Free The Boom Room by Rick Blechta

“And bring her a glass of water.”
    Ellis soon returned with both.
    Pratt asked her, “How did this happen?”
    â€œI…I’m not really sure. We were struggling. He knocked me down. I kicked at him. After that, I don’t remember anything.”
    Sirens could be heard in the distance.
    â€œHelp is on the way, Carolyn,” Ellis told her. “The wounds aren’t too deep. You should be okay.”
    She turned to look at him. “You’re sure? I’m so tired.” She squeezed her eyes shut. “I was so stupid to think I could trap him. He was like a wild animal.”
    â€œEverything will be okay now.”
    Tears started falling from the girl’s eyes. “Are you sure?”
    He nodded. “The nightmare is over.”

Chapter Twenty-One
    Pratt and Ellis led Carolyn Tucci, barefoot, around the perimeter of the room to the paramedics waiting at the door.
    Pratt told one of the uniforms in the hall to accompany the girl to the hospital. “And make sure you keep a close eye on her until you hear from me.”
    â€œWhat was that all about?” Ellis asked. “The danger is over.”
    â€œYou don’t get what’s going on yet, do you?”
    â€œWhat am I not getting here?”
    â€œA lot. Come on. We’re going back downtown. Let the boys do their work in peace.”
    The older man pulled him over to the side of the hall to let the forensics team through. As the lead passed, Pratt pulled him aside, telling him to get prints off the body right away.
    â€œAnd that glass on the side table. I want prints off that too. Some are Ellis’s, but the others are the girl’s. I need everything on my desk, like, right now. Can you do that for me?”
    â€œSure. Shouldn’t be a problem, Pratt.”
    Pratt borrowed Ellis’s phone and was on it most of the drive back to headquarters. The younger detective remained mystified by his mentor’s behavior.
    On the sidewalk, Ellis stood in front of his partner, blocking the way. “What the hell is going on? Master is dead. We got our man.”
    Pratt put his arm around Ellis. “Come upstairs with me. All shall be revealed.”
    Ellis refused to move. “Just tell me one thing first.”
    â€œSure. Fire away.”
    â€œIs Carolyn Tucci a goddamned suspect?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œHow the hell is that possible? And how did I completely miss it?”
    Pratt laughed. “Those are questions two and three. I promised to answer only one. Come upstairs.”
    McDonnell was waiting in his office. “What the hell is going on, Pratt?”
    Gordon was also there. “What is your clown prince doing with you, Pratt? He’s supposed to be on leave.”
    The jolly mood began to seep from Pratt’s face.
    â€œYou weren’t here, Flash, and I needed to make a quick decision. Ellis knew where Carolyn Tucci lived and was close by. I grabbed him.”
    McDonnell frowned. “Pratt, can you assure me we’re not going to have any problems because you included someone whose brother is involved in this case?”
    The detective sat down on one of the chairs facing his boss’s desk.
    â€œNo problem whatsoever. Mike Master was dead when we got there.”
    â€œDid you get her statement?”
    â€œNo. We sent her off to hospital. She had a few cuts on her hands and left shoulder.”
    â€œDefending herself from her attacker?”
    â€œMaybe.”
    â€œWhat the hell do you mean, Pratt?”
    Everyone else’s expressions held the same question.
    â€œAll will be revealed after the hospital’s got her patched up—when she’s brought in to give her statement.”
    McDonnell’s phone rang.
    â€œYes…I figured as much…No, I’m not exactly sure what’s going on…I understand that…Yes. I will call you as soon as I have a handle on where we stand…Right. ASAP .” He hung up.