Connection Terminated

by Edward Hancock II

  Craning his neck, Alex jolted toward the source of alarm.

  Mrs. Highland – weak, unable to speak – was reaching a desperate hand toward Alex.

  In her hand was a small slip of paper. One very familiar to Alex. One very much like some others he’d seen before.

  Being careful, even with gloves, Alex slipped the paper from Mrs. Highland’s grip.

  God, I thank you I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector.

  “Luke 18:11”

  Alex looked up from the strip of paper, into the eyes of Pastor Highland.

  “This was the message the killer left.” Alex said.

  Flipping the paper over, Alex was shocked to see a hand-written passage scrolled on the back.

  "Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword."

  “Deuteronomy 13:15.”

  “Pastor Highland, we need to get you out of here. If the person’s changing his tactics, this could be a warning.”

  “No,” The pastor said, looking at his wife. Casting his gaze to the floor, he continued. “This was a confession.”

  Chapter 47

  Monday, October 17

  10:48 p.m.

  Standing in the kitchen, Alex found a rare semi-private spot where he and the pastor could talk. Clearing the room, he’d given strict instructions to an Officer Wilmington that they were not to be disturbed.

  “This was part of a Bible Study she created years ago. The lesson was on obedience to God. I am shocked I never saw it before. Just think. All those lives lost because I couldn’t see what was right in front of me all the time.”

  “Captain, I’d like to show you something.”

  Alex turned toward two uniformed officers. His face, which had been preparing to exude frustration, softened when he saw what the two officers were holding. A young officer with a shaved head held a small wooden box with no lid. The other held out a wig in one hand and something resembling stage makeup.

  “What in the world?”

  Raising an eyebrow, Alex cast his eyes toward Pastor Highland.

  “What is that? Where’d you find it?”

  Without answering the pastor’s questions, the two uniformed officers looked at Alex.

  “Gentlemen?” Alex asked, “Where did you find these?”

  “They were in Mrs. Highland’s closet, Sir.” One of the officers answered.

  “They were underneath a first aid kit and some clothes. Sort of poorly hidden, really.”

  “Mr. Highland,” Alex said, momentarily forgetting his manners. “Pastor, have you seen these before?”

  “I believe so,” Highland said. “I have a similar one in my nightstand. For, you know, nights like tonight.”

  Nodding, Alex turned to the two uniformed officers.

  “Lt. Arthur is outside. See to it he gets this. Bag and tag, ya hear?”

  “I’ll handle it, Boss.”

  “Oh, Reggie, I’m glad you’re here actually. Although, aren’t you supposed—Nevermind. Why are you in here?”

  “Kellan sent me in to see if you needed anything. Looks like you do.”

  “Okay, Reg. Take charge of my two friends here and see to it this stuff is logged properly, you hear me?”

  “Have I ever let you down?”

  “Don’t let this be the first time,” Alex chided, as Reggie walked away, followed by the two uniformed officers.

  Looking at the pastor’s face, Alex felt a deep sorrow come over him.

  “Let’s get you outside too, shall we?”

  A guttural scream from the other room sent Alex and Pastor Highland running toward the living room before either knew why they were running

  ***

  Tuesday, October 18

  12:13 a.m.

  What is it about tactile contact that makes an experience more real? Standing behind Pastor Highland as he knelt by his dying wife, fighting with all that was in him not to touch her, Alex couldn’t help but be both amazed, certain and confused at the same time. He was amazed at the pastor’s persistent strength. Though wearing gloves, he’d lingered a bit before taking his wife’s hand, assured by the EMT’s it would be okay, as they had covered her hands with plastic bags. It couldn’t feel the same, Alex rationalized. But, was it enough?

  Certainty told Alex he would likely feel the same conflicted tugs of mind vs heart, safety vs love. Stepping to the side, carefully so as not to disturb the pastor as he said his final goodbyes, Alex seemed to be jockeying for a better position so as to witness this ill-fated ritual. Father, husband; these two things took precedence as Alex pondered what he might do, were he in the pastor’s place. Alex couldn’t help but stare in awe at the love being expressed in tears, nods and the occasional compassionate whisper. He couldn’t hear what the pastor was saying to his wife, but he was certain as to the gist.

  What does a husband say to his wife as she lay dying? Everything his heart can utter. Things of which his mind knows nothing.

  “Sir, we really need to get her to the hospital now.” One of the EMT’s said to Pastor Highland, as they carefully lifted him to his feet. A female EMT carefully guided him back as two others brought in a stretcher.

  Sliding her from the couch to the stretcher, the EMT’s were careful to avoid skin-to-skin contact.

  Mrs. Highland groaned a few times, causing her husband to flinch, as if about to lunge forward, only to catch himself.

  “When do you think we’ll be able to talk to her?” Alex asked Cliff Angleton, the only EMT he knew by name.

  Pulling Alex to the side as the rest of the team secured Mrs. Highland to the stretcher, Cliff’s sorrowful expression spoke volumes before he said a word. After assuring Pastor Highland to be out of earshot, Cliff leaned toward Alex.

  “I gotta be honest with you, man. Chances of you getting anything out of her are pretty much zero. I wouldn’t hold my breath on talking with her.”

  “You mean…” Alex said, as if willing Cliff to finish his thought.

  “I mean.” Cliff nodded, confirming what Alex knew, but didn’t want to know.

  Trying to push back his trepidation, Alex forced a comforting smile, patted Cliff on the shoulder.

  “Thanks, Cliff,” he whispered. “Do what you can, okay?”

  Having finished his statement loud enough for Pastor Highland to have heard, Alex looked toward him to make sure the statement was, in fact, being processed.

  “I will, Cap. I promise.”

  Stepping back toward Mr. Highland, Alex smiled.

  “She’ll be fine,” Alex lied.

  “I’m an old man, Alex,” Highland said, his voice trembling. “But my hearing is better than a man half my age.”

  Unsure what to say, Alex stood there for a moment, sorrow washing over him.

  When the pastor launched toward Alex, wrapping him in a tight embrace, Alex instinctively returned the embrace.

  A mournful wail filled the room, echoing through the hallways. A deafening, shrill cry of pain, almost causing Alex to relinquish the hug.

  “I’m sorry.” Alex whispered.

  The pastor said nothing. His arms tightened around Alex.

  “Come, sit with me for a second,” Alex said, attempting to pull back. Highland relinquished the hug, followed Alex back toward the kitchen, sitting at the dining table that seemed far too ordinary for the kitchen area in which it sat. Pulling out a chair for himself, Alex took Pastor Highland’s hand.

  “My wife is going to die, Alex.”

  “Sir, before we go, I’d like to pray with you.”

  “What for? I don’t think God will heal her from this.”

  “Just the same, you’re a man of God. Let’s start by thanking Him for the years you two had together.”

  His chest spasming, his eyes drenched with tears, Pastor Highland remained silent, looking up just long enough to nod.


  Chapter 48

  Thursday, October 20

  2:01 a.m.

  Mrs. Highland breathed her last at Good Shepherd Hospital. She died as she’d lived much of her life since the death of her child, tortured. There’d been no grand confession as Alex had hoped for. Rather, for three days, she’d languished in a coma, unlikely to even regain consciousness, which she never did. Like so many of the cases in the real world, this one ended without an end. She died in silence without confessing anything in spoken words, though the truth was too evident to deny. Unable to speak, her last sound was nothing more than a lonely, mournful release from decades of pain, anguish and suffering. With no resolution, Mrs. Highland was gone.

  Why?

  Why had she done it?

  A saliva match taken from Mrs. Highland provided a DNA match to the Texas victims. A pair of running shoes matched the print found at the scene of Jennifer Greyson’s attack. She had done it. There was enough evidence to prove that, though some of it was circumstantial. Officially, as no actual confession was given, the case would have to remain open. Unofficially, Alex knew, this case was closed. Unfortunately, there were no answers. None for the police and none for Pastor Highland who was forced to allow the county to have Mrs. Highland’s body cremated, against his personal religious beliefs.

  “It was in the best interests of the community,” is what the bureaucrats had decided. As if burying her was going to somehow instigate a toxic waste dump underground somewhere.

  Tabby had testified under oath that there was no danger in letting Pastor Highland bury the body in keeping with his wishes. Alex had done his best to pull strings through Chief Steelman. None of it helped.

  It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t Just. It was nothing more than bureaucratic nonsense.

  It was what it was.

  Case, for Alex anyway, closed.

  ***

  Friday, December 23

  10:10 a.m.

  “Put it behind you, Alex.”

  “I can’t, Danny. This one’s different. I can’t just walk away. I’ve had criminals get away. I’ve had terrorists blow themselves up, leaving no trace of a body. Man, I’ve seen it all. Until now.”

  “And you’ll say that again, Alex.” Danny asserted. Standing, leaning on his walker, Danny labored his way toward the fridge. “Dr. Pepper?”

  Shaking his head, Alex continued, “How do I reconcile this one?”

  “How do I reconcile getting shot?” Danny called from the kitchen. Rounding the corner, he caught himself on the bar as his feet tangled together.

  Jumping to his feet, Alex was at Danny’s side in a flash.

  “Easy, Boss.”

  Waving him off, Danny reached down into the small basket and retrieved a Dr. Pepper, handed it to Alex.

  “Thanks,” Alex said, walking beside Danny toward his easy chair. Sitting on the couch perpendicular to Danny’s chair, Alex continued.

  “How did you reconcile getting shot, Danny?”

  Taking a drink from his bottle of water, Danny grunted and blew out an exaggerated sigh.

  “I’ll let you know when it happens.”

  When Alex didn’t immediately respond, Danny continued.

  “Alex, it’s been two months. Put it away. That’s an order.”

  “You’re not my boss, Boss.” Alex chuckled. When Danny met him with a look of reproach, Alex cleared his throat, wiped a hand across his mouth. “You coming over for Christmas dinner?”

  “Like I would miss your mother’s chicken? That woman’s hands are touched by God, Alex!”

  Alex nodded.

  “That they are. I tell you, though, I’m blessed with good cooks. Lisa’s a master. Poor Alyson couldn’t boil water with instructions on the pot, but you should try Josh’s spaghetti!”

  “Speaking of Alyson, I heard she entered the academy at KC?”

  Alex shook his head.

  “Not yet. Term starts in January. But, yes, we’re going to have another cop in the family.”

  “Lisa must be thrilled,” Danny said, his statement oozing with sarcasm.

  “Oh yeah,” Alex chuckled, “But, the kid got bit by the bug. One sting was all it took.”

  “Any word from Highland?” Danny asked.

  Taking a drink, Alex nodded.

  “He called last week. Was enjoying his new church in Tyler. Said it was weird being a pastor for civilians, but thinks that it really is a God thing.”

  “Well, that’s good.” Danny said, taking another sip of water.

  “Figure we’ll go some time and visit. Who knows? It might be the home church we’ve been looking for.” When Danny remained silent, Alex added. “You know you’re welcome to go with us.”

  “I know.” Danny said, looking down his hall, as if expecting a phantom person to rescue him from an obviously uncomfortable subject.

  “Don’t worry. I’m not trying to recruit you into my religious cult,” Alex laughed.

  “Well, what would you say if I was recruiting you into mine?”

  “I’d say ‘do what?’”

  Throwing out his arms, Danny leaned forward. A huge grin crawled across his face.

  “I’m back, Son!”

  “Wait, what? Back? Back where? What? I—”

  “I mean I’m back. I talked to the chief. It’s restricted duty. I won’t be in the field, probably not ever again, but I’m okay with that. I get my office back. And you get to go back to doing what you do best. Gettin’ my coffee!” Danny finished off with a playful wink.

  “If you think I’m getting you coffee, Dr. Pepper or even water, you’re nuts!”

  “Hey, don’t make me play the gimp card!” Danny laughed.

  “Okay, Okay!” Alex chuckled. “One water bottle a day. But if you’re Captain again, that means I’m a Lieutenant again – Thank God! – which means I am going to be in the field.”

  “You mean you ever left it?”

  “Touché” Alex said. “So you’re really back?”

  “Not yet,” Danny admitted, “I’ll make a couple of guest appearances I the next couple of weeks; but come February, 2006, you will see me walk in that door again. Chief and I want to make sure I’m as healthy as possible.”

  “Danny! That’s great!” Alex said, raising his hand for a high five. As Danny reciprocated, Alex continued, “That’s one chair I’ll gladly give up!”

  “Good,” Danny said, smirking. “I was afraid I was going to have to arm wrestle you.”

  ***

  Friday, April 28, 2006

  9:12 a.m.

  “I think I’d like to be a police woman when I get big.”

  “Oh baby,” Lisa said, picking Christina up, “Don’t you go growing up too fast. Why don’t you just concentrate on being mine and Daddy’s little girl for now, ok?”

  “I wanna work with Daddy and Aly. Maybe Daddy will take me to work with him tomorrow.” Christina insisted. “Mommy, how come you don’t work with Daddy anymore?”

  “Well, Sweetheart, I made a promise to God that I would stay home and take care of you and Joey. You don’t break promises to God, no matter what.”

  “So, will you work with Daddy again when Joey and I are big?”

  Laughing, Lisa hugged her daughter close, “I’m not sure that’s exactly how it works, my love. But who knows?”

  “Daddy’s standing up,” Christina whispered. “What’s he doing?”

  Placing a finger over her lips, Lisa directed her daughter’s gaze toward the stage. Alex looked so handsome. So official. It was all Lisa could do to pass a glance from the podium to the spot where Alyson stood, ready to join the ranks of the boys and girls in blue.

  “This one is a little bit personal to me, so I want to thank Danny or allowing me the honor of congratulating Jennifer Alyson Warner on completing her Police Academy Training. Not only that, but being first in her class. I am honored to give her this award and humbled to know she will be carrying on our family tradition. Please, everyone join me in giving a
rousing round of applause to this year’s top cadet, and my cousin, Officer Alyson Warner.”

  So many images floated through Lisa’s mind. Watching her grown cousin walk across the stage, full dress uniform, Old Glory just behind her, the Texas flag waving proudly on the other side of the stage, the academy flag itself hung behind the 47 cadets standing on risers. It wasn’t that long ago that she, too, had gone through this very same ritual. The group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in unison. The singing of the National Anthem as she labored to stop shaking while offering up a crisp salute. Alyson had seemed so little back then. Now…well.

  What was she looking at? Her past. Alyson’s present? Or was it the future of her own very adventurous, unendingly courageous daughter? Alyson seemed suddenly very tiny as she disappeared in Alex’s bear hug. When they parted, she stood at full attention, took a single, sharp step backwards, saluted her superior officer before side stepping toward Chief Steelman, the mayor, city council members and, of course, Danny and Kellan.

  “Bow your heads with me,” Pastor Highland asked, after clearing his throat.

  As the pastor began to pray, Lisa’s mind swam. Images of her own past, Alyson’s present mashed with the very idea of her child someday following in the family vocation.,

  Looking to the Heavens as the prayer concluded, tears worked their way down Lisa’s cheeks.

  “Uncle Stephen,” she whispered, “If ever that girl needed a guardian angel, now would be the time.”

  “She’ll be okay.”

  Alex’s whispered voice startled her.

  “I’m not so sure,” she admitted.

  “It’s in her blood, Babe.”

  “So’s the church,” Lisa reminded him. “Uncle Stephen was a pastor. So was my great Uncle and two of his sons.”

  “Well, then, I think we can rest assured she’ll have a hotline straight to God’s ear, then.”

  “Sort of like you, eh?” Lisa said, making a head motion to Mrs. Mendez, who was busily tending to Joey.

  Remaining silent, Alex smiled.

  As the graduating class marched by on their way out, Alyson met Lisa’s eyes with the slightest of head turns. A smile crawled across her face. The confident smile of a young woman on the cusp of adulthood. A smile that did not quite go with the subtle head cock, crossed eyes and the tongue stuck out just long enough for Lisa to burst out laughing.