Chapter 15 - Family

"I'm perfectly okay standing here Ignas." Jane replied sweetly. "And I don't mean to sound rude, but your uniform, it's got this choking detergent smell that makes me want to puke. Kindly ask if I want a hug next time before you give me one." She said batting her eyes in a bid to act sweet.

Ignas turned sharply. "Excuse me....., this is my uniform and it's dry cleaned with a detergent." Ignas started, but got a wink from Clara. She sighed and turned to Nima. "I'm Detective Derim, and those are detectives George and Bolton. We work with Bramhills state police" She said offering a handshake.

"I'm Nima." The girl replied in a small voice, as she shook hands with Ignas.

"You discovered the body?"

"Yes." Nima replied.

"Is that the body?" Ignas asked, pointing to a body in the clearing.

"Yes." Clara answered, wondering if the owner of the land will be notified. She turned to Nima. "Is the body on your farm?"

Nima shook her head. "Our farm is inside, but we normally take this route to get to it." She replied.

"I'll be asking the questions Clara henceforth." Ignas said, and Clara nodded.

The officers started heading towards the body. "Will they tell us what happened when they piece it all together?" Jane asked eagerly.

"We can't possibly do that. Moreso, we all use detergents on our uniform." Came Ignas reply.

"Oh come on Ignas, don't be a ninny. I'm pregnant for crying out loud, what do you expect."

"I'm a bit busy now, but I'll tell you exactly what. I expect when we're done with all this." She said.

"They will definitely put out a statement once they've pieced it all together Janey." Clara said, aware of her friend's emotional stability. If she doesn't reassure her, she might break down into tears the next minute and later, it will blamed on the not so innocent pregnancy hormones.

"Thank you Clar. I would love to go inside the car now." Janet squeaked.

Clara came close to her, opened the car door and helped her into the car. She planted a soft peck on her baby bump as well.

"Oh, Clar, Jane breathed, grabbing Clara's hand. "I love you so much."

Clara laughed at the sudden tears in Jane's eyes, but for some reason she could feel herself tearing up as well. "I love you, too, Janey." She squeezed her friend's hand, saying, "Stay in the car, alright. I will be back in a jiffy."

Janet nodded meekly.

Once Clara stepped out to the clearance, she noticed a tape has been wound round the scene preventing others from freely accessing to the body, which has now been turned over. 'It was a woman.'

Ignas was across the tape with the victim. Detective. George quickly took some pictures of the victim with her cellphone. Clara knew that was the sanest thing to do, because getting a group of forensics to the scene, was almost impossible, since the incident didn't take place in the capital.

Officer Bolton was outside the clearing, speaking to Nima, when they heard Ignas. "I can feel a pulse, where is the goddamn ambulance? Bolton!!" Ignas shouted.

Two more police cars pulled over and the officers rushed over to the clearing staying behind the tape. "What do you need ma'am?" One of the officers asked.

"Get me the fucking ambulance!" Ignas shot at him.

"Ignas, if there is a pulse, maybe I can help." Clara called out from across the line.

"Stay out of this Clara. Can someone get me the fucking ambulance!!" She yelled at the officers.

"The Ambulance is seventeen minutes away ma'am." Bolton replied.

"Bloody hell!"

By now, a small crowd started building across the road, smart phones were seen raised high to capture the unfolding scene. The other officers made sure the crowd stayed away from the scene, by blocking them off.

"Ignas, I can help!" Clara tried again.

"Your mother will kill me." Ignas murmured as she wedged a mental Battle.

"I think you should let her help." Detective George suggested.

"Like I have a choice." She sneered. "Let her through."