AfterNet 01 - Good Cop Dead Cop

his acquaintance with detectives in those cases. He knows the inner workings of the serial murderer because he allows himself to be dragged through the mud with them.
“But that knowledge is also troubling to anyone who tries to understand Munroe. How can a man retain his sanity or his morality when he understands such terrible things? Because he does understand these murderers. When he talks about the Strangler, he goes far beyond the cold, bare facts of the FBI’s psychological profile. You can hear the comprehension in his voice when he reads the assessment, ‘The Strangler may be the product of a broken home, deprived of the love of his mother and terrified of the presence of his father.’
“I asked why he thinks the Strangler is committing these crimes. He looked at me and said, ‘I think he’s lonely. I think he wants someone to play with him.’”
    Oh, Alex, she thought, I never knew you had to go through something like this. She was absentmindedly-turning pages when she saw the photos. She saw the pictures of the Strangler’s victims, crime scene photos, reproductions of some of the notes, and then Munroe. Oh my God, I never realized how handsome he was. The photos were in black and white and the first showed him sprawled on a diner bench, wearing the same dingy sport coat so many of the male detectives wore even today. Another photo was of Munroe crouched at a crime scene, pointing at some detail and looking up at the camera and the last was of him at a press conference announcing the capture of the Strangler. Oddly, he looked the saddest in this picture. And in all the pictures, he had a cigarette in his mouth or in his hand.
    The last two pictures in the book were of the Strangler — Jackson Denning. The first photo was from a high school yearbook, showing a cherubic youth with unruly long hair and a smile that couldn’t be contained. The last was a booking photo showing a man of about 30, still very recognizably the same youth and the same smile.
    She closed the book and sat back in her chair. Her partner was now revealed to her as a different man. She’d always known he could be a grouch when he wanted, but in general, he was good company. And she would never describe him as a tortured soul, which considering the circumstances, you’d think he would be.
    Her phone vibrating against her back interrupted her reverie. She pulled it out and saw a number with a Colorado Springs area code. The woman at a nearby chair gave her a dirty look. Yamaguchi smiled in apology and took the phone over near the escalators.
    “Hello, Yamaguchi speaking.”
    “Uh, Officer Yama … yama …” the man said. It’s a simple name, she thought to herself.
    “Yes, that’s right. Can I help you?”
    “Hi, this is Tracy Newell, with the Explorers. I’m returning a call from … sorry, from a few days ago.”
    “Thanks for calling back. I was hoping I could talk to you about an event that took place in Denver on the 11th.”
    “Oh sure, let me see. Yes, we sponsored a rave that day.”
    “I’d like to know a little bit about it. Oh, heck.”
    “Excuse me? Is there something wrong?”
    “I’ve got to get back to class. And I’d really like to get my partner in on the conversation.”
    “Well, I’m afraid I called you right before I was supposed to leave for the holiday. I’m sorry I didn’t return your call sooner.”
    “No, no problem. Look, could we make an appointment to see you? Maybe Tuesday?”
    “You want to come here?”
    “If it wouldn’t be an inconvenience.”
    “No, Tuesday then. Let me look … How about 10 a.m.?”
    “Actually, that would be …” she said, calculating when her shift started and the time it would take to get back from the Springs. They might be starting their shift a little late. She’d have to remember to clear it with Clemens. “I’m pretty sure that would work. If I can’t make it …”
    “Just leave a message with my assistant or leave a voicemail.”
    “Fine, Tuesday then.”
    Naturally everyone was late getting to the mug shot lineup except for his disembodied witness.
jollycopper: I’m sure they will get here soon.
AlfredBThomas23: No problem detective. As I’m sure you know, I have nowhere to go. :(
jollycopper: Thanks for understanding, Mr. Thomas.
AlfredBThomas23: Always glad to help the police … uh, Detective … sorry, what was your name again?
jollycopper: Alex Munroe.
AlfredBThomas23: Yes. You know you really should replace that nickname