One Day Later

  Merrville County Courthouse

  Press conference

  Deputies Newsome and Chastain are ushering civilians into the courtroom. Whether reporter or layperson, each individual has been subjected to a thorough screening. Whatever happens at this conference today could have a profound effect on the serial murder case the police are building. No cameras and no mics, save the ones permitted to be at this conference.

  Morris Chastain is on one side of the double doors. An elderly woman, with tears running down her face, ambles slowly through the doors. Directly behind the old woman is Michael Blaine. Mike tenderly touches the elderly woman's shoulder and whispers in her ear.

  "It's alright, Memaw. I know you loved Rose. It will be okay," Mike consoles his grandmother, tears pooling in his own eyes.

  "Evening deputy," Mike says to Morris, before nodding at Dave.

  "Evening, Mr. Blaine," Morris says. "I am truly sorry for your loss. You may have a seat on the first row. To the far right. Thank you."

  "Thank you," Mike says, leading his frail grandmother to their assigned seats.

  "Still think he's guilty, eh?" Morris says to Dave, when Mike is out of earshot.

  "What do you mean by that?" Dave whispers hoarsely, glancing around.

  "It's written all over your face, Dave. He knows you secretly suspect him. Hell, I think everyone on the force does. I think you're wrong. I knew Mike Blaine when we were kids. Mike wouldn't hurt a fly. He's one of those severely non-confrontational type of people. Almost cripples him. He's too nice for his own good. You're barking up the wrong tree, Dave."

  "What would you know, Chastain? You're still green around the edges. I've seen people turn," Dave retorts. "It's never pretty what they become."

  Deputy Chastain rotates his neck sarcastically and goes back to his task of aiding people to find their proper seats. Francis Cooper, the sign language interpreter, steps close to Morris and offers him her hand for a shake. Morris shakes her hand and directs her to the stage. Afterwards, he sneaks a glance in Dave's direction.

  "I know a lot more than you obviously," Morris challenges. "You're not the only one with experience, Dave. We've all seen things. Terrible things. Mike didn't do this. You need to lay the hell off. You're gonna foul up our investigation if you make all of the witnesses clam up."

  "You've been talking to that smarty-pants detective," Dave snaps. "Sounds like he farted out a theory and you ate it up."

  "And you sound like an ass!" Chastain hisses, turning his head slightly to stare at Dave.

  For the next fifteen minutes, deputies Newsome and Chastain admit civilians into the courtroom without a single word to each other.

  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

  The last few stragglers are being led into the courtroom when Hazel Northrop appears in the doorway. Deputy Chastain has moved on to maintaining order at the front, along with another deputy in plainclothes.

  Dave's heart leaps in his chest and his mouth goes dry. The sight of Hazel makes him sad and weary. They haven't spoken since making mad love two evenings ago. He appraises her as she draws nearer.

  Hazel is wearing a white dress suit with black buttons descending from about the height of her bosom on either side. Like almost every outfit Hazel wears, the suit is too small, squeezing her in ways that should be rather uncomfortable. The skirt to her suit comes just to the top of her knees, her toned calves on full display. Dave pulls his attention away from Hazel's legs and studies her face as she steps in front of him.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  "Hazel? What are you doing here?"

  "I'm here to support my father. That's all, Dave!" Hazel says defensively.

  "I know that. I just mean...I'm surprised to see you here, that's all."

  Hazel steps closer to Dave, her brown eyes searching his face. Dave stands still and allows Hazel to study him, afraid he'll lose his mind from the scent of her. That damn perfume he likes so much.

  "I'm sorry, Dave," Hazel whispers. "I don't mean to come off like such a diva. This case...It has everyone on edge. None of my girlfriends want to go out anymore. You and Dad are always so busy, and the news coming out of Castleton is so damn depressing. I figured, this might be the only chance I'd have to see you and my father in the same room...At the same time."

  Hazel's lips part as if she wants desperately for them to kiss. Dave's eyes narrow and his breathing accelerates. He wants to kiss her too. But not here. Maybe later. Dave decides to play coy.

  "Girlfriends? Should I be jealous?" Dave quips.

  "Should you?" Hazel replies with a wink. "I'll just find my way inside. See you tonight."

  As Hazel passes Dave, she whispers very softly. So softly, it is easy for Dave to pretend he imagined her whispered phrase.

  "I love you, Dave."

  Dave's eyes widen and he struggles to maintain his attention on the two men ambling into the courtroom. He directs them to their seats with wings on his feet. Did Hazel just say she loves him?

  On the stage, Castleton Police Chief Paul O'Leary and Sheriff Northrop are talking in hushed voices. Detective Mackey ascends the staircase stage left. He crosses the stage and stands behind the mayor. Mayor Gunther offers Mackey a thin smile, which James returns. At the back of the stage, the language interpreters are holding their own conversation.

  Dave's eyes drift around the enormous room. Nearly every seat in the courtroom has been filled. It is almost time for the press conference to begin.

  A reporter near the front drops her microphone. Her cameraman reaches to grab the dropped mic, accidentally knocking an elderly woman's Sunday hat from her head. The cameraman apologizes profusely and picks up the hat. The elderly woman is surprisedly good natured. She smiles and takes the hat from the flustered cameraman. Retrieving the microphone, the cameraman hands it to his companion; and business continues on as usual.

  Dave's heart thuds in his chest as Mark and Tyler Davis enter from a side door and cross to their seats on the front row. The row opposite Mike Blaine and his grandmother. Tyler's eyes are those of a haunted child. He glances around the room, as if hoping to find his mother's face there. But Bridget Davis will never walk through a door again. Just this morning, the department received confirmation of the first victim's identity. There is no longer any doubt that the first body found belongs to Bridget Davis; wife, mother, influencer, and lover of gourmet food.

  Dave nods to Deputy Chastain. Deputy Chastain shuts the double doors, barring anyone else from entering the courtroom. On the stage, everyone has taken their necessary place. Chief O'Leary, Sheriff Northrop, and Mayor Gunther stand directly behind the podium. Each of the three men wear solemn expressions.

  "Ladies and gentlemen...Members of the press...If everyone will take their seats...We'll begin," Sheriff Northrop speaks into the mic on the podium.

  The last few persons standing make their way to their seats and sit down. On the stage, the sign language interpreter finishes signing the sheriff's instructions. Dave glances over the crowd from his place in the middle of the aisle. He happens to catch Hazel's eye. She quickly looks away. Sheriff Northrop begins the press conference, his voice strained but strong.

  "Thank you to everyone who has taken time out of their day to be here. Members of the community, state and local leaders, members of the press, and the countless law enforcement agencies which have partnered with us to bring closure to the families of the two victims," Sheriff Northrop stops talking and takes a drink from his bottle of spring water.

  "This morning...After many exhaustive hours of putting together the facts in this case," Sheriff Northrop pauses again, taking a deep breath. "We were able to positively identify the first victim...Of the killer we are now calling...The Aquarius Killer. The victim's name is Bridget Davis. A member of this very community. Beloved wife and mother. She leaves behind a loving husband, who cared for her deeply. And a twelve year old son, who misses her greatly. For those who need a recap, the second victim--Rose Perry--was the first victim to be identified. She was identified using a rose tattoo, which the murderer cut from her body. DNA later confirmed our suspicions. I ask that members of the community approach the families of the victims with dignity and respect. It will not be an easy time. We have a tip hotline in place...For any who believe they have information which could further aid our investigation into these brutal murders. You can remain completely anonymous. Our goal is to catch this killer before they strike again. No fact is too unimportant or too small. And now, I will turn over the mic to Chief O'Leary...Whose detectives are overseeing the investigation. Chief...,"

  Sheriff Northrop moves away from the podium before his voice cracks. Tears pool in the aging law man's eyes and his bottom lip is tucked inward. Chief O'Leary steps forward and thanks the sheriff. Dave makes a point to peer in Hazel's direction. She is staring at her father, tears streaming down her face.