Epistle of the Damned

by M. Lee Mendelson

  “Yeah, I’m sure. I’m just rushing around, running behind.”

  “Well, that’s what I was calling about. . . ”

  “Uh-oh. You can’t make it, right?”

  “You are a terrible sleuth. You couldn’t be more wrong, Detective Carson. I just wanted to let you know I’m running behind, too. I had to work a little late tonight. Can you pick me up at 7:30 instead of 7:00?”

  Relieved, Mike said, “Whew, I thought you were gonna cancel on me. Of course, I can. That’s no problem at all.”

  “We’ve been talking all week. You really thought I’d do that?”

  “I suppose not. I’m glad. I can’t wait to see you. I’ll be there at 7:30.”

  “Thank you, sweetie, see you soon.”

  For the next half hour, Mike was confronted by every possible obstacle imaginable. First, there was no hot water and he had to take a cold shower. Then he ran out of shaving cream and had to shave with soap and water. His face was on fire, but he managed. His favorite shirt that he was sure he had washed and pressed was found on the bottom of the hamper, all balled up and stinky. He went through three pairs of socks before finding ones with no holes in them. He went to apply his best cologne, and dropped the bottle, smashing it into oblivion. He had to settle for the cheap stuff. His blow dryer stopped working, and as he was walking out the door, he ran into the corner of the table, causing his shin to bleed all over his tan trousers. “Great, now I have to change my pants. What the heck is going on?” To add insult to injury, his car battery was dead, and he had to get a jump start from a neighbor.

  Mike thought for a moment that someone or something must be trying to prevent him from going on this date. But his will was stronger than any outside force. He was not going to be deterred.

  Success. Mike pulled up in front of Meredith’s condo. “Only ten minutes late. Not bad, considering.”

  He went to the door, and Meredith was waiting. She reached up to hug him. “You look very nice.”

  “Thank you. You’re more breathtaking than ever!”

  Blushing, Meredith said, “Thank you.”

  They went to Taureau’s, the finest restaurant in Boca Grande Shores. The two instantly hit it off. They took their time; they were in no rush. After three hours, neither one was ready for the date to end.

  The conversation seemed effortless for both of them.

  Mike suggested, “Would you like to take a walk on the beach?”

  “That would be wonderful. It’s so beautiful out tonight,” Meredith said.

  They drove to the beach. The surf was gentle, and the moon was full, creating a beautiful backdrop of glimmering moonlight reflecting off the water. The sand was soft and cool on their bare feet. They held hands as they walked and talked. After they walked for what seemed like hours, Mike looked down and saw that it was almost midnight.

  “Look at the time.”

  “You gonna turn back into a pumpkin or something?” Meredith said.

  Mike chuckled and said, “No, I just didn’t want to keep you out too late.”

  “I promise I won’t turn into a pumpkin either.”

  They stared longingly into each other’s eyes. Mike couldn’t remember being this nervous with any other woman. He thought to himself, should I kiss her or what?

  As if she could read his mind, Meredith said, “Oh, for goodness sakes, I can see I’m going to have to break the ice.” She pulled down on his shirt collar, beckoning him to bend down and kiss her.

  The two parted after a long, passionate kiss. Mike responded with, “Wow!”

  “Wow, indeed. You’re an amazing kisser.”

  “So are you,” said Mike.

  The two walked back to Mike’s car. He held her hand as if his life depended on it. He sensed that she felt secure in his strong, yet gentle, grasp.

  When they got to her condo, he walked her to her front door.

  “Well, Meredith. This was by far the best date I’ve ever been on.”

  “Are you psychic? Are you reading my mind? I swear to you I was going to say the same thing.”

  The two kissed goodnight, and Mike politely opened the door for her as he had done all night long. They kissed one last time.

  “Can I call you when I get home?”

  “You better!”

  Meredith stood with her door slightly ajar, watching Mike walk back to his car. When he was gone, she closed the door and leaned against the wall. “Wow. Wow, wow, wow,” was all she said to herself.

  Of course, Mike did call her as soon as he got home. The two talked on the phone until they both fell asleep. The last thing Mike remembered hearing was Meredith yawn and say, “I really, really had a nice time tonight. . .” Mike couldn’t remember later if she fell asleep first, or if he did.

  A LIFE WORTH LIVING

  M ike awoke the next morning with the phone receiver still lying on the bed. He picked it up and listened closely, as the line was still open. He could hear Meredith breathing softly on the other end. Apparently, she was still sleeping. He hung up the phone and lay in bed, invigorated with a new perspective on things.

  What an amazing woman, he thought.

  Mike felt like he had to call someone. At first, he thought about calling Frankie, but he was in California, and it was three hours earlier. Frank would kill him if he woke him up this early.

  Mike decided to call Nancy. It was nine o’clock. Surely, she’d be awake.

  Nancy answered, “Hello?”

  “Good morning, Mom.”

  “Mikey? Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah Mom, everything is amazing.”

  “Oh really? What’s going on?”

  “Well, I met someone. She’s so great. I think you’d really like her.” Mike went on to tell her all about Meredith and their first date.

  “That sounds wonderful, honey. I’ve never seen you this excited about a girl before. She must be very special.”

  “She is Mom, she really is. I know we just went out for the first time last night, but she is so much more than I ever imagined.”

  “So, tell me how you two met.”

  “It’s funny you should ask. We actually first sort of met in college. I was with Frank, and he left quite an impression on her.”

  Nancy laughed, “As he does with everyone.”

  Mike went on to explain to Nancy how they had met while working together on the Kearcy case.

  Nancy asked, “So how are you doing with all those horrific images?” She knew how hard Mike took the case.

  Mike got quiet for a minute, and then said, “I’m doing okay.”

  “Mikey? Are you still having those nightmares?”

  “I was, but not in the past few days since Meredith and I have been getting to know each other.”

  “Then I like her already. If she can help you get past this God-awful grisly murder, then she must be quite a lady.”

  “I don’t want to sound premature or anything, and I feel so silly saying this, but I have a strong feeling she may be the one.”

  “I would love to see you finally settle down, sweetheart. By the way, how is school going?”

  “I’m still on track. It’s going pretty well, actually. A lot of driving back and forth. It’s a long drive to Jacksonville, but I’m sure if things work out with Meredith, she’ll help me out a lot. She’s supposed to be an amazing attorney.”

  “Well, you’ve done it all on your own so far. Your father would be so proud of you. I know I am.”

  “Thank you, Mom. Wow, it’s ten o’clock. I can’t waste this

  Saturday. I have a paper to write and I want to check on Meredith.” “Thank you for the update, Mikey. I love you. Keep me informed.”

  “I will. I love you too, Mom.”

  Mike immediately called Meredith.

  She answered and said, “There you are. I was so sad to wake up and discover you were no longer on the line. You fell asleep on me while I was talking last night.”

  “I’m sorry. I woke up this mo
rning and couldn’t remember who fell asleep first. I feel bad about that.”

  “Don’t feel bad. I loved falling asleep to the sound of you breathing on the other end.”

  Mike replied, “That’s funny, because I woke up and I listened to you breathing for a while, too. I didn’t want to wake you, so I hung up.”

  “Oh no, you did not listen to me! Was I snoring?”

  “No, it was nice.”

  “So, Mister, what did you have planned for today?”

  “I have a paper due Monday on civil procedures, so I figured I should knock it out.”

  “That shouldn’t be too bad. If you can use a tutor, I happen to know a brilliant lawyer.”

  “Oh really? Does she do house calls?”

  “Who said anything about a she? Besides, it depends on the house she’s calling on.”

  Within the hour, Meredith arrived. Mike didn’t manage to get his paper written that day. But the next day, Meredith helped him. It turned out that she really was a brilliant lawyer. Mike turned in the paper and got a perfect grade.

  For the next six months, Mike and Meredith dated exclusively. Things were going so well for them. They never disagreed about anything. For the first time, Mike was truly happy.

  ***

  The Kearcy trial was fast approaching. Multiple psychological exams proved that Mark Kearcy was competent to stand trial. Even with his confession on tape, his lawyers were still fighting for his life. Meredith was convinced that the trial would be quick and more of a formality.

  Meredith helped Mike prepare for his testimony. She told Mike that her co-counsel, Shawn Banks, would be asking him questions during the trial. She would be careful not to mix their personal life with business.

  Monday, November 18th, 2002. It was the day of the trial and Mike was nervous. I hope I can keep it together up there. He would still occasionally struggle with the images of that night, but had overall come to terms with the incident, largely due to the distraction of Meredith. When recounting the night Amanda was murdered, he teared up and his voice broke several times when describing the pictures. This drew a sympathetic response from the jury, and the defense tried to object to his testimony. The judge, of course, denied their motion.

  The trial went quickly, as expected. On Thursday, the jury returned a guilty verdict and they recommended the death sentence. Mark never admitted to any accomplices and faced the entire trial alone.

  Mark sat still, apathetic to the reading of the verdict. In one month, all parties returned for the sentencing hearing.

  On the day of the hearing, the judge re-read the verdict aloud. “Mark Stephen Kearcy, you have been found guilty by a jury of your peers of the abduction and murder of four-year-old Amanda Rollins. Before sentencing, do you have any words you wish to share with the court?”

  Mark stood and made a brief and dreadful monotone statement. “I have no regrets for what I’ve done. The child is in the hands of the Master.”

  Amanda’s father, Paul, cried out, “YOU EVIL MONSTER! YOU SON OF A BITCH! I HOPE YOU BURN IN HELL! DEATH IS TOO

  GOOD FOR YOU!” Paul had to be restrained by the bailiffs, and they escorted him from the courtroom. Amanda’s mother wept inconsolably.

  After a short recess, Paul and Melinda had calmed down, and the hearing continued.

  The judge read the sentence. “Mark Stephen Kearcy, for the first count of child abduction in the first degree, it is the ruling of this court that you spend the remainder of your days in prison with no possibility of parole. For the second count of murder in the first degree, it is the ruling of this court that you shall be sentenced to death by lethal injection.” A sigh of relief echoed through the courtroom.

  Mark remained stoic throughout the reading of the sentence, and at the end, he smiled malevolently.

  He turned to Meredith and they smiled at each other. The monster had been defeated.

  As Mark was being handcuffed to be returned to jail, he called out to Mike in the voice of a thousand lost souls, eyes black as coal. “Michael, your time is near!”

  When Mike turned around to look back in horror, he tripped and fell, hitting his head on the ground.

  When Mike awoke, Meredith, several bailiffs and Mr. & Mrs. Rollins were standing over him. Meredith asked, “Are you okay, my love? You were out cold.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” Mike countered. Then he asked, “Did you guys hear that?”

  Meredith asked, “Hear what?”

  “Kearcy!” Mike exclaimed. “No one heard what he said?”

  Everyone looked at him curiously before they looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.

  Meredith told him, “Honey, Kearcy never said a word. He did laugh when he saw you fall, though.”

  Frustrated, Mike sighed, “Never mind!”

  As he struggled to his feet, Meredith asked, “Are you sure you’re okay, baby? Here, let me help you.”

  “Thank you, hon. I’m fine, I promise. This case has really messed with my head.”

  As she was touching the now large bump on his head, Meredith said, “It literally has.”

  As usual, she was able to make Mike laugh during a bad time. He smiled and said, “Let’s get out of here.”

  The night of the sentencing, Mike and Meredith went out to celebrate with their friends and co-workers.

  Robert spoke up first. “I’d like to propose a toast to my partner, for a job well done, and to his beautiful lady friend who successfully prosecuted the evilest human being I have ever had the displeasure of encountering. You two make not only a lovely couple, but a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.”

  After the celebratory meal, Mike and Meredith were at his apartment. Mike said, “Hey babe, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now.”

  “Yes, my love?”

  “What would you think about us moving in together?”

  Meredith shrieked in excitement. “There you go, reading my mind again!” She hugged and kissed him. “I’m so in love with you!”

  Mike looked deep into her eyes and he knew she meant it. He responded, “I love you like no other. I have never felt like this about anyone else before.”

  Over the next two weeks, Mike and Meredith searched for a place and finally found a nice luxury condo to rent in a good part of town.

  It was their first night together in their new condo, and all was going well. Mike got home early and cooked dinner for Meredith to surprise her.

  “This is a nice surprise,” Meredith said when she got home.

  They had no cable TV installed yet, so they each sipped wine and talked the whole evening.

  “I can get used to this,” Mike said to her.

  “Mmmm, me too,” she responded.

  3:00 a.m. “YOU DIRTY WHORE, YOU’RE GONNA PAY!”

  Meredith woke up, startled. “Mike, did you hear that?”

  “Hear what?”

  “That girl screaming.”

  Mike sat up in bed, “I don’t hear anything. What did you hear?”

  “I heard a girl scream out, ‘Whore, you’re gonna pay!’ You really slept through that? You’re a heavy sleeper, aren’t you?”

  “Not normally. Usually, I wake at the drop of a pin.”

  Meredith continued, “Well, I’m glad it was no one trying to get me. You’d have slept right through it.”

  Mike laughed and held her in his arms. “I would never let anyone harm you.”

  “I thought this was a good neighborhood,” she said.

  “It is, honey. It was probably just a couple arguing. It can happen anywhere, even good neighborhoods. I don’t hear anything now. Let’s try and get back to sleep.”

  “You better keep me safe, Michael Carson, or I’ll come back and haunt you if you don’t.”

  “No one will ever hurt you, I promise! Scout’s honor.”

  “You were never a scout, you idiot!”

  “True, but I dressed up like a girl scout at a college Halloween party once.�
��

  Meredith giggled, “Idiot!”

  Over the next year, Mike seemed to catch all the bad cases. Mike had two other cult-related homicides. Each case took a heavy toll on Mike’s psyche. There were so many similarities to the Moloch murders, but luckily, none involved children.

  ***

  At roll call, Lieutenant Peterson came in to talk with the detectives. “Gentlemen, and lady. We have seen a marked increase in these cult-related crimes. Some of you have worked many of these cases. As of now, we have no idea who these people are. They are very secretive. I was approached by the Sheriff and he asked me to form a cult task force. We’ll be working alongside the District Attorney’s Office. I expect everyone to be actively involved. We’ll be working late, with a lot of undercover work. I have selected the two best people to be lead on our side, though we will all be working together. Mike and Robert, you two have the most experience with these crimes. Mike, I know this isn’t easy for you, and I won’t make it mandatory, but I really need you on this.”

  Mike was uneasy, but he was always a team player. “I’m yours.

  Whatever you need, Lieutenant.”

  “Good man. Robert, are you on board?”

  Robert replied, “I’m with him, boss.”

  “Okay. The rest of us will be working very closely with you both. Anything you need, you just ask. We need to focus our efforts on finding this group, The Moloch Society. We believe that they are very well organized, and they’re going to be tough to infiltrate. Their crimes are extremely violent and they must be stopped.”

  Mike and Robert took the lead, and they worked together closely with the District Attorney’s Office. Meredith was assigned to be the lead counsel on any cases that Mike and Robert would make. Mike and Meredith made a pact not to discuss anything related to work while they were home. It would be their sanctuary from the madness.

  From Mike’s research and from what he had learned during the previous investigations, he discovered that Moloch was a god worshipped by the ancient Phoenicians and Canaanites. A major part of their worship included the burning sacrifice of their children.

  Sunday, May 11th, 2003. It was Mother’s Day. At 3:00 a.m., Mike got a call from Sergeant Smith. “I hate to do this to you, Mike. This is a bad one.”