COLD CASE

What Goes Around

By J. B. Tilton (a.k.a. NoAzMale) and Teri Thibeault (a.k.a. Tessalynne)

Emails:

noazmale@isot.com                                  evilgidget_2000@yahoo.com

Rating:  K+

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Disclaimer:  “Cold Case” and all related characters and events are the property of Jerry Bruckheimer and the CBS Corporation, except for those characters specifically created for this story.  This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.

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(Authors’ note:  This story takes place between season 1 episodes “The Hitchhiker” and “Hubris”.)

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When the team discovers an 8-year-old case that was mishandled they take over the case to give it a proper investigation.

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PROLOGUE

August 14, 1997, 9:46 a.m.

Manuel Ortega-Galendo closed the door behind him as quietly as he could.  It was nearly 10 o’clock and his cousin, Jesus, usually went to bed early.  He knew what would happen if Jesus caught him coming in this late.  As he turned around he saw Jesus standing in the doorway to the kitchen.

“You have any idea what time it is?” Jesus demanded.

“Yeah, I know what time it is,” replied Galendo.  “So what?  It’s not like I have a curfew or anything.”

“That’s not what I meant.  You were supposed to mow the yard today.  I told you I was working late all week.  I couldn’t do it.  If it’s not mowed soon the city is going to cite me for it.”

“I’ll do it tomorrow.”

“That’s what you said yesterday.  And the day before that.  You don’t do anything around here, Manuel.  All you do is come here to eat and sleep.  When you aren’t at work you’re out drinking.  I told you when I agreed to let you stay here you’d have to help out around here.  You do practically nothing.”

“Hey, I give you plenty of money.  You can hire some kid to do that stuff.”

“That’s not how it works around here.  The deal was that you help out with the bills and you also help with the work.  I was very clear about that and you agreed.  Only you’ve done nearly nothing since you got here.  Maybe I should just call immigration right now and have you deported.”