Killer In Plain Sight-//Klance Detective AU//

//2//

Lance was the first one to get out of the door. He knocked on the door profusely and immediately launched into his mothers arms when it opened.
A huge wave of despair wavered through me, I'd almost forgotten that this was not only Rachel's family.
I wince at the sobs of Maria, Lances mother and I shake his fathers hand.

"Afternoon Mr McClain, I'm uh sorry for your loss" I say and patting his back slightly awkwardly while he leads us into the lounge.

"Thank you for your condolences, can we help you? Your a detective? The police came earlier in search of anything of, Rachel's " he explains slightly rubbing at his eyes, pausing between Rachel's name.
We sit down across from each other while Lance and his mother were comforting each other at the doorways still.

"Yeah I do if it's alright with you, I was wondering if i could ask a couple of questions? But I understand if your not ready" I reassure with a awkward smile. He gives a strained smile, his eyes looked lost and overwhelmed, I could tell he was trying his best to stay strong.
He and Lance are very similar that way.

"I'd do anything to catch her killer" he says firmly nodding confidently adjusting his frail frame.

"Well Lance said you spoke to her not long ago, did she say anything.. out of the ordinary?" I start trying to add ease to my voice.

His breath shudders and he shuts his eyes before opening them again. "Rachel seemed fine, and yes it was two weeks ago, she called up saying that for a small mindset program, students had to call someone they love and tell them how much they love them, naturally me and Maria believed her, we thought it was nice that she was doing something good for herself, giving herself positive thoughts, but now, now I just think she was trying to say goodbye without crushing us" he chokes out sinking his head into his hands. " I wish she told us, we could've helped her and avoided this mess" he gets out and I feel the pit of sadness in my stomach grow.

I had to find her killer, not just for Lance, for his family.

"Thank you for your time Mr McClain, I better be heading off, if you need anything or have any information please contact us, I hope you stay well, stay safe" I smiles warmly trying my best to comfort the distraught man. I shake his has firmly and walk up to Lance and his mother.

"We should be heading off, Lance if you wish to stay it's fine just call me later" I concern placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, his shoulder was quite warm despite the cold weather, I pat his back and step outside the door frame.

"No, I-I need to come, I'll be in the car in minute" he reassures wiping his red eyes and I nod understandingly.

I hop in the car and sigh turning the key and starting the engine.
I need to know who it is! I hit the steering wheel. I hate watching Lance and his Parents suffer like this. They don't deserve any of it. No one does.

Lance sits down in the passengers seat and huffs out a breath. His eyes still looked puffy and his freckled cheeks were tinged with red. His sad demeanour didn't match himself, it's so hard seeing him like this, why?

I rest my hand on his slowly and give him an encouraging smile, in return receiving a grateful one.
"Was that a smile I spy Kogane?" He teases chuckling slightly despite tears stains still fresh on his face.
I roll my eyes.

I pull out of the drive way and start driving onto the main road. "We should check out the University, see if any of her friends have heard anything" I suggest and Lance nods, my hand hadn't left his. But neither of us wanted to let go.

"I'll check around with students, you should inform the Head Master" Lance says and I nod in agreement and turn into the car parks. For a minute we sit there, neither of us like this situation. With any other giving case I would've been handling this well. But the look in Lances eyes when Rachel's mentioned. Its like the oceans surface breaking, why is it affecting me? Why is it so hard to see him this way?

I turn off the engine of my black impala and Lance squeezes my hand and we hop out. I walk out and Lance takes a small step towards me. "Keith?" He calls and I turn my head towards him an eyebrow raised.
"Yeah?" I respond shakily, is he ok?
He pulls me into a hesitant hug and I softly wrap my around his waist. "T-thank you for letting me do this case and the support" he whispers and I tighten my grip on his lean frame.

My heart was pounding, I could've stayed like that forever but I know we have to figure this out. We have to do this. For Lance, for his family.
Unfortunately at that moment my phone just had to go off. Lance blinks in surprise and coughs, his cheeks were rosy against his mocha skin. For a second after that cough I genuinely thought he was going to say no homo. We unfolded from the embrace an awkward tension filling the air. I clear my throat and look away feeling my own cheeks become suspiciously warm.

"We should-" he starts smiling slightly.
"Yeah" I cut in my mood lifting as well and we walk into the main building.