The tower : A New start

Still at Large

They woke early the next morning, and were in the kitchen fixing breakfast when Alex's phone rang. He pulled it out to answer while Sapphire finished their breakfast.

Alex glance over at Sapphire as he hung up the phone, “That was the Sheriff. He's on his way over. Apparently, our unwanted guest has been identified and His finger prints and DNA were compared to the DNA The Butcher left behind at his last attack. He didn't give any details just that there was something we need know and he wants to tell us in person.” He waited while Sapphire digested the information he'd given her.

Finally, she met his gaze a hint of sadness in her eyes. “He's not the butcher.” She said it flatly no inflection to her voice. It seem like she'd already expected that news. “It's not that I didn't want him to be The Butcher. But, I had a chance last night while we relaxed to think about the way he talked and how he acted. Our visitor was abrupt. He liked to brag and taunt. He also acted rashly, charging in hoping to do as much damage as possible. His attacks weren't even thought out.” She continued.

Alex hadn't spoken since she started to explain her theory, he just stood there listening quietly, waiting for her to finish. “The Butcher, the man who attacked me had meticulously planned every detail. He watched me for weeks and knew my schedule. When he broke in, I didn't even hear him open the sliding glass door or walk down the hall. He waited in the shadows until I had my back to him and then he blitzed me. I somehow managed to get away, but I had to get past him to the door either door. I knew I didn't have a prayer to accomplish that so I hid. Made him look for me.”

“That's what slowed him down. He didn't expect me to fight back nor did he know I was on the phone with my best friend. I had her on speaker phone. She heard the initial attack and hung up to call the police. It took him awhile to find me and drag me back to the table. According to the police and FBI he had really just started when they arrived. I angered him by fighting back and he'd cut too deeply when he stabbed my leg and then stabbed me in the chest. Normally he'd start out with shallow cuts to torture his victims until they were nearly out of their heads with pain. Then he'd slit their throats and take prize cuts. Presumably to cook and eat was their guess. They never proved that theory since so far as I know they never caught him.” She finished.

Alex studied her for a while before he spoke. “Why didn't you tell the Sheriff your suspicions last night?” He asked.

“I was still feeling the adrenaline, fear and anger of the past few minutes. I didn't really stop to think about how our visitor had acted so differently. I mean at first he had me fooled. He looked and sounded like The Butcher. My eyes and ears were saying “It's him. He's here .” and my head was saying, “Hey, something's not right. You're missing something.” It was very messed up for me. To me it was him, but it wasn't. I didn't know how to explain it or if I could. Not to mention, I didn't know if I could take knowing I'd killed an innocent man.” She explained pain evident in her voice.

Alex took her hand, he could understand her dilemma. “I was having the same dilemma myself. Like you, I saw him and heard him so it had to be him, but I subconsciously knew something wasn't right. Also like you I couldn't explain it. Sheriff Irish told me last night that something wasn't right, and the Marshals confirmed that he didn't use his normal modus operandi, Or MO. As far as you killing an innocent man, you didn't. You fought back with whatever you could find to protect both of us and keep him from killing me. You didn't expect him to lose his balance and fall down the stairs. It just happened. Besides if you hadn't of acted he might have killed both of us. He wasn't innocent and we both know that.” Alex said calmly as he tugged her into his arms.

They stood like that, snuggled against each other for a few moments each taking comfort in the other. They had indeed had a close call the night before and still felt fear of those few minutes when a mad man had tried to kill them both. Finally, they stepped apart and settled down to Biscuits and Gravy with sausage, eggs, hash browns, and a cup of fresh brewed coffee for each of them.

Over breakfast, they chatted and planned out their day. They had a lot to accomplish and very little time to do so. Andrew was going to assist them with their plans. But, first they had to talk with Sheriff Irish and the Marshals.

The Sheriff and The Marshals arrived just as Alex and Sapphire finished breakfast. Alex let them in while Sapphire quickly cleared the table. Then she joined them in the library.

“Now that everyone is here. Let's get this over with. Our party crasher was Bruce Bigstall. A resident around here who has been in and out of the psych ward for delusions. Every time someone is killed or some thing happens he shows up claiming to be the one responsible. He has gotten violent before while suffering one of his delusions. So, it was expected that he'd possibly get worse and eventually attack someone. However, we couldn't get his family to leave him in lock up until his condition was under control with medication. The doctors believe he may have been schizophrenic or something closed to that. His family refused to believe anything was wrong.”

“ So, they checked him out before any actual diagnosis could be made and as soon as he was out he'd go off his medication which lead to another delusion. Recently, the state was in court with his family in the process of taking custody from them so he could get the help he needed. He kept breaking into people's house with knives claiming to be The Butcher. He had been arrested several times for this and sent to the psych ward in lieu of charges being pressed. The last time his family had been warned that if he continued breaking into houses .and threatening people, charges would be pressed and he'd be locked up permanently. Unfortunately, he broke into your home and ended up falling to his death after attacking you. Now his family are trying to press charges against you for his death.” Sheriff Irish explained quickly.

Sapphire sighed and Alex took her hand. “So, am I going to jail?” She asked.

“If you are, I'll get you the best lawyer I can find.” Alex assured her as he pulled her close to him.

“No. you aren't. The coroner ruled his death accidental. And thanks to a camera I had installed up here earlier last evening that was supposed to be focused outside the house for observation purposes, but had gotten turned inward we have the whole attack on tape. We couldn't see Sapphire where she was standing, but we could see the objects she was throwing and where they landed and we could see the fight between Alex and Bruce. It was pretty obvious that if Sapphire hadn't acted as she did he would have killed Alex and most likely gone after her. It's an open and shut case of self defense. I have a feeling the judge will probably tell them it wouldn't have happened if they'd gotten him the proper care he needed.” The Sheriff told her, “Just be prepared in case they try to go forward with the lawsuit.”

“Moving on to the other reason for our visit. Bruce's DNA and finger prints didn't match What we've collected at scene's of The Butcher's attacks which rules him out. So, The Butcher is still out there.” Mace added seriously.

“With this copycat having taken place here, it might draw The Butcher back here which might put you back in danger Sapphire. There is a real chance we might have to move you again.” Deacon took over.

“If you move her you might as well move me.” Alex said flatly, “If he does come back here because of this copycat, it will be to set the record straight. He will want people to know he is the one and only Butcher. So, technically I'd be in as much danger as Sapphire. Besides he'd start with a few young women to establish his presence here then move on to more difficult prey. And as you know he originally started here...” Alex glanced at the Sheriff who nodded for him to continue.

“He will have the advantage of being on his home turf. So if you think it was hard trying to catch him in a big city it will be even harder here because he knows every nook and cranny in this town and the farmland surrounding it.” Alex finished.

“We have always believed he grew up around here. Maybe not in town, but most likely on one of the out lying farms. We had a suspect, but not enough solid evidence to hold him let alone charge him with anything.” The Sheriff added.

“Who is your suspect?” Mace inquired his interest peeked.

“Samson Delaquin, is our suspect. He was here when the original murders took place and he moved after Alex was injured preventing the last murder attempt by The Butcher. His last known address was in Lambscourt and that was nearly a year ago.” Sheriff Irish answered

Sapphire gasped. Deacon paled at the revelation. Mace remained quiet and thoughtful. Alex just waited for the rest. The Sheriff wasn't done, yet. He had one more bomb to drop. Alex could tell by the look on his face and from that look none of them were going to like what they heard.

“Samson's Mother passed recently and there have been rumors that he is back in town for the funeral. A further look into his family tells us his father died in a car accident when he and his brother were just kids. They were nine at the time, making them twins. What is curious is the fact that his brother seemingly just vanished after they graduated high school.” The sheriff stopped a moment and glance at a nearly white Deacon before continuing on.

“ His brother's name is Amos Delaquin. However, a search of that name quickly proved a dead end. There seems to be no further record of Amos Delaquin. We are now left with three possibilities: One he was injured suffering amnesia and is roaming around not knowing who he is. Two, he was killed, his body was found without anyway of identifying him and he is now a John Doe in some Morgue. And Three, He deliberately changed his name, starting over else where living a completely new life the old left behind and forgotten. Even his family, his mother and his twin.” By now Sheriff Irish was staring directly at Marshal Amos Deacon who was so pale he looked like he had seen a ghost.

“Why would anyone want to just up vanish like that? Why leave your family to wonder where you are and what happened to you? I mean you'd think they still be searching for him wouldn't they?” She asked shock at what they'd learned.

“Oh, they did. For ten years they looked. Even filed a missing persons report. Then one day they told me they'd heard from him. He was alive and well. According to the letter they showed me, he'd run off and changed his name so he had a chance of making something of himself. He said a Delaquin hadn't a chance in H*** of getting anywhere because their family history wouldn't allow it. He even offered to help his brother get on his feet with a good job which would allow him to take care of their mother better. According to their mother, his brother felt that was running out on her and he wouldn't do that. She said he called his brother a fraud and said his brother was ashamed of his family. He told her to just leave it and stop looking. That Amos was dead.” The Sheriff quoted from a report.

No one said a word. Deacon slumped into his chair looking very much like a deflated balloon. He avoided everyone's gaze preferring to stare at the floor. He could actually feel the weight of everyone's eyes on him.

“You want to contribute to the conversation, Deacon?” Mace asked softly.

Deacon swallowed and his hands balled in fists before he released them, “I'm Amos Delaquin.” He announced reluctantly. “I left and changed my name because because it was well known that my uncle was a bank robber many years ago. If you listened the rumor went never trust a Delaquin, they'll rob you blind. After the trial of my uncle, no one with the last name of Delaquin could get decent job. My father worked as a farm hand up until he died in that car wreck. My mother worked as a waitress barely making enough to help with bills. When dad was gone, she had to work twice has hard to support us. When I was old enough, I went to work at a small gas station along with my brother. It was after that Owner told the two of us that we'd never amount to nothing, that I decided the name of Delaquin had to go. So when I graduated from high school, I made a deal with my brother. I'd go first, get good work and an education. After which, I'd come get Ma and take her to live with me while he did the same. However, when he found out I changed my name to make that happen I became a traitor and he wanted nothing to do with me.” Deacon didn't look up the entire time he spoke. Everyone was staring at him in shock and surprise.

“I never thought for one minute he'd be a suspect in a serial murder case. Sure he was angry with me, but he'd never go that far. I know my brother, he wouldn't hurt a fly.” Amos stammered as he realized the gravity of the accusations against his brother.

“Anger can be a powerful thing. It can drive people to unthinkable actions.” Sheriff Irish said softly.

“But, The Butcher only strikes at women unless a man gets in his way. It can't be him.” Amos stubbornly said unwilling to accept the possibility.

“I believe his anger is directed more at women than you think or at one in particular. A comment Sapphire remembered and told us when she was still recovering gave me that idea. She said he told her, “This wouldn't be happening if mother had just gone along with our plan. I could have been someone like my brother, instead I'm a nobody farm hand. All because she has to cling to dad. All she had to do, was let us get her out of that s***hole and into a good place where she had everything we could provide, but no not her and now we are the betrayers all because we want to change our name to shed the colored past that haunts us. The b***h didn't deserve sons like us!” Mace reminded Deacon his voice sad.

“Maybe you are right. We still don't have proof of anything though and no judge is going to accept hearsay as evidence.” Deacon conceded.

“It's not your fault, Deacon. If your brother is The Butcher, the blame lays with him. He made that choice not you.” Sapphire said softly offering a small comfort. Deacon nodded and glanced away. Sapphire could feel the sadness pouring off of him and had to fight for a minute to turn it down before she started crying.

“So where do we go from here?” Alex asked pointedly.

“We go through the files. Everyone of them. We need a confirmed time line. When the murders started, if there was a lull, when they began again, and so on. Next we look at all the details of every murder, every attack. He left something at each scene, just as he took something. Once we discover what he left and connect the time line with a time line of Samson's known life and behavior. We should have enough for probable cause and can get a search warrant for any properties he may own around here and wherever else he has lived. By then it will be whether or not we've found any conclusive evidence in our searches that will allow us to arrest him or not. You and Sapphire just stay put here. Don't do anything to draw attention to yourselves. Your safety is of the utmost importance. The two of you can Identify him better than anyone else save for the young lady Alex saved and she's refusing to help. She moved as far away as she can get from here. So right now you two are his biggest mistakes because you've seen his face.” Sheriff Irish ordered, “There will be men patrolling the area around the clock. None the less, be prepared to move should the need occur.”

Both Sapphire and Alex nodded. The tension in the room rose in proportion to the air of danger that seemed to surround the group. Now their plans to secure the bluff where more important than ever.