Night Kill (Private Investigator Andrew Knight Mystery Series)

by RL Edinger

  “I cannot comment on the DNA evidence. And you are here to tell me about professional courtesy?” Talia retorted. This time there was no mistaking her disdain for him. Talia opened her top desk drawer and plopped a manila folder on top of the desk pad. She put on her reading glasses and began, “Andrew Phillip Knight. Born in Bayport, attended the Bayport, school system. Graduated from Washington High School and went on to attend Mount Richmond Community College.” Talia paused to take a drink and draw a quick breath. She continued reading, “Graduated with honors and law degree. Instead of going into law practice, joined the Preston Detective agency instead as an investigator. You graduated with a degree in private investigation, an expert in all types of weapons, multilingual, and efficient at several forms of martial arts. Your success rate in solving the cases you work on are well, quite phenomenal.” Talia closed the folder and put her glasses down. The look on her face concerned Andrew greatly. He was not ready for her next barrage.

  “So tell me Mister Knight, where were you when the Higgins family was attacked?” Talia began her unexpected interrogation.

  “What!?” Andrew was taken aback.

  “You’re trained in martial arts; you’re efficient with all types of weapons. One of the types used was throwing stars. And according to my information throwing stars is sometimes your weapon of choice,” Talia started ticking off each item she listed on her fingers. “Did someone hire you to eliminate the Higgins family?”

  “I’m not going to dignify that with an answer,” Andrew growled back.

  “I’ll be honest with you Mister Knight,” Talia said leaning forward, placing her folded arms on the desk. “I have never liked private investigators. I feel you and your fellow colleagues tarnish the work we law enforcement professionals do.” She unfolded her arms and pointed a warning finger at Andrew, “If you go anywhere near the crime scene I will have you arrested for obstruction, tainting an ongoing crime scene, and any other charge I can come up with! Do I make myself clear?”

  “Perfectly,” Andrew said as he rose from the chair. Andrew walked up to the door, opened it, and before leaving, said, “I thought you would be professional enough to work together on this case. But apparently I was wrong.”

  “Good day, Mister Knight,” Talia’s voice was icy towards him.

  “Good day, Sheriff.” Andrew answered and slammed the door shut.

  As soon as Andrew left, Sheriff Delsmann got on the phone and placed a call, “This is Sheriff Delsmann. I want you to double up the security at the Higgins house.” She paused as the person on the other end must have questioned her decision. Talia continued, “Because I believe that a private investigator by the name of Andrew Knight will try and get a look at the crime scene. If the deputies see any sign him, Knight is to be arrested immediately.” Talia hung up the phone. She was very upset and slammed her fists on the desk. Talia had a feeling that Andrew Knight was going to be a problem.

  Andrew walked briskly to the elevators. He was not in a very good mood. Andrew pressed the button for the elevator. With each passing second he had to wait, Andrew was becoming more pissed off. He was not use to this kind of treatment from the authorities. For some reason Sheriff Delsmann had it in for him even before he could make a good impression. The other thing that really pissed him off was that she had the guts to accuse him of murdering the Higgins family!

  When the elevator finally arrived, Andrew stepped inside and waited for the doors to close. He was about to press the lobby button, but stopped and glanced down at his visitor pass. Andrew smirked and instead pressed the basement button. The reason he did, was that all the files from every case the department worked on or currently was working on, were stored down there.

  The elevator doors had barely opened, when Andrew jumped out and hastily walked to the records department. When he opened the door, Andrew saw a friend of his sitting at the main desk.

  Darcy looked up when the door opened. It was Andrew Knight. Darcy had always had a crush on him since the first day she met him. She straightened her uniform top and smiled as Andrew approached.

  “Hey Darcy,” Andrew smiled sitting down on the edge of her desk.

  “Hi Andrew,” Darcy answered. “So what can I do for you?”

  “Listen Darcy,” Andrew leaned closer. Darcy thought he had the nicest looking green eyes. “I’m working on a case and I need to get a look at the information from the Higgins investigation.”

  “I’m sorry Andrew,” Darcy pulled back. “We have orders from the Sheriff not to share any of that information with you.” Andrew walked around to Darcy’s side of the desk. He pulled her and the chair away from the desk and swung Darcy to face him. Andrew got down on one knee and leaned in closer. Darcy’s face flushed and her heart started beating a bit faster.

  “The woman I’m working for asked me to find her son,” Andrew explained and peered directly into Darcy’s blue eyes. “I need those reports to help me understand what happened at the Higgins house and provide me with a start on this case.” Andrew drew his face and body even closer to Darcy. He knew she had a crush on him and he was going to use every tool available to him to get the job done. Even if that meant he had to flirt with Darcy to get his way.

  “But,” Darcy protested.

  “Please,” Andrew begged with sad eyes.

  “Alright,” Darcy finally gave in. She surprised them both when she gave Andrew a sudden kiss on the lips. Darcy’s face turned red again, and she pushed her chair away and back to the desk. Andrew rose to his feet, his face was red too. Darcy logged into the file with the information from the Higgins investigation. Soon she had the files up and pressed the key to send them to the printer.

  Sheriff Delsmann had just finished logging off her computer. When she stood up to leave, Sheriff Delsmann saw that Andrew’s car was still there.

  “Damn it,” Talia cursed. She went to her desk and picked up the phone. “This is Sheriff Delsmann,” Talia said. “I want you to get down to the records department immediately.” She stopped to listen to the person on the other end. She continued, “Andrew Knight is still in the building and I think he is down there trying to get information on the Higgins case. Stop him at all costs. He is not to leave the building!” Talia slammed down the receiver. She knew Andrew was going to be a thorn in her side, just like all the other private investigators she had dealt with before. No regards to the law. Talia opened the right bottom desk drawer and took out her clip on holster with service weapon. She clipped it to her belt and rushed out the door. Talia wanted to be the one to see the surprised look on Andrew’s face when he was arrested for tampering with an ongoing investigation.

  Darcy went to the printer and gathered all of the papers she had printed for Andrew. She returned to her desk and put them in a large manila envelope. Andrew thanked Darcy with a hug. Darcy held onto him a bit longer, drinking in his scent. She let go. Andrew opened the outer door and was just about to step into the hallway when he saw the elevator doors open. It was Sheriff Delsmann and several deputies. Fortunately, he ducked back in the records room before they saw him.

  “We have company,” Andrew looked at Darcy.

  “I’ll get fired,” Darcy complained.

  “Don’t worry,” Andrew reassured.

  “There is a fire exit,” Darcy suggested.

  “You have a key, don’t you?” Andrew asked.

  “Yes,” Darcy remembered. “I can unlock this door.”

  Darcy used a key to unlock the door and then opened it. Andrew peered inside the unlit stairwell.

  Sheriff Delsmann and the deputies with her, burst into the room. The deputies immediately secured the room while at the same time, Talia walked up to Darcy, whom was sitting at her station.

  “Where is he?” Talia barked accusingly at Darcy.

  “What are you talking about?” Darcy replied when she looked up calmly from her computer screen. “I’m alone.” Talia wasn’t convinced.

  “If we find Andrew Knight anywhere in here,”
Talia said sternly. “You will be fired.”

  Talia surveyed the room. The only way out was the emergency door, but the alarm hadn’t sounded. “Did you unlock the door for him?” Talia further accused.

  “Like I said Sheriff,” Darcy answered. “I am alone.”

  Talia walked over and used her key to turn off the alarm and open the door. She looked over to the two deputies. “Watch her.”

  Talia left the door open to provide enough light to see by as she started up the stairs. But the further she ascended, the less the light helped. Talia used the handrail as her guide in the total darkness. Eventually, Talia got to the door. With both hands, she opened it.

  The bright sunshine blinded Talia when she stepped onto the roof. She was blinded for a few minutes as she had turned away from the open doorway. When Talia opened her eyes again; she drew her weapon and approached the open door. She stepped inside. Talia searched the stairwell from top to bottom. There was no sign of Andrew anywhere to be seen. Could he have been hiding in the dark? If he was, she didn’t hear his breathing.

  Talia called down for the two deputies to join her to search the roof. They joined her immediately. All three started to search the roof. Talia and the two deputies checked out every possible hiding place and finally found themselves standing at the short block wall that framed the entire roof. A short distance away was an access ladder. Talia rushed over and climbed up the first few steps. She peered over the edge to see if the emergency ladder had been deployed; it had not! Talia could see the street in front of the station. Andrew’s car was still there. Talia scanned the length of the street, searching the shops and Marettti’s deli store fronts. She saw Andrew come out of the deli carrying what she assumed to be a doggie bag. It appeared that all this time, Andrew had been in the deli having a meal. Talia cursed and climbed back down on the surface of the roof. She put away her weapon, and with a look of disappointment etched on her face, entered the stairwell and closed the door behind her.

  Andrew had just come out of Marettti’s deli. He looked up and saw Sheriff Delsmann peering down at him. He wondered if she was trying to figure out how he did it. Andrew turned and smiled at Rachel, who was behind the deli counter. It was nice to have friends in all kinds of places. Andrew waved at her, and she did the same in return. Andrew had scored one against Sheriff Delsmann, but he wasn’t finished with her yet. The next place he had to search was the Higgins crime scene. Andrew drove off with thoughts of which friend’s help he would need next.

  Talia and her deputies returned to the records area.

  She walked up to Darcy and roughly grabbed her by the arm. Talia forced Darcy into the chair by the desk.

  “What did you give him?” Talia’s said through clenched teeth. “You need to tell me, now!”

  “I gave him nothing,” Darcy defended.

  “I know you did.” Talia pointed an accusing finger at her. “Either you tell, or spend some time in a cell.” Talia motioned for the deputies with her to place Darcy in custody. They hesitated at first, but when Talia glared at them, they did as requested. Darcy still proclaimed her innocence as she was led away.

  Chapter 3

  The red AC Cobra came to a screeching halt in the circular driveway. Andrew jumped out and bolted inside the house with his ill-gotten gains. He slammed the door closed behind him and flew upstairs to his office.

  Andrew removed the manila envelope from his overcoat. Andrew hung up his coat and sat down at his desk. He immediately opened the manila envelope and removed the report. Andrew started with the father, Jonathan Higgins. He was found dead outside in the front yard. He died from multiple slash and stab wounds. Jonathan had a successful web-based business based on the vampirism culture. Andrew read that Jonathan’s business grossed nearly one million dollars last year. Next was Natasha Higgins. She died as a result of severe trauma to the lungs and heart from being struck with two wooden arrows. Natasha had her own catering business with mostly clients that were also involved with vampirism. Peter Higgins, their son, died as a result of an arrow to the heart. He was attending Washington High School in Bayport. He was in his senior year. He was a straight ‘A’ student and on the honor roll. The report mentioned that he had a girlfriend by the name of Ashley Matthias. According to the report, they were so far, unable to locate Ashley for questioning. Peter was found lying a few feet from his father.

  Andrew pulled the page about Storm Higgins. Storm also attended Washington High School and was in her sophomore year. She was also an honor roll student. The report indicated that her boyfriend, Wyatt Collins, was considered a person of great interest. Again, it stated that they could not locate him. Andrew read about Storm. He couldn’t imagine the strength and courage she must have had to crawl from her room to the outside. The report stated that Storm had been shot in the back with a single arrow. Andrew put the report aside for a moment. The doorbell announced an unexpected visitor. Andrew gathered up all the papers of the report and put them back in the envelope. He stood up from his desk and walked over to the bookcase. The doorbell chimed again. His surprise visitor was growing impatient. Andrew hid the envelope and left to answer the door.

  Andrew opened the front door and saw Sheriff Delsmann standing there. She appeared more relaxed and happier now, as opposed to her hostility earlier today. Andrew suspected she was up to something and that it had to do with the stolen report.

  “What do I owe the pleasure?” Andrew smiled.

  “I would like the chance to apologize for my earlier behavior,” Talia smiled back.

  “Would you like to come in?” Andrew gestured towards the inside of the house.

  “Yes, please,” Talia replied, still smiling. Andrew did not trust her.

  Andrew closed the front door and escorted Talia to the family room. Talia took a seat in one of the chairs by the fireplace. Andrew sat down on the sofa.

  “You said something about apologizing?” Andrew repeated.

  “Yes,” Talia said, clearing her throat. “It was very unprofessional of me to berate you like that, especially not knowing what kind of private detective you are.” Talia paused. Andrew could see that she was choosing her words very carefully this time. “Sometimes I’m quick to judge people, so I apologize.”

  “Apology accepted,” Andrew said, smiling. “Do you have some time for coffee?”

  “Yes, that would be nice,” Talia seemed to force a smile Andrew thought. “But first may I use the bathroom?”

  “It’s up the stairs and the first door on the right,” Andrew said. He left to go to make coffee while Talia went upstairs to use the bathroom.

  Talia stopped in front of the bathroom door. She stood there for a minute listening and then she continued down the hallway. Talia was glad Andrew fell for her little rouse about wanting to apologize to him. There was no way she trusted Andrew. She suspected that he did in fact get a copy of the investigation. The question that was foremost on Talia’s mind was where Andrew would hide the report. Talia opened the door to the library and stepped inside.

  Andrew was in the kitchen getting the coffee maker ready. Once he had put in the filter and coffee grounds, Andrew poured in the water. He put the coffee pot in place and turned on the switch. Andrew walked over to the doorway and bent his head to listen. He knew that Talia didn’t suddenly feel guilty about trashing him earlier today. She was here to find out if he had a copy of the investigation, and to find out where Andrew had hidden it. He had to decide how much time he would give Talia before coming to get her.

  Talia found nothing in the library other than lots of books. She continued onto Andrew’s office. Talia grasped hold of the doorknob and gave it a twist. She opened the door and went inside. There were some tall bookshelves on one wall, a nicely polished wooden desk and a large draped window. “Oh great, more books,” Talia groaned. She quickly began her search.

  Andrew decided it was enough time. He loaded the serving tray with the coffee carafe, two cups, and cream and sugar. Andrew carried the tr
ay in the family room. He set it down on the coffee table. He went to find Talia.

  Talia had searched through all the books tall enough to hide the report. She found nothing. Talia was seated at Andrew’s desk. She tried the desk drawers, but they were all locked. She looked at her watch. Twenty minutes had gone by; too much time! Talia bolted out of the chair and immediately left the office. Once in the hallway, Talia now crept at a slower pace. She was now at the bathroom door.

  Andrew walked up the stairs and that’s when he saw Talia exiting the bathroom. She smiled at him.

  “Are you feeling okay,” Andrew asked, concerned.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” Talia assured him. “I was just admiring your bathroom.”

  “Coffee is ready,” Andrew said gesturing towards the family room down stairs.

  They walked together back to the family room.

  Talia along with Andrew retook their seats. Andrew poured them each a coffee.

  “Just sugar,” Talia said.

  “Okay,” Andrew answered. He put sugar in her coffee and handed it to her. Talia took a sip. It was perfect. Andrew fixed his own beverage and settled back against the cushioned sofa.

  “So what is the real reason for your visit?” Andrew asked.

  “W-What do you mean?” Talia stuttered a bit.

  “It is to apologize for trashing me earlier?” Andrew continued.

  “Yes, I do apologize for the way I jumped on you,” Talia offered an apology.

  “Then let’s start over,” Andrew smiled.

  “Let’s,” Talia smiled as well.

  “Do you like living in Bayport?” Andrew began.

  “Its quite different from Chicago,” Talia laughed. “It’s more laid back, quieter. Although I do miss the night life, you know like the blues clubs.”

  “There’s a club down on Water Street called “The Elbow Room,” Andrew said. “It’s very much comparable to the clubs in Chicago. As a matter of fact the owner, Harlow Grant, is originally from Chicago.”