Diary of the Pirate Killer (11 page)

Anyway, I got off topic.  We talked about having a family.  He told me that he wants two girls and a boy.  I told him that I thought Ben would make a pretty awesome uncle.  He agreed and told me that he had been thinking about him a lot lately.  He said that he thought it was time that we told him what we were doing.  I said he wouldn’t understand, and he said that we would have to make him.  He said that I should just go get him and bring him to the cabin.  He said that he knows Ben won’t believe
me if I just come out and tell him, but he said there’s no way he wouldn’t be able to refuse it when they were face to face.  I was seriously considering it, but I don’t know.  Justin knows Ben better than I do, but I still think it’s a risk.  I know I could get him out here without a problem, but I’m not really setup to hold him if things go bad.  And I know people will come looking for him.  I just think we have more to lose than to gain at this point.  I know Justin really wants to see him, but he’s just going to have to wait.  It won’t be long.  I just can’t take that risk right now.

7/14/09- Justin asked me to bring Ben to him again today.  I hate saying no to him.  Of course, I’ve always been like that.  It’s even harder with everything he’s going through.  He told me that I would need Ben’s help if I’m to get this done.  I told him I would think about it.  I went for a walk in the woods today to go over all of the possibilities.  Emotionally, I know it’s what’s best for him.  I still don’t think it’s the smartest thing, though.  I’ll put more thought into it today while I’m at work.  Maybe I can get a vibe from Ben about how he would take it.  I have to be careful about how I approach it.  We haven’t talked about Justin in months.  I don’t want to raise any flags.  I really don’t want to have to hold him until this is done.  Anyone else I would dispose of.  I can’t do that with Ben.  Even more than him just being Justin’s brother, I need him around to take the heat if things should turn.  Well, off to work.

7/15/09- Justin’s still pushing to see Ben.  He’s almost got me convinced.  Of course, that could be because he knows just the right things to do to get his way.  He was sitting on his bed and reached out and took my hand.  I was in the middle of a sentence when he did it, and it stopped me in my tracks.  I know is a simple gesture, but I love holding hands.  I love it when he takes my hand.  It makes me feel so loved.  It felt a little strange, probably because it was a vessel’s hand, but it made my heart leap in my chest.  I can’t believe how good he’s doing.  He’s never been so strong before.  He’s been in control of the vessel for almost the entire time.  I was about to take him back outside today, but I got called into work early.  He was so disappointed.

The annoying thing was that there really wasn’t any need for me to have to go in.  The chief called everyone in for a big meeting about the case.  He went on and on about how there was no excuse for us to be coming up on a year since the first “victim” was taken.  Most of the people in the room looked down or motivated.  I just thought it was hilarious.  The only ill feelings I had from it were from being taken away from Justin.  He was already asleep when I got back.  I guess I don’t have much else to write.  I have decided not to bring Ben here.  It’s only going to be a couple days now, which might not be enough time to convince him.  I might bring him out with the next one.  I’m hoping that we will only need one or two more.  With how good Justin is doing, I’m sure he will be strong enough by then.

7/16/09- Sadly, I didn’t get to spend much time with Justin today.  The station was pretty busy, so I was stuck at work all day.  My plan for the department is working.  The town is starting to rebel.  The word riot might not be too far from the truth.  The news has been covering this vessel’s disappearance pretty heavily.  I guess it’s because his wife was pregnant and had her baby the day I took him.  No one is going out alone anymore, so there is a bit of a mob mentality going on.  A woman got knocked down on the street and a group of guys walking by jumped the guy who did it.  Then, of course, the guy’s friends jumped in and there was a brawl in the middle of the mall.  There was a decent amount of property damage, and the first guy was beaten pretty badly.  Ben and I had to process everything to determine who was responsible for what.  I got to pull a boot print off of the guy’s face.  It was pretty fun, actually. 

Justin was already asleep by the time I made it back out here.  Well, I’m in desperate need of a shower.  I guess I should take one tonight instead of doing it tomorrow.  I want to spend as much time with him as I can.

7/17/09- Today went okay.  Justin left before lunch.  I don’t know if it was the vessel that pushed him out or if he just didn’t want to be around for the end.  The vessel knew what was coming.  He pleaded with me as we went upstairs.  I finally broke down and told him that he was doing so well that I planned on keeping him around.  I told him that he is making Justin stronger and I needed him.  He relaxed after that.  I almost felt bad when I strangled him after we finished eating.

The truly shocking part was the call to the scene I got only hours after scattering his pieces.  I almost dropped my phone when I got the call.  At first I was worried that someone might have seen me leaving him there.  I was shaking as I took a quick shower.  I called Ben as I was climbing in the car to see if I could casually get any information out of him.  He was already on the way to the scene, so I told him I was running a little behind and would be there soon.  He seemed pretty casual, so I relaxed a bit.  All he knew was an officer called it in and said they happened upon a body.  They were having a little trouble getting to the scene, apparently they got lost,
so I took my time.  I didn’t want to beat them there and look like I knew where the scene was.  That “officer” turned out to be the new detective.  I guess she’s as good as everyone said.  I kind of just kept to myself at the scene.  I was still pretty panicked, and I didn’t want anyone to notice.  It didn’t help when I discovered that a piece of trash bag got stuck in a jagged piece of bone.  It wasn’t really a big deal, but I slipped up.  I’m just hoping there isn’t a print on it.  I left the office before Ben was finished processing it.  Part of me wanted to stay, but I decided that it would be best if I was away from the station if they were able to identify me.  I’ve been sitting here listening to the radio since I got home.  I’m actually thinking about calling Ben to see if anything turned up.  I’m sure it will just look like I’m anxious for the case to be over, but I’m worried he might look into it.  He’s a man, though.  They don’t tend to read into things the way that women do.  I’m actually shaking right now.  I’m freaked that they might find something to connect this to me.  We are too close for things to get messed up now.  We’ve put too much work into this for it all to fall apart at the end.  How could I be so careless?!  And how the hell did she find the dumpsite just hours after I left?  It’s not like it was in an open area.  She wasn’t even parked in the area.  She had to hike to get there.

On another note, there was some electricity between her and Ben.  He was actually nervous enough to the point that he was dropping things.  It was funny.  I’m going to have to probe him on it, assuming they don't find anything to connect me to the vessel.  I don’t know if I’m going to sleep well tonight.  At least I’m off tomorrow.

7/18/09- I saw that new detective walking across the street to the grocery store today.  It was raining, and I really didn’t want to go out, but I knew it would be the best time to meet her.  She’s actually really nice.  We talked as we did our shopping and walked back to the building together.  I guess I was actually surprised by how much I like her.  I guess that’s why Ben was practically drooling all over himself at the scene yesterday.  They would make a really cute couple.  In fact, I bet they’re already seeing each other.  I could definitely tell that Ben likes her.  I haven’t ever seen him look at a woman like that before.  I’m glad.  He needs someone.  I’ll try to get closer to her and see if she will spill.  I also want to get to know her a little bit more so I can make sure she’s good enough for him.  He only deserves the best!

7/20/09- I had a dream about Justin last night.  He was back in his body and we walked into the station together.  Everyone freaked when they saw him, in a good way,
then apologized to both of us for causing him to have to go away last year.  The chief quit on the spot, and so did Detective Wilcome.  They also issued a press release stating that it was them to blame for the events over the last year.  The people of Addison Valley were furious, and they ended up stringing them up in the large tree by the lake.  I can’t say that I’ve ever been happier when I woke from a dream.  Aside from being lynched, I imagine that’s just how it will go.  It won’t be long now.  He’s so strong that I think we will just need one more man.

7/24/09- Justin came to me again this morning, and I told him all about Rilynne.  He’s so excited to meet her.  It’s been so long since Ben was in an actual relationship.  Justin’s so happy for him.  They really are so cute together.  Justin went on and on about how excited he is about meeting his future sister in law.

I can feel him getting stronger by the day.  He’s almost back to full strength, even when there isn’t a vessel to hold him.  I can feel him with me all the time now.  I’m so excited to have him back.  I can hardly contain myself. 
I want to take another vessel now, just so I can hold him, but I know I can’t.

I’m going out with Rilynne tonight.  All she does is work, so I’m going to try to get her away from it for a little while.  The last thing I need is for her to figure me out before the process is finished.  I’m too close for that.  I tried to get Ben to come out with us tonight, because I know
that will really help to get her mind off the case.  He said he had to work.  Maybe he’ll show up later.  I know Detective Wilcome has him working overtime on the case.  Like there is anything for him to find! 

Well, time to start getting ready.  I’m determined to get Rilynne to admit she and Ben are together.  Maybe if I get her drunk enough!  We’ll see!

7/25/09- So I keep trying to set Rilynne up with different guys, because I want to see how long it will take her to tell me about her and Ben.  I was talking to Justin about it again last night.  He’s sad he can’t meet her right now.  It’s hard on him being away from everything like this.  He tries so hard to be strong for me, but I can see how sad he is.  He spent an hour last night telling me how much he wanted to be home.  He was so sweet.

It won’t be long now.  As soon as he has the surgery, our lives will be back to normal.

7/26/09- I’ve decided to take Derek as the next vessel.  He’s the guy who lives upstairs.  Actually, he’s in the apartment directly above Rilynne.  I need to keep her distracted.  I think it’s the best way to do it.  It will also be a good challenge to see which one of us is better.  I already know I am, but I want to prove it to her.  I don’t think she’s even close to catching on, but it would only take me slipping up once before the thought crossed her mind.  I need to make sure her mind is on something else.  Besides, everyone will just assume his connection is to her instead of me.  It no longer matters how close he is.

7/30/09- I talked to Ben about Rilynne today at work.  He blushed when I brought her name up.  It was pretty funny.  I did get him to admit that he thinks she’s cute.  He tried to be casual about it, but he’s like an open book.  I know there’s something going on with them.  After the look he got when I was talking to him about her, there is no doubt that there’s something there.  Oh, I’m so excited!  I’m glad he’s found someone who makes him light up like that.  When this is all said and done, I’ll make sure that stupid rule is lifted and they will be able to be open about their relationship.

7/31/09- So I met a guy at the bar last night.  It was pretty crowded, so I wanted to make sure to put on a good show.  He was already pretty drunk by the time we left.  I took him back to my place, then slipped him a little something with the drink I gave him once we got here.  Like all the others, it only took a few minutes before he was out cold.  It took a little work to get him into my bed and get his clothes off, but I’m sure he will think we had sex when he wakes up tomorrow morning.  The last few guys I just made think they passed out before anything happened.  I figured this was the best way to go about this one, though.  Now if Rilynne does start to suspect me, I will have him to testify on my behalf.  There’s no way I would still be hung up on Justin if I’m taking guys home from the bar, right?  Oh, I surprise myself with just how smart I am.

I followed Derek for a bit today.  He spent all day at school,
then went out to Landers Bar with his girlfriend.  He’s lives the most structured life of anyone I’ve ever seen.  I swear he does the exact same thing every day.  It’s going to make grabbing him really easy.  Well, I guess I should get some sleep.  Night!

8/2/09- Detective Butcher REALLY doesn’t like Rilynne.  I heard her complaining about her to one of the officers in the ladies room.  It was all I could do not to laugh.  She just doesn’t like how much better Rilynne is than her.  It only got worse when Rilynne found the last vessel.  She’s just jealous.  I think she liked being the only female on the task force.  She’s not as special now.  Besides, Rilynne is way hotter than she is.  The guys don’t avoid Rilynne the way they do her.  A lot of that is my fault, though!  I let it slip that I overheard a few of the guys talking about her, so she thinks every time someone talks to her that they are hitting on her.  It’s actually pretty funny to watch.  I think it’s pretty funny that she dislikes Rilynne so much.  I would love to see her face when it comes out that Rilynne and Ben are together.  She’s only been here a month and she already nabbed a guy in the department.  Brenda’s been here for years!

8/3/09- I know she thinks she’s better than me.  I can see it on her face.  There’s a cockiness about her that the other detectives don’t have.  I can’t just let her come in here and undo all of the work that I’ve put in.  People are finally starting to see the police department as it is... flawed.

I’ve already tried distracting her.  She shot down my idea about dating someone without even giving it much though.  She said something about being too busy.  I can tell she’s lying.  I know she and Ben are secretly seeing each other.  If they keep it secret, it’s not going to properly distract her.  She must think I’m really stupid not to see it.  She hides it a little better, but Ben completely gives it away.  His face lights up
every time I mention her name.  I’ve started doing it just to get a reaction from him.  I at least thought he would have told me.  She must have told him not to.

If their relationship isn’t going to be a big enough distraction for her, then I’m going to have to give her another one.  More than just that, I want to show her that I’m better than she is.  She can’t beat me, no matter how clever she thinks she is.

8/5/09- I talked to Ben about Rilynne again today.  I tried to push him into telling me that they are together, but he wouldn’t budge.  He still blushes like a schoolgirl
every time I even mention her name, though.  It’s really cute.

So I waited until the security guard of the building stepped out for a smoke last night and I went in to disable the security cameras.  It was actually pretty easy.  They are pretty old, so all I needed to do was mess with the wiring.  Knowing how cheap the landlord it, it will be weeks before it gets fixed.  Since there are no cameras on any of the buildings surrounding the apartment building, it should be easy to get him out and to the car without being seen.  I just need to time it perfectly.  I definitely want to make sure Rilynne is home at the time.  I want her to know that I’m better than she is.  I don’t want her to be able to make any excuses.

8/7/09- Ben went to the bar with us last night.  It was fun to watch him and Rilynne together.  They are trying SO hard to hide the electricity between them.  They sat at the bar and talked all night while I made my rounds.  It actually helped me out.  They were distracted enough to not see me leaving my unfinished drinks sitting on the tables I was visiting.  I did spill one on myself, because I wanted to make sure I would smell like I
was incredibly drunk.  After a while, I pretended to pass out at one of the tables.  Ben and Rilynne got me back to my apartment and into bed.  I’m guessing he walked her upstairs, because it took him a little while to head back out.  I watched at the window for Derek to come back.  Luckily, he came home alone.  I didn’t really know what I would do if his girlfriend had tagged along.  I took the stairs up to the fourth floor and watched him get off the elevator.  I waited for him to open his door before running up behind him.  I told him my friend was passed out in my car and I needed help bringing her in.  It was cake after that.  He went with me downstairs, and I drugged him as soon as we reached the car.  I just pushed him up against the car and pulled open the back door before pushing him in.  That probably wasn’t the smartest move, but it seemed easier than trying to get him into the trunk.  Besides, if anyone saw me, they would just think he was drunk.

The bad part of it was that he came to while we were driving to the cabin.  I must not have given him enough, because it only took me five minutes after getting him into the car for me to go upstairs and leave the card on his open door.  He started to stir twenty minutes into the drive to the cabin.  Luckily I had my crowbar sitting on the passenger seat, so I grabbed it and hit him.  He bled a little, but it at least knocked him out until I could get him into the cabin and secure him. 

It wasn’t long after that that I got the message to go in.  Since everyone thought I was incredibly drunk, no one will think twice when I don’t report in.

The procedure went well.  I had to drug him again for it, but the leg looks good.  I should get into work.  I really don’t want to, but people will start to wonder if I take the whole day off.

8/8/09- Today has been a crazy day.  I’ll just start at the beginning so I don’t leave anything out.  Before heading out, I went up to Rilynne’s apartment.  Apparently, Ben made these binders for the task force that go over everything from the new vessel.  It has a copy of all of the forensics, photos, and a bunch of other stuff.  That’s just further proof that there’s something going on with him and Rilynne.  He’s never made anything like that before.  He’s just trying to impress her.

After leaving there, I headed out to the cabin.  Derek was awake when I walked in.  I must say, I didn’t expect what came next.  He was sitting up on the bed when I stepped in to join him.  I had just sat on the edge of the bed beside him when he swung out and struck me with the bedpan.  I don’t know how long I was out, but he was gone when I came to.  I searched all over the house and the woods surrounding the cabin.  I don’t know how he could have made it so far after the procedure.  Luckily I had the entire day off, so I was able to spend it searching.  It didn’t do me any good, though.  I looked until it was dark, but couldn’t find him anywhere.

I was almost too afraid to go back home after that.  Unlike the majority of the other vessels, he could actually tell them exactly who I am if he was found.  I have a police scanner at home, so I decided to just to play it by ear for now.  If a call comes out that he’s been found
, I will go into hiding at that point.  I know he won’t be able to survive long out there, though, especially with this heat wave.  As much as I was really hoping I could find him so I could finish the process, I’m really hoping the elements get to him.

As soon as I got back to the building, I headed up to Rilynne’s apartment.  I really should have checked myself out a little better, because I apparently got a few twigs stuck in my hair while I was out searching for the vessel.  She asked about it, but I just shrugged it off and said I fell while I was running.  My heart was racing,
though.  If he’s found out in the woods, I have a feeling her mind will instantly jump to me.  Hopefully she bought my story about just being out there running.  Derek managed to catch me on the side of the head with that damn bedpan, so at least there wasn’t a mark.

Oh, and get this.  Ben was at Rilynne’s apartment when I got there.  I may not have a visible bruise, but he definitely does.  He wouldn’t tell me what happened when he walked back down to my apartment with me, but I can’t help but think that it will actually help me out a bit.  As long as Derek isn’t found alive, it will look like he struck Ben and escaped.  I’m sure he will be able to talk his way out of it pretty easily, but it will at least buy me enough time to take care of what I need to. 

My insides are in knots right now.  I was in a panic as I was running around the woods today.  It’s my own damn fault.  I shouldn’t have untied him.  With the last vessel, Justin had been in complete control on the second day.  They had also been so weak at that point that I never thought it was possible for the vessel to be strong enough to even strike me, let alone get himself up the stairs and out of the house.  I can’t believe I didn’t lock the door.  How could I have made such a reckless mistake?!

Back to Ben...
I wonder what happened to his face.  I know he can have a bit of a temper when it comes to being valiant, but he’s not really the type of guy to get into fights.  I know he wasn’t in an accident, because then he would have just told me.  He’s hiding something, so it has to be a good story. 

I’m so torn right now.  I’m worried about what’s going on with Derek, but at the same time I am overwhelmingly curious about Ben.  I wonder is Rilynne hit him.  She doesn’t seem the type, but that would explain why he’s being so secretive about it.  If she did, it must have been a pretty good whack.  It’s not just a bruise... he has a nice little cut, too.  I wonder what he got hit with.  It definitely looks like more than just a fist.  I just wish he would tell me all ready.  I really want to know what happened!

Well, I guess I should get some sleep.  I don’t know if I will be able to, though.  I have the scanner next to my bed, and a bag packed by the door.  I’ll be ready to leave in the event that he’s actually found alive.  The cabin probably isn’t the best place to hide out.  I think I’ll go to the mausoleum.  No one will think to look for me there.  I’ll take the radio with me, so I know if he’s alive and talking.  I’ll go back out tomorrow and see if I can find him.  He surely couldn’t have gotten very far.  He hasn’t eaten all day, and it’s unlikely that he found any drinkable water.  I already checked around the river, and he wasn’t anywhere around it.  The poor sap probably took off in the opposite direction, which will just take him deeper in the woods.  Hopefully I can track him down before he either dies or is found by someone else.

8/9/09- Don’t have much to say.  I called in today and spend it out in the woods looking for him.  It was ridiculously hot, but I didn’t find him.  I don’t know what else to do.  Maybe there’s somewhere he would go.  I think I’m going to sneak up to his apartment in the middle of the night and have a look around.  Maybe that can give me an idea of where to look.

8/10/09- Crap!  I had heard she was good, but she’s even better than
rumored.  I heard from some of the detectives at the bar tonight that she has suggested they start looking into houses that have basements.  I double checked the property records for the cabin and luckily it’s not listed.  I’m not sure if they’ll be able to find a record of it anywhere else, though.

It’s only a matter of time before they find it.  I don’t need it anymore.  He’s strong enough now.  As soon the wedding is over, he’ll be able to have his surgery.

I’ve been trying to think of what to do with the cabin.  As much as it means to us, and as heartbreaking it is to think about, I know there’s only one thing for me to do.

I never thought all of that research Ben made me do last year during that arson case would actually come in useful.  I’ll go out tomorrow after work to get it all set up.  I have to move
quickly, though.  I don’t know how long it will take them to find the vessel.  It’s been two days now.

So I looked through his apartment last night.  I couldn’t find anything useful.  On my way up, I shoved a piece of metal in the door to Rilynne’s floor.  After looking around, I started making noise to see if I could get her attention.  As soon as I heard the elevator moving, I climbed out the window.  It was further proof that I’m better than she is.  That’s twice in a week that I was able to get in and out of there without her catching me.

8/11/09- So guess what I saw when I was on my way out this morning?  I saw none other than Ben leaving the building.  There’s no way she will be able to deny it now.  I don’t care what she says, there’s only one reason for a man to be leaving early in the morning.  I cornered her outside of the station today to talk to her about it.  She insisted that he just stayed on the couch, but I know that’s not true.  Then she tried to push the questions off by asking if I had any interest in him.  It was so hard to keep from laughing in her face... well, laughing much.  She still didn’t crack, though.

So I found out last night that Derek has been found.  I freaked because I was at the station and couldn’t really slip away without someone noticing.  It took everything I had just to put on a calm face for everyone else.

I didn’t really
breathe until news came in that he was found dead.  I actually really slept last night for the first time in days.

I still knew that I needed to take care of the cabin, though, so I did that today.  After talking with Rilynne and heading upstairs with her so she would think I was there all day, I headed out to the cabin.  I used the generator to power a trigger I rigged up last night and filled the place with gasoline.    After making sure I had it wiped down and the
combination lock was removed from the door (it’s rare and could have been traced to me for sure), I headed back to the station.  I made sure the trigger had just enough of a time delay to let me get there before the place went up.  I really lucked out on it.  Apparently, the search dogs found the cabin just moments before it caught fire.  I definitely made the right call there!  It still sucked to see it go.

I’m going to head over to Rilynne’s in a little bit.  Detective Wilcome is issuing another statement, and I would really love to see it.  I’m also going to suggest we play the game I used to play with my dad.  I don’t know if she will go for it, but it will give me an idea of where things stand with the case.