Shadow Stalker

by D W Cooperstein

  I spent most days traveling back and forth to Cogswell to be with her. I wanted to get to know the person I fell in love with. She worked part-time at the town library. She also worked in a daycare next door. Every day I took her to lunch, and we enjoyed each other’s company. After a while the grief over Cheryl began to lift away from her. She smiled more, and I think she liked all of the attention I was giving her. After working at the library in the morning, she’d go to the daycare. I’d be there, watching her kind and loving ways as she helped the children learn about life. Some days I hung around for hours until she finished work, just so I could be with her in the evening. We’d take long walks in the park after work. We spent time getting to know each other.

  Several wonderful weeks passed. One day I took a chance and brought her to my home at Highgate. I was hoping that she wouldn’t disapprove of the way I lived. When Angie first entered the bright foyer of my new home, she was dazzled. She couldn’t believe this was where I lived. My apartment was large and spacious with ten rooms, and three and a half baths on two floors. There was an open dining area and a kitchen, study, and master bedroom with bath on the first floor, along with additional spare rooms, including my workshop. Highgate was an elegant home, tastefully furnished. Angie liked my home because she knew I felt comfortable here, and in time she’d feel comfortable here, too. We had a bite to eat in my apartment, then toured the city. She must’ve felt intimidated with the frenzied activity of city life. I tried to ease her into it as best I could, and she looked forward to spending more time with me.

  I took her to some of the places that I enjoyed going to. We visited the Sedgemore Museum and roamed the contemporary galleries. We went to the Johnson Tower and went up to the observation deck. The view of the city at night was really spectacular. As we walked about the city, I learned about some of her interests, hobbies, and a little of her life growing up in Cogswell. I learned that she liked Italian food. She liked to cook, and her mother taught her some of the old-world recipes handed down through the generations. Angie loved sports and liked playing softball. On her local team, she was their star pitcher. She said that she had a mean fastball, was deadly accurate, and struck out most of her opponents. She liked going to the movies, enjoyed music, and liked drawing. There was a loving quality in everything she did that reminded me so much of my mother. Our love for each other quickly blossomed into a strong bond of trust and commitment. Each day we spent together convinced me that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this woman. When she overcame her fears, she confessed her love for me. We became inseparable as the weeks kept flying by. With each passing day, I felt I’d finally found the woman who could make me happy.

  Time had healed the heartache of loss we had both experienced, and she made me happier than I’d ever felt before. We were two lost souls that found each other in a small but lovely cemetery. I was now convinced that fate had pulled me into Cogswell to find this woman. I stood in complete awe of the miracles of the Lord. Who would’ve believed that I’d find my future wife in a cemetery? Yet this is exactly what fate had in store. And now, after several months of shared happiness with this woman, the time had come to ask for Angelina’s hand in marriage.

  The marriage of James Watson and Angelina Compton took place in the great Shrine of the Immaculate. Many friends, family and well-wishers were in attendance. Bridgestone Hall was packed. Angie had some cousins and other relatives from nearby towns and villages. She also had friends in town, and at the library where she worked. They were all invited. Many of my friends from the Bureau and the police department came to wish me well. Joanna Peavey brought her little girl Chloe. She had sparkling blue eyes and the cutest little smile. I held her and bounced her on my knee. I adored this little girl. She seemed so full of life and boundless energy. She was quite playful, too. All of my closest friends from around the city came to witness my big day. It was our wish that the ceremony be a simple one, with only a modest celebration afterwards. Soon the woman I loved with all my heart would become my wife.

  The splendor inside the Shrine on this day was magnificent. The strong sunlight, shining through its many stained-glass windows, rained down kaleidoscopic colors inside the great hall as the guests were just beginning to take their seats. As I stood there, poised and waiting at the altar, a tear fell from my eye. I felt the spiritual and loving presence of my uncle and family surrounding me. I felt they were here on this wonderful and happy occasion. I saw Angie’s Uncle Patrick standing in the shadows at the other end of the hall. Suddenly there was a hush over the congregation. All was quiet in anticipation of the moment. Now, as the organ reverberated loudly within the walls of the hall, Angie’s smiling Uncle Patrick assumed the honor of walking his niece down the red-carpeted aisle to where I was standing.

  When I saw Angie walk down the aisle of the Shrine I was in awe. Her stunningly beautiful beaded white gown dazzled all. Her striking beauty, surrounded by loving family and friends, filled my heart with joy. As I watched her approach, I couldn’t help but think back to that fateful day at the cemetery. I recalled her cold and shivering body walking hard against the wind. Then I stopped my car and destiny took over. The golden sunshine illuminating the large and colorful stained-glass windows had set the stage. I took her hand, as she reached out for me, and we prepared to exchange our vows before God and the people in this great shrine.

  The next several minutes seemed a blur as the words were finally spoken. Soon I heard the official pronouncement that we were husband and wife. I kissed my lovely bride. The congregation of friends, family and well-wishers rose in unison to the music. This moment for me was the ecstasy in knowing that fate had finally gotten it right. Destiny was fulfilled in the holy Shrine of the Immaculate. My heart was overwhelmed with emotion, and I was congratulated by all those who knew how special this day was. We soon left the Shrine and headed directly to the Balfort Hotel. For the next several hours, we shared our love with all of our friends and family. Everyone indulged in the merriment and celebration of James and Angelina Watson.

  My new bride and I walked hand in hand. We danced together in the grand and beautifully decorated ballroom of this magnificent hotel. We stopped at each table to give our friends some kind words and thanked them all for coming. This was by far the happiest day of my life. My only regret was that I wished Uncle Willy could’ve been here to take part in the celebration. In my heart, I knew his spirit was there, but it didn’t feel the same. I chatted with Joanna and played with Chloe. I clowned around with Brandon, who was usually the life of the party. Today he seemed a bit subdued.

  “Hey, Brandon, are you enjoying yourself?” I asked.

  “Yes, Marilyn and I are thrilled for you and Angie,” he said. The afternoon of celebration gradually ended. I felt deeply satisfied, especially when I saw my new bride beaming. This was a day we’d both remember forever.

  After several hours of intoxicated merriment, I was feeling tired, so I summoned our limousine. We were showered with confetti as we left the grand ballroom and driven back to Highgate. On the way home, I thought about Angie. I was worried that she might find out about Caroline’s involvement in the Shadow Stalker subway bombings, and that Angie would be upset if she learned that Caroline and I had been lovers. If Caroline came up as a topic of conversation, I wouldn’t lie to my new bride. I’d tell her everything. As I thought about this, I couldn’t help but feel sad. I wanted to visit Caroline in jail, but maybe I should just let her be. If I visited her at all, it would be for my benefit, not hers. There was so much left unsaid between Caroline and me. I wondered if Caroline would be executed for her deliberate involvement in the subway bombings. Should I tell Caroline about Angie? I reflected in silence in the backseat of the limo as we approached Linden Way. Finally, we had arrived. I held my wife’s hand as we emerged from the backseat and approached the front gate. As we entered the living area, I swept my wife off her feet and carried her inside.

  This day had been exhausting. I was emotionally dr
ained, but Angie was filled with great energy. Finally, we had a chance to share the day and relax by the fire. I told her how much this day had meant to me and realized how lucky I was to be holding my new bride. After a short while I took her hand and we went into the bedroom. We slowly got undressed. I had the room specially decorated with sweet-smelling candles and cut flowers. Soon our naked bodies wrestled on the bed, and her moans of pleasure kept on filling the bedroom. Her cries of passion exploded far into the night, until we could no longer continue. The love of this day had taken its toll. We finally fell asleep in each other’s arms, exhausted.

  We woke up early the next day. Angie was already up preparing a wonderful breakfast. She couldn’t stop talking about the wedding. It was great seeing all of our friends, and I enjoyed meeting my wife’s relatives. I felt close to all of them, especially her uncle, Patrick Dugan. It felt really good to be included in a family.

  For our honeymoon, I wanted to take my wife on a trip to many countries. Angie wanted something more modest. We decided to spend our honeymoon at Hillsgate by the Sea, a quaint and remarkably charming little fishing village perched high on the rocks of Dennison. This village was several miles outside the city. I rented a lovely house by the ocean, with spectacular views seen in every direction. It was here that we spent our first two weeks of marriage in connubial bliss.

  The days flew by. We took sunset walks and biked along the rocky coast. Angie was physically intimidating when it came to outdoor activity and sports. Sometimes I had trouble keeping up with her when we hiked the steep hills and trails. I took her sailing around the jagged cliffs, exploring the many points of interest along the coast. I loved sailing, and I could see that she did too. Angie became a wonderful partner, satisfying my needs and desires. There were times when I wished I could conceive a child. She knew I couldn’t, but she didn’t seem to mind. Sometimes I wondered if she wanted a baby. Often at night, when we made love, I couldn’t help but feel that she wanted to conceive. We could adopt a child, if that became important to us in the future. But now we just enjoyed every minute together. Each day was filled with wonderful surprises. This was the grandest of honeymoons. The quaint beauty of this area was mesmerizing, filling our senses completely. When the time came to leave Hillsgate by the Sea we were both very much in love and looking forward to returning here. This was like our second home.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  On the return to Highgate after our honeymoon, I wanted to stop at the police station in Cogswell. I felt compelled to catch Cheryl’s killer. Angie begged me to let the police handle it. I agreed to my wife’s wishes and drove all the way back to Highgate without stopping. We arrived home late in the day. Angie and I were exhausted, got undressed and went right to sleep.

  The next day, she was up early again preparing breakfast. Soon I woke up and showered, shaved, then kissed my wife good morning. I sat down at the breakfast table and scanned the local newspaper looking for articles of interest. I was always looking for interesting and newsworthy items. Soon Angie brought in breakfast, and we began eating.

  “Honey, I’ve been thinking about the investigation of Cheryl’s killer,” I said. She begged me to leave it alone and let the police do their job. “The coward who killed your sister must be brought to justice.”

  “I know that,” my wife said.

  “I recently spoke to Geoff Brigham at the police department in Cogswell. He told me that even though Cheryl’s murder case would remain open, there was nothing more they could do with the investigation at this time.”

  Angie looked at me with tears in her eyes. “You mean my sister’s killer will go free? Is that what you’re telling me?”

  “No, darling, I don’t mean that at all. I just think the police in Cogswell need help.”

  “Do what you think needs to get done. I want my sister’s killer behind bars.”

  I smiled, finished my breakfast and quickly got dressed. I decided it was time to have a talk with Brandon, so I went downtown to police headquarters. The Captain ushered me into his private office. “Jimmy, how have you been? That was a beautiful wedding. Thanks for inviting me and my wife. Marilyn sends her best.”

  “Brandon, I need your help.”

  “What can I do?”

  “You know my wife’s sister was brutally murdered in Cogswell.”

  “Yes, we already discussed that unfortunate murder.”

  “I need to find Cheryl Compton’s killer.”

  The Captain studied my expression. “What can I do to help?”

  “I want to work with the police department in Cogswell in solving this homicide. I’ve already spoken with several lead detectives there. I’m afraid they’ve come up against a brick wall in their investigation. I know this request is unusual, given my emotional connection with the victim, but this is personal. I want you to make this happen. Can you please help me?”

  “I want more than anything to help you find Cheryl’s killer, but I’m not sure I can. I’m a big city cop. The police in Cogswell have their own protocol and regulations. I think you already know that.” Brandon paused to get up and pour himself some coffee. “Listen, I’ll do whatever I can to help. You know how I feel about family.”

  “I’ve also been thinking about visiting Caroline.”

  “What for?”

  “I don’t feel right about the way it ended between us. So much was left unsaid.”

  “But she was the brains behind all those subway bombings. She murdered dozens of innocent people. Why do you want to see her now?”

  “I need to clear the air between us. In the beginning, many years ago, I was very much in love with her. After her parents were murdered in that terrorist train attack, her psyche went off the rails. I don’t know what happened to the woman I once knew. She turned into a monster, so suddenly and unexpectedly. Imagine her teaming up with Colonel Richards to kill all those innocent people. God, what a fool I was to believe all her lies. When she recently came back into my life, I thought we could recapture the good times we once shared. It never dawned on me that she was a diabolical killer and was playing me for a fool. You can’t know what that did to my self-esteem.”

  “Just forget it. It’s over. It’ll probably be months before the trial begins for the Shadow Stalker murders. Until then, they’ll stay right here in my jail. Nothing is going to happen before the trial. Besides, the city is safe now, and we can all be thankful for that.”

  “I know. I’m glad I put them both away.”

  “If it’s really important for you to see her in jail, I can arrange a short visit. Just let me know when. Personally, I wouldn’t want anything to do with those two killers.”

  “Okay, I’ll think about it.”

  We shook hands, and I left the Captain’s private office.

  I returned to Highgate to be with my wife. We had lunch, then walked around the city. I took her to the open markets. We strolled around the maze of countless shops displaying their wares. I told her how I used to come here quite often with my mother. I left Angie to roam around the markets on her own. I quickly made off to nearby Bond Street and visited Templeton’s Jewel Emporium. As I eyed the glittering cases of treasure, I spied a beautiful turquoise and emerald bracelet with Angie’s name written all over it. I bought it and quickly left the store. I returned to the open market and found Angie haggling with an angry shop vendor over the price of a colorful basket. As I approached, I noticed that she was holding a wrapped package.

  “Honey, you didn’t buy that for me, did you? It looks too good to open,” I said.

  “I’m not going to tell you.” Angie laughed, and I chuckled. We got a bite to eat and walked around the city for a while longer. Our life as newlyweds was fabulous. I was totally in love with my lovely new bride.

  We returned to Highgate and opened our gifts. I insisted she open mine first. When Angie opened the box, she cried out in surprise. “Darling, this is so beautiful. Where’d you get it?”

  “While you were roaming the mark
ets, I went to a local jewelry store. I was just hoping you’d like it.”

  “Like it? I love it!” She threw her arms around me and gave me a great big hug. It was great knowing that Angie appreciated my taste in jewelry. She admired the bracelet one more time, then handed me the bag containing my gift. “This gift is nothing like what you gave me, but I hope you like it anyway,” she said.

  I unwrapped the paper and ribbon and opened the box. I gasped. My wife had picked out a simple but beautiful ceramic bowl, decorated in hues of blue and orange. The bowl resembled, to an uncanny degree, the bowl my mother had given to me just before she passed away. I took the lovely bowl and admired it, then placed it in a special place in my study. Angie had given me a precious gift of love that touched my soul.

  “Angie, I love you.” We embraced, then kissed passionately. We spent the afternoon in bed, making love. Afterwards, I went into my study and lit my pipe. My determination to catch Cheryl’s killer intensified. I needed to do this not only for my wife and her dead sister, but also for me.

  The next day, after I spoke with Brandon on the phone, I received a call from Geoff Brigham at the police station in Cogswell. “Mr. Watson, I was wondering if I could possibly meet with you today?”

  “Yes, of course, but first let me check with my wife.”