#violent theme

“What happened here?” Pocketing my slacks, I moved toward Randy and tried to greet the moment like a typical conversation. Most witnesses fared better if I slowly approached what happened and ignored extreme details. 

“Any last words?” I'm searching for breadcrumbs. 

“He was probably stabbed.” Orton guessed, exhausted throughout his graveyard shift. 

“No. Rollins shook a little and then…died.” Randy, described as bald and clean-shaven with his longtime uniform, kept grumbling. “I don’t know anything else.” 

“Thanks. Here’s my card just in case…” Letting formalities slip, I’m drained too and handed out my contact in person. 

“Promise me that you’ll take care of yourself, kid.” Randy offered advice my way, but probably wished for retirement right now. 

Here we go. Observing one last time, I walked off and almost turned away from the emergency lights of my own career. 

________

Stubborn like Dad, I hardly slept before returning. This precinct continued its own timewarp. This building could suffer without gaining modern advancements. Our current funding provided old radiators and the heaters could start rotting near back walls. 

“What are you doing? Go home.” Wearing clear glasses, Captain Bruce Prichard stood in the door. He’s never worn quality ensembles and almost stumbled his weight like pudge. I’ve always chuckled about the silver on his head too. 

“Why? Someone is dead.” I defended the case.  

“I've seen officers give up everything here.” Prichard wouldn’t budge. “Don't snoop around until we learn more information. You can't solve murder overnight.” 

“Yes, Sir.” Knowing better, I refused to argue and left without saying goodbye.  

******

Joining daylight, I glanced around the hallway of my apartment. There’s not much going on, at least not yet. Several neighbors in this building were gone for the day like me. 

Jingling keys, I’ve met nothing. No roommates. No pets. No kids. No partners waited. Sunshine crossed the living room, but I didn’t perk up and  took a shower to clear my head. This case started, but I’ve mulled over clues and tried to figure out what the hell happened. 

Seth Rollins. His record exposed unspeakable offenses, but who in the world could sneak past security and kill him without facing consequences? I also knew that prison guard Orton “found”  Rollins while the inmate shook, bleeding until lifeless. 

Nothing made sense. 

__________

While pulling myself together, I took Prichard’s advice and headed back out, visiting one of the coffee shops. Folks would mingle nearby or sit down, not considering me. I’ve rarely welcomed attention, mostly hoping that people wouldn’t fuss. 

Seated by the window, I ordered something reasonable for the first time in quite a while and could drink this brew without scrunching up my face. Our keurig at the precinct drained slop. 

The front door chimed and this woman entered. Shouldering her laptop bag, heels clicked every step and she pulled small talk with that cashier. 

“Mel!” Named Roxanne, our clerk stood behind the counter wearing an apron. This hat veiled hair. Very little makeup reached her face when she greeted someone as usual. Mel smiled upfront. 

“Hi. How are you?” Mel sounded coy as she waited. Roxanne stood not too far away, whirring machines to make magic. She’s not rushed, but wouldn't yell. 

“Good. I’ve kept my weekend job. Wanna hang out?” Handing over this warm to-go cup with a pastry bag, Roxanne invited Mel somewhere. 

“Sure.” Mel accepted the invitation. “Text me whenever you can and I’ll come over to your place.” 

“Sounds good. See you then!” Roxanne bid farewell. Jobs continued no matter what anyway. 

I watched Mel head out, but she paused with full hands before I could open the door myself. 

*****

I couldn’t finish eating dinner. Anonymous tips shook up the precinct and I stood outside, waiting to enter this nightclub. Visitors dressed nicely while chatting with others, but I only managed to wear decent clothes at the last minute. Searching might add something to the puzzle. 

“Hold on.” Scaling back hair, one bouncer stood with tattoos and rasped his New York bass, looking at me. “What are you doing?” 

“What’s so funny?” I didn’t laugh. 

“You should make reservations, but try to loosen up.” The bouncer laughed and clearly judged my suit. 

“Sorry. I don’t go out often. “ Telling the truth, it’s better than nothing while undercover. 

“Don’t apologize to me. Go ahead.” The bouncer granted entry and I stepped inside, ready. 

_______

Vibrant lights covered my pale face. Every flash could wreck blue eyes from Dad. Upbeat songs thundered. I planned the next move. Advice could make dangerous connections between this energetic place and the gruesome death of Rollins. 

Right when I moved to the bar, familiar brown eyes dimmed behind the counter. This time around, she chose leather while red painted her lips.

“Roxanne?” I realized.

“Cody?” Roxanne handled this cocktail shaker. 

“Hi,” I hoped to order something else. Roxanne remembered my name by an absolute miracle. No one else had cared beyond family or Prichard. 

“Small world.” Roxanne said, working through every noise. “What are you drinking this time?” 

“A shot wouldn’t hurt. Tough day.” Ordering, I focused on the plan, but another voice caught my attention. 

“Sorry! Got stuck in the bathroom. Somebody didn’t have pads.” Mel showed up. 

Roxanne offered the glass before I could speak up. Mel didn't see me at first. Who knows if she remembered who I am, let alone a barista? 

“I’ll be done in a little bit. Don’t worry.” Roxanne explained plans to Mel. 

“Got it. Let me know. I can’t dance without you.” Mel sipped a Virgin Mojito and finally smiled. She dumped business attire and wore this sleeved crop top. Her pants matched different heels. 

“Fair.” Roxanne agreed, winking toward Mel before she helped others. “Enjoy yourself while I’m busy.” 

“Hey.” Mel spoke near me at last. Rhythms jumped louder than before, so I stood up as she held her drink, careful in public. 

“Didn’t think I’d see you again.” My own accent dropped, not as strong as Dad’s voice. 

“What’s your name? I had a busy morning.” Mel asked. 

“Cody.” I nodded, holding my now empty glass. 

“Melissa.” Mel finished that drink, sliding the non-alcoholic glass onto this counter.

Damn. 

*****

Melissa excused herself in private and found Roxanne, heading to the dance floor while other ladies joined them. I sat back, observant. Their quick ability to mingle looked fascinating. Both joy and laughter echoed near me as music thundered all around this place. 

I've never been happy like that. Everyone looked carefree. Even Mel could dance with Roxanne forever. I watched in silence, unable to relate for so many reasons. There's no other choice but to move forward while I concentrate. 

Not drunk, I left the bar and started looking. If those anonymous tips made sense, I'd find clues here. Time could run out. 

While keen, I paused. The bouncer from earlier stood nearby. I'd take a chance, asking just in case. 

“Hey.” I greeted. “Can we talk for a second?”

“Oh. Hey. Did you loosen up yet?” The bouncer smiled once more. 

“I'm trying, but that'll always be funny.” I understood his point. 

“What's going on?" The bouncer traded back, giving me room. 

I cleared my throat, but someone else interrupted. 

“Uce!” Beaming one infectious smile, another man dressed in black and styled his cap backwards, greeting the bouncer. 

“Happy birthday, Jim!” The bouncer would almost cheer. 

Jim. I’d remember. 

“Thanks. Honestly.” Jim expressed gratitude beyond words. 

“Where's your brother?” Facing Jim, the bouncer stepped back for a moment. 

Brother? I became aware as Jim would keep talking with his pal. 

“We just got here, but he's probably flirting with Rhea at the bar like always.” Jim chuckled. "You know how Jey is.”

“Right.” The bouncer casted his eyes toward this ceiling, yet nodded at Jim before he left. My quizzing made no difference here. “Have fun.”

Though not jealous, I never understood how this took place. How can folks light up a room just by entering? My father calmed down witnesses from showing up. 

______

“You good?" With that bouncer gone, Jim saw me standing for the first time. 

“Yeah. Happy birthday.” Pulling myself back together, I needed to lie. 

“Appreciate it.” Jim took my comment with another perfect smile and turned away, celebrating elsewhere. 

As I watched his route, Jim headed to the second floor and passed one long handrail while that space overlooked this venue. From my vantage point, Jim could beam that smile like sunlight while greeting other people.  I “recognized” the likely face of his brother as well.  

When gold shined from his bottom teeth, Jey topped this short haircut with vibrant sunglasses. Tribal tattoos scaled his arms. 

Still unsure of clues, I stepped outdoors for the first time all night, nodding to other bouncers on my way. Evening air chilled this jacket and questions scrambled. I wanted to catch my breath on the fractured sidewalk, but  still didn’t know what to believe yet. 

Nestled around entertainment across the street, one large-scale parking garage settled incoming vehicles. I squinted over blinding headlights. One SUV with chrome wheels rolled up and pulsed its loud music from their radio before that engine cut off. 

Just walking by himself, this man almost towered beyond height. hair curled over his rugged face and this graying beard covered his sharp jawline. One graphic sweatshirt and pants clothed his legs. Even sneakers looked brand-new when he marched, almost determined without bringing anyone else. 

______

Something led me back inside and my thoughts picked right back up. Even one of the other bouncers noticed quick footsteps. 

“What’s wrong?” Wearing this rattail in the back of his otherwise shaved head, the employee glanced in my direction. 

“Found someone.” I clipped, trying to follow that lone wolf instead. Perhaps the anonymous tips offered news. 

_________

Now seated downstairs before last call, The Lone Wolf sat down with Jimmy and Jey, almost laughing as bright teeth expressed joy. 

“Can’t believe you’re here, man.” Jim cheered. 

“Had to. Jey wouldn’t stop calling. You know I don't like that.” The Lone Wolf pulled one Southern accent forward, but this dark tone might linger in the back. Brown eyes squinted while this man scrunched up his face. Now, that expression looked even more chiseled than outside. 

Wheels turned in my head. Who the hell is this guy? 

Just when I’d step closer, Melissa and Roxanne walked by, most likely planning to leave the club with their friends. 

“Good to see you, Cody.” Maybe I dreamt at the time, but Mel winked toward me and said goodbye while Roxanne strolled with others on their way out. 

Shit.