by J. J. Jones
“Did you arrest them?” Brogan asks.
“No, it was nothing like that,” I try to make it sound like something simple. “Security at the bar took care of it. I’m not sure if they called cops or not. We left after the fight was over.”
“Oh,” Brogan replies sounding disappointed.
“Well I have some things to do, so I’m going to head back into my office to make some phone calls and follow up on a few things,” I lie just wanting to get away from Brogan.
“Yeah, sure of course,” Brogan waves me off.
I walk slowly back to my office thinking about my conversation with Brogan. I can’t quite figure out how he is so perceptive. Obviously he’s already pegged Gerald as a bad guy. He may or may not know that he’s the real rapist and killer in the case, but he knows there is something wrong with him. The same is his reactions towards me. I can’t figure out how he knows I’m not normal, but he’s had it figured out for awhile now. It scares me a little, knowing his suspicions could lead to my downfall.
All the more reason to drop everything and leave. Gerald might be my final meal in New York before I leave for good.
Chapter8
“Be a REAL man Jack!”
Tom
I slink back into my office trying to avoid confrontation with anyone. I don’t want to draw attention to the fact that I’ve returned in fear that Olivia will notice that I’m back.
But I am unsuccessful. Tom notices that I am back within seconds and walks into my office.
“So who were you talking to?” he says loudly as he approaches my desk.
So much for a quiet return. I see Olivia’s head jerk up from her desk out in the main room and glance in my direction. I turn my head away before we make eye contact, not wanting to see her reactions.
“Uh, it was a suspect in the Broadview case,” I reply.
“Oh, that girl was raped and murdered, right?” Tom asks.
“Yeah, that’s the one. We think she connected to others, but we’re not sure. The patterns are the same. Our perpetrator is starting to create his signature.”
“And this guy?” Tom asks.
“Nah, not our guy, unfortunately. His fingerprint was found at the scene, but the girl was a frequent babysitter for his daughter, so his fingerprint there was no surprise,” I reply.
“That could just be a cover though, what about an alibi?” Tom questions.
“Checked out. I’m not sure what it was, but Brogan looked into it, I guess. He told me he was cleared, so I had to let him go,” I shrug my shoulders.
“Do you think he’s innocent?” Tom asks, noticing my hesitation.
“Of these crimes, probably. But I’m not sure is his innocent of everything. He was a little creepy and strange, but Brogan was the one who told me to cut him loose.”
“So we gonna check into this guy further then? To see if there’s more to him than what’s on the surface?” Tom prods further.
“Brogan said he would,” I reply. “Besides, we have plenty on our plates without spending time looking into something we don’t even know is something.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Tom replies. “So what’s on the agenda for the rest of today?”
“Well I have a few phone calls to make and some case files to go through. Plus I need to write up some reports, so I’ll be busy. I’m not sure what you need to do, but I’m sure there is something you could be doing. If not I’ll let Brogan know that you’re volunteering to spend some time on the streets.” I smile at him.
“Oh, I’ve got some paperwork to do, too. I’m sure it will probably take me the rest of the afternoon to get it done,” Tom smiles back.
“I’m sure it will, Tom,” I reply.
Tom begins to walk out of the office before poking his head back in and asking, “What are you doing tonight after work?”
“Uh, I don’t know. I guess I don’t really have plans,” I reply knowing that I would prefer to spend some time staking out the best time and place to bring justice to Gerald.
“Let’s go out, just the guys,” Tom suggests. “I’ll ask some of the other beat cops if they want to come, too. We’ll see who wants to join us.”
“Sure, sounds great.” I reply feeling disappointed, but also thinking that at least I will be going out with the guys and not feeling pressure to go out with Olivia again.
The rest of the afternoon flies by and most of the officers are packing up to head out for the day. I linger behind as Tom comes into the office.
“Hey, I guess it’s just you and me tonight. Most of the other guys are pulling a double and working the street tonight. I guess they are putting more cops on the streets with the vampire vigilante and the uptown killer on the lose.”
“The ‘uptown killer?’” I ask.
“It’s the name the guys are giving to the perp in the Broadview case that we’re guessing is connected to other rapings and murders,” Tom explains.
“Hmm, well let’s not let that get out of the department. The last thing we need is media uproar about a serial killer going after young women uptown before we even know they are all connected,” I advise.
“I’m sure it won’t leak,” Tom reassures me. “So you still up for going out tonight?”
“Sure, just let me go home and change my clothes. Where do you want to meet?”
We arrange a bar to meet at in an hour and head out of the office. I drive home a different way that will lead me by Gerald’s apartment. It’s actually not too far out of my way to see his place. I mostly just want to get an idea of his living situation and see the apartment building. A lot can be seen from the way the building is kept. If it is rundown, it means there will be less cameras and easier access to the building.
With my quick drive by I learn valuable information. The apartment building is one of the worst I’ve ever worked in. I doubt there is a working camera in the entire building. Regardless I will avoid the elevator, and take the back set of stairs. It appears that you used to need a code to enter the building, but through disrepair, I will be able to walk right in without an invitation.
After running home and changing, I head to the bar to meet up with Tom. Like usual he has beat me and started the drinking fest without me as well. He has a few empty glasses sitting in front of him. I can’t imagine he’s been there more than a half an hour and to have already down three beers is a little excessive.
I sit across from him and we start to talk about work. Nothing exciting, but it’s more refreshing than talking about Tom’s relationship problems.
But it doesn’t take long before Tom moves the conversation that direction and starts to monologue about all women. I notice it is usually by the second beer that this usually happens. I stop paying attention after a minute or two and my mind drifts back to my conversations with Olivia earlier in the day. Both times we spoke, she seemed upset with me, but I couldn’t quite figure out why. Maybe Tom knows why Olivia is so upset.
“I had sex with Olivia last night,” I interrupt Tom’s speech.
“Wait?! What?!” Tom practically shouts back at me.
I look around a little embarrassed as Tom has drawn attention to our table. “Olivia and I went out last night, and we ended up back at her place. One thing led to another and we had sex.”
“First date, nice,” Tom holds up his hand for a high five. I don’t understand why he is congratulating me, but I high five him anyway.
“But today she is mad at me, and I’m not sure why?” I ask.
“Haha, ironic isn’t it?” Tom states.
“Ironic? What do you mean?” I reply.
“Well I’m always the one asking you for relationship advice about women. Here we are and you’re asking me. It’s just funny don’t you think?” Tom laughs as he takes another drink.
“Yeah, I guess so, but I need help. I can’t figure out why she is so mad at me. She used phrases like, ‘player,’ and ‘used.’” Both of which confuse me. I’m not using her.” I look at Tom hopi
ng that he’ll be able to help me.
“Well the fact that you’re out with me and not her is a problem,” Tom starts.
“Why?” I ask.
“Well, you went out last night, but only for drinks and then you had sex. A real man would step up and take her to dinner, then dancing or drinks after. I mean I’m not saying it was bad that you went out for drinks, but by taking her a real date it shows her that you’re willing to spend time and money on her. Women like those kinds of things.” Tom explains.
I nod trying to understand everything.
“Just understand that it’s not all about the sex for women. They need all the little things that lead up to sex in order to feel that they are appreciated. Otherwise they feel used because you did as little as possible in order to get laid.”
‘But that’s not how it was at all,” I try to defend myself.
“It doesn’t matter what your intentions were, man, it’s all how they interpret your actions. And if she called you a player today and accused you of using her, that’s how she felt.” Tom stopped to take a drink before continuing. “Like I said before, if you really like her and want to patch things up, you gotta step up and take her out on a real date. Be a REAL man Jack!”
I think about what Tom is telling me, and although it still confuses me, I decide his advice is probably sound. I obviously can not be a real man but I spare him the details about that. Even though Tom is not the most competent when it comes to relationships and women, I think he may be right this time.
“Do you mind if I call her right now?” I ask.
“Go for it,” Tom says. “I’m going to get a few more drinks from the bar.”
I dial Olivia’s number and hope that she picks up.
“Hello?” she asks.
“Olivia, it’s Jack.” I reply.
“Oh, hello,” she responds coolly.
“I just wanted to call and ask you to go out to dinner with me. I’d like to spend another evening with you,” I ask hoping she’ll say yes.
“Dinner?” she asks her voice tone becoming warmer.
“Yeah, I’d like to take you to dinner, and then maybe dancing or drinks afterward. But I think it would be nice to have dinner first.” I say trying to keep things smooth and cool.
“Dinner would be nice,” she says. “Have you already eaten tonight?” Olivia asks.
“Oh, uh no, I haven’t,” thrown a little off-guard that she wants to go out tonight. I was planning to arrange something for a future night.
“Well then let’s go out tonight. I’ll be ready in an hour,” she says leaving little room for me to disagree.
“Okay, sounds good, I will pick you up at nine then,” I reply. After exchanging quick goodbyes we hang up and I stare at my phone a little shocked and surprised, but also relieved that things seem to be back in the clear for now – at least until I mess up again.
Tom returns to the table and looks at me. “Well she said she’d go out with me,” I say.
“That’s great,” Tom replies.
“Tonight,” I finish my sentence. “So I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to rain check with you. We’ll have to go out maybe tomorrow or the next day. I’ll buy the drinks,” I offer hoping he won’t be upset with me.
“Hey man, you gotta do what you gotta do. Go and make things right with Olivia,” he says waving his hand at me. “Besides giving you advice has made me rethink my own relationship problems. Maybe it’s the little things that I’ve forgotten with Shannon. Maybe that’s where our problems lie, too.”
“Good luck. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I pat him on the arm and turn to leave. “Hey Tom,” I call back, “don’t drive home okay?”
“Of course, Detective,” he smiles and waves me off.
I make my way out the door and jump in my car. Even as I drive, I feel nervous about the date. I have no reason to feel nervous, but something about getting things right this time makes me hope that I don’t say anything wrong or make Olivia feel used.
I drive up to her apartment building and jump out of the car to go get her. I knock gently on the door and wait for her to answer. As she opens the door, I can’t help but feel my jaw drop.
She looks amazing. She’s dressed in a nice little cocktail dress that hits her mid thigh and wraps tightly around her waist. Her chest is pressed together and practically asking me to undress her. I smile sweetly and take my eyes away from her body to make eye contact with her.
“You look amazing,” I say breathless.
“Thank you,” she smiles looking a little embarrassed.
“Shall we?” I extend my arm and guide her by the small of her back out of the apartment and down to the car.
Chapter9
“I’m not a huge fan of garlic bread really, makes me feel sick.”
Jack
“Where would you like to go eat?” I ask as we start to drive away from her apartment.
“Oh, I don’t really care, but there’s this new Italian restaurant I’ve been dying to try if that sounds good to you?” she offers.
“That’s fine,” I reply. “Where is it?”
She gives me directions and we drive there pretty easily. We get seated quickly since it is a little later and the dinner rush is over. We sit down and I start to glance over the menu. I usually hate going to Italian restaurants because everything is made with garlic, but Olivia had seemed like she really wanted to come, so I didn’t want to refuse. I was sure I could find something on the menu that didn’t have garlic. Most people believe that garlic will kill a vampire, which isn’t true. Garlic is just something I really don’t like and never did even when human. Maybe you don’t like the taste of or texture of mushrooms, but the same thing applies to me and garlic. It’s just something I don’t like which I guess is ironic considering my status.
“So what are you going to get?” Olivia asks me a little too anxiously.
“I’m not sure yet, you?” I ask.
“The manicotti served with garlic bread,” she responds quickly. “It’s their special today.”
“Oh, that sounds good. I think I will go with the lasagna.” It probably has garlic in it, but the other flavors will hopefully mask it well enough.
Our waiter comes by and we order our food. I also ask him to recommend a wine to go with our meal. I think that’s a nice touch to help smooth things over with Olivia. I really want to make things right with her tonight.
While we wait for our food, we talk about work and other things. I try to get to know the real Olivia better. I ask her questions about growing up and what life was like before she became a police officer with the NYPD.
Of course this prompts more questions about my past as well, of which I try to avoid or have to make up answers.
Finally our food arrives and we can stop talking and just eat for a minute or two.
“Wow this food is delicious,” Olivia says in between bites.
“Yes, it is really good,” I reply trying to agree with her since I really don’t care for the food.
“Do you want to try a bite of mine?” Olivia offers.
“No thanks,” I reply waving my hand. “But if you want to try mine, feel free, it really is delicious.”
“Thanks, but I am not a huge fan of lasagna really. But you didn’t get garlic bread with your meal,” Olivia observes, “you really have to try this garlic bread. It’s the best garlic bread I think I’ve ever had.” She hands me a piece of garlic bread across the table.
“Oh I’m okay. Thanks though,” I don’t take it from her and stare at the garlic bread like it has horns coming out of it. “If it’s the best garlic bread you’ve ever had, I’d hate to take a piece from you. I’m not a huge fan of garlic bread really, makes me feel sick.” I reply honestly.
She doesn’t push the issue and a somewhat satisfied look crosses her face as she takes the piece back across the table and puts it on her place. I feel somewhat confused, but continue eating and don’t worry too much about it.
�
��Jack, this may seem like a strange question, but how old are you?” Olivia asks me.
“Forty-four,” I reply without missing a beat, knowing I’m really about 140, but I’ve been living this cover story for awhile now, so it’s become part of me.
“Oh,” Olivia replies seemingly disappointed. “You see there’s a little bet going on at the office about your age. Most of the officers think you’re much younger than that. I can’t believe you’re actually forty-four. You look like you could be in your early thirties.”
“It runs in the family,” I reply smiling, knowing this is far more true than Olivia has any idea about.