Chapter 9: The Crime Scene

In an alley off of Central Street, I ducked under the yellow crime scene tape. Already, there was a curious crowd gathering and some entry-level cops holding them back. Police lights spun, flashing off the stone walls.

I caught Zinnia’s scent before I saw her, leaning against the alley wall. Another detective had his hand on her shoulder.

She was crying.

“Zinnia,” I said, stepping up behind her and touching her shoulder.

She tensed. “Oh, Gen, you’re here!” she turned to me and hugged me, clinging to my neck as a sob shook her.

“This is a bad one,” the other detective said. He motioned deeper into the alley.

I looked into the darkness, my eyes adjusting quickly. There were forensic specialists moving around, collecting evidence. The body was covered but I could tell the victim’s limbs were sprawled out at odd angles.

“It’s okay, Zinnia, sometimes you have to lose it,” I whispered, patting her back.