Judgment Bound

By Steve Sagarra

Detective Allyson Haggerty is on the trail of a serial killer, whose murder scenes evoke both private anguish and zealot wrath. Perhaps, they are even otherworldly – a prospect that the cynically hardened Haggerty does not want to believe. During the course of the investigation, she enlists the help of a suspect associate who not only might hold the key but also salvation from both their past. Is history repeating itself, or has it come to a fateful conclusion?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Sagarra
• Release date: Jun 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310512476

Steve Sagarra

Steve Sagarra is a freelance writer, journalist and historian from St. Louis, MO. A former opinion columnist, he is a proud alum of the University of Missouri where he obtained degrees in history. Additionally, he has contributed to several encyclopedic projects, scholarly journals and websites, and his short story fiction and poetry has appeared in various online and print magazines. Over the years, he has held a colorful variety of jobs – dishwasher, delivery driver, substitute teacher, archeology technician and bartender. In his spare time, he enjoys watching movies, sporting events, the company of his dogs and playing golf.

Book preview

Judgment Bound

By Steve Sagarra

Copyright ©2014 Steve Sagarra

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved

ISBN: 9781310512476

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Two police cruisers casually approach a single-level brick row house from opposite ends of a tree-lined street, their emergency lights and sirens idle to minimize attention. Slowing to a stop, they establish a perimeter just shy of the mark. The uniformed officers step from their patrol cars, dressed in their standard khaki short sleeves and dark brown pants. Despite withered lawns illustrating the season and fallen leaves rustling under foot, an unusually tepid morning breeze backed by a cloudless azure sky greets them.

Scanning up and down the quiet street, both nod to each other to signal the all clear.

Trailing not far behind, Detective Allyson Haggerty quietly drives up in her unmarked maroon vehicle. Exiting the car, her shoulder-length auburn locks, pulled into a ponytail, emphasize her naturally fair skin in compliment to an ample, tone physique.

Assessing the layout, she immediately barks instructions to the two patrolmen.

Edwards, you’re with me. Jim, secure the rear of the house.

As the two acknowledge, she cautiously proceeds up the concrete pathway leading to the porch. Officer Edwards alertly keeps pace, his sidearm at the ready.

Her weapon holstered, Haggerty scrutinizes the environs for any suspicious activity as they approach the mahogany-stained front door. She rings the doorbell, taking a step back to listen and assess. Seconds pass, with no response. Surreptitiously, Edwards attempts to peer through the draped front windows.

Discouraged, Haggerty knocks heavily on the thick door.

Mr. Maccan, this is the police. We need to talk to you.

Immediately, a commotion erupts from inside. Aged wood flooring creaks, followed by the thump of a deadbolt as the door slowly opens. Appearing to have just woken, his short brown hair slightly tossed, a middle-aged man dressed in jeans and a tee shirt stands in it. Noticeable facial growth illustrates his last shave.

Mr. Maccan? Haggerty asks, flashing her shield.

Rubbing drowsiness from his right eye, he smoothes out his unkempt mane with his free hand. Doctor actually, but yes I’m Pete Maccan. Is there a problem, officer? he asks.

I’m Detective Allyson Haggerty, she acknowledges, pointing to her colleague. This is Officer Marcus Edwards. May we come in?

Opening the door fully, he grants her request. Um, yeah. Certainly. What is this about?

Haggerty looks past the entryway into the adjoining room. Beyond a distinctive male sense of adornment, nothing unusual stands