The Night Is Cold

by Brandon Enns

  Brian pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. He paused on Jennifer's name first before moving on to Susan. He was surprised that she answered.

  "Susan. Please let me talk and you just listen, okay?"

  "Fine."

  He sat on the edge of the bed, leaned over with his hand on his head. "That year I spent away...it did something. It shook something loose. I know I never talk about it, and I know that I always cut you out when you tried to bring it up, cut you out, in general, a lot of the time. I want to let you in on what happened to me there, but I'm worried it'll just hurt you and leave me no better off. I wouldn't even know what to say, Sue." Brian grimaced from the sadness that crept up into his

  throat. "I'm just...fucked up."

  "Brian—"

  "I don't know what to do. I don't want what I am to rub off on the two of you, and in my own selfish ways, I know that I can't function without you. I just can't. I couldn't do this job no matter how hard I tried. Not if it meant losing you. Things won't be perfect, but you'll get more. I need you and Chris to go back home tonight. I'm gonna catch a redeye. You two, I need you. I know I've said that before, and it wasn't entirely true at that time." His breath hitched. "I was pretending that the job was first, but it wasn't. It wasn't real. It hasn't been for a very long time."

  The pause on the line lasted about ten seconds. Then her raspy voice spoke, "I'll see you at home."

  She hung up. His hotel room felt foreign. He looked out his window. A car honked at another that sat still at a green light.

  ***

  Four texts later, still no reply from Jacey.

  Jennifer sat parked outside of Jacey's apartment, the clock reading 1:38 a.m. She got out, walked across the quiet street, and buzzed to her apartment.

  A tired voice came on the speaker. "Seriously?"

  "Seriously."

  The door clicked, and Jennifer pushed her way through. Walking into the hall, she felt a presence behind her, an extra gust from outside blowing in, cooling the back of her neck. Whoever it was hadn't waited for the door to close to use their own key again. They had sneaked in with her push of the door. When she turned, she almost screamed, reaching for her holstered gun.

  "Officer, sorry to startle you." Eli's blank stare terrified her. She smiled and faked a friendly surprise, a strenuous attempt at seeming casual. "Mr. Baker. What brings you by?" What brings you by? He followed you here.

  "I'm so sorry to interrupt your night, but I felt awfully embarrassed about our last encounter. I didn't mean to startle you out at my place. I sincerely apologize for how that must have felt for you."

  "Oh! No worries at all. I figured I was the one that scared you, being all creepy out there."

  "Well, no matter. It was good to see you're doing well."

  A lull consumed the entrance of Jacey's apartment complex.

  "Wow, it's really late...you felt pretty urgent about this apology, eh?"

  He shuffled into his jacket pocket for something, innocently enough that she wasn't expecting him to pull a weapon there in the hall, but still, it made her nervous.

  Eli drew two items out of his coat. One was a card. He handed it over to Jennifer.

  She examined the generic white business card with his name on one side, number on the back. It was basic; no texture, no design, no color. He probably made it at home, dicing them up with a large paper cutter. What else had he used that paper cutter for?

  "Apology was secondary, I'm afraid. I wanted to give you my number. I realize I had invited you to call on two different occasions now. That's fairly difficult to do without my number now isn't it?" He laughed forcefully. It was short, abrupt, and ugly. There was a gruesomeness to it.

  He continued, "It is late, I suppose. We should all be

  resting at such an hour in the night. But I will say this, I enjoyed your company and would love for you to come back out to my place sometime to chat. I could make tea or hot chocolate. Coffee even, if you'd prefer."

  "That sounds nice, Mr. Baker."

  "Eli would sound better."

  Jennifer's smile was becoming lazy and bitter. "Eli."

  "Maybe I will be able to earn the right to call you Jennifer. That is your first name, correct Corporal Allen?"

  "Yes, of course. You've already earned it, we'll say."

  His grin took an unnatural shape. It was like flesh being peeled back and clamped, the red and pink of his gums showing, the mustache portion of his goatee twisted upward.

  "Excellent. Oh, I almost forgot. I got you something else."

  The other item in his hands, she now realized, was a box of Smarties. He handed them over.

  "I saw in your car that you had a cup full of them. I'm not one for sweets, but I'm guessing this must be your favorite. I suppose if one is to have weaknesses, it should be over small things like chocolate. Little guilty pleasures."

  "Yeah, I have quite the sweet tooth." How long will he stand there for? His tone was losing its dressing of kindness.

  "All is well, as I said...so, where exactly are we standing right now?"

  "Um..." Don't say um you idiot. Jennifer couldn't help it, "Did you follow me here?"

  Eli's charade of politeness fell dead immediately, his eyes faded. He didn't speak. He glared through her, then his deadened stare rested over her shoulder. Jennifer awaited a passive-aggressive threat when Jacey's voices sounded off from behind.

  "What the hell, Jennifer?"

  Jacey, wearing a white robe, joined the two of them, and Eli's two-faced smirk was back on display. He looked at Jacey affectionately, and he took a strange breath as if he was trying to gain a smell from her.

  "Hey. Eli, right?"

  "You two know each other?" asked Jennifer.

  Jacey's half asleep demeanor quickly livened. "Yeah, we met last week, donating blood. Mr. Universal here donates plasma every week. Good to see you."

  "You as well. We all do our part, right Jennifer?"

  She nodded.

  Jacey carried on with the conversation. "You know Jennifer?"

  "Yes, through her work. There was an incident at the shop where I work. Jennifer came by for some questioning that was rather pleasant. I forgot to give her my information, so I followed her into town. I see now how unorthodox and uncomfortable that must have made you, Jennifer. Forgive me. My consistent annoyances must be getting tiresome for you. I’m not the most socially apt person. Completely inept, I am."

  "Oh, that's okay. It's not easy finding honest help when it comes to her investigations," said Jacey.

  "Yes, I appreciate it. I think we are going to call it a night though, Mr. Baker. Thanks again for stopping by." Jennifer shook the Smarties like a moron.

  "My pleasure. Truly wonderful seeing you, Jacey."

  Don't look at her.

  "You too."

  Jacey turned to leave, but Jennifer stood there and so did

  Eli. Neither of them budged. Jennifer wasn't turning her back until the man was out of that building. Finally, he nodded and waved good-bye to Jacey, his open hand curling from his pointer finger, the others following with eerie fluidity.

  Nothing was said in the elevator ride up. They entered Jacey's place as she gathered herself. Jacey was looking at her like she was nuts.

  "What's the matter with you? You can't just swing by at two in the morning for sex. Are you drunk?"

  "No, I'm not drunk," Jennifer snapped. "How do you know that man?"

  "Were you not there? Blood bank."

  "Shit...shit."

  "What?"

  "Do you not watch the news, Jacey?"

  "Why?"

  "That's Eli Baker. The guy that killed Tanner Pearson. Spent ten years in prison. Ring any bells?"

  "Oh, God. This is who you're after?"

  "Yes."

  "How the hell am I supposed to know Jennifer! You don't tell me anything!"

  "That's for a reason. I didn't think you'd become best friends!"

  "I thought he was innoce
nt anyway? He didn't kill anyone."

  "He's incredibly dangerous, Jacey." Jennifer tossed her jacket on the couch. "He's making a stance, threatening you," Jennifer muttered to herself. She was scaring Jacey, her cute lips falling pouty, a fearful look of a child took form. Jennifer wanted to hug her but knew better.

  "I didn't see a tail on the way to my place. No tail to yours. He knows where you live; he didn't follow me."

  "You really believe that? What if you're wrong about him? The courts proved his innocence."

  "The courts proved someone else was guiltier. I can't get into details, Jace. It's him. And he knows I'm close."

  "You're suspended. I know you don't wanna hear this, but you should be handing this off to Brian."

  "Like hell."

  Jacey's face morphed into an angry glare that Jennifer hadn't seen before. "What do you even care if I'm in danger? Huh? I'm sure you'll find another piece of ass that you can use."

  "Another piece of ass?"

  "Well it's the truth, isn't it?

  "No. It isn't."

  Jacey moved into the kitchen and Jennifer followed. "This guy is dangerous, Jacey. No joke."

  "So, why were you here anyway?"

  "I wanted to apologize. It's just been crazy with what's been going on."

  "It's always work, Jennifer. Always. You can't separate the two, and it doesn't exactly bring out the best sides of you in your personal life."

  "Ouch."

  "I'm not gonna feel bad about that. I shouldn't have to. You're never around. And when you're with me your mind is with work still. But that's not the main source of it all. I'd be happy for you if that was the only frustration. I mean I'm glad your passionate about what you do, but—we never go out in

  public. Ever."

  "I just want to make things right here."

  "Right takes work, Jen. And I don't know if you are willing to put in the time. You haven't been."

  She was right, and the argument wasn't going to end in Jennifer's favor. "You need protection. I'll work something out."

  Jacey exhaled hard. "Fine. You do that."

  Jennifer removed her gun and holster.

  "No, I want you to go."

  "What?"

  "Go home, Jen."

  "No. I'll sleep on the couch. That lunatic might be outside still."

  "Whatever. I'm exhausted and I'm going to bed."

  "Fine."

  Jennifer tried to get comfortable on the couch but her heart and mind were both racing.

  Her night was filled with tossing and turning on the couch mixed in with constant jumbled thoughts of the case. The morning came too quickly.

  ***

  Brian walked into his home after a tiring flight. Not having slept a wink, he wandered over to the fridge like a zombie. There was leftover Dominos in the fridge that he helped himself to. Pretty good for cold cardboard. Susan came down the stairs, a look of caution on her face.

  He took another bite of his slice. Chris saved the day, sprinting down the stairs, heavy feet thudding into each step. He always added life to that house. He was a good kid.

  "Hey, Dad!"

  "How was auntie's?"

  "Boring."

  "Sorry about that."

  Susan turned to Chris. "Chris, you've got like two minutes. Get outside. You’re gonna miss the bus."

  Chris groaned before picking up his backpack and walking outside.

  "See ya, bud."

  "Later." Chris left.

  "How was Ottawa?"

  "Well. Got there just in time to leave."

  Susan grabbed a slice of pizza and leaned up against the island.

  "Aren't you gonna ask why?"

  "No." She took a bite.

  "Susan, I meant it. I'm not taking that promotion. I can't."

  "I still think you should. You need it. Don't you?"

  "No, I don't. I need to be here. With you and Chris."

  Susan sighed and picked off the pineapples on top. "This is just a place that you sleep, Brian. And we are your roommates."

  "Things are gonna change. I—"

  His phone rang. He hesitated at first but then checked. It was Jennifer. He hit ignore and placed the phone back on the counter with emphasis.

  "Why didn't you answer?"

  "Because I'm talking to my wife." She sniggered through a wry smile. Susan continued to work her way through the slice with caution, avoiding the possibility of consuming fruit with her pizza.

  "You can't just undo years of...this."

  "No, you're right I can't. All we got is what's next."

  "And what is next?"

  "A leave. Europe."

  "Chris doesn't have time for Europe."

  "We'll do Mexico with Chris during his February break."

  "Is that right?" She stepped in closer.

  "I'm gonna take three months."

  "Really..."

  His phone rang again. He hit ignore without looking.

  "Go on," she said.

  "I'm gonna make sure this body is available to my wife whenever she so desires." Susan was now almost up against Brian.

  "This body?"

  "Yeah, this body."

  "I dunno..." she scrunched up her nose in playful disappointment.

  Susan leaned in for a fake kiss and pulled the pizza box away from Brian. She walked over to the fridge and put it in. The flirtatious moment faded as a look of concern crossed her face.

  "We've been here before. Empty promises."

  "I'll be granted a request if I submit one. Could promote a couple underneath, distribute the workload. The responsibility."

  "Jennifer?"

  "Doubtful." Please tell me you went home, Jennifer.

  "You care about her."

  "What?"

  "No, not like that. You just-you care about her."

  Brian searched her hazel eyes. "I need you to stay."

  "How can you prove it?"

  Susan took another bite of her pizza and threw the crust on the counter.

  "I thought we went through the ten point plan?"

  "I don't know if there were ten points."

  "I'm gonna...be more spontaneous?"

  "Oh, spontaneity. Good thinking, Sarge. What are you gonna do first?" It always turned him on when she called him Sarge.

  "I can't tell you. Wouldn't be spontaneous."

  "Right..."

  "I'm gonna start with giving my beautiful wife a massage upstairs."

  "I think you should start with doing her upstairs. Or even right here. Thoughts?"

  Brian felt like he was in high school again. The anticipation was new. For the first time in a long time, he felt happy. Or at least on the cusp of it. "Yeah," he mumbled like a pimple-faced teenager.

  Susan leaned against the island and Brian moved in slowly and kissed her. He ran his lips gently along her neck, the smell of her perfume taking him back to a time when they had first started dating.

  16

  Jennifer watched Jacey sleep, her chest rising and falling slowly. Jennifer liked her in the morning with her hair all messy, her face makeup free. Her soft round cheeks and button of a nose...seeing her in the morning made her reminiscent of mornings spent back home in BC. From her bedroom she had a clear view of the mountains and would start each day looking out at them, admiring the rocky peaks. It was therapy for her, providing her with the strength to withstand the bullshit each day would often bring. The smell of breakfast would catch her nose, and she would pick up the cup of tea that her mom had left sitting by her bedside while she was still sleeping, alarm about to sound.

  Those mountains. Mom.

  The mountainous barrier had always made her feel safe. And now, she felt trapped in the flat and open prairie land. Trapped by Brian, the Satanist, and herself.

  Jacey turned over in bed, releasing a soft, raspy groan while scrunching her face up, making lines around her dainty nose. She remained asleep after stirring.

  Jennifer sneaked out without waking her.
<
br />   ***

  Jennifer decided to pass along all of the information to Ben over the phone. They couldn't stop her anyway. May as well have them up to speed if push came to shove.

  His voice didn't emit any emotion on the phone.

  Ben had agreed to place a security detail not only on Steven Adams but also on Jacey. Even just one car outside her place

  provided Jennifer with comfort. Ben also promised that she would be informed if there was any activity outside of Jacey's apartment building.

  Jennifer checked out two books from the public library on Satanism rituals, rulership, and principalities. Neither her nor Brian had given the sigils much thought. It was clear that Steven Adams was his next target, but she wanted to better understand his process and reasoning. It was possible that he had more targets and maybe she could find a link between the victims—other than siblings.

  She began her research at home with a simple Google search first. She had spent some time on the devil and Satanism, sifting through bits of scripture and folklore, traditional Satanism versus modern.

  From the beginning, it seemed there was a purpose, more than a “type.” Still, she had a strong feeling that this wasn't ending with Steven Adams. Jennifer was prepared to spend hours studying satanic symbolism, rituals, and ancient practices, but instead what she had discovered was very basic and potentially congruent with Baker's murderous rampage.

  The Church of Satan, founded in 1966. She had read a similar article a year ago.

  The ideology of Satanism consisted of giving into one's desires instead of abstinence. Importance of life itself over spiritual destination, undefiled wisdom instead of self-deceit, kindness to only those who deserve it opposed to wasting it on those who don't, vengeance rather than turning the other cheek, embracing sins as they lead to gratification; essentially living your life as you saw fit, not being told how to live it.

  She felt foolish for not paying more attention to it a year ago. Eli had been killing not because he wanted to, but