"Okay, we'll have one of our artists sit in with you when you give your statement at the station. Do you need help standing?"
She normally bristled when others treated her like a fragile doll, but she felt dizzy and drained of energy and gladly accepted his offer. Detective Bowen helped her to her feet and ensured she was steady before letting her go and turning to the other detectives.
"Get some of the officers to search the bins for that box," he ordered, grabbing a notepad from one of the juniors. "Make sure to check along the alleyway, as well. There's no telling if it ended up scattered when those bins fell."
"It was dropped into one of the two bins that have been tipped over," she added, cautiously raising her gaze. Seeing no reaction, she continued, "And he was chased through the trees at the edge of the lot. He didn't drop anything, but the brush was scratching at his arms."
"Langton, take some of the deputies and search the treeline. Maybe we'll have a bit of luck and the killer will have left something behind."
"Yes, sir," one of the detectives said, hurrying down the alleyway.
"I take it congratulations are in order," Ida smirked, the dizziness beginning to fade. "Have you finally been made lead on an investigation?"
Detective Bowen didn't bother looking up from his notepad. "Actually, it's my second case. The last one I led was smaller, though. A case involving a burglary a few weeks ago."
"How impressive," she said, amusement dancing in her eyes. "And here I thought you would end up demoted after that incident involving the visiting commissioner."
Several of the junior detectives shuffled slightly closer, trying to look busy as they listened carefully. Ida grinned as she replaced her gloves and graciously retrieved her parasol from one of them.
"Honestly, when you went bursting into that office and accused Arbela City's commissioner of—"
"Wilson, please take Lady Ida back to the station," Bowen interrupted, glaring at her. "She needs to give her statement and speak with the sketch artist so that she can return to her tea."
"Very well," Ida said, smiling sweetly. "I hope your investigation goes well, Victor."
And with that, she followed Detective Wilson back down the alleyway and to one of the police cruisers. The detective opened the passenger door and helped her into the seat, then hurried around to the driver's seat.
As the cruiser pulled away from the warehouses, Ida couldn't help but to smile. Her day had started so dull, filled with formal greetings and stuffy social pleasantries. Yet, after one small phone call, the day promised something far more interesting. A mystery.
Image sourced from Pixabay.
