Lauren Read Free

rubbed the top of his hand across the front of his nose and cleared his throat as if that would help alleviate the odor.
    Between the stench of the dead body and that of the bum, Lauren figured she would more than likely have to destroy the clothing she wore.
    It was one of the many reasons, besides salary, why homicide detectives didn't wear designer clothing.
    "You know, Phelps, sometimes I get fed up with this shit."
    Lauren just smiled at Tom's statement. She knew the ‘job’ could be frustrating sometimes.
    "Let's wrap things up, Detective, then we'll meet at the medical examiner's office.” Tom winked at Lauren, and she pulled out her notebook again, adding some final notes and trying to ignore her innate sense of smell.
    "You always want to meet me at all the classy places, Lieu."
    He laughed and Lauren jotted down some notes.
    Upon arriving at the scene 1:18 p.m., a 911 call 1:00 p.m. caller anonymous and unidentified. Patrol officers Guy Johnston and Lizzy Lopez, first officers on the scene. Crime scene taped off. Officers followed proper procedures to help contain evidence. Temperature, 89 degrees, no breeze, the air thick, stuffy, bright, sunny summer day.
    Body looks to be a male, mid to upper forties, brown hair, medium build, dead at least ten hours. Rigor mortis has set in.
    Location: Metro North station, 1/2 mile from terminal. One possible witness, detained by Officer Johnston.
    "You got everything down, Phelps?” Tom asked, smiling. Lauren was a by-the-book detective. She followed the Practical Homicide Checklist and Field Guide to the ‘T’ and this homicide wouldn't be any different.
    "Yes, sir,” she said, just as the forensics technicians finished taking pictures of the crime scene. There was one tire mark they took an imprint of, which may turn out to be their only lead. Lauren would check on everything later in the day.
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Chapter 2
    "River Point Police Department. Commander Don Phelps speaking."
    "Good afternoon, Commander Phelps,” Lauren teased her dad, as he answered his office phone rather seriously.
    "Hey, honey. I thought for sure I wouldn't hear back from you until later today. When you didn't answer my call this morning, I assumed you were too busy."
    "Yeah, I had a call to go on, and now I'm on my way to the ME's. I had a few minutes to call you back. What's going on?” Lauren maneuvered the unmarked police car down the busy city streets.
    "Are you coming up to visit this weekend? The town is having their big Memorial Day festivities."
    "That's the plan, unless something else pops up. Should I still meet you, Mom, and Dave at the Mardullo's house?"
    "Yeah. I just saw Steven yesterday, in town, and he said Victoria's brother is done with his tour in Iraq. It's going to be a huge celebration."
    "Oh, my God, that's fantastic. I haven't seen James in years. Victoria, Sherry, and Peter must be so excited. The whole Mardullo and Malley family must be."
    "They are. James hasn't even met his two nephews Danielle and Joseph. He's only seen pictures."
    "That's awesome. I will definitely try my hardest."
    "Hey, honey, you do know there are other detectives working in New York City?"
    Lauren let out a sigh. Everyone seemed to be on her case lately about her work hours.
    "I know that, Daddy. Listen, I've got to go. I'll see you this weekend.” Lauren then hung up the phone.
    The voice of the dispatcher on the police radio crackled in the background. And as Lauren drove down the city side streets, she noted everyone was out of their apartments hoping for some small, cooling breeze and a cool night tonight.
    The past week had delivered a heat wave 24/7 and she wasn't the only one fed up with it.
    Lauren thought back to her conversation with her dad. He was only voicing his concern. She really shouldn't have gotten angry with him. He, of all people, should understand her determination and desire to be the best homicide detective she could be.
    After all, she had a lot of