The Final Flashpoint

by Iona Morrison

  “I’ve said the same thing myself, but with a shortage of funds and too many egos, it won’t happen anytime soon.” Frank got into his SUV. “I’ll see you back at your place later, Matt.”

  “You know the protocol by now, Frank. Make yourself at home.” Matt smiled at him. “Thanks again. If you can stay around, I think we should try to find the men who did this. Their scent should be all over our victim’s clothes.”

  “I agree. I can stay for as long as you need me.” Frank waved.

  “His dog is one of the best.” Tom nodded. “I know Frank his proud of him. He told me earlier that Radar’s receiving a big award for his service.”

  “Frank trained him since he was a puppy. He should be proud of himself, too. The dog has a better track record for finding criminals and victims than most cops could dream of.” Matt walked toward his car, followed closely by Tom.

  ****

  Jessie knew Matt and his team would be checking the woods for the fourth victim, and she wished she could be there with them. Frank’s car was parked near hers, so Radar was already busy tracking. Jessie was almost to town when the ambulance sped by her. Where were they headed? Could Carlos be alive? It was a nice thought anyway. No wonder she hadn’t seen another ghost. His friends had kept her up most of the night with their wailing. Had they been trying to get help? Was it possible?

  Jessie parked behind her store and unlocked the door, locking it again when she stepped inside. Matt would fill her in on the details soon enough. Right now, she had a store to open. She went about her morning routine.

  Except for Larissa, who had chosen to hang in her shop, her latest ghostly sightings had been minimal. They chose to keep their distance, which was okay with her. Maybe they weren’t aware she could see them or sense their presence. Speculating again. She straightened the counter, grabbing a stack of books to put on the table at the front of the store. It was enough that she saw them, and it didn’t matter if they were conscious of her or not.

  Jessie watched the clock. She was ready to open as soon as the clock said nine. The last few minutes took their sweet time. At nine, she opened the doors leading into the coffee shop, unlocked the front door, and opened it to wave at Audrey who was walking into the church. Jessie shook her head at Audrey’s three unseen followers. Wow. First Community Church was becoming a gathering place for spirits.

  “Do you have this book?” A customer walked in from the coffee shop. The pudgy middle-aged woman handed her a piece of paper with the title on it.

  “I do.” Jessie showed her where it was on the shelf. “Her other books are here as well.”

  “I have a friend who loves her stories. She told me I would enjoy them, too. I thought I would try it. I used to read all the time as a kid, but I haven’t read any books for years now.” She grabbed a book from the shelf, turning it over in her stubby hands.

  “I think you’ll find it enjoyable and relaxing.”

  “She said the same thing. I read about those kids’ bodies found here, and I can’t help but wonder what our world is coming too.” She clucked disapprovingly and pushed a strand of her fading auburn hair back from her freckled face. “I could use an escape from reality, I think.”

  “A break from reality and all the bad news is something we can all use.” Jessie left the woman to decide on her book. She went to the back room to get the bookmarks for her basket. She ordered them specially, with the store’s name and phone number on them.

  The bell over the door rang. “Hey, Blondie, I’ve come for another book. I’m starting to like this whole reading thing.”

  “I’m happy to hear it.” Jessie noticed Melinda’s glasses had slipped down her nose and she was looking over the top of them.

  “I have some time to kill, and if it’s okay with you, I’m going to get me some coffee. I want to sit in here and read. I’ll leave these books here.” Melinda placed them on the counter. “I’ll be back to pay you in a few minutes. Do you want a cup?”

  “No, thanks, I’m good.” Jessie watched Melinda’s lopsided ponytail begin to topple as she walked into the coffee shop. She pushed it back up. It looked more precarious than it had before. This was a first. Jessie smiled. Melinda often bought books but didn’t stay and hang out. What was on her mind?

  The woman brought her books to the counter. “I decided to start with the first book in her series. I have some catching up to do to get to the book my friend told me about. Three is a good beginning, I think.”

  “It will give you a chance to see if you like her writing. I think you should. Her books are quick, easy reads with lots of twists and turns. They’re perfect books to get lost in.” Jessie stuck one of her new bookmarks into the bag and handed it to the woman.

  “Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be back.” The woman walked into the coffee shop.

  “I’m back.” Melinda bounced through the doors. “You should ring me up. I want to pay for them in case I spill my coffee on them or something.” She put her coffee cup on the counter and began digging through her purse. “Here you go.” Melinda handed Jessie her card.

  “I’m glad you’re staying to read your book. Besides liking your company, I was hoping people would enjoy spending time here. That’s why I put in places to sit with tables close by to hold your coffee.” Jessie handed Melinda her bag.

  Melinda sat in the chair that Larissa had once claimed as her own. “It’s kind of sad she’s not here anymore.”

  “You think?” Jessie gave her an odd look. “I’m glad she’s not throwing books at my customers or rearranging my store. Plus, you’re sitting in the chair and not getting zapped.”

  “All true, but still I felt comfort in knowing she was around.” Melinda took a quick glance around and motioned for Jessie to come over to her. Her voice softened. “She may be gone, but something strange is going on. The church has a different feel to it lately. I don’t want to work in there at night or alone. I wait until I know there will be others in the building. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about why it feels strange would you?” Melinda was serious.

  “A few bodies have been found in Blue Cove. Maybe you’re feeling concern about it.” Jessie could see her shaking her head no.

  “That’s not it. The atmosphere is charged with something different. I don’t know how to explain it, but I don’t like working there right now.”

  “Anything is possible. As I said, the students’ bodies were found near here. The girl was found in the woods behind the church.” Jessie sat in the chair beside her. “They were kids. I can’t imagine them being bad, though.”

  “All I’m saying is it’s not the same as when Gina was there. That was a comforting feeling. Do you think the people who did this to them could be close by? Maybe that’s why I’m so nervous.”

  “I have no idea. I guess they could be still in the area.” Jessie frowned.

  “You’re not much help. I thought for sure I could count on you to know. This seems so different to me.” Melinda’s curls bounced up and down with her head. “It might be what you said. I’ve been reading about the death of those kids and the rise of hate crimes and protests across the country in the paper. The nightly news is filled with it.” Melinda shuddered. “It has upset me more than usual. If you don’t see any ghosts, then it must be that the people who tortured them are still around.”

  “Oh, I didn’t say I haven’t seen any ghosts. I simply have no idea if they are at the church or not.”

  “I knew they were around the area.” Melinda pointed her finger at Jessie. “You have to tell me where and when you saw them.”

  Jessie explained where she had seen the spirits and when. “It is strange because they don’t seem to know what to do or what happened to them. They look lost somehow. I know that sounds weird, but that’s how I feel about it.”

  “We need Reba. She could explain what’s happening. Why don’t they have a purpose?” Melinda seemed perplexed. “What if they are too shocked to have discovered their purpose for being her
e? Maybe we need to help them find it.”

  “We might have to.” It made sense to Jessie. Who knew? Not her. How could she help them find the reason they were stuck here?

  ****

  Matt walked into her store with Tom close behind him. “Hi, sweetheart, how’s your morning going?”

  “You’re just the person I wanted to see.” She walked toward him and reached for his hand.

  “You listening, Tom? She wants to see me.” He kissed her.

  “I sure do,” she whispered in his ear.

  “I hear.” Tom walked into the coffee shop. “I’ll be watching.”

  He led her over to the table and pulled out her chair. “We found Carlos this morning. He was barely alive, but there was a pulse.”

  “I’m so happy. That must be why I didn’t see a fourth ghost. The image of his friends wailing and flying through the trees was more than enough. They were agitated, and I didn’t want to have a run in with them. Truthfully, I was overwhelmed.” She squeezed his hand.

  “The doctor told me the next forty-eight hours would be touch and go. If he makes it through, he might survive.” Matt shook his head. “What happened to him was awful. If he survives, he’ll need help for a long time to come.” Matt told her how they had found Carlos. “I was happy you weren’t there to see him. It’s an image I will have a hard time forgetting.”

  “Why did they let him live?” Jessie shook her head. “These people don’t make sense. They aren’t following a pattern. It’s as if they are making it up as they go along.”

  “I’m not sure they counted on him living. This was their way to disgrace him and torture him at the same time.” Matt cracked his knuckles.

  “Sick!” She frowned. “His friends were making a lot of noise last night. Melinda asked me earlier why their ghosts were still in the area. Maybe finding Carlos is one reason. I keep watching for a sign.”

  “I’m not much use to you there. I’m not sure I’d want to be, either.” He leaned close to her. “You see enough for both of us.” Out of the corner of his eye, Matt saw Tom point at his watch. “We have to go, but I wanted to let you know about Carlos. I love you, sweetheart.” He gave her a long, delicious kiss that left her fanning her face.

  “Hey.” She tugged on his arm. “Why are you both in suits? I don’t see you dressed like this often. You clean up nice by the way.” Jessie straightened his tie.

  “We’re on our way to Shara and Amir’s services. The bodies were released.” Matt motioned for Tom. “I’ll tell you what—if anything—I learn.” Matt left, followed by Tom.

  Would Amir or Shara be there? It was too much to think about. Thankfully, she didn’t have to think for long. The bell rang, and her next customer walked in.

  Chapter 16

  On Saturday morning, Jessie waited for Matt to arrive. He was on time as usual. She waved and locked the door behind her.

  Matt opened the car door for her. “How’s your morning?

  “So far so good.” She smiled at him. “Hi, Tom,” she said as she slipped into the backseat.

  “Howdy, are you ready for the day?” Tom turned in his seat. “We’ll be watching for someone who looks like they don’t fit in.”

  “Sometimes a perp likes to attend the services of the victims.” Matt latched his seat belt. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” she replied. “I did some research on Ryan Lucas. Did you know he played in a band and was considered to be an excellent musician?”

  “I didn’t know, and that’s why I need you around to tell the rest of the story.” Matt drove past the Inn.

  “According to what I read, he was a terrific vocalist and played several instruments. Some of his music is on Internet social media sites. I listened to several songs last night.”

  “It ought to be an interesting crowd there today.” Tom watched the traffic behind them in the side mirror as they drove through town.

  “I’ve found whenever I do a human interest piece; there are many layers to a person’s life. Ryan didn’t only study sports medicine, he played baseball for years. He loved music and his girlfriend, Emma. Ryan was popular on campus and well liked among the Foreign Students’ Club members. Besides being a good student, he was considered to be a great friend to many.”

  “You need to put this in your story on him.” Matt turned onto the highway.

  “Did you know his memorial service today was planned by his friends? It isn’t in a church. His friends, with his family approval, chose to hold it at one of the venues where he played his music. They’re expecting a packed house with standing room only. It should be an eclectic mix of folks.” Jessie smiled at Matt when she caught him watching her in the rearview mirror. He winked at her.

  “The venue should make our job of blending in and mingling a whole lot easier.” Tom checked the side mirror again. “I don’t see a tail unless he’s hanging back far in the pack.”

  “I haven’t noticed one either, and I’ve been watching.” He glanced back at Jessie. “You may as well relax, Jess; we have a drive ahead of us.”

  Leaning her head back against the seat, Jessie started thinking of the questions she wanted answers to. What piece of information would she learn about Ryan by listening to his friends? She planned to make herself as observant as possible today. That was her last coherent thought until Matt woke her up.

  ****

  “Are you awake yet?” Matt put his arm around her waist to steady her when she got out of the car.

  “I’m fine. I can’t believe I fell asleep. I wasn’t even tired.” She chuckled. “I woke up a few hours ago after a good night’s rest, for heaven’s sake.”

  Tom walked a few steps behind them. He pointed to sign above the door. “The Watering Hole sounds like an interesting place. We’ve all hung out in a place like this back in the day.”

  “It wasn’t that long ago.” Jessie smiled at Tom. “You’re not ancient, you know.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Some days it feels that way.”

  Jessie walked into the big open room. “Wow, it’s a good thing we’re early, or we wouldn’t even have a place to stand.” Jessie mentally counted the number of young people already there.

  Near the front of the building on the screen above the stage, a video was playing. It showed Ryan in various stages of life. Jessie couldn’t take her eyes off the smiling young man. She could feel those annoying tears filling her eyes. Matt handed her a tissue. “Thanks.”

  “I think we need to own stock in these when we get married.” He waved the white tissue in front of her. “You’ll keep the makers in business.”

  “Be nice, children.” Tom stood behind them. “Being around all these young faces makes me feel ancient.”

  “I was thinking the same thing.” Matt leaned back against the wall. “How about you, sweetheart, what’s on your mind?”

  “Unlike you two old men, I’m feeling young and happy to be alive.” She smiled coquettishly at them.

  “I want what you’re drinking,” Matt teased her.

  Jessie handed him her bottle of water. “The fountain of youth, take a drink.”

  He could see the excitement on her face. “Tell me what you see besides a large crowd.”

  “I believe I’m witnessing a remarkable way to celebrate a person’s life. I’m glad on many levels we’re here to see this.” Jessie could barely move. She listened to the various groups talking around her. She fought back more tears when Ryan’s girlfriend, Emma, shared stories of his life, followed by his parents. The band played his music as a finale. On the last song, the kids joined in and rocked out with the band.

  Jessie tried hard to process the people, the conversations, and the genuine regard she could sense among the group. It was an amazing way to celebrate Ryan’s life. The planned memorial was over, but the kids didn’t want to leave.

  “We should be going,” Matt whispered in her ear.

  She moved forward at a slow pace with Matt’s hand on her elbow. There was an opening in t
he crowd. She made a quick move to the right and found herself staring at a familiar face. “He’s here.” She saw the man who had been in her store. He was talking with a group of men near the front door.

  “Who’s here, Jess, and where is he?” Matt kept up with her rapid pace.

  “Darn, he must have seen us. The whole group left. We need to get out of here quickly.” There were too many people near the door to go anywhere fast. Everyone seemed to have the same idea. By the time she made it outside, they were gone.

  Matt stopped her. “You never answered my question. Who did you see?”

  “The man who has been in my store, the one Misty Carlson gave us the picture of.” She frowned. “He was with a group of men near the door.”

  “Do you get a good look at any of them?” Matt folded his arms across his chest.

  “I tried, but I didn’t have a clear view of all their faces. He saw me and left as I started toward him.” Jessie jumped when Tom grabbed her arm.

  “Tell me before you take off like that again, would you?” Tom sounded breathless. “You left me behind, and I’m supposed to be watching him.” He poked Matt in the chest with his finger.

  “Sorry, Tom, we’re used to working as a team. I forgot I needed to include you.”

  Matt explained what Jessie had seen. “They were gone by the time we got outside.”

  “Damn, why didn’t you tell me? We could have gone out through the side door.” Tom raked his hand through his hair. “From now on the three of us work together. You got it?”

  “Aye, aye, Captain.” Jessie saluted Tom.

  “Take it easy, Tom. She’s not on the payroll, and I don’t want anything to mess up our working relationship. I’ll keep you in the loop, but don’t take it out on Jess.”

  Jessie patted Matt’s arm. “I’m fine.” She stopped listening to the argument brewing between Matt and Tom. Ryan Lucas was at his memorial service, and he was watching her. Their eyes locked on each other. He was aware that she could see him. The moment of recognition was electrifying as he moved around her. “We’ll get them,” she whispered. She rubbed her eyes not quite believing what else she saw. The image remained. Spellbound she watched, afraid to move lest she disturb the glorious light emanating from a creature moving in sync with Ryan, she couldn’t take her eyes off them. Beauty and peace flowed between them to her. Tears flowed down her cheeks. How could she explain what she was seeing to anyone? She couldn’t, and for now, she wouldn’t try. “Angels unaware are among us,” Sadie used to tell her when she had a bad dream. “They are here to watch over us even though we can’t see them.” But here she was all grown up and seeing one now.