The Special Agents

Stephen Barron

"Director?"

"You're calling me this time?"

"Well, next time we have a case, call Avi. I'm going to be visiting my parents in Texas for about a week."

"When are you leaving?"

"Well, I'm in the plane as we speak. It's kind of urgent."

"Urgent?"

"Not bad, my cousin is having her baby a month early."

"You're missing out. I was just about to call you for a murder."

"Better call Avi."

"I will. Have a good trip, Maldonado."

"Thanks, Koop."

---

"Director?"

"Hey, Kaplan. There's a murder on 2835 High Meadow Lane. In a truck, found thirty minutes ago."

"And you're calling me?"

"Don't get used to it. Kirstie had to make a trip to Texas. I believe she thinks you can handle this case on your own."

"Without her?"

"You're supposed to say you'll tell the guys now. I'm hanging up."

"O-Okay?"

---

"We've got a case guys," I announce, walking out to Scott and Mitch. I was already in my office working on paperwork, and then I called Kevin.

Have I done everything correctly so far?

How do I even manage without Kirstie directing us to do anything?

"Where's Kirst?" Scott asks.

"Texas. Surprise trip, she texted me saying her cousin was giving birth ten minutes ago. Better gear up."

I notice Mitch and Scott share a look of uncertainty. I don't think they really fully think of me as their boss, yet. Even if it has been like four and a half months.

Once we arrive on the scene, I see Kevin has already beat us there. He always seems to beat us here.

"Find anything?" I ask him when I reach the Black Pickup.

"I literally got here a minute ago, and you see me setting up my things. What do you think?"

"That's what Kirst usually asks!"

"Great. Have you told Scott and Mitch what to do? They seem kind of clueless."

"Shouldn't they start inspecting the crime scene? They usually do that without Kirst telling them to."

"The crime scene is the truck, and I yell at anyone everytime they're within two feet from the body. Which, you're violating that rule at the moment, by the way."

I take a step back and watch Kevin for a moment, waiting for him to determine time of death when I notice something.

"Uh, Olusola?"

"Yeah, Kaplan?"

"Look at her right arm."

"It's not there."

"Nope." After a few more minutes, Kevin has the time of death.

"5:43 this morning."

"Rock and roll," I mumble, walking over to Scott and Mitch.

"So, what would Kirstie tell you to do?" I ask. I try and make it seem like I'm quizzing them, but in reality I have no clue what she would do.

"Um, she'd probably tell us to find out a background for Stephen. That's what one of the police said his name was, by the way. Anyways, find a background considering we can't investigate the truck yet?" Mitch asks.