Paperwork.
Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. Everyday it seems like the damn stack gets bigger and bigger the more I actually get done.
Today’s been a long day. Started out promising when John and I went to check in on this Jessica lead. The woman’s a school teacher so we didn’t have long to chat with her.
Wouldn’t have mattered anyway, a mere mention of the Black Mambas tempered her with trepidation, insecurity. Maybe she’s having a hard time trying to get past that point in her life.
I can’t blame her, to be honest.
The things she’s seen, the thing she’s been forced to do. I mean, I’ve taken her to the station a couple times on various minor offenses.
And there was that whole prostitution thing that almost ruined what little chance she had. At least she’s made it out of that, and seems to have settled in rather nicely.
She credits that Alex O’Rion for the turnaround. He was her knight in shining armor or what have you.
Maybe it’s just me, but seems like my most important cases always involve him somehow. The Peddlers’ Pub arson, the death of his father, and now the demise of the Black Mambas… all have Alex O’Rion in common.
I still feel like there’s something I am not seeing.
Something that I’m subconsciously sweeping under the rug, there’s just something. Despite the man’s checkered past, Alex O’Rion is spoken of very highly around these parts.
Typical quality of a man leading a double life, sure, but I am not willing to bet that he was the one responsible. There are many other suspects and I do believe that the badge deserves my best effort. Besides, it all adds up a bit too easily.
You know, there’s this theory called Occam’s Razor. In laymen’s terms, it pretty much means that the simple option is the best option. Like, if you have a question, chances are that the most basic, simplistic answer is the right one.
In a way, it’s as if the solution is staring you in the face.
I don’t buy that for a second. If it were so easy, people like me wouldn’t have a job, and all criminals would be caught since the answer to the question of “Who dunnit?” would be so elementary to discover that a five-year-old could stumble across the answer.
Granted that may be a bit extreme but I’m somewhat cut and dry like that.
“I’m looking for Detective Hunter.”
Well, I guess duty calls.
Never seen this guy in my life, not sure how he knows my name. I do know one thing though… this guy needs to take better care of his hair.
Haven’t seen anything so ragged since Nana’s old mop. He also looks like he has not slept in days. Right away I notice that to be in a police station, calling officers by name and what have you, he seems far too calm.
He approaches my desk as John and I both rise to greet him. I offer my hand for a greeting.
“I’m Detective Hunter and this is my partner Detective Couture, how can we help you?”
Yikes, guy has a firm handshake. A bit colder than the norm too.
“I want to report a crime. But before I begin, what’s the statue of limitations in Canada?”
American… probably from the West. He gives off a hint of a skate punk.
“One year.”
“Good. The crime I am reporting took place last June.”
Talk about waiting until the last minute. John chuckles to himself.
“You waited a good while before coming forward, eh?”
“Better late than never. Anyway, Detective Hunter…”
“Who gave you my name, anyway?”
“Some woman named Jessica, she said you two had spoken recently.”
“You know Jessica?”
“Not that well, she dates a co-worker of mine who just so happens to had been my last roommate.”
“What’s your name?”
“Chris Austin.”
John, ever the casual wrestling fan, perks up to this. “Well looks like we’ve got a celebrity in our presence. They call you RCA right? What's the R stand for?”
“Calm down, detective. I like to keep a very low profile but if you must pry, the R stands for Ryan, my actual first name. I prefer Chris, however.”
“So, about this crime, Mr. Austin?”
“Yes.” I notice that the dry, deadpan expression twists into one of anger. I’m guessing he was the victim here.
“I want to report a rape.”
“Your name might as well be Christina or better yet Christobelle if you are saying what I think you’re saying.”
Tact is not one of John’s strong suits. Good detective, but a bit of an asshole.
“Don’t ever call me that again.”
Well, this went south. Let me try to diffuse the situation, I’ve got enough on my plate as it is.
“OK, is there anything you can tell us about the incident?”
“I know who did it, and where you can find her. I’ve come here hoping that you all do something about it before I look into taking matters into my own hands.”
“You realize that would be stupid, right?”
“Possibly, Detective Hunter, but she should not have done what she did.”
And as my stomach tightens in my attempt to not make light of the situation, I now understand why it took him almost a year to come to authorities about this. John however, is not as collected. He almost erupts into a full-blown laugh before I shove him in the arm.
“OK, tell us what you know.”
“Her name is Kylie Alexis Miller. Goes by Alex from time to time. She used to be a pre-med student at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. Last I checked she still resides in the area.”
Well, an international incident.
Due to confidentiality issues and my personal lack of desire to embarrass the guy any more than he already is, I can’t divulge the rest of this conversation.
I will say this, it’s a killer story. Funny too.
Also of note? Given his ties to Alex O’Rion and Jessica, I’d imagine that he’s now a person of interest as it relates to the Black Mambas ordeal.
We’ll see how cooperative he is when the time comes.
++++
OOC: Pay attention here, change of perspective.
IC:
Well look at that. A new classmate, student, target or what have you has landed in Full Metal Wrestling.
Well despite the sophomoric nature of humor surrounding his name, he seems interesting.
Note this; if you'd like to address me just do so personally, unless diary entries are your thing. I promise you, I'm not the type that "bites".
Subject: Re: FMW No Holds Barred Challenge Thread 
Thu May 12, 2011 3:45 pm
