The Cases of George Alpha #3 - Stolen Spirits

Ingleston

I headed back to the police station much sooner than expected and when I approached the station entrance, reporter Angela Ingleston of the City Tribune stepped right in front of me.

'Is it true, detective?'

I looked around, it was still early and she was the only reporter there.

'Is what true, miss Ingleston?'

'Is it true that Leroy Barker killed himself yesterday?'

'How the h--,' I swallowed the curse. 'Who told you?'

'That's confidential, detective,' she smiled, 'but I have my sources.'

Right.

Though we had not yet issued any official statement, I figured there was not much point in denying it. 'Yes,' I said, 'there has been an unfortunate incident yesterday evening in which mister Barker attacked a police officer and subsequently killed himself.'

'Is the police officer alright?'

'He was shot, but he is fine now, he was protected by his Ability.'

She nodded, diligently writing everything down in her notebook.

'How did it happen?'

'I'm afraid I cannot give you any details, miss.'

'Why did he do it? Do you have an idea on Leroy's motive?' she asked, looking up from her paper.

I shook my head. 'Not so far.'

'But you will be questioning his spirit, I assume?'

'Of course we will, the investigation still goes on. It does not matter if he's dead or alive.'

'What's the status on the robbery victims, how many people ha--'

From the corner of my eye I noticed another reporter rushing towards us.

'I'm sorry, miss Ingleston,' I interrupted her, 'but I really have to go now, I'm sure we'll issue an official statement later today.'

I scurried off before the scene turned into an impromptu press conference, relieved to enter the safety of the police building.

Teri looked up as I greeted her on the way to my desk.

'That's a surprise, I thought you were going to interrogate Barker at Central this morning?' she said.

'I was, I did, at least... I tried. There was a computer glitch, they couldn't bring up any spirits. They'll call me once it's fixed.'

'Well in that case,' -- she waved a file at me -- 'two more Freeheart victims showed up, now that you have some time, why don't you take their statements so I can prepare for my court date later today.'

I groaned, snatching the file from her hands.