Heroine: California Dreamin' by Elia Mirca Read Free Book Online

clearly identified the victim. Since obviously none of Mr. Gutierrez’ belongings had been taken we are able to exclude a criminal act.”
    “Was Mr. Gutierrez involved in any illegal activities”? A female reporter screamed from the back of the huddle.
    “What do you mean by that?” the spokesperson asked back calmly.
    “It is quite obvious that they made movies in the storage hall that do not agree with the legal standards of this country”, she barked back. “Your witness has confirmed that to us. And didn’t you arrest the owner of the hall, or what?”
    “We have questioned the female witness and also the co-owner of the hall quite intensely. They indicated that movies were made in the hall. But those films were exclusively …,” he cleared his throat, “… of artistic nature as our experts determined after viewing the secured material. The co-owner whom we questioned as a witness was set free again. The prosecutor declined to press charges because, as I mentioned before, no clues for illegal activities could be found.”
    “What actually was Mr. Gutierrez’ business here? Did he take part in these works of art?  …” laughter interrupted the reporter’s question, “… Can we see that material?”
    “Thank you for the question. It anticipates what I wanted to tell you anyways.” There was a murmur going through the rows of reporters; they probably expected something of a sensation. The police spokesperson disappointed them.
    “Unfortunately we have taken notice of the fact that PL Gutierrez had disregarded some departmental regulations …”
    “So there were some illegal activities”, yelled the only woman among the reporters.
    “No. Mr. Gutierrez did not violate any laws of the State of California or any federal laws. He just disregarded some departmental regulations.” The spokesperson remained absolutely calm.
    “Whether it was intentionally or unknowingly – we can’t determine that any longer since we no longer are able – and you understand, don’t you – to ask him in person.” The subsequent laughter put a rare smile on the speaker’s face only to return to his professional expression rather quickly.
    “Mr. Gutierrez was co-owner of this company that was involved with movie making. We have searched his apartment and secured some documents that confirm that.”
    Again I heard a click in my head. Traces to me became visible. I continued to listen breathlessly.
    “Well now, as I said before: this is not illegal. Currently only the tax authorities investigate but it seems everything is correct. The PL only neglected to get permission for his additional income from his department. All found papers in the house of the lieutenant were flawless. The officers who searched his premises were only surprised about the lavish lifestyle which this officer afforded.”
    “Would his superiors have given permission for those activities?”
    “Surely not.”
    “Is there any connection with the arrest of the sex trafficker last week in San Francisco and the victim?” the female reporter from the last row insisted again.
    “After all, his accomplice had rented a room here in San Jose. Was PL Gutierrez part of the international women trafficking for forced prostitution?” The reporters became restless. The spokesperson looked disgusted.
    “Ms. Chickendale”, he started. Just before I saw on her name tag that her last name was Chapenda. But I was sure that the speaker addressed her as “Ms. Chickendale”. The other reporters giggled. She pressed her lips together.
    “Last week your station did indeed direct our attention to the fact that a suspicious person had signed in in said hotel in San Francisco. We questioned this person yesterday in connection with PL Gutierrez’ death but we didn’t find any link. Therefore we released that businessman, who was of Arab origin, yesterday from custody. He did nothing wrong that would justify his continued custody.
    “If you had examined the