A rat in the cage.

Written for the Telltale crimson trail by Ray Taylor. Part of his challenge is to write a micro fiction continuation in exactly 250 words for the story he started. Join in on the fun! Details below. If you haven't read his series, my entry will make little sense. Catch up here!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

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How the hell did she get in my place?

I never gave her a key. The quick and obvious answer was - she's a detective! If there's a will, there's a way.

"I heard you were taking the day off and thought you might want some company." she said with apparent sarcasm.

"It was chief Marrin's idea. You know I'm a workaholic. Even when I'm not in the office, my thoughts stay in overdrive."

"I was just kidding about keeping you company. I won't stay long. You do need some time away, but first, I have some developments in the case."

Leave it to Stevie to put me on the spot. I may be quick on my feet but thought I would have the whole day to cover my tracks by continuing to create an impenetrable story. Dealing with criminals all your life, you tend to pick up on the way they think. I was on both sides of the law; there was no turning back.

"We had an alleged witness call the office today, but her story is convoluted. She must be 80 years old, so I don't know how reliable this lead will be. I was hoping you could swing by her place with me on Monday to see if her details click for us. Also, the lab found traces of cocaine in the victim's pants pockets... You okay, John?"

All I could do was stare right through her! I needed more time than I had to process it all...