Shrink Wrap

[Gabriel Innazoia II]

House keys fell with a clank as they were carelessly tossed onto the table just inside the door. Gabe shut the door behind him with his foot as he flipped through the mail he had collected only moments earlier. Finding nothing of significance he cast the envelopes onto the table with his keys and continued down the hall towards the kitchen. Limbs moved swiftly into the room, flicking on the light as he turned the corner. Opening the fridge he grabbed the last amber bottle before letting the door close itself.

Routine had taken the need to think out of his life post-shift. Come home, change, go for a run, come back, grab a beer, check answering machine. Reaching over he pressed the play button on the machine before turning to face the room. Attention was drawn away from yet another overly dramatic message about Tony’s absence from his mother. Mossy orbs studied the room convinced there was something off about it.

Glance fixed on the chain lock belonging to the back door. Ever since he’d moved in the chain had been set in the locked position if no one was in the kitchen or just outside at the grill. It was one of those things Dana had insisted on, and even now Gabe found himself doing. Placing his drink on the counter he moved farther into the room stopping just in front of the door hesitating in indecision. Choosing to open the door, he stepped outside and took a quick look around before retreating indoors. Shutting the door and locking it he cursed under his breath.

Aries had been crashing at his place for the past week and had left to go off and do whatever Aries actually did earlier that day. The eldest of the Innazoia sons figured his nitwit brother had used that door to make his grand exit. Scanning the room for anything else that might be out of sorts and finding nothing, Gabe clicked his jaw and headed into the livingroom. Spotting the basket full of clean cloths on the sofa he picked it up and turned to head upstairs with it. Form paused and took another glance at the television. Again he couldn’t help but feel that there was something not quite right with his surroundings. Eyes scanned the room for anything unusual. Concluding that there was nothing missing he shrugged and kept walking towards his destination. Stopping in the doorway he looked back finally realizing what was different, the once crooked photo that hung above the television was now hung straight.

It was something he had been meaning to do but had never gotten around to doing, but there was still something about it that bothered him. This was something he probably couldn’t blame on his brother. Aries didn’t do well when it came to house hold things, he barely knew how to pick up after himself let alone think to fix a crooked picture. Mulling over the possible things that could of lead to the way that picture hung he took one last look at the room before heading up the stairs. Walking into the room a few feet from the top of the stairs he dropped the basket onto his bed and kicked off his shoes. Peeling off his sweaty t-shirt he tossed it into the hamper, before running a hand through his short hair. From the corner of his eye he noticed the closet door slightly ajar. Another thing that wasn’t quiet right. Another thing he probably couldn’t blame on Aries.

Aries never went into Gabe’s closet, because nothing of Gabe’s fit him. Gabe was wirey and Aries was built like a refrigerator with a arms. Moving towards the closet a little to quickly he hit his knee off of the footboard of the bed. Cursing a little more loudly than before he continued to the closet and opened the door. Scanning the contents of the tiny closet there was nothing out of order in there. Shirts hung as straight as always, shoes lines up neatly, and the file boxes on the shelf above sat exactly where he had left them. Closing the door, he couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that was sinking in. Laughing at himself walked out of the bedroom and decided to look in all the rooms just to get his paranoid thoughts done and out of his head.

Checking the rest of the floor he found nothing out of order save for the room Aries had been staying in. Shrugging he went back to the main floor an poked his head into the dinning room before swinging back into the kitchen and down the stairs to the cellar. Flicking on the switch at the bottom of the stairs he instantly knew something was missing. The stack of file folders on his desk was half the size it used to be. Going over to the desk he started to flip through the stack of remaining files. All of them relatively insignificant. The ones missing were mostly photocopies of the actual documents, but there were other things as well. Hand scribbled notes and his theories about specific missing persons and cold cases. Panic driven he continued to search his make shift office for anything else that could of been missing.

Slamming the bottom drawer of the unlocked file cabinet, he cursed under his breath and flopped into the chair. Removing his glasses he scrubbed his face with his palms. The sound of ringing telephone snapped him out of his jumbled and panicked thoughts. Picking up the phone he answered with a sharper than need be “What.” Voice on the other side was his shift supervisor demanding his presence at the lab. Cases were starting to over flow and they were short handed. As much as Gabe tried to talk his way out of it he couldn’t. “Some doctor had her brains splattered all over her bathroom tile. Everyone is on call tonight. You’ve got thirty minutes Innazoia.” Slamming the phone back onto the receiver he put his glasses back on. Flipping off the light he stormed back upstairs to take a shower, cursing all the while. Finding out who stole the files was going to have to wait while his day job took over his night.

Post shower, Gabe didn’t think his night was going to get much worse. After throwing on clean cloths he flew down the stairs, grabbed his jacket and reached for the keys to his SUV. Flustrated growl ripped through the silence of the house. The keys to his SUV were gone. Racing into the garage he was pissed to find the vehicle no longer parked where he had left it. Inside had been certain evidence pieces from the latest of the missing person cases - that he had taken several days prior, post shift. Kicking the air in anger he headed back into the house. Grabbing his spare kit from the hall closet he locked the door behind him. Having no alternative but to take his work-in-progress-classic and finding a way to explain the lack of SUV.

Heading around back he pulled the car cover off of the rusty clunker. Opening the unlocked trunk of the vehicle he dropped the kit in. By now Gabe had convinced himself that when he found out who had broken in, he would kill the fucker.

[Rob Innazoia]

Crimson hued dress shirt hugged upper torso as it bent downward, allowing arm to reach for the handle of the file cabinet’s bottom drawer. Fingertips softly grazed over each file as eyes skimmed over tabs for the last name McGrath. Once digits fell against the manila folder in question, stature pulled up and went back into relaxing against the soft computer chair. Rolling a little ways down his desk, Rob once again found himself reaching for a pen. Pulling out the coal pillar from the cup containing his other numerous writing utensils the lab tech went to work detailing the case within the final stages of his report. Ink ran in smooth strokes as words started to fill the pre-lined paper. Rob Innazoia was a remotely laid back man but what took many as much as an hour to complete, he could have done in fifteen minutes, tops. With nothing missing and probably more information then most could even hope to remember. It was methodically organized, he was after all a creature of habit, which most could confuse for OCD tendencies. However, Rob was just careful. In everything he did.

Pushing up from his desk, Rob collected all the necessary papers and stapled them together. With that lower limbs rotated towards the hallway that would lead him into the bull pin. Hand reached up, rubbing the throbbing sensation emanating from the bridge of his nose. If it wasn’t bad enough with the extra workload he’d been so graciously given, the deluxe package was upgraded with the added annoyance of a headache. Once his frame passed the imaginary border between the land of the lab techies and detective country he could almost feel the atmosphere change around him. It was amazing how stuffy it could get in here, with all the over exposed egos creating such radiation. Setting the finished report on the desk of a certain narcissist by the name of O’Donnell, Rob retraced his steps back to his side of the line. O’Donnell, with two L’s, was a man who if he wasn’t busy admiring himself he was off trying to make life working here as difficult as he possibly could. Borderline harassment but it wasn’t just Rob at which the man took his swings. No, along with his lovable lap dogs, it seemed he was out for everyone with the last name of Innazoia. Sooner or later, his discretions would catch up with him.

Stopping in the rather large break room, the youngest Innazoia brother found himself opening the fridge and removing his left over sandwich. That was something he could never deny, his love for food. Carrying that, along with a bottle of water, Rob returned to his own small corner of the lab. Letting the wrapped source of protein fall along the desk, he curved towards the inbox he had. Inside were the few cases being passed along to the so aptly named ‘blood guy’ to get results to cases the cracked up detectives couldn’t figure. Letting the pictures of the crime spill out over his neatly arranged desk, his eyes took in the gruesome sight. Blood splattered all along the crisp white walls. Coagulated pools stained the carpet as well as the clothes the victims wore. Pupils almost seemed to contract at the sight of the horrible massacre and with that mouth took a big bite of the cold Cuban pork sandwich.

“How can you even eat when you looking at that shit?”

Mouth completely full, Rob let his glace travel upward to see Detective Sturgess standing over the small divider. Lips pulled back into a small grin as he continued to chew. Cole Sturgess was one of the few detectives Rob actually found himself friends with. The man was honest, hardworking, and most importantly, not a selfish prick. Once food had been completely swallowed Innazoia returned his glance towards the detective. “A man’s got to eat.” “Yeah, but usually we prefer to do it when the placemats aren’t pictures of murder victims.” A smiled crossed over Sturgess’ face as he leaned down to slide one of the photos closer to him, “The Neville case, nasty shit…” Rob grabbed a napkin to wipe of his hands before he rolled up the remaining contents to throw in the trashcan behind him. “Did you need something?” “…yeah. I hate to do this to you Rob, but there’s been a 509 down on Westbrook. Brains, blood, and brutal. They need a blood specialist, lucky you right?” “Yeah, three B’s always keep me working late.” “Don’t they always.”

-----------------

Exhausted frame climbed out from the vehicle, making sure to unlock the back as he made his exit. Opening the door Rob leaned down to grab his camera pulling the strap around his neck. Moving to his case, he worked latex gloves over his hands making sure to pull them tightly along his fingers. Slamming the door, the young man went towards the yellow line of police tape. Uniforms quickly stepped forward calling out to him, “You better be a cop.” “Nope, I’m forensics…” Without stopping Rob held the badge hanging from his neck up allowing the officers a quick glance. Ducking under the crime scene tape Rob proceeded inside the building. A few steps in, his coffee hued orbs fell along the body sprawled along the tile. Rob’s lips couldn’t help but curl up into a small smile of interest. Removing the lens cover on his camera he went to work. Taking a few photos from a standing viewpoint before crouching down to take a few more angles. Sight fell over the various splatter marks, oddly shaped blood drops, and the untamed brutal methods taken on the frail woman. Something caught Rob’s attention, an almost defined outline of a footprint. A monster did this, a monster who wore a size twelve.

While finger pressed down against the capture button auditory senses picked up on a familiar voice. Turning slightly he caught glimpse of Gabe just as he ducked under the yellow band making his way towards him. Returning to the scene in front of him, he heard the slam of his brother’s case fall against the unmarked tile. Tilting his neck back as lips curved into a grin Rob teased, “Well, don’t you look just ravishing on your night off.” "Funny. No really, you should consider changing your profession to stand up comedian" “Aww you’re too sweet. I was debating that actually, but the money isn’t as good as you’d think. And I thought laughter was the best medicine.” Rob leaned down to take a few more photos as Gabe continued to speak, getting himself ready to process the scene. "Yeah well, I'm going to need a little more than a few giggles for this one… So, Rorschach, what do you see?" Letting his elbows rest against his bent thighs his neck tilted to the side, “A zebra eating pistachio ice cream.” Rob gave a grimaced face before becoming serious with his next description. “If I had to venture a guess, I’d say the pipe, but seeing as there’s a pointed end in the wound, I’d say crowbar. Then, while she was on the ground, multiple stabs to the front. The wide splatter patterns along the wall dictate the blows were fast, maybe in anger. She was still alive.” Rob’s hand hovered over the slight swipe marks along the tile. “She tried to crawl on her back, that’s why whoever attacked, stabbed her through the arm.”

“It never ceases to amaze me what people do to each other, but then again lack of originality. She musta been some kinda tough to take that kinda abuse and still be able to crawl.” Gabe seemed to crouch over his case, quickly getting things in order for how he would process the scene. “Twenty on lovers spat.” Rob gave his older brother a smirk, “Really? I’m going with working woman cocaine addict. Dealer came a callin’ tonight.” "Alright but when the tox screen comes back, be prepared to pay up" “Oh, I will pay up with thanks for the twenty bucks you’ll be giving me.” Rob’s palms spread along his knees as he pushed up, gaining his balance. “Well, that seems about it for me. I’ll be heading back to the lab, see you there slow poke.” "What can I say, my job takes a little longer than oogling blood for a few minutes." “Yeah, yeah and Rome wasn’t built in a day. Whatever you need to make yourself fell accomplished, you’re still slow mentally.” With that Rob took his leave towards the way he entered.

Once Rob Innazoia was a few feet away from the growing crowd, his cold stare found Gabe’s temporary form of transportation. A gleam of enamel caught the light from the overhead streetlamp as lips rolled back into a grin. Reaching up into his shirt pocket, fingers fell along a metal ring of keys. Pulling them from the shelter of fabric Rob leaned over hanging them on the volume dial. That’s where he left the keys to the SUV. The files, well he’d give those back when he was done.

[Gabriel Innazoia II]

After his brother left Gabe fixed his full attention on the job at hand. Something that was hard enough for him to do on a normal shift, on an average day. Grey flecked orbs set in concentrated on his surroundings and almost mechanically went about collecting evidence and photographing the scene. Scent of death was mixed with a thick floral scent which had been released from its glass bottle on impact with the floor. The longer he stayed in that bathroom the more his stomached turned, begging him to hurry up. As always Gabe ignored it, he stayed as long as it took to go over the entire scene throughly, which was partially because he knew he had to be sure that Aries was not the root of the problem as he sometimes was.

His analysis of the scene took longer than he had hoped. Night air filled his lungs and sigh of relief escaped dry lips. Boot clad feet carried him to the rusty clunker that served as his temporary mode of transportation. Nodding to one of the policemen still hanging about he unlocked the trunk and carefully placed the evidence collected inside. Over head light came on when he opened the driver side door. Relief was short lived when he saw what was hanging on the volume dial. For a moment he was posed completely still half in and half out of the vehicle. Sitting down he grabbed the keys and held them in his palm examining them carefully. Eyes shot upwards scanning his surroundings studying the people standing under the glow of the streetlights. Closing the keys in his fist he stepped out of the car and slammed the door harder than necessary.

Shoving the keys of his missing SUV into his pants pocket, Gabe ran a hand through his hair. Spotting one of his Thursday night poker buddies on the scene he went over to ask him with a few questions. The officer turned to face the Innazoia. “Hey, Innazoia. Will I be seeing you at Tucker’s on Thursday, or are you afraid I’ll beat you worse then last week.” The cop’s plump fingers tapped on his biceps as he folded his arms over his chest. The Alabama transplant smirked in remembrance of the last three hands of their last game. Gabe returned a half hearted smirk. “We’ll see, things keep going like this and none of us will be playing this week. Listen Al, you wouldn’t of happened to of seen some one poking around my car earlier would ya?” The man stopped for a moment, brows furrowing as he tried to think back. “Sorry Gabe, I can’t say I have...About that what happened to your-” The Innazoia cut him off. “It’s a long story. I’ve gotta head back to the lab, I’ll talk to you later.” Turning on his heel the blonde stormed back to his car, all but speeding back to the lab.

***

If concentrating hadn’t been hard before, it was now. Teeth chewed on bottom lip, as he moved his way down the hall passing the break room. Feet stopped him in his tracks and turned him around. Gabe knew his brother as well as any other family member did, in the past he had asked his kid brother his perspectives on a case or two that had him completely stumped and ninety percent of the time he was right. If there was anyone who might be able to give him a nudge in the right direction with his keys conundrum, it would be Rob. Grin spread across his lips as he strode into the room. “Looks like a slow night...pretty much have the lab to ourselves, so please no, none of the noise you call music.”

[Rob Innazoia]

Denim clad lower limbs slowly made their way through the lobby of the 67th street precinct. Tall frame worked between the oncoming lot of people leaving for the liberating drive home. For the most part Rob kept his head low but acknowledged those who gave notions of goodbye. Once he was free of the group he rolled his wrist to reveal the face of a watch, checking for time. Quarter after midnight, so much for his shift ending at eleven. Eyes blinked slowly as they hid the tint of red that came with exhaustion. Right arm extended up allowing fingertips to fall against the bridge of his nose, applying pressure as legs kept pace. Rob had been on since seven that morning, violence and the streets of New York mixed into a very long work week. Head looked up just as elevator doors before him started to close, “Hold the elevator!” Rob’s legs picked up and he stuck his arm out, doors tapped softly before retreating back. Stepping into the small box Rob pushed the button to his floor before looking to the man who didn’t hold the elevator. Detective O’Donnel, figures. Even with that thought process in his mind Rob flashed the man a smile before coffee hued orbs locked with silver, wanting the elevator to move that much faster.

Doors to the small elevator opened to reveal the lab floor. Well worn boots took the steps to get off, turning to the right as sight caught the leaning stature of O’Donnel. The man’s stare was locked with the techie unaware of the fact he, himself was being watched. Cold irises swayed back forward, lips pressed against one another as jaw clenched downward. Rob really didn’t like that man.

-----------------

Frame leaned over desk as digits spread along the newly developed photos. Elbow came to rest against the desk as palm cradled the side of his face. Eyelids began to slowly close over toffee flecked orbs letting the piercing crimson splattered within the photos fuzz into a numbing black. He wasn’t falling asleep for exhaustion hadn’t even remotely taken its toll, Rob was just taking the time to sit and do absolutely nothing. “Hey Innazoia!” The darkness receded just as slow as it had come on, turning toward the voice Rob gave a pleasant smile. “Hey Darren, you headed out?” “Read my mind because that’s just what I was coming to taunt you ‘bout. Third shift is already out at a gun fight in Brooklyn. Messer and Taylor went to get a bite to eat, knowing them I’m sure they’ll bring you back something… so looks like you got this place to yourself for a bit… you going to be alright, here all alone? I know how fragile you are.” The man’s lips curved back into a grin as he took pride in teasing the younger Innazoia. “Yeah, I hope I’m able to muster up some courage and withstand the loneliness.” Rob’s face made a sudden change to terror stricken before his own lips mirrored the smile before him. “Your sarcasm always triumphs over my fun, I hate you… so bad. See ya tomorrow Rob.” Rob gave a slight wave of his hand as the man departed.

Returning glance down to the paperwork, hand brought pen up to scribble a few more lines. Brows arched upwards as auditory senses picked up the shuffling of elevator doors unfastening. Ink continued to etch along the page as footsteps fell along the flooring of the lab. Rob’s legs pushed up as body caught balance. Footfalls moved towards a center desk, as eyes caught movement in the corner. Turning Rob spotted Gabe moving towards him giving his younger brother a grin to which Rob returned before attention turned downward, “Looks like a slow night...pretty much have the lab to ourselves, so please no, none of the noise you call music.” "Just as long as you keep that Phil Collins crap to yourself." “Oh, please… I’ve seen you mouthing the words to “I don’t care anymore” over at your little build-a-crime work station.” Gabe’s lips parted as his mouth moved agape. “I’m shocked and offended by that. No really it hurts me right here.” With that his hand rushed up to his chest patting over his heart, as laugh slipped past his lips. Then he turned a one-eighty and became serious. “When you left the scene you didn’t happen to see anyone hanging round my car did ya?” Rob paused for a moment as mind pretended to go back to the scene. Lips pressed upwards as he played the question with a fake answer along with a flustered sigh. “…uhm, can’t say that I remember seeing anyone near it, other then some cops taking a look at how far you’ve progressed in restoration.” “Yeah… mind if I bounce a few things off of you?” Rob gave a nod to his older brother, “Sure.. What ya got?”


"Series of B&E's and a possibility of a stalker…" Gabe paused for a moment before continuing on, “…woman lives alone, couple times now she's come home and there are a few things… aren't as she's left them. Nothing of real value taken just a few things of sentimental value. Few days later she finds one of the things that was taken in her car outside her place of business." Perhaps with anyone else this would seem as a legitimate question, one that didn’t key into the one asked moments before but with Rob it clicked, perfectly. Sure he had inner knowledge but even then… two plus two still equals four. “…well, she could have a stalker but if they haven’t made any advancements to get her to know that they are in fact there… I’d have to go with she doesn’t have the conventional snapping naked pictures kind of stalker. What was taken?” "Buh... you know just some chick stuff and what not..."

Rob would have loved to drop it there, leave Gabe with the knowledge he knew no answers to this “woman’s” problems, but he couldn’t. Not when it was normal for Rob to see things most never even noticed. “Hmm, I see. So question of my own… how stupid do you think I am?” “Short bus?” Rob gave an easily spotted fake laugh before cutting it off, “.. no, I didn’t ride the bus. We walked to school, remember you pushed me… a lot.” Gabe smiled slightly at his younger brother’s memory before it slinked back with Rob’s tone, “My point being, you just happen to want to know if I saw anyone near your car tonight at the crime scene, then this mysterious lady friend has a stalker who does house visits and then leaves something in her car… outside of work.” "Yeah... I never really learnt how to do the whole lying thing very well... Some freak broke into my house and stole some... work related stuff and my SUV. And after processing the scene I found the keys for the friggen SUV hanging on the volume dial of my car.” “Work related stuff… like…” Even though the lab was empty, other then the two of them, Rob leaned in closer, “stuff that if they found out was missing you could easily get canned? What the hell did they want with your SUV?” "Kinda went back to one of the scenes after the fact and never took the stuff inside." “So, you thinking it’s someone out to get back at you, for incarceration? Can’t really say that’s the conventional revenge tactic, getting you fired… doesn’t really seem to even the books?” "I'm not really sure what I think. But I do know that when I find out who did it, I'm gonna have to have a little 'talk' with him." "And by 'talk' you mean a good ol’ fashioned Innazoia beat down, right?" "Yup. Although... Think anyone would notice if the fucker just disappeared one day?” “You never know, people disappear all the time… without a trace…” Rob’s words had lost feeling for a moment, and had he continued on the hidden message might have been apparent but luckily Messer and Taylor had returned just before things got all shifty eyed. And they brought triscuits.

[Renee Deveraux]

Despite how most people would adjust to a new surrounding, even and new time frame, Renee was able to transition easily to her new post in New York. The only thing she hadn’t become quite accustom to was the constant rain or gloom. Out in California rain was a word hardly uttered. When even the lightest of showers happened along the sunny coast it turned into Storm Watch. Despite that there wasn’t many differences between New York and her former home of Los Angeles. It hadn’t taken very long to get used to the work schedule or timing. It wasn’t much out of her normal living in any case.

Only a month out there the New York Crime Lab already had her will full case loads and wasted no time in filling up her dance card with more. Sadly that was the similarities of the job. No matter where you went, there was always someone out there who wanted to cause harm to someone else. Black lashes closed over one of her eyes as she peered down into the telescope. The hair sample she’d been given on the Romano case. Corners of her lips curved upwards upon the sight. It was a complete follicle sample, which meant D.N.A, and that made her job a whole lot easier. Switching so the two slides were side by side she raised. Perfect match. The sample from the man NYPD had in custody on the murder as a suspect was the same as the evidence taken from the victim.

There was little time for glory as one of the Detectives stepped into her lab space. “You’re needed at a crime scene.” The hint of a smile faded from her lips with the simple nod of her head. Bending over she tagged and bagged the samples writing out her notes and paper clipping them to her file. To be continued… Lab coat was shrugged off, while slender digits curled around her field kit. Car ride over was silent, and Renee didn’t make any attempt for conversation. Neither did the detective. Two different worlds. Plus she was still new, hardly anyone went out of their way to introduce themselves, save a few. Around the lab she was just another new face.

Heels clicked against the asphalt ground as she moved, while long black slacks fall against the heels. Fingers pushed the side swept bangs further. Knee bent slightly to make the step up to the curb, her eyes looking at the offices around and curious faces of bystanders. Pausing she moved over to one of the boys in blue who was holding something in his hand. “Mind if I take a look at that?” the office looked towards here with a shrug as latex gloves were slipped on. First there were bright flashes of the camera then she examined closer. Tweezers carefully pulled off a sample, slipping it into a small bag and into her case, while the other was tagged to go with the rest of the evidence.

As she reached the bustling floor she could hear two semi-familiar voices. The male tones were going over the victim. Comments about the possible weapon used. “Boys.” She commented simply with a nod. Rob and Gabe Innazoia were probably the only two in the entire lab that had bothered to give her the time of day. Lean frame lowered into a crouch looking over the body “Weapon of choice, Ice Pick.” Dark eyebrows arched up taking in the faces of the Innazoia brothers. ”Ice Pick, come on Hollywood…” Came Gabe’s drawl. “Twenty bucks on proving me wrong, Innazoia?” ”Alright you're on.” Pause. Internally she was already reveling in the small if not deceitful victory. Latex coated fingers moved examining the head wound, it looked almost the same size as the piece of residual scalp tissue and hair she’d found prior. “I think you’ll be paying up. Look closer, not all the markings are the same. The ones on the chest are different from the head wound, and the arm. But you might be right on that lovers spat, or maybe a jealous co-worker.”

Moving in closer to the woman it was a shame, she’d been pretty, and entering the apartment she’d taken account of the medical badge on the entry table. She’d been a doctor. Someone who was there to help people, though it looked like she’d helped herself too, perfect round breast were fake as the nose gracing her face. Gloved digits easily worked over the wounds and studied depth while also looking for fibers. With everything she could do finished she gave a nod that the body could be removed. Thoroughly the rest of the scene was processed. Anything and everything that could give clout or idea was taken into consideration. Pictures graced the wall, and everything to it’s place, save for the shag rug. Taking a small sample and a few pictures, it must have been where the tussle that lead to murder had started.

Exhaling slowly Renee rose to her feet. “I’m all done here.” Gathering her belongings raven haired woman made her way back to the cold of the city. Though in truth it did make her feel slightly better to be out in open air. One of the younger field works was setting to take all the gathered evidence back to the lab. Quickened steps of lengthy limbs carried her to the door of the SUV leaning into the passenger side window. “Mind if I catch a lift?” ”Hop on in.” “Thanks.” When she arrived back the lab seemed quiet. It was now getting into the Night shift, which had a smaller number of Lab techs working than the Day did. Not that she was going to complain. It meant she could get more work done without too many distractions.

Returning to her own lab exhausted sigh drained from her lips. Heels of slender hands rested against one of the machine laden counters. Elbows locked into places as rounded shoulder pushed skywards supporting her weight as she leaned. Lashes closed over mocha orbs once more. First things first, finishing the Romano notes. Almost disappointed the shut eye couldn’t last longer frame moved. Bending at the waist, Renee proceeded to fill out the paper work before putting the file in her outbox. Next, fresh evidence. Renee was categorical as she lied out the evidence, placing it atop a illuminated table top, in the order it was found with crossing marks of how they all related. She’d been focused on organization that she hadn’t heard someone stop against her door.

[Gabriel Innazoia II]

He was exhausted but he still had things to do. Gabe shrugged on his jacket and bid farewell to those he passed on his way out of the building and into the parking garage. Feet propelled him across the concrete in a hurried pace as he moved between the vehicles. Crossing the lot he spotted his rust bucket. His original intent upon purchasing the car was to fix it up during his time off, but after a while the project got pushed aside and forgotten while Gabe worked on other ‘projects’. The closer he got to his vehicle the more he got the feeling something just wasn’t right. Eyes scanned over the Fastback and realized his front tires were flat. Upon closer inspection he realized that the tires were not just flat, but slashed. Cursing aloud he ran a hand through his hair wondering if the day could get any worse. Turning around he headed back to the lab to try and get a lift from his brother.

Hands jammed into his pockets the Innazoia quickly made his way through the lab. “Hey, didn’t you just leave.” Gabe looked over his shoulder to see Richler sticking his head out of his office. Nosey fucker. “What can I say, I got some car trouble,” was his response as he continued down the hall to Rob’s little slice of the lab. Knuckles rapped on the doorframe to get his younger brother’s attention. “You comin’ over for a burger or somethin’?”

***

The ride home was fairly uneventful, filled with empty chit chat and jokes at Richler’s expense. It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in what they were talking about it was more that his mind was still preoccupied with the b&e and the second vehicular mishap within twenty-four hours. As the arrived at Gabe’s the conversation turned towards the earlier events that had took place there. “..nah, I think the point of entrance was the back door. Either Aries left it unlocked or the freak slipped the chain lock.” Eldest brother slid his keys into the locks and opened the door. Shrugging off his jacket he hung it on the broken coat rack he’d been meaning to either fix or get rid of.

Flicking on various lights, he led the way to the kitchen while the conversation continued. “Nose around if you want. I’ve seen all I need to see to know someone’s earned a bullet.” Digits wrapped around the refrigerator door handle and tugged it open with a little more ferocity than he had intended. While the miscellaneous junk that had collected on the top of the fridge settled Gabe rummaged through it’s contents to see just what was left inside that could pass of being edible. “You know one of these days I’m going to remember to go grocery shopping.”

[Rob Innazoia]

With the mention of burger or somethin’ Rob found that invitation hard to pass up. The youngest Innazoia was of slim stature. He wasn’t built but he was far from being weak. Thanks to the wonders of a high metabolism, along with a love for food, he ate pretty much whatever he wanted barely taking on any circumstances. Gabe didn’t mention his vehicle’s mishap until the two rounded the corner of the parking garage. Rob questioned who would have done that knowing full well it wasn’t his hand and that made him ponder the possibility of someone playing the same game. Between the talk of random going ons within the department and jokes that, most likely, only the two of them would get there was little talk of Gabriel’s home invasion. Within those moments of silence Gabe remained motionless his eyes glued to the passenger side window but Rob knew he wasn’t gazing at the skyline.

As the cobalt hued truck pulled up into the driveway beside Gabe’s SUV Rob turned to his brother, “So… this guy drives it back but doesn’t leave the keys here? What a jackass.” Gabe’s lips pulled back into a grin before laughter pushed past the ability to smile. “I know right? It’s New York for Christ sake. Still, have to hand it to the guy he had it back before five.” As the younger sibling stepped from the truck he ventured the questions he knew Gabe was waiting and wanting him to ask. “Did they enter through a window?” “…nah, I think the point of entrance was the back door. Either Aries left unlocked or the freak slipped the chain lock.” [Slipped the lock… they just don’t make them like they used to] Inner monologue ceased as he spoke out loud. “Aries, eh maybe. When was he here last?” “Day before my visitor. Said he locked it, an maybe he did but Aries says a lotta things.”

Rob’s tall stature moved beside his older brother as Gabe worked to unlock the front door, letting it swing open for his baby brother to move in first. Nodding towards the gesture denim clad lower limbs made their way inside. Slipping off his own jacket Rob was less courteous and threw it against the back of the couch. There weren’t too many other places to do so. Coffee rimmed amber orbs watched his brother head for the kitchen to rumage up the food proposed earlier. Lean frame swayed while taking interest with the surrounding room. “Nose around if you want. I’ve seen all I need to see to know someone’s earned a bullet.” [I hope not… for my sake. Not to mention the awkward breakin’ the news to Ma] “Yeah, yeah just make sure I don’ have to investigate it. I’d hate to have to put my brother away for muuurder.” Lips curled back into a grin as he let the vowel draw out. Gabe huffed a slight laughter whine shaking his head before returning to the search. “You know one of these days I’m going to remember to go grocery shopping.” “So, what you’re trying to tell me is there’s not goin’ to be any burgers…” Hand quickly rushed up towards his mouth in a sarcastic gasp, “Dear God, did he take those too. That bastard.”

[Gabriel Innazoia II]

“Yes, course he took them. Why wouldn’t a burglar raid a guy’s fridge.” Gabe pulled out a box of frozen burgers from the freezer and tossed them onto the counter. Sticky note on the door caught his eye as he allowed it to swing itself shut. Alibi. 9.30. With all of the drama that had taken over his day, he had almost forgotten his pick up that night. Gabriel knew that if he didn’t show that night it would look like he had skipped out on his last hit, taken the first half of his payment and split. It also meant he had to be more careful when opening the freezer while Rob was around. He couldn’t very well have his baby brother inquiring about the human finger that sat at the back waiting to be delivered. Cursing under his breath he rubbed the place where his wedding band had once been, as he often found himself doing on occasion.

“See. Food.” Gesturing at the burgers on the counter he smirked. “Could you start ‘em up? I’m gonna go check the garage, see if I got any Miller or somethin’ in the fridge out there.” Moving out of the room, the remainder of his smirk slipped away. He knew he had to make the drop but now that his new ‘friend’ had come by for a visit, Gabe didn’t want to let any possible leads go cold before he could find out what was going on. Flicking open his cell, he quickly punched in a number. Ducking through the doorway into the garage he moved across the currently vehicless room. Hearing the man on the other end of the phone he stopped.

“Yeah, Nicky. It’s me Joe. Look there’s been a slight change of plans...No, no. Trust me. Tuscan will never see another sunrise... I’ve just got...” The man on the other end was unyielding. Either it happened at 9.30 as scheduled or Gabe would have himself a visitor of his own. “Alright, I’ll... send someone in my place.” Hanging up he slid the phone back into his pants pocket, opened the fridge and grabbed two some-what cold bottles of beer before heading back to the kitchen.

[Rob Innazoia]

Rob’s tall stature had slowly made its way from the living room to find itself leaning against the kitchen bar top just directly across from his brother. Palms slipped across the cool surface as foot fell against the barstool’s frame pushing himself up and taking a seat. “See. Food.” Sarcastic tone slowly took over as he made an exaggerated face of enthusiasm, “Thank Jesus. Burglar must have been a vegetarian… figures.” Gabe’s face slinked back into a grin before continuing on, “Could you start ‘em up? I’m gonna go check the garage, see if I got any Miller or somethin’ in the fridge out there.” “You invite me over to your home for a burger or somethin’ then you make me cook… what happened to that little thing called hospitality?” The younger Innazoia knew that something was seeded just beneath the quest for beer his brother peddled off. He knew because Gabriel had a tell, subtle and most often overlooked, but a tell nonetheless. Gabe would, for only a moment, rub the finger that had linked him to his wife through coinciding rings.

“It went out the window with your wisecracks.” “Ha ha ha ha… make sure you don’t leave it open this time. Wouldn’t want another veggie lover breakin’ in and stealing your tea sets.” Vision kept with his older brother’s step until he was out of sight. Moving around the counter Rob took out two patties, tossing them against the counter. They were pre-pounded for Gabe must had added the seasoning earlier when he rolled them out into individual servings. Grip fell against the box as form traced steps towards the fridge allowing free hand to grasp the cool handle of the freezer. Opening the door he shoved it back into its corresponding slot. Just as he stepped back eyes caught a small box hidden just beyond frozen dinners that had probably congealed inside their packaging. Reaching back into the freezer his own digits worked it open to reveal a severed finger. Frowning slightly Rob caught himself starring for a moment at the frozen flesh. [Way too overrated. Guess the Mafia hadn’t come to terms that cutting off a finger no longer sent a message… but what do you expect from the guys who say “cement shoes” and “fuggedaboutit”] Securing it back into the hidden spot Gabe had nestled it Rob turned, grabbing the two burgers and headed outside.

After settling them on the grill, Rob returned back inside just as Gabe made his debut from the garage with the two longnecks in his hand. “Ah success… was it a difficult task?” "Oh very. Had to open doors and everything." Gabe’s lips curved back into a smirk as he handed over the brew. “I’m just glad you’re alright… I was about to send reinforcements. I didn’t realize your fridge was such a tremendous feat, shouldn’t have gone at it alone.” "The important thing is I came back alive" “No, the important thing is that you came back with beer. Anyways what were you doin‘ in there? Making sure your garage still had all four walls?” "No, I got a call from a bud needing a favor. So I kinda have to find someone to run an errand for me, while I'm dealing with my friend's problem." “Ah? Was it Messer again asking for you to be his wingman?” Rob smiled slightly before continuing on, “I’ll do it.” His older brother rolled his eyes after the Danny comment and that made Rob smile even wider. "You'll do it? You don't even know what it is." The younger sibling tried to play that he was put off by Gabe seeming to shrug off his offer. “Yeah so? It’s not like I’m doing some drug run. ‘Sides I’m your brother and I said I’ll do it.”

---------------------

Gabe’s hoodie almost fit Rob as good as his own except with a little more room to grow into. Hands were shoved into the pockets as well worn boots fell against one of the paths that twist and turn through Central Park. Lungs took in even breaths as his pace remained constant. It wasn’t too late, but this was New York, no time during the day were people safe. With ever inhale he felt the crisp air fill his lungs. The heat from his breath causing small mist as he exhaled. It wasn’t particularly cold to Rob, but Gabe had insisted, “If your gonna do this for me you ain’t gon’ get sick on my account.” Nodding to a passing jogger who waved his direction Rob found himself continuing to walk deeper into the park. Tongue ran across lips as he opened his mouth to an oncoming yawn. [Only 9:25 and I’m already exhausted…]

Coffee hued orbs glanced around the park as he felt the box from the freezer beneath his fingertips. Most people after finding a severed finger in their brother’s freezer would not even allow the possibility of seeing, or touching it ever again. Not Rob, to be honest it didn’t really bother him, hell he’d cut off more then just a finger. Still, he had to play the confused yet interested brother. Play the ‘what’s in the box!?’ quote from a Brad Pitt movie. “Guess you’re gonna want to know what it is you just volunteered to do. Just take it there, James should be waiting for you outside. The man asked for my help when it came to picking out something for his wife. Seeing as his first anniversary is coming up, he needed some help from a guy who’s been there and done that.” In all fairness it was an okay lie better then some of the crap he’d come up with before. Then again Rob couldn’t be considered a reasonable judge, he had a way of reading his brother more then Gabe probably would have liked.

Pulling the sticky note with the time and place Rob realized he was drawing closer to the meet-n-greet. Rob could swear he heard footsteps coming up from behind him but his attention was diverted to the man coming up to greet him. "You must be the guy who wanted somethin' special for his wife. James right?" The man before him sort of snickered before throwing the toothpick he’d been chewing to the ground. "My wife. Right." He then reached into his interior pocket of his jacket retrieving an envelope extending it towards Rob. “Make sure your brother gets this.” The youngest Innazoia grabbed the envelope bringing it back into his own jacket. “Yeah, yeah I will. Wow you must be in somethin’ real deep to be shelling out this much cash.” The man didn’t seem pleased with chitchat and shrugged off Rob’s attempt to seem less new at it, “What can I say, I can’t let my woman down.” Rob didn’t laugh nor did he smile, “By the looks of it, one would say you already had.”

The man before him just smirked a little at the comment before tilting his head to the side, “Could you tell your brother somethin’ for me…” Rob was just turning his head back towards the way he came when he was blindsided by a blow to his left temple. The footsteps he heard earlier were in fact footsteps and whoever it was had just cold cocked him with the butt of their gun. His knees buckled under before hitting the grass hard. He felt another set of hands grip the hoodie tight and lift his upper torso up, letting a wayward fist connect with his jaw. Before slamming him back against the ground to receive a few more blows to the face. Unconsciousness hadn’t sunk in yet but Rob wasn’t entirely certain of his state. Lids tried to remain open as blood from the gash above his left eyebrow slowly seeped down into the curves of his eye. Lower limb connected with his ribcage. Once, twice… the number kept going up. Arms lifted from the ground in order to lessen the blows but they came from both sides. Then he felt someone grab for his hand, grip tightened against his right index. The snapping of bone echoed through auditory senses, even still heard over the cry of pain. “Tell him, he oughta be glad I didn’ cut it off.” It was the man with the toothpick Rob tried to speak but all he could muster was the taste of blood against his tongue. He didn’t hear the men leave, either they had stopped or he was too numb to feel a thing. Head found rest against the short blades of grass as body gave into the dark.

[Ethan Reese]

Ethan Reese sat at his desk starring into the nothingness that was on it. Somehow he had done everything the day before which made no sense to him cause he Always kept some form of busy work. Sighing leaning back into his chair he started to spin slowly. No one else had arrived yet he was always the first one in it seemed. He liked it sometimes the shifts switching made more of a work friendly place. But today with nothing to do he wished there was someone here to bug him. Hoping soon something exciting would happen, maybe a body found or anything.

Glancing from one side to another he made sure the room was clear before he grabbed a blank piece of paper from his desk standing atop his chair. "This is it the clock has ten seconds left if he makes this shot then Ethan Reese will win the championship and gain glory wealth money and girls. Can he do it. He shoots and. "Ethan tossed the paper wad watching it land in "HE SCORES" jumping off his chair he jumped around fake cheering with excitement it was something that was helping pass the time.

Stuck in his fantasy he almost didn’t hear the phone ring. Snapping out of it quick he picked up. "Ethan Reese here." Ethan listened as he heard of news of Rob Innazoia being found beaten. He was told to tell his older brother Gabe. Hanging up he regretted wishing for a faster paced day. Rob may have given him a hard time but he was a good guy. Looking toward the door, he saw Gabe walk in.

Not knowing how he could say this. He just kind of mumbled under his breath as Gabe watched him oddly. Ethan spit it out you sound like you are on crackEthan sighed, "Well it would make this easier…It's about Rob." He watched Gabe’s face wondering how he would take it.

[Gabriel Innazoia II]

“...It’s about Rob.” Those three words were enough to invoke the blankest of stares. Which was quickly followed by Gabe losing color and turning a little green around the edges. After those three words auditory senses picked up only every few words of what Ethan said after that. But it was enough for him to know that he may as well of signed his brother’s death certificate himself. Case file slipped from his grasp and the world started to spin in the wrong direction. Digits tugged at his hair momentarily unable to think. Turning he took a step forward only to bash his leg off the steel table before him. It would likely become a massive bruise but Gabriel didn’t feel a thing.

“They’re taking him too...” The eldest Innazoia son made a dash for the door before Ethan could finish speaking. Pace was hurried and he didn’t even notice when his shoulder slammed into that of Messer nearly knocking the other man off his feet. Mind reeled as he reached the stairs. It should of been himself, not Rob, that had been left for dead. Why hadn’t he seen something like this coming? With the day he had, he should of at least considered that his day could of gotten worse. Not really thinking he reached into his pants pocket and retrieved his cell phone, calling Rob he lifted it to his ear, somehow hoping this was just some twisted dream. Hip hit the guardrail on the stairwell as he flew around the corner, impact made him drop his phone just as he had gotten voice mail.

Flying down the remainder of the concrete stairs and into the parking lot Gabriel ran into a vehicle making it’s alarm go off. The sound of it was drowned out by his own internal white noise caused by his inability to think. The white noise also drowned out Ethan’s voice yelling for him to stop. The eldest Innazoia didn’t even notice Ethan had followed him out of the lab until he grabbed Gabe’s keys from him just before he reached his SUV. The same SUV he had passed the drop off onto Rob for, so he could spend the night going over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb for any clues to who might of taken it earlier that day. Gabe turned to Ethan but at the same time didn’t really see him there.

[Ethan Reese]

Ethan watched as Gabe reacted to the news about his brother. He looked at him trying to watch his reaction. All it really reminded him of was a train wreck. First, the train derailing from the tracks then it falling side ways hitting any object in its path or running into them. Ethan did not want to be one of these objects. He stood back and just watched as Gabe left he followed after. He was in no condition to drive.

Reaching the car Ethan just grabbed the keys, "Sorry I am going to drive." The drive to the hospital was nothing but quiet. Ethan would look over every now and again to see how Gabe was doing. How could he be doing his brother was found hurt. He could only imagine how much it must hurt. Ethan himself was worried to not as much as Gabe but a lot. Both the brothers were friends of his and over the years, he liked to think they were close. He shook his head he wanted to keep a clear head just incase he was needed.

He pulled into the hospital parking lot just as the ambulance arrived. Jumping out he watched as Gabe ran to where he was needed. He stood back and walked into the hospital he would wait around for a while to make sure things were ok. What else could he do.

[Gabriel Innazoia II]

It was like he was becoming a black hole, sucking in unsuspecting people and dragging them into a pit of despair. A part of him knew he was probably being over dramatic, but it didn’t matter it was true enough. Eyes that usually dance impishly were now glazed over and empty. Gabriel was cold, he felt nothing but the cold. What else would a vast nothingness feel like, if not cold. The entire ride to the hospital he said nothing, didn’t even move. Just sat there in the passenger seat and waited for he vacuum to start sucking in more innocent bystanders. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for Ethan, having to drive him to the hospital on such an occasion. Reese was a good kid. Didn’t deserve the misery that would find him, all because he knew Gabriel Innazoia the second.

In a way the ride there had seemed to take an eternity, despite Ethan’s total disregard for the rules of the road. They may not of actually been going slow, but it had felt slow. Ominous even. Vehicle had barely stopped and Gabe had already been fighting with the seat buckle for several seconds already. He pushed himself out of the SUV not bothering to shut the door behind himself. Feet slid against paved down almost causing him to fall on his face, as he ran towards the ambulance that was now unloading his brother. Shoving and shouldering the crowd of non-paramedics out of his way he almost reached the gurney as they moved inside. “Wait, that’s my brother! Rob!”

Eldest of the Innazoia boys attempted to rush forward once more but arms caught him preventing him from doing so. Struggling against his captor, he tried to follow the paramedics in but couldn’t manage to escape the man in the thousand dollar suit. “Lemme go, that’s my brother in there!” Fighting the man he managed to wriggle free from his friend’s grasp. Turning he shoved Flack away from him. Turning in a circle his digits reached up and tugged at his short strands of dirty blonde hair. Three other attendings stood before him trying to calm him and prevent him from entering the building in his current state. Throwing his hands up in the air he turned back to Don. Granite flecked orbs began to well up with tears, and palms scrubbed at his face. This was a bad place for a grown man to break down, but the reality of Rob’s state had sunk in and there was no force in the ‘verse that could stop those tears from coming out.

Struggling to keep his composure his chin wibbled as he looked at his friend. “That’s my kid brother in there.” Gabe sunk to his knees and removed his glasses. Bringing his arm up he hid his face in the crook of it as his tears spilled over the barrier keeping them in. It was then that he knew for a fact, that if Rob died that day. He may as well of killed his brother himself.

[Don Flack]

Detective Don Flack Jr. had seen almost everything in his line of work. He’d seen women raped, children beaten, murdered. He’d seen the unimaginable. When he was dispatched to an assault in Central Park he’d expected no less. It was, after all, New York and although it didn’t happen in the way so many television shows depicted it still happened. People were people and they were capable of doing horrible wrongs upon one another. Yet nothing prepares a detective for arriving at a scene to look upon someone they know. Seeing one of his own, Rob, being surrounded by paramedics it seemed to distill something deep inside. The ticking of the internal clock of a cop, it paused. If only for a moment as cerulean orbs fell along the young man still breathing yet completely motionless. The voice of a dispatcher brought his internal workings back online as he clicked on the handheld radio, “Copy on that 240. Medics have him good to go. If I can get an additional car out at 79th St. Transverse… I’m taggin’ the ambulance.”

Climbing into the driver’s seat he quickly got himself situated in the unmarked vehicle. Digits slipped into inner coat pocket to fish out cell phone, flipping it open as he pulled it free. Thumb pressed along 1 and send. Lungs took in even paced breaths as he waited for the ringing to end with the voice on the other end. He got what he wished but the voice on the other end was a recording, it was early enough why wasn’t Gabe answering his phone. Thinking his friend shoved it into his locker while making rounds about the office Flack hung up. Thumb grazed over 3 then send bringing him to the ringing once again. Fingers tapped along the steering wheel as he watched the ambulance load up the victim, eyes cringed as mind echoed the word before diverting completely away from the beaten body as horse voice left his lips, “Come on… come on pick up the dam..” “Ethan Reese here.” “Reese, I need Gabe put him on the phone.” “He hasn’t came in yet I can take a message.” Don’s fist slammed against the steering console as he let the phone slip from his ear. “Flack?” “…Rob was found beaten in Central Park ‘bout twenty minutes ago. They’re taking him to Weill Cornell Medical… they’re moving, tell ‘em I’m right behind.” With that Flack hung up. He hated the fact of leaving the burden to someone else but he knew with that news like that it was better with someone to look them in the eye. For hearing it over the phone just wasn’t right, it was just a voice. A cold monotone voice.

---------------------

The detective had just stepped out from his vehicle when glance caught the familiar SUV pull up eldest Innazoia bolting out before tires fell still, leaving the passenger door swinging wide. Suit clad limbs rushed from still running engine as Gabe forced himself into the crowd of passerby’s and medical personnel. One of the EMT’s pushed his latex glove against upper torso as a way to propel him backwards, keeping him distant from the metal bars that lay parallel on each side of Rob’s motionless body. “Wait, that’s my brother! Rob!” Flack moved in-between Gabriel and the gurney as he attempted another forceful rush. The curve of his shoulder embedded itself hard into collarbone of the detective. Hands reached up falling against his distraught friend’s arms.

He struggled for a moment until he realized Don wasn’t going to be the one to give in. “Lemme go, that’s my brother in there!” Palms shoved against upper chest with a vigorous blow as body fell slightly backwards. “I know, but you rushing in there and getting in the way ain’t gonna help him!” Gabe’s body tensed as he twisted away hands shooting up into the air in desperation lined with frustration. Three attendings moved forward leaving Flack to throw up a hand in anger, “Back up!” Brow relaxed as it eased from its narrow glare as it fell back on the man struggling with the news. Cobalt hued irises caught that of his granite infused stare, water glossing over the surface, “That’s my kid brother in there.”

Don didn’t have the right words to say in that moment. No wise cracks to make the man smile, no words of sympathy, and no breakable promises that everything would be alright. He’d kept Gabriel from entering with good attentions but it was no easy task to watch a friend need something so badly and yet deny him. Watch a good man fall to his knees in ache and defeat. Flack stepped forward kneeling down as his hand fell along the curve in Gabe’s shoulder. Within a few seconds he felt Gabe’s own digits slip over his in a tight grip. For a moment he paused before other hand fell against opposite shoulder helping the man up. Most onlookers had dispersed except the attendings, flashing his badge the detective walked past and through the automatic doors, “Go change some bedpans or something.”

The walk was relatively short before the two men found them selves in the waiting room, doing just that. Gabe took a seat at an empty chair, hand rubbing along face before returning glasses. It wasn’t easy for a man to break down the walls like that, more so because being seen as weak wasn’t something they favored. Don had just taken a seat beside Gabriel when cell phone rang from within his pocket. Retrieving it, “Flack.” The voice on the other end was Mac Taylor’s. It was business as usual but his tone hinted the urge of fault. “You’re gonna have to find another detective Mac, I’m not leaving…” He was cut off by the fault line. Pushing up from the chair suit clad limbs paced a bit down the hall, “They’ve got him in the OR now… yeah I will, call back if you get anything.” Nodding Flack hung up the phone before retaking his seat next to the still silent man. “He says your brother’s resilient, Innazoia’s are a lot harder to get rid of… Mac’s gonna find the guys that did this Gabe…”

[Danny Messer]

Frustrated sigh left the good-natured man; usually work was something he dug into, mostly to avoid having to deal with other things. Tonight however with a phone call from his sister. It all seemed like it was time to call it quits and just forget about everything. He knew he was the brunt of most jokes around the office, who could blame them. He rich and didn’t need to work, but as the man bent over looking at fiber’s under the microscope tried to distract from the constant wonder in his mind. It was never an easy conversation with his sister, not since that day and he gave up trying anymore realizing that he was helping himself and his sister could only help herself. Hand came up to adjust the focus and he looked again. He pulled up and as digits rubbed an eye as he leaned forward again. Quietly he worked having avoided mostly everyone for the night just wanting to be alone; Messer was in his own world. Call it a personality quirk or just plain grumpiness but Danny just wasn’t in the mood for chitchat like he normally was.

Pen hand grasped the thin inked writing utensil as he wrote some thing’s down before he pulled the slide out and glanced up checking to see if he had totally zone out. When he knew he was in fact alone, he stood straight, bagged the evidence, tagged it with his notation, and set it aside. “Another bites the dust.” He muttered to himself. Danny usually got so absorbed in what he was doing that times a conversation could be flowing around him about a current case and it would just go over his head while he worked on a case that he had been handed. It wasn’t like he wasn’t a team player, he was, but Messer used work as a form of a getaway from the other world he was a part of. He knew he wasn’t the only one in the world that had a multitude of problems, it came with life. Sometimes you just dealt with what you were dealt and worked around it.

Arms stretched out as he pulled his shoulders back feeling his muscles release the tension he gave a sigh. Shoulders dropped arms fell to sides as he glanced out the window to see Ethan talking to Gabe. Rise of brow. He headed for the door, foot placed in front of the other as he exited crossing the hall, upon entering he caught the last word, “Rob.” The look that crossed the older Innazoia’s face and light colored eyes looked between Reese and Gabe and he stood there, hoping his assumption wasn’t the one that had crossed his mind. He watched as Gabe whirled around in a spring of motion he couldn’t move fast enough as he plowed into shoulder. Messer stumbled back, not a word uttered as he turned his head and watched Innazoia leave. Straightening of body, he glanced over at Ethan who pulled out of his chair and following the rushed man.

Once again, Danny left alone, but this time, a feeling settled in the pit of his stomach, one that was all too familiar to him. Hand rose to face as he rubbed it scrubbing it as he walked out. Line of work had its vicissitudes and tonight it had a major down, one of their own in trouble. One foot over threshold voice of O’Donnel stopped him short. Head tilted slightly to the officer as brow rose, “Crime scene lets go.”

Push of hand on frame of door Messer knew the scene before it even left O’Donnel’s mouth. Thought of driving with O’Donnel to the site put him in fouler mood. Personal dislike put aside Danny nodded, time of game hat needed. Exit of building into SUV drive quiet save for the engines purr.


Scene of crime blare of lights Messer stepped out of the SUV with his kit and walked towards the site. Crack of neck he set box down pulling out latex gloves and worked them on hand sliding each finger into protective layer. Glance about he crouched, digits worked box open then pulled flashlight from pants, quick turn of wrist it was lit. Hand moved cast of glow looking down as he saw place of struggle he gave a sigh as he set to work. He wouldn’t be leaving the scene of the attack until he was sure he had gotten everything and built a scenario in his mind to work with evidence collected.