Alpha Micah Black: Werewolf Detective (Complete)

Chapter Twenty-five

The same tall blonde hair man that rudely bumped into me a few days ago brazenly entered the laboratory unannounced. Both Professor Bryant and Hanna Grimm by the surprised expressions on their faces immediately recognized who this rude person is.

“Mitch?” Hanna asked startled but still holding the DNA result papers in her hand.

“What the hell are you doing here?!” Patrick yelled at his roommate. He's not thrilled at Mitch's unexpected visit. This gathering after all deals with his brother's murder investigation.

“Um, uh, what's going on in here?” he stammered with a look of confusion in his eyes. “Hanna?”

Yeah, this has gotten awkward fast. I stand up from my stool with my hands crossed over my chest. Out of the corners of my eyes, I notice Cass, Roger, and George mimic my movement. We all share the same look of annoyance.

“Coach Owens, is it?” the Dean stepped in trying to defuse the situation. He walked toward Mitch and began to lead him out of the laboratory. Thank you, Dr. Frederickson.

“Can I speak with you out in the hallway?” he asked Mitch.

“Yeah, sure. What's this about?” Mitch replied as the Dean led him out the door.

With Mitch Owens out of the laboratory, we all could let out a sigh of relief and took our seats again.

“Now that that interruption is resolved. Shall we get on with the results?” Professor Bryant spoke still obviously agitated.

Hanna cleared her throat and began, “Forgive my awkwardness, I'm used to dealing with wildlife, not humans. Results. Human DNA results. Sorry.” Taking a deep breath she read the papers. “Both the DNA from the ring and what Professor Bryant so graciously provided has come back in a true match. The other possible DNA, however, is hard to decipher. I can confidently say that whoever or whatever it is, is a male. Whether human or animal DNA is present is difficult to know for sure. That result has come back as contaminated. Sorry.” She handed the papers with the envelope over to Cass.

“Contaminated? I don't understand,” Demon spoke up. Yeah, she came back here with us. Her voice held the same confusion that the rest of us held.

“Well, if you would have paid more attention in my class instead of daydreaming perhaps we wouldn't be in this predicament?” Professor Bryant smirked at her with an eyebrow arched. “Perhaps the Chief should send you here for a refresher course, Miss Mason?”

“Okay, for those of us who know nothing of this science stuff, could one of you please explain how DNA could be contaminated?” Cass asked.

Hanna spoke up, “the machine is basically programmed to either detect human or animal DNA from a single sample, but sometimes the sample is either too old to where the DNA has broken down rendering unreadable. Other times, the DNA in question comes into contact with another substance that can also render it unreadable. Hence, contamination becomes the result.”

“Makes sense,” I sighed out loud. “Thank you, both of you, for helping us with this matter.” I nodded in appreciation for their time and effort.

“No problem Sergeant. So what happens now with the investigation?” the Professor asked with a sigh. The first time he genuinely let his guard down.

“We go back and reexamine the evidence again,” I answered him sincerely. “Don't worry, you weren't the only Person of Interest that we're looking at.”

“Well, that's a relief,” he said a bit sarcastically. Can't blame him though. “I hope you catch the bastard that did this to my brother.”

“We wouldn't want it any other way. We want this bastard off the streets just as much as you,” I replied. We, the small crowd from the Police Department, made our way out the door and to our vehicles. We headed back to the Police Station to regroup and reexamine everything we have.

After we left, Mitch made his way back into the laboratory. His expression was a combination of irritation, confusion, and worry. He seemed to exhibit these emotions on account that he couldn't get near Hanna while members of the Wolfdale City Police Department were present. He couldn't understand what he walked in on.

“Hanna, are you okay?” he asked her in desperation. He grabbed her and lifted her up into a tight hug. Hanna tried her best to wriggle her way out of his stronghold, but to no avail.

“Mitch, please release my TA. I know you're glad to see her, but c'mon man, let her go,” Patrick huffed. Mitch surprisingly complied. He gently placed her back on her feet and just stared lovingly in awe at her.

“Right, sorry,” he said. Patrick gave Mitch his usual expression—the smirk with a raised eyebrow. Mitch's lovesick puppy display is just too much to watch.

“Well, since my presence and work are no longer required, I'm out of here. I'll leave you two love birds to do whatever. Mitch, I'll catch you later,” Patrick stated as he made his way out of the laboratory.

“Mitch, what are you doing here,” Hanna asked catching her breath after being squeezed so tightly. “I thought you were still out looking for potential athletes for the school?”

“Yeah, well...” he began. “Turns out the parents and the high school coaches may have exaggerated about their students. The whole trip was a bust.”

“I'm so sorry that it was a wasted trip, Mitch,” Hanna apologized rubbing her arms. They were still sore from Mitch's impromptu bear hug. “It's terrible how people can be so dishonest with each other.”

“I know, right? The only good thing that came out of my trip was coming back home to see you,” Mitch simply told her while still looking lovingly in awe of her. He started to play with her hair. Yeah, that's not creepy. Hanna suddenly wishes that Patrick was still around. As if he could sense her trouble, Hanna's phone dinged with a text notification.

“Who's that?” Mitch asked in a serious tone. Hanna was taken aback at that.

“It's just Professor Bryant. It's work-related,” she found herself suddenly on the defense.

Patrick: Pete's body has been released to the family for burial. Would you be able to teach a couple of classes for me?

Hanna: Of course, I can. Are there specific materials that I need to go over?

Patrick: Yes, there are. I'll have the materials for the classes set out for you in my office.

Hanna: Dumb question, do you have the number to get a hold of one of the detectives that were here earlier? I need to inform them of something important. I got distracted if you know what I mean?

Patrick: Yes, I do, to both inquiries. I'll stick one of their cards inside a book for you.

Hanna: Thank you. I'll be right up as soon as I can.

Patrick: Thank you, Hanna.

“Anything wrong?” Mitch asked annoyed that Hanna ignored him while tending to the text messages.

“No. Not really. Nibby much?” Hanna challenged. “As I said, it's work-related. Professor Bryant needs me to pick up some materials for the classes he needs me to teach for him. If you really need to know.”

“He's actually gonna let you teach for him? Something important must have really come up. That request is even out of character for him.”

“Something important has come up, but it's not my place to say what it is. Perhaps you should ask him yourself?” she stated with a bit of attitude. She does not like to be questioned about her job. “Now, if you'll excuse me. I'm expected in his office to pick up the materials I need.” She took this opportunity to create space between Mitch and herself. He may need to rethink his strategy for winning Hanna's heart.