“It was you who called her, wasn’t it? How did you know about the pictures, and why did you use my name?” John felt the anger building up inside of him to a dangerous point. All, he wanted to do, was get his hands around the throat of this arrogant ass, and crush the life out of him.
“Of course, it was me, John. I told you I had chosen you to be my opponent in this game. As for the pictures, I learned of them the same way I did about your past. With each little piece in our game planned perfectly, this is only the beginning, John. Framing Mr. Everett was simple. He was a corrupt and evil man, who put his personal needs, above all else,” the caller paused a moment, allowing this all to sink into John’s mind.
“Next, it was easy to convince a weak man that his longtime friend had betrayed him by framing him for embezzlement. Lastly, I convinced the world a beautiful woman killed herself and her unborn child. Now everyone believes her husband strayed, and slept with another woman, causing her to commit suicide,” the caller’s voice took on a tone of sadness, even though John knew better.
“John, these are all parts of The Game. As for using your name, I just couldn’t resist. I thought it would add a delightful touch to your visit with the charming Mrs. Everett, do you not agree? John, you were a slow starter, so I thought using it might motivate you. You are a critical part of the game, so I wanted you to know that you cannot escape until we’re finished playing. So, toughen up, John; for we have much more to play.” The phone went dead.
John quickly looked at the received calls screen on his cell phone, and it showed the last call received was from Kathy. “What the hell? That cannot be right!”
On the drive back to the department, John worried if he did not learn how to stop The Game, it would lead to the destruction of more lives.
***
John no sooner sat at his desk, when he received a message to go to the Captain’s office. Captain Tom Riggs was a tough, old bird, and a real stick-to-the-book type.
“Come in, John. I’ve been waiting for you. We seem to have a little problem.” Tom motioned, inviting John to sit in the chair across from his desk.
By the tone of Tom’s voice, John realized he was upset. “A problem, what’s going on?”
“I understand you made a couple of visits today on the Everett case. Now, we both know it was useless. Just what do you think you were doing? I want you to stay out of this, John. Your part in the case is over until the trial.” The look on Tom’s face clearly showed his displeasure.
“Sir, I believe this case needs to remain open. I know no one wants to hear this, but we have the wrong man. Someone framed Charles Everett for killing those women. I know he’s scum, but I don’t believe he killed those women,” John’s voice cracked from the frustration.
How can I prove someone framed Charles when all the evidence clearly points to his guilt? The words screamed in John’s mind, as he struggled to think of how to convince Tom.
“John, I have no idea what you’re referring to. All the evidence clearly points to Everett. We found the body in the trunk of his car, along with the box containing the nipples from the other victims. Hell, we even learned the jeweled box belonged to his wife. It’s some family heirloom or something, and the mayor recognized it immediately. He said he’d seen it numerous times at the Everett’s house. Apparently, it had been in Mrs. Everett’s family for years, and her son used it to hide his plastic soldiers in when he was a child.”
Tom leaned forward, looking John directly in the eyes, “John, it is over. There will be no more of those terrible killings because we have the man who did them locked up in our jail. I don’t know what you’re trying to do by going to his wife and upsetting her, but it was out of line. The poor woman has been through enough already! Maybe you need some time off to clear your head of all this foolishness. I believe a week should do. Am I making myself clear?” His voice was firm, as anger and disappointment shone on his face.
“Yes, sir; I understand.” John knew there was no use in arguing with Tom. The disappointed look on his face said it all.
Tom was there with John during the difficult weeks after Ray’s death. John had struggled with guilt and painful memories, but Tom supported him through his darkest days without judgment. John hated to see the look of disappointment in his eyes, but he could not help what he believed.
“John, I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but you need to get yourself straightened out, son. I sure hope you aren’t having problems again. Is there anything you need to talk about?”
“No, I just thought there might be more to the case than we’ve found. I know you’re right. Maybe some time off, to regroup and clear my head, is a good idea? Thank you for understanding.” John stood, and then walked back to his desk to gather his things.
Tom is right; maybe some time off is just what I need to prove the cases are not as they appear.
John wanted to tell Tom everything, but with no proof, he knew it was senseless? He decided to use this time to find the mystery caller and prove everything, they believed about the cases, was wrong.
John took a deep breath; You want me to play your game; let’s play!
Chapter 15
John Joins the Game
Kathy was not due home for two days, so John decided to use this time to catch the caller before someone else died. He also knew he had to do it before Kathy found out what he was up to because she would never understand. Okay, where do I begin?
He knew his opponent was smart and patient because it would take the time to set up each of the pieces as he called them. He would also have to gather inside information on each of his victims, which would include access to the computers in their homes and their workplaces. Then he would need to learn the security codes for their alarm systems as he did on the one in John’s house.
John tried to remember everything the caller said about The Game.
I know he takes his time to set up each move, but what makes him choose his pieces? He said he carefully chooses each one, but what makes them exceptional. Why choose them, and not someone else?
First, the city councilman, second the two businessmen, and then the attorney and his wife. None of them seems connected in any obvious way. They all appear chosen randomly, but he is smarter than that. He said he picked them for a particular reason, but what was it? John scratched his head, as his thoughts spun wildly.
He also said he specifically chose me to be the tracker, but that makes no sense. I have no ties to any of the others involved in his game.
“Hell, the only one of them, that I've even heard of before all of this, started was Charles Everett,” John moaned.
He had watched a few campaign commercials when Charles ran for office, but nothing more than that. As for the rest of them, John had no clue, but somehow all of this tied together.
Well, I guess it’s up to me to solve this mystery, but first I need to go home and do some research so I can learn some more about them.
***
The house seemed empty with Kathy gone. John was tired, but he knew he only had two days to solve this before she returned home from Florida. Tom was right about one thing, though; he needed to pull himself together.
This whole thing left John confused. Why would he kill people, and then frame someone else for it if there were no personal gain involved?
Over the years, John wondered what drove serial killers to commit their crimes. From most research in the field, they seemed to react to some deep-seeded need for self-gratification. Unfortunately, this did not give the impression of being like any of those.
“Okay, you bastard, what are you doing? There has to be something I’m missing, but what is it?”
Realizing he was hungry, John walked to the kitchen and looked in the refrigerator for something to eat when the phone rang, “Hello.”
“Hello, Sweetheart. How are you tonight; do you miss me yet?” Kathy always missed John when sh
e traveled out of town on business, so she was thrilled to talk with him.
John smiled at the sound of her voice. How does she always seems to know when I need her?
Kathy was a smart and dedicated psychologist. She loved her work, and with not having children of her own, she found working with troubled youth filled the void in her heart.
John and Kathy had always said they had the perfect relationship. They both understood the demand their jobs took their time, but they always managed to sense when the other one was in need of comforting.
***
When first married, John was a beat cop and Kathy had recently graduated from college and was working as a counselor for abused children. John was proud of the work she did. He always joked how she saved kids from having to face him.
“John, you protect my kids from the cruelty of those who are supposed to love them, so I guess that makes us a great team.”
***
The sound of her voice on the telephone calmed John’s nerves. “I'm all right honey; I’m just a little tired. How is the conference going? Have you spent any time at the beach yet?”
“It’s going fine, I guess. The lectures seem to drag on forever, and, as usual, are quite dull. The one today had several of us nodding off,” she laughed.
Kathy never enjoyed sitting for hours and listening to a boring speaker.
“You didn’t fall out of your chairs, did you?” John snickered.
“No, silly. We did sneak out early though and spent some time at the beach this afternoon. You should be proud of me; I left the beach with no sunburn. That’s pretty good, huh?” Kathy giggled.
“No, you were just lucky. You do remember the last time you went to the beach, don’t you? You couldn’t wear a bra for nearly a week if I recall correctly,” he laughed at the memory of her not wanting to leave the house.
“Yeah, but why did you have to remind me of that? Anyhow, what’s going on at home, anything interesting?”
John wanted to tell her everything, but he knew she would only worry. “As a matter of fact, things broke wide open in that case I’ve been working on with an arrest today.”
“Oh John, you caught the person who has been killing those poor women?” The pride was evident in her voice.
“No, I didn’t make the arrest, but we have the killer in jail, and you will never believe who it is: Charles Everett. You know, the city councilman?” he tried to hide the doubt in his voice.
Kathy was shocked at the news. “You’ve got to be kidding me, isn’t he the one always saying the city needs to be cleaned up for the decent people who live there?”
“That’s the one, but no one ever expected he would be the one doing the cleaning. To learn it was him murdering those women caught all of us by surprise.”
I wonder what she would say if she knew everything. Would she think me crazy if I told her of the telephone calls and emails informing me of how the deaths were all part of an elaborate game? Would she believe me if I told her that, I was an unwilling participant in that game?
John knew it was for the best to keep Kathy out of this mess; therefore, he must solve it before she returned home.
The news surprised Kathy. She knew the killings had been quite gruesome, so it was difficult to imagine some such as Charles Everett arrested for their murders.
When the bodies began turning up, John asked her to explain why a person would become a serial killer, and what drove them to act out their twisted fantasies.
“I wish I could tell you how the human mind can harbor such cruelty and rage, but I can’t, John. I’ve never treated anyone with such deep, emotional scars and repressed anger, and to be honest with you, I hope I never do.”
Kathy gasped at the news of the killer being Charles Everett. “Oh, how awful; didn’t he marry a wealthy, older woman? The poor woman must be beside herself with shock and grief!”
“Yes, he is, and she happens to be a very lovely woman. I went to talk to her today, hoping she could answer some important questions. She’s trying to be strong, but you can tell she’s heartbroken.”
John hated not telling Kathy the real reason he met with Mrs. Everett, but he knew it would only upset her.
“Well, at least, the killings will stop now. It’s a relief to have a monster like him locked up where he cannot hurt anyone again. John, I miss you, and I can’t wait to come home.”
“I miss you too, sweetheart. You only have two more days there in beautiful Miami, so please try to enjoy yourself some, okay?”
John needed to be careful not to alert Kathy, or she would come home early and ruin his plans. She always seemed to sense when he was upset. If she thought he needed her, she would be on the first flight home.
“I know you’re right. A few of the girls were thinking of going out for dinner and drinks tonight, so maybe I’ll go with them.”
“That’s a great idea. Now, why don’t you get yourself all prettied up and go have a great time with your friends? I’ll be okay.” He said a silent prayer she believed his deception.
“Okay, I will. I promise to behave myself and keep all the sexy, tanned hunks at arm’s length,” she teased. “I love you. Goodnight and I’ll call tomorrow evening.”
“You better,” John laughed, envisioning her sweet face glowing a soft shade of red. “Goodnight and I love you, too.”
John hung up the telephone and walked back to the refrigerator. “Let’s see what we have in here.”
John grabbed a bowl of grapes to snack on when the telephone rang again. “Did you forget something, sweetie?” He laughed but was surprised when the voice on the phone was not Kathy.
“How precious, now I’m a sweetie? How sweet of you to call me that, but I don’t believe we know each other well enough for such familiarity,” the voice teased at hearing John groan.
“The reason, I called, was because I have learned some rather fascinating news. I understand your captain suspended you for a week. Were you a bad boy today, John?”
“I don’t want to talk to you right now. Besides, what happens at my job is none of your damn business! I decided to take some time off, that’s all.” John hated how he always seemed one step ahead of him.
“Come on, John, we both know the truth. Your Captain told you to take a week off to pull yourself together. I understand Captain Riggs is upset about your little trips today,” the voice taunted once more.
“How do you know about that? Who are you, and why are you doing this?” John yelled, the frustration exploding out of him.
“You know who I am. I am your opponent in The Game, but if you insist on a name, you may call me, Erebus. Come on, John; please don’t crack up on me this soon. We have so much more to do before the end of this game. Have you figured out what your part is yet?” The voice now took on a serious tone.
“Yes, I have. I’m supposed to catch your sorry ass and lock it up for good!” John snickered, feeling a renewed sense of control.
“That’s a fascinating theory, but incorrect. Keep trying, though; I know you’ll figure it out. I have complete faith in your abilities as a detective, John. Now, I want you to enjoy the rest of your evening, and we’ll talk again soon. Goodnight.” The phone went dead.
“I need to go somewhere to think,” John groaned. He grabbed his car keys and walked out to his car. “And I know just the place.”
Chapter 16
Run to the Past
“Well, I’ll be damned, if it isn’t Detective John Cooper; long time, no see.” John immediately recognized the deep voice from behind the bar, dripping with a thick Brooklyn accent.
“How’s it going, Leo? I thought I’d come by for a visit.” John had hoped he could sneak in unnoticed, but nothing got past Leo in his bar.
John spent long hours at Leo’s bar after Ray’s death, drowning his feelings of guilt and regret with whiskey. Leo’s bar was the perfect place to come, and work out any problems eating at your
soul.
“Come here, and have a seat.” Leo grabbed a shot glass and filled it with John’s favorite whiskey then set it in front of him. Leo had always liked John, so he was pleased to see him stop by again.
“Here you go, one on the house for old time’s sake. How have things been with you lately? I saw you on the television a year ago when you busted that gang who was killing those little girls. You did an excellent job. I always knew you had it in you.”
“Thanks.” John lifted the shot glass to his lips and drank it in one swallow. It felt warm and comforting, which was something he needed now.
“That was one for the books, wasn't it?” John pushed the glass toward Leo for a refill.
“It sure was. Hey, what about that councilman? I bet that surprised all them down there at City Hall, huh? You never know about people. Hell, maybe there’s someone like that in here right now. Just look at this crowd,” Leo laughed and then poured John another shot.
“Let’s hope not because I am off duty tonight. I had a rough day, and all, I want to do, is forget it.” He lifted the shot glass to his lips and drank the second one down, as quickly as the first.
“No problem. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Yeah, here are my car keys, and would you call me a cab at closing time?” John took his keys out of his pants pocket and handed them to Leo. He then reached for the bottle of whiskey, and empty shot glass.
“I’ll take these with me,” he smiled then walked toward a table in the back corner of the bar. “Make sure I’m not bothered. I have some thinking to do.”
“No problem and I’ll make sure you get home safely.” Leo picked up the keys and put them behind the bar in an empty beer mug.
“Thank you, Leo. I just want to relax, and do some thinking.”
John was in no mood for idle conversation. He only wanted to sit in the shadows and watch people come and go. He had always found it relaxing to watch people go about their activities, and what a better place than in the local bar.
Chapter 17
One for the Books
Damn, I almost forgot about that case.
John poured himself another shot of whiskey and closed his eyes, as the memories of the case flowed into his mind.