Prologue

I could not breathe. It just seemed that the walls around me were closing rapidly. Coming closer, I knew he was somewhere in the room. But it was too dark to see. The stale smell of sweat filled my nostrils. I knew this is the end. I was going to die.

I had to do something. Distract him from me. Think, think Cindi! Use that intellectual brain of yours. Dad always says you are innovative and brilliant, so think of a plan!

I felt him brush pass my legs. His smell made my hair stand up. My wrists are sore and they are bleeding. The rope keeps cutting into it whenever I move. This cannot be the end. I need to survive this. I just need to think.

My throat is dry when I try to swallow. I never realise I was holding my breath. Beads of sweat ran down my eyes, blurring my vision. I need to keep track of him. I think he moved to the left side of the room. How could I let this happen? I was so careful. Dad always reminds me to be careful at these parties. I just happen to meet the one psycho in the room.

I try to take a deep breath and fill my lungs with air. But the air is so stale and stinks. I almost gag at the horrible smell. His moving in the room again, I try to pull my legs up, but it stops after a few inches. The rope digs into my ankles and I let out a small scream. With my hands tied on to the bed post and my legs tied together, I am unable to move. I feel like a pig ready for roasting. The silk dress keeps moving up my thighs as I try to move away from him. His coming closer, I can feel him approach.

“Cindi, why were you so rude? I just tried to be your friend.”

I can almost imagine his smile in the darkness. I love you mum and dad. I know his going to kill me. Why could I not see the signs? I don’t say anything. My mouth is stuffed with a rag that tastes mouldy. Not sure how I ended up here. He asked questions, but will not let me answer.

Then a cold liquid is poured over me. My eyes open wide with panic as I realise its gasoline. His going to burn me! I’m going to die, in this small, dirty room. I try to move about on the bed, but the bed is also soaked. The mattress squeaks with each movement I make. No… please no! I try to scream but only muffled sounds come out of my mouth.

The match is lit. I see the fire burning. Like a small symbol of hope. But I know that’s not the case. No one will find me here. Sadness fills my heart and I remember my parents.

He throws the match on the bed and like a hungry creature it engulfs me and the bed in a matter of seconds. My screams are muffled and my burning flesh fills my nostrils. He laughs in the corner. This high-pitched laughter, I’m sure I will never forget. Because it’s the last thing I heard before I fell away into the darkness.

CHAPTER 1

Detective Andrew Poole moves around the burnt bed. The corpse is too badly burnt to be identified.

“We have to use dental records. Was there no form of identification on or near the body?” Detective Poole asks the medic crew. They are covered in white suits from head to toe. Shaking their heads, they move about the heavily smoked filled room. Breathing is difficult and wheezing sounds could be heard from a few who did not have the time to place on their gas mask, even though the room has been aired out a bit. Their movement in the ghost white attire causes a noise that Andrew hates.

“Looks like we have a female, just need to run some test to confirm the age of the victim, but it’s definitely female and young.” Coroner, Dr Michael Beats says. He has worked with the police for over 25 years. So, no one doubts him and his split seconds decisions. He is a pro at his job and has seen it all.

“Let’s wrap her up guys when you done with the photos.” Beats says to his team that surrounds him; he is always a man on a mission. Beats dark black hair has begun to turn grey on the edges. But he still looks good for a man of 55. His knees crack as he stands up and he unknowingly starts to massage them. He rubs it for a few minutes trying to smooth out the pain.

He makes way for the team to start their work. They immediately start to bag her charred hands and feet. Her body is swiftly placed gently into a black bag and zipped up to be concealed from all prying eyes.

“We are getting old fast my friend” Beats turns and smiles at Andrew, who has placed a hand on his shoulder. They have been friends for many years now. Andrew is reaching almost 40 and still looking good and healthy. He runs 3 miles a day, morning or evening. Like a ritual act that needs to be completed.

“Once she is identified we have to notify her parents or relatives,” Andrew whispers the last part of his sentence, “I hate this part of the job!”

“You and me both my friend,” Beats sighs. He nods his head to the medic team and they start to lift the body gently transferring it into the morgue van. Autopsy will be conducted first thing in the morning. They both walk out into the chilly night. Stars twinkle and shine in the early hours of the morning, as if it’s a happy occasion. They wrap their black coats tighter around their bodies and wish the warmth would come back soon. The warm weather is slowly trying to return back to the chilly city.

Their breath is misty as they speak. “We need to have drink one of these days. When there is no death.” Andrew smiles a broad, brilliant smile, “Definitely!”

The so-called house that remains is small, a shack with rotting walls and metal sheets used as a roof. Looks like the other homes got lucky. They were too far away to catch alight. The grass field that spreads out between the homes acted like a barrier against the fire. The closes neighbour that called the police stands in the distance with her cream robe tightly fastened around her waist. Mrs Finch is timid and small, almost taking the structure of a 16-year-old girl. Her snow, white hair stands up in all directions like a porcupine. But most has been pulled back away from her face in a messy bun behind her head. She stands in the cold and pushes her round, rimmed glasses back up on her nose.

This was not a happy ending for her beautiful garden. She had some of the prettiest flowers, ranging from pansies to a few snowdrops, and they were trampled and ruined by all the police and medics who totally ignored her cries of concern.

“Names Detective Andrew Poole,” he stretches out his firm hand to the old lady. She looks at his strong hand for a few seconds and reluctantly shakes it with just her fingers.

“Anything you can tell us?” Andrew watches her closely as she shakes her head. She is too annoyed with answering the same questions again. The previous police officers only kept her company till the detective in charged appeared. And she is just too tired to keep talking.

“Do you know who owns this piece of land where the old house stood?” Andrews continues with his next question.

  Mrs Finch moves from one leg to the next, restless that her sleep has been disturbed. Her puffed up bunny pink slippers are damp causing her toes to feel wet. This adds to her frustration and annoyance and she grips the robe even tighter to shut out the cold that is creeping in her body.

“I have no idea. It was always just standing there completely empty and abandoned. Some kids use to come around and play in it during the summer. But not the winter, it’s too cold.” Mrs Finch shrugs her shoulders and pulls on her robe again, making it even tighter around her tiny waist. Her lips shiver slightly and she bites down on it as she feels the onset of her addiction.

She finally looks up at the detective meeting his gaze.

“Can I go now detective? Need some coffee and my rest.” Andrew watches her, notices her fingers sliding up and down the robe, trying in vain to warm her body. The discolouration of her finger tips and her stained teeth clearly proves she is a heavy smoker.

But there is something else about her, her eyes darts from the officer to the burnt shed, but barely stopping to look at his face. A feeling he gets from her that she knows something. A dark secret that she holds close to her, fearing that it could come to light.

“Sure, go ahead and keep warm.” He says to her. He turns and heads towards his car which is parked a bit of a distance from the crime scene. But Andrew does not mind the walk and exercise, it helps to clear his head. This case is going to be very interesting he thinks.

CHAPTER 2

Andrew wakes up with a heavy head. He only slept 3 hours and has to be back at the office. He thinks as he lays a few more minutes in the comfort of his bed, maybe the autopsy is completed. Will need to call the doctor and find out. The soft white sheets and the warmth of the blue covers beg him to remain longer. He looks towards his clock. The red numbers blink in the early morning light. It is just after 8am. The clock’s red, bold numbers turn 8.05am. He rubs his hands over his face. Need to remember to shave.

He pushes back the heavy blue covers and props himself out of bed. He stretches his hands above his head and wiggles his toes in the soft mat placed by his feet. Andrew goes to the bathroom and relieves himself and proceeds to brush his teeth and shave his face. He gets into the steaming shower and scrubs his body washing thoroughly every part and wishes he could wash all the dirt of the murders off him. The fragrant foam glides down his body mixing with the running water and slips quietly down the drain.

He steps out dripping wet and roughly dries himself and his hair. With just a towel wrapped around his waist he heads towards the kitchen. His bare feet make damp marks on the tiled floor and it feels a bit cold. The coffee machine beeps as it ready with the black fuel that almost all humans need to fully function in the morning.

He grabs a toast plastered thick with strawberry jam in the kitchen and gulps down a mug of coffee. It burns slightly because it’s too hot. But he welcomes the feeling as it makes him feel alive. Andrew checks his phone and sees no messages yet from Dr Beats. Maybe he is still busy and will have to wait a bit longer. He dresses quickly after his breakfast, with a black jeans and white t-shirt from his cupboard and rushes off to his car. The sedan, coupe is an older model with only two doors but it is trustworthy and reliable. He loves its blue colour and the way it shimmers in the light. But it actually looks good in any time, day or night.

Andrew takes out his cell to call Dr Beats. As he looks at the screen it lights up and rings.

“Hello, “Andrew’s voice is loud over the phone, “What’s up doc?”

“Where are you? You need to come down to my office now, I have some bad news.”

“I’m on my way.” Andrew says, as he unlocks the car with a beep and drops down into the leather interior seats, speeding out of the drive way. His wheels screech as it takes off down the road. The quiet neighbourhood echoes with the sound. What could possibly get worse than this? Just one morning needs to start good, he hopes.

CHAPTER 3

The morgue is cold and grey. The metal colour walls don’t have any welcoming feel but brings the thoughts of only death to one’s mind. The smell of rotting, decaying flesh always over powers Andrew’s nose. After years of working in this field, he just barely managers to tolerate the smell. He looks at the doctor by the metal tables. Dr Beats always looks good in his white overalls. Like a butcher man about to cut up meat. His plain white apron presses against the table as he leans over to examine something.

“Morning, what is the big news?” Andrew can’t wait to hear what has happened. Dr Beats mood is evident and he starts to talk to him without lifting his head. “I think I know her. Just waiting for one more lab result to confirm, then I will know for sure. “Beats raised his head. He meets Andrew’s eyes. The happy, gleaming eyes now look grieved and sad.

“Is she a girl from the neighbourhood?” Andrew asked with great concern now and worry.

“Worst, I think she’s the captain’s daughter.”

The shock of the news hits me hard. Captain Brass was always one of the best, most powerful cops in the precinct. His rise to the captain position was through hard work and determination. He was truly respected by all his peers and officers that worked with him from different precincts including his own. Officers looked towards him for guidance and help. Now how are we going to tell him the bad news? Andrew rubs his face with his hand. “I’m going to need another coffee before I deal with this.”

“One good thing, the rape kit came back negative.” Beats picks up his notes. They shared a moment of relief as they looked at one another.

“There were marks on her wrist and ankles. She was tied up.” The gruesome picture of this girl came into view as he stepped forward towards the table.

“But it looks like she put up a fight and struggled. There are deep cuts and bruises as the rope cut into her during her struggle.”

Andrew thinks about the jolly 19-year-old. Her name was Cindi Brass. She was a freshman at the university, studying art or something. Cindi was a daddy’s girl. Andrew remembers her running around her daddy’s office and through the precinct. Her curly blonde hair bounces around her smiling, small face. It was filled with life and excitement. That seems so far away to the image that lays before him today. She looks crisp and tiny on the cold steel table. Dried, dark, blood flakes are present around her wrist and ankles. She is now black and lifeless. Her skin was no longer smooth and soft, but rigid like dark leather.

“Did you call the captain about your suspicion that it could be her?” Andrew enquires, with a bitter taste rising up to his mouth. He looks at Beats, who pulls his face.

“Not sure if I should, maybe later when it’s confirmed.” Beats start pulling off his apron and throws it into the biohazard bin. He does not want to be alone when delivering this devastating news.

The lab assistant walks in the door. The chill air moves like a wave through the morgue. We both look up at Paul, a young man thriving in his field and growing rapidly. His medium in built and dresses very casual in jeans most days, with his ear phones always dangling from his neck if not in his ears. He has been working with Dr Beats for 6 years now. But his young and full of life, despite working in a place filled with death. Today he wears black jeans and a blue t-shirt that shows off his slightly toned arms.

“I have the results back Doctor. Looks like you were right.” Paul says after he opened the envelope and removed the printed sheets. “Blood matches. Dental records are a match too. It’s our girl Cindi.”

He moves closer to Beats and hands over the results. He scans the sheets and sighs. “Looks like I’m making that call.”

   CHAPTER 4

The police station is swarmed with news reporters and vans. This type of news always travels fast, especially bad news. Captain Brass paces in his office. He is drained and fatigue covers his face. The front desk restricted the reporters to the outside of the building. But the commotion continues and the news flusters up the building, travelling on the wind as whispers. The captain sips his third cup of bitter coffee. We sit tense in his office, watching and waiting for him to explode.

“How the hell did this happen?” He screams in our direction. Beats cast a glance towards me and I shrug. “She was out with her friends.” His voice cracks and slowly tears roll down his cheeks. He wipes it away with the crumbled tissue in his hand, that’s starts to fall apart in pieces. Andrew knew his anger would change to sorrow, but not this quickly. Captain Brass turns to look out of his office window again. News reporters are circling around at the entrance like vultures waiting to eat.

“I want this bastard caught.” He turns to face us and throws the ruined tissue into the metallic bin by his desk. It lands softly at the bottom despite the force it was thrown with.

“Andrew you are the best detective I have in this precinct. Whatever resource you need I will make it happen.” Brass finally stops pacing and he sits in his leather chair. It makes a surrendering noise under his weight. Andrew nods his head, knowing it is not wise to speak at this moment. “I still have to tell my wife, if she does not already know.” He gestures angrily towards the window, meaning the news crew. Patches of sweat marks can be seen under his armpits and his shirt clings to his huge frame. “I want you by my side when I make my statement, both of you.” Brass speaks softly now lowering his voice, looking towards Andrew and then at Beats. The news conference will be held shortly but he is not sure how his going to get through it. No way can we back down from that. “Yep sure,” We both answer at once.

CHAPTER 5

Andrew decides to go back to the crime scene. He reaches in the late afternoon. Sunlight starts to tip behind the house. Mrs Finch is in her garden. Trying to salvage whatever she could. Andrew watches her from his car. The area takes on a different look and vibe from last night. Birds chirp in the distance and a slight cool breeze can be felt through his open window. Her floral dress moves slightly with the breeze. Her hair has been tied back in a bun like the previous night but a lot neater this time. “This woman knows something.” Andrew speaks to himself in the car. He pulls out his cell to make the call.

“Lucy, hey, I need your help.” He speaks into the phone as he watches Mrs Finch. Lucy is one of the best tech girls he knows. She is slick and smooth around a computer like a swan in the water. Her beauty leaves men breathless after encountering her. All they can do is fill their dreams with her image. She is also Andrew’s biggest crush.

“Hi Andrew,” her sweet voice comes across the line. Andrew catches his breath for a moment. He loves the way she says his name.

“I need your assistants for something.” Andrew stares at Mrs Finch. His mind is racing with thoughts. “Please run a background check on a Mrs Paula Finch. Anything you can find out about her.”

CHAPTER 6

Andrew heads straight home after speaking to Mrs Finch. No new information was gathered but he has a feeling he just can’t get rid of. He walks lazily into the house through the front door. His home is of perfect size for him. Its brick walls provide him with a warm homely atmosphere. He enters the lounge area that has a cosy fire place, but he does not have the time to make good use of it. The brown couches work well with the black, fire place mantle, and gives off a feeling of cabin life.

Anxious to hear from Lucy, he glances towards his phone. It does not blink so he knows she never found anything yet. He closes the front door with his left foot and stands still for a while. He takes in 3 big breaths before moving forward. Just taking some time to unwire would be nice. Andrew dumps his back pack by the round glass coffee table in the lounge and heads straight to the kitchen. He removes his 9mm from his belt on his waist and sits it down on the marble, kitchen counter.

“Please let there be some left overs…” he mumbles to himself as he opens the fridge door. But he finds none. It’s bare, almost naked, with just half a loaf of bread, some fruits and little milk left in the container. Shopping is one of the last things he enjoys doing but his in great need now. “I need to hire someone to shop for me, or at least cook for me.” He sighs.

“I’m starving, looks like I need a take-out…” Andrews picks up the phone and looks towards the fridge door where a variety of take-out menus have been kept with magnets. As he reaches for one to have a closer look, he hears the doorbell.

“Who is it?” Andrew calls out as he walks out from the kitchen towards the front door. But no reply comes. He pauses and thinks of his next move. He retreats back into the kitchen and picks up his gun from the top of the counter and slowly moves towards the door. He keeps his gun on his side by his thigh and walks silently. His been a cop long enough to know people don’t make house calls without calling first. Something is wrong.

“You better identify yourself!” his voice comes out louder than he expected. Andrew peeps through the glass window next to the door by moving the curtains slightly. He does not see anyone, but an average size cardboard box at the front door under the porch light. He breathes on the window forming a misty impression as he searches with his eyes the street in front.

“This is never good,” Andrew says to the empty house. He sees no movement or even a shadow in the immediate area around the front of the house. His open lawn does not allow for anyone to hide either. He opens the door slowly and looks around first. He walks into the street and his eyes searches it and the houses opposite him for any movement. The night is quiet and clear and feels chilly. He shivers but he thinks it’s the box that is giving him the chills not the weather. He turns back to head to the strange box that occupies his porch space. How fast could a person move from the street without being detected? Slowly Andrew opens the lid with the tip of his gun, and with the dim light from the house and porch he sees inside something very odd shaped.

CHAPTER 7

Andrew runs back into the kitchen and grabs his cell phone. He needs to work fast. This case is getting worse by the minute. He dials Doctor Beats first.

“Hello?” Doctor Beats sounds tired and the sound of the car radio travels through the phone.

“Doc, we have a problem,” the jazz music from the car causes interference, “you need to swing around by my place…. It’s urgent.” He shuffles around in the car and the music stops. Beats must have turned off the radio.

“Tell me you joking?” he sounds tired.

“How I wish I was.”

“Is it really bad?”

“Yep, I received a special delivery. Need to get your crew in here now!”

“I will be there soon.” He ends the call and Andrew realises he needs to call the captain. This is not going to be easy.

They all arrived by the house in record time, given that it’s hardly any traffic on the roads at this late hour. The full crew is there with their white overalls and their deathly sound that they bring. The cardboard box is carefully examined. The smell of flesh breaks free as the box lid is opened wide for examination.

It’s a new victim. Male this time, according to the size, but only parts of his body were present, his arms. They are bulky and toned. Doctor Beats places them in evidence bags and seals it with red tape, and sends it off to the morgue and the box to the forensic lab to be further examined. He strips off his gear and rubs his face to wake himself up. Slowly he approaches Andrew and stops next to him on the porch. They stand still looking out at the night as the morgue van takes the special delivery away.

Andrew breaks the silence first “We need to find out who he is, and fast.” He glances towards the doctor as he speaks.

“Will do my best” he places his hand on Andrew’s shoulder, “this guy is not going to stop if you don’t put a stop to it.”

“What does he want with me?” Andrew looks at his dear friend. They both understand what this means. This person has classified knowledge about the team and where they live. His one step ahead of them, and he knows how they work.

Captain Brass comes out and joins them. The police crew shuffles around them and their noise starts to die down to a murmur. Their work is done.

“Let’s start in the morning. Everybody first gets some rest. I think we need it.” Captain walks off the porch towards his car. He drops himself in and rides off, without looking back at them.

CHAPTER 8

Doctor Beats is at the morgue bright and early. Sometimes he arrives even before the morning light brighten ups the sky. He goes to his office first, and slips off his brown, leather jacket. At least that’s the only thing he keeps with him from his vibrant youth days. He hangs it around his black, cushioned chair. For a moment he stands and looks at the picture of his family as he grips the back of the chair tightly with his hands. The bronze frame holds his family together, like a fence, wrapped around his wife, Gloria, and their two girls. Julia is 18 and Anna has just turned 15 last month. They are his special treasures and like jewels he wants to keep them safe at all times. He loves them so much and has no idea what he would do if they went missing or were hurt. He closes his eyes and sends a silent prayer for his family and for Cindi.

His assistant Paul walks in. He drops his grey backpack to the ground and stands resting against the door, watching the doctor. Today his dressed in a red tracksuit with a cap twisted backwards on his head. His tracksuit jacket is unzipped and a plain white t-shirt can be seen. His black sneakers are double tied by the laces, a normal habit of his. And today he decided to wear a black strap bracelet around his wrist with his watch. He knows never to interrupt the doctor when he is deep in thought.

Beats looks up at Paul and they exchange a friendly smile, he knows that he is a hard worker that does not trouble him. He is never late and always very polite and just the perfect employee. What a great son he would make if Beats actually had one. But he is very pleased with his family of ladies.

“Morning Paul…. We have a new case that needs our urgent attention.”

“Morning…. I heard.” He shakes his head and the earphone plugs move with his body’s motion. “Will just change and meet you in the room. Will have it ready doctor.” He moves away from the door only stopping to pick up his bag.

Beats picks up his phone and calls in Beatrice, his secretary. She is a heavy set, black woman who wore a sunny yellow dress today. Her snow-flecked, short hair is tied back behind her ears with small green clips. At 42 she is like a motherly figure always bringing in her delicious cookies or muffins. But today she was extra early and came empty handed. Beatrice answers on the second ring of the phone. She tries her best to be fast and efficient and rushes to his office when he calls. And today is a gloomy day in the office.

“Please bring me a large cup of coffee, Beatrice.” Dr Beats says in soft gentle tone. He loves Beatrice dearly like his own mother.

“Sure, will make a fresh pot.” Her soft voice travels across the room. She moves out softly like how she entered, floating on a silent cloud. He turns to gaze out of the office windows. They are broad windows that cover his entire office wall. They don’t open due to the height of the building. The morning light blinks between the blinds and he moves forward to close it slightly twisting the rod at the end of the blind. This is going to be a long, troublesome day.

CHAPTER 9

Andrew walks into the precinct with his lucky bag and a cup of hot coffee that he got from the coffee stand outside. The buzz in the office was about his special discovery last night. Detectives came in early to work on the new case. Rushing about the office and the hot tip line they set up is ringing non-stop. The team grew and now 6 detectives have been assigned to work under Andrew’s guidance. They look up at him when he enters and they start to gravitate towards him.

His phone starts to ring in his back pocket as he reaches his desk. Dropping the bag on the floor he tries to answer quickly. He holds his breath when he sees its Lucy. He immediately looks up at his team and ushers them away for a few minutes. Holding up his hand and showing them his index finger.

“Hi.” he struggles to speak the word and it comes out in an awkward manner.

“Hi cowboy.” She teases him and knows he must be having butterflies in his stomach.

“I have feedback on that lady you asked me about.” Her voice sounds happy and energetic over the phone.

“That’s great.” Andrew tries to remind himself to breath, he slowly lowers himself into his chair. Finding support would be much better for him in this state.

“I will come up and drop it off.” She clicks off the phone before he can say anything more. He stares at the blank computer and thinks. The information takes a few seconds to sink in when he realises. She’s on her way up!

CHAPTER 10

Lucy is tall and slender. Her legs seem endless in the jeans and shirt that she is wearing today. Blue jeans and a checked red shirt work well together Andrew thinks. Well, anything she wears looks good on her. Her checked shirt is tucked into her jeans and shows off her elegant body more profoundly. Her black boots are ankle height and she left her hair loose today. She sits down on the edge of his table and crosses her legs. Andrew shifts in the chair by his desk and tries to move slightly away from her. Her sweet, flowery perfume fills his nostrils and with her body so close to him, it makes him nervous.

“Hi,” she smiles at him, letting her brown, shoulder length locks fall around her face, “I have your results.” She passes the brown envelope to him with a broad, brilliant smile and continues to chew on her gum.

“Thanks.” Andrew takes the envelope and immediately starts to open it. Glad to have something to do with his hands.

“The background check on one Mrs Paula Finch,” Lucy starts to talk as he reads, moving the gum around in her mouth with her tongue. “She is 65 years old. She lives alone at the moment at that same address as the crime scene. She was married, her husband Bill died over 10 years ago due to cancer. They were married for almost 30 years. There is a record of the birth of a girl a just under a year after they got married but no other information. I suspect maybe she was pregnant before the wedding.” Lucy pulls up her face into a frown and does some calculations in her head. She looks down again at Andrew waiting for his response.

“So where is the girl?” Andrews looks up, but realises his mistake and drops his gaze back to the notes. Lucy’s lips break into a smile, she loves his discomfort around her and continues with her debriefing.

“That’s just it…… this girl was born and then nothing.” She raises her hands into the air with her palms facing up and shrugs, as if there is no more hope. “No school record, no medical check done by any doctor. I wouldn’t have found anything if it was not recorded by the clinic who started transferring their data from paper onto the system about 8 years back. Paula came in one night in October and gave birth there.”

“The clinic is also far, like really far from where she lives now. She had to take a car or bus to get to this clinic on the outskirts of the town. Strange thing also the father’s name is not mention.” She moves on the table to make herself more comfortable. Her long legs start to swing in Andrew’s direction, brushing against his leg slightly making the hair on his arms stand up. His breathing starts to become quicker and he can feel his heart racing. Calm down Andrew, he thinks to himself.

“Why would she not record her husband’s name on the form?”

Andrew thinks about Lucy’s question. He looks up at her and realises she is watching him.

“Looks like my gut’s right… but why would she hide that major event from her husband and why did Bill never question her? I’m sure he would have loved to be present at the birth of his baby girl.” he rubs his hand over his face and gets up from his chair as Lucy jumps off his table. They stand so close to one another and her blueberry flavoured gum could be smelt on her breath.

“I have no idea, that’s your job.” She smiles and leans in to kiss him on the cheek.

Andrew blushes at the gesture and says thanks, for the information and the kiss.

CHAPTER 11

The morgue table is set, ready for the doctor to start his work. Paul walks around the remains, placing the equipment on steel trays. This will be his first autopsy with just two body parts, the arms. No other part of the body was found. He is in a good mood with the music beating through his ears from his ear plugs. He knows he can’t put full volume on the speakers in the morgue. The doctor likes to work and record his notes on the hands-free recorder unit they had installed above the steel table while he is busy, so music is and interference for him. Paul turns around when he feels the wave of cold air. Dr Beats was entering with this cold gust of wind caused by the motion of the door opening. The temperature is so cold that Beats shivers a bit. Not from the death, but what has happened over the past few days. He is not sleeping well and the case has only just begun. The recent events have left everyone on edge. He places on his white overall and slips on the first pair of blue latex gloves. His ready to start the examination and he moves in closer to the hands, gently picking up the first arm and looking closely. Beats replaces the arm on the table again and turns to Paul.

“Let’s run the finger prints, maybe we get a miracle and actually catch a break on this case, and find a match.” Dr Beats says as he places on his second pair of blue latex gloves.

Paul is quick and swift to respond. He moves forward and very gently picks up the hand and lays each finger on the portable machine. He immediately plugs in the machine to the computer and starts to run the programme. They work quietly for a while. Then the computer starts to beep. Dr Beats and Paul glance at each other in shock. The prints must be in the system to get a response so quickly. They both rush towards the computer to see the name it came up with, this is a very lucky break they caught. Dr Beats glances at the screen, he immediately moves towards the landline in the morgue. “Captain needs to know!” he mentions to Paul and starts to strip off his gloves and tossed it in the biohazard bin before he dials.

CHAPTER 12

Andrew and Dr Beats stand in the captain’s office. They both holding brown files, ready to report back. Captain Brass paces up and down as he reads the file from the autopsy. Victim was alive when his arms were removed. Traces of a drug were detected in the lab results, so we know he could not fight back. What a horrible way to suffer? Knowing that you helpless in fighting back for your life. He was tortured and if he is still alive, it will not be for long. Such major blood loss from the removal of body parts would cause certain death in the victim. He stops and drops down into his chair. Brass looks up at his loyal men, ready to do what he commands.

“Are we certain about these results?” Brass looks at Dr Beats.

“Yes, double checked my findings.” Beats says as he opens the file in his hands, “Mr Hector Walker. He is a lawyer for a firm down town. Name of the firm is Raven and Company.”

“His name popped out on the system because of a DUI he had 5 years ok,” Andrew opens his file now to read from, “so far there is no connection that we can find between him and this case.” He shakes his head and closes the file. Andrew swallows first before he asks his next question.

“Did Cindi know him by any chance? Is there any connection between these 2 cases?” Andrew asks Brass.

“I’m not sure, but I have not heard of him. She never mentioned his name,” Brass wipes a tear from his cheek, “There has to be a connection. The very next day body parts start dropping off at my detective’s home!” He lowers his head and reaches for a tissue.

“How are the funeral arrangements coming along?” Dr Beats ask in a soft and gentle tone. He recognises the pain on the captain’s face. He has aged in these last few days. Brass gathers his strength and the paper work in front of him, making it into neat stakes, and stands up again. He becomes the fierce raging bull that everyone knows exist in him but comes out only in extreme situations. His face turns a rich, red colour and with a stern, firm voice he makes an announcement.

“Let’s get this guy!”

  CHAPTER 13

Raven and Company is a very lavish firm nestled in the lower heart of the city. It’s a grey building consisting of 5 floors and a gym. Lawyers, or vultures as Andrew likes to call them, are all hustling about on almost everyone. Andrew walks through the glass doors and flashes his badge at the counter of the receptionist. “Need to talk to someone in charge?” He tells the lady by the counter. His eyes move across the lounge area as he speaks. Not too many clients at this time of the day or perhaps they prefer to stay anonymous. But it is spacious and very well furnished with cream couches and glass coffee tables. Abundant of indoor or fake plants have been placed in the corners of the building. Magazines of different topics are displayed on top of the coffee tables.

“Certainly,” The receptionist speaks smoothly into her ear piece, “please wait and someone will be with you shortly.” She smiles at Andrew and he returns it. The smile fades away from his face the moment he turns around to take a seat and wait for his man. The couches are soft and he almost sinks right into it. After a few minutes of observing the fake potted plants that are near him and the variety of flower colours, a short, stout man appears.

“I hear you are from the police,” His voice is husky and thick as he extends his fleshy hands towards Andrew, “Mr Alan Parker at your service. Always glad to help out the men or women in blue.” He smiles as if this was meant to be humorous. His dark grey suit stretches over his huge frame and seems like it is about to burst, pressing the buttons of his jacket to breaking point. Andrew reaches out his hand and shakes it firmly even though it feels sweaty. “Thank you, could we speak privately?”

They move along to a conference room which is big enough to fit 20 people inside. The AC was cooling off the room and has made it almost chilled. This will definitely help Mr Parker who seems to be perspiring all the time. Andrew jumps straight into the questions as he is shown to a seat.

“Do you know a Mr Hector Walker?” He takes out his notepad as the conversation starts and makes notes of his answers.

“Why yes! He is a partner here at the firm. The other partner is Mr Raven, hence the name of the company,” he giggles as if he is amused at his own joke, “But he never came into work today,” he shifts his heavy weight about in the leather chair, “which is not unusual of him. He parties late sometimes.” He shrugs his shoulders and finally releases the buttons of his jacket from the pressure build up before they burst open.

“Well Mr Walker will not be coming in today, I’m afraid, we think his dead.”

CHAPTER 14

Lucy types rapidly on her computer. The one thing she hates is not being able to find a person and her frustration is building up. She has been searching now for a few hours already and came up with nothing. Her office is filled with black computer monitors stationed all around her. The white counter tops are covered with her files and her personal items, and the table in the centre is filled with some evidence bags from another case. She is getting more frustrated and lets the computer programmes work their magic. She has all 3 consoles running to find this girl. The computers are her search dogs, like greyhounds they race rapidly through cyber space to find the information she needs. Sniffing around every corner to search out every bit of vital information they can. Eventually one of her dogs starts to beep. Lucy glides towards the computer on her chair and continues to take a sip on her energy drink.

  “This is interesting!” she whispers to herself and starts to type more instructions. There was a girl who was placed up for adoption one week after the birth of Paula Finch’s daughter. There could be a connection or its nothing. But the area is the same as where she gave birth, so the timing could be connected.

Lucy types more instructions for her dogs to work with and starts to scan social media. She thinks it’s highly unlikely that a female will not have any accounts. Maybe she’s on Twitter or Facebook, there should be something.

She goes back to her other computers and makes them all work on the same search. Lucy relaxes back in her chair as they work hard. She sips again on the energy drink and realises she needs to cut back on them. She feels maybe a little too hyped up today. She takes out her cell phone to check if there are any messages. Only one unread message from Dr Beats,

‘Please search for more information about a lawyer by the name of Hector Walker, thanks.’ As she starts to set up the search on another console, all 3 greyhounds start giving off alarms. Lucy almost drops her blue energy drink and rushes over to them. She looks at the screen and grabs her phone next to the computer and dials the number for Dr Beats.

“Hello.” Beats voice booms through the phone.

“I found her!”

CHAPTER 15

Captain Brass looks sharp in his black suit and sunglasses, with his beloved wife sobbing next to him by the grave. She wore her favourite, black dress which flowed till just pass her knees and her hat with a tiny black veil covering half of her weeping face. The funeral pulled in a huge crowd from all the different divisions. Rows of white chairs were filled to capacity and the rest of the guest stood about, morbid and completely attired in black. The light drizzle, that was on and off at times caused people to attend the funeral carrying umbrellas. Everyone showed their respect to the Brass family, and they just nodded in response. Too damaged and hurt to utter a sound. Hands were shaken and whispers of sympathy and condolences was passed around.

The casket is slowly lowered into her grave, decorated with long white tulips, and soft sobs could be heard from his wife, Claire. She clutches onto his arm for support and strength. At this time, they only have each other. The loss of his only child was a very heavy burden that he had to bear. His strength to fight for revenge was fed by the sobs from the grieving mother besides him, his wife.

Brass’s mind is filling up now with different thoughts and ideas of this case. The bastard has to be caught or I’m going to die trying. He silently makes this promise to the gaping grave hole that now belongs to his daughter. He ended Cindi’s life before it even began. She had no time to get married and start a family of her own. His dreams of becoming a grandfather were now buried below the earth. He squashed the tissue tightly in his hands till his knuckles became white and the tissue pieces started to fall to the ground like wisps of snow. Tears rolled down his cheeks as Brass started to scream silently from inside.

CHAPTER 16

The place is spotlessly clean. Not an item out of place. The landlord unlocked the door to Hector Walker’s apartment and immediately moved out of the way. The 6th floor, one bedroom apartment was fitted just for a bachelor. Shelves of books line the walls. They are mostly law books and journals, with an odd novel here and there. The kitchen is clean with just one wine glass in the basin, but the dishwasher has not yet been unpacked. There is hardly any food in the kitchen as if it has been stripped of all homely life.

“Looks like the cleaning lady had not yet arrived.” Andrew turns to tell the landlord seeing the dry cleaning still flung over the couch, and the kitchen bin has not yet been emptied.

“She usually comes in every second day just to tidy up.” He replies.

“Does Mr Walker live alone?” Andrew glances around at the place, no pictures of a family or wife. Actually, the complete lack of activity in the apartment is very evident. As if no one lives here at all.

“The bed is made, so we know someone came in to make the bed or he never slept here on his last night.” He walks in further to check out the en suite bathroom.

“Mr Walker is not married. He does have some pretty company over now and again. Always a different lady though.” The landlord mentions in a raised voice as he moves in, taking a few steps over the threshold, and scans the apartment like it is a biohazard zone.

“We need to find this cleaning lady.” He says loudly as he moves out of the bathroom, only one toothbrush in the glass, so he lives alone. Any visitors must be leaving before dawn. “I need her name as soon as possible.” Andrew says when he returns to the front door.

“I can do you one better and give more than just a name.” Andrew looks towards the doorway where the soft voice came from and he sees a slim brunette standing by the door next to the landlord. “I’m Sofia Thomas, the cleaning lady.” She smiles as her dimples form on her cheeks.

CHAPTER 17

Lucy and Dr Beats sit together in his office going over the information. Lucy jumps up, unable to contain her excitement, or maybe it’s just too many energy drinks. She really needs to start cutting back on those drinks!

“We found her! I can’t believe it!” She paces around until she is by his desk. Lucy feels like a proud mother who can’t wait to show off her kid’s talents to the world.

“Please stop moving around Lucy, you making me dizzy.” Beats grabs his head and starts to massage his temples with the tips of his fingers in a circular motion. His head is giving off a pounding feeling, and he thinks to himself when last did he eat. He can’t even remember what he ate! Was it a coffee or a sandwich?

“Oh sorry,” she picks a chair opposite his table and drops herself down, “I’m just excited.”

“Start from the beginning again, and this time sit still.” He looks up at her with a warning glance from a teacher, she’s finally relaxed but breathing a bit heavy. Excitement is emanating from every pore from her body. She crosses her legs and then uncrosses it again as she sits on the chair, then she smiles and takes in a big breath, her chest rising and then falling with her deep breaths.

“Mrs Finch gave birth in a clinic on the out skirts of the town, in the south. The baby that was born was a girl, weighing 2.4 kg. She immediately puts the baby up for adoption. But one week later, she is removed from the adoption list and Mrs Finch decides to come back into town, this town!” Her eyes are wide as the story starts to unfold.

“Ok, so how did you find her now after all these years?” Beats looks at her.

“Which teenager does not have a social media platform or accounts?” Lucy starts up again. Her palms open as if to tell Beats that such a person is crazy and is rarely found in today’s times. “So, I did a search that will match her details, because who really changes their date of birth.” She stands up again, and with one look from Beats she drops back into the chair. She knows she made a wise decision.

“So, I found this girl on Instagram and she has photos of her teenage years, and her partying with some friends. I ran a programme for facial comparison of what the child would look like, using the parents and came up with a 75% chance to be Mrs Finch’s daughter. In terms of her features in relation to Mrs Finch. I did not run it against the father. For the simple reason she did not add a father’s name to the birth certificate. But I thought if I could get a DNA from Mrs Finch, we can make it certain.” She finally takes a breath.

“But there is one more thing,” Lucy steals a look at Beats, “she drops off the social media accounts 12 years ago.” She waits for him to respond.

“Something happened 12 years ago?” He leans back into his chair, “But what happen to her?” Beats gets up now stretching his legs and moves towards the window, pondering over this new information. The sun shines brightly and he adjusted the blinds on the one window to block it out. If only everything else was so easy to block out. Life would be so simple and enjoyable. The problems of the world could be shut out in a matter of seconds.

“This is why I never called Andrew yet. I don’t like giving him things which are incomplete.” She slowly gets up to join Beats at the window. They both stand in the dim light and turn to face one another as she gives her last piece of news.

“Her name is Pauline.”

CHAPTER 18

   Sofia Thomas sits by Andrew’s desk in the precinct while she waits for him to return. She glances around the office at the other detectives. They smile at her and offer coffee or tea, or any other option she prefers. She politely refuses all of them. She is dressed today with a flowing red dress, fine imprints of rose petals scatter on the material. The slit of the ankle length dress runs up on the side to her thigh, parting ever so slightly with her movements on the hard chair. Her lips are bright red to match the colour of her dress and shoes. Her hair flaps loosely about her face with only the left side pulled back with a black hair clip. She gave extra attention to her dressing today because of this occasion. She loves drawing the attention of men but her eye is on one very special guy. She watches the captain’s office door waiting for Andrew to come back to her. He is talking to Captain Brass in his office.

“She is here waiting by my desk and I think she might be able to help.” Andrew waits for a response from Brass.

“Place her in the conference room. She will feel more at ease and this will make her tongue flow more easily. I will be sitting in with you to hear what she has to say and to ask some questions.” Brass voice is flat, dead and lifeless just like his daughter.

“Sure, will make the arrangements.” Quickly Andrew moves out from the office and heads straight to his guest. As he approaches his desk Sofia stands up and smiles at him. Her perfume fills the area around his table and he breathes in the sweet fragrance. He blushes a bit and grabs the folder on his table.

“Let’s talk in a more comfortable place.” He picks up his cell from the table and realises that Dr Beats office tried to call him. His phone is still on silent from the previous night and he forgot to turn the sound back on again. Wonder what this is about? He places it into his pocket and turns to move when suddenly standing behind him is Lucy.

She looks stunning today, in a black flowing dress which stops above her knees and black ankle boots, he loses his breath for that one moment.

“Hi?” Andrew says to her but realises she is not paying attention to him at all.

Lucy looks at Sofia and back at Andrew. A questioning look spreads across her face. They both locked in a stare as Andrew receives no reply to his greeting.

CHAPTER 19

The tension in the conference room was intense and very evident. Andrew thought this room would be better than the interrogation room, but he could not have been more wrong. The tension was not because of the case but between the two ladies. It felt difficult to breathe despite the cool AC blowing and Andrew has no idea why Lucy wanted to join in the meeting. But here she is, swinging on the chair like a sulking child. Lucy watches Sofia like a hawk. Her eyes roaming over her every chance she gets. Like a predator studying its prey. Looking for weaknesses and the strength they could have. Andrew does not like the vibe she is giving off, it might spook Sofia into not talking at all and they need a break in the case, he looks towards her before he starts.

“You can go Lucy. You don’t have to be here for this interview?” Andrew tries to get her out of the room to make the atmosphere a bit better, but also trying not to insult Lucy in anyway. Sofia smiles broadly at him, grateful that he is asking this woman to leave. She does not like the competition and glad he chose to be her saviour. Brass opens the conference door and enters silently and sits, and with no small talk to anyone he begins and he takes out a folder containing the information about the lawyer, Mr Walker.

Andrew tries to smile at Lucy, but she gives him a cold stare and pushes back from the table and stands up. She walks out without another glance in his direction. I’m going to pay for that, he thinks.

CHAPTER 20

Brass starts the interview immediately, not waiting for any pleasantries. “How long have you been working for Mr Walker?”

“About three years.” Sofia looks from Andrew to Captain Brass. She reclines back in her chair and feels much more comfortable now that Lucy has left. She would feel even better if Andrew was alone with her but she understands that this was not a social call. She called in to provide a little bit more information. The detective’s private time with her will come soon. Not all men can be caught that quickly, some have to be hunted. She smiles to herself as this thought passes through her mind. This challenge she accepts willingly.

“When was the last time you saw him?” Andrew enquires.

“About 2 days ago. I made the bed and cleaned up the apartment. I placed all the dishes in the dishwasher. He was still in the kitchen having his coffee. I think he was on the phone maybe with a client, but I’m not sure.” She says while gazing at her nails. It’s vibrant red nail colour flashing out in front of her.

“What time did you leave?”

“I left about 10 am. He was still there. I never went back to the apartment till today. That’s when I met you.” Sofia smiles at Andrew, who returns the gesture and he feels his face start to heat up. He feels flustered by her and unable to breathe.

“Did he seem upset on the phone with this client?” Brass enquires. His tone is still flat but with a tinge of anger present. Andrew looks up from his notes at Brass, thinking he is playing interrogation tactics, good cop bad cop style.

“He was loud but not to the point of shouting, so I can’t say.” She thinks for a while and looks at the ceiling as if in deep thought.

“Is something on your mind, Sofia?” Brass noticed the hesitation in her voice.

“I know he never had good clients; they were shady characters.” She shuffles in the chair.

“I’m not supposed to know about them, but sometimes I steal a glance at his files when they open on the kitchen counter.” She looks towards Andrew hoping for some kind of reward for this bit of information. But he is too busy writing on his notepad to notice her. Playing it safe is better for him right now.

“We need to look into his clients list.” Brass turns to Andrew. There could be something there.

CHAPTER 21

First place Andrew goes after the interview is to Lucy’s lab. But she’s not there. He searches the police station and finally finds her in Brass office. Andrew steps in the office with the file that was handed to him by his team of detectives and he knows immediately that she’s upset with him.

“Hi.” Andrews says to both of them after he knocked on the door and entered with a few steps. But only Captain Brass responds. He steals a glance towards her, but she continues to read through her notes silently while Brass continues to talk to her.

“I will discuss with a judge to get a warrant for a DNA from Mrs Finch for you.” Brass looks now up at Andrew, and with that single gesture he dismisses her. Lucy gathers her things and walks pass Andrew without even a smile or a glance in his direction. Brass jumps into the next conversation without missing a beat. The mood between the two was lost to him or he just didn’t bother about it. This gives Andrew no time to catch her again at the door.

“Lucy found the girl, but for the past 12 years she has disappeared off social media. We need to know what happen to her. But we first need to confirm that this is her. We can’t rely on that program of Lucy’s only; it will not hold up court. I still want something a bit more solid as evidence.” Brass offloads his commands swiftly.

“Will start immediately, in the meantime, Mr Walker is a very interesting man. He has too many dark patches in his past. Large amounts of money were deposited into his accounts on various days throughout a 5-year period. We think his clients could be the bad type so there is a possible motive. Maybe some drug lords and people who are known to be shady characters in the social circles around town.” Andrew flips through his file that his team gave him. The background checks on Mr Walker turned up way too quickly. Within a few hours they had a lot of information, from his bank details to his travels abroad. The law firm will be hesitant to give further help about client files without a warrant due to client confidentiality.

“There is also evidence of large amount of cash being deposited in his accounts, so we need to find the source of it.” At this point he looks up to Brass. He comes around his desk to sit on the side. He shifts his weight till his comfortable. They both look at the each other and think silently for a few minutes.

“Let’s get to know Mr Walker better.” Brass announces.

CHAPTER 22

Dr Beats picks up the phone again as soon as the call came in. The team needs to work fast if they wish to gather all evidence before it’s destroyed in the late afternoon rain. He grabs his gear as the ringing of the phone carries on in his ears, eventually a connection is made.

“Yep, Beats?” Andrew says on the third ring.

“We found a body, a patrol car just called it in, somewhere near a construction site.” Beats is breathing hard into the phone as he picks up his gear. “Meet you there in 20 minutes.” He drops the call after giving Andrew the address of the crime scene and proceeds to find Paul.

Andrew reacts immediately and heads to his car in the parking garage. He knows the rain will be here soon, clouds started to gather from earlier in the day. The storm will wash away any evidence they could possibly find, so he needs to move fast.

Paul is working in the morgue washing down the last few instruments and steel tables, and looks up as Dr Beats walks through the door. The gush of cold winds envelopes him but he welcomes the feel, it is his home and he loves every minute in it.

“We had a break in our case, a body was just found by some construction workers at their site. It has no arms so it could be our guy!” Beats mentions to him.

“That’s great news for us. Will grab the rest of the gear and meet you at the loading dock.” Paul says with a slight curve at the corners of his mouth as he dries off his hands.

CHAPTER 23

The site is crawling with the tech crew. They manage to close up green sheets around the body so no news crew can get any cameras in. A canopy has been erected over the body. Spot lights have been placed up as the darken clouds threaten rain and the approach of the coming night. Andrew looks around as he reaches the construction site. Workers stand around waiting to hear if they can go home. They huddle together in their orange uniforms and talk about their discovery. Some are still wearing their hard, safety helmets while others are swinging it in their hands. Andrew thinks to himself that to keep this quiet is going to be very difficult. There are too many witnesses that have to be interviewed. Better start quickly and he directs his team of detectives to start the interview process.

The ground feels wet and makes a slush noise as he moves along in the direction of Dr Beats. He is hunched over something and already examining the body. The naked body is not only armless, but headless too. It is badly bruised in a rich crimson colour from the severe beating he received.

“Someone really did a number on this guy,” Beats stands up again, “His been dead for 2 days. Body started to decompose already. Head was removed post mortem. There is no blood here so this is a body dump site, not the crime scene.”

“I don’t understand how we only come across his remains now, 2 days later?” Andrew thinks out loud.

“The construction crew only came back to work today, in the afternoon. They were busy with another job somewhere else. So, I will have to check the weather the last few days and see if it sped up the decomposition process of the body in any way. We need to confirm that this is our lawyer we were searching for these past few days.” Beats pulls off his gloves. More information will come to light once the autopsy starts. He tosses the gloves in the biohazard plastic bag and walks off with Andrew a few steps to the side.

“Looks like some people or maybe his clients never liked him. At least we got most of the body back.” Andrew says as he kneels down again, after taking a few steps closer to examine a tattoo that is exposed on his torso. A crow with its wings stretched out full across the side of his body.

“Wonder where he got this?” Andrew stands up again.

“I saw that, will have to ask Lucy to check it up for me.” Beats says as he waves over his team to start collecting the body. He completed his findings on his note pad and starts to pack it away in his bag. He completes the procedure with taking a few more pictures but not only of the body but also the surroundings areas.

“Please let me do it, I need to fix something with her.” Andrew takes in a deep sigh.

CHAPTER 24

The remains are placed out on the cold steel table. The bright light shines over it from the ceiling, illuminating the space beneath and beyond. Paul and Dr Beats work around the body, snapping pictures from every angle. Beats speaks of his finding into the wireless, recording machine that hangs over the steel table. They work so smoothly together, each knowing what to do without giving instructions to the other. The initial stages of the autopsy run smoothly and quickly.

“Run a test on his blood Paul. To confirm identity that this is Mr Walker since we don’t have his hands or face, and I want to know if he was drugged when captured or only when dismembered.” Beats makes an impression, using a clay substance, of his wounds around the shoulder and neck. He needs the impression to find the weapon used to dismember him.

Once the mould is dry, he gives it to Paul, who knows exactly what to do with it. He leaves immediately to the lab so they can start the computer program to run it.

“Will be right back Doctor.” And with a swift move of the door, Paul is gone.

CHAPTER 25

Dr Beats finishes off with the last of the examinations and pushes the body into the fridge draw and closes it. He heads over to the biohazard waste bin and ribs off the blue gown and gloves and tosses it in. Walking rapidly towards his office, his mind races on how he will report his findings because something does not sit right with him. It felt odd even maybe strange. He ponders over what it could mean. He powers up his computer and starts the search program. Pushing back on the chair he leans into the leather and folds his arms. He closes his eyes just to rest and think about what he just saw in the autopsy.

The ringing of the phone jerked him out from his thoughts. He never even realised he fell asleep.

“Hello?” Beats rubs his eyes as he places the phone to his ear. He recognises Paul’s voice immediately.

“I think they found something, will bring it up once they print out the report for me.” Paul places the phone down before Beats could reply.

With a heavy sigh Beats thinks while he leans back in the chair, now what could this be.

CHAPTER 26

Andrew pushes open the door of Lucy’s lab and immediately he is enveloped with the sound of music. Sounds like a rock band. He watches her as she stands by the computer, busy typing and sending her hounds on more searches. Her hair is loose and drops around her shoulders. Her black jeans and purple t-shirt fit her figure perfectly. She looks stunning from the front or the back he thinks. Her energy drink is by her side and is a common item to be found near her. She does not hear him approach and only realises his there when he stands next to her. Her perfume fills his nostrils and a warm feeling spread over him.

She turns towards him and for a few seconds they look at each other.

“Hi, I brought something, if you could look at it, please.” Andrew waits till she says something before he gives her the envelope with the tattoo photos. He does not turn his gaze away from her, and stares deep into her eyes.

She brushes her hair away from her face and places a few strands behind her ear.

“Sure, just leave the envelope on my desk.” Lucy says as she glances back to her computer screen.

Andrew smiles, which makes his face even more handsome. At least she spoke to me he thinks. That’s a start.

CHAPTER 27

Mrs Finch storms into the police station and heads straight to Captain Brass office, her mood is like a storm above her brooding, ready to explode. Curious glances are thrown her way as she walks briskly through the area. Andrew jumps up from his desk when he realises who she is and rushes to block her path.

“Hello Mrs Finch, what brings you down to the station?” He says as he stands tall in the aisle, blocking her way any further.

“I need to speak to your captain. What rubbish is this that someone is digging into my past? And you want a DNA sample?” Her eyes bulging as she speaks and veins popping out on her forehead.

“Keep calm Ma’am, why don’t we go and have a seat in the conference room and discuss this matter.” Andrew says as he directs her towards the room, placing his hand gentle on her back. He glances towards Lucy as she comes out of her lab to hear the commotion. Andrew moves fast to make sure she is behind closed doors before she starts to scream again. He pulls out a chair for her to sit and calm down.

“Everything will be explained, let me go and call the captain.” He closes the door as he heads to the captain. Time to be Lucy’s knight in shining armour.

CHAPTER 28

Paul takes the elevator up to the office of Dr Beats. He leans against the steel wall of the elevator and listens to the smoothing music playing softly. Shifting from one leg to the other, he glances again at the report file. The doors to the elevator open and he walks out on to the carpet. The soft feel beneath his sneakers is a real welcome. He thinks of his small 1-bedroom apartment with only the basics inside. He wished he had the rich parents like all the others here. They had a career booster with the help of the money from them. He on the other hand had to crawl and work hard to get to where he is now.

He turns the corner and meets Beatrice by the front desk.

“Hi Paul,” Beatrice welcomes him with a smile. Her face brightens up with his arrival. She looks at him as if he could be her son. He has a beautiful character and is very well mannered. What a lovely boy, she always thinks in her head.

“Looking lovely as usual Beatrice,” He flirts with her a little each time to make her cheeks brighten up and appear flushed, “Is the doctor in?” He looks towards the Doctor’s office door.

“His still working like a steam engine,” she leans forward and whispers, “but running out of steam quickly these days.” They both looked towards the door and hear the shuffled movements of Beats as he moves around the office. Beatrice thinks of her loyal boss and fills up with pure love for this hard-working man.

“Better go see if his in a good mood.” Paul winks at her and gives her a peck on the cheek causing her to blush.

CHAPTER 29

“How the hell did she find out?” Brass paces in his office as he shouts and throws about his hands. Andrew stands still in the corner trying not to be noticed. He can see the beads of perspiration shimmer on his forehead as the light bounces off him through the blinds.

“We need to speak to her but maybe not give all the details.” Andrew thinks a bit, he looks around the office trying to find a way to escape the erupting volcano. But in his mind, he thinks of the exact same thing, how the hell did she know what they were up to?

CHAPTER 30

The tattoo is strange and seems to be endless as it wraps itself around the body. The wings of the crow are out stretched, like it’s reaching, to his heart in the front and the portion to the back. But the face of the crow is what troubles him. Dr Beats looks at the photos of the corpse with more interest this time. He slowly keeps paging through them.

He flips the photos onto the desk and it scatters across the table and he bites his bottom lip, this strange feeling that he has seen this image before, is what he can’t shake off. He reaches over to the phone, but before he can buzz Beatrice, Paul knocks softly and walks into his office.

“Hope I can speak to you for a few minutes?” Paul’s gaze follows where Dr Beats hand is reaching, “but if you busy on a call I will wait?” He pauses at the door waiting for a response.

“No, its fine,” he waves him over to come and sit in the office, that feels like an oven slowly reaching its peak temperature. He leans back into his leather chair, but decides against it, and stands up to get closer to the AC.

“I was just going over the tattoo photos and I find it strange and puzzling,” Beats looks towards Paul and nods his head in his direction, “but you wanted to speak to me about something?”

“Yes, it was an electric saw,” He stretches out his hand, to hand over the results the lab found, “it’s very common to be obtained from any hardware. Not a huge industrial kind but a small hand size. This could be found in anyone’s house hold items.”

Beats flips through Paul’s findings. The report even shows that he was dead before they removed his head.

“There were also other marks found that did not match the electric saw. It’s in the report too.” Paul adds as he watches Beats page through, “It belongs to a hunting knife with a jagged edge to it.” Beats rubs his hand over his face once again. He can feel the migraine crawling back with a vengeance. He walks back to his chair and sits down with a heavy drop before addressing Paul again. He pulls open his draw and takes out the aspirin pill bottle for his throbbing headache. He knocks out 2 and tosses into his mouth followed by 2 gulps of water from his mug.

“Hunting knives are also common with some people so that lead will be a dead end too, we need to find the original crime scene and fast.”

“Yes, it is common but the difference is this one is a standard police or swat issue knife which has a small chip on the blade.” Paul says.

CHAPTER 31

Brass and Andrew sit opposite Paula Finch in the conference room. She looks extremely angry with beads of sweat gathering on her upper lip. Her face is no longer red but slowly turning into a light pink. She quivers as she sits in the rotating chair, rubbing her left hand up and down her right arm. She needs a smoke badly to help calm her nerves down.

Brass moves the bottle of water across the table closer to her. She looks at it and slowly reaches for the cold water hoping it will supress her smoking addiction, but it fails. She tries her best not to look at Brass in the eye.

Andrew watches her as her hands shake to open the bottle. She gulps down a few sips before he starts speaking. Droplets of water hanged on her lip and she wiped it off with the back of her left hand.

“Mrs Finch, we were just doing our usual back ground checks, especially since you do not know the owner of the land behind your house, where the burnt down house is.” As he speaks, he watches her body language for any signs.

She moves back and forth on the chair which keeps moving since it has wheels. She continues to swing on this moving object, failing to get comfortable enough to just relax.

“If you want to know something about me or my family all you need to do is ask.” She seems to be losing her steam of anger as she speaks. Brass looks at Andrew and they both know this is their opportunity to get all the information they want. Brass pulls out a packet of cigarettes from his jacket pocket and shakes out a single cigarette and leans over to give Mrs Finch. He keeps this pack with him for just this purpose even though he does not smoke.

She looks at the pack with a drooling stare and then looks up between the two men. “Can I smoke in here?”

“Not really, but for you we will make an exception.” Brass smiles at her. A broad smile but really empty of emotion for her. I lost my daughter in this mess, least she can do is help out in the investigation he thinks.

Andrew jumps into the questions once she is lit up and nicotine runs through her veins. The smoke starts to pour out of her nose and she rolls her eyes as the comfort spreads over her. Her body visible loosens up and she appears much more relaxed.

“Where is your daughter Mrs Finch?” He waits for her response.

She pulls again a long, deep breath on her cigarette before she speaks. Smoke comes out of her mouth and nose at the same time as her answer.

“She’s dead.”

CHAPTER 32

I don’t consider her to be alive any more. This is the explanation they got from Pauline’s mother. She was a horrible child always doing the wrong things and hanging around with the wrong crowd. She would get into trouble almost every week. She drove her parents crazy. Then 12 years ago she just vanished after an argument.

This information shocked and worried them both. Both men were curious what that argument was about to cause her to disappear for so many years and never return home.

“Were you not concern with where she was or what she was doing?” Brass frowns and looks sternly again at her. What kind of mother just gives up on her child so easily?

“I never cared again about her and my life had less stress since the day she walked out.” Her hatred in her voice was very evident.

“Why did you try and put her up for adoption when she was born?” Brass asked, with a distain taste spreading through the question. He loved Cindi very much and would go to great lengths to have her back again. He hoped the change of questions would help their case and provide more information.

Mrs Finch’s words were cold and distasteful, as if she could not wait any longer to spit it out.

“She was not Bill’s child. I never told him the truth for all those years. But he accepted her without question. She was lost and dead to us both many years ago when she ran away.” She spat.

CHAPTER 33

The armless corpse of Mr Walker was cremated by the wishes of his long-lost sisters. They were just present to see if there was any inheritance for them. Typical sibling rivalry was over flowing at the lawyer’s office as his will was read out. Most of the money went to charity organizations, and this increased the fury of the occupants in the office.

Andrew did not have the heart to stay any longer so he headed out from the office and the building. Plus, his head was starting to throb with the screaming from the heirs. The sound of their disappointed voices trailed off as he closed the door and left. The Raven and Company law firm structure threw its great shadow over the garden area just outside the office door. He sat on a park bench and took a deep breath. A street walker pushing his cart of pretzels stops just in front of where Andrew is sitting, he winks at him and Andrew smiles. He stands up and takes out some loose change from his front pocket to buy one pretzel.

There is something I’m missing from this case; he thinks and chews on his snack. His gaze moves over the people walking through the garden area, some sitting with their lunches or sipping a cold drink in this heat.

All the people were too interested in their own world to notice Andrew sitting by himself. The client list was finally released to him. He slips it out of his jacket pocket and starts to page through the 6 pages. One of the names caught his eye and he blinked to make sure he was seeing this right.

How did they miss this? He pulls out his cell as he walks rapidly to his car. The dial tone rings way too long for comfort, but finally on the 7th ring Beats answers.

“I think we need to have another chat with Mrs Finch.” Andrew says as he hands the remaining of the pretzel to a homeless man sitting near his car.

CHAPTER 34

Andrew, Beats and Captain Brass are all waiting in Lucy’s office. They all look at one another not sure why they were summoned here. She sits for a few more minutes on her computer before she pulls her attention away towards her guest, and just like the Lucy we all know, she jumps right into it.

“I found the tattoo very delightful to work with,” She starts up, getting ready for her performance.

“It forms part of a group of army fighters who decided to call themselves something special, ‘The Crows’. They all had this image tattooed on their bodies as a form to show how united they are and connected as one.”

She starts to pace in the office that is filled with confused faces. She smiles at their lack of knowledge in her field and decides to explain a bit further.

“These soldiers can be anybody. They are sent out on missions, but like a spy, no one detects them. So just like a shadow, they go about with their own lives but also doing the work they were assigned.”

“So, they are identified by this symbol of a crow?” Brass asks.

“Yes. Each soldier can choose where they want the crow on their body and how big.” Lucy goes back to her desk and picks up a few sheets of paper. “These people have been operational for maybe about 8 years. But their followers are growing each year.” She hands the papers to Andrew to glance through, even though she has not forgiven him as yet, but his gaze is more fixed on her. This is her stage and she shines in the spot light, and with that thought he smiles.

“We have a cult growing right here in this city, and we never picked up on it.” Brass mentions as his voice starts to fade off into the room. The vibrating sound of his cell brings everybody back from their thoughts, as they hear Brass answer as he leaves through the door.

Lucy continues further with her next revelation. “The lab found a few samples of trace evidence that was on the body, specifically on his back. Tiny pieces of glitter flakes that emits different colours depending on the light,” she turned to her computer and started typing in a few new commands. The big screen in front of the audience lit up.

“I ran the flakes through the system and found a match. These particular flakes can be found in one specific night club, The Shooting Star.”

“Which area is that located?” Andrew stands up and approaches the screen.

“I sent the location to your phones already.” She said and looks at him for only a few seconds.

CHAPTER 35

The night club was located in the centre of the city. It was buzzing even though nightfall has not yet begun. The club has some early customers and looks like they stay till almost closing time. They first get saturated with alcohol then the world seems kinder to them and far better.

The atmosphere inside is dark with flashing lights from the disco ball hanging from the ceiling making it difficult to see. Andrew waits a few minutes by the door to allow his eyes to adjust. The music greets them from the entry hall and only gets louder as they approach the bar.

The bartender, Jason, is eager to help the new customers. Andrew and Beats stand by the counter and refuse the offers made to them for drinks. After flashing his badge, he gets a broad smile from Jason who nods in the direction towards the side door. He gets another tall blond guy to cover for him while he talks to the police. They understand his gesture and move over to a side room where they could at least hear each other and no longer have to scream.

Jason takes them to the supply room where shelves are filled with grates of different kinds of hard drinks. He leans against the shelves and folds his arms, his biceps protruding from his white t-shirt. He looks in good form with his long legs stretched out to one side as well. He does not look phased out by the sudden appearance of the police. The multiple chains around his neck are a mixture of gold and silver, with only a single silver ring on his small finger of his right hand. He is completely clean shaven including his head.

Beats is now finally able to speak to him and hear what he has to say. He removes a picture of the lawyer and shows it to him.

“Yes, I know this guy,” Jason says while changing his resting leg.

“When was the last time you saw him?” Andrew says as he unfolds his small note pad.

“I work 2 nights off then 2 nights on,” He looks up to the ceiling of the room as he does the calculations in his head, “so this is my first night back so I would say about 2 nights ago.”

They both watch him as he chews on his gum and blows a bubble that burst with a popping sound and sends a spearmint flavour smell though the air.

“Was he alone when he was in here 2 nights ago?” Beats ask as he places the photo back in his jacket pocket.

“He comes in with different ladies almost all the time,” he winks at them as he adds “but I feel he has a type, long legs!” Jason says with a smile.

Both men look at each other, how they going to track down so many women.

“Any of these women stand out?” Beats ask with a shrug towards Andrew, you never know they might get lucky.

“One does,” He starts to smile again at them, as he pictures her in his mind. “I think her name is Sofia, she’s his regular.”

CHAPTER 36

Andrew knew this will be a difficult conversation, especially since it involves Sofia. He walks into her lab and edges slowly towards her. The room is completely quiet for the first time in a long while. She is busy on the computer like she always is, and turns completely when she sees him. She crosses her legs and waits for him to talk.

Her white dress that falls off her shoulders, matches perfectly with her smooth skin. It flows down her body and slips to either side of her thighs. A single necklace with a green gem in the centre sparkles. He smiles at her and stops a few steps in front of her.

“Hey,” he starts the conversation and clears his throat. She grins back at him; this greeting should suffice. Causing the dimples to press into her cheeks and it enhances her beauty even further.

“I need a favour please, check on some cameras in the area of the night club, The Shooting Star.” he starts with the easy task before the harder question arises. Lucy looks at him without answering.

“And I need a back ground check done on Sofia Thomas as well.” The words fall rapidly out of his mouth before he gets cold feet. Lucy immediately stiffens and sits up in her chair.

He walks over to her and pulls her up from the chair, holding onto her hand with the softest touch. He looks at her for a few minutes then pulls her towards him with a jerk, causing the bodies to collide. He whispers into her ear. His body presses against her and they could both feel the warmth emanating from their bodies. His warm breath could be felt on her cheek and it moves her hair ever so slightly as if it is flapping in a breeze.

“It will always be only you.”

CHAPTER 37

The client list of Mr Walker had led to a dead end. The firm was a bust as they no longer wanted to deal with the police, looks like their reputation was taking a heavy hit. They closed all avenues and were only going to talk through lawyers. Ironically, they are a law firm filled with lawyers! Clients did not want to be linked to a firm that had a possible abduction and murder hanging over their head.

They then concentrated all efforts on Sofia Thomas. Lucy came through for them again, but she did it mostly for Andrew. This time Captain Brass was furious and not only mildly upset. Sofia was not only providing a cleaning service but extra special services too.

“This woman lied to us, straight to our faces!” Brass was perspiring heavily. Spit flew out of his mouth as he spoke. His office started to heat up despite the AC on full blast. Andrew knew this will be his reaction because it was his reaction too. She flirted and manipulated her way with men, which he almost fell into. She was definitely a pro with men. Lucy knew of her kind even before they noticed, and she’s not even a detective!

Officers came in with Sofia and placed her this time in the interrogation room. She was not yet arrested but definitely under their suspicious radar.

Andrew and Brass both walked towards the interrogation room 1. They closed the doors behind them and started the interview. This time she was not comfortable at all. She had no time to dress up and sat across from them in black tights and a loose cream shirt. Her hair had been tied in a loose messy bun with an orange band. And her feet were adorned with fluffy pink flip flops. Her face was bare of makeup and she looked lost like a fish out of water with all her mismatched attire. She was not ready for this at all.

Lucy watched from the other room with a broad smile on her face. Her arch enemy looks scared and tired, almost deflated. She looked through the one-way mirror and waited with Dr Beats. This woman’s destruction was about to begin.

“You lied to us!” Andrew came through first like an angry wild dog.

“I never… lied.” Sofia was very nervous and kept rubbing her hands together. It was damp from the sweat that kept seeping out of her. She starts rubbing her hands on her tights praying that it will stop, it’s making her look guilty but she is just so nervous.

“You provided more than just a cleaning service for Mr Walker!” Brass stated it more than asking the question.

“You don’t understand,” She licked her lips again, “You can’t just say no to him.” She looks at Andrew, feeling his anger on her and knowing she has lost him forever. Her chances have been shattered just like her life that is now going to fall to pieces.

“You better start talking now. We have you on camera with him at The Shooting Star.” Brass throws the pictures of them together on the table. It scatters across the table like a fan and the tears start to roll down her cheeks.

“Yes, I went with him often, but I did not kill him.” She wipes a few lost tears from her cheeks and rubs her runny nose against her shirt sleeves.

“Then what happen that night, Sofia?” Andrew looks her in the eye, “you were the last to see him alive!”

“We met a client there, had some drinks and I danced a bit. I had to dance with Mr Walker but I don’t like being close to the clients.” She wipes her face again as more tears rolls down her cheeks. Her words come out between sobs as she can no longer control her emotions. “I would only be with Mr Walker. He called me his lucky charm. He made deals that consisted of a lot of money. He would pay me for my services every time.” She wiped once again her face and Andrew realised, she is truly nothing compared to Lucy. She is pure natural beauty or maybe he was just being biased.

“Who was the client?” Brass speaks directly at her, almost shouting the question, shrinking her frame even further. He knows this method will bring results, as long as she does not ask for a lawyer. For this he kept his fingers crossed. She leans back in the chair and wraps her arms around the small frame of her body. She looks straight at the mirror and in her bones, she knows Lucy is watching.

Lucy smiles back through the mirror knowing the last chess move has been played. Checkmate Sofia!

CHAPTER 38

A white man of average height and built. His hair could be blonde or black. She is unsure due to the lack of light in the club. Sofia also does not remember if he had an accent, because he spoke mostly in a whisper, loud enough for only Mr Walker to hear him. He seemed to be irritated by her presence and would not look at her directly. So, she kept her distance as he was not interested in her and this made her very happy. Other clients would have their hands roaming all over her by now, but not this guy. She decided to get drunk and enjoy the peace for once that she was experiencing.

They moved to sit in the back booth that had very little to almost no light. A few minutes after his arrival, she left and enjoyed dancing by herself in the centre of the club. Drink offers came to her but she declined all and enjoyed her time with a friend she made that night, Maxine.

There was no other information she could provide them and this frustrated Andrew and Brass. How much more useless of a witness could she be? That was all the information she could remember.

“We checked the cameras and they don’t provide us with a clear angle. Once the client arrived, they moved to a booth that had no clear line.”

“He knew his surroundings.” They both looked at each other and came to the same conclusion. “He checked out the place before hand.”

“Find the video for the last couple of weeks before the meet, we might get lucky!”

CHAPTER 39

Andrew finally gets a chance to go back to the information provided by the firm. Things have been so crazy, that the case feels like its developing too fast to keep pace. The leads branch off into many directions, making it difficult to balance man power and resources. But he is a professional at his jobs and sifts out the best lead. This one is very interesting.

Mrs Finch was a client of Mr Walker. Why did she employ his service? They were too curious to know what could she possible be asking him for help with and how could she afford his service?

Mr Walker was a well establish lawyer in one of the elite firms in the city. Did he help her as pro bono? They dug deeper and with the help of the Lucy they gathered more intelligence. She searched through data and raced to see what is left on the system. Computers don’t become totally clean; traces of their activity can still be traced. And if there is something to be found, Lucy will definitely find it!

She called Andrew but he did not answer the call so she decided to leave a message.

Important information has been discovered on the laptop of Mr Walker. She was searching for a person.

Andrew decided to go straight back to Mrs Finch after he read Lucy’s message. The process of tracking leads led him to meet another bartender earlier today. He turned out to be as useless as Sofia. When he showed Beats his finds, they were both shocked. But this time they decided it would be better to make a house call. Mrs Finch was searching for a girl named Pauline. Turns out that Pauline is Mrs Finch’s daughter!

CHAPTER 40

The old dilapidated house of Mrs Finch was like a church inside. Too quiet for comfort, were whispered sounds of her prayers could be heard echoing off the walls. She sat on the sofa opposite them, pulling on her cigarette before even saying a word.

The dusty, stale smell of the house filled his nostrils and Andrew tried not to gag. Beats was doing a brilliant job of sitting attentively and paying full attention to her. Even sipping her coffee with great enthusiasm as if it was the best he ever had.

She continued her story in her deep throaty voice, but first lighting up on yet another cigarette. As the smoke rises up from the red ember tip of her cigarette, it resembled an active volcano about to erupt.

“I needed a little help, so I contacted Mr Walker. He is such a lovely man.” She looks out through the curtains that moved with the wind. That small break of fresh air was immediately engulfed by the stale odour, poor thing never even stood a chance, Andrew thought.

“He said he will take care of everything, so I made sure I don’t have to think of Pauline ever again.” She stared down at the ash falling off her cigarette, and did not care if it burnt the carpet or her sofa.

  “Did Pauline pack up her things and leave?” Beats asked in such a sincere manner that Andrew thought for a moment he actually cared for her.

“Not exactly, one day she was here and the next, after our huge argument, she was gone.” Andrew felt a bit of sympathy for this frail woman, as she wipes the tears from her cheeks.

“Did she contact you again?” Andrew asks in a softer voice. He knew she was breaking down all barriers and could spill just about anything.

“I never heard from her again.” Mrs Finch voice cracks and a stream of tears gush out of the gates. Beats looks at Andrew and they then realise this was a topic she never spoke about for years. Just like any other mother she was hurt that her daughter never came back home, even after her husband died.

“I cleaned out her room and transformed it into my sewing den. I love to sew.” She smiles at her thought. “I got rid of all her things by burning it outside in one huge heap. Nothing remains of hers. I am sorry about that.” She sniffs and pulls out a white cloth to wipe her nose.

“That is ok.” Beats says as he gentle places his hand on her lap. “Mr Walker must have known or uncovered something useful. We just need to find those files.”

“I only kept 1 thing.” With a creak in her legs, she stands up and heads to the cabinets positioned next to the sofa. She opens a draw and hands the old bent photo to Beats.

“This is all I have left of Pauline.”

Beats takes the photo and looks intensely at it, as if his studying the image it holds. His smile spreads over his face threatening to cut into his ears. Before Andrew can take a look, Beats jumps up from the sofa and starts towards the door.

“Could I keep this?” He does not even wait for an answer before his out the door.

“Thank you so much. This definitely helps.”

CHAPTER 41

Beats speeds back to his office. His mind is racing faster than his body can keep up.

“Slow down.” Andrew glares at him. “You driving like a crazy person and I’m the police officer here.”

“I knew I saw that tattoo somewhere before. He has a small sparrow on his bicep.” He smiles again with himself.

“This is how he knew where you lived. What your response will be in this case.” Beats slows down but just a bit to take the corner and speeds up immediately again. “He knew our every move even before we did it.”

Andrew fills up with anger, and grabs the photo from Beats jacket. He recognises what he sees in the image. Its old but it’s still visible.

“Just picture a few details different from that picture.” Beats smile starts to become contagious. And Andrew realises what his friend is on to.

“He picked the captains daughter for a reason.” Andrew puts all the puzzle pieces together. He stares out at the view passing by him rapidly as Beats races back to the office.

“Where is he now?” Beats steals a glance in Andrew direction.

   “Oh no, his with the captain now, he wanted to speak to him about something important.”

CHAPTER 42

Andrew can’t believe their luck. “How is this possible?” he glances over at Dr Beats.

“Usually, a child’s features will change from birth but the eyes will always stay the same.” Beats answers without taking his eyes off the road. “We got lucky with this one.” He smiles again. “This picture shows very clear distinct marks that I’m shocked I never picked up before.”

“Brass had no idea, does he?”

“I don’t think he even knew that she was pregnant.”

“This explains everything, the reason why she left the city to give birth and trying to put the child up for adoption. She never made eye contact with Brass for too long in that conference room.”

“But something went wrong, I wonder what?” Andrew pulls out his cell. I need to get hold of someone at the office

“Captain needs to know quickly. Hope we get there in time.” Beats says sending a silent prayer up to the heavens.

CHAPTER 43

Mrs Finch pushed the curtains apart by the lounge window. The cool breeze starts to flow a bit more freely now. She takes a deep breath and realises that Dr Beats is a very clever man. He recognised what she tried to hide for so many years.

Her one-night stand with Captain Brass was still very vivid in her mind. Unfortunately, he was so drunk he doesn’t even remember her. She was nothing then and still seems to be nothing to him now.

She takes another breath and thinks of her poor dear Bill. At least he died and he was none the wiser about her past. She went to great lengths to get rid of all evidence of Pauline. But she could not part with that one picture. It captured her in all her innocence.

CHAPTER 44

Lucy hears the ringing of the phone and rushes back into her office. She finally manages to pick it up on its fifth ring.

“Lucy.” Her breath is heavy into the mouth piece before she positioned it right, “Hello.”

“Hey Lucy,” Andrew’s voice is loud and fast over the line. “Is Brass still there in the office?”

“I think so.”

“You need to call in some officers or back up, and get out of there.”

“Why?” Lucy hears the change in his voice, “What is going on?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt, so please promise me that you will leave.” Andrew thinks about her being all alone in the building and hates the idea.

“Ok, I will do as you say.” She hears a clink on the line and the phone goes dead.

CHAPTER 45

Captain Brass wonders why he came to see him. It is seldom that the support team chat with him directly. They do have supervisors and he only speak with them.

So, Brass decides to sip his coffee slowly and hear out what he has to say. Today his guest seems very nervous and excited at the same time.

“What brings you this side?” Brass asked in the most casual way he can think.

“I just wanted to bring some files around to your attention, as they could be of interest to you.” His voice is soft and calm. All nervous feelings from before have left his body. This felt right.

“Ok.” Brass sits down in his chair and slowly places the coffee cup on the coaster he had placed on his table before. His wife always nags him about keeping things clean and in order.

His guest hands over the file and Brass opens it with a small smile on his face. “Let us take a look at what you have.” He says reassuringly, more to himself rather than his guest.

“Oh, I think you will find this very interesting.” He says, as his face turns into a crooked smile.

  CHAPTER 46

They come around the last bend and straight into the parking lot. Without switching the engine off, Beats leaves the car in a flash and leaps towards the office doors. Andrew is just on his heels. They both crash into the foyer were only a few officers are on duty.

“Seal the building down now!” Andrew screams at the first police officer he sees.

“No one comes in or out!” Beats joins in with the commands.

They both rush past the shocked, confused officers. They take the steps two at a time, and leap onto the second-floor landing.

“We must stop him in time.” Andrew shouts at Beats. Realising his not that far behind for an old man. But then he does like to keep fit.

“Call the Captain’s office now!” Beats says to another officer as he opens the door to another interview room.

“Pray we are not too late!” Beats says to Andrew.

CHAPTER 47

The office is dark. Blinds have been drawn close and the floor appears to be completely evacuated. Captain Brass’s door is closed and there is no movement inside. Andrew steps closer to the door and tries to listen attentively. He hears someone talking but more in a softer tone. Almost like a whisper.

“His inside with someone, but I can’t make out if it’s him,” Andrew says to Beats in a shallow voice once his returned back to his side, behind one of the detectives’ desks. “We have no visibility making us blind and partially deaf.” He shifts his weight onto the next foot as he hunches next to Beats.

“I am going in,” Beats says while looking towards the captain’s door, “I am not going to lose a friend today.” He wipes his hands over his face and slips into his bullet proof vest.

“I am coming in with you.” Andrew states, more than just asking permission.

“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Beats starts to stand up again and his knees crack loudly, “I can’t lose 2 friends in one day.” He stares intently at Andrew. “You are a threat to him while I feel it’s my fault. I never picked up on this and he works with me almost every day!”

“Don’t beat yourself up about that, we all never noticed.”

“But I’m the one that selected him.”

“How could you have known?” Andrew steps towards his friend and starts to slip on his bullet proof jacket as well.

“We will both go in together.”

CHAPTER 48

Brass sits extremely still in the dim desk lamp office light with his guest in front of him. He tries to move but his watching him like a hawk.

“Why now after all these years are you coming forward?” Brass tries to keep him talking. Keeping his eyes on him and stealing glances at the file that is still on his table. The file contains a detail account of Mrs Finch’s daughter. Her birth certificate was on the first page. How she grew up not really realizing who her biological dad was. Most of the information he sees he is aware of, thanks to Lucy. But this seems too detail and personal, like he spoke with Pauline himself.

“You just had your fun and left her, not worried what happens to her or her daughter.”

“I didn’t even know she was pregnant.” Brass says, starting to get angry. “I don’t even remember anything of that night with Mrs Finch, if it even happened!”

“So, she was like a one-night stand for you?” He seems to get angry also, his face starting to turn red. Brass takes in a deep breath and looks at him. He thinks and his mind starts racing with his thoughts. Brass does the maths in his head and the shocking realization comes through to him.

“You killed Cindi!” His voice starts low then rises with his growing anger, like a dormant volcano starting to erupt.

“Yes, I had to get rid of her. So, you could focus on your other daughter.” His smile creeps on his face as he noticed how upset the captain is. Slowly he pulls out the 9mm he concealed under his jacket.

Brass’s eyes begin to glisten with the tears that start to form in them. But soon vanishes as the door to his office opens up and 2 figures rush in. Beats screams at the guest in the captain’s office as the lights come on glaring.

“Paul!”

CHAPTER 49

“No!” Brass shouts out as Andrew tackles straight for Paul. But he is faster and Andrew only managers to get hold of his legs. But it seemed enough as he falls with him as well. He knocks into the visitor’s chair and hears the crack of bone. The pain shoots through Andrew’s arm.

Paul tries to stand up but fumbles around as the office’s lights have blinded him for a few seconds. Brass grabs for his gun inside the drawer and is ready to shoot, but Beats stops him with one command.

“It is not worth it.” Beats says as calmly as he can to Brass. He noticed that Andrew managed to drop his body weight on Paul and with all the years on the police force he disarms Paul in a few seconds and keeps him in a locked grip.

Paul glances up at them from the floor. He needs to see Brass in his painful realization, and with that he starts to laugh with a blood-stained mouth.

CHAPTER 50

Brass listens to his team the next day explaining the outcome of the investigation. They gather around him in the conference room with cold drinks in hand. They start taking turns to explain how this was possible.

“He had the same tattoo of the sparrow on his bicep.” Beats says to the group around the table. “I knew I saw it before. We were out on 1 call when he changed his shirt in front of me. But this happened years ago.”

“Paul was the daughter of Mrs Finch?” Andrew says and glances to Lucy for further information.

“Yes,” Lucy smiles at him and looks at his arm in the sling, “He had a sex change almost 10 years ago. This is why he fell off media and social pages. He created a whole new life for himself.”

“He started to work here to be close to you and study you.” Andrew adds. The pain in his arm becoming less with each day but he knows it will take time to heal.

“He felt he needed to teach you a lesson for leaving him or her.” Beats is unsure how to refer to Paul. “So, he took away your daughter from you.” Shaking his head, he moves to refill his drink.

“He wanted your attention,” Andrew rubs the top of his shoulder and neck where the bandages cross over to hold up his damaged arm.

“He found out who his father was in that argument with his mother. This pushed him over the edge and to take revenge. He studied and made sure you pay the price.” Beats says as he sits down again with a full drink in his hand.

Brass sighs and looks around again at his team. The lawyer found out something about Paul, that’s why he had to die. Evidence was sent to Andrew’s place because he hoped it will throw him off his trail. He gestures to his team in a toast and they all lift their glasses, to the man who suffered heavily for a drunken mistake years ago.

The end

  .