"Life is for the living. Death is for the dead. Let life be like music. And death a note unsaid..." - Langston Hughes

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It didn't take long for the police to call back into the offices that night.  In fact, it was about an hour after their return that the detective and his associate received said call.

"Upon further consideration, most charges for murder have been dropped, but some small ones still remain.  Morris is no longer a killer..."

"That's good to here, Grimes.  Thank you."

"Just keeping my promise.  Have a good night, Faraway."

The man slowly now placed the phone back on the receiver.  He had heard all that he needed to hear for now.  Satisfied with the night's labors, Hayden took a seat at his desk and began to write his closing remarks in his case file.  It would have been flawless, had Flash not burst into the room.

"I just heard the great news!  You did it again, huh Hayden?"

The sudden arrival of his fellow worker did cause a bit of a surprise in Faraway, who had now messed up with his penmanship.

"You know there is a thing called knocking, Flash.  Perhaps, you should consider trying it."

He now shrugged a bit looking off at the corner of the room.

"I could, but who really has the time.  The old man sent me to get you.  He's taking everyone out for another night's success.  Think of it as a late night meal, honoring you of course."

"Tonight?  Well that's no surprise.  Granddad always did enjoy taking our offices out to eat.  Then again, it stops being a thrill when he does it almost every other night."

The boy simply gave a weak smirk.

"You just passing off good food for free?  For shame, man, for shame."

Faraway gave a little grin back.

"I never said that.  Go on ahead.  I need to finish up here and then I'll join the rest of you guys."

"Whatever you say...just don't take too long, again.  I'll make sure your gramps doesn't order your food in advance.  It was painful watching that steak get cold."

Flash now made his way out, letting Hayden return to his writing.  There was a long black line where his hand shook from the sudden shock.  The detective only took a second to glance at it before deciding to move on.  It took only a second to finish, but the line still stood out, more than any other mark on the page.  Placed in a folder, the document disappeared into the filing cabinet, where as to not be seen again.

Putting on a jacket, Hayden now pushed his door open, when a new figure stopped him.  She stood before him holding a small wrapped box.  Her red lipstick formed a pleasant, inviting smile.  Her eyes, blue like the sky, stared deeply into Hayden's soul.  Her skin made her look soft and beauteous, like a doll.

"Hello, Hayden.  Congratulations on the Morris case.  I got you something..."

The girl held out the gift.  A now nervous detective took it from her hands, awkwardly holding at his side.

"Thanks, Macy."

He stood in silence for a second, unsure of what to say.  Macy was quick to jump in.

"Aren't you going to open it?"

"Um...Of course."

Peeling back the paper in a cautious manner, the man now held a small book in his hands.  It simply had the title "The Inner Feelings of the Heart, a Book of Poems".

"I know you like to read, so I thought something warm and comforting would be nice."

She now leaned in to place a small kiss on his cheek.

"I hope you like it."

"It's great.  I'll make sure to give it a look.  Thank you."

He now slipped the book into his inner coat pocket and gave her a small hug.

"So, did Flash or Granddad tell you about eating out as well?"

"They did...but I wanted to wait here so I could give you your gift in private.  Did you want to walk there together...?"

Hayden blushed slightly.

"I would, but why don't you run on up and catch up with the others.  I think I'll lock up everything for tonight."

"Okay, I'll save you a chair next to me."

Macy now walked out of the offices, and down into the streets below.  The others weren't too far.  Looking down at her from the window, Hayden now looked it up and proceeded to do the same for the rest of the windows and doors.  Making sure every light, computer, and electronic was switched off, the man now locked the outer door leading to the main building hallway.  From there, it was just a staircase down into the city.

Central city was a tired city at night.  The only bits of life came from the restaurants and stores open.  Other than that, an occasional monorail, car, taxi, or even bus would come by on the road.  Even then, it still seemed isolated.  It was this type of silence that one could hear the little things.  Hayden enjoyed this silence.

The brisk, cool night felt nice, and the city had a simplistic shine to it.  A few key buildings where lit up, and, if one tried, they might be able to here the rivers around the town.  Yes, night in central city was it's own little world.  A good place to think, a good place to relax.  Hayden slowly walked down the deserted road, on course to the rendezvous point.

It was times like this, Hayden would think, mostly of life.  At first, he couldn't help but think about the old man who had put together this event he was to attend.  His grandfather, a ripe old 70 year old man, ran the investigation bureau in town and was known as one of the most honorable man in town.  He was a respected and liked individual for his work with the police department.  Grimes actually found the man to be one of his dearest colleague.  No one could say anything bad against the cheerful oldster.

It was only a few years ago that he finally brought his grandson into the family business.  Fresh from school, he was taught the art of the trade and eventually became one of the leading detectives in the organization.  Then again, it really only had about 7 people in it.  Flash, Macy, Granddad, and then the others...

Gordon would probably be at the celebration.  Lord knows he's talking about some obscure 'unproven' scientific study he just read.  Or there was Susan, the secretary.  she was always a warm and smiling face to see when you entered the offices.  But to top it all off, there was Brooke.

Ever since he had arrived, Brooke had always been a leading example to all.  Every single case, he would solve without mistake, a general perfect record holder.  He was orderly, collected, and a good person to be around.  Hayden looked up to this man.  After all, he did teach him almost everything he knew.

It was about ten minutes since he began his walk, and yet his destination was several blocks away.  Walking was a poor choice.  Still, it was at least good exercise.  The detective simply walked at a slight pace and remained focused at the task at hand.  He was late already, but he still needed to get there.

Looking at his watch, Hayden sighed at it's display.  He needed to hurry.  In order to save time, he turned down an alley and began to cut corners to the restaurant.  Shame how the pursuit of time always ends so...unreasonably.

The man turned down the path towards one goal, but another would soon take it's place.  Fate is a cruel master, and yet all one can do is wait.  Real shame, when one's time runs out...too bad fate has other plans...

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An observer looking in

Judging on a man sin

The investigator's sands run low

And soon it will be time to go...