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This wasn’t the first time she has been on probation. They suspended her for two weeks without pay as a rookie when she discharged her service weapon and hit an innocent bystander. The person survived, which was the only reason she was allowed back on the force. The second time they put her on probation was two years ago, when she had a one-night stand with a guy who ended up being a suspect in the case she was working on at the time. Internal Affairs executed a thorough investigation into her private life to see if she was involved in any way. Naturally, she was cleared, but it forced her to avoid one-night stands with random men unless absolutely necessary. Besides, the sex wasn’t that good, anyway.
This time is different. This was not an accident or a mistake, but a deliberate use of physical brutality to force a confession out of a suspect. After saying he didn’t recall anything about the assault, Layla thought the son of a bitch just needed a little help in jogging his memory. There was no doubt his confession was true because the DNA from the semen found on the woman’s rape kit matched the suspect. Although, those results came in after she beat the hell out of him.
“Layla,” Dan said in an annoyed tone. “I have too many things to get through today, and none of them involve babysitting you. Besides, maybe you should take a few days off.”
“Why?” Layla noticed an abrupt change in Dan’s demeanor.
He was silent at first, then opened his mouth to speak. “I got a call early this morning about a body found behind the Emerald Club in one of the dumpsters.”
“Did you get an ID?”
Dan’s eyes were fixed on Layla’s as his voice softened. “Yeah, Samantha Smith.”
“Wait, what name did you say?”
What?! No, not Sammy. It can’t be her.
“Do you have a picture of the victim?” Layla asked.
Dan handed her the envelope with pictures from the crime scene. Dan noticed an instant change in Layla’s demeanor. “I got a call that it might be a family member of yours.”
“She is my cousin, was my cousin,” Layla said in a soft tone as she tried to keep it together.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Dan said, just above a whisper.
Layla shook her head in confusion. “No, it can’t be her. That’s not possible.”
“The company collecting the trash found her. One of the bartenders identified her. Records show that she worked there as a dancer.”
“I know she worked as a dancer.” Layla couldn’t hide her shock and anger. “How did she die?”
“From the preliminary investigation, it looks like she was beaten and waterboarded, but we’ll know for sure after the autopsy.” Dan paused as he studied Layla’s face. “You, okay?”
“Waterboarded? Why the fuck would someone waterboard a stripper?”
“I don’t know, some sick, twisted game.” Dan let out a heavy sigh before continuing. “Look, Layla, I want to tell you everything we know, but I can’t right now. You’re on probation and since you’re related to the victim, you can’t be involved. Let the local police do their investigation.”
Layla glared at Dan and felt a wave of anger rise in the pit of her stomach. “Like hell. I’m just going to sit back and watch from the sidelines. She’s family. I have a right to find whoever did this to her.”
“You have a right to answers, you don’t have a right to take revenge.” Dan could see the confusion in her expression. He knew Layla was a solid agent, but a loose cannon and too unpredictable. “Did you hear me?”
Memories flashed through Layla’s mind of her cousin. Samantha was about six months older than her, and they acted more like sisters than cousins when they were younger. Realizing her mind drifted off, Layla shut down her emotions and focused her attention on Dan. She didn’t have time to process the news right now. She was an FBI agent, trained to handle situations like this. Layla needed to focus. “Did you question everyone from the club?”
“They’re working on it. It’s owned by the Deluca’s. You know they’re bad people.”
“I’m not afraid of them,” she spat as she rolled her eyes.
“Well, you should be, and it’s that kind of arrogance that’s going to get you killed one day.”
“I’ll take my chances.” Layla turned around and headed straight for the door.
“Where are you going?” Dan jumped to his feet. “Stay away from the club.”
Without turning around, she replied. “I’m taking a few weeks off. I had a death in my family, and I need time.” She said sarcastically.
“I said take a few days off, not a few weeks. You need to stick around for IAB to do their investigation.” He yelled to her back.
Layla put her hand on the doorknob and without turning to face Dan. “So, let them do it. I’ll stay out of their way. I’m on probation, remember?” she said before walking out.
