Ethan furrowed his brow in concentration, mulling over a revelation. "Charles had a mysterious assistant before you?" he pondered aloud, his voice tinged with intrigue. "Is there any way to unearth the identity of that elusive predecessor?"
Caroline, her expression somber, shook her head in resignation. "Dr. Ingham obliterated every shred of information about the former assistant before I departed," she confessed. "He even expunged all surgical records from the past. Tracing any leads now seems an insurmountable task."
Ethan's mind raced with questions. Had Charles annihilated all evidence concerning the previous assistant for their protection, or was a more sinister motive at play? As he pondered this enigma, Nancy, seated beside him, interjected with a query of her own. "Do you reckon Charles's wife is privy to these clandestine affairs?"
Caroline paused, reflecting. "To my knowledge, she remained in the dark," she finally said. "When Dr. Ingham first embarked on this covert path, he cloaked it in secrecy from his wife. She initially suspected nothing. But, the veneer of normalcy in their marriage was a facade." Caroline's voice grew more somber. "How could she not harbor any doubts? Dr. Ingham was conducting surgeries nightly under the veil of secrecy. It was only after I consented to be Dr. Ingham's assistant that his wife stumbled upon the truth. One evening, a sudden knock interrupted a surgery. Peering through the peephole, I saw her, standing there, fraught with suspicion. Dr. Ingham bid me open the door. His wife entered, witnessed the operation, yet remained eerily silent until its completion."
Caroline continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "After Dr. Ingham and his wife departed, I remained behind, tending to the patient. What transpired between them thereafter, I cannot say. But an altercation, both verbal and physical, was unmistakable. When I returned the following day, the evidence was there for all to see – scratch marks, etched into Dr. Ingham's skin. That's when he confessed to me, his wife had been oblivious to his nocturnal surgeries."
Ethan's gaze drifted to the photographs adorning the TV cabinet. Images of Caroline and her mentor in the hospital. He rose, drawn to them. As he lifted the photos, Caroline elucidated, "These were captured during my initial days as an intern, when I was assigned to Dr. Ingham. They bear profound significance to me."
Nancy, reflecting on her own beginnings, shared a personal memory. "On my first day as an intern at the LA Insider, I took a similar photo with my senior mentor," she revealed, her smile tinged with reminiscence. "That photo... it's a testament to my early ambitions and persistence."
Ethan's eyes shifted from Nancy to Caroline, carrying an unreadable expression. He deftly extracted his phone, quickly switching to camera mode. With a practiced ease, he snapped a photo of the image of Caroline and Charles, preserving the moment digitally. Placing the photo back, he addressed Caroline with a courteous, yet detached tone. "We've asked what we needed for now. We won't impose on you any longer."
Nancy, sensing the conclusion of their visit, rose promptly. "Thank you for your cooperation," she expressed with genuine gratitude.
Caroline's response was a subdued smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're welcome."
Exiting Caroline's house, Nancy released a deep sigh, her voice laced with concern. "I was hoping for more insight from Caroline, but it seems she's as much in the dark as we are. It's unfortunate – her career is at a standstill now."
Ethan paused on the stairs, turning to face Nancy. "You shouldn't burden yourself with others' woes," he advised, his gaze piercing. "And don't be too quick to pity her."
Nancy, puzzled, met his gaze. "What do you mean?"
Ethan's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Caroline wasn't entirely forthcoming," he stated cryptically, then pulled his mask back up. "You needn't accompany me further."
Nancy's voice trailed after him. "Where are you headed?"
"Lunch," Ethan called back without glancing back. His stride was purposeful as he moved toward the complex's exit. "A detective can't work on an empty stomach."
Outside, Ethan hailed a taxi, his demeanor shifting as he settled into the back seat. To Nancy, he offered a parting assurance. "Don't worry. I'm committed to this investigation." He instructed the driver, "To LAPD headquarters," then turned his attention to the photo he had taken of Caroline and Charles. A faint smile played on his lips.
The LAPD headquarters was a familiar territory for Ethan. As a 'case consultant,' he had delved into numerous investigations, but his collaboration with the Serious Crime Unit was a novel endeavor. Arriving at the station, he checked his watch and bypassed the unit's office, instead opting to survey the cafeteria. He had never worked with Captain Bowen, but he recognized the captain from a photo on the station's honor board. It didn't take long for him to spot Captain Bowen dining alone.
After securing his meal, Ethan sat down across from Captain Bowen. Ethan removed his mask, drawing a sardonic glance from the captain. "Seems a bit beneath a celebrity like you to dine in a police station's cafeteria," Captain Bowen remarked with a hint of irony. "What brings you here, looking for a free meal?"
Ethan, unfazed by the captain's jab, returned his mask to his face. "I see you know who I am, so I'll skip the formalities," he responded evenly. "I'm here to discuss the Charles Ingham and Trevor Francis case."
Captain Bowen, unimpressed, continued eating. "We don't need celebrities meddling in our investigations," he replied curtly.
Ethan, anticipating this resistance, persisted. "Hear me out," he urged, retrieving his phone and sliding a photo across the table towards Captain Bowen.
The captain's demeanor shifted as he recognized Charles in the photo. Setting down his fork, he leaned in. "Is that woman Charles's assistant?"
Ethan nodded. "Exactly. Caroline Foster, not just his assistant but his protégé. I've already met with her and uncovered some intriguing details."
Captain Bowen, however, was not interested. "Stop right there," he interjected, signaling for Ethan to halt. "I don't want your involvement in this case. And remember, if you pry into this investigation without my consent, there will be consequences."
Ethan leaned forward, his voice low and steady. "Are you threatening me? Why so hesitant to let me in on the case? Afraid I'll solve it before you and tarnish your reputation?"
The captain, initially taken aback, scoffed at Ethan's insinuation. "I've been cracking cases and taking down criminals since you were in diapers, son. Don't get ahead of yourself."
With those words, Captain Bowen's appetite seemed to vanish. He pushed his tray aside, masked up, and stood, ready to leave the table, clearly ruffled by Ethan's proposition.
Ethan countered Captain Bowen's dismissal with a pointed gesture to his temple. "Solving cases isn't about age; it's about perception and insight," he stated firmly. "Consider the dynamic between Caroline and Charles. It goes beyond the usual mentor-mentee relationship. Observe this photo," Ethan urged, drawing attention to a crucial detail. "Caroline's wrist here is unmarked. Yet, when I met her today, she bore a pronounced scar on her left wrist. This suggests the scar was a recent addition, acquired after this photo was taken. Now, focus on Charles's wristwatch."
Captain Bowen, who had been about to leave, redirected his attention to the photo. The wristwatch Charles wore was undeniably lavish. "That's an expensive piece," he noted. "It features a fairy with a magic wand on its dial, doesn't it?"
Ethan elaborated on the significance of the timepiece. "It's a Van Cleef & Arpels, from their Fairy Poetry collection. The watch depicts a traditional fairy, ensconced in clouds, wand in hand, rotating with time, conjuring a fantastical, romantic aura."
Bowen seemed to connect the dots. "A fairy... a romantic motif... Could it relate to Caroline?"
Ethan leaned in, his voice laced with conviction. "I suspect Caroline chose this watch for its symbolism, possibly as a gift for her mentor. When this photo was taken, their relationship might have been purely professional. But Caroline's admiration for Charles was apparent, perhaps with underlying intentions." He pocketed his phone, continuing his analysis. "And this watch isn't cheap – a genuine piece is nearly a hundred thousand dollars. A recent intern like Caroline couldn't afford such a luxury. My guess? It's a high-quality replica. The symbolism remains, regardless of its authenticity. And even replicas come with a hefty price tag..."
Captain Bowen, despite his skepticism, couldn't help but be impressed. "You've gleaned all this from a single photo... quite the feat," he remarked dryly. "Thanks for the lead, but I still can't sanction your involvement with the Major Crimes Unit. It would disrupt the team dynamic."
Ethan held Captain Bowen's gaze, unwavering. "All I ask is your permission to participate in the investigation. Perhaps assign a team member to collaborate with me. We can share information and evidence. Rest assured, the credit for solving the case will remain yours. I have no intention of stealing the spotlight." His determination was palpable, his plea for collaboration clear.
Captain Bowen, having made a decision, nodded towards Ethan. "I won't coerce my team into anything they're uncomfortable with," he stated firmly. "We'll see if there's any volunteer to assist you." He gestured towards Ethan's meal. "Better eat before it gets cold." Rising, he made his way to the exit, pausing to add, "Find me in the Major Crimes Unit office once you're done."
The cafeteria was nearly empty as Ethan, unmasking, quickly finished his meal. He then made his way to the bustling hub of the Major Crimes Unit. Upon his entrance, Captain Bowen, spotting him, rose and summoned his team with a clap. "Detective Steele here is keen on the Charles and Trevor case," he announced. "He's seeking assistance. Anyone willing to step forward?"
The room fell silent, the team members avoiding eye contact. Captain Bowen continued, "It's alright. Volunteering won't be seen as disloyalty."
Amidst the reluctance, a single hand hesitantly rose. The captain's expression flickered with surprise, then he masked it with a forced smile. "This officer, joined us last year as clerical staff. She's mainly been handling documentation and hasn't been in the field." Approaching Jennifer, he queried in a low tone, "Are you sure about this?"
Jennifer's voice was soft, barely audible. "I'm willing," she affirmed, her gaze lowered.
Ethan, seizing the opportunity, approached Captain Bowen. "With someone willing to assist, I trust you'll honor our agreement. I'll relay my findings through her, and I expect the same cooperation from your team." He then addressed Jennifer directly, "May I know your name?"
Jennifer straightened, saluting. "Jennifer Price, clerical staff in the Major Crimes Unit."
A voice from the back chimed in playfully, "She's also known as Mississippi Jenny. Transferred across departments frequently, she's like a steadfast rock in a flowing river."
Jennifer, undaunted by the light-hearted jab, responded with pride. "An officer is like a brick, placed where needed most. My versatility simply proves I'm indispensable," she declared.
Ethan, a faint smile playing on his lips, addressed her. "I'll refer to you as Jennifer," he said, then inquired about her workspace. "Where's your desk?"
Jennifer pointed towards a secluded desk in the corner of the room. "Over there."
"I'll use it for now," Ethan announced, his stride purposeful as he headed towards the desk. "I need all case files on Charles and Trevor, including the autopsy report, and any leads or evidence the Major Crimes Unit has. Bring them to me within five minutes."
Captain Bowen, seizing control of the room once more, instructed his team to resume their duties. He then sidled up to Jennifer, his voice a hushed whisper. "Keep a close watch on him. I want a detailed report on everything he does - except for his personal activities. Remember, there's a line between our team and outsiders." After imparting this directive, he turned towards Ethan, raising his voice. "Detective Steele, be advised. You're permitted to review the documents, but should any confidential information leak and jeopardize the investigation, you'll be held entirely accountable."