“God damnit!” Bette exclaimed and threw a file she was reading onto her desk

Leaning back in her chair, Bette locked her hands behind her head as she stared at the ceiling. It was 15 hours after the discovery of Gabby’s murder, and Bette hadn’t made any progress.

Frustrated, Bette stood from her desk and made her way over to Franklin’s desk.

“Have you found anything?” Bette asked the other detective

“Nothing.” Franklin sighed. “The only thing I have is more questions; questions that don’t seem to have answers.”

“Same here.” Bette sat with a thud in the chair in front of Franklin’s desk

Bette and Franklin had been partners for 3 years. Although Bette couldn’t stand the man half the time, he was a good cop, a loyal partner, and one of the best homicide detectives on the force. Coupled with Bette, the duo had never failed to solve a homicide.

“What about the video?” Franklin asked. “Did you pick up any clues?”

Bette shook her head. “No. I’ve watched it over 50 times, and I’m not finding anything.” She leaned forward. “This is the worst murder I have seen. I don’t understand how someone could mastermind such a horrific crime without leaving one clue.”

“I agree. We’re not dealing with a normal homicide here. It’s too elaborate; too planned out.”

“It’s a game to this person.” Bette looked at Franklin warily. “It makes me wonder if there will be more murders carried out in the same way.”

“You think it’s a serial murderer?” Franklin raised an eyebrow

“Actually, Franklin, think about it.” Bette said as a though struck her. “We’re not technically dealing with a murderer here.”

Franklin gawked at Bette. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“This person didn’t personally and physically murder Gabby. Sure, they set the trap, but they didn’t carry out the murder themselves. In fact, Gabby had a way to escape, but she chose not to.”

“What sane person would scald their fucking face off at will Porter? If you were in her place, wouldn’t you rather have died too?”

“Franklin, really. I think that-“

“No. No more thinking. Go home and get some sleep. I won’t have you working on this case while you’re delusional.” Franklin interrupted

“I’m not delusional, just thoughtful.” Bette rolled her eyes. “My theory is that this person doesn’t want to kill.”

“Are you listening to what you are saying?” Franklin scoffed

“Would you fucking shut up and listen to me!” Bette demanded. “He’s not trying to kill. He’s trying to teach a lesson.”

“What makes you think it’s a ‘he’ all of a sudden? Women are more fucking psychotic than men.”

Bette growled in frustration and stood up. “You would think that after 3 years and no unsolved murders that you would respect what I have to say.”

“What is it that you are trying to say Porter?”

Bette slammed her hands down on the desk and leaned forward to get in Franklin’s face. “We need to stop this person. This might have been the first so-called murder, but I have a feeling it won’t be the last. This person’s game has just begun.”