Justified killings, p.21
Justified Killings, page 21
“Who taught you that?”
“My brothers.”
“They must be amazing.”
“They are.”
“I’ll bet one is older and the other is younger.”
“You are correct.”
“I knew it. I think I have a pretty good sense of people.”
“You do, huh?”
“Yes. I would say your older brother is two years older, and your younger brother is four years younger.”
“And you would be incorrect.”
“I should have gone with my first thought. Your older brother is only a year older. Right?”
“Why are you so interested in how old my brothers are?”
“I am an only child. I lost my parents when I was young. I’ve had to figure out life on my own. It would have been nice to have a brother or sister around.”
“You’re a beautiful woman. There must be a significant other in your life.”
“There is one. His name is Roy. He’s a detective.”
“A detective? What department does he work in?”
“Homicide. He’s been working a case that has been in the news. I think they are calling it the Skyline Drive killings.”
“I heard about that. Did he mention how the case is going?”
“He talks about it all the time; at least when he is in the bar.”
“He comes here to watch you dance?”
“He does. He said he’s been getting valuable information from a FBI contractor.”
“Really. That’s good. Maybe the contractor will help him solve the case.”
“I hope so. He just became a detective. It would be good for him. You know, so he can feel like he is a part of the team.”
“What kind of a man is he?”
“He’s a little older than me. He’s nice. Good looking. Fun. Well I think he is. We haven’t actually gone on a date yet.”
“Why?”
“I need to finish a couple things in my own life first.”
“Like what?”
“I am going to apply at the FBI. I am going to submit my candidacy in a couple months.”
“Why would you want to join the FBI?”
“I want to solve crimes. I figure with my intuition about people, I would be a good agent.”
“How does Roy feel about this decision?”
“He thinks it’s a great idea.”
“It’s a dangerous job.”
“I know. But you have to do what you are passionate about, right?”
“If that were the case, why are you procrastinating? It is the one characteristic that universally will destroy any dream. It may be the antithesis of passion.”
Judith smiled and finished her drink. “I think it is time for me to go.” Judith stood up.
Kandie finished her drink and stepped toward Judith and gave her a hug.
“Thanks again for your generous tips.” Judith took a couple steps toward the curtain.
“Please tell me.”
“Tell you what?” Judith turned around and looked in the mirror behind Kandie. Judah was shaking his head, no. She looked in another mirror, and Judas was also shaking his head, no.
“How old are your brothers?”
Judith looked in the mirror again at Judah. “My older brother was born seven minutes before me.” Judith glanced in another mirror at Judas. “His identical twin brother is seven minutes younger than me.” Kandie’s mouth was gaping. “Don’t ever confuse behavior with fact. You learn facts. You watch behavior. Combined, you may discover some truth. Your intuition will serve you better in the FBI if you learn how to discern what you observe rather than waste time with uneducated incorrect guesses about an irrelevant fact that makes you look foolish.” Judith opened the curtain. “But when the curtain is pulled back, like the song says, everything I am is a lie. Believe whatever you want.” Judith turned toward Kandie. “Stay sweet.”
Chapter 25
“You ready Jada? Get your brothers.” James walked out the door ready to go to church. He looked in the hall mirror and checked his hair. “Your mother is patiently waiting for us in the van. Let’s go. You know she hates being late.”
“Antonne! Jason! Let’s go! Mom’s waiting!” Antonne was ten. Ever since James’s oldest, James junior, left for college, Antonne felt like he ran the house, and had the authority to boss his two younger siblings, Jason and Cherise. Jada didn’t care. She could hardly wait to start college in the Fall. Antonne, Jason and Cherise came running down the hallway.
A polished black 4-door sedan pulled in front of the house as James waited by the front door to lock up. He knew seeing that car on a Sunday morning could only mean one thing. Roy got out of the passenger’s side holding a computer tablet. “Good morning Detective. I’m sorry to have to bother you on a Sunday,” Roy said standing near the curb.
“Good morning Roy. We’re heading to church. What’s this about? You couldn’t call me?”
Roy waved to James to join him near his car. “You need to see this, Detective.”
“Kids! Get in the van. Tell your mother I will be right there.” He shut and locked the front door and met Roy at the curb of his front yard.
“I tried several times to call you last night. I left you a message. Didn’t you get it?”
“I probably did. I took the family out for Jada’s graduation.”
“That’s fun.”
“What’s this about?”
“As you know, we expanded the area around Scenic Drive where we found three bodies. Late yesterday afternoon we brought up the cadaver dogs to do a search in the area.”
“Did they find something?”
“Keith’s bloodhound did. They found one more. They started in the direction I told them to look.”
“One more what? Another body?”
“Here. Look at the video the search detail sent me. The dogs found the fourth body.”
James took a deep breath. He watched the video and cringed. Dogs were barking in the distance. Keith, a crime scene technician who owned the bloodhound, shot the video. His voice was always the loudest on the recording.
“The date is Saturday, June 18, 2022. Location is the fire trail off Scenic Drive approximately a half mile east of Oak Ridge Road, and approximately forty feet from the other recently discovered buried bodies, labeled Jane-7, Jon-8 and Jon-9, in the direction Detective Crenshaw told us to look. Here is a view near the drive.” The camera panned 360 degrees. “I will now walk about ten steps.” The ground bounced in the video as Keith hiked to an area around a small turn on the fire trail and refocused his camera. Multiple red flags at the end of a heavy wire were visible. “We have identified another buried body with the red flags, stuck where we believe is the head, the torso, and the feet. More to follow.” The video stopped.
“Is the area contained?”
“It is. I went there last night. I put a patrol car at the scene and lit it up with a generator to prevent any evidence contamination and animals away.”
“Good. That’s good. Is the investigation team on site?”
Roy looked at his watch. “Should be there by now. They will start the preliminary clearing away of larger brush and the surface dirt until we get there. The dogs are going to expand their search further down the fire trail, although we don’t expect to find more. I am confident this is the fourth body.”
“Hey honey?” Naomi hollered for James. “We have to leave, or we’ll be late.”
“Hold tight, Roy.” James walked to his van. “I can’t make it to church this morning, my dear.”
“Work? On a Sunday?”
“Yeah. I know. I have to check out what Roy found. It’s bad.”
“What did he find?” Cherise asked in her innocent five-year-old voice.
“Nothing baby. Daddy has to work,” Naomi said to Cherise. “Jada, please drive us to church.” Jada moved to the driver’s seat. “Call me later my dear. Be safe.”
“Always.” James kissed Naomi. “Have fun at church kids.” James waved to them as they drove off and he returned to Roy. “How far away is the body from the other three did Keith say they were?”
“About forty feet plus or minus. The hounds picked up a scent up the fire trail on the north side edge close to the right dogleg turn.”
“It looked like the area may have been hidden from the highway.”
“It is. With no one in front or behind you, a quick turn off the road and you’ve disappeared.”
“Feasibly with enough time to bury a body without being disturbed,” James added.
“They could take hours if they wanted.”
“All we know now is there is another body under the dirt, right?”
“Affirmative.”
“Do you think there is a connection to the other bodies?”
“Too early to be positive, however, this can’t just be a random happenstance.”
“How did you figure to search in that direction first? James handed the tablet back to Roy.
“After I examined the placement of the three bodies, I took the approach that the extended arm of Jon-9 meant something. The bones in his fingers had been moved, but his arm appeared to be pointing in a general direction. So that is where I instructed the analysts to look first. It was an educated guess.”
“That was an expression Cain used.”
“He did say that. But you have to admit it’s awfully coincidental they are so close together. If Cain is right, and the others were purposely buried in the shape of a roman numeral four, then, to answer your question, I do think they are related. ”
“I fear this is going to get ugly real fast.”
“I have no argument with that theory, James. Sorry about messing up your Sunday with your family.”
“I will change clothes and join you shortly.” As James entered his house he paused and turned to ask Roy another question, but he was already in his car and pulling away.
Chapter 26
Father Androski shook hands with patrons as they exited his Catholic church. Tazz passed by Androski’s extended hand. “Good to see you this morning Timothy.” Tazz stopped without turning around. “Your stepfather mentioned you wanted to come to confession this morning.”
“I never said that.”
“It would be good for you, son, to confess. It will unburden your soul.” Edward and Maryanne walked up behind Androski.
“Excuse me, but that is bullshit. Unburdening anything does not remove a haunting memory. I’ll pass.”
“What did you say, Timothy?” Edward asked glaring at Tazz leaving toward the parking lot. “What did he say, Father?”
“He is still grieving, Major. But I have faith he will come around soon.” Edward shook hands with Father Androski.
“That was a lovely service Father,” Katherine said. “Thank you for everything you did these past few days. It meant a lot to me and my family.”
“Bless you Katherine. I wish you were here under different circumstances, but it was good to see you again. I hear you are leaving for home this morning.”
“Yes Father. Our van is already packed. We will be heading back home from here.”
“Have a safe trip.”
Edward put his hand on Katherine’s shoulder and nodded. “They will, Father Androski.”
Larry wheeled out Grace in her stroller. She was immensely captivated by all the people and activity. Androski knelt down. “I’ll see you later little one. God be with you.”
“Thank you, Father,” Larry responded. “And to you, too.” Larry and Androski shook hands.
“Timothy! Do you know Katherine is leaving from this parking lot to go back home?” Edward yelled.
“He knows dad,” Katherine answered in a calm voice as they made their way to the van. Katherine held the baby in front of Edward. “Dad, you haven’t held Grace once. Please. Hold her.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Are you sure? It might be a while before I get back home.”
“Hand her to me, Katherine,” Maryanne interjected with her arms out. “I’ll hold her.” Katherine passed the baby to Maryanne.
“We appreciate your hospitality, Major Riley,” Larry said with a genuine expression of gratefulness. “I hope you find some peace knowing Patrick is in a better place.”
Edward shook Larry’s hand. “Thank you Larry. You’re a good man.”
“I’ll put the baby in her car seat,” Tazz said casually strolling up to the van, to the surprise of everyone, including Edward.
“Are you sure?” Larry asked.
“I read the instructions. It’s no problem.” Tazz said grinning. Larry smiled back. Tazz took Grace in his arms from Maryanne and carefully put her in the seat. “There you go my favorite niece. You are all buckled in safe and sound.” Tazz kissed Grace on the forehead.
“If I didn’t see it with my own eyes.” Katherine laughed. “Come here Tazz-maniac. Give me a good hug.” Edward shook his head in noticeable disgust. Katherine gave Tazz a wrap-around bear hug. “I love you little brother.”
“Love you too, Kat.”
Katherine began to tear up. “I know we didn’t talk about it,” she whispered in his ear. “I know this wasn’t your fault. I loved my brother. I know you will do the right thing at the right time.” Katherine pulled away from his ear. “I’ll miss you kid. Do well in college. Email or call me. Like we talked about?”
“Promise.”
“Good. Me too. Take care kiddo.” She turned toward Maryanne. “I hope you enjoyed your granddaughter. Thank you for putting up with us.”
“Oh Katherine, it was a joy for me to be around Grace. Please visit us again soon.” Katherine hugged Maryanne. “Okay dad. Your turn. I saved the best for last.”
“Thanks for visiting, Katherine. Too bad it was for a funeral.” Katherine put her arms around Edward. “Okay. That’s good. Have a safe drive home.”
“I’m not letting go until you hug me back.”
“Katherine. Please. It is time for you to go.” Edward never showed any signs of affection; to his kids or to Maryanne. It just wasn’t a part of his makeup.
“Not letting go, dad.”
Edward gave Katherine a quick hug. “There. Satisfied?”
“Thanks dad. Talk soon.”
Jess pulled her truck into the parking lot and beeped her horn. Everyone looked in her direction. “My ride’s here mom. I’ll call you later.”
Edward banged his hand on the top of the car startling both Maryanne and Tazz. The baby began to cry. “I didn’t give you permission to go anywhere.”
“Dad! Why did you do that?” Katherine gave Grace her pacifier.
“I’m sorry, sir,” Tazz responded. “I had already made plans. I didn’t know you were coming to church today. You came in a different vehicle this morning.”
“So where are you going? When will you be home?”
“Two hours?” Jess pulled her truck closer to Tazz.
“Are you asking me or telling me.”
“Asking for permission, sir.”
“I thought you had another ride, too, Edward,” Maryanne said getting into the car and putting down the window.
“I was involved with a special assignment on the base. It has concluded.”
“What special assignment?” Maryanne asked.
“It was classified, Maryanne. None of your business.”
Maryanne didn’t respond. She waved her hand to Katherine and Larry when he honked the horn as they drove out of the church parking lot.
Edward held up two fingers then pointed his index finger at Tazz before he got in his car and accelerated out of the parking lot, squealing the tires when he hit the main road.
“How can your stepdad go to mass and five seconds after exiting the church turn into an asshole?” Jess quipped.
“That’s not exactly correct. After he has heard the church message, he becomes a sacred assholey.”
“Mark this day! Tazz made a funny.”
Tazz grinned. “Thanks for picking me up, Jess. You ready to visit Mrs. Macklenberry?”
“Let’s grab some food first. I’m starving.”
Chapter 27
Tim and Jess sat in the truck, each eating a chalupa, parked in front of 2934 Pleasant Court in Stonebridge, as it began to rain harder. “Do you think she will remember asking us to come visit her, Tazz?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. She’s like a hundred years old. She did remember who my sister was, though.”
“And she remembered Edward. It didn’t sound like she liked him at all. Let’s hear what she has to say.”
Tazz grabbed the large, polished brass knocker and gave it a couple thumps on the dark red door as he stood in the rain getting doused. He looked at Jessica. She pushed the small ivory doorbell button. A resounding ding-dong could be heard from within the house. “Maybe she’s not home,” Tazz suggested. “I am getting drenched!” He stepped off the front porch to one of the two elongated rectangle windows on either side of the front of the house. “Mrs. Macklenberry? Are you home? It’s Timothy and Jessica.” Tazz returned to the porch. “Try the bell again.” Jess pushed the button as the front door opened.
“Who’s making all that racket!”
“Sorry, Mrs. Macklenberry,” Tazz said with compassion.
“You kids are so impatient. Look at you both. You’re soaking wet! I’m here.” Gretta held onto her standard silver colored walker, with four bright yellow tennis balls serving their resurrected life as scratch resisters.
“I am impatient, Mrs. Macklenberry. You called it. I can’t help it. I am a product of the fast-food generation.”
“And a slick talker as well. Don’t just stand there; all my air conditioning is escaping. Those power companies charge so much for air. It’s expensive being old. Come in. Hang your wet coats on the hook over there by the closet.”
