R. Edinger: Night Kill

The bright sunshine blinded Talia when she stepped onto the roof. She was blinded for a few minutes as she had turned away from the open doorway. When Talia opened her eyes again; she drew her weapon and approached the open door. She stepped inside. Talia searched the stairwell from top to bottom. There was no sign of Andrew anywhere to be seen. Could he have been hiding in the dark? If he was, she didn’t hear his breathing.

Talia called down for the two deputies to join her to search the roof. They joined her immediately. All three started to search the roof. Talia and the two deputies checked out every possible hiding place and finally found themselves standing at the short block wall that framed the entire roof. A short distance away was an access ladder. Talia rushed over and climbed up the first few steps. She peered over the edge to see if the emergency ladder had been deployed; it had not! Talia could see the street in front of the station. Andrew’s car was still there. Talia scanned the length of the street, searching the shops and Marettti’s deli store fronts. She saw Andrew come out of the deli carrying what she assumed to be a doggie bag. It appeared that all this time, Andrew had been in the deli having a meal. Talia cursed and climbed back down on the surface of the roof. She put away her weapon, and with a look of disappointment etched on her face, entered the stairwell and closed the door behind her.

Andrew had just come out of Marettti’s deli. He looked up and saw Sheriff Delsmann peering down at him. He wondered if she was trying to figure out how he did it. Andrew turned and smiled at Rachel, who was behind the deli counter. It was nice to have friends in all kinds of places. Andrew waved at her, and she did the same in return. Andrew had scored one against Sheriff Delsmann, but he wasn’t finished with her yet. The next place he had to search was the Higgins crime scene. Andrew drove off with thoughts of which friend’s help he would need next.

Talia and her deputies returned to the records area.

She walked up to Darcy and roughly grabbed her by the arm. Talia forced Darcy into the chair by the desk.

“What did you give him?” Talia’s said through clenched teeth. “You need to tell me, now!”

“I gave him nothing,” Darcy defended.

“I know you did.” Talia pointed an accusing finger at her. “Either you tell, or spend some time in a cell.” Talia motioned for the deputies with her to place Darcy in custody. They hesitated at first, but when Talia glared at them, they did as requested. Darcy still proclaimed her innocence as she was led away.

The red AC Cobra came to a screeching halt in the circular driveway. Andrew jumped out and bolted inside the house with his ill-gotten gains. He slammed the door closed behind him and flew upstairs to his office.

Andrew removed the manila envelope from his overcoat. Andrew hung up his coat and sat down at his desk. He immediately opened the manila envelope and removed the report. Andrew started with the father, Jonathan Higgins. He was found dead outside in the front yard. He died from multiple slash and stab wounds. Jonathan had a successful web-based business based on the vampirism culture. Andrew read that Jonathan’s business grossed nearly one million dollars last year. Next was Natasha Higgins. She died as a result of severe trauma to the lungs and heart from being struck with two wooden arrows. Natasha had her own catering business with mostly clients that were also involved with vampirism. Peter Higgins, their son, died as a result of an arrow to the heart. He was attending Washington High School in Bayport. He was in his senior year. He was a straight ‘A’ student and on the honor roll. The report mentioned that he had a girlfriend by the name of Ashley Matthias. According to the report, they were so far, unable to locate Ashley for questioning. Peter was found lying a few feet from his father.

Andrew pulled the page about Storm Higgins. Storm also attended Washington High School and was in her sophomore year. She was also an honor roll student. The report indicated that her boyfriend, Wyatt Collins, was considered a person of great interest. Again, it stated that they could not locate him. Andrew read about Storm. He couldn’t imagine the strength and courage she must have had to crawl from her room to the outside. The report stated that Storm had been shot in the back with a single arrow. Andrew put the report aside for a moment. The doorbell announced an unexpected visitor. Andrew gathered up all the papers of the report and put them back in the envelope. He stood up from his desk and walked over to the bookcase. The doorbell chimed again. His surprise visitor was growing impatient. Andrew hid the envelope and left to answer the door.

Andrew opened the front door and saw Sheriff Delsmann standing there. She appeared more relaxed and happier now, as opposed to her hostility earlier today. Andrew suspected she was up to something and that it had to do with the stolen report.

“What do I owe the pleasure?” Andrew smiled.

“I would like the chance to apologize for my earlier behavior,” Talia smiled back.

“Would you like to come in?” Andrew gestured towards the inside of the house.

“Yes, please,” Talia replied, still smiling. Andrew did not trust her.

Andrew closed the front door and escorted Talia to the family room. Talia took a seat in one of the chairs by the fireplace. Andrew sat down on the sofa.

“You said something about apologizing?” Andrew repeated.

“Yes,” Talia said, clearing her throat. “It was very unprofessional of me to berate you like that, especially not knowing what kind of private detective you are.” Talia paused. Andrew could see that she was choosing her words very carefully this time. “Sometimes I’m quick to judge people, so I apologize.”

“Apology accepted,” Andrew said, smiling. “Do you have some time for coffee?”

“Yes, that would be nice,” Talia seemed to force a smile Andrew thought. “But first may I use the bathroom?”

“It’s up the stairs and the first door on the right,” Andrew said. He left to go to make coffee while Talia went upstairs to use the bathroom.

Talia stopped in front of the bathroom door. She stood there for a minute listening and then she continued down the hallway. Talia was glad Andrew fell for her little rouse about wanting to apologize to him. There was no way she trusted Andrew. She suspected that he did in fact get a copy of the investigation. The question that was foremost on Talia’s mind was where Andrew would hide the report. Talia opened the door to the library and stepped inside.

Andrew was in the kitchen getting the coffee maker ready. Once he had put in the filter and coffee grounds, Andrew poured in the water. He put the coffee pot in place and turned on the switch. Andrew walked over to the doorway and bent his head to listen. He knew that Talia didn’t suddenly feel guilty about trashing him earlier today. She was here to find out if he had a copy of the investigation, and to find out where Andrew had hidden it. He had to decide how much time he would give Talia before coming to get her.

Talia found nothing in the library other than lots of books. She continued onto Andrew’s office. Talia grasped hold of the doorknob and gave it a twist. She opened the door and went inside. There were some tall bookshelves on one wall, a nicely polished wooden desk and a large draped window. “Oh great, more books,” Talia groaned. She quickly began her search.

Andrew decided it was enough time. He loaded the serving tray with the coffee carafe, two cups, and cream and sugar. Andrew carried the tray in the family room. He set it down on the coffee table. He went to find Talia.