Murder Me Not

What A Mess

"I need to ask you a favor," Izzy asked hesitantly through the phone.

Alec sighed, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back in his chair. A case file was open on his desk, the gruesome pictures of a murder-suicide flashing up at him. Why would he be investigating a seemingly obvious case? Because there was evidence of three people there and the involvement of a drug lord.

Crime was never easy in New York City. It was one of the reasons why Alec loved it.

"What?" he asked his baby sister.

"So there's this agency right? High level, very famous. Well, one of their models is currently under attack by the press because of a relationship scandal. Basic stuff. But the fans of the other party are completely insane and have given the model several death threats. My company does not want to risk lawsuits and whatnot so the conditions of the contract are that the model be appointed a full-time bodyguard. I think—"
"No," Alec bit out. "I love you, Iz. But I will not assign one of my men to babysit a model. Just get a rent-a-cop from some security company and be done with it."

"Jace thinks—"

"I don't care what Jace thinks"—they both knew that was a lie—"and I won't waste a good man on something so trivial."

"But Alec," she dragged out his name, "he's really hot and I think—"

Alec laughed harshly. "Are you kidding me? All of this to set me up with someone? Don't be ridiculous."

"Come on, big brother. You need to get back out there. I know things didn't go well with Lydia but I also know you're not heartbroken over it. So what's the problem?" Izzy persuaded.

Alec sighed again. "I'm busy, Iz. I'll see you at dinner." He hung up before she could protest.

He turned back to the file, studying the finer details about the case. Jace was already looking into the man's connection to the drug lord. All Alec needed to do was dig about the women and the easiest way to do that was through the girl's family.

He grabbed his jacket and headed out.

***

His phone vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out as he walked down the dilapidated steps. Apparently, the girl's family hadn't seen her in over three years and were unsurprised by her unfortunate end.

Some people truly disgusted Alec.

"What Izzy?" he asked.

"Do I sound like Izzy to you?" came a mocking voice.

Alec rolled his eyes. "Whinny and high pitched? Yes, yes you do, Jace."

Jace snorted. "You're hilarious. I got a lead and want some back up. Meet me at the Pandemonium Club."

"Don't do anything stupid," Alec warned.

It was far too late for that.

"What is your problem, man?" Jace demanded, his face mere inches from the bouncer's.

"If you're not on the list, you can't enter," the man replied dully.

Alec pushed through the line, mumbling his apologies at the disgruntled people. He placed a hand on Jace's shoulder, squeezing tightly. He gave the bouncer a wry grin. "I apologize for my partner," he said, grabbing his badge from the inner pocket of his jacket. "Detectives for the NYPD, we're investigating a homicide."

Bouncer looked unamused. "Wait here."

Alec shot a glare at Jace. "Seriously? Could you not have led with that?"