[3 WEEKS LATER]
Welcome back. I already reviewed our closed cases. Just need you to sign off. New case is on desk. Take it easy. - Scott
Elaina squinted at the yellow Post-it note on the office door. Scotch taped haphazardly layered over the four corners, an extra measure from her partner. She would have chuckled if she had the energy. Pulling keys from her pocket she searched for the office key. Shoving it in the lock, she winced slightly as her arm turned with the knob. The scar seemed to wriggle with life of its own. Its gruesome sight, a glaring reminder of a futile rescue. Sighing, she stepped inside. Not much changed except three bouquets of flowers and various 'Get Well' cards neatly piled on her desk.
The fib she told Scott may have been a bit grand, but it made sense with the injuries. Her stolen eye, mangled arm, and disfigured chest: all injuries pertaining to a horrific single vehicle accident that led to ejection and an intensive hospital stay. He didn't believe her at first when she dialed him up. Not until she sent a picture of the pale pink socket.
Walking to her chair she slowly lowered herself into it. It all felt strange, foreign to her senses. She wasn't a prisoner long, but those frightening days lasted an eternity. Days of wondering if each night would be her last. Days of insurmountable pain with the devil.
Absentmindedly Elaina massaged the bumpy scar under her breast. A habit she spotted herself doing when she thought of that wretched soul. Jumping back up, she hurried to the window and threw it open. The air smelled of a brewing storm, and she inhaled, rolling her shoulders.
BUZZZZZ
Looking back, she went to sit back down just as her phone went dim. Khalia's name popped up across the screen:
Hey! we're down at the police station getting the rest of Jay's things. Gonna head to the funeral home after. Want to grab a bite before we head out later?
Tapping her tongue against her teeth, Elaina then sucked on them before typing back "Ok. Send the location". A softness touched her eyes as she thought of the ladies back in Cruel-Mane. Caleesi was there first when she awoke. The girl was sleeping by the bedside, snoring peacefully against her bandaged arm. Strangely an unfamiliar feeling welled up inside her. The poor girl was jolted awake with her howls and wails. A pitiful state that calmed once she spotted the beaten-up pack of cigs that rested on the nightstand.
"Childish emotions. Get it fucking together Elaina."
Snatching up the bouquets she tossed them on McDermotts desk for now. Hell, his birthday was coming up, she'll repurpose them.
"I liked him."
Elaina remained silent about her counterpart's remark. After a long pause she sighed.
"I liked him too Ellie, but liking isn't enough."
"Not enough, really? So, we're going to keep carrying around a pack of cancer sticks, mind you we don't smoke, like a lovesick pup? I don't know about you, might as well tattoo pathetic across our forehead."
Growling, she gave her head a good shake before grabbing the manila folder underneath the cards. She scanned the first page, surprise etching a line between her brows.
"Trinity Cadman? Missing....victim of Cape...what the hell Scott?"
Scanning the paper Elaina went over each statement before snatching up her phone and scrolling through her contacts. It rang once then a muffled "What's wrong! What happened?" cracked through the speaker. Chuckling she went back to scanning Trinity's case file.
"Everything is fine McDermott."
"Are you sure? I can turn around! Might take a couple days to reach land!"
Crashing waves echoed behind his screaming. She never took him for the extreme fishing type, but he amazed her with his five-day fishing cruise through Alaska. Didn't sound fun in the slightest but the smile never left his face.
"No! Enjoy your trip. I just had a question about this Trinity Cadman file."
"Trinity?"
"She was one of the victims at the Cape. In the report she's listed as missing and now her file is in the new case. That's a mistake, right?"
"Oh her, yes that's accurate! No mistake! Her body hadn't been recovered!"
"Wasn't recovered? As in found or...was it in pieces? Why wasn't I informed?"
"You were at the hospital with the living victim at the time! By then they had taken us off and closed the Cape cases. Her case has been moved to missing persons till we either locate a body or bring her in for questioning!"
"Question her as a victim or suspect?"
"That would be up to Trinity don't you think!"
"...Shit. Shit! Thanks! Talk to you later!"
She caught the beginning of a goodbye as she hung up on him. Rising, her chair clanged to the floor as she gathered up her things, striding to the door. Throwing it open she shrieked, scaring Milo as he recoiled from the door.
"M-Milo!"
Sheepishly, Milo opened his mouth then closed it just as quickly. The dark circles under his eyes were gone, and his ranger tan had returned. He stood in uniform, nervously adjusting his hat. A sharp pang went through her heart as Ellie whined with glee. If time wasn't of essence, she would have set up a chair with the buttery-est of popcorn. Attacking it greedily while she mused at his justifications and apologies. Unfortunately...
"I don't have time for this! She should still be at the funeral home! Let's go! Your truck!"
*~*~*
While the fog crept readily through the buildings and streets of the costal town, pitter patter of rain began to kiss their surfaces. People walking the sidewalks moved with more purpose while they rushed to their destinations. A gray film settled in, casting its shadow over the parking lot Khalia occupied. She looked briefly at the darkening clouds, twitching when droplets made it through the cracked window and onto her face. Building up rhythm the rain played heavily against the truck's windshield.
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They chose to park in the center of the empty lot. Hoping to draw the immediate attention of the funeral homeowner. She'd never heard of a one that wasn't 24/7, so it surprised her seeing the old sign that said, 'Schindler's Funeral Home: M-SUN 8-5'. Last she checked; death had no time constraints. With an hour to kill, they retreated to the truck.
Diem's knee twitched and hit the dash, causing her to look away from the dull sky. The passenger seat extended way back to accommodate his resting frame. His arms crossed leisurely over his chest, rising and falling with his deep breaths as he snored faintly, his black jacket, bunched up over his face, shielded him from the light. His contented posture made a smile tug at her lips, but the crinkle of the clear plastic bag smacked it down.
Bold red letters, the word 'EVIDENCE' was taped across it. Underneath, Jay's name and case number scribbled in permanent marker. The diminished smell of new plastic and grease came off it. Hesitantly she turned the bag over, inspecting each item.
It took under ten minutes to gather Jay's belongings from the police department. Apparently, it was ready for her to pick up a day after her flight home. Shamefully pondered if she would have bothered, even without turning into a Lycan. Jay's suitcase of clothing was bundled up with the rest of the luggage under the tonneau cover. This was the last stop before they headed to Bathale. A tiny midwest town in bumfuck nowhere as Gian put it.
"The sooner the better! Ouch! Hey! That's not a toy!"
Parasita growled out, causing Khalia to shake her head. She snickered as her counterpart chased the dark wolf pup around the dark abyss. Tuffs of Parasita's fur flew from his mouth as he yipped. Golden eyes lit up with mischief as he ducked her massive claws.
"Calm down, this is the effect to your cause."
"My cause! Of all the pieces, he burdened us with his childhood, and you expect me to calm down? He could have given us 20-year-old Diem, 27-year-old Diem. No, we got a fucking toddler."
Sighing, Khalia closed her eyes. She pictures vast fields and hills, with an abundance of trees. The ground beneath Parasita became a lush green, and the roar of a waterfall soon tickled the two Lycans ears.
"There. Go play hide and seek. It'll be beneficial for both of you, especially me."
Parasita grumbled, but soon got on all fours and chased after the little troublemaker. She felt the tension leave her shoulders and the headache soon dwindled. Dragging her hand across the bag she bit on her bottom lip.
Examining the worn brown leather wallet she then fixated on the set of keys. A photo attached showed Jay and Trinity near a stunning cliffs edge. She balanced on his shoulder's arms spread wide, their broad smiles complementing each other. Khalia had snapped the photo just in time before she tumbled down a small rocky incline. With awful cuts and scrapes to her legs and knees, it was still one of her favorite memories.
Like wet sand through a piping bag, she swallowed the growing lump in her throat forcing it down. Splitting the bag open she pulled out the final item. The metal was still cool like she remembered. Heavy in her hand, it gleamed if she held it at the right angle. She checked the chamber: empty. Then the magazine: empty. Scoffing a horn blowing drew her back to the funeral home. A young man had reached the door, only to rush back to a red Ford Focus. Leaning into the driver's window he grabbed a set of keys before planting a peck on the driver's lips. Khalia's phone lit up with a notification, revealing the time: 8:00.
"Least they're punctual."
Setting the gun back in the bag she groused as she slid a black beanie atop her head.
"I wonder if I can find silver bullets for this."
The outstretched hat dipped over her eyebrows, forcing her to adjust. She'd be damned if she got her silk press wet. A poor hairstyle choice for their road trip as the weather wasn't having it.
"Hn. Human media has corrupted you. Silver can't kill everything."
A yawn disrupted the flow of Diems words. Raising his arms he did a pandiculation stretch, groaning all the while. Removing his jacket he gave her a tired smile.
"Well, if my passenger princess would drop some knowledge on me like he planned..."
The smile vanished.
"Passenger Princess? You only drove for two hours! Princess my ass."
She chuckled then watched the neon sign come a glow in the window. It seemed tacky, though she was sure the customers didn't care. Opening the truck door, she frowned at the many water puddles merging under her feet.
"Do you want me to come with you?"
Sitting up Diem rubbed his eyes and worked to put his jacket on. When she gave no response, he looked over. Indifference was plastered on her face. He didn't know her brother ten ways from Sunday, but he understood the emotions that come with burying a sibling. The relief of it ending and the devastating grief that emerges indiscriminately for years to come.
"Let me come with you. I understand you're capable of doing it alone. I just want to make sure you'll be okay."
At that she visibly relaxed, giving a curt nod before exiting the truck.
*~*~*
"Hello, I'm Terrence. Welcome to Schindler's Funeral Home. How may I assist you all today?"
He was a brunette, the young man. Smiling warmly at Khalia and Diem, his aura of professionalism caused them to return the gesture.
"Hi, I'm Khalia Schaffer, I spoke to John, the owner, about body transportation. It will be for my brother, Jay Schaffer."
"Yes, I'm incredibly sorry for your loss."
"Thank you."
"John won't be in until noon, but I can start the paperwork. Afterwards you two may see Jay, if you wish."
Khalia gave a tight smile. She watched him tap away on a laptop while also taking in the 90's décor. The red and white floral wallpaper stained with yellow grim matched the carpet that went through each doorway of the Home. The waiting chairs looked pristine but were layered with thin dust and random religious Knick knacks were strewn about. All it needed was a grandfather clock and gold framed Ernie Barnes paintings; she would be transported back to her childhood home.
"Ms. Khalia, will you do full payment for transporting or will it be split between you and his wife?"
Diem furrowed his brows before focusing on Khalia, her expression just as surprised as his.
"Um, I'm sorry, wife? I'm his sister."
The young man pursued his lips and gave a tentative smile.
"Oh, I understand you're his kin. I mean his wife or fiancée I should say. She came by...4 weeks ago. Said she'll be back in two weeks to transport the body. She didn't arrive, I assumed she mixed up the dates."
This time she scowled. Narrowing her eyes, he stepped back, probably preparing for an onslaught of curses. A range of emotions played on her face before she settled with astonishment. Diem went to reach for her but stopped when the door crashed open. Startled, they turned, and all eyes widened. Diem pointed first at Elaina, then slowly at Milo.
"A bit early for a reunion, isn't it?"
When Khalia's eyes landed on Elaina's, a flutter of realizing passed between them. Coughing, Terrence instantly put a smile back on his face.
"Hello, I'm Terr-"
"Jay Schaffer! Where is he?"
Pulling out her badge she flashed it at him briefly. Scarlet tinted his cheeks, and he raised a trembling finger towards a pair of double doors further down from where they stood.
"Uh, back there. We keep the bodies back there."
Khalia broke into a fast walk, the others following behind. Terrance weaved his way to the front, walking ahead and pushing open the doors. He turned left, passing through a doorway, where they saw six coffins laid out. A morbid thought skirted though Khalia's mind and she looked away.
"Are you alright?"
Parasita whispered softly. Terrance raised his hand and pointed to a black and gold coffin further in the back of the room.
"Open it."
It sounded like a threat and Khalia looked to Elaina warily. She trusted it was a fluke. That there was a miscommunication.
"Are you sure? He- I don't advise that. His injuries were-"
"Please! Please...just open it."
She pleaded this time, clenching her fist. Her body shook subtly, the bracelet chiming with each shake. Terrance's face twisted up and slowly he nodded. Stepping forward he went for the latches only to still inches away from them. The gang watched confusion flash over his face before it changed to shock. Khalia moved closer, the floor groaning with her heavy steps.
"The latches...they're broken."
Terrance moved over, giving her room. Directing her to lift the bottom half while he worked the top. No countdown was delivered. Soon as her fingertips touched the wood carved tomb she pushed.
Terrance screamed.
Khalia's heart smashed into her ribs.
There in the coffin.... was nothing.
Only a soft indent of where a body had been. Leaning forward, she inspected the coffin more as Terrance, rightfully, freaked out. Elaina marched up to him, gripping his arm, pulled him back and began asking questions.
"I-I don't know! He was here! W-when his wife-."
"The wife, what is her name!"
"Ah, T something, Taryn? No. I think Trin. Yea! It was Trin-"
"Trinity."
Terrance hastily faced Khalia. The subtle shaking had become volatile, and her breathing staggered. There wasn't enough air in the universe to fill her lungs and spots formed in her vision. Holding her hand up, they all stared at the ring, decorated with blood and filth. The diamond in the center sparkled like a gaudy ruby.
"...Trinity. She's alive!"