Night Kill (Private Investigator Andrew Knight Mystery Series)

by RL Edinger

  “So are you originally from Bayport?” Talia asked.

  “My family is not originally from Bayport,” Andrew answered. “My great-great grandparents moved here in the 1800’s from New York.”

  “Say it’s getting late.” Talia glanced at her watch. “I better get going.”

  “I’m glad you stopped by,” Andrew put his cup down and stood up. “I’ll walk you to the door.” Talia handed Andrew her empty cup, which he put next to his. They walked together to the front door.

  “I’m glad we had a chance to patch things up,” Talia said. Andrew opened the door.

  “Me too.” Andrew smiled at her.

  “We’ll have to do this again,” Talia said.

  “Yes, we should,” Andrew answered.

  They finished their good byes and Talia left.

  Andrew closed the door and went back to the family room. He started to clean up, when the door bell rang. Andrew put down the serving tray and went to answer the door. When Andrew opened the door, no one was there! He scanned the area with discerning eyes, but there were no movements in the surrounding bushes and trees. How strange he thought. Andrew quickly closed the door and went back to cleaning up.

  Talia was on her way back to the department. She took out her phone and placed a call. After several rings, the person picked up.

  “This is Sheriff Delsmann,” she spoke insensitively. “Make sure no one; especially Andrew Knight gets a look at the crime scene. Talia listened, and then spoke, “Yes, at all costs.” She pressed the end button. Talia thought back to her little chat with Andrew. He was all pleasant and very nice to her, but she suspected that Andrew was playing her for a fool. Andrew Knight was a lot smarter than he was letting on. But now Talia was on to his little psychological games. She already anticipated his next move. For Andrew that would be to get a look at the crime scene so that he could compare it with the information in the stolen files. After that, logically, Andrew would try and see Storm Higgins at the hospital. Unfortunately for Andrew, the only thing he would find at both the crime scene and hospital would be more security. One way or another, Talia would have Andrew Knight’s head on a platter; guaranteed! Talia smirked at her own cleverness as she swung her car into the parking space at the department. Before getting out she said aloud, “Andrew Knight, you’re investigating days are over.”

  The sun was slowly giving way to the night sky. Soon it would be dark. Deputy Nash was sitting inside his nice warm squad at the end of the long, winding driveway. At least he had the easy job while guarding the Higgins crime scene. The other two deputies on duty had to patrol the property. Sheriff Delsmann had given them orders to stop Andrew at all costs from getting a look at the crime scene. Deputy Nash and the other deputies actually liked Andrew, so did the rest of the staff. But for some reason Sheriff Delsmann didn’t, and since she was the boss they had to follow her orders.

  A tan subcompact sputtered its way up the driveway and came to a stop in front of the squad. Deputy Nash got out just as the lone occupant of the car did the same. It was an older man with a priest’s collar and suit.

  “Excuse me my son,” Father Michael said. “I’m looking for 8275 County Highway T.”

  “Well Father,” Deputy Nash said pointing back to the main road, “When you get to the end of the driveway, take a left and go about two miles. Turn left, that’s County Highway T, and you should find it.”

  “Thank you,” Father Michael said. He looked around at the crime scene tape and barricades blocking the driveway. He asked, “Is this the Higgins home?”

  “Yes Father,” Deputy Nash replied. “It is still an active crime scene and we’re guarding it to make sure no one gets inside.”

  “I see,” Father Michael nodded.

  “It’ll be dark soon,” Deputy Nash said. “You had better get going Father.”

  Andrew crouched down behind a large maple tree. He was wearing winter camouflage. He observed Father Michael talking to the deputy whom was guarding the driveway. A satisfying smile slowly spread across his face. Andrew slipped into the woods surrounding the Higgins house.

  Deputy Brown was patrolling the eastern parameter of the property. He stopped to survey the area. With the dense woods and the fading sun, it was hard to see anything further than a few yards. Deputy Brown took his flashlight and flipped it on. He searched the woods with the brilliant beam of light.

  Andrew dropped to the ground as the beam of light shone in his direction. As soon as the light passed, Andrew crawled along the snowy ground on his belly. He had only gone a short distance, when the light returned forcing him to cover his face and blend in with his camouflage.

  Deputy Brown didn’t see anything, so he continued on his patrol.

  Andrew watched the deputy walk around the backside of the house. He jumped up and dashed to the side of the house. He tried the window, but it was locked. Andrew spread apart the evergreen bushes that ran along the house. Andrew knelt down by the basement window, it too was locked. He heard footsteps crunching in the snow.

  Deputy Brown walked back along his patrol route. He was searching the area with his flashlight, and this time shone it along the bushes by the house. He saw only the dull shades of green, brown, and white, nothing else. Deputy Brown continued on his way.

  Andrew crept along the side of the house using the bushes for cover. He paused a few times listening to see if the deputy was on his way back. Andrew did not hear any sounds, so he crept on and was soon at the back of the house. Andrew quickly stood up and walked up the back steps to the door. He tried the door, but it too was locked. Andrew unzipped his jacket and removed a lock pick set. He bent down to take a look at the lock, and selected his tools. Andrew carefully inserted the picks in the lock and a few seconds later had the door open.

  Deputy Brown thought he heard something. He quickened his pace as he headed to the back of the house. As he came around the corner, Deputy Brown had his weapon drawn and flashed the light at the back door. Nothing was there.

  Andrew relocked the door and was about to move on when he suddenly froze. Someone was jostling the door handle to make sure it was locked. Andrew held his breath and made no sounds. After a few minutes they stopped. Andrew closed his eyes so he could get use to the dark. Although the sun was nearly gone, the yard light would still give him enough light. He couldn’t use a flashlight because it would give him away.

  The sun had disappeared behind the winter woods now. Deputy Nash was still talking to Father Michael, when he saw Sheriff Delsmann’s squad come up the driveway. The headlights nearly blinded them before the car turned and parked beside the other squad.

  Talia got out and closed the car door. She walked up to Deputy Nash. He was not alone. There was an elderly priest with him. Talia was not thrilled.

  “What’s going on deputy?” Talia demanded.

  “Father Michael stopped to ask for directions,” Deputy Nash explained.

  Talia for some reason was suspicious. “Directions to where?” she asked.

  “8275 County Highway T,” Deputy Nash replied.

  “Just a minute,” Talia said as she pulled out her blackberry. “I’ll look it up for you.” She keyed in the address using the GPS application. Talia smiled upon receiving confirmation. She looked at Father Michael, “You said 8275 County Highway T, right?”

  “That’s correct,” Father Michael answered.

  “There is no such address,” Talia said. She looked at Deputy Nash, and pointed to Father Michael. “Detain him.”

  “What?” Father Michael protested.

  “Why,” Deputy Nash asked.

  “Somethings not right here,” Talia said. She looked accusingly at Father Michael and pointed a finger at him, “You know Andrew Knight don’t you Father.”

  “Yes, why do you ask?” Father Michael answered.

  “He’s here isn’t he,” Talia further accused.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Father Michael replied calmly.

  “I
want Father Michael placed under arrest,” Talia ordered.

  “What is the charge,” Deputy Nash asked.

  “Interference with an ongoing investigation,” Talia said. She spoke in her shoulder mike, “Deputy Brown, Deputy Miller, this is Sheriff Delsmann. I want you to search the house.”

  “Why,” they responded in turn.

  “We have an intruder on the premises,” Talia answered. “And his name is Andrew Knight.”

  Andrew was in the foyer. He was kneeling down next to the broken hallway table and lamp. Andrew carefully examined the broken pieces of wood and ceramic. He looked in the direction of the door. From what he had read from the report, Natasha was the first victim. She was shot while answering the door. Andrew looked at the door before closing his eyes. Andrew envisioned the surprised look on Natasha’s face when she realized it wasn’t their expected guests. Andrew stood up and walked in the direction of the dining room. He entered the room and looked over the table that was still set for guests that would never arrive. Jonathan was in this room putting on the finishing touches for their guests. Andrew turned towards the doorway. He closed his eyes again. He saw Jonathan rush into the hallway and how he saw his wife lying amongst the broken table. Andrew sympathized with how angry Jonathan was feeling. He would have done the same. But the killer knew this and used it against Jonathan. But why was the killer waiting for Jonathan outside?

  Andrew went in the kitchen next. This was where Peter was when his parents were murdered. The music on his I-pod muffled the sounds of them dying. Andrew returned to the dining room. When Peter realized his parents weren’t there, he went to investigate. That’s when Peter saw his mother. Andrew shut his eyes again. Andrew could picture Peter when he saw the killer murder his father. The rage inside of Peter must have blinded his judgment. Otherwise why would a young man take on a dangerous killer? Andrew reopened his eyes and he surveyed the room one last time.

  Andrew returned to the foyer and started up the stairs. He paused and looked over the railing spindles that had dark stains on them. It was dried blood. Andrew continued on his way upstairs and down the hallway to Storm’s bedroom.

  Andrew opened the door to Storm’s bedroom. He walked inside. Andrew scanned the room first, and then walked over to the bloodstain on the carpet. He knelt down to examine it. He was disappointed thus far that nothing provided any new physical evidence. Andrew could feel Storm’s presence in the room. He decided to use some of the techniques that Roxanne had taught him. He closed his eyes to focus on that feeling. He took deep breaths, clearing his mind of all the distractions around him. When Andrew reopened his eyes, he stood in the corner of the room as a silent observer; a shadow of things yet to be. Storm was on her bed. The music from her boom box was blaring and she was typing away on her laptop. That’s why Storm didn’t hear all the noise downstairs. Andrew saw Storm look at the time on her laptop. It appeared that she was late. Perhaps she wondered why her parents had not called for dinner yet. Storm shut down and put away her laptop on her night stand. She bounded off the bed and over to the boom box that was on her desk by the wall across from the door. Her back was to the door when she heard it open. Andrew wanted to scream out for Storm to turn around and lock the door, but she did not. She just thought it was her mom. Not bothering to turn around, Storm just said, “Yes, I know mother.” Andrew’s heart started to race and his breathing was erratic as the door swung open. He tried to move but couldn’t; he was just a shadow. Andrew saw the tip of the arrow in the sheath of the crossbow. Andrew saw the arrow strike Storm in the back. Storm jerked and slammed against the wall. Andrew tried to reach out, but was frozen in place. He saw Storm collapse to the floor, driving the arrow in further. Andrew screamed, but no sound came from his mouth. His eyes were drenched with tears as Andrew closed them. When he opened his eyes again, the room was empty and dark. The killer didn’t want to see Storm’s face. Either it was someone that knew her, like Wyatt who still had feelings for her. Or it was a cowardly bastard afraid to face an innocent young girl.

  Deputy Miller remained posted by the front door. Deputy Brown entered through the back door while at the same time Talia came in the front of the house. They both drew their weapons. Talia didn’t say word, but motioned that they would go into the dining room first. They each took up a position on the sides of the entrance to the dining room. Talia counted off to three on her finger and they spun into the opening with weapons ready. No one was there. Talia was visibly disappointed. The next room was the kitchen.

  Andrew was finished in Storm’s room. He left the room and was about to go back down stairs. He saw a couple of shadows enter the dining room. Suddenly Andrew dropped down on his belly. They were looking for him. Andrew withdrew silently back into Storm’s room. He didn’t bother to close the door as it might give him away. Andrew couldn’t afford to be caught in the house. It would finally give Talia reason enough to have his license suspended, or worse, jail. He walked over to the dormer and slowly opened the window.

  There was no sign of Andrew in the kitchen, so they continued by going back to the foyer. Talia indicated they would precede upstairs. She was the first to go followed by Deputy Brown. Slowly, and with caution, they walked up the stairs. First they searched Peter’s room and next they went to Storm’s. Talia carefully pushed the door open some more. She motioned to Deputy Brown and instantly they stormed the room. Andrew wasn’t there!

  “Damn it,” Talia cursed.

  “Maybe he was never even here,” Deputy Brown put away his weapon.

  “Check the window,” Talia ordered just as she noticed it was open. Would Andrew have been so desperate to climb out on the roof? That’s what she thought that day at the Sheriffs department building. But he wasn’t on the roof then, nor now, Talia suddenly realized. Andrew had hidden somewhere. Talia snapped her fingers realizing that Andrew was hiding under the desk in the records room that day. Talia spun around just in time to see movement in the hallway.

  “Let’s go!” Talia barked. “He’s heading down the stairs.”

  Andrew leapt to the floor from the last two steps, rolled and stood to his feet once more. He didn’t bother to look back and kept on towards the back door. Andrew threw open the front door. The area was clear. He hesitated a moment and could hear Talia and the deputy giving pursuit. Andrew bounded outside and jumped off the top step. He sprinted into the dark woods and swiftly faded out of sight.

  Talia and Deputy Brown, weapons still drawn, clamored down the stairs. The back door was already open.

  “Hurry!” Talia bellowed.

  They quickly exited the house. Talia searched the area with her flashlight. There was no sign of Andrew. She had no way to prove that he was even there. Next time, she would be ready. Next time, Andrew Knight wouldn’t get away.

  Andrew observed Talia and the deputy as they stood on the back door steps surveying the area with flashlights. When the beam flashed his way, Andrew dove down on the snow and blended in as best he could. It must have been enough, because they gave up and went back inside. They headed to the front of the house.

  “Did you find anyone?” Deputy Miller asked.

  “No,” Talia cursed.

  Talia and her men walked up to Father Michael.

  “Let him go,” Talia commanded.

  “Thank you,” Father Michael said, rubbing his wrists. “May I go now?”

  “Yes Father,” Talia replied. “You may go.”

  “Thank you,” Father Michael said. He got in his car and drove off.

  “What now?” Deputy Nash asked.

  “Keep the area secure,” Talia ordered as she walked to her own car. She turned, and with an icy tone said, “If you catch Knight anywhere on the grounds, take him out.”

  “You’re not serious,” Deputy Nash choked.

  “Don’t hurt him,” Talia replied. “Just arrest him.”

  “Yes Sheriff,” all three replied.

  Talia got in her car and drove off to the end of the driveway and st
opped once she’d reached it. Talia looked at her reflection in the rearview mirror. “You look tired,” she said. “I know,” her mirrored self answered. “What are you going to do about Andrew Knight?” Talia asked, staring into seemingly lifeless eyes. “What do you think?” came back the mirrored reply. “I can’t say,” Talia said, this time looking away. But an answer did come from somewhere in the dark, “You know what has to be done.” Talia didn’t answer the voice, but instead drove back to Bayport.

  Andrew walked back through the woods to where he had parked. A sudden shiver ran up his back. He spun around, searching the blackened trees. Nothing was there. Andrew couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched. He had only gone a few more steps but suddenly froze in place. There were fresh boot prints in the snow heading towards the Higgins house. Andrew knelt down to examine them. He could tell from the depth and distance of the tracks, it appeared that the person was in a hurry, almost at a full run. Andrew stood and took off in the direction of the tracks, but he was careful not to be noticed as he kept close to the cover of the surrounding trees.

  The moon was finally showing its face from behind the clouds. Its light reflected off the snow, illuminating everything on the ground.

  Andrew came to an abrupt stop and silently dove behind a large oak tree. The reason for this was that someone dressed in black was crouched behind another tree watching the deputies patrol the area. Andrew peered from behind the tree to observe them. The person had on a long black coat and a hood covered their head and features. Could this be Night Blade or was it Wyatt. Andrew wasn’t sure if they were armed or not. Andrew ducked back behind the tree. Had the person seen him? He waited for a moment and went back to spying. They were gone! Andrew searched the area, but saw nothing. He stood and that’s when Andrew heard a branch snap behind him. Just as he stood up, they started to withdraw two swords. Andrew didn’t give them time to attack but leapt into the air and hit the person with a combination spin snap kick. They stumbled backwards, letting go of the swords. Andrew rushed, ready to finish them off, but they quickly recovered, jumped in the air and hit Andrew with double round house kicks. Andrew stumbled to his knees and tried to shake off the affect. He recovered and scrambled to get the swords at the same time they did. The two of them rolled entwined in a death grip, each trying to gain control of the swords. It ended with an elbow jab to Andrew’s head and they claimed the prize. Andrew jumped up and seeing a thick branch, managed to grab it just as they swung the swords at him. They were relentless, and seemed to grow angrier with each blow Andrew blocked. The attacked escalated as they threw several kicks along with thrusts of the blades. Andrew blocked each with his own counter move, but grew worried as the swords chipped away at the branch. Then with one final horrific blow, the branch split in half! Andrew tossed it aside and reached for his sidearm. His attacker with skilled precision removed the gun from his grasp and flung it some distance away into the snow. Unarmed, he faced his attacker, waiting for the final assault. Andrew immediately drew back as they slashed the blades at his chest. He stumbled a bit and tried to recover, but it was too late. They somersaulted in midair landing behind Andrew and drew the razor-sharp blades across his back slicing open his coat, and punching him in the back of the head with the sword handles. Andrew sunk into the snow face down.