“No, I think it’s time to retire. My daughter lives in Oregon, and she wants me to come live with her and her family. I think after all of this, I’ll enjoy some peace and quiet. I’ve never been to Oregon, but the pictures of my daughter’s home in Florence are beautiful. Her house is on a big lake just outside of town with lots of blackberry bushes growing in her backyard, and the Pacific Ocean is only seven miles from her house. I have never seen the ocean, so maybe I’ll go walk barefoot in the sand.” Rosella tried to muster a smile, but the sadness still showed on her face.
“That is a great idea. It sounds like a beautiful place to retire. Living close to your family will be good for you too. When you get out there, will you eat some blackberry cobbler for me?” John laughed, smacking his lips.
“It’s my favorite, and you can’t beat homemade blackberry cobbler. My aunt used to make it for me when I was a kid, and I used to eat myself sick on it,” John smiled at the pleasant memory of living with his aunt and uncle.
“I’ll do that for you. Well, I need to get going; I have a lot to do. Thank you for caring about Frank. He didn’t deserve to die at such a young age. I’ll forward my contact information in case you think of any other questions I might be able to answer. I hope you learn why George murdered Frank in cold blood. Goodbye, John.” Rosella reached for her purse, picked up an extra napkin, and put it in the side pocket.
“Goodbye, Rosella.”
They both stood and shook hands, each wondering if they would speak again.
“Take care of yourself out there in Oregon, and I wish you only happiness with your daughter and her family.” John felt sorry for her, but he was glad she had a family during this difficult time.
“Thank you, John. You have been very kind, and I promise to eat some blackberry cobbler for you once I get there.”
Rosella looked at John and imagined him as a little boy eating his aunt’s blackberry cobbler until his stomach ached.
That’s such a pleasant memory of happier times; she thought to herself.
However, it was now time to create some new memories of her own. Rosella smiled with a renewed sense of hope, turned and walked away.
John watched her walk away and wished only the best for Rosella in her new life out in Oregon. She had spent many years taking care of others, so now it was her turn.
“Good luck Rosella, I wish you only happiness.”
Once she left, John sat back down and pulled the notebook from his pocket to write some notes of their conversation while it was still fresh in his mind. The waitress refilled his cup with coffee, and then he took a sip of the hot liquid before pondering his next move.
Chapter 19
The End of Trust
Kathy decided to stay in bed late after her night out with the girls. They had all returned to the motel around 3 o’clock in the morning, still singing and laughing like a bunch of silly college girls.
Kathy enjoyed the group because they knew how to have fun. When Annie, her roommate on this trip started to come out of her blouse while dancing, Kathy decided it was time to stop drinking and keep an eye on her friends. She then spent the rest of the night laughing and gathering their clothes.
Kathy glanced over at Annie, who was still asleep, pleased their first meeting was not until two o’clock that afternoon. All, she wanted to do, was take a shower, get some coffee, and relax before heading out to the meeting.
As she got out of bed, Kathy noticed the message light on the telephone flashing. She did not remember seeing it when they returned to the room earlier that morning, but with the laughter and the process of getting Annie into her nightgown, she was not surprised.
Kathy picked up the receiver, dialed to retrieve the message, but nothing could have prepared her for what came next.
“I wanted to let you know that John got suspended from work, and he’s not taking it very well. He went to his old watering hole last night and appeared to be tying on a good one. I thought you might like to know, as we don’t want him surrendering to his demons again, do we?” The message ended with no mention of the caller’s name.
Kathy held the receiver to her ear, dumbfounded by what she heard.
John didn’t mention getting suspended from work. Surely, he’d tell me something important like that. It can’t be true; he promised he would never go to Leo’s again.
The last thing, Kathy wanted, was to go through what they had after Ray’s death. Maybe it’s a sick joke, but who would say something like this if it weren’t true.
A sickening feeling suddenly came to Kathy. She dialed their home telephone, as well as his cell phone with no answer on either. She then dialed his phone number at the department, but after several rings, someone at the main desk answered, “Officer Manning.”
“Good Morning, this is Kathy Cooper. Is John in?”
“Mrs. Cooper, I’m sorry; he is not in today. Would you like to speak with Captain Riggs?”
“Captain Riggs? No, I am trying to find John. Has anyone seen, or heard from him today?” This cannot be good; she thought to herself. “Has something happened to John?”
“Well...ah...I don’t know... Captain Riggs said if you called to put you straight through to him. Please hold while I transfer,” the phone clicked twice and then began to ring again.
After three rings, Tom, answered, “Hello, Kathy, I am glad to hear from you.”
“What’s going on, Tom? Has something happened to John?”
“Kathy, I wish I could tell you. John had a little problem yesterday. I can’t explain it, but for some reason, he won’t let go of the Everett case. I know he worked hard on it for weeks, but it’s over. The murderer is sitting in our jail, but John doesn’t want to accept it. He has this crazy idea someone else committed the murders,” Tom paused, not sure if he wanted to continue.
Kathy felt her heart skip a beat at Tom’s words.
“I don’t know what to think, Kathy, but he appears to be drinking again. How have things been between the two of you lately? You aren’t having any problems, are you?”
The question took Kathy by surprise. “No, I thought things are fine between us. In fact, we celebrated our anniversary the other night. Tom, I have no idea what could be wrong with John. Is it true you suspended him?” She held her breath, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer.
“Yes, I did, but I had no choice, Kathy. After he went to the jail and questioned Charles Everett again, and then he went to Mrs. Everett’s house to ask her some unnecessary questions. John forced my hand. I had to step in and stop him before he damaged the case. I’m hoping some time off will give him time to work out whatever is bothering him.”
Kathy heard the frustration in Tom’s voice. “He didn’t tell you, did he?”
“No, he didn’t. I’m currently in Florida for a conference. Maybe if I hadn’t come, I could’ve stopped him before things got out of hand. I’m sorry to bother you, Tom. Thank you for telling me; you’re a treasured friend.”
Kathy knew Tom was as worried as she was about John. He had stood by John after Ray’s death, when everyone else had given up on him, and for that, she would always be grateful.
Tom heard the pain and confusion in her voice, and it broke his heart.
“Kathy, you know how much you and John mean to me, don’t you? If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask. I want you to call me if you hear from him, and if he shows up here, I will let you know, okay?”
“I will, Tom. I want to thank you for your honesty, and for believing in John. I need to find him before something happens to him. I promise to let you know if I learn anything, goodbye.” Kathy hung up the telephone while saying a silent prayer John was safe.
“Something bad must be going on at home.” Kathy decided to head home and find out what was going on for herself.
If he’s having a problem, I need to be there for him before things get out of control.
>
Kathy dialed the airline and booked a flight back to Philadelphia. Once she confirmed her reservation, she packed her luggage and left a note for Annie, explaining she had gone home. “Oh God, please don’t let it be happening again.”
Chapter 20
The Next Move
John finished his coffee and left the cafe mulling over everything Rosella said. The problem was none of it made any sense. If George was angry with Frank, why would Frank frame him? Frank had control of the company; therefore, there was nothing to gain by getting rid of George. His ex-wife didn’t end up with George, so there was no reason to get even with anything there either. Everything pointed to George, as the one who had everything to gain if something happened to Frank. He would have control of the business, as well as his revenge for Frank stealing Sheila.
The only problem was with Frank dead, and George arrested for his murder, no one won.
What did Erebus say about them? George was the weak one; he was easy to manipulate. Was this the reason they were chosen to be pieces in The Game, but what did Erebus have to gain from their destruction?
John also found himself confused how all this tied in with Charles Everett and the lawyer’s wife.
How are several murdered prostitutes, and a suicide with no apparent ties between them linked?
John took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind.
John realized how the caller seemed to take his time setting up each of his chosen pieces for The Game. Therefore, he wondered why he chose them for destruction. Why them, what makes them so special? The caller did say each played a significant role in The Game, but what’s that supposed to mean? I need more information on this Erebus, but where do I find it?
John decided to head home to do some research on the internet. He hoped to find information linking the victims in some way or another. “I need to stop him before anyone else dies.”
***
The man chuckled how easy it was to gain access to the house. It was the second time he had been here; the first was to leave the bottle of whiskey in the desk drawer.
It pleased him how the game was progressing. John was an enjoyable and interesting choice for an opponent, and he appeared be coming along fine. The man knew his time was limited to set up this next move, but he relished every moment of it regardless. Once finished, he slipped out the side door, resetting the alarm.
Let us see how you handle this next move, he chuckled silently to himself.
***
John pulled up in his driveway with a strange feeling suddenly coming over him. He got out of the car and walked to the front door, but hesitated before putting the key into the lock.
“Come on, you're just paranoid.” John unlocked the door and slowly opened it when he heard the telephone began to ring.
He ran to his office and sat at his desk, grabbing the receiver, “Hello.”
“Good afternoon, John. Did you have a nice visit with the housekeeper?”
“As a matter of fact, you’re just the person I wanted to talk to. Your timing is impeccable,” John teased.
“What may I help you with, John?” The voice sounded pleased with this new development.
“What is the connection between the victims? Why them? You can, at least, tell me that.” John struggled to control his voice, so as not to reveal his excitement.
“I have already told you.”
“No, you haven’t, not really. Am I supposed to figure out the connection between them to play The Game, as you call it?” John hoped this would make the caller slip up, and give him a hint of whom he was.
“You still don’t understand, do you? They’re not the important ones in The Game, John; you are.” The disappointment was evident in his voice.
“I am, but why me? Have I dealt with you before this? Are you trying to extract some revenge because I burned you in another case?” John searched his memory.
“No, John, this has nothing to do with revenge. You were brought to my attention because you proved you were a cut above the rest. You have shown you think for yourself. You have demonstrated you don’t follow the crowd as so many others do. I respect that in you, John. As for the pieces in this game, it’s nothing personal. They were simply interesting and fun to use. However, I must admit there is some symbolism involved.”
John’s body shook with rage. “Pieces? They’re people, each with a life to live! If you have something against me, why involve innocent people?”
This Erebus is one sick bastard; John thought to himself.
“Innocent, Mr. Everett was not so innocent, was he? In reality, I did society a favor. I do have to admit the lawyer’s wife was innocent, as was her unborn child. However, I did so enjoy that move for its perfection. I will always treasure the memory of her lying on the lounger with a sweet smile on her dead lips. What a vision...” his voice trailed off.
“You sick bastard!” John could no longer contain his rage.
“Now, now John, calm down. You don’t want to give yourself a heart attack and end the game before its time, do you?”
“Why don’t you come here, and we’ll play your game face-to-face?” John’s voice was low and hard. “Or are you too much of a coward to face your opponent?”
This response only encouraged him, driving him onward. “I seem to have struck a nerve, John. That’s good! I, however, must decline your invitation. You see, I have important work to do, as do you. We’ll talk again soon.”
The voice paused a moment, “Oh yes, I nearly forgot, it’s a shame the way Kathy has hidden her real feelings about Ray’s death all these years. It’s sad how those, we trust the most, can ultimately deceive us.”
How dare he talk of Kathy! Just the idea of him even knowing of her terrified John.
“What the hell are you talking about? My wife and her feelings are none of your damn business!” John was glad Kathy was in Florida, and he prayed he would have time to catch Erebus before her return.
“True enough, but her feelings should be relevant to you. What she wrote to your Captain while you were having your problem with the bottle, is fascinating reading, John. I’m confident you will find it interesting as well.”
He always enjoyed this part of The Game. To cause doubt in his opponent’s mind was always an added benefit.
“What report are you talking about? She never wrote a report for Tom, you asshole! You’re lying! Kathy would never do something like that without telling me first.”
“Have I not always been honest with you, John? You can deny it all you want, but I saw the report myself in her desk drawer beneath some folders. I have to admit it was entertaining reading. You need to go check it out for yourself. I must say your a lucky man to have people willing to cover-up for you the way they did.”
“I don’t know what you are up to, but Kathy had nothing to do with the investigation after Ray’s death. Besides, the department cleared me of any wrongdoing. It was a tragic accident in the line of duty and nothing more!”
John’s anger grew to a dangerous point. “Kathy would never keep something important like that from me!”
“You know you don’t believe that now do you, John?”
The voice continued to taunt him. “You know for yourself if you had not wanted to make the big bust, Ray never would’ve been caught off guard the way he was.” He paused a moment, allowing John to feel the weight of his words.
“We both know it was your guilt that caused your breakdown after his death. You need to stop lying to yourself, John. You know he died because you had to be the big hero. You never once thought of Ray when you charged inside that warehouse. The only thing on your mind was getting a high profile arrest, wasn’t it?” He paused a moment, waiting for what he knew would come.
“Shut up, I don’t want to hear any more of your lies!” John’s head felt as though it would split open.
“Ray’s death was a horrible accident! The final repo
rt stated that fact! Kathy had nothing to do with the investigation! Everything, you say is a lie!”
“Are you sure? I’m sure you would love to prove me wrong. Go to her desk, and in the middle drawer, under the stack of folders, you’ll find the truth. It’s all there neat as can be, unless, of course, you’re worried I might be telling the truth.”
“I’m not worried about anything. Kathy would never keep something as important as that from me. She has always been honest with me and...”
“Are you sure? Sometimes a loved one will keep secrets because they don’t want to hurt the one they love. After all, you were a mess back then, weren’t you?” he softly chuckled. To watch an opponent begin to question their reality was always an enjoyable part of The Game.
“I’ve heard enough! I don’t know what you are trying to do with this lie, but it’s not going to work,” John fought to control his anger.
“Well, if that’s what you want to believe, that’s your choice. But are you actually convinced I am lying? You know for yourself I’ve been honest with you from the very beginning. You know you will not be able to sleep without knowing the truth. Come on, admit it; you need to know. It’s all up to you to discover if I’m lying, or telling the truth. I anticipate the next move once you do. Goodbye, John.” The phone went dead.
John sat quietly with the receiver in his hand while fighting to control the rage burning inside of him. He closed his eyes, as the words replayed out in his mind.
You know you will not be able to sleep without knowing the truth.
John hated to admit it, but the asshole had always been truthful about the events in his game.
“This has to be a lie, though. Kathy would never deceive me like that.”
John looked at the telephone receiver still clutched in his hand, and noticed how his hand had turned white from his crushing grip.
“Damn it all to hell! I need to stop letting him get to me!” John threw the telephone receiver across the room in a blind rage. “To hell with it, I need a drink!”
John stood then pushed his chair back with such force it slammed into the shelves behind him, knocking the picture taken when they went to Barbados to the floor. He glanced down and realized the glass in the frame was shattered.