“I tick like any other cop, Mitch.”
“Do you?”
“Look, we have a job to do,” she said, changing the subject. “There is a sick bastard out there and we need to catch him.”
“Yes, we do. That, we can agree on.”
“So, what are we doing here then?”
“I’m keeping you out of trouble.”
Salvi gave a short sharp laugh. “Give me a break. I think you should focus on keeping yourself out of trouble.” She stood, walked out of the café back to the Raider, and waited for him to follow. Eventually he did, and without a word or a look in her direction, set them in motion for the Children of Christ church.
“I do the talking,” Mitch ordered, as they arrived. “You so much as open your mouth, I’m hauling you out of there.”
He hadn’t pulled rank on her before. This was new.
Salvi studied him but said nothing. She was calm now. Mitch’s questions earlier had made her bristle, but he was right. She was supposed to be the stable one and there was Mitch lecturing her about control. She didn’t know what had come over her to behave like that. She took a deep breath and looked up at the grand white stone church with its BioLume cross atop. She centered her focus and beat back the resistance that didn’t want her going inside.
They entered the Children of Christ hall and saw a small hive of activity before them. People were gathered around the tables filled with rolls of material and sewing machines. Preacher Vowker stood by one of the tables examining some of the material and talking with Ellie, his hand resting on her shoulder. Although there were a few older people in attendance, most of those present were under the age of twenty-five.
And there among them, moving around freely, were three Serenes; shaved heads, silver devices snug around their skulls, beige belted uniforms and brown sandals.
Then she noticed one of them did not wear the belt. This one was a Subjugate.
Salvi glanced at Mitch and saw his eyes were fixed on the Serenes and Subjugate. Vowker noticed their arrival and swiftly ushered them through into his office again, wanting to remove the strangers in black with their technology from the eyes of his delicate flock.
“More questions?” he asked, closing the door and moving to his seat at the desk.
“Yes,” Mitch said. “Were you aware of the strong friendship between Tobias Brook and Sharon Gleamer?”
Vowker considered the question carefully before answering. “As I said the last time, I suspected they had grown close.”
“What do you do when you suspect members have grown too close?”
“We counsel them. Remind them of their vows, of their promises to Christ.”
“And what would happen to members of the Children of Christ if they were found to have broken their vows?”
Again, Vowker considered the question before answering. “They would need to confess their sins, repent, and ask the Lord for forgiveness.”
“That’s it?” Mitch asked.
“We would provide them with support to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”
“What kind of support?”
“They would be assigned guides. Someone to pray with, who would accompany them around and stay close should they fear temptation rising.”
“That sounds like what happens with the Subjugates from the Solme Complex,” Salvi said.
Mitch flashed her a warning stare to keep quiet, then turned back to the preacher.
Vowker smiled. “Part of the treatment the Subjugates receive at the Solme Complex is very closely aligned with how we run things in the Children of Christ. I have worked closely with Attis Solme on that part of the program.”
“How so?” Mitch asked.
“The very core of their rehabilitation is the continual religious guidance we provide. We teach the Serenes and the borderline Subjugates allowed into town, the way of Christ. We let them know the Lord has forgiven them their sins, and they have been born again, free from that sin. Like with all of our flock, we counsel them, we support them, we provide them work. You know what they say about idle hands. We are the first ones to welcome them back into society. Without our support, the Solme Complex could not survive, and these men would be rotting in prison, unreformed.”
“Are you aware of anyone else here who grew close to Sharon?”
“Like I said last time, she was well liked. She had a lot of friends.”
“Did any of them require a guide to help them fight temptation?”
Vowker stared at Mitch. “I know you want to find her killer, but I assure you, you won’t find them here. We are a peaceful, gentle people. If I were you I’d be focusing your attention on the SlingShot and the sinners it carries from the city.”
“What about the Serenes?” Mitch ignored him. “How often do they come here?”
“Every day,” Vowker said. “They are repentant sinners, who must give back to the Lord.”
“What hours do they come here?”
“It varies. They are generally in town every day between 8am and 6pm. It depends what other tasks they are assigned to do at the Complex, of course. But generally you will find at least two of them here at the Children of Christ every day.”
“So, every day, you welcome murderers and rapists to come and mix with your innocent congregation?”
Vowker paused. “That’s not who they are any more. The Complex has made sure of that. We believe in forgiveness, Detective. Everyone on this Earth, should he repent, can be forgiven. We all make mistakes, and everyone deserves the chance to be forgiven for them.”
“And if that sinner attacked Sharon Gleamer? Raped and mutilated her, then strangled her to death? Would he deserve forgiveness for taking an innocent life?”
“That is not for me to decide,” Vowker said, his pale blue eyes fixed on Mitch’s. “Only God can.”
“You don’t care for the girl or her family?” Mitch asked furrowing his brow. “For their justice?”
“Or is that just God’s will?” Salvi spoke up. “That an innocent girl should die like that?”
Mitch threw her another sharp look but turned back to hear the preacher’s answer.
“No one deserves to die like that,” Vowker said, making a sign of the cross. “But we are all born with souls stained of sin. Most of us move on from that. But for some, society or someone has not let them forget that sin. Some are raised in sin, abused, taken for granted, mistreated. They have been taught to do the same to others. Do these poor souls not deserve a chance at forgiveness and freedom from their sin? At redemption? At resetting their lives and getting a second chance?”
“No,” Mitch said bluntly. “If they take an innocent life, they deserve nothing.”
Vowker smiled sadly at Mitch. “So black and white, Detective. It’s as easy as that, is it? I know you must’ve seen some things that have tainted your point of view. And for that you have a troubled soul. I can see that. But you harbor a hatred that can be freed by forgiveness if you let it.” He leaned over the desk toward him. “Let your hatred go, forgive, and you will be happier than you’ve ever been.” He looked over at Salvi then. “Both of you.”
Mitch and Salvi exchanged a glance. Despite the tension between them, right now they felt an alliance. An alliance of law enforcement over religion.
“I’m going to need a list of the Serenes and Subjugates who come here,” Mitch said, indifferently.
“Are you prepared to provide your DNA to help us solve this case, preacher?” Salvi asked.
“Excuse me?” Vowker looked at her.
“DNA was found at the site of the murder. Semen. Should you provide your DNA it would be most helpful to our investigation. We could rule you out–”
“Wait,” he said, absolutely aghast. He sat back in his seat. “What do you take me for?”
“We take you for someone who had contact with the victim,” Mitch said bluntly, taking the reins back. “Someone displeased with her recent behavior. If you have nothing to hide, you’ll be hap
py to volunteer the sample.”
Vowker stared at him, face falling into an unhappy mask. “You do not have any evidence for a warrant, Detectives. Do not take me for a fool.”
“That’s why we asked you to volunteer it,” Salvi said.
He stared at her, his face now full of hard lines. “If it is required, I shall do so,” he said, “but I thoroughly object to your foul insinuation.”
Mitch gave him a smile. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
With that he motioned for Salvi to stand. She did, and they made their way toward the door, but upon reaching it, Mitch stopped and turned back to the preacher.
“By the way, thanks for the advice on the whole forgiveness thing.” He pretended to be considering it for a moment. “But I like my hatred. I think I’m going to keep it.”
They left the preacher’s office and crossed the hall. As they did, Mitch’s eyes were fixed on the Serenes and Subjugate again. He slowed his pace and Salvi could tell what he was thinking.
“You know we can’t question them without an official from the Solme Complex present.”
Mitch threw her a look and shrugged. “Surely we can just have a conversation with them?” He went to move in their direction, but Salvi caught his arm. Mitch looked down at her grip.
She smiled at him. “Looks like order has been restored. I’m the one holding you back.” She let his arm go. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Salvi and Mitch walked back into the hub around five. They dumped their jackets at their desks as Beggs and Caine approached.
“You guys nailed that suspect yet?” Caine said cockily. “It’s been two days already!”
Mitch flipped him the bird and Caine laughed, flashing his straight white teeth. He really was far too pretty to be working homicide.
“I don’t know what’s worse for you,” Beggs said, brushing his fingers over his graying moustache, “dealing with the religious freaks or those Serenes. Give me a regular perp any day of the week.”
“I don’t know,” Caine said. “There’s something kinda cute about those religious cult girls. They’re either virgins or they like to share their love around. I could handle that.” Beggs gave a raucous laugh and Mitch humored them with a smile. Salvi just stared.
“Does all this laughter mean we’ve cracked a case?” Ford asked, walking up to their desks. With her sharp blue eyes and athletic stature, she didn’t need her detective lieutentant’s rank to be obeyed. Beggs and Caine ceased their laughter.
“Still working on it,” Mitch said, as Caine and Beggs went back to their desks. “Did you see the request for DNA warrants?”
“Yeah, they should be approved by morning. Where are you at?”
“We think we ruled out the boyfriend, but the DNA will confirm that officially,” Mitch said. “And as much as Salvi hates the preacher,” he shot her a look, “I don’t think he’s the one either. He’ll provide us a sample if we officially ask for one. There’s still the neighbor too. James Stackwell. He’s a city guy who’s hiding out in Bountiful.”
“Hiding out from what?”
“Loan sharks, probably.”
“So you still think she knew her attacker?” Ford asked.
“Yeah,” Salvi answered for Mitch. “They may not have been well acquainted, but we think the vic and the perp knew each other. She let him inside the house, then it turned nasty. And he punished her for something. Something that she did to affront him in some way. That much is clear.”
Mitch shrugged. “It might not be anything specific. She might’ve just been an example of the kind of woman who always turned him down.”
Ford nodded.
“We really need to talk to the Serenes and the Subjugates,” Mitch said. “They’re all over Bountiful, many without guards watching them.”
Ford nodded. “Solme has confirmed your appointment for 8am tomorrow. Do you have any other suspects at this stage?”
Mitch shook his head. “None that stand out. Riverton’s given us a list of homes and businesses we think have BioLume lighting and it’s cross-checked them with clients of the vet clinic where Sharon worked. There’s a handful of names. Some were at the retreat with the parents, so they’ve already been erased. The rest Sheriff Holt is canvassing for us. If there’s any of interest, we’ll follow them up. But I think it’s important we rule out the Serenes and Subjugates sooner rather than later.”
Ford nodded again. “Alright. Update me once you’ve spoken to the folks out at the Solme Complex.”
Ford walked back to her office, just as Hernandez and Bronte entered the hub.
“Hey,” Salvi said.
“You guys having any luck?” Hernandez asked.
Salvi shook her head. “Not yet.”
“Hey, who’s up for a drink?” Beggs asked walking over to them. “Niiko from Narcotics said there’s a bunch heading to McClusky’s for a few rounds. They just nailed the perp they’ve been chasing the past several months.”
“Yeah, we’re up,” Hernandez said, as Bronte nodded in agreement. Beggs looked at both Salvi and Mitch and raised his eyebrows.
“We’ll pass,” Salvi said.
“What are you, his mother?” Beggs asked and Caine laughed.
Mitch shot her a glance, then looked at Beggs and shrugged. “What the boss said.”
The four cops laughed among themselves as they left. Salvi looked at Mitch.
“Showing some restraint tonight?”
Mitch stared at her. “If we’re going to the Solme Complex tomorrow, I want a clear head.”
“You should want that every day.”
He studied her a moment. “You’re such a good little girl, Salvi.”
She turned back to her console screen, scratching the side of her face with her middle finger. A smile curled the corner of Mitch’s mouth as he turned back to his screen too.
Back at her apartment, Salvi hung up her coat and placed her gun and comms gear on the bedside table. She kicked off her shoes, placing them in the cupboard, then moved to her exercise station and worked up a sweat. Afterward, she moved to the bathroom and began to disrobe for a shower. She stared at herself in the mirror. Her dark brown hair, cut into a blunt bob with square fringe, looked perfect. Not a hair out of place despite the day just done. Her red lipstick had mostly worn off, but her lips were still stained a color deeper than their natural shade. Her body was smooth and toned, only two marks disrupting her skin. Two tattoos. The large black scorpion that ran up her side from hip to waist, and the single word Faith tattooed over her heart. Remnants of her former lives that she hadn’t yet erased.
She turned away from the mirror and stepped into the shower. As she stood clouded in steam, she ran through the day’s events. She thought of Sharon and Tobias’ secret, wondered just how much control the preacher had over the Children of Christ, wondered just what he would do if he found out they’d broken their vows. She thought of Sharon’s neighbor, wondered how often James Stackwell looked through into her bedroom. Wondered who else might’ve watched her too, through that bedroom window. She wondered how much contact the Serenes and Subjugates had with Sharon, wondered whether they really had been converted from their former selves or whether the monsters they once were still lay within. Most of all, though, she wondered about the things Mitch had said to her these past couple of days. The comments about her sex life, his curiosity over her attitude toward the preacher, his fixation with the Solme Complex. And both Ford and Hernandez asking her how Mitch was coping.
She stepped out of the shower, pulled on a robe, and heated her dinner. As she sipped her miso soup, she stared out of her Sky Tower windows at the city lights below. The drones buzzed here and there, golden lights twinkling like fireflies. She turned her eyes downtown, wondered whether Mitch had really gone back to his apartment or whether maybe he’d gone out drinking with the guys instead.
There were three types of cop in this world. The ones who only hung out with other cops. Most of them fit into that category. The one
s who preferred to hang out with regular people. And those that liked to be alone. Salvi was definitely the latter.
She cleaned her teeth and slipped between her sheets, staring at the drawer that held the rosary beads. She thought of the deep dark secret she had buried there underneath the clothes in the far back corner. She smiled sadly as she thought of her sister, couldn’t remember how long it had been since she’d thought of her. Since she’d allowed herself to think of her. Since she’d locked her away in the deep, dark recesses of her mind.
She touched her bedside lamp and extinguished the light. Then, as she lay there in the silence, she whispered to the darkness. “Faith.”
Chapter Five
Complexity
Salvi stood outside the hub and checked her iPort. Mitch was late. She moved to activate her lenses but suddenly saw the Raider in the distance. He pulled up in front of her and the door sprang open with its hydraulic hiss.
“You’re late,” she said getting in.
He glanced at her briefly, then turned his eyes front again. She studied him. His hair was wet, he hadn’t shaved, but he was awash in aftershave and mints.
“Early night, huh?” she said.
He looked at her again but didn’t answer. Instead he held out her coffee. His eyes were clear, he must’ve taken Ford’s advice, but she could still detect a tired, pained expression within them.
“Thank you,” she said, taking the coffee. “Need some aspirin?”
“You know me so well, partner,” he said, voice sounding a little rough.
“I’m a detective. It’s my job to know people,” she said, harking back to their conversation the day before.
“No, you just like to make people feel guilty,” he said setting the Raider in motion.
Salvi looked at him. “I’m not making you feel guilty.”
“Yes, you are.”
“For what?”
“For getting drunk and releasing the day. You’re good at it. You don’t say anything, but it’s there in your eyes. The judgment. Remember not all of us can bottle it up like you, Salvi. Some of us need to purge.”
The Subjugate Page 9
