Castleton Police Department

  The Following Day

  Detective Mackey stares intensely at the whiteboard, his mind going over details of the Aquarius case. The detective's arms are folded across his chest, and Rose Perry's framed photo is gripped in his right hand.

  Deputy Newsome enters the operations room and light clapping can be heard. Detective Mackey inhales sharply, not bothering to look in that direction. What is there to celebrate? Three young women are dead. Even if the perp at the hotel was the Aquarius Killer; the devastation he has left in his wake will have a lasting effect on this community. Detective Mackey can find nothing to celebrate about that little detail.

  Sargeant Emerson strolls to Dave and offers him her hand, a wistful smile on her lips. Dave takes the Sergeant's smaller hand and shakes it warmly. She lightly pats the sleeve covering his left forearm.

  "We got him, Deputy. We got Aquarius. You fellas did good. You drove him out of hiding. You never gave up. And you saved that young woman's life. You probably saved a great many lives. Congratulations, Deputy Newsome."

  Newsome's eyes narrow as he truly appreciates Sargeant Emerson for the first time. Since their initial meeting, nearly two months ago, Phyllis has changed quite a bit. Firstly, the woman officer's lips are now tinted with color. Also, her uniform is no longer baggy and ill-fitting. The sleeves of Sargeant Emerson's new uniform are crisp, and bear signs of meticulous ironing. The motorcycle tattoo Dave glimpsed is now fully on display, made more noticeable by the toned muscles of Phyllis' arm. Not only does she appear more professional, she looks more desirable as well. Too bad he is already spoken for.

  "Thank you, Sargeant," Dave replies with genuine gratitude. "That's means a lot coming from you."

  Phyllis laughs uncomfortably and purposely meets Dave's gaze. She studies his face with intense eyes. Dave's brow arches, sensing there is something hidden within the sargeant's deep stare.

  "We've known each other for two months, Dave. You can call me, Phyllis."

  "I think it would be better if we remained... Professional about things," Dave responds with a thin smile. "I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea. Thank you, for the compliment. My partner and I worked really hard on this case. It wasn't exactly solved to our satisfaction. But at least, Aquarius isn't roaming the streets anymore. Again, it's good to feel appreciated. Thank you."

  Dave gently touches Sargeant Emerson's shoulder as he moves past her. Phyllis watches him go with a sinking heart. Walking to the whiteboard, Dave stops beside Detective Mackey. He observes James from his peripheral vision.

  "So...What you looking at? The case is closed," Dave says. "I thought you'd be happy, James."

  "Happy?" Detective Mackey exclaims, pivoting to face Deputy Newsome. "Happy? You thought I would be happy about a team of numbnut gunheads shooting a guy who may or may not have been the Aquarius Killer?!"

  "Oh, come on!" Dave complains in a low whisper. "You saw what was carved into that creep's chest. He had the tools, the shaving kit, the knife. He was going to kill that young woman."

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  "Okay, Dave." Detective Mackey says noncommittally. "He had a symbol carved into his chest. Anyone could have done that. I want to know how anyone could actually believe this was Aquarius. His face for one thing. There was nothing wrong with his face. The brutality with which the killer destroyed all of the victim's faces...Indicates he is probably disfigured as well. The man killed at the hotel was anything but disfigured. In another life, he might have been considered quite handsome and charming. With a shower and a good shave. It doesn't fit."

  "That's because you don't want it to fit, James."

  "No. No! You're not listening, Dave."

  "No, you're not listening...James. The case is closed. There's nothing else to discuss. Pack this stuff up and try to forget about it, Mack. Before you drive yourself insane. I can't think about this anymore. I'm glad the bastard is dead. You should be too. Anyone can be wrong, James."

  "It's not over, Dave!" Mackey says.

  "Chief says it is. The community needs to move on. So do you. I'll see you around, Detective Mackey."

  "Dave, please. Don't give up on this!" Mackey pleads.

  Deputy Newsome shrugs and solemnly shakes his head. He finds it difficult to meet the younger man's gaze.

  "Nothing to give up on, James."

  Without another word, Dave turns and heads up the aisle. As the deputy exits the operations room, another soft round of cheers goes up. Detective Mackey watches Dave go and then turns back to the whiteboard. He gently brushes his left hand over the four pictures of young women arranged at the bottom of the board. A sad sigh escapes the detective's lips and he bows his head.

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

  Later that evening

  Detective Mackey pulls his trench coat tighter around his body and descends the steps leading to the side parking lot. A loud cough to Mackey's right alerts him to Deputy Newsome's presence. James turns to see Dave leaning against the side of his gargantuan pickup. In a no-parking zone.

  "All of these empty spots in the parking lot....And you choose to park in a no-parking lane, Dave?"

  "Ah. We've all got to live a little, James. Besides, you gonna write me a ticket?"

  "Maybe. If you force me to look at that eyesore of a truck one more time!" Mackey jokes half-heartedly.

  "Really, James. At least my truck was created this century. Your car is so old...Well. It's old."

  Detective Mackey shakes his head but remains quiet, observing his former investigative partner with narrowed eyes.

  "I was wondering...If you wanted to grab a bite to eat? We could...You know, go somewhere. Find you a nice lady. Especially, now that the case is all wrapped up," Dave says, studying James as intently as the detective is studying him.

  "Uh. Nah. I think I'm just gonna head home," Detective Mackey says, surprising Dave. "I'll eat some old ice cream out of the fridge...Or something...And crash out on the couch. This will be the first real night of sleep I've gotten in a long time. Thanks for thinking of me, though."

  Dave's brow arches. Since when does James Mackey turn down food?

  "Oh. Okay. Just thought I'd ask. See ya."

  "Yeah. See ya," James says.

  Detective Mackey heads toward his Crown Vic. Dave watches Mackey climb into his car before getting into his own vehicle. Something about the detective's behavior seems odd, even furtive. However, Dave lacks the mental fortitude to try to figure out why. Turning over the engine of his pickup, Dave follows Mackey's car out of the parking lot. At the exit, they both turn in opposite directions.

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

  Even later that evening

  Castleton

  Mackey Residence

  Detective Mackey is seated at the kitchen table. His laptop is fired up and open--and so are numerous online tabs. Mackey's mouth moves wordlessly as he studies each line of text or heading. Pushing his reading glasses higher up on his nose, Mackey settles in for a long night of fact-finding.