Conversations in Real Time

By Nicholas J. Finch

Beginning with a series of emails sent back and forth between the UK and the USA, this novella is the story of how two men, one a Los Angeles detective and the other an Oxford research student, find themselves drawn to each other despite leading very different lives on opposite sides of the world.

Their relationship starts with a professional offer of assistance and through instant messaging, texting and phone calls they invade each others' lonely and yet busy days, learning about themselves and slowly falling in love as they discover they both need something from the other until they finally get a meeting face to face and can get up close and personal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nicholas J. Finch
• Release date: Jul 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370820818

Nicholas J. Finch

Having successfully plunged into publishing gay fiction for a wider audience, my intention is to break the mold here and offer stories that are challenging, exciting, and driven by great characters.I aim to engage you.If you're reading this, I hope that means I've succeeded.My background lies in various professional writing fields and craft endeavors, all of which have enabled me to think differently about how I work, and what I create.Stay with me, because there's lots more to come, from full length novels to anthology pieces, and even a little poetry.Nicholas J. Finch

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Conversations in Real Time

By Nicholas J. Finch

1st Edition: Copyright 2016 Nicholas J. Finch

2nd Edition: Copyright 2018 Nicholas J. Finch

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Table of Contents

Conversations in Real Time

About Nicholas J. Finch

Connect with Nicholas J. Finch

Conversations in Real Time

From: [e-mail]

To: [e-mail]

Sent: 19 January 2016 09:32

Subject: Research Study

Dear Sir

I am a Doctorate student at Kings College Oxford, studying Forensic Pathology and Biological Chemistry.

Having read your case reports on the eight year old investigation into the murder of Annabeth Hicks, I am writing to inquire about the possibility of using your forensic findings as part of my research study into the development of new methods for cross matching mitochondrial DNA.

Techniques for the extraction of such DNA from bones and teeth have advanced considerably in recent years, and I believe there is a distinct possibility that with the current science being developed here at Oxford, I may be able to assist your Cold Case Unit in its hunt for the perpetrator of this crime.

Your reputation with the LAPD naturally speaks for itself, and while I am reluctant to lead you into believing I hold the key to your investigation I feel it would be remiss of me not to offer you the use of this new and exciting science.

The University has many links with those whose work best befits the research carried out here, and I should certainly be grateful if you would allow me chance to further explain how my study may be of use to your team. Practical application would benefit my Doctorate, and I should be honoured to learn from your experiences as a Homicide Detective.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely in expectation,

Daniel Scott

* * *

From: [e-mail]

To: [e-mail]

Sent: 20 January 2016 09:15

Subject: Re: Research Study

Mr. Scott

I was able to get a look at the studies Oxford is conducting at the moment and I admit I'm very impressed with the advancements being made. Your thesis seems to have caught the attention of more than one Agency, as it should, considering the advancements.

I've had one of my agents contact your professor about the possibility of using your ideas on a practical case. We document our findings as we go, and I will make sure you get all the necessary data you need for your paper.

I was a bit surprised that a student from Oxford would have any interest in the Annabeth Hicks case. If I might inquire where you heard about the case in the first place, and the reason this one in particular interests you?

And I have to wonder, Mr. Scott, what is your interest in Forensics? Just as a scientist to advance new ideas, or someone who wants to help those who have been forgotten? A student looking to get his degree, or someone who wants to help bring justice to Annabeth Hicks?

I thank you for your interest and help with the Hicks case. I will keep you informed of any progress, and hopefully an arrest and conviction.

I also want to wish you good luck with your studies.

Lt. James Caldwell

Cold Case Unit

L.A.P.D

* * *

From: [e-mail]

To: [e-mail]

Sent: 20 January 2016 18:25

Subject: Re: Re: Research Study

Thank you kindly Lieutenant, for your timely response to my inquiries. I understand that Professor Davis has already been contacted by your agent, and the necessary information has been forwarded to you from the Professor’s administration team.

I am available to answer any questions that you may feel necessary for clarification, and at the same time, I hope that you will appreciate my having a certain degree of possessiveness over this work given that it has consumed so much of my life for so many years.

I was very pleased to learn that the work we’re doing here has attracted such widespread attention. Its application has proven to be remarkable in the extraction of DNA from very old sources and to have it put to use in a case that will ultimately benefit that little girl, is something that makes the long hours of effort feel very worthwhile indeed.

I heard about the Hicks case through an old friend in the New York Police Department who has a professional interest in following work on Cold Cases, although I should probably explain at this point that I am American by birth, and not merely some over-romanticized English bookworm seeking the Hollywood glamour of Los Angeles.

I was born and raised in Syracuse and my interest in forensic science developed from certain personal experiences in my youth and the desire to ensure that science is put to use to ultimately benefit those left powerless or disenfranchised by circumstances beyond their control.

The media interest in Annabeth Hicks was dramatic and powerful, but once that interest no longer sells airtime or newsprint, there is still the need to ensure a dangerous felon is removed from the streets and those left behind can find a little comfort in seeing justice is finally done. Such things have contributed to my striving toward this thesis, along with my belief that there is always an answer if the scientist asks the right questions.

I look forward to hearing of progress in your investigation soon and thank you again sir, for your assistance in my research.

Kind regards,

Daniel Scott

* * *

From: [e-mail]

To: [e-mail]

Sent: 1 March 2016 08:10

Subject: Good News!

Before it hits the airwaves I wanted to personally thank you for all the help you have provided us. If it wasn't for your research and for tirelessly helping my lab techs with their questions, this day would never have come.

Not only were we able to find Annabeth's killer, but I can confirm that he was arrested this morning, and the District Attorney is sure we'll have a strong enough case to get a conviction.

I can't thank you enough. There are times when I spend hours in the Cold Case Vault looking at the boxes of unsolved cases, so it feels pretty good to take one of those files and put it in the solved pile today.

Professor Davis contacted me and informed me that the practical knowledge we provided from this case has given you the findings you needed to finish up your thesis and present it to the committee. Good luck to you on that. I have no doubt in my mind that you will go far in the field of Forensic Science.  You have a personal drive to help those who can't help themselves. I can see it in your work, and with the dedication you gave to this one small case.

I thank you, and so does Annabeth.

I'm sorry I haven't been corresponding with you as much as I would have liked during the case, but duty calls and I have many unsolved cases on my desk that need attention. Mr. Kent gives nothing but high praise and practically worships your name. You made quite the impression on my youngest lab guy.

I was looking back on some of our correspondence and I noticed you stated that you were from New York? I worked for a short period of time in Manhattan, and left an ex-wife up there when I moved out to Los Angeles. I was just wondering who your old friend was in NYPD?  It might be a long shot, but then again it is very much a small world.

James Caldwell

* * *

From: [e-mail]

To: [e-mail]

Sent: 1