Griffin's car followed close behind the police cruiser, mimicking every turn with calculated precision.
Mrs. Dara's eyes remained locked on it until both vehicles pulled into the precinct's driveway.
As Griffin stepped out of his car, a sharp voice split the air.
"I didn't do it! I don't know what you are talking about! We met at the bar, and that was it! I am also a victim! Can't you see the bandages around my head?" Lamar was shouting furiously, straining against the officers holding him back.
Just then, a woman exited the station. She wore a long sleeved button up shirt with the sleeves rolled high, slim trousers, and a loosely hanging tie. Her top buttons were undone, giving her a deliberately careless but commanding air.
She did not even glance at Lamar at first, just muttered as she walked past him, "It would be best if you shut the fuck up."
She stopped in front of him and tilted her head. "Or do you not know your basic rights, you loud buffoon?"
Lamar bristled. "What did you just say to me?"
"I could hear your screeching from inside the station. The fuck was that? And like everyone else, you are innocent, right? Sure. We have already heard that. Now shut the fuck up."
"Who the fuck are you? Mind your business!" he spat.
"What are the charges?" she said in a way that sounded like a performance as she pointed at the officers restraining Lamar.
"Attempted assault. Sexual harassment. And he is a possible suspect in a missing person's case," one of the officers explained flatly from behind.
"Oh wow," the woman said, her tone dripping sarcasm as she stroked her chin, staring Lamar up and down. "You really do not look like the type to do all that." She rolled her eyes and smirked.
"I said, who the fuck are you?" Lamar roared.
Finally, grinning, she leaned closer. "I am Detective Shane and I would very much like to be assigned to your case." She extended her arm, offering of a handshake.
His cuffed hands made it impossible to respond. He just glared with venom.
"Tch. No handshake? What a shame. I thought you would be a good boy." She clicked her tongue.
Lamar screamed in her face, veins bulging. Shane only laughed, loud, mocking, deliberately cruel. "Take him inside before he goes feral," she said with a wave as she walked off.
Her eyes then fell on the small group lingering nearby. "And you are?"
"I am the mother of the victim," Mrs. Dara said firmly. "This is my daughter, and that is my son's friend from work."
Detective Shane's gaze lingered on Griffin. She studied him a full moment before whistling and grinning. "Woah. You could pass for a celebrity. With that face and body? Absolutely."
Griffin only gave her a confident smile.
Turning back to Mrs. Dara, Shane declared, "Do not worry, ma'am. Now that I am on the case, it is as good as solved. I will find your son," she paused and gestured for the name.
"Vincent. Vincent Dara," Mrs. Dara answered quickly.
"Right. Vincent. You can go inside and leave your statements at the front desk. I will be back after my coffee break." She sauntered off, casual as ever.
"Who was that?" Liz asked, confused.
"That," answered a petite young woman in a floral blouse and trousers, "was our top detective. She has a hundred percent solve rate. She is just a little crazy."
"Let us do what she said," Griffin added.
Inside, after completing their statements, Detective Shane returned, coffee in one hand, donut in the other.
"Detective, no more coffee!" the petite woman cried, rushing toward her.
"You do not know what you are talking about. Coffee is life!" Shane lifted the cup high, holding it out of reach.
"Finn, what the hell are you doing?" Shane laughed nervously as the young detective tried to snatch the drink.
"Getting caffeine away from the addict!" Finn shot back, lunging.
Shane dodged with ease. Finn stumbled, rolled forward, and skidded to a stop in front of a row of chairs.
Mortified, she jumped up, bowing repeatedly and stammering apologies to the three witnesses staring at her.
Ignoring the commotion, Mrs. Dara suddenly rushed to Shane, grabbing the hand that held the donut.
Dropping to her knees, she pleaded, "Please, help me find my son. Please."
Tears streamed freely down her cheeks.
"Uh, ma'am, please let go of my donut," Shane muttered awkwardly, tugging lightly at her hand.
But Mrs. Dara did not let up, her voice cracking as she repeated, "Please help me find him."
For once, Shane was silent, staring down at the grieving mother in hesitation.
Then Griffin stepped forward, gently placing a hand on Mrs. Dara's shoulder and guiding her back to her seat.
Shane quietly observed, then motioned for them to follow her to her desk. Finn fetched an extra chair and took her usual spot at Shane's side.
Liz stared at the strange but cute soldier like person standing next to Detective Shane.
Noticing Liz's puzzled look, Shane said, "Do not mind her. She is a junior detective. She has made herself my shadow."
They sat, and Shane flipped through their paperwork. "Hmm. Hmm. Hmm," she murmured, scanning quickly.
"So, Mr. Griffin. You are close to both the victim and the suspect, right?"
"No," Griffin replied firmly. "I am just work friends with Vinny."
"Oh? Then how do you know where the suspect lives?"
"Vinny pointed it out one day when we happened to be nearby."
"And you know the exact apartment number too? Did he mention that?"
"I saw him walk in."
"Oh, so you stayed back to watch? What if he had been going into someone else's place? Why were you so sure?"
Griffin's jaw tightened. "I do not know why I am being questioned this much. The suspect is literally here in custody." His irritation was clear.
"Relax. Just routine questions." Shane raised her hands. "Anyway, I have heard enough. Any more, I will ask the suspect. But do not worry, Mrs. Dara. I will find your son." She smirked at Griffin. "And good day to you, Mr. Griffin."
Griffin glared back, silent.
Just then, his phone buzzed. He checked the screen, his face flickering with shock before returning to calm.
He pocketed the device, then signaled Liz and Mrs. Dara to follow him out of the station.
Watching them leave, Shane leaned back, sipping her coffee. "This is going to be fun."
Finn said nothing, her gaze fixed on the trio's fading silhouettes.