I realised as she was talking, just how jealous I was of Mandy. I never had any brother’s and sister’s growing up, or a father—well, a true father in all sense of the word. Just one numpty after another, that my mother seemed to like jumping to. Apart from Jake of course.
I became aware from talking with her that she was just a very shy girl. All that seemed to disappear when she speaks of the ones she loved though. I was really warming to Mandy now.
After she had finished talking about her family—and told me she was there if ever she needed me—she got ready to move back to her desk.
“You know when all this is over it would be really nice if we went out for a drink one day after work. That’s if you want to?”
Her face lit up which made me feel bad that I’ve never bothered with this lovely girl before.
“That would be great. I would really like that.”
She gives me a real genuine smile, which I return wholeheartedly.
“So would I, Mandy.”
She then scurries back to her desk and I get to work, finishing off the rest of my salad.
Shortly after our talk, I glanced a look at the time on my computer and realised just how late it was. It’s after 3pm, where has the day gone?
Michael comes over a little while later handing me a case of Indecent Exposure.
“This one’s a sick bastard. He goes to the public parks where children play and exposes himself. I hope you can devote some time to this?”
I eagerly nod my head. “Of course, Michael. I’ll look into it straight away. Why hasn’t he been caught yet?” I ask.
“Well, he seems to go to different areas and when the police are called, he’s nowhere to be found.”
I thank him and get to work straight away, looking into crimes of a similar nature. The man is described as scruffy with long brown hair and in his forties.
I look back nine years and a possible name comes up, which I jot down. This man, Jacob Rawlings was caught after his nine year old niece complained to her parents that she was being touched by Uncle Jacob in ways he shouldn’t be. I felt sudden nausea reading it. I don’t know how people could want to do things like that to children.
I list him down, as he would be in his forties now and out of jail the last couple of years with no fixed abode. This would definitely explain the reason for this man's appearance. I wander over to Michael to let him know what I had found.
“Wow that was quick, Ana.”
I smile. “I seem to be on a roll today, Michael. I’ll look into it further, but for now you’ve got this to go on. It might be a good idea to have a word with the homeless people round where he used to live in Herndon. I believe there are some shelters round there, too.”
He gives me a look as if to say, “Don’t tell me what I already know,” and I blush.
“Sorry, I’m kinda teaching you to suck eggs aren’t I?”
He frowns at me.
“I’m trying to teach you what you already know.”
He nods his head, finally getting the meaning behind what I am saying. Sometimes I forget where I am.
“Don’t worry, Ana. I’ll be sure to look into it. You did a good job.”
I smile politely, thanking him. I think this seems to be my day today.
As I approach my seat, a flurry of activity seems to erupt round Jake’s office. Jake comes sprinting over to me looking pissed. Oh shit, what now?
“Ana, we’ve just had an anonymous tip off about the Blonde Killer. We’ve been given an address for a house in the Manassas area. I don’t want to leave you, Ana, but I have to go. I want to nail this son of a bitch.”
I smile at his anxious stare. “You go, I’ll be fine. I’ll get a taxi back or something.”
Jake’s not amused and he shows it. “Oh no you don’t. I’ve called Joe over to come and collect you. He’s the best man, seeing as he knows the house so well by now. He’s heading over to the station now to take you back home.”
“But I don’t finish for another hour,” I challenge.
“No arguments. He’ll take you home, check the house and wait outside until I come home. Or at least until someone else relives him, depending on how long I’m gone. Matthew should be home by now, so I would feel safer knowing you’re both together. Just don’t forget to switch the alarm on, okay?”
I nod my head vigorously, nervous about what’s going on around me. He kisses my forehead and turns around.
“Jake?” I ask.
“Yes?”
Tears are now threatening my eyes as the fear begins to take over. “Please be careful.”
He strides back and gives me a big bear hug. “Don’t worry about me, Ana. I’m always careful. Just make sure you’re safe. I will check on you regularly until we hopefully catch the bastard.”