Blood, a Bullet, and a True Sinner

by Kelly Shade

  “Checking for bombs. Hunt said this Savela guy was way too calm for a hit man who failed to kill the target. For the second time,” Ian explained. This time he was under the car.

  “I guess he has a point,” Jane was still laughing. “What do you know about bombs anyway?”

  “A lot. I used to be in the bomb squad before I came to homicide,” Ian murmured while getting up and removing the dust from his clothes.

  “Your girl made you quit?” Jane asked.

  “Yeah, how did you know?” Ian was surprised.

  “You don’t seem like a person who would give up. And since your family couldn‘t stop you, it must be the girlfriend.” Jane smiled. “I guess, no bombs there, so may I go now?”

  “Sure,” answered Ian and he turned back to the office.

  Jane got in her car. This psychologist, Peter Burris, worked in his home office. She had to drive to the other end of LA to meet him. Blake was happy about the long drive. She needed to clear her mind. The shoulder was better now. The pain was still there, but it was bearable. Jane’s first idea was to go to the address she had written on her hand. Yeah, she could go. What if Michael Morse decided to kill her? She couldn‘t protect herself adequately with an injured shoulder. Jane gave up the idea. At least for now. She would meet Morse as soon as the pain went away.

  For a moment she thought about sharing the information with Ryan and the team. Then she decided not to. Jane didn‘t want them to endanger their careers and their lives. She had to go alone. Also, they didn‘t have jurisdiction in Mexico; their badges meant nothing there. It was way too risky. Jane couldn‘t put everyone in danger. ”Alone. As always. Better that way,” Blake muttered to herself.

  Jane was lost in making plans and thinking about how things may turn out. She didn‘t feel the ride. She was in front of Peter Burris‘s house. She stopped there just because the GPS told her to. She turned off the engine but didn‘t get out of the car. She leaned on the seat and closed her eyes. What was she supposed to tell the shrink? Jane had no intention of being honest with him about any part of her life. Again, she had to put the poker face on and play along. Blake took few deep breaths, fixed her long hair and got out of the car. She took a few steps to the Burris‘s front door.

  She hesitated for a moment, then knocked.

  Peter Burris opened. “Hello, Ms. Blake! You are welcome!”

  The psychologist was just a few inches taller than she, with a bald spot on his head. The remaining hair was gray; he wore thin glasses and had small eyes. Burris led Jane to his office and invited her to sit on the leather couch. He made himself comfortable in the armchair in front of Jane.

  “Can I offer tea?” he asked with soft, deep voice.

  “No, thank you. I‘m not a tea drinker.” Jane felt uncomfortable. She didn‘t like the vibe of the therapist and the house. The whole office was in light and dark brown colors, beige walls and wood with ornaments everywhere. Even the teapot was brownish. Jane was disgusted by the furniture choice and, frankly, everything.

  “Would you like to share why you are here?” he started. Then he put a notebook on his knees and reached for a pen.

  “Because Hunt has sent me here,” Jane answered coldly.

  “I know you don‘t want to talk to me. You think you are strong enough to cope with the trauma. And maybe you are right. But sometimes it is easier to speak about the problem; believe me. I‘ve met a lot of police officers who thought they could manage by themselves.” Burris spoke slowly.

  “I‘m not a police officer. I‘m just a consultant,” interrupted Jane, “and I have nothing to say. Yes, a guy tried to shoot me in my house. Unsuccessfully. Yes, during an investigation another guy shot me in the shoulder. You see I‘m fine. And yes, today I caught the man who tried to kill me for the second time. I‘m not traumatized. I feel well, and now I‘m just wasting my time.”

  “Okay, let‘s talk about your past. Were you a happy child?” The therapist wouldn‘t give up.

  “Yeah, I have a nice family, and I had a happy childhood,” lied Blake with a fake, but real enough smile.

  “Why are you working with LAPD; what is the reason you want to be part of the homicide team?” Burris continued to poke.

  “Because I‘m good at investigating stuff.” Jane was annoyed. She had thirty minutes more, and she didn‘t know how she could manage not to punch him in the face.

  “I think it is because of something else. Something happened to you in the past that drove you into police work.” Burris was writing something in his notebook.

  “Nope,” Jane said simply.

  The psychologist leaned back and put the notebook beside him. They spent the rest of the session in silence mixed with small talk. Jane was immensely relieved when she got out of Burris‘s house. Unfortunately, Blake had to go at least two more times. If, of course, he signed the document. Until then, Jane had to fake opening up to him little by little. This would make him believe he did his job. And he would sign indicating she was mentally healthy.

  Chapter 12

  I’ll show you smart!

  That magical time of the year was just around the corner. Christmas was coming in a few days. The streets of Los Angelis were decorated beautifully. Christmas trees were shining in beautiful colors. Santas were walking among the people offering pictures and gifts. Snowmen, not real of course, stood in every yard. Houses were covered in lights; plastic reindeers were running in front of red sleighs. The festive atmosphere pervaded the city. The streets were crowded with happy people who were way more positive than usual. Everyone was smiling, running around, trying to find the perfect present for their loved ones.

  Ryan Gray wanted to surprise Jane. It was the last working day, and unless there was a murder, they wouldn’t see each other during the holidays. He went to her house holding a red box covered with little Christmas trees and a big bow. He parked his car in front, and the view shocked him. Jane‘s beautiful two-story home was the only one in the neighborhood with no decorations. Maybe she didn‘t have time to decorate outside, he thought.

  Ryan rang the bell. He waited a few minutes and rang again and again. Nobody answered. Gray got worried. He stood in front of a dilemma. Should he kick the door open or should he wait a little bit more. After all the incidents lately, he had reason to believe Jane was in trouble. Five more minutes passed. Ryan dialed her number. No answer. Well, the decision was made; he had to break in. He left the present on the ground and took a few steps back. He ran against the door with his shoulder ready to push it open. To his surprise, he ran right into her house, tripped and fell on the floor. Jane was standing above him, laughing.

  “Good morning!”

  “Hey!” Ryan stood and rubbed his shoulder. He looked around. No decorations inside either. Jane didn’t even have a Christmas tree. Ryan was astonished. Maybe his look gave him away because Jane hurried to explain.

  “I’m not as excited about holidays as most people. Christmas wasn’t a happy time for me.”

  “But the gifts, the cocoa on Christmas morning, the smell of fresh baked cookies?” Ryan still had the same puzzled expression.

  “The people who adopted me gave me only things they liked. There were no fresh baked cookies. Always bought from the store. And there were no other traditions except to sit at the table, stuff your face and get drunk, in silence. Or, when I think about it, maybe to fight. I had a grandpa who was amazing, and he was the only one who made me feel better. But on Christmas day, I had to be with the woman and man that adopted me, and it was awful. My grandfather was a traditionalist, and when I moved out of their home, I continued the traditions he taught me, but since he passed away, I haven’t see the point of celebrating. I never decorated since then,” Jane explained while walking Ryan to the living room.

  “Sad,” Ryan said. “Really sad. My mom and I always had amazing Christmases. It is unfortunate you had to spend the holidays like that.” Ryan sat on the couch but suddenly he jumped up. He remembered he left Jane’s gift
outside.

  “I’ll make us coffee,” Blake shouted from the kitchen.

  Ryan used that time to run out and, thankfully, to find the box where he had left it. He went back and hid the present behind him under his jacket.

  “Well, it is not Christmas morning but . . .” Jane handed Ryan a cup.

  “Oh, you made cocoa,” he said.

  “With marshmallows.” She smiled and snuggled in the armchair.

  “I have something for you.” Gray gave the box to Jane with a huge smile. “I hope you like it!”

  Jane unwrapped the paper carefully and opened the box. She was amazed when she saw a bottle dressed in a red Christmas sweater. She pulled it out, and she was delighted to see the twenty-five-year-old whiskey beneath the fluffy shirt. Next to the bottle was a fancy silver cigarette box with a Desert Eagle gun engraved on it. Jane’s face was glowing. She hadn’t felt so touched since her grandfather gave her a pocket knife. Jane was seven then. At the bottom of the box was another little black, leather thing, looking like a wallet. When Jane picked it up, she saw it was a case for her badge. At the lower left corner was a little silver J. Blake. She opened it, and her new badge was inside. It had a fantastic design of metallic silver, and her picture was in a frame shaped like an actual police badge. Her name and the information were written in black calligraphy.

  “I have no words!” Jane was stunned. “Thank you; the gifts are wonderful! You shouldn’t have . . .”

  “You are welcome! And I decide if I should or not. After all, I’m alive because of you!” Ryan, happy and proud of himself, winked and smiled wildly. “Hunt let me do another design for your badge.”

  “Yeah, the old one was pretty boring. But this one is awesome!” Jane was still admiring it.

  Ryan didn’t expect that kind of reaction. Jane wasn’t a very emotional person; she rarely smiled from happiness. Blake was changing though. The team and especially Ryan made her feel positive emotions. She thought she lost that ability long ago, but she was wrong. So wrong.

  In the police station, the mood was no different. Everyone was happy and waiting for the day to be over so they can go be with their families. The people who had to stay on duty through the Christmas vacation were the only ones with grumpy faces. Hunt, who stayed at home every holiday since his wife died, was unusually cheerful. He gathered the team around the conference table, where he had prepared donuts and coffee. Jane and Ryan went in together, and Nick started teasing them.

  “Come on, just tell us, there are no rules against coworkers dating.” Nick smiled.

  “When I have luck, you’ll be the first to know, Nick!” Ryan said.

  “When?” Jane laughed “If is the right word.” And she winked.

  The team exploded in laughter. Ryan made a funny face and turned to Jane.

  “Do you have a present for me?”

  “Yes, actually, I have gifts for everyone,” Jane said and displayed a significant bag and grabbed a donut.

  Nick, Ian, Conner and Ryan also had huge bags with them. After the donuts were eaten, they exchanged presents.

  Jane got a beautiful manicure set from Ian.

  “You have no idea how my girlfriend looked at me when I told her I need to buy this, and I needed help choosing it,” said Valdez ashamed. “But I saw your nails are always perfectly done and I thought you might like it.”

  “It’s awesome, thanks!” said Jane happily.

  For the boys on the team, Ian had prepared nice bottles. Nick got tequila; Connor received rum, and the scotch was for Ryan. Hunt, after joking that he had something to drink during the duty nights, started giving out his presents.

  “Gray, catch!” Hunt threw a box with a wireless computer mouse, new generation, with buttons that only Ryan understood.

  “Valdez!” Another box flew across the table. Ian unwrapped it to see a framed picture of his first bust. He was younger and looked severely shocked. He looked more scared than the convict he was holding. Everyone laughed out loud, and there were few minutes of jokes and teasing. When Hunt saw Ian get a little bit annoyed, he gave Nick a hat with text saying single on it.

  Jane received gun cleaning supplies. “I love those! I was going to buy the same! Thanks!” she said excitedly.

  Nick was the next Santa in line. He had shirts for everyone with funny personalized text. Ryan also gave out bottles of alcohol.

  “Well, Blake it is your turn! What you got?” Ian was excited.

  “Okay, let me see . . .” Jane picked one box from her bag of surprises. “Ian, don’t let fear rule your life. Take your girl somewhere special!”

  Valdez opened the box and took out scuba diving equipment for two. “How did you know?” he asked with his mouth open. “I’m terrified of the ocean. I always make excuses to stay in the pool.”

  Jane smiled and turned to Hunt, “Boss, you deserve to have fun!” she said and handed him a professional karaoke set. “I can’t wait to hear you sing! I’m sure you will pick amazing jazz for us!”

  “She knows,” Hunt made a nostalgic smile. “Rose, and I used to sing in one karaoke bar every Saturday. She had a beautiful voice.” His eyes filled with tears. Jane decided to continue. She didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable.

  “Nick, I believe you have a childhood dream you need to fulfill.” She gave him a ticket for Disneyland. “And I believe you will need this to check if you’re not late for work.” She handed him a box containing an expensive watch.

  “My dad couldn’t afford to take me. And then I grew up and . . .” Nick turned red “How can you know something that I forgot?” He was looking at the ticket as if it were pure gold. “And how do you know I like watches. I never wear one. Damn, girl! You are scary!”

  Jane was enjoying the reactions. Only Ryan didn’t wear an amazed expression. He was still waiting impatiently for his gift.

  “I think this is going to be a great asset to your collection.” Blake gave him a nicely wrapped box.

  Ryan unwrapped it carefully and opened his mouth “Oh, my God! An authentic Mustang 67! Is that gold?” Gray was holding a model of his favorite car. “This must be . . . how much did you spend?”

  “Yeah, it is partly gold. Handmade,” Blake answered.

  Ryan was holding the car in his palm. He looked at it as if it were a real vehicle.

  “Seriously, Blake, how much did spend on our presents? This is all super expensive stuff!” Nick was also looking at the model.

  “Does it matter? Money is just money. They are for spending. And when they are over you earn it. Or you steal it.” Hunt gave her a stern glance. Jane ignored the look.

  “The most important question is_how did you know?” Hunt was holding the microphone from the set.

  “Are you psychic or something?” Nick laughed.

  “That I’m not for sure!” Jane laughed.

  “But seriously.” Ryan also wanted to know how Blake knew about his hobby. He hadn’t told anyone.

  “A magician never reveals his tricks!” Jane winked “I’m sorry guys, but I need to be somewhere. Fingers crossed; there won’t be any murders; I’ll see you after Christmas! I hope you have a great time!” She stood, took her presents and headed for the door. “Bye!”

  “To you too, Blake!” said Hunt and the rest of the team waved goodbye.

  Ryan ran after her.

  “Hey!” he stopped her at the elevator.

  “What’s up?”

  “I don’t have any family. I think . . . we can . . .” he stuttered.

  “Yes?” Jane couldn’t understand what he wanted to say. Well, at least she didn’t want to look like she knew what he wanted.

  “Do you want to spend Christmas together?” he spat it out as fast as he could.

  “Why not? Let me call you later for the time,” she said casually. “But at my house!”

  “Sorry, I meant all the holidays. Christmas Eve too, which is tomorrow. I just hate to be alone around this time of the year,” Ryan said nervously.

 
“There is enough room in my house. If you want, you can come over tonight and stay until the end of the holidays!” Jane didn’t want to be alone either.

  “Great, let me know when I should come!” he looked relieved and happy. “I’ll get take-out for tonight!”

  “Sounds like a plan!” Jane said and went to the elevator.

  Although everyone was busy enjoying the holidays, Jane couldn’t take a break like the others. She had planned a little trip to Mexico. Now her shoulder wasn’t torturing her; it was almost healed. She could move freely now, so she felt way more comfortable going there alone. Only the pain stopped her from seeing Michael Morse. Alaric Savela gave her the address a couple of weeks ago, and it was a real challenge for her to stay put that long.

  Besides the pain, Blake had other reasons not to go earlier. She had been busy in the station; the sessions with the therapist were another thing to worry about (fortunately they were over now), and she had to make sure no one on the team knew her plans. The only person who might get suspicious was Ryan Gray, but since Jane agreed to spend the holidays together, he was too happy to worry about where she was going.

  Tijuana, Mexico. Jane didn’t know if she would find someone at the address. There was a significant chance Alaric Savela told his boss to move out.

  But Blake had to try. It was the only clue she had. The first real evidence that something with her adoption wasn’t right. Since she was a kid, she didn’t believe her mother just threw her in front of the orphanage and ran away. Or the other theory_her parents are dead. It wasn’t right, and Blake knew it. That was her chance to prove to herself she wasn’t crazy.

  The GPS led her to a beautiful place. Michael Morse’s mansion was in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the area. The beach was two steps away from the massive house. Jane, standing in front of the ten-feet high fence, looked around. Guards with black suits and sunglasses were standing like statues behind the gate. Blake went closer to them. ”I’m here to meet Mr. Michael Morse.”

  “Do you have an appointment?” asked one of the robot-like guards.