Ghosts of the Past Ch. 6

Caz stood there, his mind racing without any thoughts fully forming. Giselle ran the few steps left between them and threw her arms over his shoulders in an embrace. She wasn’t pulling him to her so much as she was trying to push as close to him as she could. He could feel her body shudder as she began sobbing into his shoulder.

Caz returned the embrace, unsure what he should be doing. “Giselle, what are you doing here?” He asked. She took a short moment before finally pulling away.

“I was in town for a seminar,” Giselle began. “I’ve kept in contact with Nick over the years, so I called him and asked if he wanted to meet up while I was in the city. Oh, er, you’d remember Nick as Eckhard, I guess. Eckhard Gefunden. Anyway, he was free so we went to dinner. But then, on our way back to the car, we were attacked! Someone jumped out from behind a dumpster and grabbed me. I put my hand up to try and catch his before he could grab my throat, but I guess he had a knife and I caught that instead,” she was staring at the red stains soaking through the bandage covering her left hand, eyes widening at the memory of the incident. “I didn’t know what to do, but Nick pulled the guy off and told me to run so I did. And then I heard shooting. I didn’t know Nick had been killed until I spoke to the officer who picked me up,” fresh tears began flowing from Giselle’s eyes and a sob cut off her frantic story.

“Ms. Evans, I take it you’re familiar with Detective Donovan?” Captain Brink’s face was back to its usual stern expression.

“Donovan? Oh, yes. I knew Caz when we were children,” she looked to Caz, unsure how much to say. “We… grew up in similar circumstances. I haven’t seen him in a very long time though.”

“I see. Is this what you were wanting to speak to me about, Caz?” Captain Brink looked between Giselle and him.

“Not exactly, I did not know Giselle… I mean Claire… was the other victim.” Caz was still trying to wrap his mind around these last few minutes. “It is related and, in a way, confirms what I have been suspecting.”

“I see. Franco,” the Captain turned to Dan, “I’d like you to interview Ms. Evans while Caz and I talk.”

“You got it boss.” Dan stood up and motioned Claire towards the interview rooms.

“Caz, can we talk after?” Claire asked pleadingly, looking to him.

“Of course,” Caz answered. “I am not sure how long this will take though.”

“That’s okay. I’ll wait.” She turned and followed Dan to the interview room. Caz, likewise, followed the Captain into his office.

“What the hell is going on Caz?” Captain Brink asked as soon as the door clicked shut.

“I believe these murders, and the killer, are in some way tied to the Family cult,” Caz steadied himself by holding the chair in front of him with both hands. Finally saying this out loud took a physical effort for him. He had done his best to distance himself and forget that period of his life, bringing it up now, especially connected to even more death, made him nauseous.

“The Family cult, that’s the one where they were kidnapping kids and using their produce farm as a compound, right? What does that have to do with you two and our victims?” Captain Brink sat down in his own chair, motioning for Caz to sit in the one he was holding.

Caz sank into it, still a little lightheaded and dizzy from all of this. He had been on high alert since making this connection. Suddenly coming face-to-face with someone so close to him from that time, it had been enough to rock his usual steady senses.

Giselle had been one of his ‘siblings.’ When children were born or brought into the Family, they were put into groups of 6. These 6 were called ‘siblings’ even if there was no blood relationship between them. Each group of siblings were ‘cousins’ to the others. Siblings would live together, train together, and when they came of age, go on missions together. You would stay grouped with these siblings until you turned 16, adulthood in the eyes of the family. This is when you would begin working the farm and performing the higher risk missions with the other adults.

Being the oldest of his siblings, Caz had been close with all of them. Emilia, Karl, Ingrid, and Hugo. But he and Giselle had started a rivalry early on. She was always trying to outdo him and prove her capability. It had led to many frustrations and fights between them, but this had brought them to a higher level of respect for each other, different even than their other siblings.

He shook his head, clearing his mind and focusing back on his conversation with the Captain. “It is not common knowledge anymore sir, but I was one of the children recovered during the raid on that compound. Sargent Will Donovan, before he became my father, was the SWAT team leader and in charge of the raid. Claire, Jackson, and Nick were also members of the cult. Jackson and Claire were just children like me. Nick was older and had joined voluntarily.”

“Shit,” Captain Brink leaned back, rubbing his temples. “Why didn’t you bring this up earlier?”

“I did not recognize Jackson,” Caz told him. “When I found out who he was, I hoped it was just coincidental. But now there is too much for it to be just coincidence.”

“What else is there?” Captain Brink asked.

“The security footage from the gas station,” he began, “it shows a group of men speaking to Jackson on his last shift. Whatever they said, it scared him. One of the men has a tattoo on his left forearm near the wrist,” Caz pulled up his sleeve, revealing the crow tattoo. “It matches this. It is the same one you will find on Jackson, on Nick, and on Claire. So far this is the only thing the victims have in common,” he said, tapping his arm.

“Shit,” Captain Brink said again, “as if two murders in a week weren’t bad enough. Now it looks like there’s a connection to one of the biggest cases this department has seen. There was a big deal made about it being all wrapped up when their leader was convicted. The media will go crazy over this shit. We need to keep this information close to the chest until we’re absolutely certain.” Captain Brink was rubbing his temples harder now and his eyes were closed. “Once we have the proof, we’ll take it to command, and they can break the news.”

“Sir, are you going to pull me from the case?” Caz asked.

“Do I need to? Can you remain impartial and investigate this like any other case?” Captain Brink looked him in the eye.

“It will not be a problem sir.” Caz answered.

“Good,” Captain Brink stood up from his desk, “you’ll stay lead for now. I’ll keep my attention on it as well. And I want regular reports submitted, everything you do or find out needs to be recorded and sent straight to me. I don’t want to give the reporters any reason to believe this was handled carelessly.”

“Thank you, Captain. I will let you know anything that comes up,” Caz stood to leave.

“And Caz,” Captain Brink stopped him, “be careful. It seems like that tattoo on your arm is a death mark right now. If things get out of hand, or if you’re compromised, I’ll have to pull you off the case.”

“Understood,” Caz replied. He stepped out, closing the door behind him. The office was dark except for Dan’s desk which was bathed in the pale blue light coming from his computer monitor. He and Claire were still back in the interview room.

Caz went and sat down at his own desk, switching the monitor on. Might as well get this report started while I wait, he thought. Before he could begin typing his phone vibrated, Katie had text him.

Hey! I got those photos finished and put onto a drive. Want me to drop them off now?

No tomorrow is fine. Go home and get some sleep.

Like that’s gonna happen. I’m already 3 cups of coffee in. Tomorrow’s gonna be rough : p

Mine too. It looks like I might have another couple of hours still.

Well, if you need some caffeine, give me a holler. I’ll probably still be awake : )

Caz slipped his phone back into his pocket.

“Girlfriend wondering where you’re at?” Claire had walked up to the desk while Caz was texting.

“No,” Caz answered, startled he had not heard her approach, “just a co-worker asking about the case.”

“Sorry,” Claire said. “One thing that stuck with me is being quiet I guess. People always tell me I need to wear a bell or something,” she chuckled.

“I don’t remember you being particularly quiet,” Caz said. “In fact, I remember you having quite a loud mouth,” Caz gave her a wry grin.

“What? Me?” Claire’s hand went to her chest in mock surprise. “Well, I guess when compared to you. No one was as quiet as you. Of course, we could never get you to shut up about the fact that you were the oldest,” she actually laughed, once, out loud at this.

“Very true, but it was only because you had to be reminded so often,” Caz gave his own chuckle. “How did the interview go?” He changed the subject, becoming uncomfortable with how comfortable it was to talk about the past with her.

“It was fine, I guess,” Claire said, the laughing tone gone from her voice. “It’s weird, I tried to tell Detective Franco everything but, it’s like the harder I tried to remember, the less came back to me.”

“That is fairly common after a traumatic experience actually,” Caz said.

“Right. I know that. I’m usually the one saying it to others,” she chuckled again. “Doesn’t make it any less frustrating though. I’ll have to remember that next time I tell someone.”

“You were in town for a therapist conference, right? So, is that what you do?” Caz asked.

“Yes. I figured I spent enough time in therapy growing up, I might as well become a therapist myself,” the playful tone was back in her voice now. “The conference starts Friday afternoon, and I’m supposed to present at the end of the day on Saturday.”

“Last speaker! You must be pretty important to this conference. Are you still up to attending?” Caz asked.

“That’s a good question,” she looked thoughtful as she considered. “I am pretty shook up. But I was asked to speak based on my research and treatment of those dealing with trauma. So… I think I might be able to turn this into a positive if I can show how the methods I’ve been using work with my own trauma, past and now this very recent bit.”

“That seems like a quick turnaround. Do you really think you will be ready so soon?” Caz was skeptical. He had been through therapy when he was younger, it was a slow process.

“No… not even close,” Claire laughed again. “But I’ll at least have the time to process the incident and I can compare my own personal start in the process to that of my clients. Yeah, I think this could actually be quite insightful.”

“I am impressed. You are willing to use your own history and experiences, laying it out for others to see and learn from,” Caz leaned back in his chair, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I just wanted to leave mine behind where it could be forgotten.”

“Everyone has their own ways of dealing with their trauma. For me, if my experience and journey can help someone else heal, then it makes what we went through worth something more than just the scars it left on us.” Claire stepped closer, she turned and leaned back against his desk.

“I guess I chose to heal by solving crimes instead of committing them,” Caz took his hand out of his pocket and set it on a stack of case folders. “I only wish finding justice for these people could ease the pain that was inflicted back then.”

“That sounds like penance, not healing, Caz. You don’t have to shoulder the responsibility of everything that was done in the name of the Family. That’s too much weight for any one person. I mean, even Papa had Mama to help. Not to mention all of the aunts and uncles.” Claire placed her own hand on top of the one Caz had set on the files.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Dan’s voice, which was always just a little too loud for the situation, made Claire jump and pull her hand back. “I’m all finished up and about to head out. I can have an officer come get you, Ms. Evans. Or I’m sure Caz wouldn’t have an issue giving you a ride.” Dan smiled and winked at Caz.

“Oh, actually would you mind Caz? I was hoping we could talk a little more,” Claire, no longer leaning on the desk, asked him.

“Of course,” Caz said. “I am all done for the night. Where do you need to go?” He stood up from his chair.

“I’m staying at the Montreal Hotel near the expo center. Thank you, Caz,” Claire gave him a quick hug and then started walking toward the door. Caz and Dan followed.

“The Montreal?” Dan whistled. “That’s a fancy place to stay! I haven’t been there myself but I hear they have big, comfy beds – ow – haha,” Dan lagged behind now, rubbing his shin where Caz had kicked him. “I hope the conference people shelled out for that room,” Dan caught back up, limping a little now.

“Hmm? Oh, yes. They’re putting all the speakers there for the weekend. I came a few days early though, so I paid for the extra days.” They had reached the doors now Claire stepping out and turning to talk to them. “I guess I should be following you now,” she said to Caz.

“I am parked just this way,” Caz motioned towards the corner of the lot where he always parked. “Have a good night, Dan. Tell Jane hi for me.” Caz led Claire towards the car.

“I will. And you two take your time catching up!” Dan called after them.

“I am sorry about him Claire. He was just trying to embarrass me. He did not mean anything by the comments,” Caz apologized as they reached his car. He opened the passenger door for her.

“It’s fine,” she chuckled. “It’s pretty common for men to make sexual innuendos or jokes to break the tension and embarrass their friends. You two must be pretty close.”

“We are,” Caz watched Dan walking to his own car. “We came up in the department together. Hired around the same time and went to the academy together. He is a good guy, just a little loud and obnoxious sometimes. He’s the closest thing I have had to a brother since the farm.”

“I’m glad you have people like him in your life,” Claire slid into the passenger seat. “It’s good to have someone you can have fun with, to make you see life doesn’t always have to be so serious. You coming?” She pulled the door closed. Caz walked around to his side and got in. “So, you know where you’re going?”

“The Montreal by the exhibition center,” Caz backed out of the parking space.

“Thanks again, Caz. I know it’s been years since we saw each other last, but I feel safer with you around,” Claire told him.

“I am happy to help,” Caz said. “I would like to check in with you while you are here if that is okay. Maybe ask some more questions when you have had a chance to settle down. Maybe after some sleep you’ll be able to remember more.”

“I’d like that,” Claire smiled over at him.

“For the case of course,” Caz sat up straighter in his seat, paying extra attention to the empty street in front of him.

“Oh, yes, for the case,” she smiled a little wider. “I was actually going to ask you about that. Detective Franco asked me if a knew a Jackson Montgomery. Has there been more attacks than just tonight?”

“Yes, unfortunately. Jackson was killed earlier this week and it looks as if it was by this same subject that attacked you and Eckhard tonight.”

“You mean Nick,” Claire corrected. “Eckhard was a name given to him back then, it’s important to remember he was no longer part of the Family.”

“Right,” Caz said. “Just like you and Jackson. It has been a bit of an adjustment with the names.”

“I don’t remember anyone named Jackson. Was he also a member?” Claire asked.

“Yes, although he was called Falk back then. Do you remember him? He was a little older than us.” Caz was beginning to relax again.

“Doesn’t ring a bell, but that’s not too surprising. Not everyone has a memory like you, ya know.” Claire looked over at him, smiling.

Caz pulled the car into the parking lot of the Montreal Hotel, parking under a light near the entrance. Claire unbuckled and reached down to the floorboard.

“Oh no,” she sat back up. “My room key was in my purse. I dropped it when I was running out of the alley.” Her face dropped and she looked to Caz. “You don’t think whoever attacked me would have come here if they found the key in my purse do you? The key card does have the hotel name on it.”

“Normally I would say that is unlikely,” Caz told her. “But whoever is doing this seems to be going out of their way to look for people like us. It might be best for me to go with you.”

They walked into the front lobby together, Claire just behind Caz on his right. It was still well lit despite the late hour. Two couches sat off to the side with a table between them. There was a fountain made to look like a waterfall, it made a soft burbling sound as it flowed down a rock wall and into a false pond. There were Koi fish lazily swimming inside the pool. Caz approached the front counter, Claire still just behind him.

“Ms. Evans has misplaced her key card. Would you be able to issue a new one please?” Caz asked the young lady sitting at a computer, her bronze name plate said ‘KENDRA’ and underneath her name it said ‘Assistant Manager’.

“Of course,” Kendra replied. “May I see your I.D. Ms. Evans?”

“Well, you see,” Claire shuffled forward, “my key and my I.D. were in my purse which was stolen earlier tonight.”

“Ah. In that case I just need your name and room number. We should have your I.D. on file,” Kendra began typing information into the computer.

“Claire Evans. Room 315.”

Kendra typed a few moments longer. “Here you are. Give me a minute and I’ll be out with the new key.” She disappeared through a door behind the counter.

“Would you come up with me?” Claire asked. “It may be silly to worry about, but I’d like someone else there if they did come here.”

“Of course,” Caz turned toward her. “I will check the room first just in case.”

Kendra came back through the doorway holding a white card with ‘Montreal Hotel and Suites’ written in artistic cursive on one side.

Claire took the card and thanked Kendra. They made their way to a hallway at the far end of the lobby. The hall came to a T with a corridor running left and right. They turned right, following a placard that said ‘ELEVATOR’.

The elevator brought them quickly to the third floor, the door opening to an identical hallway. “It’s just this way.” Claire turned left to walk down the hall.

“Wait,” Caz touched her shoulder. “You stay here and keep the door open. That way you can get back in quickly if anyone is here.”

Caz walked over to room 315, the door was just ajar, allowing light to stream out in a thin line across the floor. He drew his sidearm from its holster and quietly pushed the door open further. He quickly stepped through the entrance, first turning to check behind the door before scanning the rest of the room. It had been ransacked. Blankets were torn from the bed, all the drawers were pulled out and the clothes, which must have been in them, had been thrown all around.

The bathroom was just to the left inside the entryway. It was closed but Caz could see light illuminating the carpet fibers coming from beneath the door. He softly stepped over and pushed the handle down, it swung open. He moved, arcing away from the opening to the other side of the doorway, checking the whole room as he did. The shower was surrounded by three glass walls, no way for someone to hide inside of it. Finally, he stepped in, checking behind the door and finding nothing. He turned, walking back out to the main area. There was a desk by the T.V. stand, the chair had been knocked over. Unable to see what was on the other side of the bed, Caz crept towards it.

The door handle rattled behind him. He swung around, raising his gun as the door hit the wall.

Claire stood in the space between the hallway and the room, shoulders tensed, wincing at the noise. “Sorry,” she said. “You were just taking so long I thought I should check on you.”

“The point was to keep you away if there was any danger, not have you walk directly into it,” Caz holstered his gun. “It looks like someone did come looking for you. Luckily, it seems as if we missed them.”

“I don’t think I can stay here tonight,” Claire took in the scene with wide eyes. “This guy, whoever he is, might decide to come back again.” She walked over, sitting down at the foot of the bed.

“I do not think he would have left such a mess if he planned on coming back. Still, I think you are right. It would be better for you to stay somewhere else.” Caz grabbed a duffel bag from the open closet and set it on the bed next to her. “Grab whatever you think you will need and we will leave.” He began grabbing clothes off the ground and stuffing them into the bag as he said this.

“I put a hold on all my cards already, Caz. I can get cash out of the bank tomorrow, but I don’t know what I can do for tonight.”

Caz hesitated for a moment. “You can stay in my apartment tonight, I have a guest bedroom. We will figure out what to do next tomorrow.”

“I really don’t want to impose,” Claire fidgeted on the bed, “It would make me feel safer though.”

“It is not an imposition. I cannot let you stay here with the possibility that they may come back,” Caz sat down beside her.

“Thank you,” Claire smiled at him. “I don’t know how I would have made it through tonight without you here.”

“I am always glad to help an old friend. We really should get going though,” Caz stood and offered his hand to help Claire up. “Do you need anything else?”

“I don’t think so,” Claire took his hand, pulling herself up. “But did you just call me old? You’re almost two years older than me, remember,” she gave Caz a playful shove before zipping her duffel bag.

“Closer to a year and a half if I remember correctly,” Caz smiled back. “I need to speak to Kendra at the front desk before we leave. Do you have a car here?”

“No,” Claire shouldered the bag, “I’ve just been using ride share services since I got here.

They left the room together, stopping by the front desk before leaving. Caz did not see Kendra behind the computer this time, but there was a silver bell with a sign that said ‘Please ring once for service’. Caz pressed down on the bell, once like the sign said, sending a clear ding through the lobby.

“Can I help you?” Kendra asked, walking out of the same back door from earlier. “Oh, hello again. Was there an issue with the new key?”

“No, nothing wrong with the key,” Caz sat the key on the counter. “Unfortunately, whoever took Ms. Evans’ purse seems to have found the original one and beat us back to her room. I am going to have some officers and techs come down and catalogue the scene. If you could help them with any security footage of entrances and hallways it would be appreciated.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you didn’t lose too much else,” Kendra said. “I’ll help however I can but, the cameras have been down for the last couple days. We are doing upgrades to the system and they started removing the old hardware.”

“Damn,” Caz said under his breath. “Do you remember anyone coming in before us. It most likely would have been a single male. He probably would not look the type to stay in a nice place like this.”

“No,” Kendra shook her head, “It’s been a slow night. You’re the only ones to come through the lobby since about 9 pm, and the last people were a younger couple. If they had a key though, they could have used any of the side entrances.”

“Thank you. Those officers will be here shortly,” Caz nodded to Claire and they began walking to the entrance. He took his phone out and contacted the dispatcher on shift tonight, filling her in on the details by the time he took his seat in the car. Caz ended the call and put his phone back in his pocket. He was shifting the car into reverse when Claire put a hand on his shoulder.

“Thank you, Caz. Tonight has been quite traumatic. I think seeing you, unexpected as it was, is the only reason I haven’t broken down.”

“To tell you the truth, I have felt my own stress building all week. Ever since I saw that tattoo on Jackson Montgomery’s arm. Having a familiar face has helped me to take a step back and refocus. We are going to get through this, Claire.” Caz backed the car up and left the parking lot.

The adrenaline from the events of the night had finally run out, leaving them both too exhausted to hold a conversation as they slowly climbed the stairs to Caz’s apartment. They came to the door, Caz fumbled with the keys until he found the right one. He could hear Janus clawing and whining from inside. He unlocked the door and pushed it open. Janus shot out, immediately weaving between Caz’s feet.

The cat stopped short when it saw Claire standing in the hall. His back arched up, hair raised and he jumped back into the doorway, hissing and spitting at Claire.

“Janus, stop that!” Caz said, shooing Janus further inside the apartment with his foot. “I am sorry Claire. He gets grumpy when his meal schedule is off.”

“I don’t blame him. I’m the same way if I skip a meal,” Claire laughed. “Honestly though, me and cats don’t tend to get along. I think we’re allergic to each other.”

“I did not know you were allergic. I will be sure to keep him in my room tonight,” Caz stepped into the apartment, holding the door for Claire.

“Oh, it’s fine. I don’t think one night will kill me,” Claire stepped in after Caz. “Wouldn’t that be something though. Survive a knife attack just to be taken out by cat dander haha.”

Caz filled the cat dish with dry food. Janus sat on top of the table watching Claire as she stood just inside the doorway, a low growl audible as he stared.

Caz picked Janus up. “If you are going to act like this, you can go to bed without dinner.” He carried him to the bedroom, closing him inside. “I will show you to your room.”

The guest room was bare except for a single twin bed and a small, empty closet. “Sorry, I know it does not match up to the Montreal. I do not get many guests,” Caz apologized.

“It’s perfect!” Claire walked over and fell backwards onto the bed. “Simply perfect. I’ve been dying for a pillow to lay my head on for the last few hours.”

“Well, I will leave you to it then. The bathroom is just across the hall. If you need anything else, you can knock on my door. Good night Claire,” Caz stepped out.

“Thank you, Caz. Good night,” she said without sitting up.

Caz went into his room, closing the door all the way so Janus would not get out. He laid down, having no trouble falling asleep tonight.

Janus did not jump into his usual spot on the bed. Instead, he sat in front of the closed door, swishing his tail back and forth across the ground.