Echoes of the Dead

Detective Nolan takes one last puff of his cigarette before he thinks about entering the rundown slum of an apartment. It seems to be his new ritual he has recently developed. a smoke or two to calm the nerves followed by a wheezing cough, one a dying man would produce. “Cough” Detective Nolan coughs struggling to breath in any air as he exhales the smoke. He throws the cigarette into the gutter, the flame is quickly extinguished by the heavy rainfall.

“Alright Colin, let's go see this mess.” Nolan says to his younger colleague as he walks past him headed inside.

Colin quickly follows behind him folding up his umbrella upon entering the rickety apartment.

The apartment’s wooden broken door makes a loud creaking noise as Nolan enters, catching the attention of a young, uniformed officer.

“Are you two the detectives?” the young officer questions.

Nolan takes a quick glance over at Colin observing his drenched raincoat which covers his light brown jacket and tie, he then looks back his own attire noticing a dark brown stain on his light blue shirt which he quickly covers by pulling his dark blue jacket over it.

“No, we are two bums who walked into a crime scene.” Nolan jests.

For a moment the officer is taken back with the unregular response.

Colin reveals his silver badge from his jacket and shows it to the officer.

“Apologizes for my colleague, he has a twisted sense of humor.” Colin says as he gives a disapproving look towards Nolan.

The officer inspects the badge then looks back to the duo. “Sergeant Anderson is the one you want to talk to, down the hall inside the kitchen.” The officer says as he points down the poorly painted dark green hallway.

“Thank you.” Colins says as he puts away his badge then takes the lead walking down the hallway, Nolan smirks at the young officer as he follows.

“That kid is still in diapers, I bet this is the first time he has seen a dead eyeless man.” Nolan remarks.

“Well, you got to start somewhere, but if we are placing bets, I think you might be right.” Colin agrees.

A momentary flash of light coming from the kitchen catches Colin’s eye, blinding him for a split second. As his vision becomes clear he spots a photographer crouched down next to the victim's body. Under the worker lights the victim's body is glowing white, the bloody half circle which he lays upon is shining a warm bright red.

The detectives enter the kitchen, the photographer crouching down pays no attention to them, he just continues to take pictures of the crime scene.

“Nolan.” A uniformed man calls out as he approaches the duo from the kitchen sink, his hand is ready to shake Nolan's. “Anderson.” Nolan receives his hand. The tired looking old Sergeant peers over to Colin.

“I don't believe we have had the pleasure yet, I am Sergeant Duncan Anderson.” he says as he reaches for Colins hand.

“James Colins sir.” The two shake hands momentarily, Colin can feel the sergeants sweaty palms as he hold his hand momentarily.

“Wish we could meet in more pleasant environments.” Sergeant Anderson says.

“I know a bar near home, it's a bit livelier than this place if you ever want to swing by.” Nolan says as he briefly looks over towards the victim.

“Might have to take you up on that offer once this is all done.” Anderson says with a hint of enthusiasm.

Anderson walks a little closer to the victim's body. “Fifth one this month, poor sod didn't stand a chance, from what we gathered it looks like this one fought back." Anderson states as he peers over to the broken window near the kitchen sink.

Colins takes a small note pad and pen out of his black satchel bag and starts to take notes of the scene. He walks closer to the body crouching down for a closer observation, the victim is missing his eyes and ears.

“I'd assume no tongue as well.” Colins turns around to ask the Sergeant.

“You would be correct, same memo as the last four with the same bloody circle underneath. The victim's name is Steven Morgan aged thirty-four, worked as a car mechanic at The Extra Mile. He has been working there for over five years, that's all we know so far on our man.” Anderson explains

Colins looks back to the victim's body and notices that his left eye socket is swollen as if it was punch in. “Strange.” he whispers to himself

“Papers started naming the killer “The Night Surgeon.” Anderson says.

“Journalist trying to get the whole country scared. Giving him a name like that.” Nolan replies.

“Sounds like they are trying to protect the people, making them alert of the situation. No doubt rumors have been floating around, neighbour to neighbour, workplace to workplace all unsure of the truth, this just helps clarify things.” Colins explains.

“The lad has a point, we are not showing the crime scenes photos to the press, it's more of a keep your windows and door locked, watch out for the boogieman.” Anderson adds.

“Sergeant, what time was the body discovered?” Colins asks,

“Upstairs neighbour called last night after the body was stinking up her place, my guess is the body has been here about three to four days.” Anderson answers.

"Did the witness say anything else?" Colins asks.

"She said she heard yelling a week ago but couldn't tell where it was coming from, it seems to be the normal in this complex" Anderson add.

Colins writes down his answer, he then looks over to Nolan who is examining the broken window while trying his best not to step on the shattered glass on the floor around the sink. “This is new.” Colins points to the window as he walks over to inspect it.

“How so?” Anderson asks. “The previous scenes show no sign of forced entry nor retaliation. It's almost like The Night Surgeon had planned out everything step by step before he kills. So, when Steven fought back it shows The Night Surgeon didn't consider every possibility that he rushed this scene.” Colins speculates.

Nolan walks over to the refrigerator inspecting the three pictures clipped onto it by magnets, pictures of family and friends away on holidays and gatherings “Not the first time someone's flight or fight instinct kicked into fight mode.” Nolan remarks.

Sergeant Anderson’s radio goes off, he is quick to lower the volume. “Sorry lads, I'll be a minute.” He apologizes as he makes his way out of the room. Colins walks closer to Nolan “What are your thoughts?” Colins asks.

“Night Surgeon got unlucky, Steven fought back but clearly lost the fight.” Nolan answers. The flash of the photographer's camera momentary blinds the pair.

“Hey, dunderhead give us some space will you.” Nolan yells over to the photographer. The photographer stands up and nods, he wraps the camera strap around his neck then exits the room. Colins turns back to face Nolan. “No, it's not as simple as that, something is off.” Colins says with a tad frustration. “Elaborate to me then.” Nolan asks.

“Think about, The Night Surgeon so far has had a pattern, the first victim Jenny Robinson, woman in her late forties, feeble can't defend herself. The second victim Noah Walker, man in his forties, feeble like the last. It's been woman, man, woman, man. All of them in their forties all of them not physically strong enough to fight back until now.” Colins elaborates.

Nolan lets out a small sigh. “What do you want me to say here Cole? We are no closer to finding this bastard, any mistake that was made here was cleaned up four days ago.” Nolan states. Colins reaches into his bag and takes out photos of the previous victims. He walks over to Stevens body and inspects the bloody circle he is laying on top of. Colins looks at the photos comparing them to the one on the ground. With a sense of excitement he calls out “Look!” Nolan stays near the fridge and looks over “What?” Nolan asks.

“The circle, with each killing he adds a little bit more to it.” Colins explains. “Yes and?” Nolan asks. “With Jenny it was only small, we didn't notice it until the body was lifted off the ground. The circle just recently got to a quarter and a half with our fourth victim Johnny.” Colins says as he shows a picture of Johnny and points to the circle to Nolan. “This circle hasn't moved, there is no change from Johnny to Steven.” Colins explains.

Nolan lets off a sigh then proceeds to walk towards the cupboards opposite the fridge closely inspecting the door handles. “Maybe our killer didn't have enough time. Maybe something spooked him, couldn't finish the masterpiece that he is trying to make.” Nolan guesses.

Colins gets a closer look at the bloody circle almost eye level with the blood, he notices something that catches his attention. A small strain of hair straight and short. “Paint brush?” he asks himself.

“You said something?” Nolan questions and he opens the cupboard. Colins takes another look at the previous victim photos to compare the bloody circle once more. Nolan pokes his head out and looks over to Colins. “Well?” he nudges. “There is hair here, looks like it belongs to a paint brush.” Colins says. “Well, it makes sense how else will you spread that thing.” Nolan acknowledges. “That's not the point. Think, how did he spread it the last times?” Colins asks. Nolan stands still for a moment gripping his chin while looking into the ceiling. “Ah shit he used his hands, we never found any fingerprints because he burned them off.” Nolan remembers.

Colins quickly takes note of his discovery. “So, we have a copycat killer?” Nolan asks. “It's a theory, I wouldn't rule it out. If that's the case though it just opens a wide bag of more questions.” Colins states.

Nolan exits the cupboard and closes the doors returning to the sink, “Such as?” Nolan asks. Colins takes a step closer to Nolan. “The one that concerns me the most is these photos were never public knowledge, if they were leaked it would explain why the circle never got any bigger, either someone is leaking them or its someone who has been working this case.” Colins explains. “Then why fight this lump of meat sack?” Nolan says as he points to the victim's body “I don't know just yet, but the copycat theory explains why the pattern is off” Colins says. Nolan walks towards the body, “More mysteries than solutions here. I’m going to fetch Anderson let him know our findings.” Nolan says.

“Okay.” Colins says as we sees Nolan make his way towards the exit of the kitchen. Colins takes one more look around the scene, he walks over to the fridge and looks at the two photos clipped on by magnets. “Nolan.” he calls out to his partner.

Nolan stops at the entrance “Yeah?” Nolan answers.

“The third photo, where is it?” Colins asks calmly as he looks at the lone third magnet clip.

“Excuse me?” Nolan says. “There were three photos on this fridge when we entered and now there are two.” Colins states.

Nolan turns around to face Colins “What are you talking about? there were always two photos, your imagining things here Cole.” Nolan says.

Colins quickly walks closer to Nolan, “Empty your pockets.” Colins asks. Nolan takes one step back “What?” Nolan questions. “Empty your pockets, Nolan.” Colins insists. "You want me to empty my pockets, here sure have it your way.” Nolan reaches into his left jeans pocket and throws his pack of cigarettes and lighter and places them on the kitchen bench. “I got some gum, my badge and lint. You want those too?” Nolan says getting defensive.

“Your jacket, take it off.” Colins insists.

“What? You going to throw some money at me, I'm no prime time whore.” Nolan mocks.

Colins reaches for his jacket, Nolan quickly slaps his hand out of the way. “Stop it kid, you don't want to do this.” Nolan warns. Colins quickly reaches into his jacket once again and feels a squared piece of paper, the two scuffle for a moment until Colins slaps Nolan in the face with his spare hand snatching the object out of his jacket revealing it to be a photograph. Colins takes a couple steps back and inspects the photograph. It's a picture of Stevenson in his youth with several of his friends inside an old rundown bar, to the far right of the frame it appears to be Nolan in the background among the friends.

Colins looks up at Nolan, “You knew him.” Colins states. Nolan nods. “Why did you take this?” Colins asks.

Nolan lets out a brief sigh “I knew him.” Nolan confirms.

Colins takes a step backwards towards the fridge, “Why did you take this?” he asks once again.

“Cole let me explain how i know him okay.” Nolan asks. Colins looks over to the cupboard where Nolan was previously inspecting. He notices from the distance that the cupboard handle has been recently cleaned, he shockingly looks back to Nolan. “Were you cleaning the crime scene?” Colins asks.

Nolan takes a slow step forward. “How about we get out of here? Let Anderson know that there is no new evidence, our job is done, we can home.” Nolan suggests.

Colins looks at Stevenson body then back to Nolan. “Did you do this?” Colins asks as he places his hand on his holster.

Nolan lets out a deep breath as he stares at the dead body “He was a bad man Colin. He used to grope woman at bars back in the day, would stalk them home too just scare them. We all told him to stop it to cut it out, he never listened.” Nolan says.

Colins stays put and listens intently, “Decided one day that I just had enough of him, I left him alone, one by one the rest of the group did the same leaving only the bottle after bottle which turned to drug after drug for company. I didn't hear from him until recently when I had to go to the cheap mechanic downtown. Like the ghost of Christmas past I see him in the corner of the garage, his sunken yellow eyes staring at me with pure hatred.” Nolan says.

Colins takes his hand off the holster. “Okay, guy is a slim ball a drunk, he didn't deserve this Nolan.” Colins says.

Nolan looks back to Colins “He followed me around town that day, after I lost him, I decided to track him down myself, followed him straight to this dump. I peeked through the side window to see he wasn't alone; he was selling crack to this blonde pregnant lady. I didn't do anything then; I know I should have but I just wanted nothing to do with him.” Nolan remembers

“What happened?” Colins asks.

Nolan takes a cigarette and lights it up exhaling the smoke into the air, “Girl was found dead in a park a week later, overdosed. I went to this apartment that night, kicked in the door and yelled at him, threatening him. Told him he needs to get his shit together or help me God. Thats when he threw a bottle at me, missed, broke the window. He threw the first punch; I threw the last.” Nolan says as he goes to smoke once more.

Colins is speechless, his mind is processing all the information at once, the outcomes from Nolan statement.

“I stopped a killer that night Colin, if you keep this to yourself, we can find a real monster.” Nolan says as he looks over to Stevenson body.

Taking deep breaths Colins leans his back against the fridge, Nolan staring at him in the face while holding onto the cigarette. “I know you want to do the right thing, turn me in for this but imagine the chaos and confusion that will bring to this case, to the precinct.” Nolan suggests.

Colins stands back up straight slowly breathing “You would be kicked off the case for sure, heck you will be questioned for weeks all the while the real killer is out doing much worse.” Nolan explains.

As Colins is about to speak he hears footsteps down the hallway getting louder and louder until he spots Sergeant Anderson walk back into the room. The Sergeant spots Colins heavily breathing near the fridge, “What's his problem?” Anderson asks Nolan as he points to Colin.

“It's the blood, Cole here can't be in a room for too long with the sight of it, makes him uneasy.” Nolan lies.

“You're in the wrong job then laddie.” Anderson jests, Colins just stares at Nolan locking eye contact. Anderson walks to the middle of the room and briefly looks over the crime scene, “The man's going to stick the place up soon if we leave him like this, tell me you two found anything new?” Anderson asks as he makes eye contact with Colins.

Colins takes one big breath in then exhales slowly “Nothing we haven't seen before, same memo as the last.” Colins says. Nolan eyes widen up shocked at this answer. “The broken window?” Anderson asks, “We suspect The Night Surgeon either threw an object or missed a punch, this is one of the rare times the fight instinct kicked in.” Colins says.

Anderson walks back towards the door, “I see, I'll add your statement to our records and pass it on, we will get this monster boys. I feel it, we are close.” Anderson says as he makes his way out of the room. For a moment there is silence, Nolan shocked at Colins answers while Colins is in disbelief about his own statements. “Cole.....” Nolan says but he is cut off when Colin walks towards Nolan's cigarettes and light then quickly exits the room. Nolan takes a moment to himself looking around the scene that he is in, thinking about the mess that he has made the lives that he forever has changed. “You monster.” he says as he looks at the corpse on the ground then manages to leave the room.

Nolan spots Colin smoking under the streetlight next to their vehicle, the rain is pouring down onto his face which doesn't seem to bother him. Colin turns around to see Nolan staring back at him. He throws the cigarette on the ground then makes his way inside of the car. Nolan does the same. The two sit quietly, Colin dripping wet in the driver's seat. “Cole....” Nolan speaks out but is cut off. “Let's just find this monster.” Colins replies as he starts the engine. The light turns on, the engine purrs and the car drive off into the distance.