PERTINENT

‘There are only two pertinent questions: who stands to gain the most, and who stands to lose the most?’

My old partner’s advice circling around my head. At the start of every case, as I approach every crime scene, as I question every suspect – who gains and who loses?

Up until now those questions had always served me well. Up until this morning. Up until the moment I walked up to the familiar front door and saw the blood spatters in the hallway.

What had she done? She claims self-defence. She claims domestic abuse. Do I believe her? Who gains? Who loses?

She inherits his wealth. She gains.

If I don’t believe her, I lose her, my daughter. I ask her: ‘Why didn’t you tell me about him? I could have protected you.’

She answers: ‘It wasn’t pertinent until now.’

I don’t believe her. But she’s my daughter. That’s the only thing that’s pertinent now.

‘Come on. I know where to get rid of the body.’

I’ve been asking questions in this city for too long.

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Written for #FOWC, hosted by Fandango on his blog This, That and the Other. Today’s prompt word was: Pertinent. Click on the link to read contributions from other writers.

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