Unlawful Imprisonment

by Tracey Higgins

  “John Healy.” “Mr. Healy, this is Ms. Dennis calling from the county hospital regarding Brandon Hughes.”

  John’s heart started racing. “What’s wrong?”

  “He was just brought in with a gunshot wound in his side. He is being sent to surgery.”

  “I’ll be right there.” John ran out of the office. He couldn’t believe this was happening all in one day. He knew it was only a matter of time until Brandon got himself into trouble but why did it have to be now?

  John arrived at the hospital moments after he heard about Brandon. He immediately noticed an officer taking a statement from a man. John took a deep breath and walked over.

  “Officer?” John held out his identification. The officer looked up and didn’t say a word. John could tell that the cop was at a loss for words. He was writing everything down from the witness and shaking his head in disgust.

  “Okay sir, thank you very much. We’ll be in touch if we need you.” The officer looked at John. His pale white face was now red and sweaty. “Mr. Healy, your parole officer is in critical condition. He was shot in the stomach.” “I’m afraid to ask what happened.”

  “You should be,” the officer replied flatly. John sat ina chair and sighed. The officer didn’t need to read from his notes. Something like this was unforgettable. “Diane Manns, a parolee and her sister were attacked by Officer Hughes.” The cop made sure to emphasize the word officer.

  “WHAT?” John stood up.

  “Hughes went to Diane’s apartment and her sister confronted him about the previous attack…”

  “Whoa! What previous attack?”

  “You mean you don’t even know?”

  “I never knew of any attack.”

  “Well, according to Diane, Brandon came to her apartment a few days ago and came on to her. He handcuffed her and threatened to put her back in prison if she said anything.”

  “John felt nauseous. “Did he…did he…”

  “No, he didn’t rape her. But, she was scared so she didn’t call the police. Instead, she finally told her sister. Her sister was about to call the police when Brandon came back. He bound them and started touching Helen, Diane’s sister. Max Browning came in when he heard screaming and Brandon pulled a gun on him. They fought, and Brandon was shot.”

  “Are the women alright?”

  “Yeah, they’re alright physically but also scared.” The officer stared at John waiting for some kind of response. “Mr. Healy, do you realize what this is going to do to the Parole Department?”

  “I can’t think about it. Listen, has any of the press been informed about this?”

  “No, and these women don’t seem the type to talk to the media, so you should be okay there. However, legally you’re talking about an incredible battle. Not to mention a lawsuit.”

  “I know, I know.”

  John didn’t know what to say. He always knew that Brandon was a womanizer and had a talent for getting into trouble. However, he never thought that Brandon was capable of something like this.

  “Look, the Chief of Police is on his way. I suggest that you wait for him.”

  “I will.” John walked up and down the hallway waiting for the Chief. He was, however, more concerned about Andrea than Brandon’s welfare.

  The second phase of their masterpiece was about to take place. Buddy was watching the tape of the two women while he masturbated. Then, he watched it again to make certain that nobody could tell where they were and that he wasn’t caught on camera. He then put the tape in a package and mailed it to the police with a note and no return address. He made the tape four minutes long, with two minutes of tape for each of the victims. Within a day or two the police would have it. The news would have a field day with it, once it got out.

  Andrea was sitting up in Tony’s bed still dressed in her clothes she was wearing all day. After the day she had, she was out of energy. Tony, on the other hand, was very optimistic. He was out of the shower, prancing around with a towel wrapped about his waist. The water dripping on him from his wet hair glistened his muscular body.

  “You know, I really have nothing to panic about.” Andrea sounded like she was convincing herself that it was true.

  “No, you don’t have anything to panic about. Do you know why?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact I do.” She began to take her shoes and socks off. “If what Gary Nickels said is true, then this guy obviously won’t do anything himself.”

  “That’s true, but I’m also here with you.” He raised his eyebrows at her. Andrea managed to crack a smile.

  “Yes I know. Listen, have you been checking your messages for work through all this?”

  “Kind of. I’ll return all the calls in the morning.”

  “I’m going back to work tomorrow.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “I figured you would say that. Besides, you’re right. Whoever this asshole is, he’s terrified of getting caught. I doubt he would show himself. Plus, if anybody can get Gary Nickels to talk, it’s Sam.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.”

  Andrea and Tony changed and fell asleep in each other’s arms. It was to be their first good night’s sleep since the notes started.

  Tony took Andrea to work the next morning and then went to his office. As soon as Andrea walked in, all heads were turned her way. Everyone knew what was going on. It was a good half-hour before she was able to get to her office with all the questions they all had. She sat at her desk and sighed. Hopefully, Sam Little would have some good news for her soon. Andrea began gathering her files. It was going to be a long week while she was catching up. Michael was standing at her door when she looked up.

  “Hey, you’re back.”

  “Yup.”

  “What’s going on?” He walked in and sat in front of her desk. Michael didn’t look like himself. He had circles under his eyes and stubble from not shaving.

  “Well, they caught this guy, Gary Nickels who said somebody paid him to deliver the notes.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “He’s not on parole and he doesn’t have a record. I’ve never seen him before.”

  “You saw him?”

  “Yes, at the police station last night.”

  “Do you really think you should be working again so soon?”

  “I’m fine, don’t worry. Any word on Nicole?”

  “No, and I’m getting worried.” Michael’s face turned pale and his voice was low. “I called her mother and her friends. They said they haven’t heard from her. Actually, one of her friends said that Nicole called her a few days ago and told her that she was leaving me.”

  “Michael, maybe she just wants to be alone.”

  “I know, but it scares me not knowing where she is. I don’t think I’ve have one night of sleep since she left.”

  “I’m sure she will call eventually. After that letter she left, it may be awhile.”

  “True.”

  “Or, she may have even told her friends not to tell you where she is.”

  “Good point.” He stared at the wall. “I really fucked up, didn’t I?”

  “Honestly, yes you did. Then again, you never know, so just let her contact you when she’s ready.” Andrea was just trying to make Michael feel better, but she really didn’t believe that Nicole was coming back to him.

  “That’s all I can do. Well, I’ll see you later. I’m off to visit these assholes.”

  “Have fun.”

  Michael ran into John as he was leaving Andrea’s office. “Sorry John.”

  “Michael come in here, I need to talk to both of you.”

  “Okay.” Michael sat back down and John closed the door. “Andrea, are you alright?”

  “Yes, but what’s wrong with you?”

  “I got called to the hospital last night after we left the police station. Brandon was shot.”

  “Oh my God!” Andrea exclaimed. Michael, however, found it hard to care.r />
  “He attacked a parolee and her sister. A man came running in, they fought and he got shot. They operated on him last night.”

  Michael was disgusted. “He attacked two women?”

  “That’s what they say. Hopefully, the investigation will be quiet.”

  “Jesus John! How long have we all been telling you that Brandon is no good?”

  “Michael, not now alright? You know I couldn’t have him fired because of rumors going around the office and no proof.”

  “Is he going to be alright?” Andrea asked, less concerned knowing about what he did.

  “Yes, but as soon as he’s well, he will be arrested.”

  “Holy shit.” Michael couldn’t believe it. “How are the women?”

  “They’re okay. With this happening, the last thing I need to worry about is Andrea and this Reese guy who was causing problems, so I want Michael to take his case, permanently.”

  “I’d love to.”

  They looked at Andrea, waiting for an argument. “He’s all yours Michael.”

  “Good, you know I enjoy it. Maybe working more will give me less time waiting for the phone to ring. See you later.” He said as he left.

  “What did he mean by that?”

  “He hasn’t heard from Nicole.”

  “And he’s surprised?” John laughed.

  “Be nice John.”

  “I’m sorry. Look, I have to go to another meeting with the Chief of Police, so call me if you find anything about Gary.”

  “I will.”

  Nobody in the office could believe what had happened. They all knew Brandon would eventually get himself into trouble, but not like that. It was frightening knowing that somebody you work with is capable of doing that to someone. Brandon was now going to be in prison with people that he had arrested himself.

  Chapter 67

  Frank and Chris were sitting in the conference room waiting for Captain Mueller and Jerry Slomin. They were staring at each other from across the oval table. Finally, Slomin and Mueller walked in, breaking the silence. Slomin shook Chris’ hand, then turned to Frank.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Fine.” Frank replied with his arms crossed. He was counting the seconds until this was over. He felt it was a complete waste of time. Mueller sat down with his coffee and cigarette and Slomin sat at the head of the table. Frank was surprised he could fit in the chair.

  “Okay gentlemen, Carl informed me on your newest lead. The only question I really have is which one of you wants to question him?”

  Chris immediately spoke up. “Since I am the only one who thinks we should question Aaron Reese I guess I will.” He gave Frank an uncomfortable stare.

  “Frank, you have a problem with this?” Slomin asked.

  “To a point.”

  “One of the missing women is this guy’s ex-fiancé, and you think this is not important?”

  “Look, I know he has to be questioned, but it doesn’t sit well with me. Serial killers are not stupid. If Aaron Reese kidnapped his own ex-fiancé he would know that he would be the main suspect.”

  “Well, I want him questioned. His brother is on parole, correct?”

  “Yes sir.” Chris said in his typical kiss-ass manner.

  “I know someone who is a parole officer. I’ll call her and get the address.”

  “Thank you Frank. Now, what else?”

  Mueller took the floor. “Mr. Slomin, although Aaron does need to be questioned in this case, I feel that Frank is right on the money with the way he is handling it."

  “Which is?”

  “Checking the most recent list of missing women who fit Crystal and Kylie's profiles, then investigating the family and possible enemies.”

  “That’s all we can do at this point."

  "That's where my problem is with Aaron.” Frank explained. “Kylie and Crystal were in their early twenties. Dina Weston is thirty-three. Serial kidnappers and killers are known for sticking to a certain profile, unless it’s a way to throw us off.”

  “We won’t know until we check him out.”

  “Agreed.”

  “Good, so you get the address so Chris can get over there, and you keep up with your investigation of the other women.”

  “Okay.”

  “We need this solved gentlemen, and quickly.” With that, Slomin left and Mueller got up to leave.

  “Alright, you two know what to do, so get to it.”

  Frank reluctantly looked at Chris. “I’ll get you the address.”

  “Thanks.”

  Frank went to his desk and called Andrea. This was pretty routine for her to get a call from a detective wanting to question a parolee about a crime.

  “Hi Andrea it’s me.”

  “Hey, how are you doing?”

  “Good. We may have a break in a case, I doubt it but it’s worth a try.”

  “What do you need?”

  “The address for Aaron Reese, his brother…”

  She cut him off. “I know, David.”

  “Yeah, are you supervising him?”

  “I was but Michael Amalfitano is now. What’s going on?”

  “There’s a missing woman who was Aaron’s fiancé and although it is a long shot my partner wants him questioned.”

  “No problem, let me pull up the file. I’d better warn you about him, he is a real sarcastic pain in the ass.”

  “Well, I don’t have to question him so that’s fine with me.”

  “Ha! Okay, you have a pen?”

  “Yeah.”

  Andrea gave him the address and then told Michael about it. This was not going to make his next visit with David any easier. She almost wished she could be there to see it.

  Frank went to Chris and handed him the address. “Thanks.” Chris did not want to speak to Frank anymore than he had to.

  “Apparently this guy is a real wise ass. The woman I called was his brother’s parole officer.”

  “I guess I’m going to find out.” Chris put his jacket on, grabbed his notebook and left.

  Frank went back to get his list of other people to check out and left the office soon after Chris. He couldn’t help but wonder about what the man he was looking for was doing, and shuttered at the thought.

  Chris found Aaron’s house and knocked. Luckily for Chris, Aaron was the only person home.

  “Yes?”

  “Christopher McDonald with homicide. I need to speak with Aaron Reese.”

  Aaron was confused. “That’s me. What’s this about?”

  “May I come in?”

  “No you may not.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “What do you want?”

  “Mr. Reese, it’s about your ex-fiancé.”

  “Dina?”

  “Yes.”

  “Come in.” Chris and Aaron sat at the kitchen table and Chris took out his pen. “What happened?”

  “She’s missing. We have reason to believe that she may be another victim of a serial killer.”

  “Jesus!” Aaron was shaking his head.

  “Have you had any contact with her?”

  “No, not since we broke up seven years ago.” “Broke up?”

  “Yes.”

  “I was told she left you.” Chris instigated. “Yes, yes she did.”

  “And you’ve never spoke again?”

  “No.” Aaron could tell what Chris was getting at. “Don’t even tell me that I am a suspect!”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “You people are unbelievable! First the parole department puts my brother through hell, and then the police are knocking on my door and accusing me of being a serial killer!”

  “Mr. Reese, no one is accusing you. When we have a missing person we must question family, friends and acquaintances, no matter what.”

  “I see.” Aaron calmed down.

  “Here’s my card if you can think of anyone she has dated or any enemies she may have had. Thank you for your time.” Chris went to the door and Aaron
followed.

  “Listen,” he was stammering his words, “you don’t think she’s…dead, do you?”

  “I hope not.”

  Frank was right about one thing; Aaron knew how to get riled up. Chris had a feeling that he knew more than he was letting on. Why else would he be so defensive? Angel was getting anxious walking to the basement. Hesaw them squirming around from the bottom step. He didn’t put a tape in or wear his mask, considering he wasn’t going to take their blindfolds off.

  Angel stopped in to see Dina. He noticed the burn on her thigh was very red, and he could tell she was in a lot of pain. He liked that. He pinched her burn, listened to her screams, and left. It brought back memories. Angel’s entire back was burned, a gift from his step-father when he was fifteen. He was always getting into some kind of trouble and when his step-father found out he was stealing, it was the last straw. He had tied Angel down, and heated the iron. He made Angel watch while the iron was heating up. The whole ordeal took a half hour. He told Angel if he went to the police he would hurt his mother the same way. Eventually, his mother was killed by the step-father and Angel just took off. But not until he murdered his stepfather. The case was still unsolved.

  John made sure to assign a few of Andrea’s cases to other officers until the business with the notes was done. She didn’t need the stress, and John was more relaxed knowing that Andrea would be in the office for the majority of the day. Nobody in the office could stop talking about everything. One half of the officers were talking about Brandon and the other half was gossiping about Michael. He had taken off for a few hours to Nicole’s parents to see if she was there and just not telling him. As if there wasn’t enough going on, now the department was facing a possible lawsuit. However, John was more concerned with Andrea. On his way out he went to her office.

  “Hey, I’m on my way to the hospital.”

  “Not that I particularly care, but how is he doing?”

  “He’ll be fine. Once he is well enough there will be an arrest and a lot of news coverage.”

  “Christ.” She sighed.

  “Don’t worry about that. Just make sure you call me if Sam calls about Gary.”

  “I will, good luck.”