A/N My first Cold Case fic! Hooray! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I have not been able to take control of the Cold Case characters. Through no fault of my own. None. At all.
The doors swung open as a woman walked into the department. Her long dark hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her eyes darted nervously around the room. Vera walked into her as he returned from the bathroom. He apologized quickly, before frowning slightly.
"Can I help you, ma'am?"
The woman looked up at him uncertainly.
"Are you a detective?" she asked. Vera nodded, leading her to his desk. She sat down.
"What can I help you with?" She paused, taking a deep breath.
"The police think I killed my daughter." Vera sat down opposite her, leaning forward slightly.
"And I'm guessin' you didn't?"
"No, but I think I know who did."
Detective Lilly Rush walked into the Homicide department. Glancing around, she removed her coat, hanging up her coat and scarf. She ran a hand over her messy blonde hair. Where is everyone? I'm not late, she thought.
A cup of coffee was shoved under her nose.
"Mornin', Lil," said a cheerful voice. Lilly raised her eyebrows in amusement, and took the coffee from her partner.
"Hey, Scotty." The dark haired detective grinned.
"Black, two sugars, right?"
Lilly smirked.
"No, milk, with one sugar." Scotty's face fell, and he reached for the cup.
"Really? Oh, Lil, I'm sorry. I'll go make you another one."
"Relax, Scotty, you got it right. I was just joking." He shook his head.
"Boss wants to see us."
Lilly frowned, and took a sip of coffee.
"Already?"
"Apparently. Come on, Lil." She rolled her eyes.
"OK, OK."
Together, they walked the short distance into Stillman's office. Their boss looked up as they knocked on the door.
"Morning, Lil. Scotty." The two detectives smiled.
"Mornin', boss."
"Hey."
Lilly sat down in the chair next to Scotty, and they exchanged interested glances. Stillman slid a file down the table. Scotty stopped it, and flipped it open. Lilly folded her arms.
"January 19th, 2003. 10 year old Katy Redgrave was found dead in her home," Stillman said.
Lilly frowned slightly.
"Suspects?"
"Her mother. Mom's prints were found all over the murder weapon." Scotty glanced up.
"She got an alibi?" Stillman paused, casting an anxious glance in Lilly's direction.
"She claims she was passed out upstairs," he replied cautiously.
Lilly's frown deepened.
"Junkie?" she questioned. Stillman shook his head.
"No. Alcoholic."
Scotty watched Lilly throw up her emotional guard, a mask of indifference sliding into place. She cleared her throat, ignoring her partner's concerned look.
"Father?"
"None listed. No sign of a man living at the house." Lilly felt her heart sink. There goes my good mood.
"Oh." Scotty cleared his throat.
"We can run some more checks, see if we can find him," he suggested quietly. She nodded.
"Where's the case at now?" Stillman noticed the slight change in his detective's manner, but chose to let it drop.
"Case went cold two months. Investigating officer decided that there wasn't enough evidence to convict the mother, so he let her go."
Lilly was silent for a moment. She looked up to find the two men watching her.
"What are we waiting for? Come on, Scotty."
"The mother's in with Vera." Lilly shrugged.
"We'll get some coffee," she said quietly, walking off to the break room.
"You alright, Lil?" Scotty asked, placing a hand on his partner's shoulder. She jumped at the sudden contact, before turning to face him with narrowed eyes.
"Yes, Scotty, I'm fine."
"Really? 'Cause you seem a bit tense. I was wondering…" He trailed off. Lilly stared at him.
"Wondering what, Valens?"
"If the case was, you know, getting to you?" Scotty mumbled, suddenly realising this was dangerous ground with Lilly.
"Hmm, ten year old beaten to death. Alcoholic mother, no father on the scene? No, Scotty, why would it be getting to me?" Lilly said quietly, her soft voice laced with anger.
"I'm sorry, Lil…" She looked up at him.
"Yeah, me too," she said quietly, pushing past him. Way to go, Valens. Now she's pissed at you. And it's not even 9 o'clock.