by S. E. Meyer
Anna forced a smile. “Damn right.”
“Are you okay?”
Anna nodded. “I will be.”
Jack limped into the room and set a cup of coffee on Anna's bedside table.
“Wow, I guess everyone is coming to see me today, and you brought me coffee, sir? That must have been expensive. Thank you.”
Jack sat down in the chair near the foot of Anna's bed. “Don't worry, Anna. It didn't cost me an arm and a leg. It was half price.” Jack grinned.
Anna let out a weak chuckle through another wince. “Come on now, don't make me laugh,” she said holding her side. “It hurts.”
“You look like you could use some cheering up,” Jack replied. “As soon as you're up for it, your badge and gun are waiting for you in my office.”
Anna nodded. “Thank you, sir. I'm ready to get back to work. I'll come see you tomorrow.”
“Whoa, slow down Anna,” Jack replied. “There's no rush. You need to recover.”
“It's just a few stitches,” Anna shrugged.
“And nicked a good blood vessel,” Charlie added.
“I'm fine,” Anna said.
“Take your time. I'll see you when you're ready,” Jack said, rising from the chair. “I wish you a speedy recovery,” he added before leaving the room.
“I should go too,” Sara said. “I need to go to school. I'll come back and visit you tonight,” she said, leaning over Anna and giving her sister a warm embrace.
“Thanks for coming, sis,” Anna replied. “Is everything good at home? You're doing your chores, studying, and staying off the weed?”
Sara shook her head. “I came to make sure you were okay, don‘t be a crotch-waffle,” she teased, smiling.
“I won't, as long as you’re not lying around like a half-baked twat-dish.” Anna returned the smile.
Sara laughed. “I have to go.”
“Bring chocolate.”
“Okay,” she replied before leaving the room.
Anna placed a finger on her chin and raised her eyebrows. “Charlie. Hand me my phone,” she requested, pointing to her bedside table.
Charlie lifted the phone and handed it to Anna. “Where’s your tablet?” Anna asked.
“Right here,” Charlie replied, pulling the tablet from a small table in the room's corner.
“Good.” Anna tapped her phone. “I'm sending you a picture I took of a man I saw yesterday at the wall ceremony. He gave me the creeps.”
“Okay got it. This guy?” Charlie asked, turning his tablet toward Anna.
“Yes.”
“Nice hat,” Charlie noted.
“Right? Let's run him through Facial Rec.”
Charlie tapped the screen. “Okay, let's see who he is.”
They waited several seconds for the search to run.
Charlie lowered an eyebrow.
The screen display read ‘No Match Found.’
“That‘s strange,” Anna noted. “Everyone has a file.”
“Everyone except this guy. He's a ghost.”
◆◆◆
“Where is he?” Cornelius roared, entering the ballroom with Richard.
“Who?” asked an employee sitting at the workstation on Cornelius’s left, a cup of coffee trembling in his hands. He set the cup down for fear of spilling it.
“Who do you think? I'm looking for George. Where the hell is that imbecile?” Cornelius barked.
A young man ran into the ballroom, stopping in front of Cornelius to catch his breath. “Sir, I just got word you made it back, I-”
“Shut up!” Cornelius spat, moving within an inch of George's nose. “What the hell happened? I left for three days and you screwed up this entire operation!”
George stood motionless, without flinching, even when Cornelius's spittle sprayed his cheek.
“Sir, I-”
“Don't speak!” Cornelius turned and ran his arm along the top of the desk to his right, sending the desk's contents, including the computer, crashing to the floor. “The wolf got out, Isabelle escaped, my butler is dead, and they hacked our system! It's like no one was even here. What am I paying you all for!” Cornelius raged through red jowls. He stopped to light a cigarette. “You're all fired!” he finished, exhaling through a cough. “But first, you incompetent fools will give me an update.”
George held his breath, waiting to see if he had permission to speak. Cornelius slapped the man across the face. “What the hell is a matter with you, boy? I said update, now!”
George rubbed his cheek while staring at his shoes. “Yes, Sir.” He turned and nodded at a woman sitting at a workstation illuminated several monitor screens. “We're re-writing the firewall code to avoid future attacks, but they did some damage. At least the citizens aren't blaming you for the inability to capture the Lonewolf. In fact, they‘re thrilled over his sentencing. There's been a large uptick in citizen's communication over relief he's gone.”
“Where are my ratings?”
“Down five points since yesterday,” George explained.
The screen on Cornelius's left changed, showing his current rating. It displayed seventy-two percent in large block letters. Cornelius winced.
“We‘re working on that, sir,” George continued. “We'll get the ratings back up, as I explained the citizens don't blame you. On the other hand, everyone is talking about Anna Wool. With the breach, they're giving her all the credit.”
“And where are her ratings,” Cornelius crackled.
Biting his lip, George touched the red hand-print on his face. He gave a nod, and the screen changed. In large block letters the screen now read eighty-one percent.
Cornelius's eyes widened, the vein in his temple bulging with a purple hue. He grabbed the nearest ceramic coffee cup and threw it at the screen, smashing the cup to pieces and cracking the screen.
“It's okay, sir. This is actually good news.”
“Good news!” Cornelius raged, moving towards George. Flinching, George took a step back.
“Yes, the citizens are demanding she receives an award, and as Governor, you will be the one to deliver it. With Agent Wool's ranking so high, yours will climb just by being seen with her in public. This is your best course in the public's eye. The election is nearing. Hearts and minds, sir.”
Cornelius took a long drag from his cigarette. “Hearts and minds,” he scoffed. “You want me to ride that girl's shirt tails?” he growled. “Never! She‘s the one responsible for getting Lonewolf through the gates.” he finished, looking around for something else to throw.
Richard had remained silent while witnessing the outburst. He adjusted the sling holding his left arm. “He's right Grandfather. Trust me. It's the best plan of action at this point. It helps your ratings and puts Wool in the spotlight so we can keep an eye on her. This could be a good thing.“
“You're all still fired!” Cornelius yelled. He kicked the chair in front of him, stubbing his toe. “Shit!”
CHAPTER 21
While crossing the police station parking lot, Anna caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head to see the man in the bowler hat at the lot's far end.
Anna froze.
The man stood motionless, boring holes through her with his piercing stare.
There he is again. Is he following me?
Anna shuddered.
With unwavering eye contact, the man moved toward her, lifting the hair on Anna's neck.
Maybe I should find out what he wants, Anna thought, against her better judgment.
The man reached into his suit jacket, rocketing Anna's pulse.
Shit.
Anna glanced around the empty parking lot.
I'm alone.
And I don't have my gun.
Anna bolted for the police station steps. Holding her side through the pain, she took the steps three at a time and scanned her ID through the console.
Anna whipped around, waiting for the familiar click of the lock giving way.
With a hand s
till inside his jacket, the man in the bowler hat jogged toward her.
Anna turned, slapping her palm on the console.
Maybe they forgot to update my ID?
“Come on!” she breathed, pulling on the door's handle.
They wouldn't let me out of the hospital for three damn days. Jack should have updated my ID by now.
The lock clicked as the man reached the steps. With her trembling hand still gripping the handle, Anna pulled the door and ran inside, almost crashing into Jeff.
“Oh, sorry.” she said, looking up into Jeff's face.
Anna rolled her eyes. “Oh, it's you.”
Great, here we go. First day back and some sketchy guy with a hat is chasing me through the parking lot, and now I have to deal with this asshole.
Jeff made eye contact with Anna and lowered his eyebrows. “No, I'm the one who should be sorry.”
“What are you talking about?” Anna shook her head, pointing at the door. “Someone is following me.”
“What? Where?” Jeff asked, peering through the glass doorway.
“He was right there,” Anna replied, looking out into the vacant steps and parking lot.
Anna let out a long breath. “I don't understand, he was right behind me.”
“Anna, I'm glad I ran into you. Well, I guess you ran into me.” Jeff smiled.
Horrible way to start the day.
Anna turned her gaze from the doorway. “What do you want, Jeff?”
“The day you got suspended. I was a total asshole. I just wanted to apologize.”
Anna nodded.
Wow, didn't see that coming.
Jeff extended his hand. “You brought in the Lonewolf, all on your own when no one else could even get close to him. I respect you for that, and I realize I misjudged you.”
“Thank-you.” Anna replied, taking Jeff's hand and shaking it. “It will take more than one apology to change my opinion of you, but I appreciate the effort.”
Jeff smiled. “I'm just asking for a chance to start over.” He pulled a hundred-dollar bill from his jacket and tucked in into Anna's pocket. “I can't keep this in good conscience. Making a bet on you getting fired was cruel.”
“Thanks,” she said turning to climb the steps to her office.
Arriving at her open office door, Anna stood in the doorway taking in the scene as the scent of fresh flowers filled her nose.
Anna placed a hand over her mouth.
“Wow.”
There were dozens of bouquets littering the room. She leaned over to read the cards and breathed the exhilarating aroma. letting out a sigh of relief when she realized the flowers were not from Richard.
Thank God. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to throw them all away.
Anna browsed the cards and smiled. They were all from coworkers. Even Jeff sent a small grouping of carnations.
It did not start off well, but this is turning out to be a good morning, Anna thought. She took in one more breath of the fresh flora before heading to Jack's office.
She poked her head into her boss's doorway and Jack glanced up from his computer, grinning. “Get in here Wool,” he said, waving her over. Anna's rib twinged, making her swing her hip to favor her right side as she entered Jack's office.
“You're walking around like you’re wearing a peg leg or something. Anna, are you mocking a wounded veteran?” Jack asked, still grinning.
“No, sir, it's my rib-”
“Yes, yes. I'm just giving you shit. Speaking of peg legs.” Jack placed a patch over his left eye and donned a pirate hat. “What do you think?”
“About what?” Anna asked, raising both eyebrows.
“It's my costume for the Governor's ball. I thought it would be funny to go as a pirate.” Jack smiled. “By the way, do you know what a pirate's favorite letter is?” he asked rubbing his stump.
He's in a good mood today.
“That's an old joke, sir, and an easy one,” Anna replied, reaching Jack's desk. “It's the letter 'R'.”
“You would think so wouldn't you, but actually it's the 'C',” Jack replied, laughing.
Anna pressed her lips together, shaking her head.
“You get it? It's the sea, you know like a large body of water?”
Anna nodded. “Yes, I get it. The joke is self explanatory, Jack, just not that funny.”
Jack lowered his eyebrows. “All right, one-legged jokes aside. There are more serious things to discuss,” He placed Anna's badge and gun on the desk. Anna lifted the weapon, grasping its cool metal handle with a smile.
Feels good to have this back.
She holstered her weapon and clipped her badge to her pants as Jack dropped a file in front of her. “What is this?”
“It's your first case back on the job. I'm promoting you to Special Agent in charge. I sent the details of the case to your tablet. All you need to do is choose who you want for a partner.”
“That's easy, sir,” Anna replied, opening the file. “I want Charlie.”
“I thought you'd say that. Review the file and update Charlie. I need some answers soon. We've got nine deaths in the last two weeks and no one can figure out how they died. The coroner is scratching his head on this one. I need you to make sure there isn‘t a serial killer on the loose. You sure you can handle this Anna?”
“Yes, I'm ready to get to work.”
“Good! Welcome back Wool. I need someone here that tells everyone where the bear shit in the buckwheat instead of blowing smoke up everyone's ass.”
Anna smiled. “You have a way with words. Thank you, sir.”
“One more thing. I need you to show restraint with your weapon. Seems like every time you run into trouble the bodies stack up at the morgue like cord-wood.”
“I'll do my best, sir.”
“Make sure you do. Now, last thing we need to talk about is your award. The city is throwing an awards ceremony for you tomorrow morning. We'll all be there. We're giving you the city's highest medal of distinction and Cornelius will be the one to give it to you.”
Anna winced.
Shit, Cornelius.
“Your rib bothering you again?” Jack asked.
“Yes,” Anna lied.
◆◆◆
Browsing the file on her tablet while Charlie drove to the first family on the list, Anna shook her head.
“What's up?” Charlie asked.
“Everyone on the list is so young. They're all around twenty.” Anna wrinkled her brow. “That's interesting. They're not only about the same age. They are the same age. They were all born within a few weeks of each other. That could be our first link between the victims. It's the only thing I can see that they have in common.”
“I guess we'll find out,” Charlie replied as he pulled the vehicle into the Anderson's driveway.
Anna took a breath. “This is a hard part of the job. Interviewing grieving families.”
They both exited the vehicle and walked to the front door. Anna pressed the doorbell.
“Hello Mrs. Anderson,” Anna greeted the red-eyed woman as she opened the door. “My name is Anna, and this is Charlie. We're with the homicide department, investigating your son's death. I realize this is a hard time for you and I am sorry for your loss.” Anna pressed her lips together. “Would you have a minute to answer a few questions?”
The woman nodded and invited them inside. Once they were all seated in the living room Anna spoke. “We'll make this a quick as we can for you Mrs. Anderson.”
“Please, call me Joan.”
“Okay, Joan. Was there any sign that your son, Jacob, was acting out of character or felt ill, or anything out of the ordinary you can tell us?”
Joan shook her head. “No, everything was normal. He had a job and liked to work, and he always helped Frank and I out around here.” Tears welled in Joan's eyes. “He was such a sweet boy.”
Frank burst into the room with furled brow. “You have a lot of nerve showing up here.”
Charlie stood up. “W
e're trying to find out what happened to Jacob. That's all. We all want to know what happened right?”
Anna continued her questioning. “Did Jacob have any enemies or anyone that wanted to hurt him?”
Joan shook her head. “No, everyone loved Jacob.” She sobbed. “Such a sweet boy.”
“What are you saying?” Frank asked. “You think someone murdered him?”
“We don‘t know,” Anna replied. “That's what we're trying to find out.”
Joan looked up from the tissue balled in her hand. “You should ask those mad scientists over at Gentech!” she said.
“Joan, no, not another word.” Frank demanded.
Anna raised her eyebrows. “Gentech?”
“They have nothing to do with this,” Frank continued through flushed cheeks.
“We've all heard of Gentech,” Charlie replied. “That's the company that builds designer kids through genetic engineering. What do they have to do with this?”
“Nothing,” Frank said.
Anna leaned in closer to Joan and touched her knee. “Joan, please continue. Was Jacob a patient there?”
Joan shook her head. “Are you kidding? We’re not rich. No, he was part of a trial-”
“Shut up!” Frank yelled, cutting his wife off. “They told us never to say anything.”
“No you shut up,” Joan said. “You caused this. You and your friends at Gentech.”
Anna's pulse throbbed. She stood up to face Frank. “Whoa, ease up. We're just trying to find out what happened to your son.”
“I'm going to ask you to leave,” Frank said. “And don't come back without a warrant. Let us grieve for our son in peace.”
Anna looked at Joan, still sitting on the couch squeezing the ball of tissue to the size of a grape.
“Fine,” Anna replied. “I sent my contact info to your phones. If you think of anything else, anything at all, please call me.”
◆◆◆
“Well that was strange,” Anna said, once her and Charlie were back in the car. She turned to face her partner. “I need you to go back to the station and take another look at the victims' files. See if you can find a link to any medical trials, or Gentech.”