Flutter

by L. E. Green

  Roger was happy to assist, “You don’t have to ask.” He gently grabbed the back of her neck and rubbed his thumb across her hairline. She gave a soft smile. He smiled back and asked, “What about if we look into that company Paltee mentioned– Indigo, Inc.? I’m sure we’ll find out something or at least someone to talk to.” Feeling dehydrated, he gulped down the Coke Frankie had poured for him earlier.

  “Do you have any plans for this suit?” Abigail lifted the bag with the suit in it and draped it over her arm.

  He answered, “I dunno. We built it about three years ago and spent the rest of the time enhancing the technology. I don’t even know what to do with that damn thing.”

  “Shit. I do. And you can start by building another.”

  Just then Finch walked in. Her badge was exposed. Abigail saw it and was ready to go upstairs. Finch and Abigail locked eyes for a moment. Finch squinted her eyes, drawing her head back slowly, and then Abigail turned away. Frankie whispered to the two, “Why don’t you guys go upstairs? I’ll be up in a few. We’ll talk then.” Abigail and Roger walk up the stairs, leaving the main floor.

  Frankie looked over to Finch. She looked tired, “Hey Finchy!”

  Meghan smiled and said, “Hey Frankie.

  Frankie said, “Well, don’t you look like you had a long night. You work too hard.” He walked back behind the bar and asked, “The usual?”

  She said, “No thanks, Frank. Not while I’m working. Just coffee would be great.”

  Frankie said, “No problem. Anything for you.”

  Finch sat down at the table across from Brown. He said, “Long night?”

  She nodded and said, “Sorry I’m late. I was so wrapped up in researching this company, Jiang and Benson that I couldn’t sleep.”

  “Did you find anything good?

  “A few things of interest,” she said, “but my research is incomplete and only raises more questions that need exploration.”

  “You don’t have to put the pieces together alone. You work so exclusively. I can help you more than you allow me to.”

  “I don’t mean to be... I’m sorry.” She knew he was telling the truth. She liked to work alone. She respected his skill, but still felt the need to prove herself as a competent detective.

  Brown touched Meghan on the hand and said, “It’s okay. I understand.” He knew the feeling. When Sydney began his career as a detective, he had shadowed Detective Cado Briggson who people used to call ROBOCOP. The man was an ex–Navy Seal. He was more into the action side of things than the research and actual piecing together of clues. Upon the conclusion of his shadowing of ROBOCOP, Brown and Briggson found themselves in a shoot out with a suspect they had followed for weeks. At the end, the suspect was apprehended after killing two hostages and wounding ROBOCOP, shooting him in the neck and thigh. Brown had landed a precision shot that saved the last hostage and took down the suspect at the same time. The suspect was in critical condition for five weeks but recovered, stood trial and was sentenced to life without parole. Briggson retired but not before he gave Brown a stellar recommendation and evaluation.

  “I’ve been working on your evaluation, anyway. It’s about that time,” Brown said.

  “Anything good to say about me?” Finch asked.

  “In fairness, you’ll get a full evaluation meeting soon enough; but as your mentor, it’s been an honor.”

  “Don’t just say that,” she said.

  “You know I don’t say things I don’t mean. You’re intelligent, precise and thorough. It gets no better than that.”

  “I appreciate it. I try my best.” The end of her training period brought on the inevitable thoughts of, Now he will expect us to be open about our relationship, but it was a complicated decision. People might think he gave her an amazing evaluation because she was sleeping with him. Even though it wasn’t true, it didn’t matter. That’s how people would see it. It would take a good year or more before an open relationship would be acceptable to have without anyone scrutinizing her evaluation. She knew Brown was willing to risk it. He felt that anyone on the force could speak on her behalf and validate her ability.

  Brown added, “I’m going to also ask Tammy, Chief Downy and Duffy to fill out evals for you. I want to make sure your evaluation is solid.”

  She smiled, “Thanks,” but knew the additional evaluations were an attempt to cover the tracks of his personal feelings for Meghan Finch.

  Frankie brought over the coffee and placed it on the table. He swiftly walked back into the kitchen. Meghan took a quick sip of the hot, dark liquid just as Larry walked into the pub.

  Larry waved at Brown and Finch. They nodded. He asked, “Where’s Frankie?”

  “He’s in the kitchen,” said Sydney.

  Larry walked into the kitchen as well.

  Brown said, “Duffy sent me a text this morning. He’ll meet us in the lab. Oh, and the MIT boys got the data cleaned up on that memory card. They are sending it later.”

  Finch said, “Good. Tammy called me this morning and said she has some info for us. We should go check it out as soon as we can.”

  Brown said, “Then let’s go!”

  Finch left a few dollars on the counter. Frankie nodded from behind the counter. Brown and Finch stood up and walked out the door together. Finch paused, turned back to look in, shook it off and continued forward. She suddenly felt uneasy about Abigail. She had seen Abby many times before but for some reason, Finch felt like something was odd or different about her now. Maybe it’s the haircut. Abigail was being her usually quiet and disconnected self, but Finch’s sudden curiosity about Abigail steadied in her mind for a moment, then was gone.

  Abigail and Roger were on the upper level. Abigail was in the shower. Roger walked over to the bathroom door, ready to knock, but decided against it. He walked away, turned on the TV and sat in a chair. As the water ran over Abby’s head, she tried to think and hoped that more of the mysteries of her life would reveal themselves. At that moment, she declared herself to be on a mission to find the men who were possibly looking for her. She was sure they were getting closer so her nerves were rattled. But she was not afraid.

  She thought about the danger that loomed ahead for Roger more than herself. What if they find out where I am staying? Or where Roger lives? She knew Frankie wanted to help but couldn’t bring herself to involve the man who saved her life. She at least owed him that much. It burned him up inside how much he wished he could help her, but she didn’t invite him in to be a part of her secret life– not yet. I will tell him when things have settled down. She finished her shower, dried off, got dressed and went into her room where Roger was waiting for her. She grabbed the journals. Roger opened his laptop and the research began.

  Back on the pub floor, Larry walked around, wiping tables and doing regular chores to keep the establishment tidy. His private investigation of Abigail made him feel a bit guilty that he had been hiding this from Frankie. As soon as the activity on the floor settled down Larry joined Frankie behind the counter.

  Larry asked, “Should I call in Marty and Frita to work this evening?” He tried to break the silence between them.

  Frankie said, “Yes. That would be a good idea. I think Abigail and Roger need a break.”

  “Again? It’s hard to run a business when employees can come and go as they please. Marty and Frita may not always be available. Maybe we should get a definite answer from them as to what they want to do,” Larry commented as he wiped down the bar.

  “You’re right. I will talk to them tonight and get a better feel of how much time they need. I’ll get a concrete answer, and then we can plan accordingly.” Frankie picked up at few glasses from the dishwasher. He wiped them down and hung them above the bar.

  Larry was obviously frustrated and asked, “Does this have anything to do with Abby’s past resurfacing? Is she still trying to figure things out?”

  Frankie hated to have this conversation with Larry again. “I told you, Larry, Abby’s past is he
r business. I feel like I’ve told you too much already because now you are questioning me about it. You act like you have answers to things I don’t even understand and things I know you don’t understand yourself. I don’t want to argue with you about this again and again.”

  Larry shook his head and said, “Well I may not know any answers, but I will find them. I’m getting close to...”

  “What are you talking about, Larry?” Frankie gave Larry a stiff stare and slapped his hand on the bar.

  Larry grabbed a glass and wiped around the brim. He didn’t answer.

  Frankie grabbed his shoulder and asked, “What have you been up to, Larry?” Frankie folded his arms.

  Larry answered, “I’ve been doing my own research on your girl, and Abigail Paige does not exist. That ID is fake! She’s a fraud! She...”

  “Keep your voice down!” Frankie interrupted. He looked around to see if anyone was paying attention. They weren’t. “What do you mean Abigail Paige doesn’t exist?”

  In a soft voice Larry said, “I looked her up. I spent a few days trying to see if there were any reports of a missing woman and didn’t find one. So, I ran a background check and nothing came up under that name. Nothing! So then I placed a missing persons report.”

  “WHAT!?” Frankie shouted in the pub.

  Frankie was clearly not happy with this information. He threw a towel on the counter and stormed into the kitchen, pushing the door open. A few of the customers noticed. Larry smiled and put his hand up as if to say, “It’s okay.”

  Larry followed Frankie into the kitchen.

  Frankie yelled, “Are you out of your goddamned mind? Why would you do that?!”

  Larry said, “Don’t give me that, Frankie. You act like you don’t know how this works. This is what we do! You are a king at this. You know how to run checks without detection, so don’t play dumb. You should have run that ID months ago. You should have searched her thoroughly, and you didn’t.”

  Frankie bit his lip until he broke the skin. His eyes were red. He said, “You are in violation, Larry. You should have never done that without telling me first.”

  Larry rolled his eyes and walked away. He said, “Someone has to know the truth about this girl. You don’t even care to know.”

  “I don’t want to know, Larry. Is this all about this pub? Is my happiness up for trade over saving this business?” Frankie asked with a disappointed look on his face.

  Larry quickly answered, “Your happiness, Frankie? What about mine? I haven’t been happy since she got here,” Larry’s eyes watered.

  “What the hell does she have to do with your happiness? You would be totally fine if I hadn’t closed the fight club, and you’re taking it out on Abigail because you attribute my decision solely to her when I’m just over it!” Frankie paced the kitchen for a while and said, “I don’t know exactly where she comes from, but if my common sense were to decide, someone from her past was trying to kill her. You know this. They are probably looking for her and you... you lit a fucking beacon for them to find her. You selfish son of a bitch.”

  “Son of a bitch? That’s where this is going now? Okay, I’ll take down the ad.” Larry felt disrespected and was hurt by the insult, but Frankie didn’t care.

  “Yes you will. Take it down right now!” Frankie shouted. He wanted to wring Larry’s neck.

  “No fucking problem, boss man. Anything else?” Frankie didn’t answer. Larry said, “You are so narrow minded, Frank. You wouldn’t know a concerned friend if you saw one. And you know what, I may be wrong about her. That’s possible, but at least I was trying to protect you and this good thing we have going here. I was trying to be a good friend, that’s all. Sorry that in the process all I am telling you are things you don’t want to hear.” Larry turned to walk away.

  Frankie leaned on the counter, and with a calmer voice he said, “Larry, I know you mean well; but you have to trust me. That’s all I asked. God, Larry. You just shouldn’t do things like that without telling me.”

  “Okay, Frankie. You win. I’m done. I’ll take the ad down and leave you and Abby alone to figure things out; but don’t say I didn’t try to warn you, Frankie. And if I’m wrong, trust me, the repercussions of me being wrong will never amount to the repercussions if you are.” Larry walked out of the kitchen.

  POLICE STATION

  FORENSICS LAB

  Detectives Brown and Finch met up with Detective Tammy. She was in the Forensics Lab in the south corner on the 3rd floor. The lab was cold, with dim lights. There were two other lab technicians in the room photographing and sorting the remains from the alley murders. The walls were covered in white subway styled tiles. There were two commercial sinks by the back wall, a shelf of various tools, vials, bags and storage cabinets. There were vents and eight, 5 x 20 inch translucent windows resting 11 inches from the ceiling. The old windows were transparent until a brave reporter had rappelled down the wall to steal pictures of the room. He wanted to get an image of a female serial killer who had stalked and killed priests. In the process he accidentally fell, broke both legs and laid on the ground until he was discovered four hours later. Soon after, the windows were replaced to let in only light and nothing more.

  Tammy worked with her assistant, Maria Sanchez, who took notes as she spoke. She saw Finch and Brown walk into the room. She smiled and nodded as they walked over. She said, “How’s it going?”

  Brown answered, “As well as it can. Meghan’s been busting her ass trying to put some pieces together and has only stirred up more unanswered questions. But we feel good about the connections we’ve made so far.”

  Meghan smiled. She took Brown’s comment about her work ethic as a compliment.

  Tammy said, “Sounds good. Did you guys talk to Duffy?”

  Finch answered, “Not yet. We came straight to you. We figured we would come ask about the murders in the alley and see what you’ve found out so far. Did you have anything more to add?”

  Tammy was happy to answer, “Yes! Well, let’s start with the Benson arm. See here. These fingers were pried open.”

  Finch was taken aback, “What do you mean pried open?”

  Tammy responded, “Once the hand was disconnected from the body, rigamortis would set in and stiffen up the hand in whatever position it was in. Who ever found the hand first, didn’t find it with the fingers open.”

  “So they opened the hand,” Brown said.

  “Exactly,” Tammy said. “When prying the hand open, a few of the ligaments were torn. I did an X–Ray to be sure. I can tell the ligaments were torn after the arm was severed because of the lack of swelling and bruising. If you were to tear all these ligaments in your hands, they would look like sausages with plums for knuckles.”

  Brown added, “And the only reason to pry open a hand…”

  “Because you want what’s in it,” Tammy finished. “From what I can tell, this hand wasn’t in a tight fist but it was closed and had something in there. I wiped down the hand and found paper fragments that had stayed attached to the skin from oil and moisture.”

  Finch said, “We know his ring was stolen, but what else? What was on that paper?”

  No one had an answer. Suddenly Brown received an email and said, “I just got an email from MIT.” Brown checked the email. They sent the images from Eddie Cons’ cell phone memory card.

  Brown shouted, “Son of a bitch.”

  Finch leaned over to view the photos and said, “What? What is it?”

  Brown turned to a picture with a better view. He said, “The hand was closed. And it looks like something was in it.” Brown showed Tammy the images.

  Tammy shook her head and said, “I hope that’s not a ring I see on the finger there.”

  “Yes it is!” Finch chimed in. She was furious. “Cons is a liar!” She took out her phone and made a note but didn’t upload it to the shared drive. She said, “So now that we know I’m gonna kill Cons later... I know Downy wanted Duffy to take over but, what about the alley slaying
s? Anything you can share with us?”

  Tammy’s assistant pushed the cart with the Benson arm on it closer to the body fragments of the men found dead in the alley. Tammy used a pointer and said, “Look over here. Compare these two. The tears, scratches… identical. The bones have clean breaks. There wasn’t any DNA we could use to link the two. We tried but nothing.”

  Brown added, “These weird patterns here are identical.”

  Duffy suddenly walked in and said, “Taking over my investigation?”

  Brown said, “Sorry, Duff. We were just making comparisons.”

  Finch said, “Duffy, do you think we could get Alan Jiang’s autopsy report? Do you know anyone up there that can hook us up without a shitload of drama?”

  Duffy thought for a moment and said, “No, I don’t think so. I can make some calls.”

  Tammy butted in and said, “I can dig it up. I have a few favors owed to me over up that way.”

  Brown said, “Great! We’re gonna follow up with Cons and get back to you. Please call us as soon as that info becomes available. Keep it low key please; I don’t want to hear anything from Downy about this.”

  “I’ll make that phone call right now,” Tammy said. She pulled off her gloves and picked up the phone.

  Duffy, Brown and Finch walked out of the lab into the hall. They reached Duffy’s desk.

  Brown said, “We’re gonna follow up with this Eddie Cons guy.”

  Duffy said, “I have some work to do here. I’ll be here when you guys get back. I’m trying to ID these Johns from the alley. None were carrying ID’ on them, but we matched prints on two of them. There were two missing persons reports filed yesterday for men who, if we could piece them back together, would fit the description of names we pulled. I’m hoping Tammy can get the bodies presentable for the family members to come in and give a positive identification. I’m also hoping that they know the other guys, too.”