Breaking the Rules

Andy was blown away. A thousand questions were running through his mind. ‘How have you managed to support yourself for the last four years then?’ he asked. I’m an independently wealth woman my parents seen to that. After my sister left my parents made me sole heir to their fortune on their death. My father set up a trust fund for me so that I’ll never have to worry about money for the rest of my life. I really don’t care about the money though. There is only one thing I want to achieve and that is to find Natalie, my baby sister. I owe that much to my parents at least,’ she said.

Andy needed time to absorb all of this and they walked on in silence for a short way. As they crossed the street, a voice said, ‘I’m glad to see the clothes fitted your cousin so well, Sir. Andy looked up to see the young woman from the clothes store. ‘What was that all about?’ Kelly asked. Andy explained the story he’d told to the shop assistant earlier that day. ‘See, we all make up stories, when we have a need too,’ Kelly quietly whispered.

They strolled along the beachfront, both lost in there own thoughts. To break the silence Andy eventually started to Kelly about the local attractions and pointed over to a group of rocks along the shoreline. “I use to play down there amongst the rocks as a youngster. There’s a series of caves that you can enter at low tide. Even after high tide you’re safe in the back of the cave, but you can’t get out again until the tide recedes. I can remember getting a stern turning to frommy father, after being caught inside waiting for the tide to recede.” Andy told her. They’d walked quite some distance further, when Andy suddenly asked Kelly if she was hungry. They’d been so busy with the mug shots and discussions that they’d forgotten to eat lunch. It was nearly dark and a small restaurant that Andy ate at frequently was just up a head. ‘We could grab a bite to eat at Frenchy’s,’ Andy said pointing in the direction of the restaurant. ‘Sure, now that you mention it I am starving,’ Kelly replied.

They walked in the door of the restaurant only to be welcomed by Frenchy himself. ‘Good evening Detective and Mademoiselle, can I offer you a table?’ Frenchy asked. Both nodding their consent, Frenchy led them over to a window seat, which gave them a wonderful view of the ocean and the sun settling fast on top of the water. ‘Drinks?’ he asked. They both accepted the French wine that was recommended. They sat staring out the window watching the sun set on the water. The darkening sky was fading from brilliant pinks and mauves to shades of gray and the first hints of nightfall.

Andy looked back to Kelly and said, ‘Tell me more about your past, Kelly, before everything went wrong with your kid sister. What drove her away in the first place? Kelly proceeded to tell him about a life that he could only ever imagine. A life of wealth, private school education, holidays on the French Riviera and a close and loving family, which was shattered by the death of her youngest sister, Ashleigh, in a riding accident. Ashleigh’s death had been an accident, nobody’s fault, but Natalie couldn’t come to terms with that and always felt responsible, as she was the one who had been given the responsibility on that particular day to care for Ashleigh. Kelly continued on to tell Andy that Natalie had never been the same from that day forth. She’s suffered a total nervous breakdown and was institutionalized for three months after the accident. When she returned home, everybody thought she’d finally come to terms with the accident, but soon realized that wasn’t the case when she stole away in the night never to be seen by her family again.

Kelly talked endlessly. It was as if she needed to finally unburden herself and Andy didn’t stop her. The grief on her face was breaking his heart and he really wanted to take her in his arms and protect her and tell her she’d never suffer again, but he knew he couldn’t interrupt her. Kelly told him all about her parents. The way her mother had died from breast cancer, within months of Natalie leaving, and how her father followed soon after, as if he died from a broken heart too.

They ordered their meal and ate in silence, but it was a comfortable silence though. They sipped on their wine and just enjoyed the moment. Kelly’s mood seemed to have lifted slightly, after she told her family story. They finished their meal and strolled back towards the house. It was now quite dark out and Andy fumbled with the keys trying to get in the front door. When they finally got inside Andy asked Kelly if she’d like a coffee or another wine? They decided on another wine, to be followed by coffee later. After the wine was poured they settled into the lounge room. Kelly said, ‘Now you know my life story, how about you tell me a little about yourself Andy?’ Andy raised his eyebrows and said, ‘It’s nothing like the life you’ve led that’s for sure. Actually it’s all rather boring really.’ Kelly said, ‘Let me be the judge of that, ok!’ Andy settled back and told Kathy about his own upbringing. He told her about his being an only child, his many wonderful holidays on the island when he was growing up. He also told her about his parents and the life they shared. Kelly could sense the sorrow in Andy as he spoke about his parents. He told he about life in the public school system and how 15 years ago he entered into the Police Force, with the intention of doing good, saving lost souls and changing the world. ‘I now realize that I had stars in my eyes and that on my own I am never going to save the world,’ Andy said rather despondently. ‘Maybe not, but in your own way I am sure you’ve had a very positive impact on many people, Andy. You’ve got a sense of ‘right’ about you, which seems to be lost touch amongst many of your colleagues,’ Kelly said.

They decided on another glass of wine and settled back to talk about a variety of things that were happening in the world today. Andy quickly realized that Kelly was much, much more than a pretty face. She really was quite informed and had a good grasp on many things, probably even more so than himself.

‘How about I make us that coffee now,’ Kelly said. ‘Mmmm, that sounds good to me. If I have another wine I think I’d have to call myself a little more than tipsy,’ Andy replied. Kelly made her way out to the kitchenette, as Andy settled back on the settee and closed his eyes. He was still having trouble coming to terms with everything that Kelly had told him this evening. For so many years he thought he had her pegged. Although he always knew she was somehow different he never expected to hear what she’d confided in him tonight.

Before Andy realized Kelly had sat down on the settee beside him. His eyes flicked open with a start. Kelly passed him his coffee and then leaned back on the settee too. It seemed that she wasn’t moving anyway where else, Andy thought. ‘I didn’t wake you did I?’ Kelly asked. ‘No, not at all I was just resting my eyes for a moment,’ Andy replied. ‘Ahh, so long as I didn’t interrupt any dreams then,’ Kelly said with a tinkle of laughter in her voice. Andy felt his cheeks flames. ‘Hmmm, getting caught in a compromising situation once a day is enough for me. I don’t think I’ll take the liberty of falling asleep again while you’re here,’ Andy replied. He too had a laugh in his voice, albeit a slightly embarrassed one, as he realized just how much Kelly had obviously witnessed that morning.

They stayed sitting there side by side until they had finished their coffee. Andy was very aware of the close proximity of Kelly. He felt almost a desperate urge to lean over and kiss her, but knew that was totally inappropriate, after all he was suppose to be protecting her and not taking advantage of her and the situation they found themselves in. Andy said, ‘Perhaps we should call it a night. I’ve got to head into the city for an early meeting in the morning. Will you be all right here on your own tomorrow while I am gone? I still think it is wisest for you to stay out of the city until this is all over.’ Kelly nodded her head and said, ‘Yes, I’ll be fine, as long as I know you’re coming back.’

Andy leaned forward and rose to his feet. He took the empty coffee mug from Kelly’s hand and walked through to the kitchenette and rinsed them under the tap. He put away a couple of things on the bench and then headed back into the lounge. Kelly was lying there with her eyes closed and her head resting on the back of the settee. Andy wondered whether she was a sleep. He approached her, standing directly in front of her, taking a moment to stare longingly at her beautiful face without being witnessed. Kelly slowly opened her somewhat drowsy eyes. Andy placed his hands out to pull Kelly to her feet. She gratefully accepted, like she no longer had any strength left. Andy helped her to her feet and she know stood directly in front of him. Without a second thought he quickly lowered his lips to meet hers. Kelly instantly responded to his embrace. The heat was rising between them, as the passion of the moment took over. Andy parted Kelly’s lips with his probing tongue and she instantly responded. His arms were wrapped tightly around her shoulders and one hand was entangled in her hair. The passion and tension was building and Andy could feel his arousal growing with it.

A moment of clarity entered Andy’s mind and he abruptly pulled away from her. Kelly’s eyes flashed open, with almost a pleading look in them. ‘I’m sorry Kelly, we shouldn’t be doing this,’ Andy said. His voice was gruff with emotion. Kelly bowed her head to avoid his eyes. ‘Good night Andy, I’ll see you in the morning’ and she turned and made way through to the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind her.

Andy shook his head. What had he been thinking of, kissing her like that? Was he going mad, he wondered? It can’t happen again, he decided. He felt as if he’d taken advantage of her situation. She’s in my care, she’s my responsibility, until we find this killer and I just can’t let this happened again, he firmly told himself. Now get yourself some sleep, you’ve got an early start in the morning, he sternly reprimanded himself.

This time he decided to wear a pair of sweat pants to sleep in, as he wasn’t having a repeat episode of this morning happening again. Once changed, Andy made himself comfortable on the settee and settled in to get some sleep.

A constant stream of confusing dreams once again broke Andy’s sleep. He tossed and turned for hours, often waking only to fall asleep again and resume the same dream. Like the previous night, Kelly was featured in most of them, but this time there seemed a darker side to them.

Andy woke early the following morning. It was still dark outside. He couldn’t explain it, but a kind of foreboding had settled upon him. He tried to recall the dreams, as he knew they had something to do with the way he felt. Yet, nothing specific came to mind. Eventually he just put it down to having to travel back into the city and leave Kelly alone while he was gone. It wasn’t something he felt terribly comfortable with, knowing that the murdered was still lurking out there, but he figured that Kelly should be safe enough here at his home. It would take an enormous amount of effort for someone to track her down, because nobody, other than Dave and Kelly, knew he owned the house on the island.

Kelly had obviously heard Andy rattling around in the house, as she came padding out into the kitchen. Sleep still clouded her eyes and her hair was all tousled. Andy looked at her as she made her way towards the brewing coffee. Even dressed in his old t-shirt, bare feet and no make-up she was quite stunning, Andy thought. He wasn’t sure what had come over him, but he really just wanted to take her in his arms and tell her that he’d protect her at all costs. He wanted her to feel safe here.

After coffee, Andy said, “Kell, I am going to have to get going. We’ve got an early start with this meeting. I’ve left my cell number beside the phone. If you need me, just call, ok.” Andy could tell from the expression on Kelly’s face that she was apprehensive about being alone. He walked over and stood beside and placed his arm across her shoulder. With the tips of his fingers, he reached down and tilted Kelly’s face up to his. An overwhelming urge to kiss her came over him, but instead he kissed the tip of her nose and said, ‘It’ll be all right. I won’t let anything happen to you, Kell and I’ll be back as soon as I can. Just sit tight and stay around the house, ok.’

Andy was soon on his way. He was making good time and should be at headquarters in about 30 minutes. He’d actually even be a little bit early. He was lost in his thoughts about the upcoming meeting, wondering whether the Vice Squad and been able to shed any light on the identity of the killer. The sense of foreboding still hung with him, as he entered into the city traffic.

Five minutes later Andy was making his way into his office, grabbing a coffee from the machine on the way passed. He settled at his desk, deciding to check his mail before going through to the meeting room. A knock came at his door. Andy looked up, but didn’t recognize the person standing there. “Detective Bartholomew, the voice asked?” Andy replied, “Yep, but you’ve got me at a disadvantage. Who are you?” The voice belonged to Detective Barton from Vice Squad. Andy didn’t know him. He’d obviously joined Vice after Andy’s transfer to Homicide.

“How can I help you Detective?” Andy asked. Detective Barton said, “Well, I am not sure that you can. I’ve been checking some of my contacts and speaking to some of the girls that work the corner down at Bob’s Bar & Grill and they’re terribly worried about the disappearance of one of the girls. They say the last time she was seen was in your company a couple of nights ago. Do you know whom they’re referring too? I believe they called her Kelly or Kelsy? If you know her whereabouts and that she’s safe, I just want to let the girls know so they don’t get worked up into a frenzy and start talk to every media buffoon about another disappearance. I thought we should avoid that happening.

Andy’s immediate defensiveness disappeared, as the Detective explained his reasoning. He could see the merit in his suggestion of letting the girls know Kelly was safe. “Yeah, I know where she is and she’s completely safe. Off the record, Kelly’s temporarily in my care. I have her away from the city so that she’s safe from any immediate danger. Let the girls know as soon as possible, ok, as we need to avoid any more media speculation,” Andy said.

Just then Dave popped his head around the corner into Andy’s office and said, “You ready to head on into the meeting?” Andy rose to his feet, introducing Detectives Barton to Dave, his partner, as they all left his office and made there way to the meeting room. As Andy walked through the door into the meeting room, he was spoken to from about five different directions. A few of the Vice guys strolled across and shook his hand. He’d not seen some of them in the last couple of years, but it’s always good to catch up with old colleagues, Andy thought. They stood around chatting for a few more minutes.

The Captain strode into the room and called the meeting to order. “Right Gentleman, I’ve called both teams in together this morning to discuss the “Ladies of the Night Murders,” as media are referring to them,” the Captain said. “We’ve obviously got ourselves a serial killer here and I’m getting some serious heat from the Brass about solving this one quickly. As you all know there is an election looming and the Mayor is concerned about the implications to the good name of the city and wants this put to rest ASAP,” he continued.

Andy looked about for Dave and saw that he was in a fairly deep conversation with Detective Barton. So he decided to grab a seat where he was, as it looked like being quite a long meeting. They had an enormous amount of information to exchange. It seems that there had been a few minor breakthroughs, as one or two of the girls had given a description of the guy, who they believed might be responsible for the murders. Andy informed the group that one of his contacts, Kelly, had given a vague description of a car, but nothing significant though. He also told them that she’s seen the guy around on more than one occasion and that it was likely she could identify him, if she saw him again.

The meeting continued on for about two hours. At the conclusion Andy shook hands again with some of his old colleagues and told them to stay in touch, promising that they exchange info regularly. Before Andy headed back to his office he caught up with the Captain and informed him of the happenings of the last 48 hours. As much as the Captain wasn’t happy about Andy taking things into his own hands, he told him to keep the girl safe. Andy headed back to his office. He needed to get a few things in order, return a few calls and finish up some paper work. As much as he was reluctant to leave Kelly alone for too long, he also had responsibilities here at work too. Too many questions were going to be asked if he was away indefinitely and he couldn’t solve the case from the island. He needed to be following up leads.

About thirty minutes later Dave strolled through the door. “What happened to you?” Andy asked as Dave sat down on the opposite side of the desk. “Nothing, I was just finished up with that new Detective. He’s quite a terrier that guy. He wanted as much info as he could get and to get back on the job immediately. I think he’ll be quite an asset, a real go getter,” Dave replied. Andy nodded in agreement saying, “Yeah, he seems fairly keen to give us as much assistance as possibly. Nice change, huh. Perhaps he hasn’t worked vice long enough to become as cynical as the rest of them,” Andy laughed.

They settled down to some work and Dave brought Andy up to speed with the goings on, since he left the Island the day before. Andy told him of his further conversations with Kelly and that nothing new had really transpired from them. He neglected to tell Dave the personal information Kelly had told him. He’d pass it on at a later date. He wasn’t ready to speak about it yet, as he was still digesting it himself.

A couple of hours had passed and it was nearing 1.00pm. Dave suggested they go to the diner across the road and grab a bite to eat. They headed of immediately. Andy hadn’t realized just how hunger he was. They stepped inside the diner entrance, both calling out hello to the waitress, Sally, behind the counter. “Same as usual?” she enquired. They had just sat down when Dave’s cell phone started ringing. “Shit, doesn’t it always happen,” Dave said, as he took the call. It was then that Andy remembered that he’d turned his cell phone off when he went it the meeting and had forgotten to turn it back on. He grabbed it from its clip on his belt and switched it on. He was a little embarrassed when it started beeping away madly with message alerts and other patrons started to look his way. He had always thought it rude when someone used a cell phone in a restaurant.

He clicked through the messages one by one, saving them as he went. There was nothing pressing, that he couldn’t deal with after his meal, that was until he reached a message from Kelly. Her voice sounded almost hysterical and the garbled message was virtually incomprehensible. The most he could get was that she’d found HIM. She knew who he was and something about a magazine. He instantly called her back.

Andy waited what seemed a lifetime before Kelly answered. “Kelly, goddamn, where were you? What the hell’s going on? I got your message, but couldn’t make a damn bit of sense of it,” he almost yelled down the phone, loud enough that other diners started to glance his way again. Kelly was sobbing into the phone and trying to explain what she’d found in a magazine. “Kell, take a deep breath and slow down you’re not making any sense,” Andy calmly coaxed her. Kelly quickly explained that she’d been reading through some magazines, passing time, and one happened to be the Police Gazette and that was when she’d discovered a photo of the man in the blue car. The man who drove away with Stella, she sobbed.