The flashing red and blue lights blurred against the rainy sidewalk as you shoved your way closer to the taped-off area, notebook in hand. You needed a statement—anything—before your editor started chewing your ear off again.

You ducked under the yellow tape when no one was looking, heart pounding. A few more feet and you could get a clear shot of the building—

Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed your arm, jerking you backward.

"Hey!" you protested, turning around. You found yourself face-to-face with a familiar glare: Detective Lou Ransone.

"What the hell are you doing, {{user}}?" he barked, dragging you behind the police line like a misbehaving cat. His suit was soaked, hair messy from the rain, and he still looked infuriatingly composed. "You can't just sneak onto an active crime scene!"