A/N: Hey, I'm not dead…yet. But my old computer is. For those of you who have not been keeping up with my bio page, I have recently gone through a computer change. My old computer was a 98, archaic in computer terms, and was falling apart at the seems. One of the problems it develops was not being able to use the floppy disk drive. That means everything I've written, which is much more then what is posted on & , had to be sent via email to my mother, then sent back, reloaded, saved, and checked for mistakes. This story is in fact mostly written already, but I wanted to wait until everything was back in place before posting.

Special Thanks to: The Literary Dragon, my wonderful beta reader and to Squeakyinuears, who was so kind as to help me by sending me her Criminal Justice note to make this fic as accurate as possible.

The Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

The Warning: This fic does contain violence. It is a police drama. There will be guns, fighting, blood, dead bodies, violence towards children, and adult situation. If shows like Law & Order or CSI (I don't own those either) disturb you, please click the back button now. Otherwise, enjoy!

Closing the Case

Chapter 1

Inuyasha leaned back in his chair; his feet propped up on his desk, as he idly flipped through a case file in a manila folder. The case had been declared closed last week when the man was convicted, but he still wanted to make sure nothing was missed; the little girl and her family deserved that much. After several minutes of careful examination, he closed the file and stacked it with the others on his desk destined for the archives.

"Nothing?" His partner asked. Inuyasha shook his head as he looked across at the other man. He had shoulder length black hair pulled back into a small ponytail at the nap of his neck and violet eyes. Miroku was tall and lean, but his light frame masked a strong fighter. 

"Nothing." Inuyasha repeated. His silvery/white hair tumbled into his golden eyes and he pushed it behind his ear. Inuyasha was not as tall as his partner, but made up for it with a more powerful build. He was easily one of the strongest and fastest detectives in the office.

The two detectives had been partners for almost four years now, and were the 'odd couple' of the homicide division. Miroku was calm and rarely gave way to anger, while Inuyasha was an infamous hothead. While the dark-haired man had a reputation for womanizing, his partner had had the same girlfriend for almost 2 years. The two were so different many were hard pressed to see how they worked so well together. But all the same they had the best record for solved cases on the force. 

"Got any plans for the night?" Miroku asked as he stood and pulled on his coat.

"Kagome's making me dinner while her little brother spends the night at a friend's house."

"Oh…" Miroku lifted his eyebrows suggestively.

"Is that all you think about?"

"No, I just never pass up an opportunity. So…"

"None of your fucking business!" But the blush that crept over Inuyasha's cheeks spoke volumes to his partner.

"Of course not, my friend, forgive me."

"Feh." They stepped out of the police station and into the cool autumn evening. The small trees that grew at even intervals out of the sidewalk were losing their green, giving way to gold and red. The police station's cold brick exterior towered overhead, but seemed stunted next to the skyscrapers of the concrete forest. People milled past, taking little notice of the two as they said their good-byes and headed to their different cars.

Inuyasha ducked into his red Accord and dropped his briefcase onto the seat next to him. His keys jingled merrily as he inserted them into the ignition and the car came to life. A rare smile played across his face as he pulled out into traffic. There were few things in life the detective could truly say made him happy, and he was on his way to eat with the one that held the number one spot.

Sango, the precinct's forensic pathologist, said Kagome had come into his life on the winds of fate. Miroku said it was dumb luck and a girl with a blind eye to every flaw known to man. Inuyasha thought it was something in between. Kagome, in his eyes at least, was flawless; flowing raven hair, cerulean eyes he could fall into, and one of the best natural bodies he had ever laid eyes on. He still did not know how he had ended up with her, but he learned long ago not to question a good thing or it might disappear.

The best part was her ability to forgive his, at times, unpredictable schedule. He could not begin to count the times he had had to cancel a date, or take a rain check because work called. She had even understood when a case had him awake for 72 hours straight and he had taken his frustration out on her.

It had been a sweet gesture really. Kagome had made him his favorite meal and brought it to the precinct with a toothbrush and a change of clothes. Unfortunately, she had come at a very inopportune moment. She had left in tears, after he had yelled and embarrassed her in front of everyone present. It had taken a week of groveling, a ton of flowers, and some help from Sango to get her forgiveness after that one.

Inuyasha pulled up in front of the nice apartment building and turned off his car. He looked up to see the curtains of Kagome's apartment were drawn. A smile worthy of his partner crossed his face. This dinner was looking more and more promising. Locking his car he strolled into the building and headed to the elevators. It amazed him how long the damn things seemed to take, and he found himself jabbing the up button every few seconds.

"Hot date, young man?" An elderly woman asked as she stepped up next to him. Inuyasha's mouth curled slightly and he gave a quick nod. "Oh, to be young again. I was a real swinger in my day; give a little wisp of a man like you a run for your money." Inuyasha chuckled.

"I'm sure you could, lady." The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. Inuyasha stepped in and held the door while the woman joined him. Impatient he might be, but his mother had always stressed the importance of respecting the elderly. Besides, in his line of work he saw far too many older people fall victim to not want to help them a little. "What floor, ma'am?"

"Third. You're such a nice young man. You're going to make that lucky young woman very happy."

"Don't misread me, I'm a jerk. But I do hope to make her happy."

"You will dear, you will." She soothed, patting his arm. "And I expect to hear just how happy you make her tonight." Inuyasha colored as the elevator dinged and the woman got off. She turned and winked at him before shuffling out of sight. The young detective shook his head as the doors closed and he started up again.

The doors opened again on the 20th floor and Inuyasha stepped off. He turned and walked down the cheery hallway to the end apartment. Straightening his coat, Inuyasha knocked.

The door swung open to reveal his goddess. Her hair had been curled so it fell perfectly about her shoulders. She was wearing his favorite red dress. It had an empire waist with a lose skirt that stopped just above her knees. The top of the dress was really only two wide strips of fabric that cupped her breasts and tied behind her neck. She stepped away to let him in.

"Hey, baby." He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to fit his body.

"Is that your gun or are you just happy to see me?" She asked coyly. Inuyasha fixed her with a withering look.

"How long have you been waiting to say that line?"

"A few hours." She bounced slightly as she giggled. Inuyasha rolled his eyes then rested his forehead against hers.

"You are something else sometimes."

"Are you hungry?"

"Always."

"Good, I made your favorite. Instant Ramen with diced meat and veggies."

"And for dessert…?" His voice trailed off suggestively. Kagome giggled. Inuyasha chuckled as he lowered his lips to her neck. Kagome gasped as he ran his tongue over her throat and nibbled at her pulse point.

"If you… start that, the food… will get cold." Kagome managed as his hand came up to cover her breast.

"Life's short, eat dessert first." He replied, pushing her against the nearest wall. His coat fell to the floor with a soft crumpling of fabric and was shortly followed by his gun and holster.

"Please, Inuyasha…" He whimpered against her neck, "We hardly ever talk anymore." With a sigh, he pulled back and looked down at her. She looked a little more disheveled than she had a minute ago and her cheeks were flushed, but her blue eyes were pleading. There was nothing he could deny her, even if it meant he did not get his way.

"That food isn't getting any warmer."

"Thank you!" She kissed his cheek.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm a big softy. Just don't let the word get out or my job will get harder."

"I would never tell that you're weak to a pair of blue eyes." She batted her lashes at him as they headed for the table. Kagome had covered her dinning room table with a simple picnic cloth. The table was decorated with twin candles, which were also the only light in the room, and matching place settings. Kagome would call it romantic ambiance; Inuyasha would call it too much trouble.

"I'm not weak to all blue eyes," Inuyasha defended as he pulled out her chair for her. "Just yours."

"Really? Example." He took his seat as she began to serve them.

"There was that sting last month where we had a run-in with a cross dresser. Those blue eyes had no effect on me. Now, Miroku…"

"Oh, please, don't tell me he…"

"All the way up. I didn't know human eyes could get that big, or that a guy could scream that high." Inuyasha was lost to laughter just thinking about that night.

"You're never going to let him live that down, are you?"

"Not a chance. Besides, it's great blackmail."

"Blackmail is illegal, Inuyasha, you should know that." Inuyasha shrugged.

"So I'm a corrupt cop, besides, I'm not blackmailing for money, just fun." He shoved some food into his mouth. "Kagome, this is wonderful." The conversation fell into a lull as Inuyasha began to eat. Kagome had learned long ago that it was very hard to keep any kind of conversation going while Inuyasha was eating. Just about the only thing that could pull him away from a plate of food was her stripping off all her clothes and heading for the bedroom.

A long curl came out of place and fell into Kagome's face. With a soft huff she blew it back. The curl stubbornly tumbled back into her face. She stuffed it behind her ear, but again it fell into her face. She was about to try again when a strong hand reached across the table and gave the lock a gentle tug. She looked up to see Inuyasha had already cleaned his plate and a soft smile was playing on his lips.

"There was a little girl, who had a little curl, right in the center of her forehead. And when she was good, she was very, very good; and when she was bad she was better."

"Inuyasha!" She slapped his hand lightly, "You have been around Miroku far too long!"

"Tell me, Kagome; are you a good girl or do I need to get out my handcuffs?"

"You are bad, Inuyasha." She scooped up their plates and disappeared into the kitchen.

"You know you like it." He called as he stood and moved to the door between the kitchen and dinning room.

"You're certainly sure of yourself-" She cut off with a yelp when he wrapped his arms around her from behind. Without a word he dipped his head and began to work on her throat again. One hand came up to cover her breast while the other began to work at the tie behind her neck. Kagome gave a soft whimper and tried to turn in his hold. When he held her fast, she brought her hands up to twist into his long silvery hair.

The knot gave way easily and the top of the dress fell away revealing her perfect bare breasts to his vision. Inuyasha groaned. Before Kagome could protest he swept her up into his arms and deposited her on the couch with a soft thump. The next moment he was straddling her hips and claiming her mouth.

With a quick hand, Kagome began to work his shirt open. Inuyasha pressed her more firmly into the couch as he began to play with the newly exposed flesh. He took a one of the soft orbs into his mouth while the other came under attack from one of his hands. The other hand was working its way up her thigh.

Suddenly, a loud ringing cut through the air and the cell phone at Inuyasha's hip vibrated for attention. Growling, he ripped the offending object from his belt. He did not have to look at the phone to know it was the chief, Kaede.

"Let it ring." Kagome begged.

"I can't." He replied, flipping the phone open. Kagome gave a frustrated sigh and flopped back against the couch as he sat up, still straddling her. "Someone better be dead!" Inuyasha snapped into the phone.

"In your line of work, Inuyasha, you should not answer your phone that way." Kaede admonished.

"I'm busy. Get to the point."

"Two bodies were just pulled from the East River. I want you and Miroku to check it out ASAP."

"I said I'm busy, give it to someone else."

"Everyone else is full; you two just closed a case. This one is yours. Now, get going before some rookie uniform ruins some evidence." The line went dead and Inuyasha cursed.

"You have to go, don't you." It was not a question.

"Yeah, I do." He swung off her and began to rebutton his shirt. Kagome sat up and retied the straps of her dress. "I'm sorry, Kagome, I know I said this was our night…" He picked up his holster and coat off the floor near the door.

"It's ok." Kagome replied as she came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You have a demanding job, I understand." Inuyasha did not have to look at her to know it was only lip service and in fact was not 'ok'. She had been looking forward to this time together as much as he had. He placed his hand over her own.

"I'll come back if I can, I promise." She nodded into his back before squeezing him. She sniffled slightly and wiped her eyes on his back. He could feel the dampness on his shirt and his shoulders drooped. "I'm sorry." He repeated as he turned to her a placed a soft kiss on her lips. "I'll be back."

&&&

Inuyasha ducked under the yellow police tape and all but shoved his badge down the throat of a uniform who tried to stop him. The area was lit up with florescent lamps that had been set up just outside the taped-off area. Most uniforms were combing the ground for evidence, while one was talking to a lady standing just inside the tape.
A uniform with neatly combed brown hair and large brown eyes fell into step beside him, skipping every other step to keep up. His name was Hojo. In Inuyasha's opinion he was not the brightest crayon in the box, but at least he was dedicated to his job. Inuyasha mostly ignored him as he made his way towards the white sheet near the river's edge.

"Two male victims, both between ten and thirteen. Both have dark hair and eyes. Cause of death seems to be stab wounds to the chest. The witness," Hojo motioned to the woman inside the tape, "Says she heard a car drive up, the splash of something being dumped in the water, then the car driving away. The bodies came floating past a few minutes later."

"Wait, the bodies floated by? They should have sunk."

"They were tied to empty plastic barrels. Those have already been taken back to the station to check for finger prints." Inuyasha frowned.

"Strange. What else?"

"The witness seems pretty sure about not seeing the car at all, but we have some men searching the area she claimed to have heard the vehicle. She also admits to having touched the bodies to get them out of the water. We've already collected her fingerprints to rule them out if any are found on the bodies. The ME should be here in the next 15 minutes."

Inuyasha nodded and waved the uniform off as he came to stand near Miroku. The other detective was speaking to a uniform, trying to decide if a piece of paper was evidence or just trash. The detective decided to err on the side of caution and the paper was placed in a plastic evidence bag. Miroku turned and offered his partner a pair of latex gloves. Inuyasha snapped them on rather violently.

"I assume Kaede called at a bad time."

"You think." Inuyasha snapped irritably as he squatted down near the sheet. "This is the first date we've had in almost two months, and the brat was even at a friend's house tonight. She was trying not to cry when I left, dammit!"

"I thought you liked Souta?" Miroku asked as he took his time with his gloves.

"I do, but it's hard to get in quality time with his sister while he's around. And the hero worship is a little annoying."

"Better a cop than a robber."

"Yeah, well, sometimes I wish he was not around all the same. It would make life so much easier. But, after what happened…" Inuyasha's voice trailed off. Miroku only nodded, crouching down next to his partner and took a hold of the sheet. "As soon as we're done here I'm heading back. I promised her I would."

"Sure thing, Yash." With a flip of his wrist the sheet came back to reveal the two bodies. Their skin was pale with cold and blood loss and their hair was wet and matted with mud. The wound sites were clean, the blood washed away by the river. A number of smaller, nonfatal wounds could be seen all over the bodies. Bruises also decorated the bodies in odd patterns.

Miroku began to read off what he saw to a uniform, who wrote it down. Inuyasha, however, felt like the bottom had just dropped out of his stomach. He felt ill. It was not the sight of the bodies that made him feel that way; he was a homicide detective and saw dead mutilated bodies more often then he'd like to remember. It was not even that the victims were children close to the age of his own niece. Even the frightened, pained expression frozen on their faces barely registered in his mind.

What got to him, the thing that made the numb, ill feeling consume his body was the eyes of one of the boys. They were eyes he knew very well. He had seen them smiling up at him from the framed photo on his desk and the smaller version in his wallet. Brown eyes so much like the blue ones he had just left back at the apartment. Inuyasha's shock gave way to anger and his fist hit the ground as he let out a string of violent curses.

Miroku looked up in surprise and most of the uniforms took a step back, heeding the warnings about the detective's violent temper. Inuyasha stood up and stomped away, Miroku could see he was trying to control what promised to be a terrible outburst. Curious, the dark-haired detective dropped his eyes back to the bodies in hopes of seeing what had caused such a reaction from his partner. He took in the bodies again, this time without the veil of distance the job required him to have. It only took him a minute to assess the problem.

"Shit." Miroku whispered. Dropping the sheet, and walking over the join his partner. Inuyasha did not flinch when Miroku placed a hand on his shoulder. "You ok?"

"No, I'm not fucking 'ok'! I can't believe I just came… and I said…" Miroku's hand tightened on his shoulder as he choked on his words.

"Go. I'll finish up here." Inuyasha could only nod as he walked away, the uniforms giving him a wide birth. They did not know what was going on, but none wanted to be a target for his anger. "And, Yash," He paused at Miroku's voice, "Drive safe, you wouldn't do anyone any favors by hitting a lamp post." Inuyasha nodded.

He ducked out of the police tape just as Sango ducked in. She knew enough not to ask questions when he looked so tense. Miroku met her half way to the bodies and she was surprised when he greeted her with a nod and not one of his usual advances. His normally calm expression was masked in worry and his eyes were locked on his retreating partner rather than her chest.

"What's going on?"

"One of the victims is Souta Higurashi." Miroku answer flatly, his eyes watching Inuyasha's car pull away.

"Higurashi? As in…?"

"Yeah," Miroku nodded, "Kagome's little brother."