by Amanda Grace
"I don't know, but I think it has to do with Sebastian's work. And that means mostly likely I'm next. Unless I can try and figure out what exactly he had found and get ahead of them." His fingers rapped against the desktop.
Danni leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees, her head hung low, "How can I help?" There was a fire in her voice that even she was surprised by.
Though he didn't want to see her get involved, and couldn't bare the thought of putting her in danger, he knew there was no arguing with her about the issue. Her mind was made up. He pulled one of the smaller books from the stack she had brought with her, and began flipping through the pages. "This is one of the books Sebastian had been reading before… Before his death. I think that makes it the most logical place to start." He sat the book on the desk for Danni to read. "I was given the opportunity this morning to read a few passages in the library with the investigators. Take a look at the next three or four pages."
She gently took the text from the desk and began to read, gesturing with her hand for him to continue.
"Sebastian's family traces to a village not far from here. It's where his grandfather, several generations back, was also murdered. He was killed by a group called The Judasian Order." He rose pulling a pipe from his desk – though he had never smoked it, he enjoyed sucking the on it when thinking. "I think it makes sense if we head there. I have no doubt that I'm being watched here, and honestly if I can keep them guessing… Well then I… we stand a chance." He paced slowly around the room.
Danni turned a page, her eyes never looking up. "When can we leave?" she asked, "I'd like to make a quick stop at my apartment. If there's a chance for danger, then I'd like to be prepared." She glanced up offering a tender comforting smile.
"Well, then let's grab the next train and head out. We can make a quick stop by your apartment on the way," Carlsson responded reaching for his brown leather shoulder bag. The two packed the few books that they would be able to carry with them into their respective bags, ensuring to take only those of the most significance.
The pair quickly made their way across the university's campus, and towards Danni's apartment. Every now and then Danni would insist that they take a different, and in most cases longer, route, sometimes through lecture halls, across grassy courtyards, or through faculty offices. She made small talk with Carlsson as the went, often glancing over her shoulder as they rounded corners, entered buildings, or passed groups of students. If they were being followed, as Carlsson suspected, then she wanted to know.
Finally satisfied that no one person could have been following them, they crossed the street and off the campus. It would only be a few blocks to Danni's small flat in the city's centre. She had often thought of moving, to get something bigger, something cheaper, but there was an allure to living in the old historic section of town. It spoke to her. The idea of looking out her window and onto the Saturday morning farmers' market, seeing the people socialize over coffee in the café terraces, it made her smile. It brought her back to a simpler time.
They entered the three-story building from an indiscrete door situated between a small deli and a second hand bookstore. Her apartment was on the second floor. It was narrow with modest kitchen and living space to the left, and a single bedroom and bathroom to the right. A small hallway opened into the living area, which was framed by two large windows overlooking the square below.
Danni made her way to her desk, glancing out the windows. She pulled her military issued Glock 17 from the desk drawer. Reaching into another of the drawers she pulled out a clip, checking its fill, then ramming it into the gun. She pulled the slide and primed the weapon, double-checking its safety was on. She grabbed a few more magazines and slipped them into her shoulder bag. She slipped the gun into the waistband of her jeans, covering it with her shirt, and grabbing a small jacket to hide the bulk.
She pulled the drape back slightly, taking another look out the window. "Are you ready?" she called back to Carlsson.
"Yeah, let's get going." He said emerging from the bathroom, still drying his hands on a small towel.
"Cool. Let's keep it interesting, eh?" she glanced in his direction smiling wryly. "There's a fire exit at the end of the hall, we can climb down and into the alley." She grabbed her bag without waiting for a response and made her way down the hall. Carlsson grabbed his bag and rushed to keep up. Slamming the door behind him as he ran out.
Danni slid the small window open, and stuck her head out ensuring it was still a viable exit. They would need to make a small jump at the bottom, approximately seven or eight feet, but she decided it wouldn't be a problem. She tossed her bag on the landing and climbed out the window. Carlsson followed handing his bag to her before sliding through himself.
They made their way down the emergency escape, the aged metal moaning somewhat under their combined weight. Danni jumped from the platform first, landing gracefully in the alley. Carlsson tossed her their bags and followed.
They wound their way through town, slowly making their way to the train station. Danni continued to insist that they take alternate routes, making sudden turns, cutting through street markets, and ducking into alleys. She kept a vigilant watch behind them, ensuring they weren't being followed.
Reaching the station they two bought tickets for Eldenberg on the next train passing through. Danni was finally able to relax slightly as they made their way to the appropriate platform. Despite the mid-afternoon hour the station was almost empty. They were subsequently able to slow their pace and take a few minutes to enjoy each other's company.
They sat side by side on a bench waiting, gazing out upon the town through the large windows of the station. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.
"What do you think that is Kai?" Danni asked nudging Carlsson with her elbow and pointing to a dark gray column of smoke rising from the direction of the city center and university. He shrugged nonchalantly as the train pulled up to the platform.
The clacking of the rail wheels along the track was both rhythmic and oddly peaceful. The scenery outside sped past the window in somewhat of a blur. Their car was nearly empty, an elderly couple a few rows ahead of them were the only others in the car. The conductor had already been through to collect their tickets, and the pair relaxed in their seats.
The peacefulness though was short lived. Only a few minutes into the ride Carlsson's phone rang, buzzing wildly atop his tray table. Silencing the device he picked it up, and for a moment he sat looking at it, frozen in fear of what he was about to confront.
"Hello, Dr. Carlsson speaking," he answered nervously.
"Where the hell have you been?" the gruff voice of Bishoff demanded. "We've been looking for you for over an hour!"
"I'm sorry detective, I had no idea. I've decided to lay low for the next few days, especially considering what happened to Sebastian and what I can only imagine happened to Duncan."
"And you'd better too… As I was saying you're office was fired bombed about an hour ago. Crews are just now putting out the final hotspots around the room," Bishoff trailed off and paused, "and doctor… We finally heard back from New York. They found Duncan Alberts." The statement was met with silence.
Bishoff continued uncomfortably, "They found him in the gardens surrounding St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, in Lower Manhattan. He had been strung up by his feet from one of the trees. He'd been tortured, and his body was covered in bruises and sores from a severe flogging. Ultimately he died from a shot to the temple. His chest had been branded with the same symbol we found on Sebastian."
"Let me guess, on his sternum?"
"Yes… I'm sorry Kai… I'd like to send a few of men to protect you."
"Thank you detective, but I think I'll be ok," He glanced over at Danni smiling, "I've left the city, and hopefully I can get to the bottom of this before its too late. There isn't any number of men you could send that would protect me."
"But, professor," Bishoff insisted.
"Goodbye detective, I'll contact
you if I find anything." Carlsson ended the call without waiting for a response, shutting the phone off and shoving it in his pocket.
Bishoff stood for a moment staring down at his phone in disbelief at what had just transpired. He thought for a time, beginning to tap his mobile phone against the palm of his hand. He bit his lower lip, a habit he too had come by when trying to think. Finally he stopped, typing out a brief message on his phone before sliding it into his trench coat pocket. He smiled, and subtly shook his head.
THE END
MYSTERY : Brutal Slayings
(7 BOOKS SERIES)
(FREEBOOK)
CHASED 2
Brutal Slayings CHASED
It was early evening when the two arrived in the village of Eldenberg. The sun had just begun to set behind the mountains to the west, flooding the sky with deep oranges, gold’s, pinks and purples.
Not much had changed in the village over the years. There had been a little modernization, though the essence of the town remained the same. Instead of horses and carriages, cars now travelled the narrow streets. Electric wires had been strung overhead. But other than those minor changes, the town was much as it had been centuries before, sod roofed cottages, narrow winding cobblestone lanes, and numerous statues and fountains filling the town's many squares.
The pair stopped by the information kiosk inside the small train depot, and though the desk was unmanned, they picked through the several different brochures for the town, grabbing a few and tucking them into their bags. Danni grabbed a pocket map, and the duo headed for the exit.
Danni and Carlsson both shivered slightly as they stepped into the cool evening air. The town sat much higher in the mountains than they had expected, and the biting air instantly cut through them.
"We should probably find a hotel for the evening and get started," Carlsson mused taking his suit coat off and offering it to Danni. She nodded, allowing him to drape the coat across her shoulders, despite her already wearing the light jacket she had grabbed from her apartment. Carlsson motioned toward a small bench at the edge of a grand fountain.
The pair took a seat and unfolded the area map they had just picked up in the station. Several of the area hotels and restaurants were marked, though there seemed to be nothing especially close to where they were. Danni pointed to a hotel on the edge of town, nestled up against the old city walls. The legend on the map showed it was a bed and breakfast, and the pair decided it might be their best option for finding a room at the given hour.
Carlsson, reaching for his phone and turning it back on, dialled the number listed on the map. The small inn had only one room available, but ensured him that it would be more than adequate for the two of them. He checked with Danni, who confirmed she was okay with sharing a room, and he made the reservation. The two gathered their bags and began the brief trek through the city centre. A man watched the pair from across the square; he pulled his phone and typed a brief message before rising from his bench, and walking in the opposite direction. He glanced over his shoulder as he entered the old Cathedral.
The bed and breakfast was one of the old sod roofed cottages. The white washed stones created a sense of nostalgia for both Danni and Carlsson, each commenting on their delight with the choice. A small sign hung above the door welcoming visitors, and Danni rang the bronze bell hanging by the door. The deep tolling of the bell hung in the heavy evening air.
An elderly woman answered the door, welcoming her two patrons profusely. Her accent was thick, and her frame frail. She motioned for them to come in, and made her way to an old antique desk to check them in. The inn was relatively small, with three bedrooms on the main level and one above in the loft. The interior was as quaint as the façade, with aged and rough wooden floors. The rafters above were exposed, having been stained a deep red. A small stone fireplace warmed the sitting room, and several chairs were scattered in a sweeping arch around the fire.
The woman diligently filled out her log and registry by hand. She asked how many nights the two would be staying, a question for which neither Danni nor Carlsson had an answer. They offered to pay nightly and inform her should there be a change in plans. In any larger hotel they would have been laughed at, but the woman was more than happy to accommodate their needs. She stated that the couple would be staying upstairs in the loft, but that it was the nicest of the three rooms they rented. Carlsson, somewhat surprised at the seemingly low nightly rate, pulled some cash from his wallet, and traded for the key.
"Your room will be at the top of the circular staircase," the innkeeper said motioning toward the winding metal structure just behind them, tucked neatly in the corner of the room.
"I know it’s getting rather late," Carlsson said turning and glancing over his shoulder, "but would it be possible for us to get some food before we retire for the evening? We've had a long day of traveling, and haven't had the opportunity to eat."
"We've already served dinner for the evening, but I'll prepare something in the kitchen for you both," the woman sweetly replied with a smile.
"As long as its not too much trouble," he insisted. Their host ensured them it wasn't a problem and ushered them toward the staircase.
The room was spacious, encompassing the whole of the loft. The inn had taken the liberty of starting a fire in the wood-burning fireplace near the room's only bed – a queen – the warm flames removed the chill from the room. Two large armchairs sat next to each other before the fireplace. The loft's floorboards were rough, and hadn't been sanded in several decades, though several throw rugs had been placed throughout the room. A small circular window above the bed let the final rays of sunlight into the space. A meagre desk was tucked into the room's far corner, and there were a several lamps scattered throughout the space. Carlsson flicked a few on.
Danni unloaded her bag, placing her few books and gun on the desk, then tossed her bag onto the bed. "It's quaint," she chuckled. Carlsson nodded, a small smile coming to his lips.
The two pulled the desk out from against the wall and repositioned the chairs from the fireplace so that they sat at each side of the desk. There wasn't any time to waste and the duo immediately began reading through their texts, taking notes and sharing what they found.
It wasn't long before there was a knock at the door. Danni grabbed her pistol, and tucked it into her waistband, heading for the door. She peeked nervously through the small peephole before opening the door. Their host had brought them a large tray of assorted meats, cheeses, and crackers. She took the tray, setting it on the small table next to the door. Thanking the woman graciously.
"Oh, and here," the old woman said, reaching for a bottle of wine she had placed on a small chest just outside the door, "I thought you two love-birds might enjoy a bottle of wine on the house, to add a little more romance to your evening." There was a twinkle in her eyes, the sweetest smile on her lips.
Danni immediately flushed red with embarrassment. "Oh dear… Thank you so much," she stammered reaching for the bottle, trying to conceal her delight and failing miserably at it. The woman patted her shoulder, handed her two glasses, and winked before turning to leave.
Danni shut the door, leaning with her back against it, her eyes closed. Carlsson had pushed his chair back from the desk and sat, his legs crossed and arms folded over his chest, looking at her. He chuckled softly at what he had just seen. Danni grabbed a napkin, wadded it, and threw it at him. He rose from his seat and made his way across the room, grabbing the tray of snacks.
"Come on," he smiled, "let's eat and get some work done."
Carlsson grabbed the corkscrew from the tray, popped open the rather expensive looking bottle of wine, and poured two generous glasses from the bottle. He held his up, "To being chased," he toasted. Danni scowled with displeasure at the reference, but clanged her glass against his regardless. The wine was dry and sweet, perfect for an evening of research.
The room was dark, the light from the fire flickered around the walls. The desk lamp lit the stacks of o
pen books. Night had long since fallen.
Danni stood by the bed, gazing out the small window into the night. The stars outside the lone window were far more brilliant here than in the city. Carlsson still sat slumped over at the desk, his head resting on his folded arms. He'd been asleep for about an hour. She too was exhausted, but couldn't bring herself to sleep – someone had to stand watch, maybe it was her military training, maybe it was paranoia, maybe it was the tumultuous mix of feelings she carried inside, but whatever it was she refused to see anything happen to him.
Carlsson stirred, sitting up in his chair, and groggily rubbing his eyes. "How long have I been sleeping," he tiredly asked.
"About an hour," Danni replied, turning and setting her empty glass on the nightstand, walking to the desk. "I didn't really find anything especially important or revealing tonight," she started again, "I was thinking we should head to the cathedral early in the morning. See if there's anything there that could help us." She took a seat near Carlsson on the corner of the desk.
The man nodded, yawning with exhaustion. "Makes sense to me," he agreed. "What time is it any way?"
"Three-fifteen."
"I guess I'm going to call it a night, you heading to bed?"
"Nah, I have a few more sections I'd like to read through," Danni answered sheepishly.
Carlsson looked at her quizzically, before walking over to the bed. "I didn't bring anything to sleep in, hope you're okay with me spending the night in my boxers," he joked.
"I'm a big girl. I think I'll be all right. Plus I'm sure it's nothing especially impressive," she retorted snidely.
"Thanks Danni… I love you too," he said, sarcastically emphasizing the end of the sentence.
