Before Andrew Wu could make one of his usual gloomy remarks, however, Inspector Raynard, whom they had barely seen for some time, hurried out of the corridor, clearly heading straight toward them.
"Hey, Nick, where's your partner? There are a few things I need to go over with you about the new case you just picked up."
"Hancock's at the medical examiner's office, keeping an eye on the autopsy. I'm about to head over myself." Nick was a little puzzled. His superior had been neglecting his regular duties lately-or rather, focusing on political affairs. Why had he suddenly taken an interest in a case again?
"I want you to give this streetcar homicide your full attention. The higher-ups don't want this making the public afraid of public transportation. The recent traffic congestion is already bad enough.
"Also, Harrison Berman, the owner of the law firm the victim worked for, is rather upset about what happened this morning. He wants an explanation from us."
Renard delivered the whole spiel without pausing for breath, then added worriedly, "Can you be sure this wasn't a random killing?"
"It doesn't feel like one." Nick glanced at Andrew Wu, who had already quietly slipped away, and felt helpless. With Wu acting like that, Nick couldn't help him make a good impression on the boss even if he wanted to.
"Let's hope so. Come to me if you need anything. I'll be in my office these days." With that, Renard waved a hand and returned to his inspector's office.
Half an hour later, Nick found his restless partner Hancock and the busy medical examiner Harper in the autopsy room.
"Okay, boys and girls, tell me what you've got." As he spoke, Nick handed Harper a coffee and a small dessert, bringing a broad smile to the