Can You Protect Them: Federal Paranormal Unit

by Sheri Lyn

  “Really, that was unbecoming of you. You assume I have to pay, not that it’s just easier. Fewer attachments and complications. Anyways, back to you and the agent. Is that why you are angry with me? Is he asking you to give him more than you are willing?”

  “Why are you so invested in my relationship with Agent Grayson?”

  “Sadly that will have to be a tale for another day. We are running out of time, but one last thing. Don’t you love a woman who holds her heart in her hands? Goodbye Detective.”

  He hung up the phone and tossed it onto the seat next to him. That shouldn’t have been long enough for them to track, but it was fun. He couldn’t wait to call him back another time. A news van drove down the road in front of him; it reminded him what they called him. Psychopath and Detective Conahan had called him one too. Didn’t they understand how wrong that term was? He told them he didn’t like it and they still used it. The longer he thought about it, the angrier he became, they wanted a psychopath, then that’s what they would get. He calmly got out of the car and walked back to his trunk, popped the lid and grabbed the crowbar he had stashed in there the night before. He shut the trunk and climbed back into his car, placing the crowbar between his seat and the door. Then shut the door gently.

  He pulled out of the parking lot and started driving, in his head, the word psychopath chanted over and over. He couldn’t stand it; he had to get away, out of town before he did something stupid and impulsive. Well, he was fine with impulsive, but he didn’t want so many eyes on him. He drove for about an hour until he was on a deserted highway, it was one of those lesser known roads, and here he hoped to find what he was looking for.

  Up ahead he saw someone walking with his thumb out. Yes, this would do nicely. They wanted a psychopath; now they would get one. He pulled up next to the young man and rolled down the passenger window with a friendly smile on his face. “Hey, you need a lift?”

  The guy turned and leaned into the window “Where are you headed?”

  He put the car into park and opened his car door, discreetly grabbing the crowbar before climbing out. “I have to take a leak first, but I’m headed towards Louisiana, I can drop you anywhere along the route.”

  The kid nodded his head and smiled.

  “Great give me just a minute, and we can get on the road. Oh, the door sticks, let me open it for you.” He walked around the car to the passenger door and pretended to yank on the handle, the door opened, and he told the kid to toss his bag into the back seat. When the kid angled his body to reach, he raised the crowbar above his head and slammed it into the kids head.

  He dropped to the ground, leaning against the car and looked up at him with a dazed look. “Sorry kid, you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He raised the crowbar and hit him over and over until his face and neck resembled hamburger meat. His arm ached, and he was splattered with blood again. This wasn’t carefully planned out, but thankfully he had clothes with him, and some water left over from last night.

  He leaned into his car and grabbed a marker that he spotted on the floorboard on the passenger side. With a smile, he leaned down to the kid and pulled his shirt up and started writing on his skin. I’m not a psychopath; this is your fault. Professor

  He stood up and glanced around to make sure there were no cars on the road and kicked the body over with his foot. He slammed the car door and walked to the trunk, popping it open and tossing the crowbar back into it. Then he stripped his clothes off and tossed them into the trunk on top of the tarp. He laughed ruefully as he grabbed the second of the two water jugs he had bought and cleaned up. I’m going to run out of clothes soon; I need to find a laundromat…. A deserted one for sure.

  He finished rinsing off and grabbed clean clothes from his bag in the back seat, he spotted the kids backpack and reached in for it. He pulled it out and unzipped it; maybe he would find something useful in there. He emptied it out on the ground and pocketed the cash he had and left the rest next to the body. “See you later kid.”

  He whistled as he walked around the car and climbed in, he had some driving to do before he stopped for the night. Louisiana wasn’t too far away. Hopefully, he could find an internet cafe still open so he could find some information on that crime blogger. She would be useful to him. He arrived a bit after six and started his search, not to much later he found an internet cafe that also served food. He claimed a computer and paid for an hour, and then requested food for when his time was over. With a look of concentration, he Googled Crime Blog Jasmine. Hopefully, he could narrow down the choices by that, if not… whoever had a post about his kill and the letters was the one he searched for.

  Eight

  Remi

  Remi slammed the phone down in frustration and started pacing. “He calls and taunts us like it’s nothing. And what was with that cryptic remark at the end?”

  Knox frowned and rewound the tape of the call. The Professor's voice filled the line, “Don’t you love a woman who holds her heart in her hands?” Knox tapped his fingers on the table as he stared off into the distance lost in thought.

  “Shit, I’ve got a bad feeling, he’s already claimed another woman. But where and why haven’t we found her yet if that’s the case?”

  “Have we checked Vicap to see if anything pops related to this one?” Knox asked as he moved to the computer to do a search.

  “Yeah, nothing came up. I did it when I entered our information. Nothing similar, no notes, not a damn thing came up.”

  “Agent Grayson, Detective Conahan, can either of you explain to me how a crime blogger knew of the second letter?” Walker demanded as he stormed up to them. “I just hung up with the mayor, and you don’t even want to know how pissed he is right now.”

  “We found out an hour before the damn conference, I went right to vice, and he called his people about the covens. How did the letter get here? Who brought into you? Maybe you should be checking on that, and getting off our backs, sir.”

  Walker fumed silently for a moment before taking a deep breath, “I don’t appreciate that tone of voice detective, but you’re right. I’ll check into that. But for future reference, if you ever talk to me like that in front of other people I will reprimand your ass so hard, you’ll think you just got dry fucked by Godzilla.”

  “Well on that lovely little note, I’ve got to return a call about the covens and see what they turned up.” Knox stood and shuddered, “the imagery with that is just frightening as hell. I may never get it up again and what a waste that would be. Don’t you agree, babe?”

  Remi closed his eyes and shook his head in dejection, “I give up, you all are insane. I’m in a psych ward on meds, and this is all in my head, it has to be.”

  Walker couldn’t contain his laugh, “Sorry, but this is real, and that man has it bad for you. Why are you fighting it so hard? You know I wouldn’t allow anyone to say shit about your lifestyle. It has no bearing on you as a detective. You’re one of the best; you have the highest clearance rate of anyone in this department. Your job is safe.”

  Remi shrugged and looked away from his captains to knowing eyes. The truth was he was scared of what Knox made him feel. They were from two different worlds, hell even the Professor knew that. The man claimed to be a fucking God after all.

  “I see, it’s your heart you’re trying to protect. Maybe you should listen to me for once and let him in. He’s good for you. You’re a bit softer when he’s around, not so on edgy and grumpy. I like this side of you.”

  “No offense, Captain. But fuck off.” Remi scowled as he stomped off to Walkers booming laughter.

  Remi went around the corner and yelped as he was pulled into an office and pushed against the wall. “What the hell Knox?”

  “I saw an opportunity and took it.” He winked as he reached over and locked the now closed door. “I’ve been dreaming of kissing you again; you’re intoxicating to me. No mortal has intrigued, fascinated and made me burn like you do.”

  “You sure that
’s a good thing?”

  Knox nodded as he bit his lip and leaned in closer, so they were pressed tight front to front. “I’d give up my godhood if it meant keeping you forever.”

  “What the hell, don’t say shit like that to me. I’ve only known you a few days; you can’t put that kind of pressure on me. Are you insane?”

  “No, just that sure we belong together. Now, before I kiss the shit out of you, were you looking for me, perchance?”

  “I wanted to know what they said about the coven?”

  “Oh, dead end. She wasn’t a member. Some of them carry the same mark, but they all claim not to recognize her. The FPU agent was positive; they weren’t lying.”

  “Well, shit. It was a long shot, but I was hoping for a break.”

  “Me too. Was there something else, by any chance?”

  “Yes, there was actually.”

  “Oh, do tell,” Knox said as he licked his lips in anticipation.

  “It’s late, and I’m starving. Thought we could grab a bite to eat and you could fill me in on what your people said about the covens.”

  Knox smiled, “Sounds perfect.” Before Remi could move, Knox leaned forward and placed a soft kiss against his lips. “To hold me until later.”

  ***

  They’d just finished eating and making small talk when Remi’s phone rang. “This is Detective Conahan.”

  “This is Detective Deacon; I’m with the Culvertson police department.”

  “Yes, Detective, what can I do for you.”

  “As you can imagine, pretty much all law enforcement in Alabama is aware of the Professor. I think I have a body he left for you, with a message. I can give you the address of where we’re at. The M.E. is here, and has agreed to leave everything as is until you arrive.”

  “Text me an address; we’ll be there as quickly as we can,” Remi replied as he fished some money out of his pocket and threw it on the table.

  He hung up and looked to Knox, “you hear all that.”

  “I did, benefit of my …. Well you know. Want me to drive; I can get us there quicker and safer. I do have some abilities that will help. Fast reflexes and super hearing among them.”

  Remi tossed him the keys, and they raced out the door. Thirty-eight minutes later they were pulling up to the crime scene and flashing their badges.

  “Conahan? I’m Deacon. Thanks for coming so quick. We’ve already bagged any evidence, and taken pictures. We waited to move the body until you got here though.”

  “I appreciate that. You said there’s a message?”

  “Yes….. well, come see for yourself. The body and the message go hand in hand on this one.”

  Remi scowled but followed the detective over to the body. The M.E. nodded and pulled the sheet back they had used to cover the body from onlookers and bugs, so they could see what remained of the man's face.

  “As you can see, it was quite brutal. He was furious when he did this.” The M.E. reached down and pulled the man’s shirt up exposing the handwritten message.

  Remi read it aloud, “I’m not a psychopath, this is your fault. Professor”.

  “Well, shit.” Knox cursed softly. “Babe, this isn’t your fault, I don’t care what he said. He did this; he made a choice to take this man's life.”

  “I know, I’m not stupid. It just pisses me off.” Remi turned and began to pace a few feet away. “But he’s getting reckless, maybe he’ll screw up, and we can catch him before he strikes again.”

  “If you don’t mind, we’ll bag the body and clear the scene. I’ll make sure you get the full report one it’s finished. I can tell you with pretty accurate certainly that he died from blunt force trauma, and that he hasn’t been dead more than maybe half an hour when we got the call. His body was still warm.” The M.E. explained as he called his tech over. “I’ll send you a preliminary report as soon as I can.”

  Remi thanked him and turned to the Deacon. “Can you get me copies of your reports and the pictures and anything else you have?”

  “Of course, I’ll have them emailed to you by the end of the day. Good luck. I hope you catch this guy.”

  Remi and Knox said their goodbyes and headed out. It was a day of frustration, of highs and lows.

  “Come on babe, let’s head home. I’ll help you relax.” Knox called as he climbed behind the wheel of the car.

  Remi for his part was intrigued and scared shitless. He was torn between climbing in the car and running as far away from the tantalizing man as he could get. He felt the pull that was getting stronger every hour they spent together and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could fight it.

  They didn’t talk on the way home, Remi let Knox drive, and he stared out the window lost in thought. There was a lot of things he needed to process, not the least of was the Professor killing because of him. Logically he knew it wasn’t his fault, but he still felt for the kid whose life ended so brutally because he had a hand in setting the man off. Then there was Knox and that situation. Was situation the right word for it he wondered. Either way, he needed to come to terms with what was in front of his face. The attraction between the two of them was only getting stronger, and it was obvious to anyone who looked.

  “I think as much as I hate to say this, based on his reaction with that kid, but we need to keep using the word psychopath. It obviously sets him off and makes him erratic. If he devolves enough, he’ll make a mistake, and we can nail the bastard.”

  “Makes sense. You going to be okay with the possible consequences of that action?”

  Remi didn’t reply; he wasn’t sure what to say that wouldn’t make him come across as an uncaring asshole. He knew what could and probably would happen, but he also knew it was the best chance they had of him screwing up and getting caught sooner rather than later. The longer he was free, the higher the body count would be.

  He didn’t speak again until they pulled into the driveway and Knox turned off the car. “I’m not hungry, but there's food in the kitchen and a drawer of takeout menus that deliver if you are.”

  “I was thinking we grab a bottle of beer or two, and we pop in a movie, and you let me sit close to you on the couch for a while. I think we could both use a break and some time to lose ourselves in something else.

  Remi nodded and climbed out of the car. A movie sounded perfect. Maybe a comedy or hell even a romcom. Just something with no death for a while. He could get used to having someone around who understood him so well; he thought as he entered the house and sat on the couch with a sigh.

  Remi came awake hours later covered in sweat and panting as the nightmare slowly receded from his mind.

  “There you are; I was worried for a few there,” Knox said gently from where he sat on the edge of the bed beside Remi. “That was a bad one, want to talk about it?”

  Remi groaned and fell back on the bed, “It must be the stress of the last few days. I haven’t had nightmares like that in a long time.”

  “Hold on, love,” Knox called as he raced out of the room only to return moments later with a cold glass of water and a wet washrag. “Here this will help.”

  Remi took them with a grateful smile. In a weird way, it was a relief not to be alone for once. When the nightmares came, they usually took him forever to wake from. With Knox’s help, it hadn’t been so long.

  “Can I stay, I promise to behave. Just let me be here in case you have another one. Your screams woke me down the hall; it was one of the most terrifying sounds I’ve ever heard. I just need the reassurance of your warmth close.”

  Remi could understand that, so he nodded, tossed the rag on the floor and rolled to his side to face Knox. “Thanks.”

  “Anytime…. Want to talk about it?”

  “Usually it’s a memory from the war. I lost a lot of good people over there, and it haunts me. When I get stressed, the memories come out to play. But tonight, it was from what's to come. Everyone was blaming me for the high body count; the victim's families wanted my blood for enraging the Profe
ssor.”

  “I’m sorry, love. I hate that for you. I know you know this, but I’m going to say it anyway. What he does is not your fault. You’re doing your best to stop him. No one can ask for more than that. Would you mind if I held you for a bit I just need to know you’re okay?”

  Remi hesitated before nodding and moving closer. “Gods help me, but I’d like that. I’m so tired of fighting all the time.”

  “You don’t have to fight me, babe. It won’t work anyway. Go to sleep; I’ll watch over you.”

  Nine

  Professor

  He opened his eyes with a groan, the events of the day before come back to him slowly. He let Detective Conahan get to him, and he was sloppy. He could have left behind all kinds of evidence; he was stupid. He climbed out of bed and slammed around the cheap motel room. The scratchy sheets and bedspread, the faded wallpaper, everything about this cheap room upset him and raised his anger to new heights.

  He couldn’t stand the room any longer; he grabbed his bag and walked outside. With a few deep breaths, he pushed his anger down and checked the time. He had just enough time to grab some cheap food on the way to his poker game. A win was what he needed today. Maybe his mood would improve then.

  He walked into the warehouse and spoke with the host of the establishment. It only took a minute to confirm his identity; of course, his real name wasn’t used in the game. He was a bit early, so he wandered over to where the other players stood around chatting. He wasn’t in the mood to socialize, but eavesdropping was another matter. It only took a moment for his attention to become engaged. They were talking about the Professor; the word psychopath was mentioned. They just didn’t understand what he was doing, why he was doing it. Besides they are nothing, no one cares about them. They are easily disposable and just take up space. He used them to learn new things, which meant their deaths weren’t in vain.

  No one understood, they just called him names. He walked away from the strangers and paced the room. Their words slammed into his head and just further upset him. Why does everyone use that word? He shook his head, clenching his hands and releasing them. He had to get his head straight if he was going to play the game today.