by A A Mize
“So, what are we looking at here?” Walker asked.
“Well, sir, it’s not clear at this point. We know the woman at the bar had Dustin’s phone at one point, but I don’t know if it’s enough to say that she’s involved in Rachel’s murder. But one thing we didn’t get to see on the video was that the woman stayed in the bar until well after Rachel and Dustin returned and she didn’t leave until shortly after Rachel stormed out.”
“She could have followed her.”
“That’s possible, but why?” Kincaid asked.
“Until we figure out who she is, I don’t think we can answer that,” Roberts said. Something was changing in her. There was a lingering fear for what they were doing and an anger toward Walker for pushing them into breaking protocol but pushing through that like the first flowers of spring was a curiosity. Who was the woman? Was she a part of the murder? They weren’t going to stop searching for the answers and in a way, she wanted those answers.
16
Sophie woke later in the morning from a nightmare about Rachel. The dream faded soon after she woke, which was a blessing in itself, but it would not allow her to return to her sleep. She had to do something.
Within minutes she was out of bed, tiptoeing past Lukas’s and Dominic’s rooms to avoid waking them, and down the stairs. Taped to the front door was a key and a note. Gently, Sophie removed it, taken aback by the beautiful scrawling handwriting. The note quickly explained that the key was hers and the address was listed below for her records. It was signed by Dominic. Well, that makes more sense, Sophie thought, tucking the note into her pocket. Lukas didn’t seem the type of guy to have such pretty handwriting.
The walk to the police department took longer than she expected, and her stomach was rumbling by the time she walked through the door. Hopefully she could get some information quickly and eat some lunch before heading back to the house.
At first no one paid her any attention, their eyes passing over her as if she wasn’t even there. Sophie shifted nervously, rubbing her hands together for warmth when a lady officer approached her. The woman was about her height, with black hair tied into a thick bun and deep brown eyes. She greeted Sophie with an outstretched hand and a friendly grin.
“Officer Roberts. Can I help you?”
“Oh, yes. I’m Sophie Daines, Rachel Summer’s cousin. I came yesterday to ID her body and I have a few questions, if you don’t mind?” Sophie asked, shaking the woman’s hand.
“My condolences, Ms. Daines. Losing a loved one is never easy,” Roberts said, motioning toward her desk in the corner. “I’ll do my best to be of some help to you.”
Sophie allowed the officer to lead her to the desk, taking a seat opposite her. She declined the offer of coffee or water, ready to put aside the pleasantries and get down to business.
“Now, I’ll start by saying that since this is a murder investigation, there are things I’m not allowed to discuss with you. Just ask what you want to ask, and I’ll try to be as open with my responses as possible,” Roberts said.
“Thank you, officer. This whole ordeal has just been...” Sophie shook her head. There were no words to describe how she’d felt since being made aware of Rachel’s death. It all happened so fast, there had hardly been time to just sit down and process it all.
“I understand. Just take your time.”
“All right.” Sophie sighed and collected her thoughts. “When I came to identify Rachel, the coroner couldn’t give me a cause of death. Said she had to do some more tests. Has anything come from that? I just want to know what happened. I want to know what to tell my family when they ask questions.”
Roberts paused for a moment, then smiled. “I’ll check on that,” she said, excusing herself to go to an office with the name ‘Walker’ on the door. Sophie watched the officer through the windows of the office. They looked back at her and her stomach twisted in knots. Something seemed wrong. Anxiously she picked her nails, wondering what they were all hiding from her. Maybe she was just being paranoid. The pair talked for several minutes, glancing out at Sophie every occasionally, until finally Roberts returned.
“Here we go,” Roberts began, scanning over the coroner’s report as she approached Sophie. “It says that she died of exposure to the elements,” she said quietly, taking her seat once more.
“Exposure?” Sophie replied. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Where was she found?”
“In City Park. I know dying of exposure here sounds strange, but it happens. With all the moisture in the air and the unusually cold temperatures this winter, it’s easy to freeze to death. She didn’t have any of her personal effects on her, which is why it took a few days to identify the body. We still haven’t recovered her purse, wallet, cell phone, or anything else she might have been carrying.”
Sophie leaned back in the chair, trying to make sense of what Officer Roberts was telling her. “Rachel hated the cold. Didn’t she have a coat on or anything? She was just...lying out in the park?”
“Yes she was, and no she had no coat on, just a dress. Now, it’s been speculated that a homeless person might have seen her and just thought she was passed out, then stole her coat and bag. But until we find those items, we can’t really say what happened.”
“And what about her car?”
“We haven’t found that, either. But maybe you can help us with that? If you could write down anything about it that you can remember, it’ll help us tremendously.” Roberts handed over a scrap of paper and a pen.
Sophie scribbled down everything she knew about Rachel’s car and passed it back to the officer, who tucked it into the file she had brought the coroner’s report back in.
“What about Dustin?”
“We still have some things to clear up with him.”
“Roberts,” a bellowing voice called from across the room, cutting off Sophie before she could ask any more questions. Both ladies looked to see Lieutenant Walker standing in the doorway to his office, motioning for Roberts to come to him.
“I’m sorry Ms. Daines, the lieutenant needs me. What’s your current address and phone number so I can reach you in case we find anything?” Roberts asked, holding up a finger for the lieutenant to hold on. He was restless, tapping his foot.
“Sure,” Sophie replied, pulling out the note she had received from Dominic and ripping off the bottom half where the address was neatly scrawled. She’d already saved it in her phone and no longer needed it.
Roberts took one look at the address, quickly cleared her throat and smiled politely, assuring Sophie once more that she would share any information she could before showing her to the door. Sophie was out in the world again with little more than she came with.
The moment Sophie was out of sight, Roberts practically ran to Walker’s office, slamming the door and slapping the torn note onto his desk. The older man whipped around at her as if she had lost her mind but before he could open his mouth to yell at her she spoke, her dark eyes sparkling with interest.
“Rowan,” she blurted, watching as the lieutenant’s expression shifted from shock to confusion, his thick fingers picking up the scrap of paper. “Sophie Daines is staying with none other than the Turned’s Leader of the French Quarter and Mentor to one of our murder suspects,” Roberts stated proudly, crossing her arms over her chest almost triumphantly. The curiosity she had entertained was slowly turning into something more.
“I wonder if this is why Rowan’s been stalling with Homicide.” Walker stared at the paper, a twisted grin curving the edges of his mustache. “I have an idea, Roberts, and I need you for it. Get close to this girl, Sophie. Keep her away from this department and feed her false information if you have to.”
“Sir?” Roberts nearly took a step back, her curiosity taking a back seat to her morality. “False information? I don’t feel comfortable with that.”
“Well then just get with her and talk to her. Ask her why she’s here and why she’s staying with them. I want an inside view of that hous
e and its goings on. We’ll get Matthias yet.” Walker dropped the address onto the desk and kicked back in his chair.
Matthias. Roberts clenched her fist in her lap, out of the view of Walker. He was determined to convict Matthias of Rachel Summer’s murder, but there was no real evidence for it. All three of his friends said that she walked out of the bar on her own and although none of them were with him when he got her a cab, they said he hadn’t been gone long enough to kill her and Roberts didn’t believe any taxi driver would let him put a bloody dead girl in his car. No, Rachel was killed in City Park. She had to have been.
17
Sophie
I can’t believe it’s almost dark. I slept the whole day away after returning from the police department. Everything happening all at once was more exhausting than I was anticipating. When I got back earlier I called the auto shop and they told me how much it would cost to get my car fixed. I about had a heart attack. Anna suggested that I sell the car if I plan on living here for awhile as parking is a hassle anyway. She said in the year she lived here she didn’t need a car at all, so I guess that’s an option. The longer I let it sit at the shop, the more it’s going to cost, and I need all the money I can get until my first payday. I have some saved up but not enough for rent, groceries, and to get the car repaired. I’ll have to think about it.
As for what happened at the police department, I’m no closer to the answers I’m looking for. I know Officer Roberts told me all she could, but I can’t help but feel as though she was hiding something. Her reaction when I gave her my current address makes me think that something might be wrong with Lukas and Dominic. I’m sure that if I was in any danger, Roberts would have told me to get away from them, right? But if they aren’t dangerous, then why did she look at the address in that way?
I’m trying to be quiet, because I can hear Lukas walking around in his room. I know he’s awake and about to leave, but I really don’t feel like interacting with anyone right now. Rachel is still heavy on my mind, and if I had my way, I would go back to sleep right now. The bad thing is I don’t think my body will let me. My stomach is already growling, and I need a shower. I haven’t felt like doing much of anything since I found out about Rachel’s death. Getting up and going, or even staying awake has been getting harder. I just want to sleep until it’s over, but I know I can’t. There’s too much to do. I just have to distract myself.
As soon as I am sure Lukas and Dominic are gone, I’ll go find a store and buy my own food. I don’t feel comfortable eating their stuff.
While I wait, I guess it’s worth noting that Mom called me fifteen times today. As much as I love her, I am not looking forward to making that call. I have to tell her how Rachel died, even though I’m not sure how much of it I believe. I know it’s not right to doubt what the police told me, but I can’t shake this feeling.
All things considered, the pieces are falling into place, in a manner of speaking. I have a place to stay, and a job lined up. On the topic of work, I quit my old job. Part of me just wanted to tell him to shove it but I didn’t. I hated that place so much. It seems that Rachel is still influencing my life from the other side. In only a few short days, her murder has moved me to a new city and given me a way out from under my terrible boss. No telling yet whether either of those things will be for the better but I have the feeling that it won’t be long until I know for sure.
Sophie had to stop to brush away tears that had come far too easily. Out on the landing she could hear someone shuffling and then go down the stairs. A moment later, a door farther away, no doubt Dominic’s, closed and this time the steps approached her end of the hall.
In silence she sat and waited, watching the small gap at the bottom of the door until the shadow stopped on the other side. Her heart beat so hard she swore she could feel it pulsing in her ears. The shadow remained in place for a moment. Then the sound of the door across the hall opening sent a wave of relief down her spine. Dominic had passed her room and was in his study now.
Sophie slowly tiptoed across the room, listening at the door. The hallway was quiet again and though she concentrated hard, she could not hear through both doors. There was something about the study that caught her attention. Curiosity killed the cat, Sophie thought, shaking her head and taking a step back. Dominic had a right to his own private space and she had no reason to feel such a draw toward it. It’s not like he had someone tied up in there or anything. She forced herself from the door and back to her journal.
Dominic just passed my door and I swear I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I’m not sure why he has such an effect on me. Something about him is just so intimidating, though there really isn’t anything terribly distinctive about him except for his clothing style.
Also, they have electricity but don’t use it much, which is weird. Lukas says that Dominic is photosensitive, which in my opinion just makes him seem even more alien.
I have to admit, though, there is something oddly attractive about him. Not that I would openly admit that to anyone. Anna especially. Rachel was always so understanding when I found myself attracted to someone strange, but Anna was apt to pick on me about it until the feeling faded. I know she doesn’t mean to be that way, thinking it’s all in good fun.
The blame can’t completely lie with her, though. There have been plenty of times I could have told her how much I hate it when she does that, but I never did. You teach people how to treat you, I guess.
Dominic didn’t spend much time in his study. I just heard him go out and down the stairs. I’ll end this now so I can get out of here and go get some food before I starve to death.
Sophie closed her journal and slipped it into the top drawer of her desk. Cautiously, she peeked through the curtains to the street below. She couldn’t see much because of the gallery that extended across the front of the building. There was no way for her to see if Dominic was indeed gone, so she took a deep breath and decided to take her chances.
Out on the landing, the house seemed eerily quiet. A chill ran down her spine as she eased down the stairs. It was a scene straight out of those horror movies she liked to avoid. There was one big difference between her and those people in the films that walked around in dark, strange places until they were strung up and mutilated: she was smart enough to flip on a light.
In the light, the house was a different creature altogether. It was clean, open, and comfortable. Everything was antique, ornate but not garish. The dark woods of the Victorian style furniture matched the stain on the hardwood floor perfectly and played in nicely with the warm brown and gold of the fabrics. Black metal sconces and candelabras were placed around the space, well-used candles in each one.
Sophie was taken aback by the beauty of the home, which she had missed before in the dark. It became clear that this house was indeed Dominic’s. There wasn’t a thing sitting around that made her think of Lukas, and she began to wonder why Dominic had such an apparent fascination with the Victorian era.
A deep rumbling in her stomach pulled her attentions away from the living room and redirected her to the kitchen. As much as she hated the idea of eating their food without asking, she needed something on her stomach before going out to shop. Besides, a look in their cupboards might give her some insight into their lives and influence her food choices at the market.
What she was not expecting, was to open cabinet after cabinet to find them all bare.
“What the—?” she began, opening the refrigerator to see only bottles of water and some coffee creamer. “Seriously, guys?” Sophie grumbled. It seemed a bit on the pathetic side, even for a couple of bachelors. At least it left her open to deciding what to get for herself.
Sophie pulled on her coat and stood at the door for a moment, anxious about going back out into the city alone. It was strange to think that this house had already become her haven; a secure place where she could hide away from the dangers outside, whether real or perceived. She took one last look at the outside of the b
uilding, then set off to find food.
What she ended up finding was a city full of people, talking and laughing and playing instruments in the streets. It was as if they were the blood pumping through the city itself, creating an odd mix of life that seemed to pulse. Sophie couldn’t help but smile to herself as she moved among them, taking in the sights and smells, good and bad as she wandered through the streets until she realized she was lost. The crowds were thinning out and the smell of the river grew stronger.
There were less lights there and the buildings were not as well-kept. She was beginning to feel anxious about her surroundings. She hadn’t meant to come this far, but the city had lured her in and distracted her from her task. Now she was obviously out of place and the locals were making her feel as much. A man who had been standing farther down the street began to approach her.
Sophie kept him in her peripherals but hoped that if she was on her phone he might leave her alone. Quickly she typed in the address, but she was too afraid to turn her back on the stranger.
“What are you doing here?” Rowan said, surprised to see Sophie so far away from the house.
Sophie whipped around, a smile curving her lips, shoulders dropping slightly. The man who had been approaching her backed off with one glance at Rowan, slinking into the shadows. She had no idea that she was almost the victim of a Turned.
“I’m sorry. I was hungry, so I thought I’d go look for some food.” She shrugged sheepishly.
“You shouldn’t be out here alone.” Rowan said firmly, his eyes lingering on the man. “Go back to the house and do your shopping in the day time. I’ll bring food when I get off work.” He pulled out his phone and glanced at the time before shoving it back into his coat pocket, looking around in mild irritation. “Follow me.”