Chapter 7

Today is one of those days that we are not so busy. It looks like the criminals of Burton Grove take a day off too. Oliver and I decided to have lunch at our favorite music lounge. It's been a long time since we visited that place.

We were joking and laughing when we arrived at the Burton's Music Bar and Bistro. Oliver was quick with our favorite food and drinks while I look for a comfortable spot. But as I walk towards the corner, I heard an obnoxious voice of a man rumbling about his achievements and how great he is. His companions are obviously bored and irritated but were polite enough not to interrupt him.

"And that little b*tch who sued Albert for rape? Only a fool would believe her. She's using the victim card to screw Albert. I'll bet you my whole year's salary; she and her family are just after Albert's money." The man bluntly said.

It's a spark ignited inside of me when I heard him say those words about my goddaughter. I remembered him from Sig and Fredrick Firm, where Albert Humphrey used to work. He was the man who acted as if he owned the whole building when he talked to us.

"What did you say?" I leaned on the side of his chair and table so he could recognize me.

"Detective! It's nice seeing you again. Did you get a handsome thank you money for putting my friend behind bars?" It's like my blood instantly boiled with what he said.

"Do you have any proof of everything you just said? Because I can bring you in right now for maliciously accusing an officer." I warned him.

"I'm not accusing you, detective. I'm asking you." He responded, his voice still full of malice.

"You're not asking. You're insinuating. And for your information, your friend is guilty. So I suggest you shut up your mouth before I throw you to jail." I'm barely keeping it together. I don't want people to think that law enforcers can hurt people just because they a badge.

"Okay, detective. As you wish. I'm done with my lunch anyway." The man stood up and looked at me from head to foot. I'm almost there. I'm almost on the verge of knocking off his teeth, but I kept it together. There's just one thing I noticed in his eyes.

They were so black, like an endless abyss. Emotionless, like he has no soul. If I'm any other person, I would have trembled in fear just by looking at his eyes. Like you can't take your eyes off him because if you do, you'd be dead within minutes.

"Hey, what was that?" My thoughts were interrupted by Oliver.

"Some guy who thinks he's better than everybody." I simply answered.

"Come on, man. Let's eat. I'm freaking hungry." I wanted to punch Oliver in his stomach. He was just eating two hours ago.

"You're always hungry, Oliver," I responded, slightly pushing him.

I followed Oliver to the spot he chose.

"Hey, man. Do you remember our first case as partners?" Oliver asked me.

I thought about it for a while. "That was the murdered young woman at the Burton Grove College Dormitory, right?" It was my first time to see an actual murder victim, and I felt like my gut was being dug up.

"Yeah, that's the one. You know, I was never satisfied with how the case was closed. I felt like we arrested the wrong suspect." My brows were creased by what he said.

"Why?" I asked.

"I don't know, man. It's like, we got the wrong dude." My confusion worsens.

"But it was his fingerprint. His hair strand was found on the scene." I would never forget that case. How the suspect attempted to run, how he acted like he was losing his mind. Pathetic.

"I know, man. But he was the boyfriend. Of course, his DNA will be all over the place. But every time I would look into the man's eyes? There's nothing evil about him." Oliver explained.

"How do you know if someone's evil or not? Criminals are great pretenders. All they do is an act. Especially if they want to gain your trust." I explained to him.

"I don't know, man. It just doesn't feel right. I have this feeling in my gut, and I can't shake it off." Oliver looked so sure about his suspicions.

"Do you want to do an off-the-book investigation? I can help you?" I offered. Oliver doesn't act like this often. Maybe there's something that we should check about that case.

"Really? Thank you, man." He looks relieved, which convinced me that my best friend believes in that man's innocence. When we finished our lunch, we already came up with a plan to do our investigation.

Back at the station, our day is still lazy. Some minor disturbances were reported, but aside from that, Burton Grove is practically peaceful and quiet. Which I am thankful for.

"The golden boy of Burton Grove." Did I say peaceful and quiet?

"Guzman. Why? Jealous? Oh, right. You haven't been given a chance. How's the case assigned to you about the child pornography site? Any development?" I said, then smirked. This person always has an excuse for his shortcomings. So pathetic.

"Do you think you're the only one who can solve complicated crimes, Angeles?" I almost rolled my eyes when I heard Miller's voice.

"Didn't say that. But I know my achievements. And I earned and worked hard for them. If I'm going to be promoted, it's because of my capacity. Not because of my friends." I said meaningfully before walking away from them.

"Do you think you will be promoted?" Inspector Miller said, stopping him from his tracks.

"Why not, Inspector Miller?" Miller froze on the spot when he heard Captain Frank Hansen's voice behind him. "Do you think he won't get promoted?"

"No, sir. That's not what I mean, sir." Miller explained too quickly. I smirked.

"Good. Because that kid of yours? That's the one with a very, very long way to go." Captain frankly said.

Oliver whistled when our captain went back to his office. Inspector Miller looked at me like he was about to shoot me. I raised my hands sarcastically as if surrendering. Oliver, who is always playful, jumped into my back wrapped his arm around my shoulder as he dragged me out of the station, laughing.