Hell's Detective: Murder

by N. J. Bamford

  “Just waitin’ on the rolls,” the private detective answers, “It’ll be a minute. In the meantime, what would you guys like to drink? We have soda, coffee, tea, and juice.”

  “Water with ice is okay,” Richard replies, not certain if he should have caffeine in his stomach at the moment.

  “I’ll grab a soda,” John said as he opens the refrigerator, pulling out a can of soda before opening the freezer, “You can sit at the table, Richard. I’ll get you a glass of water.”

  “You don’t have to,” Richard smiles, “I can get it myself if you can tell me where the glasses are.”

  “It’s not a problem. You are the guest here, after all. I would be a bad host if I made you do everything.”

  “Alright,” the taller young man shrugs and sits down at the table, “Smells good.”

  “Thanks,” Jenne replies, turning off the stove and pulling out a tray from the oven, “I prefer a home-cooked meal over just throwing some processed meal into the microwave.”

  “Of course,” Ellisaüch adds teasingly, “It took Jenne years to perfect her cooking. Poor John. I lost count of how many times he spent hours in the bathroom after tasting her food. At one time, I was tempted to call 911, but unsure as to what to tell the paramedics upon arrival.”

  “Thanks a lot for painting that lovely image before we can eat,” Jenne states sarcastically, making everyone laugh, “Anyway, despite that little story, I assure you that my cooking is safe enough to eat.”

  She sets up four plates and places them on the table. Richard looks down to see grilled pork chops with boiled asparagus, mashed potatoes, and a dinner roll upon his plate. Jenne sits down and they begin to eat.

  “So Jenne,” John begins after taking a bite of his asparagus, “Did you finish that case you were working on last night?”

  “I did,” the elder Cordovo replies, “The neighbors were so impressed that they asked me to take on a few more cases for them and their friends. I was more than happy to accept, leaving the whole neighborhood happy.”

  “It sounds like you’ve been very busy with your business,” Richard comments, “Do you think you can handle it all?”

  “It’s not a problem. If I were still a police officer, I would have no choice in what cases I am assigned to and how many. I had been assigned to so many that it was hard to keep tract of them all, which almost led to a lot of mistakes. As a private detective, I can choose which cases to take and work each one at a time without the added pressure of finishing them in a timely manner.”

  “And yet,” Ellisaüch said teasingly, “you tend to take on many cases in a single day, regardless if it’s something as big as catching a thief or something as small as finding a child’s lost toy, charging only the basic fees. That’s how big your heart is.”

  “Better to be kind than greedy.”

  “As your secretary, I gotta make my living somehow.”

  “That’s because no one wants a talkative secretary, no matter how good you are.”

  All four of them share a laugh and continue with their dinner. Richard watches Jenne and Ellisaüch carefully while trying not to be obvious. What he had sensed earlier has left him on edge, despite John calm demeanor around his sister and her secretary. They appear to be normal humans, eating their dinner not too fast or too lightly. He couldn’t hear or smell what he had before, and he didn’t want to concentrate too hard and be noticed. He begins to relax a bit and finishes his pork chops, finding them to be very good and close to his mother’s cooking, yet not close enough. He reaches for his glass of water when he notices eyes upon him.

  “You’re very cute when you try to make it look like you’re not checking us out,” Ellisaüch said teasingly and flirtatiously, batting her eyes at the brown-haired young man.

  “Wha,” Richard stutters, checks tinting pink as shock fills him. How did she notice?

  “Ellie,” John exclaims, both angry and shock.

  “Will you stop flirting with every guy you meet,” Jenne scolds in frustration and anger, “For crying out loud, you’re embarrassing John.”

  “I was merely acknowledging his attraction towards us,” the young secretary blinks innocently, “Some young men prefer older women, and that’s hot.”

  “Just stop it before I kick you out.”

  “Then you won’t have your faithful secretary for a week. You couldn’t run this office for even five minutes before something goes wrong.”

  “I’m sorry about Ellie,” John whispers to his guest, looking ashamed as the two women argue, “I think it’s because she can’t get a date that she flirts with everyone.”

  “I think she needs to take it down a notch,” Richard whispers back, “By the way, are they always like this?”

  “Most of the time. They have been friends for years and they still argue over even stupid shit. They will be at it for awhile, so we might as well eat in my room and get to working on our notes.”

  “Good idea.”

  The two young men grab their plates and drinks and head into John’s bedroom, closing the door quietly behind them.

  “I can still flirt with whoever I want that shows me a little bit of attraction,” Ellisaüch defends, her chin held high, “I am an attractive women, after all.”

  “That’s not the point,” Jenne states, “Richard is underage and you could be put on the child stalker list for years, like that girl that sent nude pictures of herself to her crush in Wyoming. On top of that, he’s John’s first male friend and you embarrassed both of them during their first hang out together after school. What the hell?”

  “He’s cute.”

  “That’s not an excuse.”

  “Hey,” Ellisaüch looks around in order to change the subject, “They’re gone.”

  “See what you did? You only get one chance to make a good impression, and you blew it for the both of us.”

  “...What’s for dessert?”

  * * * *

  “Here’s my notebook from History,” John said as he hands Richard a green notebook, “My handwriting’s not the best, but it’s still readable.”

  “Thanks,” Richard replies as he opens the notebook with one hand, his fork in the other, “What the? They’re starting with the Louisiana Purchase? No wonder I’ve been confused for the last couple days. Isn’t this a bit late in American History?”

  “The teach thinks that the colonial part had been overly done and everyone knows it by now, and we should focus on how our country grew and matured rather than how it was born. His words, not mine.”

  “Grand. Right into the part I’m having difficulty with. Too much stuff happening in such a short period of time.”

  “A timeline helps out with determining each of the events. That’s how I learned when I was having difficulty years ago.”

  The two young men finish their dinner as Richard writes down what few notes John has in his notebook.

  “So,” Richard begins, giving back the shorter young man’s notebook and taking the next one, “how long has Jenne been a private detective?”

  “About... five years now. She was originally a detective in the police force shortly after she graduated the academy, one of the best. As she said, she would work for hours on many cases. Sometimes, she wouldn’t even come home and end up bunking at the station. Then her boss pissed her off and she quit. She wouldn’t go into details with me, no matter how much I prod, and the only explanation I got was just that an investigation went wrong and the boss made a wrong call.”

  “Sounds to me like she cracked the case and the boss trashed all her hard work,” the taller young man replies and opens up another notebook, “Geometry. That’s the one you’re having difficulty with, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Hmm... You keep mixing up the numbers and the symbols, not to mention that your triangles are a bit off. Is this suppose to be a left triangle or a right?”

  “Left,” John answers with a slight blush, “I’m sorry. I can’t draw good.”

&nb
sp; “How did you fair in algebra?”

  “Barely passed, thanks to Jenne. Unfortunately, she’s just as bad in geometry as I am, so I can’t ask her for help.”

  “They’re both similar in concept, except geometry uses shapes in their formulas. Anyway, what language are you taking this year?”

  “French.”

  “Damn. I got Spanish.”

  “Daisy is in Spanish this year. You can ask her for her notes.”

  “Heh. I think that’s it. I just need to work on my reading and I should be okay. The history part, though...”

  “We can meet up during study hall and I can help you with any part you’re having trouble with.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Let me take a look at your geometry notes again. Maybe I can try to clean them up a bit for you.”

  “Sure,” John hands Richard said notebook. The brown-haired young man writes on a few pages before handing it back.

  “How’s that?”

  “Wow,” the raven-haired young man exclaims softly as he looks at the pages, “Now this is starting to make sense.”

  “That’s good,” Richard replies before looking at his watch, “Crap. It’s this late? I gotta call me dad and get going before my mom has a fit.”

  “The phone’s in the kitchen if you need it,” John said as they gather their dishes and stand.

  “I got my cell. By the way, John...”

  “Hm?”

  “Have you ever... notice anything strange about... you sister and her friend?”

  “No,” John looks confused, “I know they seem weird at times with their dumb arguments, but that’s been the norm pretty much between them. They’re not like into drugs or any of that occult stuff, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  “Not at all,” Richard raises his hands in defense, “I just mean that... Never mind. I just forgot what I was going to say.”

  “... Okay.”

  “Let me call my dad. I’ll help you with the dishes.”

  “I could ask Jenne to give you a ride home if you like. Save your dad the trip.”

  “Nah. I don’t wanna be a bother.”

  “If you say so. I can get the dishes while you make the call.”

  John grabs the dishes as Richard grabs his cell phone and dials his father’s number. He heads into the kitchen to find Jenne washing the dishes, but Ellisaüch is not in sight.

  “Hey John,” Jenne greets, “Did you and Richard have enough to eat? If so, hand me your plates so I can wash them.”

  “Sure,” John replies and hands the dishes to her, “Hey, did Ellie leave already?”

  “She didn’t like the few choice words I had to say to her about her behavior and left in a huff. Expect her to be back tomorrow night for an apology and dinner.”

  “Typical.”

  “All set,” Richard said as he walks in, putting his cell phone away, “Thank you for dinner, Ms. Cordovo.”

  “Anytime. Once I’m done with the dishes, I will give you a ride home.”

  “That’s okay. My dad is on his way to pick me up. Thanks for the offer anyway.”

  “Would you like anything while you wait?”

  “No thanks. I’m good.”

  “I’m very sorry about my secretary’s behavior. I have no excuse for it.”

  “It’s okay,” Richard replies.

  Jenne finishes washing the dishes and dries her hands with a nearby dish towel. John turns on the small television and searches the channels for something to watch while Jenne begins cleaning the kitchen. A few minutes later, they hear a car horn outside the apartment.

  “That’s my dad,” Richard said as he sees the familiar car outside the window, “I’ll see you at school, John. It’s nice meeting you, Ms. Cordovo.”

  “Nice meeting you too Richard,” Jenne smiles brightly and watches both he and John leave the apartment. She finishes cleaning the kitchen changes the channel to the evening news, sitting down with a glass of water.

  “Police are in need of your help as another family had been murdered by the Single Family Serial Killer last night. The victims were found by a neighbor delivering newspapers this morning with multiple lacerations that led to the victims bleeding to death, matching the familiar pattern with the other victims in the last five months. No names have been released yet, and nearby relatives have been contacted for funeral preparations.

  “With this being the fifth victimized family, police are insisting that all citizens lock their doors and windows and be indoors at night until further notice. Any information that can assist police in the arrest of this heinous criminal or criminals, please call the number on the bottom of the screen to report anonymously.”

  The door opens and John reenters the kitchen with a sigh, sitting back at the table.

  “Richard seems very nice,” Jenne comments, “I’m glad that you found someone like him for a friend.”

  “Yeah, and he didn’t even mind Ellie’s flirting. By the way, why did she do that?”

  “Probably testing him. She didn’t even tell me when we were arguing. I’ll ask her again when I see her.”

  “Don’t get mad, but Richard asked me a strange question...”

  “Was it about why you live with me, or the one about why I quit the force?”

  “Neither. He wanted to know if I notice anything weird about you or Ellie. I told him nothing out of the usual. I tried to inquire more, but he told me not to worry about it.”

  “Probably was sent off by Ellisaüch’s flirting. I swear, she has no shame.

  “Hm... Say, John. When you saw Richard for the first time, what was your first impression of him?”

  “Well... I didn’t think much of him at first. When our eyes first met though, I felt this... strange sensation. Like lightning struck me or something like that.”

  “How long did the feeling last?”

  “I dunno. A minute? It was over before I could really think about it. Do you think it may have something to do with what happened tonight?”

  “Could be, but I don’t think we should come to any conclusions yet. This is only you r first meeting with him after school. I’m certain that after some time hanging out together, the both of you will look back and laugh.”

  “If you say so,” John replies, seeming to be satisfied with that answer as he returns to watching the television.

  ‘And besides,’ Jenne thought as she stares at her slightly clueless brother, ‘you both might realize that you have a lot more in common than you think.’

  * * * *

  The car ride back home is quiet. Richard didn’t find it all that odd that his father didn’t ask him about his time at John’s home, how dinner was, or even if John’s parents were there (of which, he did not know how to answer without asking John first.). No, Richard believes that his father can sense the same thing that he is sensing now, and it is not a good thing at the moment.

  It is the sensation of being watched.

  They arrive at their house and Tom parks the car, both of them slowly getting out. They walk slightly stiff to the front door of the house, trying not to show their stalker that they know about them being watched by him or her. Tom opens the door and Richard enters first, who looks back for a brief moment when he senses that the stalker has vanished before Tom enters and locks the door.

  “Is everything okay,” Samaria asks in concern, alarmed at her husband and son’s expressions of deep concentration and concern.

  “There’s no need to worry,” Tom replies, “The danger is gone for the moment.”

  “Danger?! What do you mean danger?! Who is after us?! What do we do?! I’m calling 911!”

  “Calm down Mom,” Richard tells her as she reaches for the phone, “We didn’t sense any intent to kill from it. It merely followed us before leaving.”

  “Calm down?! Have you’ve been watching the news?! There’s a serial killer on the loose!”

  “We know,” Tom takes her into his arms, “but this entity did not have the aura of death arou
nd it. We are safe.”

  “Still...” Samaria pulls away from her husband, “what was it curious about? I don’t like not knowing these things.”

  “We’ll tell you once we find our stalker and get the information from him. For now, I think we should be happy. Richard has made a new friend and he had dinner with his family tonight.”

  “Oh,” the middle-aged woman blinks in realization, giving Tom a look that clearly states ‘We will talk later’ before turning to her son, “How was it at John’s? Did you have a good time?”

  “I did. Ms. Cordovo is a good cook, despite her secretary’s attempts to gross me out.”

  “Gross you out?”

  “She as a thing for younger guys. Don’t worry. Ms. Cordovo told her off and she left before we finished dinner.”

  “I don’t know, Richard. If she tries again and Ms. Cordovo is not there...”

  “It’ll be fine. I’ll just go there when the secretary isn’t there if it makes you happy. Anyway, I got the study notes and I should be fine with school.”

  “That’s good, dear. I’m glad that you’ve made a good friend so quickly. Ms. Cordovo’s secretary, on the other hand, I think I’m going to have a word with her.”

  “Please don’t start anything.”

  “I’m your mother, and it is my right to protect you from such perverts of any age.”

  “I can take care of myself, Mom.”

  “Not against women you can’t, Son.”

  “Now now,” Tom intervenes, “We just got home. I’m pretty certain that Richard is tired and coming home to an argument is the last thing he needs. It is a school night, after all.”

  “... You’re right. It’s getting late and you need to get ready for bed, Richard. We will discuss this tomorrow after school.”

  “Yes Mom,” the younger Patrick agrees sarcastically and heads to his room.

  “And you,” Samaria turns to her husband once Richard was out of earshot, “Do not tell me there is danger and brush it off like it’s nothing! You’re teaching our son a dangerous habit!”

  “Yes dear,” Tom sulks, knowing better than to argue with his wife. The last time he did, he ended up sleeping on the couch for a week.