Bad News

Chapter One

It didn't matter how many pillows he put over his head, Lincoln could still hear the banging. He groaned as he pulled the soft furnishings from his head. Lying still for a moment more, he hoped they would give up. The knocking only intensified. He pulled on his dirty jeans and headed to the front door. The hall clock showed it was just after 3am. Maybe his mum had forgotten her keys. She worked nights as a Nurse and it wouldn't be the first time she had woke him up. He had lived in this neighbourhood long enough to know not to open the door. He stood back and called out:

"Who is it?"

"Police" came the reply.

He still didn't open the door.

"A little late to be making house calls, isn't it? How do I know you are police?"

"Lincoln, it's me; Detective Luca."

Lincoln recognised the voice. He peered through the cracked spy-hole and saw it was him.

He unlocked the latches and pulled the door open. Standing in the frame, he gave Luca a defiant stare.

"What is it?" He said aggressively, "I haven't done anything."

"I know. I just need to talk to you. Can we come in?" There was a policewoman behind him.

Reluctantly Lincoln led them into the small, immaculate living room. He pulled a hooded jumper off the back of a chair and zipped it up over his naked chest.

"Can we sit?" asked Luca.

"You usually do."

The two officers sat down and Lincoln perched on the arm of the chair opposite.

Lincoln yawned. "What do you want? Has someone's car gone missing? I have been here all night."

Luca shook his head and looked uncomfortable.

"You aren't in any trouble."

"Then what?!"

Luca looked at the array of photos lining the shelf behind Lincoln. Pictures of a younger Lincoln folded in his mother's arms. Luca looked away from their wide grins and spoke.

"It is about your mother..."

"My mum?"

Detective Luca cleared his throat. "I am afraid there was an incident earlier this evening and she was shot."

"Shot?" Lincoln's mouth was dry as he spoke.