An Unladylike Murder, page 23
part #1 of Jessica Sloan Mystery Series
Jessica was out cold. She lay on the cement for eighteen minutes until she was found by a fellow police officer.
Chapter 66
The EMTs whisked Jessica to the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center’s emergency room.
The SFPD Night Shift Supervisor telephoned and woke up her sister, Brooklyn, since she was listed as Jessica’s emergency contact.
“Of course I’ll drive into the city and bring her home.”
Screw the makeup.
Brook threw on the clothes she’d been wearing earlier, grabbed her purse and made her way down to her car.
Given that it was after midnight, the traffic was light. Brooklyn worried about her sister for the entire fifty minutes.
I’ve told her a hundred times to quit being a cop and get a job in tech.
She’s never going to find out why our father was killed.
She’ll make twice as much and have a thousand times better chance of finding a husband if she quits because of this.
When Brooklyn arrived, she checked in with the nurse’s station. “I’m here to see my sister, Detective Jessica Sloan.”
The night nurse checked in her computer.
“Yes, Jessica Sloan is in room 307.”
“Can I help you?”
Brooklyn turned to find a doctor standing next her. “Can you tell me if Jessica is okay and then tell me what happened to her.”
The Doctor introduced herself then focused on the patient. “Jessica Sloan was assaulted.”
“Do you mean she was raped?”
“No. But she does have a mild concussion and bruises. Because of the concussion, you’ll need to wake her regularly to make sure she can awaken normally. Since I see that you live in Dublin, if she has trouble waking up you’ll have to immediately take her to the nearest emergency room.”
“I can do that.”
“Otherwise, just let her sleep and rest. Do you have a pain reliever such as acetaminophen at home?”
“We have some Tylenol.”
“Then you can take your sister home. However, she should not go into work tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll stay home with her.”
Without any sleep, I won’t be worth shit anyway.
“Then let me show you where she is so you can talk to her while I prepare her release.”
As soon as the Doctor pulled the curtain apart so Brooklyn could see Jessica, a smile of relief erupted on both of their faces.
“Thank God, you weren’t more seriously injured.”
“You got that right. Do you know when I can get out of here?”
“I’m here to take you home as soon as the paperwork is done.”
“Thank you, Brook. Hospitals stink almost as bad as the Medical Examiners room does. I need to get out of here a.s.a.p.”
Brooklyn walked beside the wheelchair as the nurse wheeled Jessica to the curb. Then she went to get her car.
Once they were on the Bay Bridge, Brooklyn said, “Since it happened in the Police parking lot, is there any chance it was another cop?”
Jessica groaned her response. “Why would you even say that?”
“Because your fellow detectives must all see you as a threat to their jobs.”
“Why, because I’m the iPoirot expert?”
“Exactly. Just think about it.”
Jessica closed her eyes and fell asleep in the car.
“Jessica, wake up. We’re home.”
As soon as Brooklyn helped Jessica into their apartment, Jessica went into her bedroom and closed the door.
Ten minutes later, she came out wearing her ancient pink flannel pajamas, the ones that made her feel like she was still at home before her parents had divorced, the ones that made her feel safe.
They talked for ten minutes before Jessica said she was tired. “I need some sleep but I want to have a warm bath first.”
Brooklyn walked Jessica into her bathroom and stood with her while the water ran.
Almost at the end, Jessica poured in some pink bubble bath.
Once the tub was ready, Brook left. “Leave the door open a bit so I can hear you if you need anything.”
“Thanks, I will.”
Jessica soaked in the steamy, hot and bubbly water for a full twenty minutes letting things leave her body and her mind.
A nice bubble bath is my favorite way to kill stress.
When she was done, she dried off and Brook walked her into her bedroom and tucked her in.
Jessica said, “Why don’t you lay down next to me like you did when we were kids?”
Brooklyn fell asleep next to her sister.
Using her iWatch alarm, Brooklyn woke Jessica every three hours.
Each time Jessica appeared to be normal.
I do wish we were both morning people.
On the second wakeup, Jessica complained of a headache so Brooklyn gave her a Tylenol with water.
After that, Brook went back to her own bed and crashed.
Jessica sleeps alone and likes it.
She’s always said that she didn’t need anyone to protect or provide for her.
Chapter 67
Friday
Just after 9 a.m., Brooklyn crawled out of bed and closed the door to her sisters’ bedroom to make a pot of coffee.
At 9:20, she went in to check on her sister who was awake and wanting to talk. Jess patted the bed beside her.
“No way. Coffee’s made. Go have a shower while I make breakfast. Then we can chat.”
“But I need to get into Homicide.”
With her hands on her hips, Brooklyn felt she’d become her mother. “No, you don’t. The hospital made me post a ten million dollar bond to ensure that I’d keep you at home for today.”
“Don’t make me laugh, Brook. Come here. I need to give you a hug for picking me up and nursing me.”
Once Jessica had showered and dressed in her jeans and an old sweatshirt, they sat and had a leisurely breakfast.
Brooklyn pointed to her chin. “It’s too bad your purple and blue bruise won’t wash off.”
“I don’t think that I’ll cover it with makeup. I’m thinking the next bad guys will realize that I’m a badass and give up without a fight.”
At one point Jess showed Brooklyn the bruise on her hip. “I now wish I carried a squishy Nerf ball for a weapon.”
“If you did, would it shoot foam bullets?”
“I guess it would have to.”
Brooklyn spoke her mind. “I know that one of the reasons you became a cop was to become a detective. I think you’ve always been driven by an unrealistic goal of finding dad’s killer one day. Did it ever occur to you that you might be killed for sticking your nose into what may be better off left alone?”
“You’re not talking about my fellow cops trying to protect each other again are you?”
“After you wouldn’t talk about the possibility last night, I didn’t know if I should mention it again.”
“Good idea. Please don’t.”
When the police won’t tell you anything about your father’s death, it smells of the blue code of corruption.
“I’ve always hoped that we could have children at the same time so our kids could play together like we did. In a few years your ovulation will slow so you should consider freezing your eggs if you think you’ll ever want to have children.”
“Jesus, Brook. I probably have ten good years yet to decide what I want to do.”
Jessica switched the subject. “Have you told mom that you’re planning on marrying Brad yet?”
“I’m not ready to tell anyone but you, sis. I thought that being a detective would mean you’d have to work less hours than you did as a beat cop.”
“If you don’t want to talk about Brad, I won’t bring him up, but let me just say that watching Brad play video games doesn’t count as spending time together.”
“It’s a guy thing.”
“Maybe it’s the wrong guy thing. As to your earlier question about my working hours, I think my days of working an eight-hour shift, like the old days, instead of a twenty-hour day, and of not being called out in the middle of the night, every night, are over.”
“That’s a reason why you should get into tech.”
“Maybe one day. I must say that I don’t miss having to wear a Kevlar vest or my belt. They were both way too heavy.”
“What do you think of Logan?”
Jessica was careful with her word selection. “He’s growing on me.”
“You could do a lot worse.”
“I just want to be happy.”
“Does being a detective make you happy?”
Jessica retorted. “Does being in a startup make you happy?”
“I know that startups are only temporary. The tech bubble could burst tomorrow. But I’m putting in my time to get it on my resume and make as much money as fast as I can.”
“Spending your entire workweek being unhappy just because it pays the bills won’t really make you happy.”
“And the longer you wait to leave the police force, the harder it will be to actually do it. If you quit right now, you could earn two or three times the money as personal security for any number of high profile tech CEOs. Then you could probably retire in ten years. Or maybe even marry one of them.”
“Do you hear yourself, Brooklyn? You sound like all you care about are money and getting married.”
Jessica’s phone started ringing.
She ignored it.
Brook picked it up. “Here, it’s mom.”
“Hi, mom.”
“Jessica, are you alright. Brook told me that she had to pick you up at the hospital early this morning.”
“I’m a little bruised but I’m okay. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“My daughter carries a gun all day while running towards dangerous killers and you tell me not to worry.”
Here we go.
“I was mugged but I was able to fight the guy off, that’s all. He didn’t take my money or rape me if that’s what you want to know.”
“Calm down, Jessica. I’m just expressing my concern for you. Are you sure you still want to be a detective after last night?”
“Yes, mom, I do. You know that I’ve always been the one who wanted to know who did something and why. That’s why I became a reporter for my high school paper.”
“I know. It’s too bad you weren’t into chemistry and physics more like your sister. If you were, then you could have still joined the police but in a safe division like Forensics.”
“Or I could have liked sports more and joined the SWAT team.”
“I didn’t call to upset you, dear. I just wanted to tell you I hope you recover quickly and come visit me soon.”
“Okay mom, I should go rest.”
“Love you, Jessica.”
“Thanks, mom. Good bye.”
The sisters stared at each other for several seconds before Jessica said, “My jaw is in too much pain to argue about stupid stuff. Do you want to see if there’s anything good on Netflix?”
Chapter 68
Cops have unwritten rules that they are taught the day they take to the streets. One of those rules concerns exacting revenge for anyone shooting or harming a fellow officer.
Garcia held a takeout paper coffee cup as he greeted Cutter. “The rumor is that our girl scout was attacked last night. Is it true?”
“The Night Duty Supervisor called me early this morning to tell me that Jessica had been attacked in the Police Parking Garage.”
“Jesus! Did the security cameras catch the guy?”
“They don’t know yet. Apparently the cameras were acting funny last night.”
“What in hell does that mean?”
“I don’t know. I’m sure they’ll let me know soon.”
“Now that’s very strange.” Garcia wasn’t sure what to ask next. “What…”
“They had EMTs take her to the emergency room and have her checked out. She was punched in the face and must have been knocked out. There was no sexual assault and she wasn’t robbed. I have no idea why she was assaulted.”
“Is she still in the hospital?”
“I called her cell this morning and her sister answered. She told me that her doctor said Jessica had to stay home and avoid stimulating her brain for at least a day.”
“That’ll be hard for her. Do you think she’ll be back tomorrow?”
“Absolutely. She’s got grit.”
“How do you feel about the brass having you train your replacement?”
Cutter noticed that Lee was also paying attention to Cutter’s answer.
“Sloan’s a good kid. It’s not her fault that she knows her tech stuff better than you and I will ever feel comfortable with.” Cutter paused then said, “Given all the shit we have to put up with I’m thinking it might be time for me to find my next career anyway.”
Chapter 69
Saturday
Aw, is my jaw sore.
Laying under the blanket, Jessica felt more alone than she did physically hurt.
It seems that every friend I made while growing up is either married or in a great career.
When Brook gets married and moves out, I’ll be living alone like Cutter.
Maybe I should quit the force and join a startup?
The more I stress about my choices the lonelier I feel.
I need to stop thinking and get back to work.
As Jessica forced herself out of bed, she found her body ached worse than it had the day before.
I need to prove that I’m not a wimp.
Finding Brook had just made a fresh pot of coffee, Jessica found a mug and poured until it was ninety percent full.
She inhaled the rich aroma and sat across from her sister.
“It’s Saturday Jess. Why not wait until Monday to go back to work? That way I can tell my boss that I had a sick sister that I had to nurse back to health.”
“Every day I’m not working, I’m not finding my killer.” Ignoring her sister’s protests, Jessica readied herself for work.
Since her car was still in the Hall of Justice parking garage, Jessica took BART into the city.
As the train made its way West through the golden hills Jessica enjoyed the scenery.
When I drive, I’m too busy watching the nuts they call drivers around here.
What do I tell Cutter and the others about what happened to me?
I hope they caught whoever did it on tape.
John Cutter checked the squad room and then the Murder Room hoping to find his partner.
Garcia and Lee were working the phones.
“Have you seen Sloan this morning?”
Both shook their heads.
John went into the parking garage and found her Camry. He put his hand on the hood.
It was cold.
Where is she?
I hope she’s not so beat up she can’t make it in.
Twenty minutes later, Cutter entered the indoor shooting range. He donned a pair of ear protectors and waved at his friends.
He went through the soundproof air locks and found Jessica shooting in one of the lanes, which had three layers of ballistic glass panels.
Sloan was shooting her Sig Sauer P229R at a target with five individual bullseye’s on it. The slide aligned with the bones of her forearm forming a straight line.
Since he had the exact same weapon, he knew each magazine held fifteen .40 S&W cartridges which had proven knock down power.
He waited until she’d emptied her weapon.
She must be feeling better.
He watched as Sloan holstered her handgun, slid off her ear protectors, and finally pulled out her earplugs.
Sloan then pressed the button to recall her target.
From behind her, Cutter could see that she had obliterated the orange dots in the center of each of the five circles.
She’s a hell of a shot.
“You’re smoking hot today.”
“You’re not so bad yourself.” Jessica turned towards the male voice. “Oh, it’s you John. Are you flirting with me?”
Cutter held up both of his palms and took a step back. “Whoa. I like you Jessica, but trust me, I didn’t mean to imply anything sexual by what I said.”
Jessica’s eyebrows merged.
Her chin was sporting a purple and blue patch.
“Geez, and here I was wondering if we needed to tell Lieutenant Brown that we were about to have a relationship that needed to be reported.”
Cutter checked in both directions to ensure no one else was within listening range. “Hold on. I can’t afford any more alimony. The only female I want right now is one who I can trust to have my back as a working partner.”
Sloan maintained a poker face, which gradually gave way to a grin. “I was only paying you back for what you tried to pull on me with Fitz. Relax.”
“Well, you got me.” John tilted his head for a brief second. “The last thing I need right now is a sexual misconduct accusation.”
Sloan was enjoying herself. “Calm down, partner.”
Cutter took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s start over. How are you feeling this morning?”
“I’m almost fine. They sent me to the emergency room to get checked out. I’m going to have a bruise on my jaw for a few days and a lump on my head where I bounced my skull off the asphalt. And oh, ya, to add insult to injury, my hip’s got a purple imprint of my SIG. It looks like an abstract tattoo.”
“Please don’t show me.” John shot her a grin.
Sloan returned it.
“How are you doing mentally?”
“I’m motivated to find the son of a bitch that jumped me.”
“I’ve been where you are right now. As your partner all I can share is that if you’re on the job looking for revenge it wears you down. I found I was unable to sleep or relax. If you’re feeling like I did, I really recommend seeing our staff psychologist.”
“I’m fine.”
John looked at the bruising on her jaw. “Did you catch any kind of look of your attacker?”
