Probing

On a bright sunny day graced with a cool, dry breeze, Dr. Wells made his appearance at the Central City Police Department. In front of the mural representing truth, liberty, and justice within the precinct, Barry and Iris encountered him.

Speedsters, due to the immense power of the Speed Force, often oscillate between their accelerated state and normalcy, leading to a sense of temporal disorientation. This often results in a skewed perception of time, where despite their rapid pace, they could end up late or forget the importance of time altogether.

Today, Barry was just so, having forgotten his plan to accompany Iris to watch Simon Stagg's award acceptance speech and his promise to elucidate the scientific jargon for her. If not for Iris's persistence in reminding him, he would've remained oblivious to the commitment. The effects of the Speed Force's erratic impact on his sense of time were evident.

Barry looked awkwardly at Wells and inquired, "Dr. Wells, what brings you to the police department?"

"Hello, Barry, Miss West," Wells greeted smoothly, recalling Iris from her visits to S.T.A.R. Labs when Barry was hospitalized for treatment.

Iris nodded politely, "Hello, Dr. Wells," and then stood silently by Barry's side.

Wells acknowledged her with a nod and continued, "I'm here to discuss a potential collaboration with Detective West."

Barry's brow furrowed slightly, speculation and suspicion flickering in his eyes.

At that moment, Joe, spotting Wells from inside the precinct, came forward and clapped Barry on the shoulder. "You and Iris go enjoy the tech awards. And bring me some of that Italian spicy sausage, olives, and Mexican chili pizza tonight," he said.

This was a coded message; the trio of pizzas was from the night Joe began suspecting Wells. Barry, quick on the uptake, understood Joe's directive to proceed with his plans and leave the probing to him. With a nod to Joe's subtle cue, Barry excused himself from Wells and left with Iris.

"Detective West, it would be imprudent to discuss matters at the entrance," Wells gestured to the bustling doorway, suggesting a less public space for conversation.

"Of course. With Barry out, let's talk in his lab. Coffee? Sugar and milk?"

"Black coffee, please."

They moved to Barry's lab, where Joe sorted some files on the table to one side and sat down across from Wells in his wheelchair. Both warmed themselves with a sip of hot coffee before Wells initiated the discussion.

"Detective West, I wholeheartedly support the proposal to apprehend super-powered criminals. S.T.A.R. Labs must take responsibility," Wells began.

Joe replied with confidence, "That's great to hear, Dr. Wells. Ordinary police can't handle these super-powered individuals. If a meta-human arises, we will certainly need Elon's and your team's assistance."

"It's our moral obligation. For the harm and chaos brought to this city by the particle accelerator, I am deeply sorry. S.T.A.R. Labs will commit all efforts to mitigate the dangers posed by meta-humans," Wells affirmed.

As they clinked cups, Joe cast a surreptitious glance at Wells, then engaged in a lengthy discussion about detecting, preventing, and combating super-powered individuals. Joe pledged to cover for them temporarily to avoid public panic, planning to formalize their efforts with the police department later. For now, Joe would assist covertly, gradually preparing the police and the public for the reality of meta-humans.

The cooperation was expected, and Joe didn't intend to prolong the conversation. His primary objective today was to probe Wells, using the partnership against meta-human crime as a pretext to engage in a seemingly casual but calculated dialogue.

Eventually, the conversation veered towards life and public affairs, and subtly, Joe steered the topic towards Barry.

In an offhand manner, Joe asked, "Dr. Wells, why did you choose to establish S.T.A.R. Labs in Central City?"

Wells responded with a smile, "For the pleasant scenery, comfortable climate, and most importantly, because of the sense of safety provided by you and your team."

He raised his cup in a toast to Joe, who shook his head incredulously and stared intently into Wells's face.

"Not necessarily. Have you heard about the murder of Barry's mother? I believe I was wrong in the initial judgment. Ever since you granted Barry his speed, I've suspected someone with abilities similar to Barry's was responsible for his mother's death."

Wells rebutted with confusion and denial, "Detective, that's hard to believe. Barry gained his powers due to the particle accelerator's explosion and the resulting thunderstorm. Even Elon, who was also struck by lightning, doesn't possess Barry's super speed."

Joe's gaze hardened, "But what if someone did, fourteen years ago?"

"I find that impossible. The technology to create a particle accelerator didn't exist back then. The dark matter wave from the explosion granted Barry his speed. That's an inescapable fact," Wells argued.

Joe rose, his imposing stature intensifying the pressure in the room. "And what if you were capable of creating a particle accelerator fourteen years ago, Dr. Wells?"

Wells remained unfazed by Joe's accusation, projecting an image of being wrongfully suspected, filled with helplessness and indignation. He removed his glasses and met Joe's gaze, "I thought today's meeting was about a genuine collaboration to amend the harm S.T.A.R. Labs has caused to Central City. It seems now that the real motive is coming to light. Detective West, you are attacking me with baseless slander..."

Joe's eyes flashed with a fierce determination that often made the guilty squirm. His psychological assault was designed to unnerve those with a guilty conscience, causing them to falter and reveal themselves. Yet Wells remained composed and locked eyes with him without showing any weakness.

Ramping up the psychological pressure with a slow, resolute tone, Joe pressed, "You... are..."

"I am the murderer!"

The assertive voice resonated, accompanied by a yellow, blurred figure adorned with a red lightning bolt emblem and encased in red electrical arcs.

Suddenly materializing, the gust of wind kicked up by the figure scattered the papers across the table.

Joe's eyes widened in shock, staring behind Wells in horror.