QR Code Murders: Spell Trouble

Kim sat at the edge of the bed. Her “him” was Felix Octon. He had brown skin and gray-brown eyes. His muscular frame came from his ownership of a kickboxing gym where he met Kim. It was dim in the studio apartment. The place looked like an auto dealership usually, with lights highlighting works of art.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“It’s nothing I just—”

“You want to shower?”

“No. I mean yes, but alone.”

He didn’t take the words as a sting. He understood.

“I see. I’ll go last of course.”

“Thanks.”

Kim slipped on her robe. She was petite. Her bones looked like girders sticking out from the frame of a small building designed to express joy infinitely. The strength and tautness in her muscles showed her passion for kickboxing matched Octon’s.

She let the jets of water wash over her body. The soapiness cascading over her arms gave her a feeling of empowerment.

Her breasts she washed and could remember where he had kissed her. She rubbed her neck with her washcloth and rung it out and reached for the towel. In these actions, she felt invigorated.

This was the moment of time where she prepared for her day. She stood naked: naked to herself, to the cases, to Octon’s memories, to the world.

By the time she got dressed, Octon had just begun his shower. She journeyed over to where her pistol and badge lat in her nightstand.

She had donned a navy blue pants suit that accentuated her slender figure. A gray blouse completed the ensemble.

Octon exited the bathroom.

“Hey, you can come over tonight. I’m sorry about—”

“I know. It’s cool.”

She grinned, walked over to Octon, and kissed his neck.

“After we both clock out, another session? This time not so brief, though. I promise,” Kim said.

“Absolutely,” Octon kissed her face. They left at the same time.

Yawquisha was prepared as Kim’s chariot pulled up to the apartment.

“Good morning,” Kim said with a glint in her eye.

“Good morning to you,” did you have him over last night?

“I’m not at liberty to affirm nor deny the whereabout of a Mr. Felix Octon.” Kim’s sarcasm bled into her words. She grinned that foxy lady grin once more.

“Oh, okay, I see what you’re working with now,” Yawquisha stated.

Then the hammer of business sliced through their personal conversation.

“Tall K gets released tomorrow. I’m going to make a special trip to see him before he’s released. I want you there as well, they’ll allow you into the place where they conduct interviews.”

“I’ll be camera ready on my own terms,” Yawwuisha said.

“I know you will.”

“What have we got today?”

“They’re holding the funeral for Defton Timms or RG Woodsman. I’m going to scope and see if I can’t find Patton amongst the congregants.”

lI wouldn’t mind snapping a few shots and taking video of that figure,” Yawquisha replied.

There seemed to be a closer kinship between the two women. They had logged hours together, but now seemed like there was an ease to discuss negotiations and pleasure one breath to the next. As the wheels glided over the pavement, there existed an undergrowth of understanding between both of them. It was like an invisible force had charged the interior of the car and prepared the two of them for the day.

Kim walked into the department.

“Good morning, sir,” Kim spoke. Yawquisha recorded.

Captain Hairston came from around his desk.

“I don’t want you going back to the prison,” he said.

“What? Why not?”

“There’s been increased scrutiny for Mr. Kalver. Any contact may provide a dangerous place for you and her.”

“I was just there—”

“I know and that is what may go down as a blunder on my part.”

“I want to—”

“Get as much intel as possible. I know. You can still work the QR cases but I want you to proceed with caution, detective. If Kalver’s tied up with this Patton guy that could spell trouble. Trouble you don’t want to be in at all.”

“Copy.”