the detectives

Jake Stone was not a happy camper as he drove to answer a call about a homicide. Although he loved police work, and being a detective was his dream job since he was in high school,. This was the one thing he hated about it: being called away during family time. In this case, trick or treating with his six-year-old son. This year, he went dressed as Shrek, and his son as the donkey.

When he got the call, he had to walk his son to his ex-wife’s house and deal with the grief she trust upon him about the importance of family and how his job is interfering with it. In fact, that’s why she divorced him two years ago. They have done well being friends while sharing custody of their son, Darren.

The look on his son’s face when he looked at him to wave before he drove away broke his heart.

once he arrived at the address, he got out of the car and looked around for his partner, Sally Beaumont. He spotted her right away, talking to an officer he didn’t recognize. He raised his hand as he made his way towards her. She, in turn, and started walking towards him.

Once they were side by side, Jake said. “ So what have we got here?”

“What we got is nasty,” Sally replied dryly. She took her notepad out and looked at it.”The victim’s name is Mike Whitmore. Married with two children, a son, and a daughter.”

She paused a moment, “His wife Camille was out taking their son trick or treating. When she opened the door, there was resistance. When she finally forced it open, she saw her husband lying on the ground in a pool of blood.”

“Dear God,” Jake stated sympathetically.

Sally sighed. “I know. Anyways. She went next door to her neighbor to call the police.”

She started slowly walking towards the house. Jake walked beside her.

“She has her son staying at the neighbor's, so he doesn’t see his dad the way he is.”

Once they arrived at the door, they lifted the tape and walked in.

Jake looked down to see someone lying on the floor, covered by a deep redsheet with many holes cut out.

Sally saw the quizzical look on his face. “Apparently, he was dressed as charlie brown wearing a ghost costume.”

Mike starred at her a moment, then snapped his fingers.” Oh right. Where he had trouble with scissors.”

“Exactly.” Sally lightly chuckled. “ I didn’t take you for a Peanuts fan.”

Jake smiled and shook his head.” I’m not. But you don’t have to be a fan of the cartoon to know that.”

Sally looked him up and down and lightly elbowed him in the gut. “You’re a fan.”

Jake made a funny face and then sighed. “Alright, guilty as charged.How about you?”

Sally shook her head. “Nah. In fact, I hate Halloween. Period.”

“Say what?” Jake retorted in an offended tone, then looked at the body.” Well, he’s one bloody ghost now.”

Sally elbowed him in the gut hard.” I can’t believe you just said that,” She harshly said.

Mike cleared his throat. His face was red. “Sorry,” He briskly shook his head.” Anyways, I take we have no witnesses.”

“Actually, I have the officers canvassing the neighborhood to see if anyone saw anything suspicious.”

“Alright. How about we at least talk to his wife and next door neighbor?”

“I’ve already interviewed the wife and neighbo_”

“Detectives.”

Sally and Jake looked towards the door. They saw an Officer Jake recognized as Mathew Cartman.” I just spoke to the neighbor across the street. She has something you might be interested in.”

Both detectives looked at him with interest.

Mathew continued.”She said she saw someone walking away from this house wearing what she called a Zorro costume.” He paused a moment. “She didn’t think anything of it at the time. But she said the person was holding what she thought was a prop sword. I figured you might want to talk to her.”

The detectives looked at each other, then looked at the officer and shook their heads. “Definitely” Sally said.

“Her names Thelma Zander.” Methew walked away.

“Thank you” Jake yelled, then faced Sally. “Well, not much of a lead, But It’s something.”

“You want to talk to her first and then go next door?” Sally said.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Jake walked away with Sally next to him.