The Town- Case One Thomas Gilder - Edits and rewrite

***Trigger warning SA Mention***

Hello Everyone! Slowly the book will disappear from the blog as its getting ready for publishing. I have had some people ask why but when it comes down to it, I saw some of my work being used by other people. So any completed edited work is now transferred offline till publish.

Edited

**************************************************************************

When we got back to the station, we went to our office and made sure all of the evidence was locked away and then we said good night. I told Sam I would see him in the morning and went home to get a good nights sleep. 

I could not sleep at all and when I woke up the following morning I found a note from my Dad that said, "Coffee is ready, I love you."

I made a thermos of coffee, grabbed my lunch my Dad made me. I headed to the station and went to unlock our office. I was looking over the board when Sam walked into the office. He looked at me as he handed me a cup of coffee from the diner asking, "Did you get any sleep?"

Shaking my head I said, "No, I tossed and turned. I know you might think I am grasping at threads, but I honestly believed that Thomas is alive. We need to go see Evan."

I grabbed my bag and Sam led me out to his car. "So you ready to tell me what happened with Thomas's Dad?

Sighing I said, "I will explain on the way over to see Evan."

As we headed to Evans apartment I explained to Sam about Thomas's Dad, "Everyone thought after Thomas had went missing Evan would leave Susan. But he actually stayed with her till the day Thomas would have turned eighteen. We took him out to dinner that night in order to honor Thomas and we made sure he knew we would always be there if he needed someone."

"He told us that night he was leaving Susan the next day," I continued. "Susan went out of town every year to visit her family in Florida since Thomas had disappeared. The following day my Dad got a call from the police and asked us to go up to the hospital. When we got there Evan was in surgery and the police told us that his brakes failed. The car was being towed by the police to be inspected. The accident caused Evan to lose partial use of his legs. After he was released Susan began to act sketchy as Evan said his brakes were fine and just had them replaced. When he told her he was leaving she went crazy. He had already moved into his new apartment and since he worked from home he had did one last go through of the old house going into Thomas's room to get a few of Thomas's things for keepsakes. Susan saw the items in his last box and went after him."

"She called the police and when they got there Evan explained he was moved out. He only came back for a few of Thomas's belongings as keep sakes of his son," I said. "The police agreed with Evan and let him go. Susan showed up when Evan was in therapy and said to him in front of me and staff, I hope you learned your lesson about what happens when you leave."

"Are you serious?" Sam asked, "She gave herself away but nothing was done?"

"Evan told the staff to get her out of the hospital and the following day he had the divorce papers delivered," I said. "But she dragged it out with her lawyer and finally the judge had enough granting the divorce. Evan only wanted the divorce and gave her the house and the contents in it."

"So what is Evans condition?" Sam asked.

"His crash was so bad that it broke both legs and his left hip," I said. "He can walk for short distances but he uses a wheel chair if he is out for longer periods of time because of additional nerve damage."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We parked and headed inside to Evans apartment. When we go9t to the door I knocked and I heard Evan call out, "One moment."

The door opened and Evan looked surprised and said, "Amy I am so glad your hear and I need to talk to you in a professional capacity."

He looked over at Sam and said, "You must be the new detective in town. My ex-wife called me about an hour ago and said Amy had stuff on a board."

Sam put his hand out and said, "My name is Sam and yes I had met your ex-wife. We came here to talk to you about your sons disappearance. Since you need to talk to Amy in regards to that?"

"Please come in," Evan said and led us to the living room. "Amy I have to apologize to you. All this time you believed Thomas was alive and I did not believe you. Even after everything you shared with me. I am so sorry I did not believe you."

"Evan what happened?" I asked. "What makes you think Thomas is alive now?"

Sighing he pulled out a letter and handed it to me. I opened it and it read.

Dad,

I know your not going to believe this but I am alive. Please do not be angry at me but I had to escape mom and the best thing to do was to make it look like I was dead. Dad the things she did to me when I was younger are worse than you ever could imagine. I have to stay away for now because I cannot be near her. Do you remember that gaming book I gave you before I left. There are clues in the book, Take it to Amy if you still have it she will know what to look for. She almost caught me once and I ran because I was scared. Mom is a monster and evil and I know your divorced now and she can't harm you anymore. Tell Amy I miss my best friend and I will talk to you soon.

All my love,

Thomas

I looked at Evan and said, "When did you get this?"

He looked at me and said, "In todays mail. But Amy look at the envelope there is no return address or stamp. He had to have hand delivered this himself."

Sam took out a evidence bag and put the letter in it. "Evan do you know of what Thomas is talking about with what his mom did to him?"

Evan looked down with tears in his eyes and said, "I believe she may have been abusing him physically. After Thomas disappeared I found a journal in his room and it didn't say it outright but it alluded she has tried having a unnatural relationship with him."

Sam and I both said, "Shit."

We went over all the information we had about the day Thomas went missing and the week leading up to it. He walked into his office and came back with the gaming book as well as journal that Thomas left behind. We bagged it and told him we would keep it safe. After we went over everything Evan said, "If you find him. Tell him I will go to him and he doesn't have to come home. But if his mom did anything to him assure him we will have her prosecuted."

Sam put his hand on Evans shoulder, "Sir I am telling you now if what you think happened did happen she will do jail time and we will make sure Thomas can come home."

I went over to Evan and hugged him and said, "Dad don't worry about Thomas. If she wants to play games she is going to learn I am not the little girl she tried bullying in the past. I miss Thomas and I get to kick his ass first when he gets back home."

Evan started laughing and pushed my hair back as he said, "Amy if anyone has that right you do."

*********************************************

Sam and I left and when we got into my car I leaned my head onto the steering wheel. Through clenched teeth I said, "Are we going to her or are we bringing that bitch in under abuse charges?"

Sam put his hand on my arm and said, "Lets go speak with the captain and see what he thinks. I want every I dotted and T crossed so we can bring your best friend home."

Nodding I said, "Take my phone just press on the door and it will open it. Call my Dad and have him go to Evan. They are good friends and I believe Evan needs my dad right now."

Sam took my phone and explained in a way that I can only describe as guy talk. After a few minutes of explaining and not giving may details he hung up and put my phone on its holder. He said, "Grace and Him are going to get a pizza and head over to stay with Evan."

We walked into the station and Susan was already there. She ran up to start screaming at us and Sam gestured to a officer, "Please take Mrs Gilder to a desk and wait with her."

Captain Milson walked out and waved us to his office. When he walked in and shut the door he closed the blinds and said, "What did you guys do today?"

I looked at Sam and he said, "Captain we were following up on evidence that was presented to the original detective but ignored."

Captain tilted his head and said, "By who?"

"By me," I said. "Grace was also my witness if you want to speak to her."

We spent the next twenty minutes telling the Captain everything that I provided evidence wise and about our talk with Thomas's dad. When we showed him the letter Captain got real quiet and said, "I think that is why she has been here freaking out. Amy you will stay in the viewing room and Sam and I will do the questioning. Listen to me I know you know procedure, I am worried you will go for her throat if I let you in the same room."

He hit the intercom, "Barbara can you come in here."

Barbara came in and saw us and said, "She is raising a fit. What do you need captain."

He sat and gave Barbara the condensed version of what we had told him and he said, "Amy will be in the viewing room. I want you as a witness incase we find out stuff we did not want to think happened really happened. You are in charge of keeping her there. Do not leave my office until we have her in interview room five."

"Five sir?" She asked.

"Yes five I want this recorded and on camera from every angle we can have it," He said. "If she is the reason he ran we want to put her away for it."

Captain and Sam stood up and walked over to Susan. Captain said something and the look of fear crossed her face. They led her to the interview room. Once they were out of sight she said, "Lets go."

She led me the back way to the interview room and we sat on the chairs facing the room. Barbara looked at me and said, "She looks scared."

Nodding I said, "If what Thomas insinuated was true I would be also."

Sam and Captain sat down with their backs to us and Captain said, "Mrs. Gilder you are here for questioning again in the missing persons case of your son. We have had some new evidence come to light and that evidence is damaging to you. We read you your rights and are you sure you do not want to have a attorney present. Also please be advised you are being recorded by audio and video equipment."

She looked at Sam and said, "I bet that bitch of a partner put you up to this?"

Captain looked at her and said, "Officer Mcgill presented most of her evidence when Thomas disappeared. The newer evidence comes from a new source. So I am asking you again do you want an attorney present?"

She gave a look of defiance and said, "I have nothing to hide?"

Sam nodded and looked at the camera, "Please note Mrs. Gilder has waived her rights to attorney present."

She said, "My son is dead so what do you need to ask?"

Captain looked at her and said, "We may believe Thomas may be alive and ran away because he has accused you of being inappropriate with him."

Her head jerked up and said, "Where is he?"

Sam took over and said, "From the evidence we received he stated he will never come to town as long as you are free. We are still going over the evidence, however he stated the final straw was because you tried to have an inappropriate relationship with him."

She looked up and got a sweet look on her face as she said, "Is it a bad thing that a mother wants to have a loving relationship with her son?"

Barbara sat down and said, "Shit she thinks whatever she did was a normal relationship."

I took out the book Evan gave me and looked over the notations on the game page and there was arrows pointing to a storyline in the book. The story was about a king whose marriage was broken and he went to his daughter to have her fulfil his wives duties. There were passaged outlined in the story and he had notated with phrases stating, i know how she felt and She doesn't stop. I pointed this all to Barbara and Barbara buzzed the questioning room. Captain Milson came in and we showed him what we found and he went white. He looked at me and said, "This is a story line in the game you played?"

I nodded and said, "The game hints at it and the first campaign is ending the life of the king so his daughter can lead the kingdom against the evil. It was for teens older than 13."

Captain walked in and sat down, "Susan I am going to ask you one question and you need to answer honestly. Did you try to engage in sexual relations with Thomas?"

She looked at Captain and said, "Of course I did. Who would you think I would go to for comfort when Evan and me could not get along. It was Thomas's job to  do what I wanted as I was his mother."

Sam stopped for a moment and said, "Did Thomas ever tell you NO when you made advances on him."

She got angry and said, "Well of course he did and he would run away to that little bitches house or to his dad to get away from me. He told me it was disgusting when i told him it was perfectly normal. Families have been doing this for centuries to keep the blood lines pure. I did this with my father and my mother did this with my brother when we were Thomas's age. He just did not want to perform his familial duties."

Barbara and I looked at each other and I said, "He never said anything to me or I would have had my dad protect him or had him told his dad."

We looked over at the window as Susan asked, "So if my Thomas is alive we still have a chance to be together."

Sam looked at the Captain and the Captain stood up and cuffed her as he said, "Susan Gilder you are under arrest for the sexual assault of your son Thomas Gilder. You are to be retained to the county jail and will be undergoing a psychiatric evaluation."

She started to struggle and said, "I did nothing wrong. He should have listened to his mother. Did Evan put you up to this or was it Amy. I should have tried to kill her like I did Evan. That man ruined Thomas by letting him be a normal boy."

She kept screaming and I sat there shocked. Barbara looked at me and took my hand as she said, "Amy, you and Sam will need to go talk to Evan."

Sam walked in and said, "Captain said we need to talk with you."

I followed Sam to the Captains office and sat down, "When the Captain came in he looked at me and said, "Evan is on his way in in the morning and Amy we are booking her on sexual assault of a minor and attempted murder of Evan. Are you okay?"

Looking at the Captain I said, "To be honest I want five minutes in a room with her."

Barbara walked in and said, "You and me both my dear. All these years that poor boy had to suffer from this alone. We will open all recourses up to him when and if he comes forward."

We went home for the day and I looked at a picture of Thomas and I in my room and said, "Thomas where are you?"

*******************************************************************************

The following morning we sat in Captains office until Evan arrived. Sam wheeled him in and took a seat next to us. When we were seated he said, "First Sam and Amy great work the last few days. I knew putting you together on the cold cases would get us the results we needed. Amy I am so sorry that the previous staff did not listen to you, I am going to put new standards in place that were brought about by this case."

Turning to Evan as he came in the door, he said, "Evan I have some news for you and you may not want to hear it."

Evan took my hand and said, "Come on Charlie you have known me since we were kids. Let me have it."

Captain said, "Your ex wife if why your in that chair. She arranged the accident that you had and admitted it on video."

"What about Thomas?" He said.

"Captain Milson maybe I should explain that to my Dad myself." Said a voice from behind us.

I turned and standing in the doorway was Thomas. My breath caught in my throat as I said, "Thomas."

Evan stood up and turned to Thomas and said, "I would kick your butt, but I think that Amy will have handled. Come here boy and give your old man a hug."

Thomas crossed the office and pulled his Dad into his arms for a long awaited hug. When they separated Thomas said, "I am so sorry Dad I never wanted you to think I was dead but I couldn't stay with what she was trying to do."

Captain said, "Thomas please sit down we need your side of things. If you don't mind I want to record our conversation."

Thomas sat down, nodding and Barbara handed him a bottle of water and then went in for a full hug. She had babysat Thomas when he was younger and I could see the joy and tears in her eyes as well. He looked at me and I said, "Oh your Dad is right your gonna get your ass handed to you but first things first."

"Well I am guessing by now Amy told you I had mentioned disappearing," He said as everyone nodded. "For years I secretly earned money gaming, did online survey sites and saved every penny I made.  When I told Amy I thought of running away it was because Mom had moved from words to being handsy. By then I had saved roughly 35grand. I had some of it on a chime card that I was able to get and hide, Then I had a box of cash behind a lose tile in my bathroom. The night before the storm was my last straw. Earlier in the day you and Mom had a huge fight and you went to stay at the motel. I had just cashed out a huge account job I had finished for someone and some of the survey sites when Mom knocked on my door. She was dressed in a piece of lingerie's and she came in crying about needing to have a mans touch.  I told her to get out. She started grabbing at my pants saying its not wrong and she could be my first. I pushed her off of me and she ran out screaming that I was just like you. I shut the door but something was wrong with the lock. I put a chair in front of the door to block her and packed up a bag of clothes, my laptop and some personal items. I thought the chair was secured. I got into pajamas and went to bed. I woke up to her mouth on my dick and she was naked. I screamed and she said it was normal. I grabbed my bag, clothes and ran into the bathroom locking myself in. I vomited and showered four times. I felt disgusting. When I woke up from my make shift bed on the bathroom floor, I took my bug out bag and met Amy for school after I stored it in the tree house. I knew her Dad kept people away and I could sneak in there. When I got to school that day the storm was rolling in and I waited."

"That's when they released us all early and I invited you over and you said you had chores your mom was yelling at you about," I said.

He nodded, "When I hugged you that day I felt awful I knew you would be angry. I called Dad and asked if he was coming home I was so embarrassed about what mom did to me. He told me he would be a day or two and when he got home we would talk."

Sam looked up and said, "Thomas your mom is sick and you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Apparently keeping it in the family was something she has done since she was a young girl."

Thomas looked up and said, "No is a complete sentence for me."

Sam looked up and said, "I agree."

Captain Milson said, "So what did you do Thomas."

He sighed before he said, "I snuck to the tree house and climbed inside. I changed my clothes from school clothes to hiking gear. I changed my shoes into hiking boots and took a cab to the river park. I asked the driver to please wait and he did. I took the school clothes and spread them near the river and hung them on a few branches. I took my phone and my old wallet with my lost ID and put it in the branches. I had a fake ID and my real one incase I needed it in my real wallet with my card and some of my cash. The rest was in my bag. I went back to the taxi and he took me to the train station. I stuck around a few days in the abandoned house near the train station. Thats when I realized I had to say good bye to Amy. I snuck into the treehouse and left the journal. When she yelled out the window I almost lost my nerve to leave. Going back to the train station I got a ticket to northern maine and crossed the border to Canada on foot. There is a small town there that didn't ask any questions and I found a job at a 24 hr diner that catered to truckers and travelrs. Fred and May own the place and they are amazing. May became a Grandma to me and they let me live in one of the bunk houses for $100 a week. I helped them if they were busy so I could come in. After being there for a year May and Fred asked me my story. I didn't go into detail but they understood, they promised to keep my secret but had me keep tabs on my family and old town. When I found out about your accident I almost came home to see you. I called the hospital and they said you were stable and I stayed away. Fred came in my place and without asking questions he got answers. He met mom and came home saying that she was a vile person and he understood. She had talked about me like i was her husband or lover with him not her presumed dead son. Yesterday I saw the message board Amy posted on and May encouraged me to come home. She told me I have a home there and would be her grandson always but i needed to tell my story. I left the letter for dad and was about to leave when I heard mom was arrested. She would never find me in Canada. But I needed to check and see what would happen."

That's when the screams started in the main station, "Where is he? Where is Thomas?"

She was being dragged back to the cells when she spotted him. He stood up and walked out and said, "You are a vile monster and I left because of what you did to me. I came back for the people who matter and you do not. I am testifying against you and you are dead to me."

She stopped moving and looked at him and said, "But Thomas after everything we shared."

He closed his eyes and when he opened them he said, "We did not share anything, You sick twisted bitch you tried to rape me."

She reached for him and he pulled back and walked back to the office. He said, "I will be glad to testify and I hope she goes to hell."

Captain looked up and said, "Thomas where will you be staying while your in town?"

Evan spoke up and said, "He will stay with me if he wants to."

Thomas smiled and said, "I would love to Dad I think we have a lot we need to talk about."

I looked at Sam and said, "Well that was our first case together solved. Now we have to head to our office and do the worst part."

Sam smiled and said with me, "Paperwork!"

We stood up and I put my hand on Thomas's shoulder and said, "Do not think your in the clear with me at all you are gonna get your ass whooped but I am glad your home. Take a few days and I will meet you in the tree house okay. Your dad has my phone number."

He stood up and said, "Amy I am so sorry about everything. Not a day went by that I didn't want to call you. You will always be my best friend. I will prepare myself for a ass kicking."

*******************************************************************************

Sam and I headed to our office and once we were inside Sam handed me a box of Kleenex and asked, "Are you okay?"

Sitting at my desk I said, "Yes and No."

Looking at me Sam said, "Do you want to explain?"

"Yes I a thrilled Thomas is back, " I said. "He looks almost exactly the same just a lot taller. But all the time he missed with his dad and what his Mom did to him makes me want to take a walk down to booking and kick her ass. I know our job is not an easy one and we may come across cases that will haunt us. This one case was very close to home."

Sam nodded and said, "I understand. My first case as a detective in Tampa was a homicide. I was good to go until I got to the location and saw my brothers best friend on the stairs to the house crying like a baby. His little sister who I have met so many times was strangled in her room during the night. When I had to enter that room and see the body of Emily my heart sunk she was only fourteen years old when she was taken from us. Those cases stick with you they become what drives you. This case drove you for your personal connection to Thomas. Let that drive let you to see outside the box each time and give closure to everyone."

I grabbed a report form and started to fill it out.  As we finished our reports Sam was going to show me how to upload and close the case officially with the government when a knock happened at the door. We looked up and saw Captain and Barbara standing there. Sam motioned them in and when they came in Captain said, "Great work on the Thomas Gilder case you two. I will be holding a press conference later today to announce he was located and to introduce you both as our new cold case team. I know this case was solved quickly due to the stars aligning just right but I can personally say that I am glad that that woman is off the streets. Thomas has taken up our offer for counseling and since he is sticking around for a while he wants to speak to a professional."

Sam nodded and said, "That is great to hear."

Barbara looked up and said, "Now onto the bad part. Susan will be arraigned in the morning and her family has arrived already to post bail. We have already started a order of protection for Thomas and added no contact. We would like you both to be at the arraignment in case they ask for professional opinions or in your case Amy professional and personal opinions. Can you be next door at the court house by 9am?"

We both nodded and I said, "This is not good, her family is just as crazy as she is. Is there a way to modify the no contact order to her family as well?"

Captain looked up and said, "Shit Amy your right. I am walking it over to the court house and I will see the judge personally and speak to him about it. Barbara can you write up a second one for me so we can get it in place before her hearing."

Barbara nodded and left the room. "I hate to ask but are your reports done and filed yet?"

We held up our completed reports and Sam said, "I was just going to show amy the process of scanning them in with the evidence and how to close the case. Why do you ask?"

"Normally I would pull the official documentation from the state system but I am putting a rush on this. Can you make copies for me Amy and then you and sam can complete the process on how to close the case officially," He said.

I took sams and my report and made copies handed the copies to captain and moved my chair near sam so we could close out the case. Captain left and Sam started his training. "The first thing is all evidence 

we acquired has to be logged in and put into the system. All items have to have their own number and notated on this form and bagged. Then we upload the evidence. The reports and anything else we may have the evidence number will be the case number and then starting with the number 1a we continue on with that to 1 b. Now the original evidence shows the numbers and since we did not have to open the evidence bags we will continue on the line of progression. Since it a cold case if we had to open anything we would have had 1a-X to show it was opened. But thankfully we just have to add the new evidence in and then continue on."

We logged all the evidence and created our reports. We then added the files to the computer along with all the pictures we had with detailed descriptions. Once we completed everything the final screen popped up saying, would you like to close this case and I selected yes. After we did that we took the box and added everything in and sealed it with the tape that said closed case. Sam said he would meet me in the morning here and advised me to wear smart cloths for the court hearing.

*************************************************

Sam walked me out and when we got into the parking lot I stopped, Standing next to my car was Thomas's Maternal Grandparents. I stopped Sam and told him who they were and he said, "I will walk you right to your car and you get right in follow my lead."

As we approached my car his Grandfather started to say something and Sam said, "You will leave officer Mcgill alone and not try to speak with her. She has nothing to say to either of you. If you do not leave you will be charged for harassment."

When I got in my car they moved and I pulled out to drive home. Sam followed me until we turned our separate ways on main street. I did notice a car was following me and I called sam, He answered right away and said, "Whats wrong?"

"Sam I think they are following me," I said. "When I noticed the car I took different turns around town and the car has kept up."

"Okay Amy do this, turn towards the Mcdonald's I am in the parking lot and there are two police cars here. You cannot see the cars unless you go to go through the drive through I am going in now to get the officers." Sam said. "Give me your location and stay on the line."

I followed Sam's instructions and pulled into the front entrance and next to Sams truck. When I did they stopped right behind my car and jumped out. Thats when the police came out from Sams truck with their guns drawn. The Grandparents and two uncles both had guns in their hands and his Grandmother had a rag with a liquid on it. The officers arrested them for an attempted abduction and Sam looked at me and said, "Get in my truck we are going back to the station to book them and to have you fill out your report."

I climbed into Sams car and he handed me a cheeseburger, "Eat."

I ate the burger as we headed back to the station and when everyone was bought in with cuffs and I followed behind them with my jacket and bag. Captain came out of his office and said, "What the Hell is going on here?"

Sam handed off the Grandmother to another officer and said, "Amy called me after she left here. The Grandparents were waiting for her when we left for the day and then amy noticed a car following her. She tried to lose them but realized they were in pursuit she called me. I just so happened to have stopped at Mcdonalds and so were officers Mcnara and kinai. They hid behind the truck and when amy pulled in all four came out with guns and a rag with what I believe is Chloroform to knock Amy out. They were going to abduct her."

Captain closed his eyes and said, "Sam get them into seperate interrogation room apart now and I will question them. Amy use my office and write up your report. Stay in here till we get back. Also call your dad and evan and warn them."

I filled out my report and Called my Dad and Evan and told them to be careful. Dad said he was dining with Grace but they could come get me and I told him no worries when I went to get my car I would grab food and head home to game to relax. He asked I let him know when I got home. About an hour later Sam and Captain came back to fill me in.

"Amy I am proud of you for keeping your head," Captain said. "The Grandparents wouldn't talk but we sent the rag to our lab and 10 minutes later they confirmed it was chloroform. The younger uncle finally broke and they reasoned if they kidnapped you susan would be let go. Sam stopped the first attempt. We are going to have a police officer at your house tonight as well as Evans just in case."

I nodded and said, "Will I have to be at their arraignment as well?"

Sam laughed and said, "Amy it looks like we will be having a fun filled day of court. Lets get you your car and I will follow you home."

When we got to Mcdonalds I told Sam, "I am starving I am getting food do you mind waiting?"

He chuckled and said, "I am getting some as well. I do not feel like cooking tonight."

After I ordered more food than I would ever need I climbed into my car and Sam followed me home. Once I was safely inside Sam honked his horn and left for home. I went up to my room and sank into my gaming chair loading my game. I pulled out some fries and a burger and I had a message pop up that said, "Thomas wants to join your party will you accept?"

I put in my headset and I heard, "I hope you can still play?"

"Well Thomas I sure can, I am multitasking eating and gaming." I said.

"What happened tonight Dad said you called," He asked.

As we gamed I told him everything and looked out my window and saw a cop outside reading a book. He asked me, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I am," I said. "I called Sam and he was with officers your Grandparents are not the brightest and were arrested before they could get me. I have a officer stationed near the house now and I will be heading to bed soon. Court in the morning and everything."

We gamed for another hour and I ended our gaming session and put my food away. I texted dad again and told him good night. I laid down and fell asleep. That night I had a fitful sleep and when I woke up I was ready to face Susan and her entire family.

***************************************************************************

When I woke up the next morning Dad was in the kitchen and Grace was walking in the door. She had homemade muffins and handed dad a coffee cup and said, "black please."

I saw dad fill it up and grace wrapped two muffins and walked them out to the police cruiser waiting outside. When she came in I said, "Grace you just have to Mom everyone huh?"

She wrapped her arms around me and said, "You all are my kids. Just because I could not have kids in my youth I watched you all grow up and become amazing adults. So yes I do Mom you all."

She kissed my cheek and said, "Amy are you ready for today? Your Dad and I will be with you in the room and that womans family is lucky I cannot bring my sewing shears in with me."

Sitting in a chair with my coffee I said, "I will be okay. I am more worried about Thomas and Evan. If more of the family show up I am worried something may happen."

Dad sat down and said, "Do not worry about that. Captain called a all hands on deck and the neighboring counties will have a few officers in the courthouse for crowd control and safety. After the arraignments captain is going to do the press conference."

Nodding I said, "Well I have to head to the station I have to meet Sam and we are going to go over what I may be asked. Listen if things start to go south please get out of the courthouse okay."

They both nodded and I said, "I love you both. But before I go I want to say one thing. Grace your like my Mom and have always been there for me. I know you and Dad love each other as a couple. You all need to go public you are not fooling anyone. Just think about it. No saying get married but you know you have my blessing if you ever thought about it."

I grabbed my to go mug and two muffins and headed out to my jeep. I waved to the officer and called out, "Ready?"

He gave me a thumbs up and we went to the station. When I pulled in Sam walked out and met me and took my arm saying, "Around the back quick."

Following Sam we went in the intake door and took the elevator to our floor. When we got to the walkway I asked, "Sam what is going on?"

He nodded to the rail and said, "I wanted to spare you the mad house."

I looked over the rail and said, "What is with all the reporters?"

Captain and Barbara walked up to us and Captain said, "AFter you went home last night Susans family called the press about false allegations and unlawful imprisonment. Barbara released the statement about the press conference after the arraignments. But they want to clog the lobby."

"Captain you know this is a safety hazzard." I said. "You may want to close the lobby as a fire safety issue."

Barbara smiled and said, "Oh Amy you have a great idea. Captain I will be back in a few minutes."

We watched as Barbara came down the stairs and put the microphone on, "Good Morning Everyone. I am sorry but with the amount of reporters crowding in there has become a safety issue. I have to respectfully ask that any members of the media please leave the building as we will be having the press conference outside when we are ready to provide information."

We heard a few groans and Barbara said, "Mickys dinner across the road has some yummy food and it would keep you from waiting in your vehicles."

She left the stage and had two officers watch the door. When she arrived back up to us she was on her phone and saying, "Okay Diane and if they give your staff to may problems we will send some officers over."

Barbara looked up and said, "I didn't want Dianes staff to get overwhelmed so i was giving her the heads up."

Sam and I headed to our office and I said, "So now what?"

He said, "We wait. We have Evan and Thomas coming to the back of the court house with your Dad and Grace."

"So while we wait lets look at the boxes I am in the mood for a mystery this time," I said.

Sam started to chuckle and said, "Okay shall we look through the binder or boxes?" He said.

"Well how about looking in both we can each choose three and out them on the table and look over what we want to do next," I said. "I know its not a game and we will get to them all but I would love to see what we have here."

While we waited I started looking through the stacks of evidence boxes and making a small pathway back. I found one that was dated back to the 1940'sand I grabbed that box and added it to the table. I search through the pile and found another that had two boxes of evidence from two years ago and went to the cart to look over the files on the cart I started sifting through and found one with a family that went missing. After looking over the information I placed the file on the table. Sam looked at me and said, "Those will be the next 6 cases we work on. I have one from the 1950's and two files I liked. One of the files is a family and one is for a drifter who lived in town."

"Well I guess this a good enough pile to start with," I said. "We can decide which one is next after we go to court today."

Captain showed up at that moment with Barbara and knocked. I waved them in and Captain saw our pile and smiled. "You two are ready to start a new case already?"

Sam said, "Well we were waiting to head to the courthouse and decided to be productive."

Barbara looked at her watch and said, "Well its time to go. The first case will be that of Thomas's Grandparents and Uncles. After that is heard them we will have a small break and then its Susan's."

******************************************************************************

We followed them out the back doors to the station and headed to the back of the court house. When we got there we met My Dad, Grace, Thomas and Evan. We went into the courtroom together and the bailiff gave instructions. The judge arrived and had Thomas's Grandparents and Uncles brought into the court room. First Sam was called to the stand and he gave his report. He first explained what happened when we left the precinct to my calling and their arrest. The prosecutor called me next and I gave my report and told the courts how I noticed I was being followed and calling Sam. Then I told them about the instructions Sam gave me over the phone to meet him and the other officers.

The defense attorney stated he had no questions and Sam whispered and said, "That's odd."

After sitting in on cases when I was at the academy I nodded. The defense attorney shocked us more when he stated, "Your honor my clients had stated they would like to move past today and plea to complete their sentencing. They request that no trial take place."

We looked up and even the prosecutor was giving the defense attorney a strange look. The judge looked up and said, "This is extremely unprecedented. You will have to speak with the prosecutor after this but I will accept the pleas."

The judge had them all stand and everyone pleaded guilty by means of temporary insanity. The judge looked at them and said, "No. The court will be setting a trial date and we will not accept the insanity plea. I am assuming your legal representative advised you against this? Bailiff please remove them and take them back to the jail."

Thomas's Grandfather shouted, "They arrested my daughter and we were taking away they reason she was arrested. If she is not here then you can't prosecute us."

The judge motioned for the bailiff to stop and he said, "Sir that is not how the court system works. I would suggest you go now before your held in contempt."

Once the court room was cleared the judge called for an hour recess asking the attorneys to follow him to his office. Captain had us follow him out to a conference room he had set up that had food and drinks waiting. When we got in there Grace asked, "Is that normal?"

Captain looked up from getting food and said, "No that is definitely not normal."

Sam handed me a plate and said, "I saw that once in Tampa on court day and that was because the guy was trying to stonewall another case. It was thrown out there as well."

Thomas sat across from me as he started to eat and asked, "Are they able to talk to each other while they are in their cells?"

Captain said, "No we made sure they were all away from each other so we could prevent a circus."

He shook his head and said, "If they pulled this I wonder what kind of shit show my mom is going to try pulling."

Sam nudged me and said, "Eat. As I am the lead detective you might not even be called."

Grace took my plate and put food on it and said, "You heard your partner."

Captain looked up and said to thomas and evan, "When the recess is over we are going to go in and you will stay here until we call you. There will be two officers guarding you at the door. That way she can not cause drama and once you enter we will make sure a guard is at the ready."

There was a knock at the door and the bailiff entered. Captain looked up and said, "John, Is it time already?"

"No Charlie," He said. "I just wanted to hide for a moment and grab a cup of coffee if that's okay."

Barbara looked up and said, "Was it bad after we left."

John shook his head and said, "That poor defense attorney I felt for him. I can't tell you what was said but lord have mercy." 

Captain got up and handed him a plate, "Fill up John you may need it for the next one."

John thanked him and grabbed some food. He sat and ate some when his phone rang. He answered and said, "I will let them know Sir."

When he hung up he said, "Court will reconvene in ten minutes. I will put what I have left in my office."

He stood up and left. After he left Captain said, "I never saw that man so rattled before.  Alright everyone lets go in and Thomas and Evan we will send for you when they are ready for you. Thomas you got this we are all here for you."

We walked out and took our spot behind the prosecutor. We noticed that a few members of Thomas's family was behind the defense team. I felt bad for the lawyer and then the door opened and the brought Thomas's Mom out. She looked over at us and sat down saying to the lawyer, "I thought my son was going to be here?"

The lawyer said, "They will call him in when we need him but he did not wish to be in the room with you any longer than he needed to be."

The judge come in and everyone stood up, He had everyone raise their hands to be sworn in and stated he has already sworn in Thomas and his Father Evan. Susan looked at her lawyer and said, "I better be able to talk to my son."

As we sat the Judge looked up and said, "When Thomas or Evan enter the room everyone please remain in your seats and no conversations. Thomas is only here to make sure justice is served. I will not allow him to be bothered by anyone unless he wants contact. Is that clear?"

A resounding yes went through the crowd. After the charges were presented Susan pleaded not guilty. Everyone looked at her and she said, "I did nothing wrong."

The prosecutor looked up and said, "Your honor due to the circumstances and the fact she openly admitted to trying to kill her ex-husband and what she did to her son I ask for no bail granted."

"Your honor I object," Said her lawyer.

The prosecutor looked up and said, "Why don't we see what her victims want then?"

Thomas and his dad were brought into the court room and the judge called Thomas to the stand, "You could see Susan was trying to get to him and her lawyer was restraining her."

The judge explained that he needed to ask Thomas about what his opinion was for bail until his mothers trial and Thomas said, "Your honor I think she should be locked up and the key thrown away. I can almost guarantee you she will break the no contact order the court set me up as well as the restraining order I requested and was ordered."

Susan stood up, "But Thomas after everything we shared. It was special and completely normal."

The judge slammed his gavel and said, "Counselor get her under control."

Thomas closed his eyes them opened at them looking right at her, "You are a disgusting human being. What you did was assault and would not stop when I said no. You are not my mother you are a fucking monster. You will never be a part of my life ever again and if you come near me you will be arrested."

The judge said, "Thomas thank you for coming in and I am sorry you had to be here for this. As a member of the town I want to say I am thankful you are alive and have been able to create a life for yourself. I promise you that this court will do everything it can to help you stay safe."

Thomas stood up to leave the room and Susan jumped up to chase after him. He turned to see her be restrained by her lawyer and the bailiff. When she knew she was not going to get to him she grabbed the bailiffs gun and wrestled free screaming, "If I cannot be with him again I do not want to be here."

All the officers in the room rose and went for their side arms as she put the gun to her head and pulled the trigger. The judge ordered the room cleared. I went over to Thomas with Sam and tried to get him to leave the room. He was frozen just inside the door. I put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Thomas come on let them deal with this lets go back to the conference room."

He stood there and said, "She killed herself."

Sam blocked his view and said, "Thomas you have to listen to me. This was on her you have been through enough. Come on man lets go back to your dad."

"She took her own life," Thomas said. "She did that instead of accepting the consequences to her actions."

He turned around and walked back to the conference room. 

************************************************************************

When we got there Grace was looking out the window and said, "God the media are vultures. We need to get you both out of here without being bothered."

Captain came in and said, "We have that handled and already have officers blocking off Evans apartment complex. But I am afraid that may not be enough until the news conference.:

Dad looked up and said, "That will not be a problem. Grace can go to Evans place and get their things and they can stay with me. My house if far enough away where they should not figure it out we have a ramp in the back yard so Evan can get in and out."

"Okay give us some time to do a diversion," He said. "Barbara go out and tell them there will be a news conference in front of the station in the next fifteen minutes. Sam and Amy I need you with me. John will help with getting you all out of here. Grace I will have an officer accompany you to their place to get their things."

We followed Captain to the station and we waited on him to open the door to start the press conference. He stood at the podium and said, "Ladies and gentleman welcome and thank you for your patience. I know there has been leaked from the courthouse so I ask you please hold all questions till the end of what I have to say. First let me say that we have discussed before about the  unreal amount of missing people and cold cases in our fine city. We took the initiative and started a task force. Due to the number of our staff the task force is a special department that contains Detective Sam Montgomery and our newest officer Officer Amy McGill. Sam comes from Tampa Florida and has had many successful cases and Amy is the top of her class in both college and the police academy. She also worked in the station since she was sixteen and during all of her post education. Today we are pleased to announce instead of 605 cold cases we are down to 604."

He paused as he let the reporters take the information in. Then he continued with, "The first case was Thomas Gilder who went missing at the age of 14. We thought he could have perished during the storms but the case uncovered so much more. Thomas hid after numerous attempts of sexual assault by his mother. Due to the work on this case we discovered what had happened, Located Thomas and also discovered Susan Gilder  had also tried to murder her ex husband Evan Gilder. After further investigation she admitted to the assault on Thomas, The attempt of murder of Evan and she was arrested and admitted to everything. However during todays hearing she was told she could not have any contact with Thomas and she had a break down. That breakdown consisted of her taking her own life."

"The attempted kidnapping of officer McGill in relation to the Thomas  Gilder case is moving forward," Captain said. "I ask that you please allow my officers alone and let them do their jobs. However we understand that the media can be a valuable resource in assisting with cold cases so if you would like to leave your cards after this press conference to help in the future we will gladly accept them in case we need to get the word out on any future cases. My secretary Barbara will be at the corner of the stage after to take your information and which station or paper you work for. Now I will be fielding any and all case questions as my team has to get back to work."

Sam and I headed inside and went back to our office. Looking at the bulletin board Sam asked, "Amy what's wrong?"

"She was that crazy to think after everything Thomas had been through that he would let her back into his life," I said. "She deserved to be punished as well as the whole family, But she was a victim as well because she was brought up in that type of home and mentality. She died thinking she did nothing wrong and Thomas will have to live with that the rest of his life."

I leaned against my desk and Sam leaned next to me and he said, "I know Amy. I wanted to see her get her punishment as well and she took the easy way out. This is the hard part in our jobs because in our line of work we want to see the bad guy get their due. As officer's getting emotionally attached to the victims is hard. This case is harder for you because Thomas is a friend. But as officers we do what we do and we move the next case. Now lets clear the board and will you do the honor of changing our count?"

I took the chalk and walked up and changed the 605 to 604. After wiping the board I turned to Sam and said, "What case is next? I picked Thomas's case you get the next one."

Sam walked over and held up a file and said, "This one. The Kline Family from 1991. Parents Kylie and Max Kline and their two children Patty and Shawn. When Kylies mom did not hear from here for a few days she went to their home on the outskirts of town and the house was empty. Nothing else. It does not look like there was much of an investigation done except some interviews."

I looked at Sam and said, "Let's get started."

****************************************************************************

Afterward

Thomas stayed for a while visiting his Dad and making up for the time they had lost. When it was his time to go back to Canada he came to see me at the station and we talked. I would miss my best friend and he promised now that he did not have to hide I would not be able to get rid of him. We made plans to game a few times a week and as I walked him to the car he rented he said, "Amy I am sorry I could not be honest with you.  I was embarrassed about what had happened to me. But Dad told me it was me going missing that led you to becoming a officer and I am so proud of you. You doing cold cases here is where you belong and I cannot wait to hear about everything."

We hugged for a long time before he went to get his Dad and head to the airport. Evan was going with him for a trip to Canada to properly thank Fred and May for all they have one for Thomas. As for Thomas's Grandparents and uncles they were convicted and are currently in the prison system. Sam and I had a investigation started into the family to protect the younger members and some children had been pulled into the foster care system due to what was found. We will be watching the family to make sure no more kids are hurt.

As for my Dad and Grace? Well they took what I said to heart and finally went public with their relationship. Grace has always been like a mom to me and it was not fair to either of them to hide the love and friendship they have. My heart is happy knowing they are happy and content. I hope we can help other families like we helped Evan in getting Thomas back and know the peace we have. 

Sitting on my Dads front porch I looked over the file of the Kline family and said to myself, "Now what happened to you all?"

This one. The Kline Family from 1991. Parents Kylie and Max Kline and their two children Patty and Shawn. When Kylies mom did not hear from here for a few days she went to their home on the outskirts of town and the house was empty. Nothing else. It does not look like there was much of an investigation done except some interviews

604 missing people --Westhope, North Dakota .Amy Mcgill --  Dad Charlie--- Grace Dads Secretary-- Captain Charlie Milson-- Barbara Capt Secretary Detective Montgomery-Sam

John- Bailiff

Evan- Thomases Dad, Susan T Mom

Fred and May- people who cared for Thomas

Thomas Gilder age 16

I found one that was dated back to the 1940'sand I grabbed that box and added it to the table. I search through the pile and found another that had two boxes of evidence from two years ago and went to the cart to look over the files on the cart I started sifting through and found one with a family that went missing. After looking over the information I placed the file on the table. Sam looked at me and said, "Those will be the next 6 cases we work on. I have one from the 1950's and two files I liked. One of the files is a family and one is for a drifter who lived in town."

The Town- Case One- Thomas Gilder

Thanks To My Dad

I walked up to my porch and went to put my key in the door when the door opened on its own.  I took my gun out of my holster and walked into my house.  Back to the wall, I started making my way through all the lower rooms until I reached my den. There a fire had been started and the man tending it was holding my old teddy bear I kept on the mantle in one hand and had his gun raised at me in the other.

I lowered my weapon, "Hi dad."

"You still have this old thing?" He asked putting it back on the mantle.

"Dad," I said. "What are you doing here your supposed to be in South America running from extradition. Do you know what kind of trouble you can get me in right now?"

"Bella I didn't do what they think I did," He said sitting back in the chair.

"Dad," I said. "They think you blew up the federal courthouse in Tampa."

Dad laughed, "As much as I hate that court house Bella I would never hurt someone. All my years of robberies and theft. I never physically harmed a person. The people I robbed were rich or dangerous. I took away what made them either."

I sat on the chair next to him, "Okay Dad then why are you here?"

"Because Bella they are going to be coming after you." He said, " I will not allow that to happen so call your men to have me bought in as long as your safe I will go to prison."

I looked at my dad and said, "What do you mean they are coming for me?"

Dad shook his head and started to cry, "Because baby girl I stole some very important information from very horribe people. The information I stole is research and development for a biological weapon."

"Shit dad," I said. "Okay give me a second."

I walked over to the panel above the fireplace and placed my hand and the wall lifted and a screen appeared. The screen powered on and I leaned in for a retinal scan. A voice said, "Welcome Bella I await your command."

I said, " I need a conference with the office."

The screen flickered to life and Ben our office agent appeared on the screen. "Hey Bella what are you doing on your off the next few days after your trip to Peru."

"Hey Ben I am afraid none of us will have much time off. My father is with me and there is a problem. He stole from a group and the information he stole is for a biological attack. Oh and they are on their way to get me." I said, "Its code red, My dad and I are on the way in now call everyone in." 

Ben said Shit as he started popping screens and phones. "Bella your tracker has been activated be safe and dont get you or your dad killed." 

I went into the closet and grabbed a black bag and my purse. Going to the back door i said to my dad, "Come on."

He grabbed his back pack and followed me. Clicking my glasses I went into nigt vision mode and led dad through my yard and into the hedge that boarded my back yard. As we crossed through the hedge I looked back at my house and saw people in the front areas. I grabbed my dads jacket and said, "Stay close and follow me they are in my house." 

I led him through the break in the hills that led to a parking garage for the people in my community. I jumped in my black truck and started her up. We headed out of the lot and towards the highway as people started flooding the lot. Looking at dad, "We should be okay for now if they run the plates its registered to the FBI farmhouse."

"Jesus Bella who do you work for?" He asked.

"Dad I work for a group that is more classified than the CIA." I said. "Lets just say I can tell you if Aliens and the Men in Black are real or who killed Kennedy."

He looked at me and ask, "Have you known where I was the whole time?"

SMiling I said, "Dad I will be honest with you I had a suspicion of where you have been all this time but its not my job to bring you in. You are a con artist and thief and to be honest with you you keep the CIA and FBI out of my way so I can do my job. But we have heard rumors of an international biological attack and you not only found it but are wrapping it up in a bow for me."

I looked in my rear view and headed to the office. Dad was quiet for a moment and then said, "Well?"

'Well what Dad?" I said.

"Who killed Kennedy? It was Johnson wasn't it," He said.

"Really Dad you really want to know," I said.

"Bella yes who killed Kennedy?" He said, "Was I right?"

"No dad your not." I sighed. "As its going to be 'discovered' His wife and brother had him killed. Jackie didn't like the fact he was banging Monroe and his brother wanted in the big leagues."

"Well shit Bella I didn't expect that." He said, "Hell have no furry I guess."

Laughing I said, "Dad you have no idea."

"Well what about Aliens and the MIB," He asked.

"Yes," I said.

"Thats all you can share huh?" He said okay.

"Pretty much Dad," I said.

Watching the roads I noticed that there were no cars following us. I tapped my screen and Ben popped up. "Bella you got out are you enroute?"

"Ben I feel like something is off I am turning away from the office and need a extraction for two. There was a ton of people at my place but no one followed me." I said.

"Head for Icecream Bella we got ya. Whats your ETA?"He asked.

"Five Minutes or less," I said.

We drove through a suburban neighborhood and pulled up at a small mom and pop icecream shop that sat along the bank of the river. Walking in I tossed my keys to the cashier and elderly lady. The owner pressed a button and dad and I walked through the prep area. Once we got to the back door I motioned for him to follow me and we headed down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs there was a fishing troller. The captain put out his hand to us and said, "All aboard." We went onto the cabin and sat down and the Captain came in.

"Hey Bella my John is gonna sit and watch your truck. If he doesn't see anyone come check it out he is going to being it to a shop and have it checked top to bottom to see if there are any trackers or other devices." He said, "So this is dear old dad. Man your a legend. Bella did you tell your dad that we know he didn't bomb the court house."

"Well Sam I didn't get that far yet." I said.

Dad stood up and shook Sam's hand, "My name is Mark. Thank You for updating me on that."

We went up the river in the boat and soon pulled up to a fishing dock. Sam radioed stating they had a delivery and when we got off the boat there was a SUV waiting for us. We loaded in and climbed in the back. The driver turned and said, "Bella we sent a team to your house. We did not see anyone but the doors were shut so we used the auto security system to set the locks and access you cameras. We did not see anyone but there is a bit of a mess."

"Thanks Mack, I was thinking of making some changed in the house so I guess the people who broke in decided for me," I said.

"Well hold tight you two," He said. "Bella you might want to get a snooze in now so we can hit the ground running."

"Dad," I said. "You might want to get some rest now because there might not be a lot once we arrive at the office."

He nodded as he slouched and closed his eyes, "Maybe a little nap."

I went to say something to him and he was already snoring slightly. Chuckling to myself I curled up and closed my eyes. After a few minutes I dozed off and woke up a bit later when Mack said, "Bella rise and shine."

I stretched myself awake and shook dads arm, "Hey we are here."

He opened his eyes and said, "Bella we are in the middle of the woods."

Smiling I said, "Your right we are." 

As we headed towards a massive tree on the ground the base of the trunk opened and we drove in. As we headed down the ramp you could see people walking around and offices with people at computers. My dad had a look of shock on his face as he said, "Damn Bella I never knew you worked somewhere so swanky."

"What can I say Dad," I said. "Growing up I knew I did not want a normal job."

Bella- Main Ben-Office Dad 

Sam, Mack-Co worker 

The Christmas Village Blues

I looked out the window of my office and watched the crowded mall below me.  My favorite time of year but right now it seems like something is missing. I could see Santa's chair and all the children eagerly waiting to tell Santa they have been good and what they would like. I see young couples together shopping for their first holiday seasons together or the elderly couples holding hands and sitting on benches reminiscent of days gone by. I was lucky our Christmas village was a little part of life and happiness tucked into the mountains. As someone who loves Christmas our village is open almost year round and only closed on Christms and Sundays. My job as head of security really was quite simple and I almost never got a call to help with a shoplifter. My biggest issue normally was if someone tumbled and hurt themselves and even if I was the one making sure the stairs in were salted and the airdried entrances were cleared I had one of the best no accident ratings in the area.  That was until I got the call on my walkie that would shake me out of my holiday blues.

"Beth what's your location?" Max our groundskeeper bellowed through the line.

"My office why?" I replied.

"Beth you might want to call the sheriff and head to the north indoor garden. I just locked the doors to keep people out of here. Remind the sheriff that whoever he brings needs to be discreet there are kids around. Have them come to the back loading door."

"Max, what's going on?"

"We got a dead body, Beth."

"Ok I will be right there do not touch anything," I called the sheriff and told them to come in the back discreetly as we had a bunch of kids here today and headed to where max was myself.

I had not dealt with a dead body since my time working as a detective in Tampa, Florida. Nothing ever happened in this town to warrant as much as a ticket so this worried me a lot.  I got down to the garden entrance and my guys moved aside to let me in. I followed the pathway through the hedges and shrubs to where I heard Max's voice coming from. 

Max looked at me and said, "Beth I know you used to deal with all of this in your past but this is not too pretty."

I looked at Max and said, "Never is easy finding a body.  Do we know who the poor soul is?"

Max looked at me and then back towards the covered body. "Beth I am going to be 100 percent honest with you I saw the body, checked for a pulse, and realized his eyes were open and called for you. I don't handle dead very well. I don't even go to funerals very often unless I have to."

I knew how Max felt about the dead but also knew we needed to see how this man died.  I reached down to pull back the sheet Max had used to cover the body.  I started checking the pockets and no wallet and ID were found from what I could feel. I didn't want to move the body until the police got here.

"Max, when was the last time this area was used?" I asked. "This gentleman seems like he has been here for a while."

Max looked up, "Beth that's the thing.  This spot was just used six hours ago for the children's center lunch with Santa. The last people cleared out of here around 5pm.  I helped the volunteers load the last of the items in their van via the loading door for this area.  After they left I locked the doors and walked to the entrance and shut off the lights and locked the main door. I do not know how the body even got in here as the area is secured."

As I sat on the nearest chair thinking about the possibilities there was a knock at the entry door. I stood up as Max went to unlock the door. I looked up and saw our local detective, Charles walk into the room. He walked up to me and asked, "Well detective you have any thoughts on how a body ended up on your property?"

Charles loved to push my buttons as he knew I used to be a detective in the big city. "Well, detective you are the only law enforcement here.  Max had this area shut down after an event earlier today. From the look of the body, it's been deceased for a while as rigor mortis set in. Not like a corpse can just walk its way into an event hall.  But I was going to check the security cameras to see if there is anything we can see."

Charles turned to Max, "Max, Beth said you had this area locked up.  May I ask why you came back in?"

Max turned and said, "Sure thing I had lowered the security gate when I shut the area down as I didn't want teens to sneak in here to make out.  But when I was doing my rounds I saw the lights for the bathroom area were on and I could have sworn they were off when I locked up."

Charles asked, "So then why did you go back in there?"

"Because I did not want to risk someone being locked in here," Max said. "Plus I know I shut the light off. It's a habit the wife at home keeps on me about so I do it here as well. Came through the side door walked towards the bathroom and saw the body when I looked from the bathroom to the back loading door."

"Well officer, While you're doing your job here I am going to pull all the security tapes and see what I can," I said, "Come on Max let's leave the police to do their jobs. You can be my second set of eyes."

Max chuckled as we left the area and headed to the security office, "Is it me or does Charles seem threatened by you?"

"Its not that he is threatened," I said. "He just does not get how I could have went from a detective in a major metropolitan are to a small town amusement site head of security."

Max looked at me, "You never explained why you came here? Come on Beth if you explained why then he wouldn't be such a bear to you."

"Max," I said. "If he was a good detective I wouldn't have to explain anything." 

Max chuckled and led the way back to the security office. After we got back into the office and poured ourselves some coffee we sat in front of the security camera. I put in the time for the video feed and brought the feed up to where I see Max locking the back door, walking and checking both bathrooms, and heading to the main entrance. When Max shut the light off and the night vision came on.  

That's when we see a man come out of the men's bathroom. I looked at Max and said, "How you checked the bathroom?"

Max looked at me and said, "Was he hiding in the bathroom ceiling?"

We saw our dearly deceased walk to the center of the room and then another man appears from the bathroom and we see a figure fully clocked in black run up on the victim. It looks like he karate chops his neck and as the victin falls to the ground the cloaked man runs back to the bathroom. I make a disk for Charles and Ma and I head back to the event room.

Walking in we see charles and I pull my gun at the bathroom door. Charles comes over and I said, "Have any of you been in there?"

"No why?" He said as he pulled out his gun.

"Because thats where both the victom and the killer came out of," He said.

We walked in and started looking in every nook and cranny. Then I looked up and over the last stall the ceiling tiles were moved. I pointed that out to Charles and he said, "Where does the ceiling paths go to?"

Max groaned, "The ceiling pathways go all over the resort."

Charles muttered under his breathe and said, "We need to see if any of the external exits are compromised and also see if any of the shops restaurants or hotel areas are messed up."

I looked at Charles and said, "We will but there are a massive amount of kids throughout this entire place. We will do this in a calm manor and we will get my entire team in."

I took out my walkie and said, "Hey all I have a issue and need to have a meeting for all waking staff members. Please meet in the break room in 10 minutes and please do not make a big show with leaving the floor we need to stay discreet."

I started hearing copies over the headset. Looking back at Charles I said, "You coming or what?"

Charles looked at me like I had lost my mind and said, "You know Beth this is my investogation."

Turning to him I said, "Listen Charles I am going to be honest with you. People might be reluctant to talk to you. If any of my staff has a inkling of what is going on they might not tell you because you are pushy."

We walked into the security office and he pulled me into my office, "What do you mean I am pushy?"

"Listen CHarles I been were you are I did your job for many years but you need to be kind or people will not want to say anything" I said "I want to make sure this gets handled and I do not want another dead person on my hands"

Charles was quiet as we headed into the office and I took point. "Okay everyone I know all of you have military or security training. This is what we are dealing with. Two men were hiding in the same room that we had the childrens home party and after the area was emptied one of the men emerged from the bathroom and another came out and murdered him. The police are dealing with the body but there is no forced exit and the security footage showed the killer went back into the bathroom. All exits are being watched but here is the thing as we are an active hotel, resort, event center along with a mall people can be in danger. The tunnels along the roofs as well as the ways to get out are plentiful. We need to find this killer. After the mall closes we are gonna implement the propertys bio sensors. But I am open to other sugegstions?"

"How about we take a team in under the preface there are reported leaks and smells? Matt said. "I don't want to see a kid or anyone else get hurt and we can put on repair cloths. Me Shawn and Marty are all ex special ops so we can handle anything."

I looked at Charles and said, "you know that's not a half bad idea."

Charles looked up and said, "I want a camera on each of you if this is going to happen. Guns hidden on you as well."

Matt gave a Cheshire grin and said, "Sure thing boss. Who would have thought we could do what we were trained for in the middle of Santas village."

Matt and his team geared up and went through the ceiling inside the office to start searching the building. They decided to start further away to flush whoever was there towards the bathroom. Charles and I listened to them on ear pieces and we had officers waiting in the bathroom incase someone came out. Matt said into the speaker, "Beth I have a question what was this place before Santas Village?"

"Matt it was a event center, why do you ask?" I said.

"Did the event center have a skating rink?" He asked

"Sure did I skated here as a child when I visted my Grandma." I said.

"Well so you are aware we are over the court yard in what I would assume would be the second floor and I just found the skating rink," He said.

"I will be honest with you, There are still a ton of things up here someone could easily hide in here." He said. "Like its a building within a building and its sitting here. I am sending you some pictures."

He sent a series of pictures and Charles looked at them and said, "Those are stores full of merchandise just sitting there. Is that a Merrygo round?"

I rubbed my temple and said, "This is not even on the blueprints to the building. How in gods name does a whole section of the original mall disappear from the blueprints. Hey Matt do me a f avor can you get into any of the locations?"

"Beth I am insulted you think so little of me," He said. "What are we looking for Boss?"

"A news paper or something dated," I said. "Also is the power on down there?"

He responded and said, "Yes Maam, I bet Geroge had no clue especially when he was out last month. He mentioned the electric was so high..ho hum umm Beth there is a bank down here. A full ass bank."

Charles grabbed the phone and said, "Matt go to the bank and see if there is a safe."

We heard the team walk and then heard Matt say, "Well well someone has been in here."

"What do you mean Matt?" Charles asked.

"There is equipment here to bust into the bank vault," He said. "Hey boss lady take this down. Echo Foxtrot 385 Delta. That is the safe number for University Bank."

Charles said, "Anything dated Matt?"

Marty quipped in, "December 13th, 1971 We are saddened to inform you this location will be closing on December 23rd. Please see bank HR for severance package."

"Well shit" Max said, " I think I know what that is. Back in the 1970's I lived a few towns over and we heard that in a 2 week time a local shopping mall shut down and a bunch of walls were put up around the building. Businesses in the mall complained about not being able to get everything out of the stores. The developer stated that they gave plenty of notice and they told stores they had until the 24th to get everything out. On the 26th people arrived and saw the walls and the guards said that the building was demolished and everything inside was destroyed. There was a lawsuit and the owner of the property was not held liable as the contract he had stated that they had 30 days to give notice and they provided 50 days notice."

"Well apparently they did not destroy the Mall." I said.

Max said, "Thats the thing when the walls came down the event centers first structure was in place. It was almost as if they built over and around the mall. Which doesn't surprise me because the mall had two stories and the stories went down not up." 

I grabbed the radio and said, "Matt listen to me, get out of there and look for a set of stairs that goes to the bottom level."

"What are you thinking Beth," Charles asked.

"Listen if the businesses couldn't get anything out what if someone was in the know when this place was an event center and mall and knew all these businesses were here." I said. Think about the mall it probably had multiple businesses and a bank and jewelry stores. Rob and grab and no one would be the wiser. Matt does it look like the businesses are opened and broken into?"

"Negative boss lady and look at these fancy stairs and a fountain," He said. "What are we looking for Boss?"

"See if there is any sign of people living here and what is running," I said.

They guys were quiet and after a few minutes Matt replied, "Hey boss your hunch is right about this we found a ladder that I am going to guess leads up to the bathroom our guys came into. There is also a store with beds and a few are made up and look slept in."

"Guys come back," I said. I turned to Charles and said, "I need to call George and find out what he knows."

I walked into my office and called George. I was thankful he answered on the first ring, "Beth my dear how are you?"

"George are you in town," I asked.

"No sweet girl I am taking Stella to see the Grandbabies," He said. "Whats going on Beth?"

"George take me off speaker phone," I said.

I heard a click and he said, "Beth I put you on my ear piece, whats going on?"

"I will tell you after I ask you a few questions," I said. "Do you know the history of the land that the conference center was built on?"

"No I was told the property was once a mall but they tore it down and built the event center," He said. "Beth what is going on?"

"George there was a murder in the room we used for the orphanage party," I said. "It happened thrity minutes after the party ended and the kids went home. I have the police here and when we could not find the person who commited the murder, OUR own personal strike team went in to see if they could find anyone. George they never tore the mall down. Santas Village is right over the mall. All the stores are there frozen in time full of merchandise."

"Beth thats not possible I saw the blueprints," He said.

"Wanna see the video the guys are taking when they get back to me?" I said.

"Your not joking," He said. "Shit Beth. Okay let me get my love to the Grandbabies and--"

"George stop," I said. "Stay with the Grandbabies I have this handled here. There is nothing you can do but guess what you have more than you thought you bought."

"Beth are you sure," He asked.

"Yes," I said. "You hired me for a reason and I got this. Now you give your love a hug for me and call me once you settle and I will give you an update."

I hung up the phone and turned to Charles and said, "George had no idea. He said that he saw the blueprints and had no idea that the mall existed. Before you ask could he be lying? No I don't he was shocked and wanted to drop Stella off with the family and come back here. I told him no because there is nothing he can do."

Charles nodded and said, "I am contacting my guy at the county zoning office and going to get the blueprints."

"There is no need," I said.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Because the blueprints are in Georges office and I have the keys. He has been toying with the idea of adding a skating rink inside the village and has been going over places he can put it. Well Now that he has a whole mall under this he can probably add the skating rink and another hotel. He has been toying with the idea of a capsule hotel as well." I said. "Come on lets go to Georges offices."

With the walkie in hand I said, "Matt where you boys at?"

"We are almost there Beth," He said, "Did George shit himself? I bet thats where he is going to put the skating rink and capsule hotel. Beth from what I could see the whole building down there is structurally sound. He is sitting on a ton of square footage that expansion he wants can happy and we found the original doors to the mall. Beth they lead to the wall near the bathrooms on the D wing. I am guessing that wall was built to block the Mall off and D wing and part of C and E wing were built right over it."

As Charles and I walked Charles asked, "Are those floors safe Matt or do we need to get people out?"

"Nah Man those support beams they use are safe and are meant to be built over existing buildings," He said. "You know Sisters of Mercy Church? If you go to the parking structure there was a whole strip mall underneath it. They built the parking garage right over the strip mall that has the church offices and charity store and soup kitchen. Those beams are solid."

Charles gave a sigh of relief. When we got to the office I unlocked it. We walked in and I stopped Charles. I grabbed my gun and put my hand in to put the light on. When the light went on we saw that the office was tossed. I looked at Charles and  pointed to the ceiling and said, "Look in the corner they came in through the vent. I was here this morning and this office was pristine."

I walked over to the cabinet that held the blueprints and said, "The blueprints are gone."

Charles said, "We need to get a strike team downstairs. We also need to check the footage and see of we can see anything from the cameras in the hall."

Taking out my phone I said, "I have a hunch. Give me a second."

Dialing Georges number he answered right away, "Whats up Beth?"

"You are not coming home is that clear," I said. "But I need to ask do you have another set of blue prints?"

Beth- Head of security

Max- security Guard

Charles- Local officer

Matt shawn marty-security workers

George- Owner (Stella)