Title: The Problem Case
Written by: Sheila Pocius. 
Disclaimer: I am borrowing the characters' form Diagnosis Murder. The story and other characters belong to me. 


Amy Kennedy and her sister Courtney just had a major disagreement and Amy went out of her sisters' apartment. Amy then came back and said, 
" You don't listen to a word I say, Courtney. All you care about is yourself."
" I can say the same about you, Amy, " Courtney said. 
Amy left again and slammed to the door behind her. 

The day didn't seem to start off to well for Mark Sloan, who woke up late for his shift at Community General Hospital. Mark woke up and realized he was late for his shift. Mark got to the hospital and ran into Jesse Travis, who was an intern at Community General Hospital. 
"Mark, there you are," Jesse said, " I thought something happened to you." 
" I forgot to set my alarm, Jesse," Mark said, " Last night really wore me out." 
Jesse knew Mark must have been talking about how the Grand Opening at BBQ Bob's was a smashing success. 

Meanwhile at Prescott News where Courtney worked was becoming busier then ever. Courtney was trying to work on her story when somebody sat on her desk. She looked up to be staring into the brown eyes of Stan Tennison, who was a lawyer the Courtney had recently gone out with. All around her communication of some sort was going on.  
" What to you want, Stan?" Courtney asked. 
" For you to give me a second chance," Stan replied. 
"Forget it," Courtney said, " I don't trust you." 
" I am going to change, Courtney, you will see," Stan said getting off the desk and leaving. 
" I will believe it when I see it," Courtney said to Stan as he left. 
Courtney then shook her head in disbelief.  

Later on that day, Courtney returned to her apartment. She found out some information that she didn't like and she was wondering if she should expose the truth. When she walked into her apartment it was dark. Courtney tried to turn on the light, but it didn't work. The all of the sudden she was knocked to the ground. 

About a half an hour later Amy showed up at her sister's apartment. She knocked, but got no answer.
" Courtney," Amy called, " Courtney are you home." 
When Courtney didn't answer, Amy used the spare key that her sister gave her. Amy went in. 
" Courtney, " Amy said again, " Court." Then Amy saw her sister on the floor and she ran next door to call for help. 
Help didn't arrive fast enough to help Courtney; she was dead and when Amy heard she started to cry. A few minutes later Steve Sloan walked through the door of the yellow-tagged apartment. Steve went directly to Amanda Livingston, who was the chief medical examiner. 
" What have you got, Amanda," Steve asked. 
Amanda looked up at Steve," So far it looks like a major blow to the back of the head," Amanda said, " I will know more when I do a complete autopsy." 
Steve just shook his head, " Do you know who discovered the body?" Steve asked Amanda. 
" I think she did," Amanda said pointing to Amy who was still in tears. Steve walked over to Amy. 
" Excuse me, " Steve said. Amy looked up and wiped away her tears, but she knew that she was going to start again soon. 
" Steve Sloan, homicide," He said showing his badge to Amy. Amy looked at it and stated to cry again. 
" I heard that you discovered the body, " Steve said. 
Amy shook her head, " Courtney was my sister, " Amy said, " I came over here and found her like this, so I ran next door to call for help." 
" And you are?" Steve asked. 
"Amy Kennedy," Amy answered. 
" So you don't know what happened?" Steve asked. 
"No, I am afraid not," Amy replied. Amy started to calm down a little. 
" Do you live here too?" Steve asked. 
" No, I still live with my parents, " Amy said.
" Do they know what happened yet?" Steve asked Amy.
" I called home, but I got no answer," Amy said, " I will just have to tell them when I get home." Amy's cries seemed to turn off and on. Amy cried some more as she saw Courtney led out of the apartment. Steve looked down on Amy,
" I will have to keep in touch with you," Steve told Amy.
" Of course, " Amy said. Amy went into her purse and jotted down information for Steve on a sheet of paper and handed it to him. 
" This will do for now," Steve told her. 
Amy just shook her head and left the apartment. Steve looked on to notice that she was still crying. 

Late that night at Community General, Amanda was finishing up on the autopsy of Courtney Kennedy. Steve and Mark were waiting for the results." 
" Just as I suspected, " Amanda said, " A blow to the back of the head is what killed her. "
" Now we know how she died," Mark said, " Now we have to figure out who and why."  
" The first thing I am going to do is talk to Amy Kennedy and see what she has to say," Steve said. Steve then let out a big yawn, " Right after I get some sleep." 

Amy called into work the next day and told them about her situation and then sat down. Amy felt so tired, but couldn't sleep. The previous day's events really had her worked up. Amy then left the house and headed to the park. She needed to think of who could of done this to Courtney and why. Nothing seemed to come to her. 

When she came home later that day, she saw an unfamiliar car in the driveway. Amy went into the house. She heard muffled cries. 
" Mom, Dad, I'm home," Amy called. Amy walked into the living room and saw Steve.
" What's going on?" Amy asked. Amy looked at her mother, who continued to cry then she looked at her father. 
" Dad?" Amy said. 
" It's Courtney," her father answered.  
" What is it?" Amy asked.
" Courtney was murdered," Steve cut in. Amy looked over at Steve and walked towards the sofa.  
" Oh, no, " Amy said plopping down on the sofa," How?"
" A blow to the back of the head," Steve replied. Amy looked around the room.  
" I need to ask you a couple of questions," Steve said to Amy. 
Amy just shook her head, " What do you need to know?" Amy asked. 
Steve took down all what Amy said. Steve didn't realize that Courtney and Amy were ten years apart in age. Steve also found out that Courtney worked at Prescott News. Amy didn't know much about what Courtney did because Courtney didn't talk about. According to Amy her and Courtney were different in more ways then one. 

Steve went home that evening and told his father about what Amy said. Mark looked puzzled over the details. 
" This just doesn't make sense," Mark said, " How could Amy not know what her sister did?" 
" I don't know," Steve replied, " All I know is that Amy may have more to say."

The next morning Amy went to work at the retail store where she worked. Amy however didn't feel well people around her knew it she was told to go home. Amy however didn't go home, she ended up going to the Prescott office to pick up her sister's things. One of Courtney's co-workers, Malcom Dennis saw her and then mentioned it to Steve who was doing his own questioning.
" What is she doing here?" Malcom said. 
" Who?" Steve asked.
" Her," Malcom answered. Steve looked to see Amy Kennedy with a box and was starting to pack her sisters stuff.  
Steve went up to Amy. 
" Amy," he called.          
Amy looked up to see Steve, "Detective Sloan," Amy said, " I am just packing up my sisters' things."
" Not right now your not, " Steve said.
" Why?" Amy asked sounding surprised.  
" Because this is a murder investigation," Steve said. 
" SO, " Amy answered," What does this stuff have to do with my sisters' murder."
" It might have a lot to do with it," Steve told her. 
" Fine," Amy said. Amy grabbed the box and started heading out. 
" Leave the box," Steve said. Amy went back towards her sisters' desk and dropped the box. She the glanced over at Steve and left the building. 
Steve continued with his work and then went back to Community General. 
Steve just told the details of what he found. 
" And then who shows up, Amy Kennedy with a box," Steve said.
" What was she doing there?" Jesse asked. 
" She said she was there to pick up her sisters things, and I told her to leave it alone because it was possible evidence in a homicide."
" How did she take it?" Mark asked. 
" She didn't like it. I know she didn't," Steve answered.
" Looks like your going to have a real problem on your hands," Jesse said. 
 
The next morning Amy got to Presscot News before anyone else. Amy was surprised to see that the box she left was still there. All of what she put in there was there also. 
" Boy you sure are stupid, detective," Amy said. Amy cleared out the desk and then headed out the building. Amy went home and just sat down. She could have gone to work, but she didn't feel like it. 
Later that morning Steve got a call from Malcom at Presscot News. Steve went to where Malcom was.
" What seems to be the trouble?" Steve asked Malcom. 
" Come look at this," Malcom said to Steve. Malcom and Steve went towards Courtney's desk. It was completely empty.
" I don't know who could have done this," Malcom said, " Unless of course it is someone who you will least expect." 
" I think I know who took the stuff," Steve replied,  " Thanks Malcom." Malcom just looked as Steve left he was wondering who he thought it was. 
Steve headed out of Prescott News and headed towards Amy's house. When Amy opened the door she was surprised. 
" What have you got, detective?" Amy asked.
" I need to know something," Steve said walking in the door. Amy closed the door. 
" What do you need to know?" Amy asked. 
" Where were you on the night your sister died?" Steve asked her. 
" Didn't I already tell you that, detective," Amy said, " But if you need to know again, I was in the park. Like I said before." Amy walked around the room as Steve looked on. Amy continued, " I know I don't have a substantial alibi, but I did not, I repeat did not kill my sister. We had our differences, yes, but I loved my sister. Is that what you needed to know, detective," Amy finished. 
Steve just shook his head, " I can't cancel you out yet, especially after what you did," Steve said. 
Amy looked confused, " I don't understand. What are you talking about?" Amy asked.  
" Where is it, Amy?" Steve asked. 
" Where is what?" Amy asked in return. 
" You know what," Steve replied. 
" Are you accusing me of doing something wrong?" Amy asked. 
" How about tampering with evidence," Steve told her. 
" What evidence?" Amy wanted to know crossing her arms. 
" The items that was in Courtney's desk," Steve said. 
" You mean somebody took it?" Amy asked. 
" I think you took it, " Steve told her. 
" I did not, " Amy shouted. 
" You better calm yourself, Amy," Steve told her. 
" Why?" Amy asked, " No, let me guess you'll arrest me. That looks good to you doesn't it?" Amy turned towards the door and Steve stopped her. 
" Amy, I am giving you five seconds to give me that stuff," Steve told her. 
" And I am giving you five seconds to get out of here," Amy said, "I told you I didn't take it,"  
" Okay I am giving you one more chance, either you give it to me or," Steve said. 
" Or what? " Amy asked. 
" I guess you'll see, " Steve said. 
Steve left the house and Amy ran upstairs to the closet. Amy pulled a box out of the closet and began searching through it. Amy then took the box downstairs and loaded it into her car and then sped off. Amy just drove around going through her head the fights she had with Courtney. Amy turned the car around and headed the other way. Amy knew that she had better turn over the box to Steve Sloan before he figured out the truth. 
Little did Amy know, Steve already knew the truth after going back over to Prescott News. 
Steve, Mark, Jesse, and Amanda sat in BBQ Bob's looking over the evidence again. 
" Nothing seems to be right," Steve said, " I just know Amy has that box. I should go over to her house and arrest her right now, after all her fingerprints were on the desk." 
" As well as everywhere else, " Mark said. 
" Do you think she might have killed her sister?" Jesse asked Steve. 
" I don't think so, Jesse," Steve said, " Although she is determined to find out who. If she doesn't watch herself she is going to end up in deep trouble." 
A few minutes later, someone walked through the door. It was Amy. In a way, she knew exactly where she could find Steve since she has been following him around during his investigation. Steve saw her and walked right over to her. Steve couldn't help, but stare at Amy and at what she had in her hands. Amy handed him the box and Steve took it from her. 
" Here you are, detective," Amy said, " You're right I did take the stuff. I just don't see what this stuff has to do with my sisters' murder." 
Before she could say another word Steve spoke out, " You're under arrest, Amy." 
Amy backed away," Not if you can't catch me." 
Amy bolted out the door, which surprised everyone. Steve handed the box to Jesse who was standing beside him and chased after Amy.  Steve saw her get into a small coupe and sped off. Steve sped off after her. Amy looked behind her to see where Steve was, who was calling for back up. Amy just drove faster and got to her house. She just stopped the car and ran into the house. Amy really had no where else to go. She ran out the back way and saw Steve. Steve saw Amy and shouted," Stop." Amy didn't stop she began climbing the back fence. 
" Hold it," Steve said. 
Amy was at the top of the fence and turned around to see Steve with his gun in hand. 
" Get down," Steve ordered. 
Amy got down, but on the other side of the fence. 
" You just said to get down detective. You didn't say which way, " Amy said. Amy ran off in the other direction and ran into one of the other officers. He got a hold of Amy. 
" Hey. Let go of me," she said to the officer. Steve saw and walked up to her. 
" I guess you're are not as fast as I thought you were," Steve said. The officer who had Amy just continued to handcuff her and then led her to Steve's car. 

Amy now sat waiting in the Interrogation Room after she made her call to a lawyer that she knew. She called Stan Tennison who used to go out with her sister Courtney. Amy actually knew what she did, but she refused to answer anything even with Stan there. Steve was beginning to get frustrated with Amy. 
" I am not going to ask you again, Amy," Steve said, " Why did you take the stuff?"  
Amy just looked around the room and then back at Steve. Amy then spoke out," I told you, I don't think anything in that box has to do with my sisters murder."
" How did you know where to find me?" Steve asked Amy. 
" I have been following you around since this case began. I needed to prove to you that I didn't kill my sister," Amy said. 
" So far you haven't proved anything," Steve said. 
Amy sat back in the chair. Amy was beginning to wonder how long she was going to interrogated by Steve. 

The next morning Steve, Mark, Jesse, and Amanda were going through what was in the box Amy took. 
" Lots of notes, files, and cards," Mark said.
" But nothing that can tell us who killed Courtney Kennedy," Amanda said. 
" You still think it might be, Amy?" Jesse asked Steve. 
Steve just shook his head, " I don't have any evidence that says she might of," Steve said. 
" But she did tamper with evidence and resisted arrest, Jesse, " Mark said. 
" Which reminds me," Steve said, " I have to get over to the courthouse." 
Steve went to the courthouse and waited for Amy's hearing to begin. When Amy saw Steve she bowed her head avoiding eye contact. When Amy's hearing was called she stood up. She pleaded guilty to both charges against her. The judge gave her a year's probation. Amy left the courthouse with her parents.  

That afternoon Amy is back at home and is sitting in the backyard when Stan came over. 
" Hello Amy, " he sang. 
" What do you want, " Amy asked," My parents will pay you." 
" I don't want money, " Stan said, " I'd rather have a date with you." 
" In your dreams," Amy said getting up. 
" You sound just like your sister," Stan said. 
" I guess that is why people thought we were so close, " Amy told Stan. 
" You know, Amy," Stan said, " Courtney paid for hurting me and I guess you are too." 
" What?" Amy said," You murdered Courtney." 
" All in a days work, " Stan said, " You see I discovered she found out some information about me that could destroy my career and I couldn't let her get away with it. 
Amy started to walk away but Stan stopped her.
" Where are you going?" Stan asked letting go of her. 
" Away from you," Amy said.  
Amy walked backwards as Stan walked closer. Amy turned around and ran towards the front. Steve was also just arriving when he saw Amy running. 
" Help, " Amy shouted running faster not looking behind her.  
Steve then saw Stan behind her. When Stan saw Steve he stopped. 
" Detective Sloan," Amy said trying to catch her breath, " He killed my sister." 
Steve looked and Stan laughed then ran the other way. Steve ran after him. Steve had no problem catching up to Stan. Steve pulled him up after knocking him to the ground. Amy ran up too. Steve looked at Amy and then at Stan. 
" Is what she said true?" Steve asked Stan.
Stan just laughed and said, " I am not saying a word without my attorney present." Stan then looked at Amy her was in total shock.  
" You have the right to remain silent, " Steve told Stan as he took Stan in the other direction. Amy could hear Stan say, " I am sorry, Amy," as Steve led him away. 

A few days later Amy sat at a table in BBQ Bobs. Steve saw her from the distance and wondered what was really bothering her. Jesse came out of the kitchen with Mark. Amy began looking around and sighed. 
" How is it going, Steve? " Jesse asked. Steve continued to look over at Amy who sat by herself in silence. 
" I think he is smitten, " Mark said to Jesse. 
" I am not, " Steve told his father, " I guess I am just worried. I mean she is young and lost her only sister." 
Amy sighed and looked up at Steve. Amy knew how she felt, but she was a total fool. Steve walked over to her and sat down.  Amy looked down and then back up at him. 
" I guess I owe you an apology, detective, " Amy said, " Or is it too late?" 
" Not really, " Steve said, " Maybe I should be the one to apologize." 
" Why should you apologize?" Amy asked," You were just doing your job. I just didn't want to listen." Amy said looking down again. 
In the distance Mark, Jesse, and Amanda looked on as Steve and Amy talked. 
" I think Steve just found a new best friend, " Amanda joked. 
" Well a good friend I would say, Amanda," Mark said.
" He sure knows how to pick them," Jesse said. 
Amy laughed in the distance and Mark, Jesse, and Amanda smiled at that.

The End