DETECTIVE COPLER’S POV
Detective Copler kept staring at the flash drive cap as he twirled it in his gloved hand. Derek had said he saw his attackers hair color and he kept having flashes of the hair and a hoodie.
What was the connection with a hair, hoodie and a flash drive cap? Why was he missing in the course of the investigation?
Suddenly, he decided to try a foresinc test. The flash drive cap had been checked before, but he opted to check again.
“Hello, Zara.” He said into the phone when Zara, the head of the forensic department in the police answered.
“Detective Copler?” She answered.
“I want the flash drive cap from Mr Derek’s case checked again.” He said without mincing words.
“But, we have done that before.” Zara protested.
“I know. I want it done again. This time, more meticulously.” Detective Copler said.
“Fine. When are you coming?” Zara asked.
“Now. I’m coming now.” He replied and stood up.
“Okay, then.” Zara said and the line went off.
An hour later, he arrived at the Vancouver’s Police precinct. He immediately headed for the forensic department.
“Detective Copler, you are here already?” Zara asked and ushered him into the lab.
“Good day, Zara. Yes, I am here.” He replied and took out the flash drive cap.
Zara immediately wore her latex gloves and took it from him.
“The last time, we used the superglue fuming and powder method, but today, we would use the laser technology method. It’s a new method and we just acquired the machine.” Zara said as she walked to a box-like machine that has a flat surface on top where she placed the flash drive cap on.
“Hmmm…tell me about this new method and machine.” Detective Copler requested, his interest piqued.
“Okay. The machine used for laser technology, also known as automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS), is called a laser scanner. This scanner uses a laser to scan the fingerprint and capture a high-resolution image. The image is then processed by a computer program that uses algorithms to compare the fingerprint to a database of known prints. This type of technology is still being improved, and it’s expected that it will become more widely used in the future. We are lucky to be among the few that own this machine as it makes work easier.” Zara explained.
“Wow! I’m impressed.” Detective Copler said, clapping softly.
“I know, right? Technology is indeed a blessing.” Zara said.
“A hugged blessing.” Detective Copler said and nodded in agreement.
After a few minutes, Zara spoke up.
“The cap has been scanned, now the image needs to be processed and analyzed by a computer program. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of data and the intricacy of the analysis. Once the analysis is complete, a report with the results will be generated and then you will get it.” She said, turning to look at detective Copler.
“Okay, then. I will wait in my department. By the way, you look beautiful today, Zara.” Detective Copler said and stood up.
Zara’s cheeks turned a hue of color.
“Thank you, but are you trying to say I don’t look beautiful on other days?” Zara asked, as they both walked out of the lab.
“You know that’s not what I meant. You always look beautiful but today, your beauty is just scintillating.” Detective Copler said.
“Thank you. Who would have thought that beneath this hard man there is another who gives mind-blowing compliments.” Zara said, blushing.
“Oh well, what can I say?” Detective Copler said, spreading his arms dramatically.
“I’m heading out for lunch, detective. Will you love to join me?” Zara asked.
“I would have loved to, but I have to catch up with boys. Some other time.” Detective Copler replied.
“Okay, then. See you later.” Zara said and walked away.
Detective Copler watched her retreating figure and sighed. He was attracted to Zara and he has been stalling to tell her.
Maybe after this case, he would take her out for dinner and tell her about his feelings for her.
“You said that during the last case, remember?” His subconscious mind said and he quickly waved the voice out of his head.
He walked into the investigation department and engaged in conversations with some of his colleagues. They were still talking when Zara came in.
“Detective, I got you takeout.” She said as she walked into the room.
“Thank you. That was thoughtful of you.” Detective Copler said, and took the paper bag containing the food from her.
“You are welcome,” She said. After greeting and hailing other occupants of the room, she left.
Detective Copler tore open the paper bag and took out the chicken, chips, ketchup and bottle water inside.
“Copler, you should tell us what’s going on between you and that pretty lady.” Jones, one of his senior colleagues asked.
“It’s nothing, Man.” Detective Copler replied.
“But she got you lunch and brought it to you. Should we be expecting wedding bells?” Damian, another of his colleagues, chipped in.
“That was just a kind gesture. Stop assuming things.” Detective Copler said, getting uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking. They noticed how uncomfortable he was and left him to eat his food.
An hour later, Zara sent a junior colleague to call him.
“Your lady calls. Go on. We are fine by ourselves.” Jones said.
Detective Copler ignored him and walked away. He got to the lab and Zara handed him a file.
“Everything you need to know is in the file. And yes, we found another fingerprint, although I doubt if it can help with anything because it’s a latent fingerprint.” Zara explained.
“Shit!” Detective Copler cussed before he could stop himself.
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. You will solve the case. You always do.” Zara said and patted his back.
“Thank you, Zara. I will be on my way now.” Detective Copler said and walked out.
As he walked out of the precinct towards his car that was parked across the street, his mind raced with different thoughts.
He was engrossed in his thoughts and did not notice the bike that raced past him. He was close to his car when the bike drove back, and from his peripheral view he saw the rider take out a pistol and fired a shot at him.
His survival instinct immediately set in, as he dived and ducked behind his car. The bullet flew past him, grazed his shoulder and landed a few meters away from him.
As he crouched behind his car, he could hear the engine of the bike revving, and he knew the rider was circling around to face him again. He had to think fast – he could try to run, but he would be exposed to the shooter’s line of sight. He could stay put, but the shooter could easily approach him and finish the job. He had to act, and he had to act now.
Quickly, he grabbed the keys to his car and unlocked the door. As the bike got closer, he saw his colleagues running out of the precinct, fully armed. They must have been alerted by the gunshot sound.
His attacker noticed the new development and quickly drove away.
“Sonafabitch!” He cussed as he held his bleeding shoulder.