Drag Shergi Mysteries: The Complete Collection

By Kimberly Vogel

This collection holds all thirteen of the Drag Shergi Mysteries. From the beginning we meet Drag, a private detective, in his first case trying to discover the identity of an amnesiac. It turns from a simple case to a complex one. The series swings in and out of the natural and supernatural realms as Drag can't keep from being pulled into all sorts of messes. Such is the nature of each case as he goes from the beginning to the end where he tries to rescue a child from an unjust fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9781105422546

Book preview

Drag Shergi Mysteries: The Complete Collection

Drag Shergi Mysteries: The Complete Collection

Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-105-42254-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

Index

Living Dead Girl

Threnody in the Mausoleum

The Missing Paraclete

Storms on the Horizon

Ghosts in Smoky Visions

The Shriver of Cheney Town

The Man in the Petticoat

To Beat or Not to Beat

Wrath of the Scapegoat

Kings, Queens, and All Their Things

Dual Rondo on the Sharne Train

Persona of Persuasion

Seeds of Blood

Living Dead Girl

DSM Book 01 BW 1.png

I was seated in my chair behind my desk when a knock came on the door of the office. The office was at 222 C Ambient Way. It was in the front of the two-room job that served for both work and home. My name is Drag Shergi and I’m a private detective. Detective work isn’t the best paying job so I keep things pretty simple. When I looked at the clock that sat on the corner of my desk, I noticed that it was mid-afternoon on Thursday. When my eyes went up I saw two people.

The first was a pretty thing with wavy hair down her back, wide blue eyes, and a delicate young looking face. She couldn’t have made it to twenty. Her outfit was all in white, a sleeveless summer dress which hit perfectly on her curves. Hers was a natural beauty that would make anyone look twice. What struck me as odd was that it was late-fall, but who am I to question ladies clothing?

Another accompanied her, the two as different in appearance as night and day. He was a young man who held a world weary look to him, making him look near thirty. His face was a darkened tone, with green eyes glancing about with a suspicious gaze. Strands of black hair brushed his cheeks with the rest pulled back in a scruffy ponytail. A battered trench coat wrapped around his form, skinny probably from malnutrition. He would not move into the office, but rather hung around the doorway.

I stood from my chair to greet the lady. The chair sits behind an old battered desk. To the left of that is a bookcase and to the right is a window which faces the street. It’s a second story window. The building itself was sublet into many different businesses and shops about a dozen years ago. The lady took a seat in the only chair I had, after I pulled it around.

I don’t know how to explain this to you, she said with a hesitant smile. But I woke a few weeks ago in a house I didn’t recognize. I tried to remember how I could have gotten there, but I soon realized that I didn’t remember anything except my name, Mary Sukii. In a panic I ran out of the house. While I tried to find someplace I recognized I ran into him.

My name is Burke Lancaster, said the man she gestured to. I couldn’t leave her in that state so I took care of her. When she told me her name I went to inquire about where she might have come from. It was then that I learned a woman with the same name as hers had been missing for some time then had been found murdered in another town. I tried to find out if it was another girl, but the two of them have the same age and description.

The young woman spoke up again. I have to find out who I am. If I’m that girl reported dead then I have to find out who really ended up dead. I need to know if I’m not that girl, then who I really am.

Due to my past, the police would never take me seriously, said the man. He coughed while he adjusted his position against the doorframe. I have the money to pay though.

It is a curious case, I said with a nod. I looked from the woman to the man then the woman again. Tests will probably take money as well as time. If you’re sure about this then I can try. I don’t know how much more I can do than the police did for the poor girl found dead, but I’ll try.

That’s great. Mary knows how to reach me, so I’ll be on my way. You take good care of her now. Burke Lancaster spoke while he stood upright. Before I could say a word he disappeared out of the doorway.

There was something about him that made me wary of going after him. Instead I looked down at Mary. With a smile that I hoped was reassuring, I held my hand out to her. I’ll only need you for the tests at the hospital. After that you can go back to him. I’m not sure how long it will take, but I’ll keep you both informed as I go along in the investigation.

With a smile like an angel’s kiss, Mary took my hand. She held it softly for a moment then broke away. She left my chair and wandered to the door. Then she lingered just outside.

I grabbed my trench coat from the back of the chair. While I slid my arms in, I pondered how I’d go about figuring out who the lady was. I twisted one button through the hole with one hand as I patted my pocket to check for a pen and pad of paper with my other hand. Assured that I had what I needed, I left the office; locking the door behind me.

Together the two of us walked down the stairs to the main floor of the building. From there we entered the town. My building was on the more industrial side of the business part of town. That gave me lower rent for the month, which was good, but kept me out of the main part of where people went, so it was bad. At least the walk to the business part of town was only a dozen blocks or so. I offered to take Mary in a taxi or on the bus, but she refused. With the extra time I questioned her. The answers went nowhere so we soon stopped talking.

We walked from the more industrial side of the town to the business district. The business district was closest to what could be called the center of the town. On the other side was everything residential. The hospital was in the buildings closest to the residential section. As a building it stood alone. The gap in space helped to keep the hustle and bustle from disturbing the inhabitants of the closer buildings, both residential and commercial.

I held the door open for Mary. Once she was inside I followed. She was quiet, so I talked to the lady behind the reception desk. With a smile and nod, I made my introduction. I’m Drag Shergi. I’m a private investigator. This lady has amnesia and I was hoping to check her medical information against that of someone she’s suspected to be.

The lady looked at me oddly for a moment then replied, Sure, you’ll want to go up to the lab. Ask for everything to be done there. It’s on the third floor.

Thank you, was how I replied. Then I guided Mary to the right where the elevators were. We waited for the doors to open, then entered. I held the door open while Mary stepped inside, along with a few others. Then I pushed the button for the third floor. Waiting for the elevator to make it to the level, I glanced at Mary out of the corner of my eye. She seemed slightly nervous, so I smiled at her. Everything will be alright, I’m sure of it.

When she smiled in reply, I nodded. As the door opened I stepped out with her. We walked to the desk just beyond the open area at the elevator. I smiled at the lady then spoke, Hi, I’m trying to help this lady find out who she is. She’s an amnesiac. I’m Drag Shergi, a private investigator.

What would you like? The receptionist at the lab asked while she looked from me to Mary then back again.

I’d like her fingerprints taken along with enough blood for two tests. If I could have her height and weight too that’d be great.

Is that okay with you? The lady asked Mary. When she nodded, the receptionist marked down the information on a piece of paper.

A nurse walked out from the area just behind the receptionist’s desk. The area there held three seats separated by curtains. She took the paper from the receptionist. Then she smiled and gestured to the second seat. Please come with me, Miss. I’ll do the tests.

I’ll wait for you here. I said, while I smiled reassuringly at Mary. I walked around the wall that separated the place with the chairs from the lounging area. There I sat and leafed through an old copy of a yearly magazine. After I made it through the publication I pulled a watch from my pants pocket. Sighing at the time, I looked around to see if Mary had come out yet.

When I didn’t see her, I stood and wandered over to the desk. There wasn’t anyone else around so I spoke up, Excuse me, but how long do these things take?

The lady looked up as she replied. It usually isn’t long, but you wanted many things done.

What about after the blood and fingerprints are sent for analysis?

The blood typing will take a day to do. The fingerprints I don’t know. Do you have someone to compare them to?

Well this girl has a name, though I don’t know if it is one she remembers as a friend or if its her own. It’s Mary Sukii.

As the receptionist was about to speak, one of the nurses interrupted her. That’s not funny.

What isn’t? I said as I turned and looked at her.

Claiming to be her, that’s not funny. The bigger sized woman said. She looked positively livid. Her nametag held the label ‘Rose Madison’.

I blinked several times as I watched her. I’m sorry miss; I don’t understand what you mean.

I knew that girl for a decade, from child to adult. She was the sweetest thing to ever walk this earth. To even suggest her life was a lie is monstrous.

Slow down ma’am, I said quickly with both of my hands up in a surrendering gesture. All I know is this girl was found. She doesn’t know her name or anything about herself. The only thing that makes any sense to her is the name of Mary Sukii. Maybe she’s just someone the lady helped. I don’t know. I’m just trying to help her find out who she is.

Slowly the anger melted from Rose’s face. Her eyes dropped then after a minute they lifted again. I’m sorry for starting in on you so quickly. I didn’t know. Now, where is she?

She’s getting tests done, replied the receptionist.

Rose looked at her then at the curtains. I see. I want to see her.

There’s nothing stopping you. I said. If you could help in the investigation I’d appreciate that. Let me just get your name down. I pulled the notebook from my pocket. Quickly I wrote down the little that I gathered from this encounter.

Rose nodded faintly. She watched me write it down then walked around the reception desk to the curtained part. I watched her peek in. Her eyes went wide as she saw. She barely managed to contain herself while she stepped backwards. She turned and hurried over to me. When she spoke her voice was high pitched in disbelief. She, She, She looks just like Mary. I don’t believe it. It’s too much to be real. She can’t be Mary. Mary’s dead.

They say everyone has a twin somewhere. I replied quickly. Whether it was true or not, keeping this woman from going into a panic was my first priority at the moment.

The nurse nodded faintly. She looked at me with a faint smile. Rose put her hand to her forehead. Yes, I’ve heard that too. It was just a shock. She does look incredibly like Mary.

That is curious. I’ll come back when it’s all over to tell you what I know. I said with a slight smile.

Rose nodded faintly. Thank you. She looked over and saw Mary emerge. Quickly she hurried away. I could tell she was too disturbed to meet Mary properly, if there was such a thing in this situation.

I smiled and waved at Mary. Are you done?

Mary smiled and bobbed her head. Yes. She walked over to me then stood at my side.

I watched her then looked at the receptionist. Well thank you, I will come by tomorrow for the results. While she nodded, I turned to Mary and gestured to the elevators.

While we walked, she spoke. May I go soon?

Yes, I replied while we stood by the elevator. The doors opened and we entered. As it went down I smiled at her. You can go to Burke’s. I’m not sure how long it will take until I can get something to report to you both. How can I reach you?

It might be better if I find you, she replied with a small smile. Mary waited until we reached the ground floor before she continued. I’ll come by the day after tomorrow to your office in the afternoon.

At the news I paused. Caught in thought I nearly missed exiting the elevator before the door shut. I scampered out at the last moment and followed Mary out of the hospital into the street. Okay Mary, I’ll see you then.

She smiled and nodded. While we walked, she diverted to cross the street. I still had a few blocks to travel so I waved farewell to her. As my arm dropped I shook my head. This case is a puzzle already, I mused, while I wandered along the sidewalks towards the police station.

The police station was only a few blocks away from the hospital. It was kept further around behind the hospital away from the residential place. That was to keep the disturbances down as much as it could be managed. Through the front doors I strolled with hand uplifted in greeting to the man behind the reception desk. I was known well enough there so they didn’t stop me.

I went up to the second floor in search of the offices. There was someone I knew there who could help me. Jim Starling was one of the best so I talked with him. He was an odd character, rather like a bird himself. A hawk nose and sharp eyes accompanied a thin frame. I rapped my knuckles on the door to his office.

He greeted me with a yell, Come in, it’s open.

I chuckled faintly as I opened the door. Too lazy to get up, eh Jim?

He snorted and threw an eraser across the room at me. You’ve forgotten what it’s like to be buried in paperwork, I see.

Grinning, I stepped into the office. I could see Jim seated behind the desk. There seemed to be more paperwork than usual. It overflowed from the desk onto the floor then climbed up the bookcase beside it. My eyes followed the paper trail then jumped back to Jim. I’m blissfully ignorant at the moment. What is all this?

More gang activity. The robberies are getting worse. Jim replied with a shake of his head. This is just from the last fortnight.

Are you too busy? I have something I need help with.

You? Help? Jim looked at me oddly. He shook his head then stood. I’d be glad for a break. What is it?

You worked homicide over the last year, didn’t you?

Yes, replied Jim as he unburied a patch of floor. He stepped over the papers to the area between his desk and the door. What of it?

Do you remember a case about a young girl named Mary Sukii?

Jim stood still as he heard the name. He was quiet as his hand went up. He pulled at his necktie then adjusted his suit. Finally he spoke with a sigh. I’ll never forget that case.

What can you tell me about it?

You know I can’t discuss it freely, though the case is closed.

But I have some news. I’ve been contracted to help a young girl. She’s an amnesiac. The only thing she remembers is the name Mary Sukii, which she believes is her own.

Jim looked at me with a frown. That is strange.

For the girl’s sake, I need to know about Mary Sukii and what happened to her. I replied with a sigh. My hand went up and ran through my hair. I took the girl to get tested this morning to compare with the files for Mary Sukii. The results should be in tomorrow.

Meanwhile, you want to know more about the girl that she thinks she is. Jim said with a nod. He sighed as he leaned back and rested his rear against the edge of his desk. I can tell you some things.

Please do, I replied. I took the notebook from my pocket. Then I looked at Jim and waited for the story.

Mary Sukii was a nurse. She wasn’t far from her twentieth birthday when it happened. One day she went to work then as she went into the stairwell to leave at the end of her shift she disappeared. They searched for her for weeks, but we couldn’t find any clues. Then about a month later an anonymous note was left to check the cemetery. It was there a body was discovered. It was weird there. Her body was set in a mausoleum. It was perfectly preserved. There was religious paraphernalia all around. From what we could see it was a proper ritual, not a crime disguised as one. If you want more on that you’ll have to talk to the doctor who attended, Newton. He can explain about her condition.

With a frown, I nodded and jotted down the information. If this girl is Mary, then it will open the case again.

We never found out who did it, but the case was put into the cold case files because of the lack of leads. Keep it quiet until you have more. I don’t think the others will like to get excited again with another red herring.

I’ll keep it under my hat until then, I replied with a smile. Can I have a peek at the file?

Jim shook his head with a chuckle. You’re really not supposed to, but if you can get past the watch in the basement then I can’t stop you. He stood then walked behind his desk. I have to get back to work. Call me if you find out anything more.

I will, I replied with a nod. I put my notebook away. Then I opened Jim’s door and exited. While I walked I glanced around. The other officers didn’t pay much attention to me. I went down the stairs two flights into the basement. Once there I ducked around the desk. No one was there thankfully, so I went on to the files. Since they were organized into two sections, I went to the section with names. The other section was for those of unknown name. I walked to the section for named persons.

There I pulled the box down and crouched on the floor beside it. I pushed the lid off and sorted carefully through the file on top. There were all the notes, autopsy report, death certificate, and pictures. I read them all. The autopsy report caught my eye with the strange noting of how Mary was wrapped in bandages like a mummy. There were no marks along her body to show how she’d died, but a strange waxy substance coated over her skin. I looked at the crime scene photos next, cross referencing them with the notes taken by the investigator. It did look like a religious burial, but for one of someone of extremely high worth. It didn’t make much sense for me so with a scowl I returned everything to the box. I’d have to talk to the doctor to learn more about this.

With my search done, I left the cold case room. I walked up the stairs then outside of the police station. As it was late in the day I decided it would be good to stop at a diner for dinner. I stuck my hands in my pockets and wandered along the streets to the business section of the town.

One of my favorite diners was open. With a faint grin I wandered into the establishment. It was somewhere near packed. Though there were many people, there was still room for me. I slipped into a chair at a single table by the window. I didn’t need to take the menu. I knew what I wanted.

The waiter came over. She snapped her gum as she held her notepad up. What’ll it be?

I’ll have a burger and fries with cola.

She nodded and wrote it down. It’ll be out in fifteen.

Thanks, I said while I watched her wander off. So what I picked wasn’t the healthiest, I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. The rest of the week I lived on other foods. With the thinking I had to do, I needed something more interesting than my usual fare. As I waited I took my notebook out. I set it on the table and began to jot down notes. I didn’t have enough so that I could make any connection between the two young women. By the time I came to that conclusion the waitress returned with my dinner. I put away my notebook and ate.

Then I paid my bill and left the diner. Wandering out of the building I decided to head back to my office. There wasn’t anything I could really do until after I found out whether the gal was Mary Sukii or some other lady. When I arrived at my office I wandered straight through from the front room to the back room where my bed was. The back room just had a window to outside. There was a sink set on the left wall. On the right wall under the window I had my bed set. In the space between the sink and the bed was a cabinet where I kept my scant wardrobe. I didn’t spend much time as I disrobed and slipped into bed.

I awoke the next morning. While I took a clean shirt out of the closet and tossed it on the bed, I started my thoughts on what to do for the day. I figured I’d drop by the library to see what I could find out about Mary Sukii. While I didn’t know if the girl was her, I thought it was rather interesting the circumstances surrounding the woman’s case. I dropped to the floor and did my pushups, sit-ups, and other exercises. After that I washed off in the sink. Changing from the dirty clothes into clean ones, I then went out of the building.

I strolled down the street from the more industrial section of the businesses into the restaurant-filled part. The best thing to start your day is exercise and a good meal. I’d already gotten one thing done. That section of the town was closer to the residential part and thankfully not far from the library. 

My favorite place is one that only serves breakfasts. While my usual fare was anything with eggs, I thought because of the previous night’s meal I should have something less like it. I walked into the shop and glanced around. Not many were in at the moment. I wandered to the counter and leaned in to look through the glass. My eyes were directed to the pastries, but I fought back the urge to nip one of them. At least I wouldn’t have for a main course.

What’ll it be?

I looked up at the server who approached. With a smile at the woman I straightened my posture. I’ll have a bowl of oatmeal and a cinnamon raisin danish, thank you.

She nodded and turned away. At the counter against the wall were several warm pots. From one she scooped out plain oatmeal and put it into a bowl. Turning around again, she plucked the danish from the shelf and set it on a plate. She set both on a tray along with silverware and a napkin.

I stuck my hand in my pocket. Pulling out the coins from there, I dropped them into her outstretched hand. The count was exact, so I took the tray off the counter and retreated to a table. I sat in the chair and gazed out of the window. The morning and evening was beginning to be too chill to be able to sit outside comfortably. I turned from my musings and ate breakfast.

Once done, I stood and exited the shop. I put my hand in my pocket. I removed my watch and checked the time. From now until I walked the distance, the library should be open. I put my watch into my pocket and wandered down the streets. When I finally arrived, it was open.

Smiling at the timing, I walked through the doorway with the other early risers. I wandered through the stacks to the information desk. There I leaned against the counter and peered around in search of whoever was stationed there. Soon I saw the man and spoke up, I need to use the microfilms.

The man pulled out a binder from under the desk. He opened it and pointed to where I needed to sign. Once I had done that, he opened the door to the room where the microfilm was kept. You have an hour, unless no one else wants to use it.

Thanks, I said then entered the room. I took my notebook out of my pocket and searched the pages for the date of Mary Sukii’s disappearance. I found it then put my notebook away. Then I opened the box of that year and thumbed through the sheets in search of the month then week. When I found it I took the film out and went to the machine. I placed the film in the slot. I turned on the machine and the film was displayed magnified on the screen. I turned the knob while my eyes scanned the lines of the articles for the lady’s name.

The first article I found was the same as Jim Starling had told me. As I scanned through other weeks I found the information to be the same. It only slowly increased. I was about to give up when the mention of the hospital that Mary Sukii worked at caught my eye. There were many thefts at the hospital. The number of thefts had been small before her death, but soon after the supplies had all but completely vanished. A religious icon was left propping open the door, much like that which had been left in the tomb that Mary Sukii had been found in.

Something was definitely up with that. I scanned through the microfilm in search of anything that referred to Mary Sukii or the hospital she worked at. All that was there was the same information over and over again. I scowled and sat back. I shook my head then racked my brains to try and think of something that could lead to a clue. I searched through the obituaries next. Blinking at the mention in there, I noticed a new name. I grabbed the microfilm for the week of the disappearance and slid it in. Cherry Sukii was mentioned, but she hadn’t been listed as a family member in the police report. I jotted her name down in my notebook to check on later.

A rapping on the door broke my concentration. Blinking, I lifted my head and looked over in that direction. With a sheepish expression I waved at the library worker who had let me in. I stood and turned off the machine then cleaned up the mess I made in the files.

I wandered out of the library. There wasn’t much left to do except occupy time until my return to the hospital. I wandered around the place between residential and business in the town. Then a thought came to me. I went to a phone booth. I picked up the phone book and flipped through the pages until I found the listing for Cherry Sukii. I wrote it down in my notebook. I thought about phoning her, but thought it was best not to.

I left the phone book and returned to wandering. When I checked my watch I noticed that it was after lunchtime. I was too worked up to be hungry, but I knew that I shouldn’t miss a meal. At one of the shops I popped in and got a chicken salad sandwich. With it in hand I wandered back out then around the town.

When the time finally came, I went to the hospital. I went straight to the reception desk. There I nodded to the lady who sat behind it. I’ve come to pick up some files. The name is Drag Shergi.

The receptionist nodded. She flipped through the packets in the shelves behind her chair. She took it down and handed it over to me.

I took it from her then wandered out of the hospital. For better or worse, I thought I should be in my office when I opened them. It wouldn’t be good to cause a scene. With the package under my arm I wandered through the streets to my building. As I glanced around, I thought I saw someone following me. Where I went wasn’t exactly remote, so I didn’t pay it much mind.

Once inside of my office, I locked the door behind me as a precaution. I set the package on my desk then took my notebook out of my pocket and set it down beside it. Sitting down in my chair, I peeled open the package. I slid the analysis out of the large envelope.

My eyes went wide as I stared at the papers. The first was one with all of the young woman’s information while the second held all of Mary Sukii’s information. I set the two side by side. My index finger on each hand pointed to the statistics as my eyes glanced from one to the other. The appearance was the same with height and weight. Even the hair color, skin color, and eye color was the same. The photos both looked alike. When I looked at the blood type and fingerprint analysis my breath stopped. The blood type was the same in every respect. The fingerprints were even identical in size and pattern.

I fell back in my chair. It was almost too much to take. My mind spun with many thoughts. She is Mary, the same Mary Sukii who went missing then was found dead. How could this be? Who could have done this to her? How do I go on? I shook my head as I tried to clear my mind. The thoughts threatened to overwhelm me. I broke through them enough to stutter as I stood. I have to call Jim.

I left the report on my desk. Not knowing who could be in on the circumstances surrounding whatever had happened, I thought it wouldn’t be good to go into his office. I went to the phone booth at the corner. There I dropped in a quarter and dialed his number then extension. I bit my lower lip while I waited for the ringing to cease and him to pick up.

Hello?

Jim?

Yes?

It’s Drag. I said. My heart was beating fast. I fought it down to keep my voice steady.

Find something out?

Yes, I don’t know what to make of it though.

What of it?

It’s about the girl, Mary Sukii.

I could hear Jim sitting up straight in his chair. He whispered into the phone. What did you find out?

Jim, the girl who came to me is her, Mary Sukii.

I could hear him jump up out of his chair. What? His voice was loud then it lowered again. Are you sure?

The tests prove it. At least, unless a DNA test shows that there is a difference. Everything from her appearance to her blood and fingerprints is completely identical to Mary Sukii.

This is big, Drag.

I know. Try and keep it quiet until I find out more. I’m going to talk to the doctor. If that person in the grave wasn’t Mary, then I don’t know who it is. Maybe it’s a copy. I won’t know more until later.

Right, be careful Drag.

I will, thanks Jim. With that, I hung up the phone. Several deep breaths shook my chest. When I calmed down enough I searched through my pockets for my notebook. Thankfully as an unconscious reaction I had picked it up and slid it into my pocket. I opened it in search of Cherry Sukii’s phone number. I found it and slid another quarter into the machine. I listened to the tone in wait for the answer of a female voice. When one did come, it came as a machine. With a scowl I listened, but soon was given a bit of information.

Welcome to Cherry’s phone. Sorry I’m not in right now, I’m probably at work in the Youth Center. Try and catch me there, or leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!

As I didn’t know what to leave as a message, I hung up the phone. I bit my lower lip while I pondered. There were a couple youth centers, but the only one without a label was the government run one. I left the phone booth and walked down the street towards the area between the business and residential areas on the side of town opposite to the hospital. It would be the last place I’d visit. While I was young and in pretty good shape, the youth center was far away from everywhere I’d been earlier and the day before. All that walking made me exhausted, not to mention the strain on my brain from the shock of the situation.

When I got to the youth center, the first sight I got was of a girl who looked barely legal. The legal age around here was sixteen. By fourteen most had their thoughts for what they wanted in life set out and tried to work towards it. This one seemed to have her path set out, though like my own it didn’t pay much. She was dressed in a red tank top made for a man and ratty black pants. A red headband held back her blonde hair to keep it out of the way while her blue eyes stared at the mural on the wall of the youth center. She was the one who made it, I could tell as she had a can of spray paint in her hand while she completed a line.

Cherry Sukii? I called out.

She turned, blinking once then smiling. She dropped the can of spray paint and dusted off her hands. Yes? May I help you?

I hope I’m not going to cause you much pain, but I have some news.

She looked at me with a puzzled expression. What is it?

I stepped closer to her. The look on my face I tried to make as one delivering bad news. The facial expression hopefully would get her heart racing so the shock wouldn’t make her faint. A few days ago I came across a woman. She had amnesia. Through tests I found out she is your sister, the one supposedly found dead. I’m not sure if your sister had a twin you didn’t know about, or if the woman in the tomb was misidentified, but she is so.

Cherry’s confusion turned to wide-eyed wonder. At the mention of her sister possibly being alive her knees gave way and she dropped to the ground. Her head fell into her hands while she breathed hard to hold back either panic or tears.

I don’t know what happened, I said softly. But I thought I should let you know.

She bobbed her head then lifted it slowly. Th-thank you, she stuttered. I don’t know how to take this.

Can you tell me about your family? I want to find out what happened that day when your sister vanished. I said while I sat on the street beside her. I leaned my back against a dry spot on the wall.

She licked her lips slowly while she nodded. Yes, I don’t know what you know, but I can tell you the current state. It stems from my father Zander Sukii. After Mary was born he drifted off to another woman. I was conceived, but mother and father divorced. It turns out that father had an affair and conceived a boy named Merrick. While our father is Zander Sukii, the woman he married kept her maiden name, Selma John, and gave it to her son as well. Both the son and I are about the same age. The two sides of the family don’t speak all that often.

I nodded. The family drama was complex. I took my notebook out of my pocket and quickly jotted down the information. I see. Thank you for letting me know. The more I find out the better.

I don’t know what else to tell you. She said with a quick shake of her head. Mary and I were really busy trying to make it on our own. While father is very rich, the divorce left his girl children without money.

Ah, I’m sorry about that. Parents should always take care of their children. I sighed with a quick shake of my head.

We’re not children anymore. She replied with another shake of her head. Then she smiled up at me. Anyway, thank you for the news. I don’t know if anything will change, but having hope is good.

I hope it turns out well, I murmured with a faint smile. Then I stood and dusted off my slacks. I’ll let you know if I find out anything more. Maybe if the girl is Mary, her memory will come back upon meeting you.

Thanks, she replied with a smile.

I nodded then wandered down the street. That was a new twist with facts. If family wasn’t on good terms it was something to look into. Still, for a family member to harm another family member, something had to be seriously wrong. It was still too muddled for me to make sense of it. I walked down the streets through the town to my building. I went in and practically passed out from exhaustion.

The next morning I woke to the sound of someone pounding on my door. With a groan I rolled out of bed, pushing open the bedroom door and stumbling to the door in the office. I opened that door to be greeted by a man with glaring eyes and wobbly jowls.

It was Ron Masters, who was one of the other cops I worked with. He pushed past me into the small office, taking up most of it with his beefy frame. The only thing fat about him was his face, which I couldn’t help staring at each time we met. He stared at me while he yelled. Where were you overnight?

I looked at him. I wanted my expression to read like I thought he was crazy, but I was too tired to pull it off properly. I was here, asleep. What’re you doing here so early?

This is no time for funny business. Cherry Sukii was murdered this morning.

That woke me up immediately. Mary’s sister was dead. I just talked to her last night. My eyes went to the floor a moment then flicked up to Ron. You said Cherry Sukii is dead?

Did I stutter? Yes she’s dead! I heard you were there. What were you doing there?

I went to visit yesterday evening. I’m doing an investigation. Her name came up so I went to ask her some questions.

What sorts of questions? And what investigation?

That I can’t tell you unless my client wants me to. I will tell you though that I was asking about that killing a few months ago. Do you remember the case about Mary Sukii?

Ron’s face went pale. Then he coughed and continued. Well whatever you said might have gotten her killed. It seems gang-related though, so you’re not the only one getting the finger pointed at them. Weird thing was though that there was a funny design painted on the wall just above her body. It was in different paint than what she was using, so we know she didn’t do it.

What was it?

It was some sort of canine with the open mouth encircling her dead body. Because of what happened to her sister, it looks related to a ritual murder, though the lack of anything else probably means they were trying to get us to chase our tails. Whatever you got into Drag, I want to know about it.

I shook my head with a sigh. I don’t know if I can. I have to protect my client first.

Dammit Drag, this is no time for that! Ron said as he glared at me. Each loud word was punctuated by his jowls shaking. At least tell me who your client is, if you’re going to be so stubborn.

You’re not going to believe me.

Try me.

It’s Mary Sukii.

He stared at me. Then finally he spoke, You’re right. I don’t believe you.

Then look at these. They compare the girl who stumbled into my office to Mary Sukii.

He looked at my desk as I gestured to it. He stomped over and snatched up the two files. His eyes glanced back and forth. I’d never heard him be as quiet as he was then.

I have no idea how it can be, but it is.

He took a deep breath in then let it out slowly. Your client is Mary Sukii. Where is she?

She’s hiding, even I don’t know where. It’s probably safer for her there. She’s got amnesia anyway. Whoever made her that way probably tried to kill her. We have to find out who did before they try again.

Now that I can agree on. What do you have?

That’s a secret for my client. Though for her safety I’ll tell you. I haven’t gotten much though, sadly. Have you looked into her family? Her father did go with another woman to make a family.

We didn’t think that had anything to do with it. Ron said with a shake of his head. He gave the papers back to me. He knew he could get copies from the hospital. It was one of the perks of having the badge.

I shook my head. With two of their kids murdered under mysterious circumstances, I think that the family should be checked in on. Could I at least go on your trip to tell the father?

Ron stared at me for a long time. He nodded then gestured. I suppose you could come. Hurry up.

I grabbed my trench coat and left with Masters to go down to his car. The police car was idling on the street with a rookie as the driver. I climbed in the back as Ron sat in the passenger seat.

There was a gap between my town and the town we were going to. The landscape behind us was of a bustling metropolis while that which lay ahead of us was of a peaceful countryside. I thought it was pretty, but even pretty things can have an ugly underneath. The meadowlands that the road cut through became covered with a row of trees as we approached the edge of the family’s estate. While the family of John had been well off, marrying into the Sukii family put them securely into the rich category. We drove through the break in the trees up the several miles long driveway to the main house. The title of house was incorrect. It was more like a mansion. The form of it was built like an ancient temple with tall pillars that held up the roof. Leading up to the central doors was a lane bordered by statues in the form of winged cats.

Blinking a few times, I managed to take in the sight without showing the wonder on my face. I looked up at Masters and the rookie. The former was getting out, so I opened the door of the car and stepped out as well. I walked beside him with my hands in my pockets.

Masters gave me a stern look. Let me do all the talking.

Sure, I said with a shrug.

We walked from the driveway to the lane then up it to the gigantic set of double doors. I glanced around as I searched for any sign of life. It was oddly quiet around, but I supposed it was from the ability of the servants to remain unobtrusive. When the doors opened I looked back at them.

I didn’t pay much attention to the butler as Masters spoke to him. It was the usual pleasantries. Rather, I looked through the doorway to the inside of the house. As we were granted entrance I wandered in beside Masters. We followed the butler into the welcoming room that stretched out from the doorway several hundred feet directly ahead. It was broken up from an unobstructed view by various chairs and tables. There were high tables set between the doors along the entry room’s walls. On top of the tables were flowers, statues, and things of that nature. Above the doors were carvings that denoted the nature of the room it led to. After the fifth door on either side there was an archway, which led off into other sections of the house.

While Masters went with the butler to speak to the stepmother and father, I remained in the entry room. I decided to wander around while I had the time to check on what was going on around the place. The welcoming room didn’t look suspicious, so I wandered to the archways that led to the rest of the mansion. I turned left in the opposite direction that the butler had led Masters.

That portion of the mansion seemed to be the same as the entry room. But I didn’t know what lay beyond the closed doors. With a faint sigh leaving my lips I looked back the way I came. The others had disappeared. I didn’t know what kind of security was around so I turned and continued down the hallway. My eyes would have to gather what clues I could that were out in the open. The very presence of the place with its heavy emphasis on religion told me a lot.

Then something I had hoped wouldn’t happen, happened. One of the doors opened and a young man stepped out. He barely looked sixteen. The coloring of his features was similar to Cherry Sukii’s. He had golden blonde hair that fell to his shoulders in soft curls. Violet eyes looked at me first in surprise then in anger. What are you doing here? He closed the door tightly behind him. He wore golden brown clothes. He was dressed well with a jacket over a white shirt and vest. Slacks went down to his brown leather shoes.

I stared at him for a few moments while I absorbed his appearance. Then with a faint nod of my head I spoke, I’m Drag Shergi. I came with Officer Masters.

I’m Merrick John. Shouldn’t you be with him? He replied with eyebrow rising. He looked beyond me then lifted his arm in a wave.

A servant walked over to us. The woman was dressed in a simple cream-colored tunic with an apron over it. She bowed her head slightly while she spoke, Master Merrick, your parents wish for you to go to them in the study. Also, you Sir are to go as well.

I’ll be right there. Merrick said as he glanced at me. He dropped his hands into his pant’s pockets. With chin tilted up at an arrogant angle, he walked with a swagger down the hallway.

While I watched him I noted the air about him. It was of someone with a shadier background than that which his breeding first presented. It was then I decided to ask Masters to drop me off at the library when we got back. I wanted to do more digging into the families. With a faint shake of my head I followed Merrick to the study room. Entering in, I walked over to the chair beside Masters and sat down in it. The reed frame was surprisingly comfortable.

The layout of the room was surprisingly spacious. There was a set of three large windows to the east. With the sunlight illuminating the room there didn’t need to be any other lights on at this time of day. The desk set under the middle window was overly large in a way which could only be called vanity. The father sat behind it with a chair for his son on his left while a chair for the mother was on his right. She was already seated and gestured for her son to do the same. Across from it were two chairs which Masters and I occupied.

As I was saying, said Masters while we sat, I’m sorry to say that Cherry Sukii is dead. Your daughter was found at her work outside of the building. There are things which tell us she was murdered.

Zander Sukii took the news pretty hard. His violet eyes were wide but unfocused as he stared at the man who gave him the news. The hair he had was a darker blonde, more the color of brown and clipped loosely around his cheekbones. When younger he must have been quite a good looker. He slid forwards in his chair with his elbows on the desk and his face in his hands. His shoulders trembled slightly then began to shake as he tried to hide his tears of grief. How could this happen? Within a year, both my daughters are murdered.

The wife took it surprisingly well. Maybe she was just used to hiding her expression, but I wasn’t so generous. Selma John patted her husband’s shoulder with a small frown on her lips.

We don’t know. Do you have any enemies which would want all of your children dead? Masters said as he watched the two.

So Masters wasn’t exactly used to dealing with the living. He rather preferred the dead who couldn’t talk back to them. I hid a sigh and glanced to Merrick. I noticed he was trying to hide a smirk. Something was definitely up with him. Even if you don’t like your siblings, you shouldn’t make light of the fact they’re all dead. I didn’t want to tell about Mary Sukii’s visit and hoped that Masters wouldn’t blab about it.

There are the usual people who are my enemies, but I wouldn’t expect anything like this to happen. It’s too extreme, said Zander Sukii. 

I see. We’ll look into this and let you know what we find out. Masters didn’t think there was more to do there. Frankly I didn’t think so either. He stood and bowed his head. I am sorry for your loss.

And I as well, I said with my head lowered. My eyes couldn’t help but watch Merrick. Before he focused on me I looked at Selma and Zander. With a faint nod I turned and left with Masters.

Once we were in the car I felt myself relax slightly. I took a deep breath in then let it out. I started to think, but before I could get very far Masters’ gruff voice broke into them.

I don’t think there is anything to look into here.

Maybe, maybe not. I’d like to be dropped off at the library if you wouldn’t mind, I said to Masters.

He nodded and gestured to the rookie. Let’s go back.

When we got back to my city, Masters had the rookie pull up against the curb in front of the library. I hopped out of the car and waved goodbye to him as he drove off towards the police station. I turned and wandered into the library. Once there I wandered into the section of social registries. I pulled out the one for the city and flipped through it. When I found the listing for Sukii I noticed a reference to another city’s social registry. I pulled that one out too. With both in hand I went to one of the tables. I dropped the books on the top then sat in the chair.

The Sukii’s were in business in the city for many generations, back to when the city was founded. Nothing suspicious was in there until the marriage between them and the John family. The John’s had been located in another city which was deeply seeped into the rituals of the ancient times. In the social register there wouldn’t be more than that.

On a hunch I stood and walked to another section of the social registry. Rather than holding the heights of society, it held the depths so to speak. While I noticed all of the magazines from the month when Mary Sukii was murdered were missing, I noticed a few of the older copies that hadn’t been moved into storage yet. I picked up the magazine of national crime families and flipped through it. When I found it I nearly cried out, but I bit my lip and swallowed the sound while jerking my head forwards like I was hiding a sneeze.

There was a listing on the John family. They had gained their wealth from dealing in rare artifacts. When that market declined, they turned to medical supplies. While I read it all clicked in my mind. Mary Sukii held a respectable job in the hospital. The opposing side of the family had shady business with medical supplies. Something probably happened regarding that.

That was all I needed to be convinced to dig in further. I had no proof that the John’s were involved in the murder of the Sukii’s, but that would come later. I had a hunch that if I stuck around Merrick John, I would find the proof I needed. Quickly I returned the registries and magazines to their shelves. After that I turned and walked out of the library.

My first thought was to go to the police station. While I walked down the street I pondered on what to do. If something happened to me then someone had to know about my line of investigation. The only person I could trust there was Jim Starling. While I entered and went up to his office I waved to the others. Thankfully Masters didn’t intercept me.

Jim was hopping mad as soon as he saw my face. He leapt up from his chair with voice squawking. What are you doing here?

Calm down, I have something I need to tell you. I said with my hands up in a surrender gesture. Quickly I closed the door behind me so the noise could be muffled. And keep your voice down.

This better be good, he said as he tried to calm down the aggressive tone in his voice.

It is. It’s not much at the moment, but I think I’m onto something. Master’s won’t hear of it. He thinks people with money should be left alone. I said with a quick shake of my head. I weaved through the piles of paperwork then leaned over the desk to speak with my head close to Jim’s.

Yeah, so?

I think that there is more to the two families than has been shown. With the two older daughters gone, either the mother or the son has secured their chance at the family’s money. We know that Zander Sukii was the one who had the most money when Selma John took him away from his wife.

Yeah, but isn’t that a bit soap opera?

I shook my head. It’s not that simple. If you look at the John’s family history, they are involved in shady deals. You won’t find it if you only look at what they’ve done in this city. It comes from where Selma’s side originated. I don’t have all I need for proof yet, but it’s worth looking into.

I can’t help you there.

I’m not asking you to skirt the chain of command. I’m just telling you this in case something happens to me. This is still my case in a way. I paused as I wondered about how better to explain. I couldn’t, so I just said, I’m doing it for Mary.

Jim stared at me for a long while. Then he nodded while he dropped back in his chair. I’m worried Drag, but you’re right…I can’t stop you from your investigation. Just be careful.

I will. I said with a bit of a cocky grin. While I stood I ran my hand through my hair. I’m going to my office for a bit, then I’ll be out again. I’ll contact you tomorrow to tell you what I’ve learned. When Jim nodded, I waved my hand. My other hand went and opened the door. I walked through it then out of the police building.

While I walked through the streets to my office, I pulled out my watch. I bit my lip as I noticed that it was getting to be the afternoon. I’d been too distracted to even think about eating. On the way back I picked up a meal for myself. I took it  with me so I could save some time.

When I got back to my office I set my meal down on the desk. While I ate I took my notebook out of my pocket and jotted down a few things. It didn’t last long, as now being at a state of rest my interrupted sleep crept back up on me. My head bobbed and I dropped my notebook. With a faint yawn I stood and slid out of my trench coat. I draped it over the