Pieces of Me: Freckles the Clown, #2

By Justin Fulkerson

In this follow-up to Justin Fulkerson's psychological thriller Freckles the Clown, Detective Burks is on the trail of a serial killer leaving body parts all around Lubbock, Texas for unsuspecting victims to find while Geocaching.

 

As the hunt begins, it becomes obvious that the killer is the true culprit in several missing persons and closed murder cases. Burks and his partner Ramirez are forced to watch their detective work picked apart as wrongly convicted men are freed from prison and every case they worked is taken into question.

 

As the body count rises, it becomes clear that the killer may be closer to Burks than he ever imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Justin Fulkerson
• Release date: Jul 13, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201049959

Justin Fulkerson

Author of An Hour for Magic, Justin Fulkerson’s literary tastes turned from science fiction (Isaac Asimov) to horror (Stephen king, of course) at the innocent age of twelve years old. His outlook on life was forever changed by the experience and his mind suffered the consequences. The creatures and scenarios running through his imagination forced him to begin his first novels while still in high school.  Twenty years later, An Hour for Magic arrived, consuming his every thought until the first 500 pages were transferred to paper. The next two in the series, Hollow be thy Name and An Hour for Maggie completed the tale. Finally, Hallowed Ground took Justin's mind into the realm of Zombie fiction. With several more novels in the works, Justin hopes that the world can survive long enough to enjoy the fruits of his imagination.

Book preview

in medias res

He would have traded his own soul never to have met her. The gun in his hand wavered as Janet cackled like an insane clown, blood dripping from her mouth. This was the end for them both. He was having a heart attack and his time was running out. He was going to die, but he was going to take her with him. 

Two years ago Detective Allen Burks awoke refreshed, totally relaxed mentally and physically for the first time in over a decade. The night before was rough. He had decided to go get drunk alone and take a cab home, expecting to awaken with a splitting hangover and the shakes. Too many memories were stirred up by the suicide scene he and his partner Ramirez had discovered.

That fateful night, Janet had thrust herself into his life and ended their night thrusting within his bed. They spent plenty of time working the alcohol out of their systems.

She was sleeping soundly the morning after their romp as he looked at her in awe, mentally high-fiving himself for scoring with such a beautiful woman. He was fifty-five years old and she was probably only in her mid-forties. The night was over and he prepared himself for the rejection and her imminent disappearance from his life, no doubt in his mind that he had only been a one-night stand to her.  

He remembered having nothing in the fridge that morning to cook for breakfast. He knew she deserved more than the instant coffee he had to offer. But he didn’t want to leave her there to go grab breakfast for fear that she would be gone when he returned.

Now, two years later, he looked at her again, after all this time.  He had been so wrong, so stupid. She was a lunatic. The only thing she deserved was death. The lives she had destroyed would never recover from her wrath. Another jolt of pain shook him, radiating down his arm. He bit his tongue to keep from crying out.

You sure you have the balls to do it, Allen? That grating laugh again chilled him to the bone.

Don't let her see you weak.  Kill yourself before you let her see that.

He cocked the gun and steadied himself. 

Part 1

Chapter 1

1

A tan toy soldier and two paperclips.

It wasn't a treasure trove, but the thrill of finding and opening the container was worth the trek for Morgan. Each time Sammy's eyes lit up, her heart melted. It was her friend Lydia that first suggested Morgan look into Geocaching. Morgan always complained about the lack of outdoor activities in Lubbock that she and her son Samuel could take part in. She hated being cooped up in the house all the time when Jeff was at work. Sammy was a typical curious four-year-old and he loved every minute of it.

Morgan finished signing the small log book with their alias, MorganandSammy2, and dating the entry before pushing it back inside the large pill bottle wrapped in camouflage duct tape.  It was a crude geocache, but most of them were. They weren’t created for aesthetics, just functionality.  Most were airtight and waterproof to protect them from the elements.  Sammy fished out a few trinkets from his jacket pocket, a small rubber ball, and a spool of thread, and placed them in the container to replace the items they had taken. It was a fair trade in his eyes.

Put the lid back on and put it back where we found it, Morgan said, placing the bottle in Sammy's small hand.

For the next person, Mommy? Sammy asked, knowing the answer but wanting to be reassured just the same.

That's right, little man, Morgan said. She watched Sammy screw the lid on the on and get down on his knees to place it back in the hollow beneath the tree. The intertwined roots were the perfect place to hide such an object from prying eyes. Muggles were known to ruin the geocaching experience if they happened to see someone replacing a container in its hiding spot. Sometimes they stole the whole cache.

There was no need to be stealthy today. The park was deserted and they were alone.

Morgan's stomach rumbled and she looked at her watch. It was almost lunchtime. They might have time for one more geocache before then.

Where to now, Mommy? Sammy inquired, taking her hand and leading her back toward their parked car.

Morgan took out her phone and opened the app Cache-World.Geo. It was a free app and it would pinpoint the exact location of all geocaches within a ten-mile radius. Morgan knew that most 'professional' geocachers viewed this as cheating. You were supposed to physically enter the global coordinates into a handheld GPS tracker and search until you found the right spot. Some people even printed out maps and such to do their exploring. Being the mother of a four-year-old did not allow her the time or patience to do anything of the sort. She probably wouldn't have done that anyway. Using her cell phone was the easiest option.

As they walked, she pulled up the map that displayed icons for each Geocache in the area. As she looked, a notification popped up, alerting her to a newly added cache just on the other side of the park. Each cache had a name and this one was called 'Pieces of Me.' Usually, there was some sort of introductory description of the cache but this time the field was blank. The username that had posted it was familiar. She had seen the name numerous times on the app, mostly having found several of the same caches that she and Sammy had searched out. This was the first time she had seen the name placing a cache. She stopped and looked across the lake. Sammy followed her gaze.

What, Mommy?

Someone just added another one in this park, Morgan said. But I don't see anyone over there.

Let's go! Sammy exclaimed.

Sometimes Sammy's excitement was contagious, other times exhausting. She smiled, feeling happiness she told herself she would always remember. Sammy pulled her in the direction of the lake.

Which way? Which way? Sammy squealed.

On the other side of the lake, Morgan said. But, I'm kinda hungry. How about we grab some lunch and then come back?

She knew his answer and it made her laugh. He had no intention of letting them leave without finding the newly added cache. Morgan clicked on it. The app said the cache was two hundred yards away. That was if they walked straight across the lake. It was more like five hundred yards to walk around to the other side.

Sammy was admiring the tan toy soldier as they walked. Morgan's stomach rumbled again as they walked. She was craving a big juicy hamburger.

Morgan kept searching the tree-line for movement. She didn't see anyone. Perhaps they had placed the cache and went to another location to post it on the app. She wasn't concerned for their safety though, she had the .22 that Jeff had bought her for Christmas in her backpack. Jeff had insisted that they both get their Concealed Handgun Licenses soon after. It was a fun experience to share and it did give Morgan a sense of security when she and Sammy were alone during the day.

How far, Mommy? Sammy let go of her hand, preparing to get his search on.

We're getting close, Morgan said, exaggerating the excitement in her voice, something that was second nature when you had a small child. She studied the map on her screen. They were within ten feet of the cache. She looked toward a cluster of trees to their right. It should be in there somewhere.

She walked toward the marker on her phone.

You have found Pieces of Me, the message flashed upon her screen.

At that moment, her phone rang. It was Jeff.

Hey, honey, Morgan said, putting the phone to her ear. Sammy was in full exploration mode.

Hey, babe. What are you guys doing?

Geocaching at the park again.

Sammy was kneeling next to one of the trees. Morgan could see the huge hollow knot on the side of it near the base and figured that was exactly where the cache would be. Sammy carefully placed his face near the hole.

Sounds like a blast. Hey, when you get home, can you check to see if we have Goodfellas on Blu Ray?

What? Why? Morgan asked.

Sammy reached into the hollow part of the tree. When he pulled his hand back, there was a black cylinder clasped in his little fingers.

Found it! Sammy shouted, jumping to his feet.

Tim wants to borrow it if we do. I can't remember if we have that one or Casino on Blu.

Good job! Morgan praised Sammy. He was already unscrewing the lid. Sure, babe. I'll check when we get there. Do you want me to call or text you back?

Just text me. I just can’t remember which one I bought that time.

Okay, Love you, baby.

Love you too, bye, Jeff said. Morgan pulled the phone from her ear and returned to the app they were using.

She heard splashing behind her and looked back in time to see a duck taking flight. Sammy was giggling as he retrieved his treasure. Morgan's stomach spoke up once more. Sammy's giggles made her glad to be a mom.

What's in there, sweetie? Morgan asked. Sammy was back on his knees reaching in the container. He had his back to her as he giggled wildly.   

Halloween, mommy! Sammy exclaimed, giggling again.

He turned and Morgan felt her blood run cold. Thoughts of hamburgers disappeared with the pangs of hunger altogether. It would be a while before they would be allowed to eat, long after the police were gone.

Sammy had a sealed plastic bag in his hand. The inside was coated with red liquid. Morgan couldn't deny what it was when she saw the severed finger resting in the bottom of the bag. In the mid-morning sun, she could see a wedding band still hugging the finger.

Halloween! Ha! Sammy exclaimed again, laughing with an innocence that warmed her heart.  She didn't realize that she was screaming until she saw Sammy's smile fade and he started crying himself.

2

What do they call it again? Geo-cashing? Detective Burks asked. He had his trusty notepad and pen out, taking notes.

Geocaching, But it's geocache spelled C-A-C-H-E, Morgan explained.

So, it's basically a scavenger hunt? Am I correct to assume that? Burks said, raising an eyebrow.

The same premise, but you have no idea what you're going to discover when you find one.

Obviously not. I’m sure you didn't plan on finding a human finger when you searched out 'Pieces of Me' this morning. Burks said, sarcastically. This seems dangerous to me.

It's not supposed to be. Leaving dangerous or illegal items, food, drugs or weapons is strictly against the rules.

Well, I have a feeling whoever did this doesn't really care about the rules, am I right?

Morgan frowned for a moment.

I'm free to go, aren't I? I'm not in trouble, right?

No, no trouble at all. Officer Dickens took your statement and has all your information, correct? Burks asked. She nodded. We'll be in touch if we have any more questions. Mrs. Atwood. You get the boy home and get some food in his stomach.

Thanks. Come on Sammy.

Sammy was busy throwing acorns into the lake, watching them splash. He threw the last one in his hand and then ran back to his mother. He didn't seem like he was going to be permanently scarred. Most kids let things roll off their shoulders when the chips were down.

Burks watched them go, hoping that he wouldn't have to bother them with more questions. Hopefully, they would go on with their lives and put the whole thing behind them.

After they were in their car, Burks turned to the ID Unit investigators.

About to wrap it up? he asked the two guys combing the area. He could never remember their names even though they had been on several crime scenes with him in the past.

About ten more minutes. one of them said.

Enough time for a cigarette.

Burks reached into his coat and took one out. He lit it and took a deep drag.

He didn't need to wait on DNA evidence or fingerprint data to come back from any of the labs to know who the finger belonged to. They only had one victim in the history of the Lubbock Police Department that had their fingers removed and that victim had only been discovered yesterday, after two weeks missing.

Tonya Hughes.

Tonya had been reported missing by her husband, Aaron. As usual in that sort of scenario, he became suspect number one in her disappearance. He could provide no verifiable alibi. Friends and relatives reported tension between the couple, mostly over money. Both husband and wife had taken out life insurance policies on each other in the last year. Aaron was questioned several times and each time, detectives were sure that they had their man.

After delving into Tonya's life, a fellow detective found out from a coworker that she had been having a long-term affair with a guy that frequented the gym close to where she worked. After said guy was confronted about the affair, he admitted to it before breaking down and bawling like a baby when given the news of her disappearance. He vehemently pointed the finger at Tonya's husband Aaron, claiming there were stories of abuse and neglect fed to him by Tonya when their affair began. He said he was an innocent party brought between the two by the offer of what Tonya possessed between her thighs. He insisted that there were no feelings between them, just physical release. When Burks met the guy, he took him as nothing more than a meathead. He probably bench-pressed a higher number than his IQ. Someone of that caliber was probably not capable of abducting and murdering someone without leaving behind some evidence.

Cell phone records indicated that her smartphone was last powered on within a three-block radius of her home on the morning before she was reported missing. Aaron returned home from work that evening to find the contents of Tonya's purse lined up neatly upon the kitchen table. All her credit cards were placed in a column to the right. Her facial tissue and feminine products were next to them. Her makeup lined the middle of the table, two tubes of lipstick stood like silent soldiers guarding the display. Her cash lined the left side of the table, stacked by denomination, two fifties, three twenties, a five, and seven ones. Two dollars of assorted change formed a base below the menagerie.

Missing were her driver’s license and phone.

Aaron told the responding officers that he last saw his wife when he left for work and she had told him that she planned on doing some shopping for household items and then going to the gym before having lunch with her friend Janet. Nothing out of the ordinary. Police took photos of her purse contents before collecting them for evidence.

Aaron became irate when one of the officers informed him that going missing was not a crime and that adults were allowed to disappear if they so wanted. Aaron exploded, telling them that his wife did not choose to disappear. The officers calmed him down and assured him that they would do their best to locate her.

Tonya, they now knew, had not vanished voluntarily.  Her body was discovered by a couple of freaked-out cyclists traversing the 8-mile mountain bike trail that wound through Mae Simmons Park. The media latched onto the fact that the body was found just north of an area that the locals referred to as 'Hell's Gate' and they tried their best to make a ‘satanic ritual’ connection.

Hell's Gate was an overgrown abandoned Santa Fe Railroad trestle bridge built in the late 1800s. It earned the name from a sordid history of train robberies and murder that were supposed to have been committed but no history books spoke of. In the seventies, there were supposed satanic rituals conducted under the bridge and several suicides were attributed to hangings from the bridge. Neither of those claims is supported by evidence either.  The only thing spooky to Burks about Hell's Gate was its location. It was less than a hundred yards to the northeast of the City of Lubbock Cemetery which contained over 60,000 graves.

Most of the activity attributed to the area consisted of rowdy teenagers trying to find ghosts and homeless people camping beneath the