the NYPD 19th Precinct buzzed like a dying insect.

ajor Crimes unit slid three glossy

artin was crumpled like a soda can. Dark blood smea

dnight last night, Mrs. Ware?" The de

h, the heavy iron door of the interr

owed closely by the Chief Leg

r briefcase and pulled out a thick stack of papers. He

ea d

th a warning in his eyes. He pulled a Montblanc fount

t," Jul

probation," the lawyer stated in a flat, roboti

document. A bitter, self-depre

stead, she reached into the

osture relaxing. He thought she was reaching for

d out a crumple

down on top o

rectly into the detective's eyes, her voice steady and loud. "At exactly ele

ely picked up the radio on his belt and barked

e muscles in his jaw ticked furiously.

yer stammered, trying to snatch the receipt

lently against the concrete floor. She placed b

ut two more documents. She had printed th

e documents directl

d onto the floor. The bold black letters at th

d silent. The buzzing of the li

r his expensive shoes. His pupils co

Annabelle," Julian hissed through clenched

nnabelle said. Her voice was a flatline.

n sna

ere emotional distress and requires an immediate recess," the lawyer stated smoothly, sliding a medical exemption form o

tepped back, gesturing coldly to

e isolated, unmonitored section of the cold hallway. Then, he snapped. He lunged forw