Gone After the Wind

Chapter 33: Departure

Just when Agent Rose's early and unexpected dismissal would be the worst news Cara thought she'd receive for the whole week, things took a depressing turn on the same day Agent Rose boarded the plane. The dinner night that was supposed to help them unwind, ended rather grimly and in inexcusable silence, leaving Alex a bit upset and Cara in a foul mood. She had no choice but to cut the dinner short, and retire to their bedrooms early.

She would definitely understand if the decision had been made without someone pulling the strings behind or the choice leaned solely on the Director's favor. But it didn't. Meredith used the grim part of his power again, the kind that could put a leash on someone with just one word. His purpose didn't even stem from his concern on the case, not that he's capable of having such attachment to actual public health issue, but from his wounded ego and immaturity. And now he's attacking the innocent because he knew what effect it could cause to Cara and how it would jeopardize the case.

Agent Rose and FBI's resources have been a great help. He's purposely tearing that off to maim her, to lessen those people who have authentic care on the case. And as much as Cara hated to admit, he succeeded.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Agent Rose consoled as they strolled towards the buzzing terminal of the airport, trying to make her feel better. Though proven as futile, Cara appreciated the encouragement and bit of dishonesty in her part.

"You've got all the help you need here. My departure won't hinder you from doing good. Or even affect the case. You might not even notice I'm not around anymore. So cheer up, and let's not part with you, being grumpy like that," she added, laughing as they stopped at the barricade.

Cara shook her head. "Don't kid yourself. I know you feel the same way."

Agent Rose shrugged. "Looking at the bright side doesn't mean I have accepted it wholeheartedly. I'm pissed off, yes, it's natural to feel awful, but to make a big deal out of it is a complete waste of time. The decision and damage has been done. Even if I professed injustice, the Director won't take his words back. And most particularly, he won't stand up against Meredith. That leaves us to nothing but obey."

That's the other part that infuriated Cara the most. She could curse at Meredith for as long she likes, spend her day daydreaming, plotting a counterattack, she'd still end up adhering to his whims.

"Don't worry, this won't change a thing. I'll only be moving places but I'm still involved with the investigation. I'm not closing any doors. You're free to call me anytime you want. To provide insights or resources, anything you need," she said, checking her wristwatch. "Well, I guess it's time for me to go."

Sighing, Cara retreated and gave her some space to pass through. She stopped on her tracks when Agent Rose raised her hand, initiating a handshake, that she gladly accepted.

"Until next time, Detective. Good luck on your case, and may all the luck side with you." She smiled. "Remember to call me, alright? I'll wait for it." She spun around, was about to depart when her steps delayed, and she came back where she stood. "If by chance, the case is over, can I invite you over to our HQ? You know, like a tour. I have some paperworks and case files there that might be useful to you. And also, I'd like to introduce you to the Director. He's been dying to meet you ever since I sang your name and what you did in here."

"He wants to meet me for what exactly?"

"To know why I was so persistent to land you a spot on the academy?"

"Are you being serious?" Cara's eyes blinked profusely.

"I am. Haven't we already discussed it?" When Cara's expression remained neutral, she grimaced. "Oh, right. I forgot to mention about it. Sorry, must've slipped my mind. But yeah, I made an endorsement letter with your name on it and the Director liked the idea very much, and now he's doing all his best to encourage me, and take you there. The final decision still rest on you, though. So if you feel and think we were too presumptuous, you have the power to dismiss our offer."

"Why would I do that? It's the best offer I've ever heard in my life," Cara admitted, scoffing. She could feel her cheeks reddening and hot as the morning sun because of the fleeting feeling that bloomed inside her, blessing her body with a different kind of positivity that she never thought she'd like. Her heart thumped in anticipation.

"That's good to hear, then." Agent Rose whistled. "Gee, I thought you'd be mad and hate me for making such decision behind your back. It's elevating that you didn't because I'd really wish to see you maximize your talent into a more progressive field. You deserve better, you know. Better than being belittled in a little city. So I suggest that you think it deeply. And reconsider. Give me a call once you decided. Goodbye again."

"Yeah, goodbye." She nodded, watching her turn around and disappear onto the crowd.

Due to the insurmountable amount of awe and flatter she acquired by that, she temporarily forgot Meredith's absurdity, traveling back to the station with a smile and much lighter mood. Even though reporters paraded the parking lot and almost went successful on ganking her euphoria, her smile didn't lessen. But it was just a short bliss. The moment she entered the dull room of homicide department, and met Eric who was waiting for her in her office, everything shattered. Pieces to pieces.

He exploded some of the distressing news that Cara didn't thought would consume the little delight she miraculously felt earlier.

Misfortune indeed always find its way to infest on Cara. As if Agent Rose's departure wasn't worse enough, the leads that Cara greatly anticipated to be helpful turned out as not. Everything that they worked upon 'till this day became useless because of the results that, unfortunately, she has to endure and treat like a trophy, nonetheless of its nature.

The list of suspicious individuals from the Redvine has been narrowed down but all of their alibis has checked out, so it's nothing but a piece of paper now. Neither of the logging companies and the forest park where Florence Sykes has been found produced anything useful. As for the fabric and other forensic evidence they sent to be analyzed, all of them came back as hollow and unusable to the pursue of finding the killer. Even the collected evidence from the night of her attack had the same exact status.

But all of these wouldn't have mattered and wouldn't have stressed out Cara if the DA responded to the letter on the way they expected, or atleast hoped. Unfortunately, the DA found the foundation of associating the crimes on Lincoln somewhat lacking, and the evidence? Fairly inconclusive. They can't charge him with anything unless they found another concrete evidence that screams his name as the culprit.

He could be brought to court for assaulting a federal officer and a homicide detective. He'd be transported back to Maryland once that's settled.

"So we're practically back to square one," Cara admitted, and sighed deeply as she looked the reports on the table. Shutting her eyes close, she massaged her temples, feeling already worn out. Damn, they haven't made it to the half of the day and yet...

"That's one way to address it. If I'm being honest, though, we've hit more than a roadblock. It's a freaking wall this time. We've got nothing. Literally nothing. How are we supposed to go out there and continue this?" Eric blurted out, plopping himself on the chair.

"Hey," Cara called out, straightening her poise. "Don't say that. We expected this. It happens all the time. It's not our fault or a waste of time that it didn't all panned out the way we want. That doesn't mean we're stopping or giving up. This just implies that we need to look the other angles."

She muttered the last sentence with someone knocking on the door faintly. Holding their conversation, Cara crossed the room and did the liberty of figuring out who it was. Luke, the mail clerk, greeted her with a smile.

"You have one today, Detective. Just got in ten minutes ago. Here," he informed, and gave him one single letter.

"Thanks. Any idea where it came from?" Cara asked, finding it superficial for someone to went through the process of sending such letter wherein they could reach her through online.

"Nah, it has been dropped in a public box and there's no return address either. Someone send it anonymously. As a surprise, I guess. Don't really know." He shrugged and wheeled his small cart, proceeding to the nearby office.

Cara shut the door, feeling the contents of the mail on her palm. Other than the piece of paper, there was something soft and bulgy inside. With eyebrows furrowed, she tore off the side part and pulled out the paper, leaving the mystery filler inside. She didn't unfold the letter right away, studying its details out of instinct. Only her name was etched on the back side of envelope. The paper was cheap, could be bought in any stationary out there. Of course, it would be. It's part of the incognito gimmick as it seems.

"What's that? A letter?" Eric asked. "What an ceremonial way of sending a message."

Cara didn't respond and finally began reading. It was typewritten, as well. Though only one paragraph, it was enough to make Cara's heart beating lose its normal pace, her spine tingled and her face to become pale. She hastily looked inside the envelope, and froze when she saw the same familiar fabric. "Eric, call in some forensic techs. And have Luke return here at once."

"What? I don't get it—"

"He's made contact," she answered with her shaky voice. "And he's not happy that we got someone in."

--

"'While I'm flattered to know that your investigation is going somewhere, I can't sit by and ignore the fact that someone else is getting the credits for the hardwork I had done. It's revolting and an insult to my part, that an imbecile has been compared and labeled as the mind behind those creations. I'm a very patient man, Detective, and though it has been extremely stimulating to watch you become so engrossed at my works and be as your lending hand on boosting your career, I'm afraid I have to step in. You've strayed so far from where you're allowed to venture, and you have crossed the forbidden line. I can't let the disrespect pass by without doing anything.

"'Rest assured that you won't be confused from now on. You will be able to tell the difference between me and other sick fools out there. I'll be sending my love sooner or later. Be sure to make room in your schedule because it's going to be full once again.

"'Yours truly,

The Marionette Killer (as you dubbed me).'"

Chief Alman reclined back to his seat upon reading it aloud. His weary expression heightened the tension in the room, making the silence more unbearable and impossible to break. Cara squirmed on the couch, eyeing the chief with dread as she wait for his reaction.

Just like the rest of them who had the misfortune to see it firsthand, Chief Alman looked fairly appalled, and lost for a second. As a man who run things with effective authority for years in the state police, Cara couldn't remember when had been the last time she saw him become so problematic. That enough, could tell how serious their situation is.

Though she must be glad he didn't have any skepticism, Cara couldn't understand why she felt more terrified.

"And we knew this is legit because of the torn fabric from your garment, is that right?" he asked, still staring at the letter.

"Yes, Sir. The one we also found in the victim's mouth several days ago," Eric answered.

"I don't understand the point of this," Chief Alman conceded, his eyebrows drawing in closer. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "He's aggravated because we caught someone but, why? Considering his standpoint, shouldn't he be more pleased that it wasn't him? That our attention had been focused onto someone else. He should be celebrating it wasn't his ass getting roasted."

"How the people would view it matters to him, as well," Cara said, tapping her fingers on her thigh. "I think... that's one of the things that he wished to accomplish in these crimes. Not just to punish the women he targeted for reasons he could only understand, but to show the mass that he's doing this in our favor. He has such value on what he did, he couldn't sit well on the idea that someone grabbed the attention from him that easily. Because he made a state go paranoid and made the forces move desperately, he thinks he's so freaking relevant when in fact, he's just a loser who couldn't keep up with life, and now blaming everyone for his inadequacy."

"So he did this for publicity?" Eric wondered.

"Partially, yes," Cara answered. "At the same time, he's also concerned his name wouldn't be embedded on his crimes. It's a collision between his narcissistic side and his concern to what he did. He's like a kid, whining because he didn't get praised for his work."

"This isn't good. With the DA trashing out Lincoln's involvement, and unuseable results from the crime lab, it'd be difficult to steer the investigation well."

Cara nodded at Alman. "We may have lost that one, but we still earned something in return. Atleast, we know we got the wrong guy. We can now direct the investigation to the real one."

Alman sighed, nodding in return. He threw the paper across the table and swung his chair slowly. "What do you propose we do, then?"

"Do what we must. Follow-up the leads we left last time and tie the loose ends. Even if they seemed weak and unworthy of pursuing," Cara answered. "At this point, we have no time to idle and choose what's convenient for us. He's been triggered. It's impossible to know what's going on in that twisted mind. But my best guess: he's planning something that would make us all go frantic as we speak. He already gave us a hint."

"What's your plan?"

"Nothing definitive as of now. But Eric and I have an idea to check the local doll stores that could have been the place where the UNSUB met the victims. We already identified some potential stores. We're planning to visit them today."

"Alright. Do what you think is the best. I'll assemble the task force, have them spread out a word about the potential danger this man imposes, and warn the civilians to stay away from high risk environment."

"It'd be advisable if you don't tell them about the letter, Sir, or release any information to the media," Eric suggested, and Cara agreed. "I think he'd feel more empowered and confident if the world screams how terrifying he is. It's going to give him the pleasure he seek. We're not going to let that guy have his way, were we?"

"Of course not."

"He'd become more vulnerable and less sure about himself if he stayed upset. And the longer he does that, the more he's prone to commit mistakes. Let's act as though we're not in the least bothered by his contact so he wouldn't deduce what we're up to."

Chief Alman nodded fervently, keeping a piece of paper in place as he scribbled down. "I'll increase the alert across numerous towns, and double the force of patrol, just in case he go hunting today."

"And Sir, if you can do something about the media, please do minimize their involvement. They're obstructing the course of investigation. Though, their nosiness benefitted us from last time, it's not going to be pleasant if we'll tolerate them."

"I'll do what I can." He lifted his eyes to Cara, and there was sheer concern on his face. "I'm sorry about Agent Rose's early dismissal, by the way. I couldn't do anything to defend her. I got notified when the decision's already been made. Such a shame that we lost a reliable source of help."

Cara smiled weakly, and stood up. "It's fine, Sir. You couldn't have known about it. She left with some interesting insights so... I think that's enough for us to be grateful for."

"I'm glad you found her company useful. Don't worry, if time comes that we become in need for assistance again, I'll directly ask her to come down here."

Despite the assurance, Cara was no longer convinced Agent Rose would ever set foot on the cold land of Albreska again. Not when she pissed off the man who practically ran every law, and every branch of justice in here. FBI might be called once more, but it'd be a shoot to the moon to make have her send back here.

Upon finalizing the overall structure of their plan, Chief Alman finally release Cara and Eric towards the windy road of Rosegold City.

The first one thay visited was the antique store located twelve miles away from Nelia Rascos' residence. Aside from dolls and human size toys, they also sell clothes intended for children and adults. Despite the distance and the wide range of collectibles they supply, their updated records and footage didn't show Nelia being their customer two months ago. The owner was strictly cooperative, and though Cara wished to dive in deeper to the background of their store, they didn't have a choice but to leave early and move on.

She was hopeful on the next one on their list, but like the first, any of the victims hadn't made an appearance there. The case had been like that for most of the stores they sought to have the clue they wished. No one had seen any of the victims and neither of them create the same design of marionette potrayed in the crime scenes.

"This is not easy as I thought," Cara said as they stepped out from the fifth store, still empty-handed as they were from the beginning. Her eyes stung against the sun rays hitting them, casually worsening the throbbing of her head. "I feel like we're getting nowhere near proggressive. We're getting far and far away from the ideal area where the interaction should have taken place. I'm starting to doubt if we'd ever find something here."

Eric patted her shoulder, squeezing it in a comforting manner as they ambled towards the car. "Take it easy, okay? We haven't reached the end of the list so don't lose hope. We'd find what you need, I believe in you."

They left the place unsettled, and soon drifted to the next store. Her hope went high when the owner recognized the particular marionette potrayed by the victims, but it deflated after knowing they never sold it, to any of the customers. What's worse, is that he knew about its existence not because he saw it on face to face, but because of the media showing its model everywhere. Detaching herself from that awful truth, Cara knew they also don't keep something that could help them. The only way to purchase their item would be through an appointment. And it wasn't that easy to access. One should have a referral before they could gain the privilege to enter their shelves full of dolls and marionnettes.

With that level of security, and scrutiny around customers, it's highly unlikely for a narcissistic and unstable individual to infiltrate their management.

Noon had passed, and as the list become shorter, the area available to be ventured on had broaden. Cara was getting more and more frustrated and doubtful, if the determination she invested upon this journey was right.

"What's the last one on the list?" Cara asked, manuevering the car skillfully as they returned to the road.

"Eastern Dolls," Eric pointed out, showing the picture of the store and the highlighted map. "Just outside Redvine town. Several miles away from Kyler Santine's address. Seems too convenient, isn't it? Perhaps a coincidence?"

"Coincidence doesn't apply in our field, Eric. If it appears timely, then we should be suscipicious. That may not be the one we're looking for, it's impossible it doesn't have any connection with the case."

Bobbing his head, Eric folded the map and the paper on his lap. His eyes flitted to Cara and the dashboard, gazing curiously. "Are you going to ignore that all day?"

He was pertaining to Cara's cellphone continously buzzing, its screen blinked as new messages flooded the inbox. Cara's mouth twitched, distrustful at the way it begged for her attention. She wasn't ignoring it, at all. In fact, her eyes recorded every sender and content of the message. None of them came from the station or from anyone she knew personally so why would she bother?

"Leave it. Probably just paparazzis pestering me to get information," she answered. "Is that the one?" She

Eric glanced in front. "Yup, that's it."

As they loomed closer, Cara noticed how small it was and wretched compared to the photos. Squeezed between a closed parlor shop and an empty clothing store, Eastern Dolls looked an outcast among the line of updated and trendy shops on the street. Its overall appearance was to be blamed for. Stores are meant to comfort the customers, and this one doesn't look like it's doing a good job on that part.

That's why it didn't come as a surprise to see it devoid of buyers. It seemed it won't be getting any accomodation soon as it looked like it's on the verge of collapsing.

They parked the car on the empty space in front, and walked towards the entrance with silence, both were takin in the area. Eric pushed the glass door, letting Cara get inside first. As she stepped on its cemented floor, Cara was amazed at the way the dolls were displayed at the shelves. It was well-organized and the toys for girls were separated from men. There was a big receptional desk at the center, the reason when they got inside, the old man from behind immediately become alert as he thought that they were to purchase the collectible dolls puppets.

Cara felt a chill passing through her spine when she raised her eyes at the ceiling, she saw a bunch marionnettes hanging there, some were naked and some were dressed in a fancy way. She tried searching for the certain type that the perp were mimicking but they were all identical with each other.

She swallowed hard and proceeded walking towards the reception, her eyes moving at each corner, scanning every bit of details she could see around.

"Sorry to disappoint but we're not entertaining walk-in customers anymore," the baldy old man said behind the reception desk, not even bothering to look.

"Actually, we're not here as customers," Eric said, switftly fishing out his badge. "We're homicide detectives from Albreska State Police. This Detective Black and I'm Detective Sautney. We'd like to ask you a few question concerning about the case we're currently working on."

"Oh, police folks, huh?" the old man said, finally looking up. He didn't even glance on the badge. "Well, I'll be glad to help but I can't assure that my store would be of use to you."

"That's fine," Cara assured, pulling out the victims' photos one by one. "We're just here to ask if you had seen these women ever made a visit in here or requested for an appointment."

"May I see them close, please?" the old man asked and Cara slid it close to where he stood. He put on his glasses once more and his eyes narrowed. "I'm not really sure if I can remember... hold up, isn't this the senator's daughter?"

Cara's eyes lit up. "You've seen her before?"

"Why, yes, I have. She was with her father when they came to my store. It's not hard to recognize her because she's the only one who was assissted by a number of intimidating bodyguards."

"Do you recognize those other two, as well?"

"I do. Like the senator and his daughter, they visited here for the same purpose. That was months ago, if I'm not mistaken. Why? Were they involved in a crime?" he asked, clueless at how that single information pumped Cara's heart loudly and activated all her major senses.

Cara swallowed hard, and right then she knew they tripped onto something significant.