Days of Darkness

Chapter 8

"That's how you knew she was coming down the stairs," Cruthers said. She smiled, proud that she could make an orderly sense out of what had happened. "Does the military know...about this sharing thing?"

"We've kept it from them, though they aren't stupid," I said. "They will put it together soon."

"Okay," Cruthers started, "I can't do much about the US Military except ending the case for them, but what do you know about these nuts?" I smiled, knowing I had gained an ally. I needed more of them.

"The first attacker was hired by an Anthony Lewis," I said, "Never met him and only have a distorted image of an African American man, probably tall. The shooter was more concerned with the killing itself than the money he was paid."

"Damn it!" Victor interjected, "I should have dealt with him years ago."

"You know him?" Cruthers asked.

"He tried to stop your mother and you from leaving here 17 years ago," Victor replied, looking at me, "A talented cook, he had us all fooled. Corbett and I thought he was all talk, so we let him go. I can't believe he held onto this for so many years."

"The definition of a fanatic," Cruthers commented. "Give me everything you know about him. I'll see what I can do about tracking him down."

"I can't ask you to do that," I said, worried about creating another Jason.

"It takes a fanatic to find a fanatic," Cruthers said with a confident smile, "It's my job and I take it very seriously. I won't stand for murder in my backyard."

"I still have a file on him," Victor said, rising from the couch. "The info is old, but it could give you a place to start. I also have some private detectives I can lend you."

"That might be helpful," Cruthers replied, "not sure how much of this I can pass on to the precinct. Doing that link thing with the whole department would be too public, and they wouldn't believe it otherwise." Victor nodded and went to retrieve the file.

What will you tell the FBI?" Caleb asked.

"You mean the military," Cruthers said, "they're the civilian mouthpiece. I'll give them what they want, a lone wolf scenario. An isolated soldier had a breakdown that didn't seem to have any logical motive. It's best if they think I'm ignorant of the facts."

"It lessens Jason's sacrifice," I said, feeling a rock in my throat again. Bonding through his death was too powerful. It froze him in mind, making me part of who he was.

"I'll key on Jason's heroics," Cruthers responded. "I'll make sure everyone knows his dedication to duty and the lives he saved." I gave the detective a weak smile. It would have been better if he had survived. Knowing me was his downfall.

"I don't want anyone else hurt," I admitted, "and certainly no more death. I just want it to stop. I'll trade all of this," I waved my hands around the library, "for a normal life with Caleb." A wave of love hit me, a huge burst of ditto from Caleb. I smiled inwardly, not wanting anyone to confuse my smile with the pain of Jason's death.

"Then we have to find these religious nuts," Cruthers said. "Let me gather some information; then we can link again and ..."

"It's not a toy," I interrupted.

"But..."

"I have no idea why I'm on this planet," I interrupted Cruthers again, "but it's not to be some kind of human internet." Cruthers raised her eyebrows as I snapped at her. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Sorry," I said.

"Too much death," Caleb said for me.

"Okay," Cruthers said, "I'll do it the old fashioned way. But if they find you first, don't ride your convictions to the grave." She was upset, the first person that I knew besides Corbett who was angry at not being able to bond again. Caleb agreed with my conclusions, though he couldn't argue the point. The bond was us, and not being able to do it was beyond painful.

"I'm sorry," I said again. Cruthers sighed, closed her eyes and smiled. A small chuckle escaped her lips.

"Is everything the link shows me the truth?" Cruthers asked.

"I'm not sure," I replied, "I guess one version of the truth."

"It wouldn't show me something wrong, would it?"

"I don't understand what you mean," I said.

"Can we talk in private?" Cruthers whispered.

"I'll just chase down some more coffee," Samuel said as he left the room. Cruthers looked at Caleb, then shrugged.

"This is as alone as I can get," I said honestly.

"I saw something while we linked," Cruthers said. "Barry's, my husband's, thoughts."

"That happens a lot," I said. "If you're worried, I rarely see what's shared. I didn't even see the Crosby thing."

"We had a fight last night," Cruthers continued, "about me pulling an all-nighter again. I could see his frustration, and, well, something else. The way he sees me. Does it lie about that?"

"Why does it always let women cheat so easily?" Caleb asked.

"Cheat?"

"What did you see?" I asked, hoping it wasn't something hateful. Cruthers face turned ten different shades of red. She was struggling to come up with the words. It was no longer necessary to explain. "Ahh," I said, adding a smile, "It's all lies, but not in Barry's mind. I think it's love that lies to men." Cruthers covered her mouth with her hand, and we shared a smile.

"It's really not fair how that works," Caleb added, "let one side see and the leave the other in the dark."

"We need more information than men," I said, pulling Caleb close, "besides, it's not like it works that way for us anymore." Cruthers was about to say something, but Victor returned carrying a thick folder.

"Here're copies of everything we have on Anthony," Victor said, "and this jump drive has the security camera video.