just because some psycho threatened me and my handsome Sonny. Plus if I'm off the case I'm certain this guy will retaliate in some way. "I'm sure, Lieutenant."
She nodded and looked to Dodds. He sighed and stood up.
"Listen, Garcia, this happens once in awhile. A young new recruit who ends up getting hurt and leaves because they can't handle this," he walked over to me. "This guy is dangerous, are you certain?"
I lifted my chin up at the chief. "No offense, sir, but I've been through worse and met worse men than that asshole."
He looked at Liv in disbelief but nodded at my answer. "I like her, Liv, she has charisma. Keep up the good work, Garcia."
He left the office and I turned to leave when Liv stopped me again.
"What you said back there to the chief, is that true?," her eyes softened when she asked me this.
I looked away from her, seeing something like an apology growing behind her eyes. "Yes."
I walked out quickly before she could ask questions. I saw a young lady sitting at my desk, the sketch artist.
"You, Garcia?," she stood when she saw me.
"Yeah, let's go into another room," I led her into a room next to Liv's.

She drew the man's face clearly and perfectly. I scanned the sketch so that facial recognition can check if he's been wanted in other states, and if he's possibly in the system. I was also waiting on the DNA results.
While I waited, I walked over to the fresh pot of coffee and served myself a cup. I was pouring creamer when I saw Sonny walk over to me.
"Can I talk to you?," he asked, concern building.
"Sure," I looked up at him, waiting.
"Somewhere private?," he asked.
I finished making my cup of coffee and walked over to my desk setting it down. We walked to the small lounge and made sure it was empty before we started talking.
I turned to look at him, ask what was wrong, when I was instead pulled into a very warm hug.