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I lean back in my seat, my mind wandering to the crime scene ahead. "How do you manage to stand at a crime scene knowing that you're the one who committed the act?"
Derek's grip on the steering wheel tightens momentarily before he takes a deep breath. "It's not easy," he admits. "There's a level of detachment that comes with what we do. We may have done terrible things, but we also eliminated dangerous criminals who were a threat to innocent lives."
I nod slowly, trying to comprehend the weight of his choices he had to make. "So, you believe the end justifies the means?"
"In a way, yes," Derek says. "I believe that sometimes, to protect the innocent and ensure justice, you have to step into the shadows and confront evil head-on. Sometimes it's necessary. Sometimes there is no other option. Take Mark for example, even you knew that there was no other option for someone like him. He would never have been stopped and made to pay for his crimes any other way."
I fall silent, contemplating his words. It's a morally complex situation, one that challenges my understanding of right and wrong. But I can't deny that I completely understood the reasoning behind it, especially given my own past experiences of injustice.
As we arrive at the crime scene, the atmosphere is somber and tense. The flashing lights of police cars illuminate the area, and the familiar sight of the crime scene tape reminds me of the gravity of the situation. Because I know this time, it's different. This time, it's closer to me than any others before.
The body in the center of the police officers and forensic technicians swarming the area is Mark.
Chapter 37
Alex
IamgladthatI hadn’t known Mark for long. It is easier to hide my lack of emotional response under a layer of indifference, since I barely knew him. But looking down at his body I can now see how Derek is able to separate his reactions and responses to his own handiwork.
Looking at that lifeless body, all I can see is a man who committed unspeakable acts, but now, because of my actions, would never harm another innocent life again.
I can see James, Emily and Michael in the distance. Michael appears to be consoling an upset Emily, while James is staring into the distance with a devastated look on his face.
I can’t fully imagine the pain they are going through, but I can empathize with the burden of loss and grief.
Derek crouches down on the other side of the body, his back to the rest of our team. His eyes aren’t on the body though, they are on me, watching my reactions as I look at Mark’s body. I’m sure he has some plan to be able to extract me from the situation if necessary, but it won't be. “How are you doing?”
I hum softly, my eyes flicking around and then over to the rest of the team. “We should go talk to them. They may think it’s strange if we spend too much time here.”
He nods and stands, sliding his hands into the pockets of his dress pants, “Just wanted to make sure you’re all good first.”
Standing, I move around the body and then walk beside him as we make our way over toward James, Emily, and Michael.
As we approach, the gravity of the situation hangs heavily in the air. Derek remains composed, while I do my best to maintain a neutral expression, not wanting to betray any lingering emotions from witnessing Mark's lifeless body.
"Hey," I say softly as we reach them, my voice steady but sympathetic.
Emily looks up, her eyes red from crying, “Why would they do this?”
James, who has been staring into the distance, turns his attention to us, his face still showing the strain of his stress. "It's just so hard to believe. Mark was part of our team. How could this happen?"
"We're going to do everything we can to find out," Derek assures him. "We'll leave no stone unturned."
James blinks and looks at Derek. “Should we pass the case to another team?”
I reach out and put my hand on his arm, trying for some semblance of comfort. “He worked with many of the teams, not just us, it would be the same for whoever the case went to.”
James nods, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "You're right. I just... I can't wrap my head around it."
"I understand," I say softly. "We'll do our best to find justice and bring closure to the case."
Emily steps forward, her eyes filling with tears, as she wraps her arms around me in a tight hug. I hesitate for a moment, unsure if it is appropriate, but then I realize that this is about comforting a grieving friend.
"It's okay," I whisper, returning the embrace. "We'll get through this together."
As she steps back, she notices that our necklaces have gotten tangled during the hug. "Oh, I'm sorry," Emily says, her embarrassment evident as she gently untangles the necklaces.
I smile softly as I smooth a hand down the chain and pendant, assuring her, "It's all right. No need to apologize."
