Due to the horror of the scene, Jorge Peña, first detective on site, stood like a gatekeeper, preventing Qui and JZ from entering the death room. “What’s this American doing here?” he demanded of Qui. “He’s with me. I asked him here.” “This is official police business, Mr. Zayas. You’ll have to wait outside. In fact, take Detective Aguilera with you. My calling her was a mistake.” “But I’m here now, so get out of my way, Peña.” Peña muttered, “Damn it…I shoulda waited ’til this was cleaned up.” Turning to Qui, he continued, “You don’t want to see this. Believe me.” He remained a veritable wall to her progress. “Zayas, take her out. Now!” “Outta my way, dammit.” Smelling blood in the air, and sensing this was one colleague trying to protect another, JZ placed a hand on her shoulder and suggested, “Perhaps Peña’s right.” She shrugged away from JZ’s touch and began shoving Peña. Grabbing her more roughly than intended, Peña said, “Qui, for once, trust me!
