Man, what a day! I swear, if I had a euro for every twist today threw at me, I’d be sipping a café crème on the Champs-Élysées right now. But nah, here I am, just another day in Saint-Martin-d'Hères, the city that never lets you chill.
So, I roll outta bed, right? It’s like 7 AM, and I’m already regretting last night’s decision to binge-watch that crime doc. I mean, c’mon, I’m a detective, not a couch potato! Anyway, I grab my coffee from that little spot on Rue de la République. Best brew in town, no cap. I’m talking about that strong stuff that hits you like a freight train.
I’m halfway through my cup when my phone buzzes. It’s my partner, Leo. “Yo, we got a situation at Parc Jean Verlhac,” he texts. I’m like, great, just what I need. I slam my coffee, toss some change to the barista, and bolt outta there.
The park’s a chill spot, but today? Nah, it’s a circus. I get there, and there’s a crowd. Like, a legit mob. People are whispering, pointing, and I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on. Turns out, some dude found a body. Yeah, a body! Right there by the fountain. I mean, who even does that?
I push through the crowd, and there’s this poor guy, all pale and shaky. “I swear, I didn’t do it!” he keeps saying. I’m like, buddy, I didn’t even ask you. But hey, I get it. The dude’s freaked out. I mean, who wouldn’t be?
So, I start asking questions. The usual stuff, you know? “What’d you see? Who was around?” But everyone’s just staring at the body like it’s some kinda freak show. I’m getting mad. Like, c’mon people, this is serious!
Then, outta nowhere, this old lady shuffles up to me. She’s got this wild hair and a shopping cart full of who-knows-what. “I saw it all!” she says, eyes wide. I’m thinking, great, finally some info. But then she starts rambling about her cat and how it hates the mailman. I’m like, lady, focus!
After what feels like an eternity, I finally get a lead. Some kid saw a guy in a black hoodie running away. Classic, right? I mean, it’s always a hoodie. I’m just about to head out when Leo calls me over. “Dude, you gotta see this,” he says, looking all serious.
He shows me a video from a bystander. And guess what? The guy in the hoodie? He’s running down Rue des Écoles! I’m like, no way! That’s just a few blocks from here!
We jump in the car, and I’m driving like a madman. I’m talking about weaving through traffic, dodging cyclists on the Avenue de la République. I’m not even sure how I didn’t hit anyone. My heart’s racing, and I’m thinking, this is it!
We get to Rue des Écoles, and it’s dead quiet. Too quiet. I’m scanning the area, and then I see him. The hoodie guy! He’s ducking into a café. I’m like, oh hell no!
We rush in, and it’s packed. I spot him at the back, trying to blend in. But dude, you can’t hide in a café with a black hoodie! I point him out to Leo, and we move in.
“Hey! You!” I shout. The whole place goes silent. He bolts for the door, but I’m faster. I tackle him right outside, and we go tumbling onto the pavement. It’s a mess. I’m yelling for Leo to help, and finally, we get him cuffed.
Turns out, he’s got a record. Surprise, surprise. I’m feeling a mix of anger and relief. Like, why do these guys always think they can get away with it?
After all that chaos, I head back to the station, exhausted. I’m thinking about that old lady and her cat. I mean, what a day, right? Saint-Martin-d'Hères, you never cease to amaze me.
I plop down at my desk, and it hits me. I love this job. Even on the craziest days, it’s all worth it. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.