Etched in Glass

by Nyxie Marrs

  “Do you have any other information on this case? I heard you and Vega went out to harass the manager of the bar a few days ago.” He takes a small step in, damnit. Dante is immediately after him.

  “Uh. Yeah. We went like last week. Didn’t get anything different than what the report had. They didn’t think a missing woman was a serious issue.” I say sternly.

  I can only hope they pick up on my animosity towards them and just leave. There’s no way I’m going to share this new information with them right now. I’d never see it again if they took it.

  “Where’s Vega?” Dante scowls as he looks to Rocky.

  “Called in. Woman issues I assume.” He replies coldly.

  Vega wasn’t kidding. Idiot crew and obviously doesn’t value her.

  “She was a big asset to have. Got through to the manager and bartender more than what my partner or I could get.” Hopefully that shows them how valuable she can be.

  Brad scoffs from behind him. Jesus, do these guys do any work? Hell, maybe they all hold hands and go to the bathroom together too. They’re always together and no work is being done. So far, Vega has been the only one to take this seriously. Even before her sister was taken.

  “Probably used her 'womanly ways to influence those men. Huh? No doubt she flashed some skin or something.”

  Well, that even pissed me off. She’s a damn good agent who puts everything into a case, and these assholes are in here assuming she can’t do her job unless she exposes skin. Plus this is the guy trying to go after Anya, I need them to understand how important Vega is to this case, and to back the hell off of everything else.

  I lean back in my chair to take a look at them. I assume Cole isn’t too far away either.

  “How long have you known Vega? She’s pretty focused, damn good agent to have along.” I smugly smile. I understand her attitude more now.

  “Why? Interested?” Dante gives me a look that tells me he is. Then why treat her like crap? I’ll have to let Miles know about this reaction. I hope he won’t be a problem. Any of them for that matter.

  “No, no. She’s just good at her job. Focused. I’m impressed if anything.”

  “Eh. It’s all a show with her. Thinks she can play with the big boys on a case. She lacks focus and gets too damn emotional when it comes to finding victims. No one needs that.” Rocky says as he crossed his arms.

  “I see. Well, I suppose you boys have this all figured out then? Any leads?” I look to all of them. I know they have nothing, other than our files.

  “We’ve got a few. Looking into some bars. I think the guy has moved on though.” Rocky mutters.

  I let out a breath. “Hopefully we won’t have to wait ‘til he strikes again. Maybe he’s just done.”

  They didn’t even pick up on that sarcasm. How the hell does Vega put up with them? No wonder she goes off on her own.

  “Good work so far though.” Brad chimes in as they head out. Interesting how Cole wasn’t with them.

  That’s it. I’m going to take these things and go see Miles. I can’t focus with them here, and we need to take a look at the video that manager gave us. Obviously those men doubt Vegas’s opinions. Poor thing. I’m surprised she’s not beaten them down yet. Their lack of effort is even driving me insane. I understand Vega’s reckless plan more now. If I had a sister in there, I’d do exactly what she is if this is how people were working.

  Miles' house is about forty minutes from the precinct. Not a bad place, too big for just him, but that’s a whole other issue. I sneak out, put the files in my car and I’m on my way.

  *​​*​​*

  I knock on the lightly stained, heavy wood door. Well, I hear Miles, but who else is there? Sounds like a woman. I chuckle to myself, 'sick' my ass, huh. Isn’t the first time he’s missed a day of work because of a woman he met.

  He opens the door and his smile fades, the color drains from his face too. He’s caught.

  “Glad to see you too, Miles.”

  “Shit.” I hear a woman’s voice mutter, along with some movement.

  “Hell, Miles. All you had to do was tell me you were, 'busy', instead of 'sick'.”

  He shakes his head. “Being sick is not entirely inaccurate.” He tips his head towards the living room and lets me walk in. Either he doesn’t care if I meet her, or he wants to get her out fast. I didn’t even know he was seeing anyone.

  I walk down the short entryway and into the living room to find Vega in comfortable looking clothing, sitting on Miles' couch like this is her place. I raise an eyebrow at her with a soft smile, then turn to Miles.

  “Sorry for intruding.” That was unexpected.

  He walks passed me and sits next to her. Which only increases my curiosity and suspicion. I place the files on the table and sit on the chair across from them. I can’t help my accusing look as I analyze their comfortable positions next to each other.

  “Redmond. It’s not what it looks like.” Her serious tone holds an edge of aggression.

  “It really isn’t, Red.” He adds in.

  “It’s not? Because-.”

  “I didn’t fuck Miles if that’s what you’re thinking.” She says with irritation.

  The shock on my face is probably prominent. “Okay then. Cleared up.” I reply as Miles' face turns slightly red, trying not to laugh as he places a hand over his face for a few seconds.

  “Your idiot crew bothered me today.” I look between them. Still confused about their comfortable situation here.

  She smiles and leans back on the couch, scooting just a little bit closer to Miles. Is she aware of that act? I can’t help but notice her cozy appearance. Wonder if she stayed here all night. I can’t imagine she’s that content with Miles yet. Not with her standoffish, abrasive attitude.

  “Must have been exhilarating.” She rolls her eyes. Runs her fingers through her hair as she makes herself comfortable on the couch.

  “Uh-huh. What do you think of Dante?” I watch Miles' reaction. He knows what I’m trying to figure out with that question, and doesn’t look happy at all.

  She shrugs her shoulders. “He’s a dumbass. Zero interest if that’s what you want to know.” Her eyes move to Miles for a second. A least she knew where I was going with that too.

  “Anything ever happen between you two?” Miles looks damn pissed for that question. Wonder if he’s curious too. His eyes are fixed on me though, like I’m dragging out this information to piss him off.

  Vega scoffs. “Hell no. You’d have a better shot than him. Why? What happened?”

  That smirk on her face is purely mischievous, and she looks to Miles. Did she know that pissed him off? I can clearly see his interest in her, and his jealousy, she must too. His expression didn’t change though, he’s still pissed, if not more now.

  “Had your crew in the office looking for information. I denied anything new, for now. All were there but Cole. Anyways, when I mentioned you, Dante became a little upset. Asked if I was interested in you. I’m not going to explain what the others had to say. I’m sure you already know what that contains.”

  “So? He got upset, who cares. He’s probably pissed because he made the coffee run for them today.” She watches Miles’ expression, then back to me. Is she trying to tiptoe around this subject for him? There’s a concern in her eyes about his anger the further this conversation goes on.

  “Oh, no, Vega. No. That man definitely has something for you. He looks about how Miles looks now. Thought you knew, or at least should know.”

  “Well, then he’s got a funny way of showing it.” She laughs and turns to Miles. “Don’t worry about him.” Nothing but confusion invades in my mind. Are they trying to figure out a relationship between them? She seems pretty attune to his reaction right now. I have to say, they’d be a good fit.

  Chapter 20

  Vega

  “So, since it’s not what it looks like, then what is this?” Redmond asks while he narrows his eyes at Miles. Great. He still thinks we messed around.<
br />
  Miles looks at me. There’s no hiding it. I nod and roll my eyes back to Redmond. I’m sure he can see my unenthused reaction to this answer.

  “Vega was drugged last night. From that asshole you picked up earlier.” He quickly says. I can hear the disappointment in himself, along with anger. He really shouldn’t be that hard on himself. I got myself into that situation. I shouldn’t have let my guard down, and should have had eyes on the guy the entire time.

  Redmond scoots to the edge of his chair and leans forward.

  “Vega, you okay?” He turns on his soft, caring voice that makes women melt. I’m no different either. Miles’ expression doesn’t change, I know the small reaction I have to that kind of voice upsets him.

  I involuntarily blush. “I’m fine. Thanks to Miles, here.” I place my hand on his leg and his scowl fades just a bit, but that tension turning his body stiff is refusing to leave.

  “Refused the hospital, I made her stay here so I can keep an eye on her. And for the next few days, making sure there are no horrible side effects.” I see that content smile. Like he got his way and that’s how it’s going to be.

  “You’re okay though, right?” Is he that worried? Maybe trying to piss Miles off at this point because I swear that tone became softer.

  “Redmond, I’m perfectly fine, now.”

  “Did you bring the video from Molly’s case?” Miles moves away from that subject quickly as he brushes my contact away. Redmond nods.

  Miles walks into another room, I assume to get his computer. Leaving Redmond and I alone again. Maybe this time he won’t threaten my job.

  “You two?” He says under his breath and shakes his head.

  His smile fades fast when he notices the anger in my eyes. “Don’t even go there.” I growl. All I get is a worried nod as Miles enters the room.

  He looks at us, I know the obvious tension in the room tipped him off. “What’s going on here?” He sits closer to me than he was earlier.

  Redmond scares him when it comes to me. I don’t hide the fact that his voice catches my interest too, but all he sees is my reaction to Redmond. What woman wouldn’t react? The man is a pro with the alluring voice with the body women would kill over, Miles’ too.

  “Nothin’.” Redmond says quickly. Great, that statement generally means ‘something you shouldn’t know'.

  Shaking off that horrible response from Redmond, Miles puts the disc in the drive and the video pops up. Redmond makes his way to the other side of Miles as the video starts.

  There’s twelve hours of crappy, fuzzy tape. The bar is full, people are in and out, and there’s a constant flow of customers. It’s difficult to see the drink orders coming out though. So it’s hard to keep track of other people and what they order.

  “Girls said they were there about nine that night.” Redmond says as Miles forwards the video to that time.

  “There.” Miles points to the screen.

  At a small table close to the door, the busty brunette, her less busty brunette friend, and Molly.

  “Do you realize this is the first time we are going to see part of the abduction?” I can’t help but feel hopeful that this video will give me what I need to catch this bastard. I should have looked at this before it was submitted, at least Redmond pushed the process of logging the evidence. I didn’t expect their processing to be so slow, but it was and left me with nothing but my files I’ve scoured over many times.

  I scoot closer, nudging Miles back so I can watch this video. He slides his hand down my back, stopping and resting his hand on me, but I don’t react. I keep my eyes on these girls as the order drinks and talk.

  They were there for about an hour before the other two leave Molly by herself as they meet two men at the bar. What great friends. I look around Molly, trying to study the people walking by, but there’s nothing that stands out. No one weird, or any creepy leering that I can tell. This can’t be a bust, it just can’t.

  After a few minutes by herself she catches the attention of her friends who are now sitting with the men at the bar. Motioning to them that she was leaving. She gets up attempting to throw her jacket on, bumping into a man who was walking by. He puts a hand out, resting on the middle of her back to help her steady herself.

  It’s obvious the normal 'oh, I’m sorry' kind of conversation is going on. He helps her with her jacket and she walks out the door, with him shortly behind.

  “That has to be him.” I whisper more to myself than them.

  “I don’t know. There’s nothing telling. I mean, yeah. He walked out after her, but that doesn’t mean anything.” Miles says as his hand slips over my side pulling me into him.

  “It’s all we have.” I mutter quietly.

  “There’s not enough information, Vega. Tall man, maybe six foot. Had a ball cap on, and a thick jacket. All on fuzzy footage. We got nothing.” Redmond replies.

  “Sure know how to throw out that sliver of hope, Redmond.” I get up to grab a glass of water. Watching them as they exchange a few words. Miles closes the files for the disc and then his computer.

  “Well, it’s true. We don’t have much to go on. This video didn’t really help. I mean. I’m glad we have it, but it didn’t help. The abduction must have happened outside, and we don’t have that footage. Just shows exactly what they described.” Redmond tries to explain his thoughts, but I don’t accept it.

  “No it didn’t. Those women didn’t mention them leaving the table to meet those men. They didn’t say anything about her grabbing their attention and basically signing that she was leaving, or the man she ran into. There’s plenty there, Redmond. We just need to analyze it better.” I say defensively.

  “She does have a point. There are those details that were initially left out. Maybe we can pull some information. I mean, we do have a few things about him now that could possibly help.” Miles is trying to remain on my side.

  “You know your crew think there’s nothing more to this case. Basically wanting to close it and leave it unanswered.” Redmond tries to avoid my expression, which I’m sure holds a fierceness like he’s never seen.

  “What is their problem? They have no answers to the woman’s body that showed up and they think it’s nothing?” I place the glass hard on the counter. They both stare, I’m sure wondering where I’m going with this. Or afraid of what I may do.

  “We’ll figure it out, Vega. Calm down.” Miles tries to use his soft tone to relax me. He may not be able to see it, but his voice definitely gets into my mind more than Redmond’s. But it isn’t going to work, not right now.

  “No, it won’t be soon enough. They close this case I’m no longer active in it. This is the only chance I have to go over the evidence, the witnesses, and possible cases.” Hell, the longer I think about it, the more it pisses me off.

  “We’ll find a way to keep them involved. Promise. I think we need to go through the other missing files and figure out details of the victims he targeted. What ever happened to the file on your sister?” Redmond has the nerve to ask. Damn him for now being interested in it.

  I shake my head and look to Miles trying to push away that quiver in my lips. He never asked either. Now the both of them are waiting for my reply. I don’t want to answer that question about my sister’s case and the lack of evidence collected. It just infuriates me that all of this is getting overlooked because people believe these women go off by themselves. If only we had outside surveillance, that’s common in all of these too. All cameras surveying the outside of each bar were cut. I wonder how far in advance this killer cuts that line.

  “Vega.” Miles’ harsh voice breaks through my concentration.

  “I may have it back at my place. The cops didn’t question me when I asked for it. They probably don’t care that I still have it. Not like they were actively looking into it.” I shrug, trying to play it off like it’s nothing.

  “Seriously, Vega? You didn’t think to mention it or bring it over here?” He asks harshly. Redmond’s loo
king between us like there’s going to be a fight.

  “What’s it matter? I know exactly what happened, I was there. And believe me, I would have noticed a man closing in on my sister while I was with her. He waited until she was alone, and there’s no video of that because they were having their system worked on that night. Lucky me, huh?” There will be a fight if this isn’t dropped quickly. I’m not about to have everything questioned when I know the facts.

  They both look at me, damn right they better be afraid to ask any more questions. We won’t get anywhere if they doubt my recollection of my sister’s abduction.

  Chapter 21

  Miles

  Red just had to show up while Vega was getting comfortable speaking to me in a less reserved and more relaxed way. After her whole speech of us getting closer was a problem, she didn’t stop me from bringing her against me.

  Watching that video of Molly being taken just showed me how easy it could have been her instead of her sister. I doubt her sister would be taking the risks Vega is taking though.

  She’s looking pissed off after that video, more-so after Red’s comment. It didn’t show us much and we couldn’t get a clear picture. The lack of evidence is just taunting us at this point.

  “I’ll go. Leave the video with you.” Red says as he glances towards Vega in the kitchen, who’s giving him a look of death. I don’t blame her, we have evidence no one else has seen and it gave us nothing.

  “Yeah. Thanks. Oh.” I grab the suspect's wallet off of the table as we get up. “You may need this.” I say as we walk towards the door.

  “You know it. I won’t get her involved on this one. But, she is okay, right?” He asks as soon as we’re outside.

  “She’s okay now. I was scared as hell last night though. Even most of today really. Severe headache, dizziness. Hell. I stayed up all night watching for any changes.” I really needed to get all of that off my chest. She worried me and doesn’t even understand how much worse it could have been.