Assassin's Redemption: Stolen Memories, #1

by Richard Allen Evans

“Your aunt is an optimist. You see the glass half-empty, I see it half-full, but Carlene, she sees it half-full of buttermilk,” Chet said.

  Haley and Beau laughed as Carlene playfully slapped Chet's hand.

  The telephone rang inside the house.

  “Sit still, I'll get it,” Carlene said.

  “I won't argue with you,” Chet said as he released her hand.

  “I think she has a point Haley. We deal with people every day that use grief, circumstances, or whatever as an excuse to break the law. I have a tendency to think most of them could've chosen a better option but they decided to do the wrong thing. I think people in general are as happy as they want to be,” Beau said.

  Haley considered his words.

  “You might be right,” she said.

  “Chet! Ray's on the phone!” Carlene called out from the living room.

  Chet stood up.

  “I don't mean to be rude but I want to talk to my grandchildren. Excuse me,” he said as walked into the house.

  “Use the extension in the kitchen,” they heard Carlene say as he opened the screen door.

  Almost at the same time, Haley and Beau realized they were alone. Each fidgeted a little and tried to come up with something to say. Then suddenly both started laughing.

  “This isn't awkward,” Beau said.

  “I'm glad it's not just me,” Haley said.

  “No, it's not just you,” he said.

  “Oh Lord, we're pathetic,” she said, still laughing.

  “At least I have an excuse,” Beau said.

  “Oh? What is it?” Haley asked, still smiling, displaying deep dimples.

  “Beautiful women make me nervous,” he said, as his smile faded and returned.

  Her eyes flashed surprise.

  “I uh...thank you,” she said, her smile retreating somewhat but still on display.

  “But, I'm willing to try to battle through it...if you want me to,” he said.

  Haley nodded and a relaxed smile appeared.

  “Yeah, I think I'd like that but you'll have to bear with me. You see, uh, I don't talk to many people, especially men, in a social setting. I'm not what you'd call a great conversationalist. I guess I'm used to interrogating people,” she said.

  “I think you're doing just fine. I could listen to you talk all night,” Beau said.

  Haley's dark eyes sparkled in the sparseness of the street lights.

  “That's sweet of you to say,” she said.

  “It's true. I'd much rather hear your voice than my own. I know what I sound like. I have an accent that stands out even in the South,” he said.

  She smiled again.

  “I like it. It's real. You're comfortable with yourself,” Haley said.

  “I can't be something I'm not and I've never been interested in even trying,” he said.

  “So tell me, are all those stories true that Marcus tells about you?” She asked.

  Beau chuckled.

  “Depends on the stories,” he said.

  “I understand you were in law school when you joined up. You could have been an officer but you became a sniper,” Haley said.

  “My father was a sniper. We were both taught to shoot by the same man. I figured I'd be more use with a rifle than I would giving orders,” he said “I'm guessing Marcus also told you why I dropped out of law school.”

  Haley shrank back a little.

  “I'm sorry. I really wasn't trying to pry,” Haley said.

  “It's not a problem. I've tried to get on with my life. And it's not always been easy but like Carlene said, I made a choice to be happy. Besides, I'm not exactly the lawyer type,” he said.

  “I'm sorry you went through such a heartbreaking time but you're here now,” she said.

  His heart feeling as though it would beat out of his chest, he could offer a quiet smile.

  ***

  “Can you hear anything out there?” Chet asked, holding the receiver tightly.

  “Bits and pieces. There was some laughing,” Carlene said quietly into the phone.

  “Laughing? Hmmmm...Then it can't be too bad. I have to give you credit. That was quick thinking to give them time alone. But that has to be one confused telemarketer,” he said.

  Carlene laughed.

  “I'm sure he was,” she said as she reclined back to try to hear a few words.

  “We'll give them a few more minutes to talk before we go back out,” Chet said.

  “I'm really glad you're working with me on this,” she said.

  “Ordinarily I wouldn't get involved in this kind of thing but they both deserve to be happy. I did want to ask, does this mean I'll get some blueberry pie later?” He asked.

  “Yes dear,” Carlene said cheerily.

  “I love your blueberry pie,” Chet said.

  “I know you do. That's how we wound up with three kids,” she said.

  ***

  Cyprus moved through the darkness slowly. He parked several blocks away near an empty house with a “for sale” sign in the yard. In well-lit areas he walked quickly, keeping his head down.

  He wore a dark baseball cap, dark blue jeans, and a solid black sweatshirt.

  He didn't really stand out as many of the younger people in town dressed that way. Under the street lights he could pass for being much younger.

  It didn't take long for him to find his way to the house across the street.

  Cyprus had scouted the neighborhood. He knew the people who lived there had a shed in the backyard that was a blind spot to any street lights in the neighborhood. He was also happy to see that the house had no motion-sensor lights.

  From his vantage point he could observe the Savanna Brooke's house on Hurst Street. At the moment, no lights were on. He recognized her car parked in the driveway.

  If she was out — and she probably was — she was likely with someone. “That could pose a problem,” Cyprus thought to himself.

  He quickly formulated a plan. If she was with a man, it would be a simple murder-suicide. The cops would wrap it up quickly.

  If it was a woman she was with, it might be a little complicated but he was sure he could make it look the same way. The lesbian angle would be more salacious in such a small town but it would also deflect attention.

  Then a terrible thought entered his mind. What if she were with a group of friends? In that case, the assignment would have to be delayed.

  It was still early — but it didn't hurt to have a contingency plan in place.

  ***

  The pounding on the door finally roused Bob Tackett from his slumber. He slid off of the couch that he passed out on a few hours earlier. On his knees, he placed his hands on the thick hunter green fabric and pushed himself up.

  Staggering, he realized he suffered from the mother of all hangovers; not only did his head throb, his whole body ached. He looked at his knuckles and saw the broken skin and dried blood - more dried blood than he normally saw when sobering up.

  As he tried to focus on his hands, the pounding on the door continued.

  “Bob! Open the damn door! C'mon Bob!”

  Pound, pound, pound.

  Tackett made it to the door and managed to unlock the dead bolt and door lock before turning the knob and pulling.

  “Now, shut the hell up. I've got a bitch of a hangover,” he said as his nephew bolted through the door.

  “Jesus Bob! What the hell happened to you?” Smitty asked.

  “Ugh...what do you mean?” Tackett asked, blinking wildly as Smitty flipped on the overhead light. “Turn it off! You're killing me!” He said.

  Smitty stared at him wide-eyed.

  “Where have you been? You've got blood all over your clothes and hands. Oh God, tell me you didn't visit your ex-wife again,” he said.

  “That bitch? Ahhh, I'm done with her,” Tackett said, offering dismissive wave.

  “No, you're not. You're about to be charged and arrested,” Smitty said.

  Tackett's eyes narrowed.

&nbs
p; “I thought you took care of that...Deputy,” he sneered.

  “Apparently not because I got fired today,” Smitty said.

  “Fired? Did you talk to Susan?” Tackett asked.

  “Yeah, I did. Thurman threatened arresting her. Why is he not afraid of the Ravens?” Smitty asked.

  Tackett looked worried.

  “I...I don't know but I'm not worried about getting arrested. I've got a good lawyer and Gene will pay off the judge if nothing else,” he said distractedly.

  “What about me?” Smitty asked.

  “What about you?” Tackett countered.

  “Not only did I get fired but that Boy Scout Fullbright'll arrest me for obstruction of justice. I'm looking at jail time Bob,” Smitty said.

  “Ahh, it's a misdeamenor,” Tackett said.

  “Bullshit. I get arrested for anything connected to this I can kiss ever getting elected sheriff goodbye,” Smitty said.

  “What do you want from me? I'll see to it you get a good lawyer,” Tackett asked.

  “Do that but I need a job too — one that pays. I need money Bob,” Smitty said.

  “Okay, I'll talk to Gene and see what I can do. But know this: He doesn't tolerate fuckups so watch your ass,” Tackett said as he walked the refrigerator and pulled out two bottles of beer. He handed one to Smitty.

  “You need burn those clothes and take a shower. I don't know whose blood that is and don't want to, but it's just begging to be processed,” Smitty said.

  “There's a burn barrel and kerosene out back. Make yourself useful while I shower,” Tackett said who then belched and pulled his red polo shirt over his head.

  “I'm in enough trouble now. I don't need to add another obstruction charge,” Smitty said.

  “Understand me now boy, you need to do as you're told. You want money you'd better get that into your head right now,” Tackett said as he stepped out his blood-stained buckwheat-colored pants. “Now take these clothes and burn them.”

  Smitty said nothing but reached out for the pants and shirt.

  “I need you to go my house and get some money out of the safe in my den. I don't need it all but enough to make a down payment on a solid bribe for whatever judge presides over my arraignment,” Tackett said.

  “I'll go as soon as I burn these,” Smitty said.

  “Hold on. Take my underwear and socks too - just in case,” the now naked Tackett said.

  Smitty looked on in disgust but took the additional items and walked to the back door.

  ***

  “So you enjoy the outdoors,” Beau said.

  “Anytime I can. I love hiking and camping. And whenever I can, I like to take a camera along. I got into photography in the Army,” Haley said.

  “Developed a hobby huh?” He asked.

  “Oh, that's beyond bad,” she said as he laughed.

  “Sorry, couldn't stop myself,” Beau said.

  “I love to be out in the mountains at daybreak. It's a great time to get pictures of nature. I don't know, it just seems so...”

  He cut her off.

  “Honest? Before the rest of the world is fully awake and it's you and what God put on the Earth,” Beau said.

  Haley's eyes lit up.

  “Exactly. It's like everything is renewed and full of hope,” she said.

  “I know a place on the river. It's really remote. Takes the better part of two hours to hike to it...but when you get there...it's so worth it,” he said.

  She was drawn to his words.

  “Describe it for me,” Haley said.

  “I'll try, but words, especially mine, can't do it justice. You have to hike across five ridges to get to it. There's a rough trail but in the fall, it's not too bad. When you get back to it, you walk down the final ridge into a small meadow surrounded by trees - spruce, cedar, oak, and even hickory. There's not much grass but pine needles and dead leaves cover the ground; enough that it's well padded. The meadow borders the river and runs right into a rocky cliff that sits even with the waterline. The water is about seventy-five feet deep and it's always clear. The fishing is unbelievable any time of year. Trout, crappie, bluegill - almost any pan fish. And it's the ideal place to pitch a tent, sit by a campfire, and enjoy the peace and quiet,” Beau said as he noticed her smiling.

  “Sounds like a great place,” she said.

  “If you want, we could hike back there before it gets too cold,” he said, surprising himself at his suggestion.

  “I'd like that but I think I'd like it no matter how cold it got,” Haley said.

  The screen door opened.

  “I'm so sorry. We didn't mean to be gone so long,” Carlene said.

  “That quite alright. I understand,” Beau said.

  “I trust Haley kept you entertained,” she said.

  “She was the perfect hostess. I've been sitting here rattling on not letting her get a word in,” Beau said.

  “Aunt Carly knows me better than that,” Haley said. “By the way, how's Ray and the kids? Nothing wrong is there? You didn't have to hurry on our account,” Haley said.

  Carlene just smiled.

  “Oh, we didn't hurry and everything is fine. It's just sometimes...you have to let the kids talk,” she said as Chet walked out of the house.

  “Yeah, they have to get it out of their system,” he agreed.

  “I hate to cut a great evening short but work comes early and we've got a lot to do,” Beau said.

  “Yes we do. Tomorrow could be a very busy day. I guess I need to go too. Let me grab my purse,” Haley said as she stepped inside.

  “You don't have to rush off but I appreciate you coming over. Beau, you're always welcome,” Carlene looked at Haley, who just stepped back outside, and added, “And this is your home.”

  “Thank you both for a wonderful evening. I enjoyed the meal and the company,” Beau said.

  “We'll have to do this again real soon. And I meant that about the trout. We need to do that real soon too,” Chet said as he shook his hand.

  “I look forward to it. Goodnight folks,” Beau said.

  Haley hugged Carlene first and then Chet.

  “Call us when you get inside your apartment,” Carlene said.

  “Aunt Carly, I'm carrying a gun and I know how to use it,” Haley said.

  “Just the same, call us,” Carlene said.

  “Accept it Haley. She won't change,” Chet said with a laugh.

  “Okay. I'll call,” she said.

  “I'll walk you to your car,” Beau said.

  “Okay,” Haley said happily and turned and waved goodbye to her aunt and uncle.

  “Be careful - both of you,” Chet said as the two of them turned and walked inside.

  “That looked promising,” Carlene said.

  “We've done about all we can. Nature has to take over from here,” Chet said.

  When they got to Haley's car, Beau opened her car door.

  “Uh, this might sound funny, but would you mind calling me after you get home? Call it the power of suggestion, but Carlene has a point. You can't be too careful,” he said.

  Her smile radiated.

  “Sure. Besides, I'll know you made it home okay too,” Haley said.

  Beau gave her a crooked smile.

  “Well, I'll talk to you in a few minutes then. I had a great time tonight,” he said.

  “So did I. And I'll call, I promise,” she said.

  Beau turned to walk to his own his vehicle with seemingly a thousand thoughts rushing through his mind.

  He suddenly stopped and turned to Haley who was starting to get into her car. He started walking back toward her.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “I intended to ask you this when you called, but that's kind of gutless,” Beau said as her eyes narrowed and her face twisted in puzzlement.

  “Uh, would you want to...I don't know, maybe go see a movie or get something to eat sometime?” He asked in a way that seemed almost painful.

  Haley's fac
e brightened.

  “Are you asking me out?” She teased.

  “I, uh, think so. I haven't done this in a while,” he said with a nervous laugh.

  “Yes, I'd love to. Just name the time,” Haley said.

  “Saturday night, say seven o'clock?” He asked.

  “Works for me,” Haley said.

  ***

  It was after midnight and there was still no sign of Savanna Brooke. Cyprus was starting to get cold. His South Florida upbringing had not prepared him for the cool fall nights of East Tennessee.

  Maybe he could sneak in a back window or since the whole neighborhood had drifted off to sleep. Then again, maybe he could simply pick the lock on the front door and walk right in.

  If he was inside waiting it would give him a greater element of surprise when she got home.

  Cyprus quietly slipped from around behind the shed, putting on a pair of nitrile gloves as he moved. He quickly made his way through the neighbor's back yard. The street was deserted when he bolted across and silently made his way onto the porch of Savanna's house.

  He already had the slim lock picking tool in his right hand when he reached out with this left to check the door knob. To his surprise, the door was unlocked.

  Cyprus quickly stepped inside and eased the door closed. He closed his eyes and allowed himself both an opportunity to adjust to the darkness as well as enjoy a brief moment of warmth.

  When he opened his eyes he noticed that even in the dark, something wasn't right - and then the smell of death and blood hit him. There was a sinking feeling in his stomach as he slipped on the night vision goggles and he was stunned at the sight. The first thing he noticed was the pool of semi-dried blood on the carpet. And then he saw the beaten and lifeless body of Savanna Brooke.

  He had spent hours waiting and she had been in the house all along. Sometime beat him to the punch - no pun intended, Cyprus thought.

  He looked at the broken furniture and the remnants of the lamp. He wanted to get closer to the body but was afraid to get to close to the massive pool of blood. The last thing he wanted to do was leave a bloody shoe print.

  Cyrus leaned back eased the door open. The streets were still clear and lights were out in surrounding houses. He carefully locked the door behind him and slipped back into the darkness.

  An hour and a half later Cyprus, sweating and still catching his breath, stood before a half-asleep Gene Raven. Gene wore a navy blue robe over his pale blue silk pajamas. His thinning hair was askew and he had liquor on his breath.