The Red String of Fate

by Rebekah Fowles

  Vee’s ambience was messy. The tiny strings were tangled and muddled instead of free-flowing; but the strangest part was how there seemed to be a gaping hole, as if a whole swath of the ambient strings were missing. Did it have to do with the fact that she had died and then came back to life? It was the only thing that Landon could think of that separated her from every other person he had met. It warranted more investigation, but now was not the time.

  The doctor came back with Vee’s results, but since Vee was sleeping, Landon offered to relay the information. Fortunately she had signed him off to allow him access to her records there.

  “It’s really phenomenal,” the doctor said, “I don’t understand at all.”

  “Is there something wrong?” Landon said.

  The doctor shook his head. “That’s just it. There’s nothing wrong at all. She has a cut on her chest, yes, but apart from some minor cuts and bruises, that’s it. There’s no way a wound that shallow created as much blood as you said, or even as much as was on her clothing. It had to have been considerably deeper—deep enough to kill, as you said, but there’s no indication that it was ever even that deep. No scar tissue or anything.”

  Landon covered his mouth as he contemplated the doctor’s words. He removed it as he gave his reply. “Surely you found something in the blood test, though? Something to indicate why the wound wasn’t so deep?”

  The doctor shook his head once again. “Nothing. Of course, it will be a few days before we can get the specifics analyzed, but nothing seems out of the ordinary on an initial reading. A little low on iron and other vitamins, sure, but that’s probably due to diet more than anything.”

  Landon sighed. The doctor went on.

  “I want to keep her for a few more days. We want to take an MRI scan to see if we can’t get any more hints.”

  “You already took a CT scan, didn’t you? Didn’t that show anything?”

  “Just what I’ve told you. MRIs are much more accurate and detailed, though. It could provide us with some extra information the CT scan didn’t.”

  Landon hesitated before saying anything. “I can’t speak for Vee, but she was pretty against staying here any longer than necessary.”

  The doctor sighed. “I’m aware. I just want you to know that in my professional opinion, it would be wise to be as thorough as possible in case there are any lingering side effects. Not many people have the luck she’s displayed so far.”

  “Indeed. Thank you, doctor. I’ll let her know when she wakes up.”

  The doctor nodded and Landon reentered Vee’s room. She stirred and grunted a bit at the noise, but if she woke up, she hadn’t opened her eyes. Fortunately, the room was plenty dark with the drapes blocking the majority of the evening light. Landon checked his phone. 6:30. Vee had been asleep for about an hour, so he wouldn’t feel too bad if she woke up, even if he expected her to rest considerably longer.

  A text came in. It was from Jim.

  No luck on the cell phone. Killer was smart and probably destroyed it. How is Vee?

  Landon clicked his tongue as he sat on the seat designated for guests. He replied, Still asleep. Doctor came back with results. Nothing out of the ordinary.

  A few seconds later, the response came. Nothing?

  Nothing.

  The phone went silent for a moment, but a minute later, the screen lit up with another message from Detective Bimmel. So, are you going to tell me exactly what happened, or am I supposed to keep making excuses for you until this whole thing blows over?

  Landon tapped the screen, not quite sure what to say in response. The police were just as baffled as the hospital staff as to how Vee managed to be alive. Fortunately for her, she didn’t have to fake being amazed either. Also fortunately for both of them, the hospital was the first priority, so it gave him a bit more time to come up with a reasonable explanation of events. Until then, Jim was heading the investigation and covering for the two of them. In this case, Jim was holding back a major part of the investigation just so Landon could enact a plan to smoke out the killer.

  I’d rather discuss it in person. There’s too much to say for a text.

  And I take it a phone call won’t suffice.

  Not unless Vee wakes up and you’re alone.

  The next reply came in later than the length would have suggested. Just remember, you owe me.

  Landon quietly chuckled. Maybe we can check it off the list of all the times you owe me?

  Once again, a long pause. Then, Damn you, kid.

  Landon smirked. He considered saying something in return, but his attention was drawn away by Vee quietly watching him from the hospital bed. “Oh, you’re awake?” He said.

  Vee flushed and looked away. “Yeah, sorry. I started waking up when you came back in, I was just really tired. I didn’t want to bother you.”

  “No worries. Have some broth. It might be a little cold now, but it’s better than nothing.”

  Vee looked dejected. “I’d much rather have actual food...”

  “I know,” Landon said, “but you heard the doctor. Liquids first. You can have solids once we’re sure your body doesn’t reject anything.”

  “I feel fine,” Vee reassured him. “Even better after that nap. Thanks for making me sleep.”

  “You’re welcome. Even if you feel alright, though, there’s still no saying what could happen next.”

  Vee sighed. “I know. Doesn’t mean I like it, though.”

  As Vee took careful sips of the salty broth, Landon caught her up to speed. There wasn’t much to say, and Vee listened without interrupting. Once he was through, she dropped the large styrofoam cup and looked directly at him.

  “I don’t want to stay. They can’t keep me if I’m okay, right?”

  “No,” Landon said, “I don’t think they can.”

  “Then I want to go. Besides, the longer I stay here, the more expensive it will be.”

  Landon couldn’t deny that. He had already offered to cover the bill since Vee didn’t have insurance, but he had to admit that between the ambulance and the CT scan, he wasn’t exactly raring to arrange for more bills.

  “How long was I out?”

  “About an hour,” Landon said.

  Vee was about to respond, but a gentle knock sounded from the door.

  “Come in,” Vee said.

  The door opened, and Sylvie walked in. She carried a paper grocery bag and appeared a little pallid. “Excuse the intrusion,” she said.

  “You must be Sylvie,” Vee said. “Thanks for taking the time to come by. Sorry you had to do this.”

  “It’s not a problem, really. I’m glad I could help!”

  Sylvie walked toward the bed but paused for a moment when she saw Landon. He raised an eyebrow at her before she realized she was staring. “Oh! Mr. Clawson! I didn’t realize...”

  “What?” Landon said, “Where did you expect me to be?”

  Sylvie flushed, despite her pallor. “It’s just...well, I’ve never seen you with your hair like that. I didn’t recognize you.”

  Landon ran his fingers through his hair. His dip in the river had washed out the styling and most of the product, leaving it somewhat long and flat along his forehead. He hadn’t bothered to fix or comb it amidst all of the day’s events, and only now realized Sylvie had never seen it that way. The look made him appear younger, which he tried to avoid in his profession, so he never wore it that way intentionally.

  Sylvie placed the bag down on a table and pulled out the contents, holding it up for Vee to see. It was a cute one-piece dress with long sleeves, not too unlike the one Sylvie herself wore. She pulled out a pair of thick leggings and a jacket as well.

  “Do you think they’ll fit?” Sylvie said.

  “Definitely,” Vee said with a smile. “I’d say we’re about the same size.”

  Sylvie returned the smile. “Good! There’s a few more items at the bottom of the bag.”

  “Thanks again, Sylvie. Not every person would be willing to
let a stranger borrow their clothes.”

  Sylvie shook her head. “If Mr. Clawson trusts you, I do too! How are your parents doing? They’re probably worried sick...”

  Vee shifted in the bed. “They, uh...don’t know about what happened. I asked for them to not be contacted.”

  Sylvie looked embarrassed. “Oh! I’m sorry. I should have been more considerate.”

  “It’s alright,” Vee said, “you didn’t know. They’re really earnest folks, so I didn’t want to worry them. They’d have put their whole lives on hold to come out here, and they don’t really have the money to afford the plane tickets. It’s better this way.”

  “So she says,” Landon said, “though I tried convincing her that it’s a parent’s job to worry about their children.”

  Sylvie clasped her hands together and looked down. Landon knew she probably felt conflicted. She was the type to hate imposing on people, even her parents, but Landon knew she probably felt the importance of his comment as well. Instead, she decided to change the subject. “Um, why don’t I take your dirty clothes? I’ll wash them for you, and we can swap outfits tomorrow.”

  Vee glanced to the window, even though the drapes were closed and there was nothing to see anyway. “Ah, thanks for the offer, but that’s really not necessary...”

  “Why not? You’re probably exhausted, and I have the time.”

  Landon replied for Vee. “They’re covered in blood, Sylvie. Lots of it.”

  Sylvie blustered, and Landon internally sighed as she tried saving face. “Oh! That’s no issue at all! It’s fine, really! I even know some tricks to get messy stains out.”

  “Really, Sylvie, it’s okay...I was just gonna toss them anyway.”

  “No, no, I insist!” Sylvie said. She looked determined, but Landon knew she was probably putting a lot of effort into it. She was probably dying a little inside.

  Vee hesitated. “Alright,” she said, “since you insist. They’re in the bag over there.”

  Sylvie sighed, then caught herself, and nodded with embarrassed energy. She retrieved the bag and said farewell before leaving the little hospital room. Landon and Vee sat watching the door for a few moments before Vee leaned back.

  “What now?” Landon asked, crossing his legs.

  “We call in the doctor and tell him we’re leaving, I think.”

  “You’re sure that’s what you want?”

  “I’m sure I want to go home and get some real food and sleep,” Vee said.

  Landon stared at her.

  “What?” She said.

  “The sleep I can understand, but you don’t exactly look like the kind of student that has a whole lot of food in her apartment.”

  Vee blushed. “That’s, uh...”

  Landon stood up. “I’ll contact the doctor and get things situated to go. The police are going to want to question you soon, but I can probably arrange for that to be postponed. Decide what you want to eat. I’ll take you out.”

  “No more broth?” Vee said, wide eyes.

  Landon gave her a stern look. “We’re not getting burgers, if that’s what you want. Be smart.”

  Vee laughed as Landon left towards the nurses’ station.

  - 11 -

  As the morning sun filtered through Vee’s window, she yawned and rubbed off the flakes in her eyes. She glanced at the old-fashioned alarm clock on her nightstand, surprised to see it read 6:45 am. Vee had always been a morning person, but despite how tired she felt yesterday, her mind seemed plenty active and her body felt surprisingly light. As she sat up in bed, she lazily wondered if everything had just been some strange, elaborate dream. Of course, she knew that wasn’t the case. Her chest still twinged where it was cut, and last night’s Italian tasted way too good to be fake.

  Vee swung her legs off the bed and she began preparing for the day. She wasn’t entirely sure why. It was Monday, sure, but school was the very last thing she wanted to worry about. Well, the police would want to question her, but that could come later, right? And yet, she bothered taking the time to shower and do her makeup. It seemed too strange to her. Life seemed too normal. Even her emotions seemed to have stabilized after a night’s rest, leaving her alone in the tiny studio apartment wondering what to do next.

  She still wanted answers, obviously. She just wasn’t exactly sure how to go about getting them. Everything was probably in the police’s hands now, anyway. Last night was likely the last time she’d see Landon, too. For some reason that made her sad. She decided to make some breakfast. Luckily there were still eggs in her fridge.

  Just as Vee sat down to eat, a knock came from her apartment door. She took her time getting there, suddenly grateful she had woken up early and looked decent. She peeked through the hole to see two officers and Landon on the other side. She opened the door and greeted them.

  “I hope we’re not too early,” a policeman said.

  “No, actually, I got up early today.”

  “Trouble sleeping?” Landon asked.

  “Surprisingly no,” Vee replied. “I’m feeling really good.”

  “Glad to hear it,” the other officer said.

  Vee invited them in and offered them something to drink—even if water was the only thing she could give them. The officers declined, but Landon took up the gesture. Vee was secretly glad once she realized she only had two mismatched glasses in the apartment.

  “Has everything been okay, Miss Bern?”

  “Yessir,” she said, taking a seat at the small round table. The officers stood, but Landon took the seat across from her.

  “How are your wounds?”

  “Healing just fine.”

  The officers nodded and smiled. They made Vee a tad uncomfortable, even though they seemed like perfectly reasonable people. Vee didn’t have a car of her own, but it reminded her of the feeling she got when a cop drove behind her in her hometown, even when she was going the speed limit. It was nice to have Landon there, or else she might have actually felt like she was doing something wrong.

  The policemen explained that they were there simply there to check up on her and make sure she was alright; they wouldn’t be staying long, and the investigation was proceeding according to plan, so she could rest easy. True to their word, they left after business had been conducted, leaving Landon alone at her table.

  “Well, that’s that, I suppose.” Landon took a drink from his glass.

  “So why are you here? I doubt you’re around just to check up on me.”

  “Are you suggesting I don’t care about my clients?” Landon said with a touch of dramatic flair.

  Vee smirked and rolled her eyes, but his words suddenly brought a weight as she returned to join him at the table. “About that,” she said, “I appreciate the help. I really do. But I don’t have the money to pay you. Besides, isn’t this more in the police’s jurisdiction now?”

  “Absolutely,” Landon said, “but that doesn’t mean I can’t conduct an investigation of my own. Besides, they’re partially relying on me to get them some important info. And don’t worry about the money. I’m doing this as a favor for Lyndzi, as much as I don’t want to.”

  Vee tilted her head a bit. “Okay, but you still haven’t answered my question.”

  Landon casually leaned back in the chair. “I want you to introduce me to your clubmates.”

  Vee gave him a hard stare. He met her gaze for a moment before saying, “No can do?”

  Vee broke the gaze. She didn’t exactly like the idea of confronting them again. At least, not so soon, and not while her culprit was still at large. “No, it’s probably fine. Why do you want me to come with, though?”

  “Because the person who killed you is sure to reveal himself when he finds out you’re alive.”

  Vee couldn’t deny that. At least, if she killed someone, she would’ve made sure they were dead. If they were to just show up the next day as if nothing happened, well, it would be sure to give her a scare.

  “Isn’t that the police’s job, t
hough?”

  “The police have already contracted me for this case. Besides, I’m their best bet for finding the culprit. Needless to say, they’ve already held off their investigation so I can go through with this.” Landon leaned forward. “I don’t want to make you do anything you’re not willing to, though. I can probably find out who the killer is without you, but I can guarantee it’ll take a lot less time if you’re there.”

  Vee bit the inside of her lip. It wasn’t that she wasn’t willing to go, especially after Landon’s explanation. It was more that she wasn’t entirely sure how to act. She could show up like Landon wanted, but she probably couldn’t pretend like everything was okay. The people on that trip were the closest things she had to friends since she was a child, and to know one of them held some sort of murderous intent towards her wasn’t something she ever expected to deal with in her lifetime. And even when her lifetime was cut short, it became something she didn’t expect to have to deal with while, well, alive.

  Landon waited patiently for Vee to mull through her thoughts. She finally settled her decision and turned to him.

  “I’ll go with you,” she said, “but what am I supposed to do?”

  Landon smiled. “Just be normal. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  “You say that, but...”

  Landon stared at her with deep brown eyes. “Trust me, Vee. If anything goes wrong, I’ll be able to handle it. The culprit can’t do anything dangerous in public, either. Whatever happens, I promise you’ll be safe, and we’ll get things worked out.”

  Vee nodded, though she felt little relief. She wasn’t worried about her safety. For whatever reason, that hadn’t been the biggest issue in her mind. Regardless, she had made up her mind. After all, Landon had offered to help so completely, it was hard for her to back down at this point.