Rougarou II

by Judith Ann McDowell

  “You’ve helped more than you know.” Jack grasped the other man’s hand in a strong grip.

  “The evidence is mountin’, Donavan.” Jack pulled the car door closed. “He had ample time to do this killin’.”

  “Stalls has a point about Hindel maybe getting to another girl. But without more evidence we can’t do anything to stop him right now.”

  Donavan reached into his shirt pocket for his cigarettes and was surprised to find a folded piece of paper. “What the hell is this?” He pulled the paper from his pocket, straightened it out.

  “What is it a to-do list?” Jack shook a cigarette from the pack Donavan had laid on the seat.

  “No. Now I know why that waitress ran her hand over my chest. She was dropping this sheet of paper into my pocket.”

  “What did she write?” Jack reached for the slip of paper.

  “She says she overheard something the night of the murder that we would be interested in hearing.” He let the paper drop from his fingers into Jack’s.

  “This is a brave woman to sign her name and give us her number.” Jack looked over at Donavan. “She says to call her after midnight.”

  “I hope she not only heard something, but saw Hindel coming or going.”

  “That feelin’ I had about him stackin’ up bodies?”

  “Yeah?”

  “It just got stronger.”

  ***

  When they pulled up in front of the small diner around the corner from the Gentleman’s Elite Club, Donavan looked around. “I hope they keep their health insurance up. It looks like a person could get botulism in here real easy.”

  “Then we better stick with coffee.”

  They walked through the door, tried to see into the semi-darkness.

  “If she’s here I sure can’t see her. It’s so damn dark in here I don’t know how people can see what the hell they’re eating.”

  That’s the idea,” Jack laughed.

  “Okay, she’s in the back. Donavan walked down the aisle until he stood beside the booth. “Hazel?”

  The plump woman with bleached hair, who had waited on them at the club earlier, looked up and nodded.

  Donavan and Jack slipped into the booth across from her.

  “Detective Hays and Olivier’,” Donavan told her.

  Jack reached out to take the hand she held out to them. “You’re a very brave woman to do what you’re doin’.”

  “Don’t drop any bows, I have an ulterior motive.” She picked at the sweet roll setting in front of her.

  “All right and what might that be?” Donavan asked.

  “For what I’m about to tell you I want enough money to get the hell outta here.” She grew silent as a waitress walked up to the table.

  “Okay what’ll it be?” The young woman glanced at the two men.

  “I don’t know. What’s safe?” Jack winked at her.

  The young woman laughed emitting loud snorts. “I’d stick to the coffee. Made it myself, so I know it ain’t fucked up.”

  “Bring two cups, please. Black.” Donavan glanced at her, waiting for her to leave.

  A sour look crossed her face as she walked away.

  “All right, Hazel, you were saying.”

  “I said I need money to get outta here. I can tell you who killed Rolonda, but if I have to stick around here I can end up just like her.” Her hand trembled as she picked up her cup of coffee. “I ain’t willin’ to take that chance unless I can be sure I will be long gone before he knows I fingered him.”

  “How much do you need?” Donavan asked.

  “I think I can make it on $500.00.”

  “All right. If what you have to tell me will help us identify her killer, then I’ll give you the money. Fair enough?”

  “When will I get the money? There’s a bus leavin’ out of here tonight. I want to be on it.”

  “You give us the man we’re lookin’ for, Hazel and you have our word, we’ll not only give you the money, we’ll drive you to the bus station,” Jack told her.

  She gave him a brief nod as the waitress set two cups of coffee on the table.

  “Let’s hear what you got, Hazel.” Donavan said placing a small cassette recorder in front of her. “Verify you give this statement freely, give your name and the location where you saw what happened.”

  “My name is Hazel Hopkins and what I am about to say, is given of my own free will.

  “Now let’s hear what you saw, Hazel.”

  “It had to be close to seven pm, May 8, 2010 when I was cleanin’ one of the rooms upstairs in the Gentleman’s Elite Club. I stopped cleanin’ ‘cause I heard a noise comin’ from the room next door. At first I didn’t pay it no mind, ‘cause I know Rolonda has that room and she’s into a lotta rough stuff with her customers.” She shot a quick look to Donavan. “Maybe we can delete that part `bout her havin’ customers.”

  “It’s fine the way it is, Hazel. We already know what goes on in the club.”

  After a moment she continued. “I really started listenin’ when I heard a dull thud then Rolanda scream for someone to help her. I thought about runnin’ downstairs to get someone, but then I thought if I go out of the room he might hear and come after me. I shoulda gone to get help. Poor Rolanda. I saw her when the paramedics came to take her to the hospital. It was just awful what he did to her, Detectives. I mean she didn’t even look human.”

  “We know. We saw her at the morgue. Then what happened?”

  “Nothin’ happened. I guess he left, because I heard the door open and close and I was prayin’ to God he didn’t come after me.”

  “Then all you got to offer is what you heard during the murder?”

  “Ain’t that enough?” She gazed at him through her tears.

  “I don’t mean to make light of your testimony, but I was in hopes you saw who killed her.” Donavan reached for the recorder to shut it off.

  “But, I did see who killed her.”

  “You already told us you never left the room. If you never left the room how could you see who did the killin’?” Jack’s voice held the frustration he felt at being led to a dead end.

  Donavan laid a twenty-dollar bill on the table. “Thanks for your help, Hazel.” He started to pick up the recorder, but she reached out pushing his hand away.

  “I didn’t want to tell you about it, but I did see who did the killin’.”

  Donavan left the recorder on the table. “Then let’s hear it.”

  “I want you both to know I don’t make a habit of doin’ this.” She pulled some napkins from the holder, blew her nose. “The room I was cleanin’ is the voyeur room.”

  “The what?” Jack spoke up.

  “Voyeur room,” Donavan told him, the tone of his voice warning Jack to stop asking questions.

  “Behind one of the pictures, in the room, is a one-way mirror. It’s for the men who like to watch what’s goin’ on in the next room. You can see what’s goin’ on, but the people in the room can’t see you. I removed the picture and that’s when I saw him.”

  “You did see who killed her!” Jack was excited now. “Can you describe him?”

  “Oh yes. A tall man, in his early to late fifties,” she tapped her fingers against her temples, “dark hair with gray right here. Oh and he had on all dark clothing.”

  “Well, Hazel, I think you have given us one hell of a statement. I’m sorry about doubting you earlier,” Donavan told her.

  “Yeah, me too. And I can understand why you wouldn’t want to stand up in court and face him. Although it would sure strengthen our case against him if you did. But bein’ the evil son of a bitch that he is I can understand your not wanting him to know who you are.”

  “He already knows who I am. That’s why I want to get far away from here.”

  “What do you mean he knows who you are? I thought the people being viewed couldn’t see who watched them,” Donavan spoke up.

  “I thought so, too. But when I was watchin’? He turned and looked st
raight at me.”

  “He coulda just had a feelin’ somebody watched him.” Jack tried to allay her fears.

  “No, he knew I watched him, ‘cause when he looked at me, he laughed, as though he enjoyed the fact I saw what he did.”

  Donavan laid four one-hundred dollar bills and four twenties on the table in front of her. “Thank you, Hazel. I wish I could give you more because you sure as hell earned it.”

  “You get me to the bus station and I’ll be satisfied. I know you both have to think me a real coward for wanting to run like this, but I can’t help it. The look in his eyes, when he turned to stare at me, is somethin’ I know I will be seein’ in my dreams for a long time to come.”

  “You’re wrong, Hazel, we don’t think you’re a coward. In fact, now that you told us he knows who you are, if you hadn’t decided it would be in your best interest to leave, I would have suggested it.”

  “After what he did to Rolanda you wouldn’t have to do much talkin’. He’s a real monster.”

  “Hazel,” Jack turned to her, “you don’t know how right you are.”

  Chapter Twenty Eight

  Seelah lay down on the sofa and tried to relax. She felt restless and didn’t know why. It felt like something foreboding waited.

  “Do you feel like some lunch?” Barbara asked coming into the room.

  “Not really.”

  “What’s wrong? You been acting moody all morning.”

  “I don’t know, Barb. I know something is about to happen, but I can’t see it.”

  “Is it something bad?” Barbara sat down on the hassock in front of the couch.

  “I think it is. If I could just zero in on it! I don’t understand why I can’t.”

  “I have an idea, why don’t we go out and sit on the patio? I’ll bring out the hassock so you can put your feet up. Maybe a little fresh air will make you feel better.”

  “You could be right.”

  Seated in one of the patio chairs with her feet propped up she had to admit she did feel a little more fit. A little, but not much. The feeling she had that something waited to happen still lingered.

  “Now that I have you all settled, I’ll go get us some cold lemonade.”

  Seelah closed her eyes relishing the slight breeze blowing across her face.

  “Seelah.”

  She opened her eyes to see Chandra seated in one of the chairs. “Chandra, what a pleasant surprise.” When Chandra did not return her smile, her unease grew stronger. “Tell me what is going on, Chandra. All morning I have felt something bad is about to happen, but so far I’ve been unable to see what it is.”

  “I thought it best to be here with you before you realize what is going on.”

  “Oh my god, something is going to happen to Jack. You have to stop it, Chandra! You have to!” Her breath came in sharp gasps.

  “Calm down, Seelah. This isn’t good for Jack’s son!”

  Seelah refused to be coddled. “I trusted you to protect him.”

  “It isn’t Jack!” Chandra raised her voice to be heard over Seelah’s hysterics. “Seelah, it isn’t Jack.”

  Seelah wiped her face on the hem of her smock. “Then who?” Her voice still held her frustration.

  “Seelah, what in the world is going on out here? I could hear you yelling all the way inside.” Barbara looked around to be sure no one lurked around the patio. “Who are you upset with?”

  As though she had not spoken Seelah continued to focus her attention on Chandra. “I asked you a question, Chandra. Who is it that is in danger?”

  “Danger? Oh my god.” Barbara went to Seelah and pulled her into her arms.

  Seelah jerked away. “Please, leave me alone right now, Barbara. I need to know who Chandra says is in danger.”

  Stunned, Barbara released her moving away.

  “Jonathan Hindel is returning to this plane,” Chandra said the words in a straightforward voice.

  “Why is Jonathan returning to this plane?”

  “Oh for goodness sake!” Barbara laughed a nervous laugh. “You had me scared for a moment, Seelah. Jonathan is in hell. We don’t need to worry about him anymore.”

  “Please be quiet, Barbara. Jonathan Hindel is still a formidable enemy. Chandra,” she turned to look at her, “I would appreciate your answering my question. Who is in danger from Jonathan?

  “Rafael Hindel informed me Jonathan is returning to this plane to be reborn.”

  “All right and how does he plan to do this? In order to be reborn he must first choose an infant whose soul he will trade for his own.” Seelah’s feet hit the floor. “What are you saying, Chandra? Whose child has he chosen to replace?”

  “Your child, Seelah.”

  The scream started low in her belly gaining strength as it pushed its way out into the silence.

  “What is going on? I don’t understand any of this!” Barbara whirled. “God damn it, Chandra, what did you tell her?”

  “She said Jonathan is going to exchange my son’s soul with his!” Seelah fell into a fit of weeping.

  “Oh bullshit he can’t do that, Seelah.”

  Silently Seelah shook her head up and down, unable to form the words.

  “That does it! I’m going to go call Donavan and Jack. If you keep behaving like this you’re going to give birth to this baby right here!”

  Chandra stood, then walked behind Seelah. She spread a white light intermingled with green all around her. “You must calm down, Seelah.” Her voice flowed over the woman still in the grips of her terror.

  “Donavan and Jack are on their way,” Barbara said, coming back to stand beside her. “In the meantime you need to try and relax.

  Under Chandra’s healing hands, Seelah felt a calmness travel upward throughout her body to pull the fear deep inside. “Thank you, Chandra, I feel better now. Barb,” she glanced over at the woman standing beside her, “what did Jack say when you talked to him?”

  “I didn’t talk to Jack, I talked to Donavan. I told him he and Jack needed to get home right now. I hung up before they could ask any questions.”

  “Jack needs to know about the evil coming for his son,” Chandra whispered.

  “Yes, I will tell Jack what is going on.” Her voice sounded very calm and sleepy and her words sounded a bit slurred.

  “I still don’t understand all this. If Jonathan Hindel is dead why are we worrying about him? He can’t hurt you.” Barbara paced back and forth as she watched for Donavan and Jack.

  “Barb, will you put my legs back up on the hassock, please? I can’t seem to do it myself.”

  “I swear, if I didn’t know better I’d say, from the sound of your voice, you’re blitzed. Did you hypnotize yourself?”

  “Chandra has placed me in a slight trance. She knows I need to stay calm for the baby.”

  “And she’s right.” Barbara turned as she heard the breaks on the jeep screech to a stop in the driveway. “Thank god!”

  As soon as Donavan turned off the engine Jack bolted from the jeep to race across the lawn. “What is it, Baby? Are you in labor?” He dropped to his knees in front of her to gather her into his arms.

  Seelah fought her way free of his constricting embrace.

  “I’m not in labor, Jack,” her voice held a slight slur as she answered him.

  “What the hell?” He drew back to stare at her. “Have you been drinkin’! You know better than to drink when you’re pregnant!”

  “She hasn’t been drinking, Jack,” Barbara told him, as Donavan slipped his arm around her waist. “Chandra put her in a trance to calm her.”

  Jack stood up. “What in the hell is goin’ on here? We busted our asses to get here, not to mention takin’ off early from work, thinkin’ you’d gone into labor. Now all I’m hearin’ is Chandra put you in a trance?”

  “If you’d been here a few moments ago you would have seen why she needed to be in a trance. Chandra had her so upset I thought Seelah might give birth right here.”

  “Chandra is n
ot to blame for my being upset. She had to tell me what Jonathan Hindel is planning.”

  “What the hell does Jonathan Hindel have to do with any of this?”

  “I think you better sit down, Jack,” Seelah told him. “What I am about to tell you is going to upset you very much.”

  “Seelah, I don’t need to sit down. Just tell me!”

  “Chandra told me that Jonathan Hindel is planning on coming back to this plane. In order for him to do this he will first have to be reborn into a new body.”

  “So what’s the problem? He’ll come back, get born and have to grow up again.” He chuckled, feeling some of the fear slide from his shoulders. “Sounds to me like we gotta lotta years `fore he can stir up any real shit.”

  “You’re wrong, Jack.” Seelah rubbed the hem of her smock across her eyes.

  “Run in the house and grab her some tissues,” Donavan whispered to Barbara.

  “Okay, and just how am I wrong, Seelah?”

  “In order for Jonathan to be reborn, he first has to find a woman who is about to give birth.”

  Jack felt the fear slip back over him. “And then what?”

  “Then he will replace his soul with the soul of the child she is carrying.” Despite her trance-like state, Seelah dropped her face in her hands.

  “Are you tellin’ me Jonathan Hindel plans to exchange our son’s soul with his own?” When Seelah nodded, he felt his surroundings tilt and he slid to his knees.

  Donavan watched them try to hold onto their world and he felt his anger explode. “That evil piece of piss! Why can’t he stay in hell where he belongs?”

  Barbara hurried out of the house with the box of tissues just as Donavan let loose on his anger. “Donavan, I think we should handle this inside. The neighbors have had enough of a show for one morning.” She nodded across the street.

  Donavan looked around to see an elderly woman, hosing off her driveway and gazing their way. “The show’s over for now, Ms. Phelps. You can go on about your business.” He waved to her.

  In a huff, she whirled to stomp back up the driveway.

  “Donavan,” Barbara chastised him, “she’s the biggest gossip in the neighborhood.”

  “Screw her!” Donavan walked over to Jack and placing his hand beneath his arm, lifted him to his feet. “I think we need to get out of the line of nosey neighbors. I’ll bring Seelah.” Donavan leaned down and with no problem hefted the small woman into his arms.