Night Kill (Private Investigator Andrew Knight Mystery Series) (6 page)

Andrew had just come out of Marettti’s deli. He looked up and saw Sheriff Delsmann peering down at him. He wondered if she was trying to figure out how he did it. Andrew turned and smiled at Rachel, who was behind the deli counter. It was nice to have friends in all kinds of places. Andrew waved at her, and she did the same in return. Andrew had scored one against Sheriff Delsmann, but he wasn’t finished with her yet. The next place he had to search was the Higgins crime scene. Andrew drove off with thoughts of which friend’s help he would need next.

Talia and her deputies returned to the records area.

She walked up to Darcy and roughly grabbed her by the arm. Talia forced Darcy into the chair by the desk.

“What did you give him?” Talia’s said through clenched teeth. “You need to tell me, now!”

“I gave him nothing,” Darcy defended.

“I know you did.” Talia pointed an accusing finger at her. “Either you tell, or spend some time in a cell.” Talia motioned for the deputies with her to place Darcy in custody. They hesitated at first, but when Talia glared at them, they did as requested. Darcy still proclaimed her innocence as she was led away.

Chapter 3

The red AC Cobra came to a screeching halt in the circular driveway. Andrew jumped out and bolted inside the house with his ill-gotten gains. He slammed the door closed behind him and flew upstairs to his office.

Andrew removed the manila envelope from his overcoat. Andrew hung up his coat and sat down at his desk. He immediately opened the manila envelope and removed the report. Andrew started with the father, Jonathan Higgins. He was found dead outside in the front yard. He died from multiple slash and stab wounds. Jonathan had a successful web-based business based on the vampirism culture. Andrew read that Jonathan’s business grossed nearly one million dollars last year. Next was Natasha Higgins. She died as a result of severe trauma to the lungs and heart from being struck with two wooden arrows. Natasha had her own catering business with mostly clients that were also involved with vampirism. Peter Higgins, their son, died as a result of an arrow to the heart. He was attending Washington High School in Bayport. He was in his senior year. He was a straight ‘A’ student and on the honor roll. The report mentioned that he had a girlfriend by the name of Ashley Matthias. According to the report, they were so far, unable to locate Ashley for questioning. Peter was found lying a few feet from his father.

Andrew pulled the page about Storm Higgins. Storm also attended Washington High School and was in her sophomore year. She was also an honor roll student. The report indicated that her boyfriend, Wyatt Collins, was considered a person of great interest. Again, it stated that they could not locate him. Andrew read about Storm. He couldn’t imagine the strength and courage she must have had to crawl from her room to the outside. The report stated that Storm had been shot in the back with a single arrow. Andrew put the report aside for a moment. The doorbell announced an unexpected visitor. Andrew gathered up all the papers of the report and put them back in the envelope. He stood up from his desk and walked over to the bookcase. The doorbell chimed again. His surprise visitor was growing impatient. Andrew hid the envelope and left to answer the door.

Andrew opened the front door and saw Sheriff Delsmann standing there. She appeared more relaxed and happier now, as opposed to her hostility earlier today. Andrew suspected she was up to something and that it had to do with the stolen report.

“What do I owe the pleasure?” Andrew smiled.

“I would like the chance to apologize for my earlier behavior,” Talia smiled back.

“Would you like to come in?” Andrew gestured towards the inside of the house.

“Yes, please,” Talia replied, still smiling. Andrew did not trust her.

Andrew closed the front door and escorted Talia to the family room. Talia took a seat in one of the chairs by the fireplace. Andrew sat down on the sofa.

“You said something about apologizing?” Andrew repeated.

“Yes,” Talia said, clearing her throat. “It was very unprofessional of me to berate you like that, especially not knowing what kind of private detective you are.” Talia paused. Andrew could see that she was choosing her words very carefully this time. “Sometimes I’m quick to judge people, so I apologize.”

“Apology accepted,” Andrew said, smiling. “Do you have some time for coffee?”

“Yes, that would be nice,” Talia seemed to force a smile Andrew thought. “But first may I use the bathroom?”

“It’s up the stairs and the first door on the right,” Andrew said. He left to go to make coffee while Talia went upstairs to use the bathroom.

Talia stopped in front of the bathroom door. She stood there for a minute listening and then she continued down the hallway. Talia was glad Andrew fell for her little rouse about wanting to apologize to him. There was no way she trusted Andrew. She suspected that he did in fact get a copy of the investigation. The question that was foremost on Talia’s mind was where Andrew would hide the report. Talia opened the door to the library and stepped inside.

Andrew was in the kitchen getting the coffee maker ready. Once he had put in the filter and coffee grounds, Andrew poured in the water. He put the coffee pot in place and turned on the switch. Andrew walked over to the doorway and bent his head to listen. He knew that Talia didn’t suddenly feel guilty about trashing him earlier today. She was here to find out if he had a copy of the investigation, and to find out where Andrew had hidden it. He had to decide how much time he would give Talia before coming to get her.

Talia found nothing in the library other than lots of books. She continued onto Andrew’s office. Talia grasped hold of the doorknob and gave it a twist. She opened the door and went inside. There were some tall bookshelves on one wall, a nicely polished wooden desk and a large draped window. “Oh great, more books,” Talia groaned. She quickly began her search.

Andrew decided it was enough time. He loaded the serving tray with the coffee carafe, two cups, and cream and sugar. Andrew carried the tray in the family room. He set it down on the coffee table. He went to find Talia.

Talia had searched through all the books tall enough to hide the report. She found nothing. Talia was seated at Andrew’s desk. She tried the desk drawers, but they were all locked. She looked at her watch. Twenty minutes had gone by; too much time! Talia bolted out of the chair and immediately left the office. Once in the hallway, Talia now crept at a slower pace. She was now at the bathroom door.

Andrew walked up the stairs and that’s when he saw Talia exiting the bathroom. She smiled at him.

“Are you feeling okay,” Andrew asked, concerned.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Talia assured him. “I was just admiring your bathroom.”

“Coffee is ready,” Andrew said gesturing towards the family room down stairs.

They walked together back to the family room.

Talia along with Andrew retook their seats. Andrew poured them each a coffee.

“Just sugar,” Talia said.

“Okay,” Andrew answered. He put sugar in her coffee and handed it to her. Talia took a sip. It was perfect. Andrew fixed his own beverage and settled back against the cushioned sofa.

“So what is the real reason for your visit?” Andrew asked.

“W-What do you mean?” Talia stuttered a bit.

“It is to apologize for trashing me earlier?” Andrew continued.

“Yes, I do apologize for the way I jumped on you,” Talia offered an apology.

“Then let’s start over,” Andrew smiled.

“Let’s,” Talia smiled as well.

“Do you like living in Bayport?” Andrew began.

“Its quite different from Chicago,” Talia laughed. “It’s more laid back, quieter. Although I do miss the night life, you know like the blues clubs.”

“There’s a club down on Water Street called “The Elbow Room,” Andrew said. “It’s very much comparable to the clubs in Chicago. As a matter of fact the owner, Harlow Grant, is originally from Chicago.”

“So are you originally from Bayport?” Talia asked.

“My family is not originally from Bayport,” Andrew answered. “My great-great grandparents moved here in the 1800’s from New York.”

“Say it’s getting late.” Talia glanced at her watch. “I better get going.”

“I’m glad you stopped by,” Andrew put his cup down and stood up. “I’ll walk you to the door.” Talia handed Andrew her empty cup, which he put next to his. They walked together to the front door.

“I’m glad we had a chance to patch things up,” Talia said. Andrew opened the door.

“Me too.” Andrew smiled at her.

“We’ll have to do this again,” Talia said.

“Yes, we should,” Andrew answered.

They finished their good byes and Talia left.

Andrew closed the door and went back to the family room. He started to clean up, when the door bell rang. Andrew put down the serving tray and went to answer the door. When Andrew opened the door, no one was there! He scanned the area with discerning eyes, but there were no movements in the surrounding bushes and trees. How strange he thought. Andrew quickly closed the door and went back to cleaning up.

Talia was on her way back to the department. She took out her phone and placed a call. After several rings, the person picked up.

“This is Sheriff Delsmann,” she spoke insensitively. “Make sure no one; especially Andrew Knight gets a look at the crime scene. Talia listened, and then spoke, “Yes, at all costs.” She pressed the end button. Talia thought back to her little chat with Andrew. He was all pleasant and very nice to her, but she suspected that Andrew was playing her for a fool. Andrew Knight was a lot smarter than he was letting on. But now Talia was on to his little psychological games. She already anticipated his next move. For Andrew that would be to get a look at the crime scene so that he could compare it with the information in the stolen files. After that, logically, Andrew would try and see Storm Higgins at the hospital. Unfortunately for Andrew, the only thing he would find at both the crime scene and hospital would be more security. One way or another, Talia would have Andrew Knight’s head on a platter; guaranteed! Talia smirked at her own cleverness as she swung her car into the parking space at the department. Before getting out she said aloud, “Andrew Knight, you’re investigating days are over.”

The sun was slowly giving way to the night sky. Soon it would be dark. Deputy Nash was sitting inside his nice warm squad at the end of the long, winding driveway. At least he had the easy job while guarding the Higgins crime scene. The other two deputies on duty had to patrol the property. Sheriff Delsmann had given them orders to stop Andrew at all costs from getting a look at the crime scene. Deputy Nash and the other deputies actually liked Andrew, so did the rest of the staff. But for some reason Sheriff Delsmann didn’t, and since she was the boss they had to follow her orders.

A tan subcompact sputtered its way up the driveway and came to a stop in front of the squad. Deputy Nash got out just as the lone occupant of the car did the same. It was an older man with a priest’s collar and suit.

“Excuse me my son,” Father Michael said. “I’m looking for 8275 County Highway T.”

“Well Father,” Deputy Nash said pointing back to the main road, “When you get to the end of the driveway, take a left and go about two miles. Turn left, that’s County Highway T, and you should find it.”

“Thank you,” Father Michael said. He looked around at the crime scene tape and barricades blocking the driveway. He asked, “Is this the Higgins home?”

“Yes Father,” Deputy Nash replied. “It is still an active crime scene and we’re guarding it to make sure no one gets inside.”

“I see,” Father Michael nodded.

“It’ll be dark soon,” Deputy Nash said. “You had better get going Father.”

Andrew crouched down behind a large maple tree. He was wearing winter camouflage. He observed Father Michael talking to the deputy whom was guarding the driveway. A satisfying smile slowly spread across his face. Andrew slipped into the woods surrounding the Higgins house.

Deputy Brown was patrolling the eastern parameter of the property. He stopped to survey the area. With the dense woods and the fading sun, it was hard to see anything further than a few yards. Deputy Brown took his flashlight and flipped it on. He searched the woods with the brilliant beam of light.

Andrew dropped to the ground as the beam of light shone in his direction. As soon as the light passed, Andrew crawled along the snowy ground on his belly. He had only gone a short distance, when the light returned forcing him to cover his face and blend in with his camouflage.

Deputy Brown didn’t see anything, so he continued on his patrol.

Andrew watched the deputy walk around the backside of the house. He jumped up and dashed to the side of the house. He tried the window, but it was locked. Andrew spread apart the evergreen bushes that ran along the house. Andrew knelt down by the basement window, it too was locked. He heard footsteps crunching in the snow.

Deputy Brown walked back along his patrol route. He was searching the area with his flashlight, and this time shone it along the bushes by the house. He saw only the dull shades of green, brown, and white, nothing else. Deputy Brown continued on his way.