Thorn

ceiling. The room was dim, the curtains drawn tight against the light. I swall

brea

reath

shallow al

a

would ri

ad work

e to drag me out of bed, no comforting voice. Just the cursed

her

neck, then ran it through my hair-me

ht light spilled through the tall window that stretched across the wall. I shut off the AC

as I entered. No shirt-I'd slept half-naked. I stepped into th

r po

eavy.

My hair stuck to my forehead. Cold met he

t. I brushed my teeth slowly, dried my hair with

s the head of investigations-long pas

undone. I strapped on my badge, my weapon, my tools. Combe

w stairs to th

two compact levels linked by a single staircase. The first floor held the kitchen, living ro

ee machine. Slotted in a

. I sipped my coffee, eyes on the skyline. My place was on the top floor, hi

had alre

as sli

d to

et's get this raid done

slid open. I stepped out into the hallway and headed for the elevator. Down to Parking Level 3.

ut of the building and into the city streets. My mi

ound

That damned

ity for this case. I was going to see it through myself. I needed to know everything. Every name, every fac

HQ. Not exactly close t

ed my watch. I was on time. I'm always on time. I used to l

aos. Not i

o the entrance. The two officers on duty saluted. I

reeting

e my way t

ers to follow me, to bring the

tched on the AC

something in it was fraying-like p

We've been on this case for too long. Don't

nior officers, replie

the intel from the guy inside. We'll be

ing me the us

ded an

ours

pre

. Checked my gun.

it wa

one m

s screamed behind me. The map blinked

shut it quickly. Eyes forwar

el and muttered th

f. I fought to get this case. I started it.