Riley looked up at the ceiling at his chair at a 45 degree angle. A grin spread across his face as he leaned back towards Chief Sanderson. "It sounds like you want me to start a hunt of sorts!" His arms stretched with exhaustion. "Some rest would do me well don't you think? You work me like a race horse Chief"
Sanderson raised her eyebrow standing with arms crossed. Her demeanor was razor sharp cutting through Riley's sarcasm. "Riley, we need to get this case moving now! The murder case might be solved, but the public is still in an uproar. Deviants are running rampant, and tensions are high. We need something solid to help calm people down. I think you getting out of this office and into the streets could do the city and your coworkers some good."
She turned slightly, letting her shoulders sag for a brief moment. "Besides," she added, her tone softening just enough to reveal a tinge of humor, "you can't hide in here forever with your music and your flamboyant nature. The way you move about the office is starting to grate on other nerves."
"Chief. I'm what gives this place its flavor. I" Riley mocked putting his hand on his chest. "Those simpletons couldn't begin to comprehend the tapestry of my neurons. Why, one look and they would lose their minds. Some not all those glorified individuals that push papers for a living wouldn't be able to spot brilliance event punched them in the gut."
As he dramatically stood to emphasize his point, his foot snagged on the chair, and he nearly tumbled to the floor. Catching himself at the last second, he straightened his tie and grinned. "Any who, Chief, you can trust me with this. But wouldn't it be better if I worked from here? You know, with my computers, my files, my"
"No." Sanderson's voice was flat and uncompromising. "You have five minutes, Riley. Don't make me come back in here to drag you out myself. A good detective works the streets, not just the desk."
Riley smirked. "I've read my contract, you know. It says either or. I can stay inside or go outside. That's a choice."
Sanderson turned back toward him, her arms crossed, a sharp glint in her eye. "Maybe," she said slowing her speech, "another agency may fit your needs better. Solving high profile cases can line up your pockets quite well. Those could go away you know.
Riley paused, clasping his hand tightly over his mouth. "That would be unfathomable," he moaned, his voice derisive.
Sanderson's lips pressed into a thin smile. "Oh, I would. And I will. Now, hop to it and bring me some good news by tomorrow. Please." Her tone lightened, and she gave a wry smile as she opened the door. "I'm heading home for some rest. Well... who am I kidding? I'm probably not."
"Of course you're not," Riley quipped, chuckling.
Sanderson shook her head with a grin. "And that's why I'm single," she muttered, closing the door behind her.
The door clicked shut behind Sanders as Riley smiled faded into a distorted curiosity. Leaning forward he grabbed the case file and flipped through some of the info. Derek's face hovered above the paper his eyes blinking slowly. The blending of the old and the new is always a sight to behold. Policing is truly changing and I think for the better. Riley let go a chuckle turning the page once more.
"This young man," he stuttered, his fingers traced the air beneath advanced projection. "Quite a peculiar fellow. You seem to be like me. A bit of a outcast. Or are you a man on the edge of great potential, perhaps? Maybe the second chances you were given was wasted due to bad decision making."
Riley jumped down on all fours, getting in close to the file as possible he if inspected it from each angle. "Somewhat of a drifter," he murmured, pushing the notes up and down with his index finger. "A lack of roots, and family ties. Sounds like me to an extent. Yes, this could be invigorating."
"Umm. His friends have all left the city except for one or two. No real connection either to those friends who left the city. Is Derek a floater or dreamer? Does he belong in our current society without goals and ambitions?"
Shifting his weight he sat up, Riley's gaze lifted toward the popcorn ceiling. "Matilda," he muttered, his voice somber and filled with longing. "Are your eyes still on me? One day I'll figure out what happened to you. But until then, keep me sane, will you?" He tapped his temple, his grin returning. "I've got too much greatness swirling in here. It's hard to keep it all contained."
With a dramatic flair, Riley grabbed a small, circular gadget from his desk and pocketed it. "Time for contractor umm." He let go a cough. "I mean Detective Riley to hit the streets. All of these cases won't solve themselves."
The police station halls were filled with activity as people hustled along the dark brown carpets and blue painted walls. I've got to get my usual swagger to keep people on their toes. Riley passed by multiple people, some staring at him and others buried in their paperwork. A woman in a brown dress gave him a particular smile return his gesture.
"Way to go on that last, Riley," she said.
"It's my pleasure," Riley replied, bowing his head. "Just being my usual, indomitable self."
As he rounded a corner, his fingers outlined the jagged stone walls. "Maybe Derek's life is like this wall," he pondered aloud. "Rigid. Stuck. Longing to break free. Or maybe he's like me fluid, unpredictable, and impossible to pin down."
Reaching the stairwell, Riley paused for a moment, then hopped down five flights of stairs in a single leap, landing with cat-like precision. "Perfect landing," he shouted to himself, glancing around. It's a shame no one saw my acrobatics. So much for high school gymnastics.
Outside the parking lot had an array of vehicles. Some of them were high tech while others had antiquated technology. Riley quick made his way to his hybrid motorcycle. The perfect combo. That chrome and black design never disappoints. It's beautiful! The exhaust pipes are faux because well it is hybrid but its so cool.
Sinking into the seat, Riley pushed the square key into the ignition. The motorcycle spurred to life, its quiet hum bringing a smile to his face. "A mystery is afoot," he echoed, revving the throttle and zooming out of the police lot.
The neon skyline is always striking. His eyes traced some of the skyscrapers that were emitting different colors akin to kaleidoscope. Despite that skyline some of our local streets need better lighting. There is an issue with how money is distributed. Riley smirked to himself. "Let's see where you're hiding, Derek," he said, his voice filled with anticipation. "And let's see if I can find you before anyone else does."
Riley came to a stop at the corner of the busy street in front of a corner story. The traffic at night was a jumbled symphony of horns honking, engines revving, and the hum of vehicles driving above him on the overpass. Looking over he noticed, a luxury car revved its engine, its driver giving him a glare of challenge. Riley smirked but shook his head, giggling to himself, "Tempting be it may, taking on a race during work hours would cause Chief Sanderson to cut my pay for sure."
The light above clicked green, as the car speeded ahead. I'm going to take a right instead because that car is going to wait for me at the next light. I can't be bothered with that.I can still get to where I am going by taking some of the back routes to the Eastern Quadrant of the city. As he speed along at a steady 60 mph his eyes caught the gaudy texture of the homes lining the streets. All that money and no taste.
Riley rolled his eyes as he pulled up to another stop sign. He turned into a cul-de-sac lined with townhomes, their uniform exteriors broken only by personal touches of a flower box here, a wind chime there. As he slowed, Riley consulted his device. The device flickered on showing a woman in her late twenties. So her name is Marissa.
"Much of her free time is focused on activism," Riley mused, eyebrow raised. "This is going to be an interesting interview."
Driving up to a curb, Riley jump off his motorcycle with a flourish, turned on his device, and strolled up to the door. Pulling his hand back he knocked twice.
The door opened slowly to reveal a woman with light skin and keen eyes that sized him up in a moments notice.
"Dear Madam would you happen to be Marissa?" Riley inquired, glancing from his device back to her.
"Depends," she hissed, her voice measured. "What are you doing at my house at this hour? I don't plan on speaking about anything that happened downtown. I'm a bit tired"
Riley put his hand out and bowed like a butler would offer a dish to his master. "Detective Riley, but most people just call me Riley." He nearly fumbled his device as he gestured toward it. "I'm here regarding an individual I believe you know by the name of Derek. Does that name ring a bell?"
Marissa's expression tightened. "Ugh Derek…she tilted her head back and with a blank stare. Well he's my ex lover…I guess boyfriend. I haven't seen him in years." There was a nervous tick to her voice. "What trouble has he gotten himself in now?"
Riley pupils dilated, a lighthearted smile at his lips. "Trouble? Interesting that's the first word you associate with him."
Marissa sighed, her posture stiffening. "Look, if you've come all the way out here, I doubt it's for small talk. What do you want to know?"
Riley gave her an approving nod. "You're a quick-witted woman. Traits like that these days is rare." He rubbed his hands together with a slight warmth entrancing his skin. "Some tea would do well at this hour? Don't you think?"
Marissa wrinkled her eyebrows, doubt lingering in her mind. Reluctantly she gestured him into the living room of her apartment. "Sure, why not? I guess get comfortable. That sofa would be good," she uttered, motioning to the couch furthest from the fracture Derek made in the floor earlier that day.
As Riley walked in, he stopped, he scanned the apartment embellished curiosity. "Hmm. Is that real leather, faux leather, or a bit of both worlds?"
Marissa huffed, a faint smile breaking through her frustration. "Bargain hybrid. It was a gift or so I thought after I graduated college. Take a seat or I'm will I need to charge you rent?"
Riley grinned as he eased onto the smooth cloth of the sofa. "Your wit and hospitality on are on equal playing fields."
Marissa vanished behind the wall that held the kitchen, her voice lingering over the rustle of dishes. "The kettle's brewing. This business of Derek, Detective? What is on your mind about my ex boyfriend?"
Umm this place seems a bit too clean but not overly tidy. She has her act together but if there is something here I will find it. The mismatched furniture, the carefully placed rug, the slightly crooked lamp all told a story, though not one he could fully piece together yet. "Lovely place you have," he called out. "The kind of home that says, 'I've worked hard, but I'm not too attached.'"
Marissa returned with a can of soda, cracking it open as she sat in a recliner. "The tea will be ready in a few minutes. In the meantime, your attention is all mine."
Riley's gaze lingered on her for a beat. Reaching into his pocket, pulling out his device. With a tap, the holographic screen displayed an image of Derek. "Your ex-boyfriend committed a crime earlier today," Riley explained. "A somewhat... violent situation which makes him a person of interest."
Marissa's eyes furrowed taking in the image of Derek on the holographic screen. "Violence And Derek doesn't really go together? More like lazy and indifferent"
Riley raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't it? From my investigation thus far he's been having some hard times. Personal struggles and financial trouble could be the perfect recipe for someone to snap."
Marissa eyes adverted towards the ground and shook her head. "Derek is flawed in many ways, violent..he was never violent with me. What happened?"
Growing serious Riley leaned forward his expression telling. "Earlier this morning, Derek laid hands on the son of a wealthy man, in fact. A few broken limbs here and there led to the police getting involved. The victim's father is one of the leading pizza chains owners in the city."
Marissa's pursed her lips. "Derek he wouldn't hurt anyone. Unless he's playing video games and someone gets the best of him."
Riley tapped the screen scrolling to the next image. The video showed Derek fighting against the larger man and his friends. "It's like Derek unleashed a part of himself you haven't seen before. There is little room for doubt passed on this footage," Riley affirmed. "There is suspicion amongst us that Derek is no longer normal or shall we say human."
Marissa's face grew pale, her eyes misting slightly. "Not normal…what do you mean?"
Riley studied her intently. "As you can see, he may have... abilities. You may know some of these people that are growing in our current society. When you were dating him did he show any signs of unnatural strength?"
Marissa's gaze strayed towards the rug covering the fractured floor. She stumbled before replying, "There was nothing of the sort."
Riley's keen eyes caught the subtle shift in her demeanor. Something is in that mind of hers. How do I get it out of her? Sitting back, feigning nonchalance. "So here's what's up, Marissa you don't want a difficult life right? Derek needs help. Without a lead we don't know where to start. He could become a danger to himself and others."
Marissa exhaled her eyes narrowing. "Your guess is as good as mine. It's been years since we saw each other. What's going to happen to him if and when you find Derek?"
Riley's tone took a softer note. "We want him to come peacefully. Getting ahead of the situation is what we as detective do. As you know running only makes thing worsse."
The kettle whistled, slicing through the tension in the room. Marissa stood and cut Riley a somber glance as she made her way to the kitchen. I think I shook him pretty good. My emotions are getting the best of me. I'm tired. "I'm not too trusting of you, Detective. One thing I now about Derek is that he would do anything for anybody he loves."
Riley's eyes danced around the room, his mind racing. Interesting... very interesting.
Returning with two steaming cups of tea, Riley took one and raised presenting a toast. "May the truth find those it wanting," he spouted with a grin.
Marissa sat silent his gesture falling on deaf ears. Instead, she glanced into her mug, her voice scarcely audible as she murmured, "I hope you find what you're looking for, Detective."
Riley took a sip of his tea, his gaze undeviating. "Not to worry, I always do."