Souls of the Reaper

by Markie Madden

  “Yeah, that was pretty cool. It’s too bad we don’t have any evidence preserved from the case. I mean, with the technology we have now, we could probably solve it.” She tossed her clothes haphazardly on the smooth counter, and hopped up on the exam table. “Hey, what happens to evidence now days, anyway?”

  Kazz gave Lacey a questioning glance, and Lacey nodded for her to continue. “Most of it goes into storage. Even after the cases are closed, evidence is retained, isn’t that right, Lieutenant?”

  “In most cases. Of course, unsolved cases get priority storage, and in minor cases with little to no evidence, sometimes whatever has been collected gets destroyed. Especially after the case has been closed.”

  “DNA evidence is easy to store now days, isn’t it?” Cherri asked.

  Lacey thought back to their last big case. “It doesn’t take up much space, and can be viable for a very long time. Our last case dredged up some old DNA evidence out of Louisiana, some forty years ago. They sent us what they had, and it helped add another charge to our unsub.”

  “That’s very cool.” Cherri fell silent.

  “You said you thought about being a profiler?” Kazz asked the victim. “What changed your mind?”

  “Well, my first love has always been writing. So what I’d really like to do is write true crime.”

  “Are you taking classes?” Lacey asked.

  “Not this semester. I took a break because my mom had to have knee surgery. I’ve been helping her out until she gets back on her feet.”

  Further conversation halted at a knock on the door.

  Doctor Matthews entered the exam room, and nodded at the two officers. To Cherri, he extended his hand. “Cherri? Did I say that right?” She nodded. “I’m Doctor Matthews, and we’re going to do an exam. Do you understand?” She nodded again.

  “Kazz?” Lacey gestured her closer. “Will you go out, and see if Colton has arranged anything with Marcell? And tell him what room number we’re in?”

  “Sure thing boss.” She seemed relieved that she would be excused from the exam room for this part. She eased out and shut the door behind her.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Colton was startled when Kazz suddenly appeared near his left elbow. “Jesus, did Lacey teach you how to walk?”

  “Pardon?” She seemed confused.

  “The both of you have a habit of sneaking up on someone! I’ve grown to expect it from her, but I didn’t know you were going to do the same thing!”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” She seemed contrite.

  “Never mind. What’s up?”

  “Lacey wanted to know if you’d set anything up with the shrink yet.”

  “Yeah, he’s on his way. I said I’d meet him here in the waiting room.”

  “Great. She’s in room six.”

  “They’re getting ready to do the big deal?”

  “Yup.” Kazz actually shuddered. “I’m glad I managed to escape before they started. I never liked that part when we studied it at the Academy.”

  “I know the feeling.”

  They both took a seat, waiting for Dr. Dilorenzo to arrive. Kazz took out her tablet, double-checking her notes to make sure they were saved. Next, she checked her email and social media. Then, knowing they still had some time to kill, she began reading an e-book.

  Ten minutes later, Colton was once again startled as Marcell crept up to the two of them.

  “Damn it, why can’t you stomp and make noise like regular people?” He wanted to storm off in a huff, but didn’t want to appear cowardly.

  “I can’t help how I walk.” Marcell shrugged as he spoke in a mild voice.

  “Maybe try.” He growled softly.

  “So, where are we at?”

  Kazz spoke up. “They’re doing their thing right now. Lacey is back there with Cherri, I mean, the victim, now.” She led them back through the maze of hallways that made up the emergency room floor. There, they stood outside the door to room six, and waited.

  18

  A person is never happy except at the price of some ignorance. ~~Anatole France

  Lacey and Niall stepped out of the exam room. The doctor nodded at Marcell, Colton, and Kazz, then hurried to the nurse’s station. Lacey stepped to them and spoke in quiet tones.

  “Doc says there’s no evidence of sexual intercourse, consensual or otherwise. We took a PERK anyway, but I doubt they’re going to find anything.”

  “We believe this young woman was assaulted by our unsub?” Marcell asked her.

  “It sure sounds like it. Kazz here used a cognitive interview on her at her apartment, drew out some details she might have consciously forgotten. Good job, by the way.” Lacey looked at the young officer.

  “Thanks. It was one of my favorite studies at the Academy.”

  “Is Doctor Matthews going to test her?” Marcell wanted to know.

  “He’s arranging to have her transferred to a room.”

  “You know, Lieutenant, this is tricky. She can’t be forced to take a hypnotic sleeping drug.”

  “Cherri’s aware of the situation.” Lacey saw that Marcell was ready to speak again. “I impressed upon her the importance of staying quiet. She’s an intelligent girl. She’ll keep it to herself.”

  “So, she’s consented to the drug, and the testing?”

  “She has. Doctor Matthews is making a note in her chart. He’ll give her an IV injection so the medication will take effect quickly. He asked for you to observe once again.”

  “Of course.” Marcell murmured.

  “One other thing.” Lacey was a bit uncomfortable. “She’s asked for me to be with her.”

  “To deny it may make her less receptive.” Marcell nodded. “I’ll agree. But I must caution you to remain quiet.”

  “I think I can handle it.”

  Dr. Matthews approached. “They’re getting her a room up on the 9th floor. It’s currently closed due to low census. I have a very skilled nurse whom I trust headed up there now. She’ll monitor the patient for the rest of the day. She should feel safe there. I’ve also alerted security.”

  “Why is that?” Lacey snapped.

  “If, by chance, he didn’t get what he wanted from her, he might return. I’d feel safer knowing that she’s guarded.”

  “I didn’t think about that.” Lacey looked contrite. “I can assign an officer if that would help.”

  “Our staff are quite capable.” Niall assured her. “In any event, they will be able to stop anyone physically going to the floor or into her room. However, if he attacks in the astral plane, there is nothing we can do to stop it.”

  He informed them that Cherri would be taken to her room within the hour. Marcell, Lacey, Colton, and Kazz retreated to the hospital cafeteria, the non-Vampire types needing fuel. Lacey, too, was hungry, but she didn’t dare brave the vending machines; blood packaged like human soda could save a starving Vampire, but it was barely edible. At least, in Lacey’s opinion. Marcell seemed to feel the same way. Lacey saw him wrinkle his nose in distaste at the offerings of the refrigerated machine.

  Kazz didn’t seem to mind the hospital food, and she returned to their table with a tray piled with salad, lasagna in meat sauce, and two pieces of cake. Colton chose two fried chicken breasts with cole slaw and baked beans. The two dug into their meal while Marcell said he wanted to get a coffee.

  “They have a Starbucks in here,” Lacey remarked. “I wouldn’t mind going with you.”

  “You can show me the way.”

  She looked at her two subordinates. “We’ll be back in a minute. Stay out of trouble.”

  “What, us?” Colton looked up, a dribble of hot sauce dripping from the corner of his mouth. The look of complete innocence he gave her made Lacey want to laugh.

  “Where there’s food, we’ll be no trouble.” Kazz swirled ranch dressing through her bowl of greens.

  “Yeah, right.” She gave them each a stern look before walking away with Marcell.

  Once they were
out of earshot, Marcell asked, “How are those two getting along?”

  She glanced over her shoulder, even knowing she couldn’t see them anymore. “I don’t know. Sometimes I wonder about them. I think Kazz has more in common with Colton than she realizes, but I’m afraid if she does realize it, I’ll have two of him to put up with!”

  “They each have a passion in their own right. She is very outspoken in regard to cruelty against animals, you told me.” He referred to the conversation they had during their date. “She also has a passion for police work, as Colton does. As you do.”

  “That’s true.” She admitted it slowly.

  “I think the three of you complement one another, and I think young Kazz will be a buffer between you and Colton, if ever you need one.”

  They walked into the hospital lobby, to the small area allotted to the famous coffee house branch. There was, as they expected, a short line in front of them. The chain of coffee bars discovered long ago that hospitals offered some of the most lucrative venues; staff and visitors alike were keen for expensive coffee drinks during their stay at the hospital. Lacey already knew they carried her favorite tea, but Marcell paused to study the menu. When it was her turn to order, Lacey asked for a tall Chai tea. Marcell ordered a grande caramel latte, and told the barista to ring them up together.

  “That’s unnecessary.” Lacey told Marcell in a stern voice.

  “I know. But I want to. Let me have my little pleasures.”

  She wanted to argue more but knew it would be futile. But Lacey saw the small smirk on the lips of the barista as she prepared their drinks. Lacey didn’t speak again until they were out in the hallway.

  “Why do you have to do that?” She hissed under her breath. “Now she thinks we’re going out or something.”

  “Aren’t we?” His tone was mild.

  “Well, yes, I mean, not really, no.” Marcell only smiled and remained silent. “You know what I mean. I just don’t want everyone in the world knowing about my business.”

  He took a sip of coffee before answering. “Do you expect to run into that young woman again sometime soon?”

  “No, of course not.” She was confused.

  “Then why should it matter if she thinks we’re dating?”

  “I don’t know!” She wanted to stomp away but knew it would be childish. And if she were to be honest with herself, she couldn’t explain it why it bothered her. Perhaps it was the fact that if she admitted it out loud, it would make it seem more real. More than that, though, Lacey was a private person. She didn’t spend every waking hour on social media, as so many other people did these days. Lacey also didn’t have many friends. Her heart broke centuries ago when her family was murdered, and she was still in the process of opening herself up to people. And I still don’t LIKE most people.

  Marcell must have taken her silence as a cue to change the subject. “I certainly hope that Doctor Matthews will be able to help this young woman. He was deeply disturbed that he was unable to track the unsub using the last victim.”

  Before they could get back to the cafeteria, Lacey stopped him. She glanced around furtively, making certain no one was close enough to hear their conversation. Still, she pitched her voice low enough that human ears wouldn’t be able to perceive it. “What’s going to happen if we do find this scum? This is another unprecedented case. We have no penalties for stealing human souls. At least, not that I know of. At the moment, all we can arrest him on is a charge of violating the Undead Oath. At least, I think the Oath for Reapers is worded to prevent them from doing what this guy is doing.”

  “This is troubling, as well.” He took another drink of coffee. “But these are questions best asked of the district attorney’s office.”

  “And think about this, can we somehow force him to release the souls he already holds captive? Niall says it may already be too late for Mr. Sorby. What if it’s too late for them all? And what the hell do we do with the victims whose souls aren’t recoverable?”

  The psychologist was grim. “I don’t have any idea. I suspect we’ll have to consult with many different experts.”

  Lacey began walking down the hall again. “Speaking of experts, I forgot to mention. Your friend Doctor Ingold is coming down sometime today.”

  “Is he, now?”

  “For research, he says. But the Commander has approved him to get on board as another consultant, if he’ll accept. We both agree we can use all the help we can get our hands on.”

  “Indeed. Have you heard any more from your friend in Egypt?”

  She shook her head as they returned to their table in the cafeteria. Kazz, evidently having polished off her two slices of cake, was working her way through an apple pie a la mode. Colton had two powdered donuts on a plate. “How can you eat like that?” Lacey demanded of Kazz, half teasing and half serious. “Most people who ate that much would be grossly obese.”

  “I have a rapid metabolism.” The young woman pushed her plate to the side and wiped her face. “It’s common for Shifters. The body requires a lot of energy to do what we do.”

  Lacey looked at Marcell, who shrugged as if he had no idea. “Okay, so what’s your excuse, Big Brother?”

  “I don’t have one. I just like donuts.”

  Lacey laughed. “You’re such a cliché. Cop plus donut equals bliss.”

  Suddenly, Lacey’s phone rang. She answered it with a flick of the finger. “Anderson. Yes, doctor. Right away.” Putting the phone back in her jacket pocket, she included them all in a glance. “Are we ready? Niall says she’s settled in her room.” Colton and Kazz pushed their chairs back with a screech of metal on the floor, and carried their now-empty trays to the end of the food line so they could be cleaned. Then, they followed Lacey and Marcell in silence.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  When the four of them exited the elevator at the 9th floor, they found the hallway lights dimmer than usual, and a solitary nurse sitting behind the desk at the nurses’ station. Niall was with her, and he stood as the small group approached.

  “She’s in this first room,” he told them, pointing. “There’s no sense in putting her any further away from the nurses’ station when she’s the sole patient on the floor. She asked for you, Lieutenant.”

  “Have you given her the sedative yet?” Lacey wanted to know.

  “I have not. I want to monitor her after I’ve given it.”

  Lacey turned to Colton and Kazz. “You two stay here. No one other than the nurse is allowed on this floor. Not even the janitors.”

  “You got it.” Colton jerked his chin at Kazz, and the two of them went to stand on either side of the elevators.

  “Are you ready?” Lacey asked of Dr. Matthews.

  “As I’ll ever be.” His posture screamed fatigue, but Marcell knew that wouldn’t stop him from doing what was necessary, what was right. In their short acquaintance, he learned the other man was a person who took duty and responsibility seriously. “Will you come with me?” He picked up a syringe from the nurses’ station and walked toward the first patient room.

  Lacey and Marcell followed. On entering the room, Marcell noticed that the blinds had been drawn, and that young Cherri looked comfortable in the hospital bed, the crisp white sheets and blankets matching her pale face. The TV was on, though the volume was muted.

  Niall approached his patient. “Cherri, this is Doctor Dilorenzo. He’s a psychologist who works with the police department. And you already know Lieutenant Anderson.”

  “Call me Lacey.” Her voice was soft.

  Marcell took a seat in a plush recliner next to the victim’s bed. “Cherri, are you frightened?”

  She bit her lip before replying. “Yes, a little. I mean, I never thought about someone stealing souls before. And what’s going to happen to me if he did steal my spirit?”

  “I don’t know.” He gave an honest answer because he knew that was the best way he could gain her trust.

  “How is this going to work?” She looked at Ni
all, obviously understanding he was the one with the answers she sought.

  “I’ll give you this medicine in your vein.” The doctor held up the syringe in his hand. “It will make you sleepy. Once you’ve gone to sleep, I will astral project in an attempt to see if your soul remains in your body or not. And, if not, I hope to follow your astral tether, a thin strand of your spirit that binds your soul to your physical body. If he has stolen your soul, perhaps you’ll give us the best chance of finding him.”

  “How long will it take?” Cherri’s voice was timid and soft.

  “The medication will only take ten or fifteen minutes to put you to sleep. After that, I can’t answer how long it will take. Surely no longer than an hour. But you’ll sleep for at least four or five hours. Nurse Mitchell will stay here with you after I’ve gone, and we’ll make sure there’s a security guard outside the door at all times. I promise you, you will be safe here.”

  “Okay.” She looked at Lacey. “Will you stay?”

  “Until Doctor Matthews is done with his part. After that, I’ll be the one to track down this bastard. And I can assure you, I won’t stop until I find him.”

  It was the first time Marcell witnessed Lacey talking to a victim, and he felt the intensity of her emotion coupled with her strong sense of justice. And if he could feel it, when Lacey wasn’t even talking directly to him, he knew the young victim would have full faith in Lacey’s ability to find the unsub.

  Niall turned off the TV and pulled an alcohol wipe from his pants pocket. Tearing the packet, he pulled the wet swab out and ran it up and down the patient’s arm. With a gentle touch, he popped the young woman’s vein and administered the medication. He turned, dropping the spent syringe in a special medical waste box mounted to the wall, and tossed the alcohol pad and its package into the trash. He lowered the head of Cherri’s bed until it was almost flat, with a gentle incline. Then, he pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat.

  Marcell took Lacey’s elbow and guided her toward the door, where they were both out of the way and would offer no distraction to the doctor. “Once he begins, it’s imperative that we remain quiet.”