This story contains graphical language that may upset some. It is not meant to offend.

 

The Truth About Life

by InnocentGuilt

 

Chapter 1 Surfaces of the Past

 

As Adam approached the crime scene one of the security guards approach him.

"Behind the yellow line."

"Detective Adam West, Homicide division."

The guard escorted Adam to the place where the body had been found. The smell of blood still stained the air. The room was dark and secluded from all of the other rooms in the house.

"I'm Sargent Roger Walker. When we found the body it was chained up into a position similar to the crucifixion. The bastard even nailed the hands to the wall." Walker explained.

"Has the room been dusted yet?" Adam asked.

"That was the first thing that we did. However nothing was found. Not a single trace of hair, DNA, or fingerprints. This guy knew what he was doing." Roger answered.

"If you ask me it's a crying shame the way this man died, but he deserved it." Priest Abraham said.

"No man deserves to die. No matter what or how they were. As for you, father, who let you into this crime scene?" Adam said in a pit of rage.

"Easy now. We called the father in because of the nature of the crime. We needed to know if there was any religious connection." Roger explained.

"Anyone could tell you that. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out when a guy is nailed to a cross that there is some religious context in it." Adam said.

"Now hold on. Yes it is true that the nature of the case is laid out in detail that there is a reason to believe that religious acts might be involved, but this man had a history. He was a freaking fag for God sake."

"Fag?" Adam asked.

"You know homo, cross dresser, transvestite, and all other forms of people who just aren't right in the head." Roger explained.

"I'm going to forget you ever said those words. A man has died here. It doesn't matter who or what they are. It is our job to find out the truth without judging them."

"I'm sorry. It's just that my kid turned out to be one himself. The wife and I tried to raise a good kid. Hell I even took him to a stripe club when he turned 18. I guess the whole time he was there he wasn't making oogalie eyes at the breast like I thought, but instead actually wished he had a pair of his on. It wasn't till we found his little toys that we knew what he was."

"Toys?" Adam asked.

"Yes toys. My boy had some type of strap on. Oh God I can't even say it." Roger said.

"It sounds to me like you might be a little too close to this type of case. I think you should talk to your captain about reassigning you to a different position." Adam said.

"Don't do that. The rent is due Monday and this is the only case that I could take in such a short notice." Roger replied, feeling a little worried that he might have overstepped his grounds a little.

"I'll let it slide this time. Father, do you think you can help council this poor soul some while he finds peace and the will to forgive his son for what he has chosen to be?" Adam asked.

"It's true that even the church feels people who are cross dressers and like to be the opposite sex are sinners, but that doesn't mean they still can not live a productive life." Adam heard the father telling Roger as the two faded out of site.

'What a strange pair those two make,' Adam thought as his focus shifted from the two men back to the case at hand.

The body was now gone, but a chalk marking outline the place in which the body had been. Blood stains from where the hands had been nailed to ran down the wall at which the victim had been staked through. As shocking as the site was Adam found no reaction to it. In a way he wonder if he was no better then the monster who had done this.

He scanned other places in the room seeing a small computer that had been turned over. It was then that he noticed something. He couldn't tell at first if it was just dust, but as he came closer to the object the words became clearer.

"Open Me," it said.

It was as clear as the light of day. Was this a message from the killer or had the victim of this horrible act been trying to write a final message of warning? Placing latex gloves on Adam checked around the computer to see if there was any way of opening without disturbing the crime scene. It ended up in vein. There was no way to open the computer. That's when he decided to just throw it to the ground.

"That's evidence!" a guard screamed.

"I know what I'm doing." Adam called back.

Others soon rushed in from the loud sound. Adam was surrounded by fellow members of the force. When he lifted the broken pieces a red book with the letters "DIARY" written on it.

He opened the book up around the end and started reading a page.

"Dear Dairy. I feel alone in this world. Everyone of my old high school friends have moved onto careers and jobs yet I cannot. I feel like there is something calling me inside although I can not explain what."

He flipped the pages to the next day.

"Dear Dairy. Today is a wonderful day. I meet a man who says he can help me with all of my problems. He even told me that I would be set free. When I asked him what he meant by being set free he told me I would find out soon enough. I think things are going to go well from now on."

When he flipped again a page feel out. He picked the piece of paper up and started reading it.

"I'm scared. Whoever is reading this then it is to late. My life had actually turned around for the better part until I found out what was going to happen to me. Please, if anyone is reading this, avoid the man with no eye."

"We need those as evidences." Officer Walker said to Adam.

"Ok, but I want a photo copy of everything. Some how I think this dairy might be the key to understanding who our murder is" Adam said outraged at the thought of loosing prime evidence.

"We will do our best." Officer Walker said.

Adam walked out of the room and back down the hall where he came from. The truth was he felt there was something different about this case. The murder killed a person who was different from normal society. This brought a shiver down Adam's spinal cord. He felt in some way that the killer could take out anyone. As if he was the "Hand of God" and all he touched shall perish before his eyes. Yet even if this man was assuming the role of God even he could be stopped.

The long drive back to Adam's office was pain tasking. He had a pile of reports that were due in tomorrow.

'Damn. How do they ever expect us to solve a case if they won't let us bypass the red tape?' he thought as he looked over the stack of papers.

One report read, "Middle age woman found dead. Along with her were two children. Gender of the children were reported to be female. Each of them was killed in a manner or way that resembled a copycat killer. The mother of the children, a Mrs. Rebecca Richards, was assumed to be taking her children to daycare. A 4-year-old, Alexandria, and a 3-year-old, Kendra, were found with their mouths cut open. All of their teeth had been pulled out and placed into a small bag marked, 'Won't be needing these were you are going.' Removed from the mother was her heart. We believe the heart was taken after she died so no pain was felt."

Adam was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come in," he said.

"Jesus, don't you ever get any sleep?" Captain Jack asked.

"Oh, it's only you peg legs." Adam said.

Jack was given the nickname peg leg because he always threw costume party's and dressed as a pirate.

"Yes it's me. I have some good news and bad news. Which do you want first?" Jack asked.

"Give me the good news," Adam replied.

"Well the good news is you're not crazy. The bad news is what I have to tell you might make you that way. Congratulations." Jack said.

"Congratulations on what Captain?" Adam asked.

"On the fact that you have a new partner," the Captain replied.

"Partner? You know I work alone Captain." Adam said outraged at the thought of a partner.

"Not anymore. I believe you meet the guy. A Officer Roger Walker from Metro P.D. Effective immediately you and him are now partners in crime." Jack said.

"I won't take the person. The man's a fucking idiot. Not to mention he has personal views which might affect the case I'm currently working on." Adam replied angrily.

"There's nothing I can do about it. This was an official command passed down from higher up. My hands are as tied as yours are."

"Don't give me the bullshit about your hands being tied. I know you could pull some strings if you really wanted to." Adam replied pissed off.

"Yes it's true that I could pull some strings, but even I'm worried about you. You consume yourself in your work, you don't take time off to be with the people you care about," Jack stated.

"I'm fine. So stop caring, and I don't want a partner. So there." Adam said, pouting like a small child.

"No your wrong. You will have a partner and you will treat him with respect. Can't you see we are all worried about you? Ever since Samantha died you haven't been the same."

"Don't you dare bring Samantha into this." Adam said swinging his arm up to Jack's face stopping it mere inches away from hitting.

"Look at you. Even you have to admit you have problems. Now accept the fact that you are going to have a partner and live with it." Jack said assuming the role of command.

"I may have to live with it, but that doesn't stop me from not liking it." Adam replied back.

"Look I know that. Just go home and get some sleep. Then report back to me in the morning when you have a clear head." Jack said.

"Damn it, captain, don't do this to me. Just let me do my work." Adam replied.

"Don't make me order you to do this. Instead of being a big ass about it why don't you give in? Do it for the friend that you used to care for and not for the captain in front of you." Jack pleaded.

"Ok, ok. Before you start going all teary on me, I'll leave. Just say hi to Beth for me." Adam replied.

"I will." Jack answered.

The captain walked out the room leaving behind a puzzled Adam. Why did Jack have to go and bring up Samantha? Samantha had been the core of Jack's heart. She was the sun that shined brightly down on his hope.

'Oh Samantha, my Samantha why did you have to follow me to that dark alley.' Adam thought.

It was on that dreadful night in mid October that Samantha was shot. The thoughts of that night started pouring out of him as if a old war wound had just be opened.

"Just who is she? Who is the other woman that you are seeing behind my back?" Samantha screamed.

"She's just a case I'm working it's nothing to be so worried about." Adam replied.

"Worried? Me worried about a scumbag like you who claims to be in love with me, but in reality is working some whore that you meet out of a bar. Why would I care about a two timing bastard like you?"

"Look, I can tell your upset about it, but there is nothing. She's a prime witness to a murder case that I'm working. Why do I have to tell you this every single time I work a case?" Adam replied.

"Because I know you're lying. When we entered this marriage we agreed to be a couple. That means two members of a family, not three!" Samantha screamed in Adam's face.

"How many times do I have to remind you that I'm a police officer? Sure, I might have to kiss a woman or have sex with another woman. I'm a man after all." Adam said.

"How dare you?" Samantha yelled back. She lifted her breast up high. "Is this all you men care about? Is it the reason why you married me?"

"You know very well that I was only joking by that remark. I love you like no man has ever in the past," he said as he looked her in the eyes. "Honestly, do you think that I could lie to you right in front of your face like this?"

"You are gone so long that I just don't know." Samantha replied.

"I'm gone because I care about you. I want to provided for you and some day maybe another." Adam said passionately.

"Another?" Samantha asked.

"Another, as in a baby? God! Can't you just go with the moment and let yourself relax?" Adam said with a deep sigh.

"I just don't know if I can trust those words of yours anymore. Can you not see that I'm hurt?" Samantha asked.

She moved in a little closer to Adam allowing him to place his arms around her.

"If you're hurt then let me be the doctor to cure the pain." Adam replied.

In his mind he thought how cheesy and lame the line was.

Parts of him yelled out, 'Stupid! She will see that one coming a mile away.

"Then open up doctor because the patient needs mouth to mouth respiration."

He was shocked at her comment. Maybe she did understand how much he cared about her. The next hour they shared the best sex that they had ever shared in a long time. The fireworks had flown higher then ever and the birds were flying loops around the bees. So this is what love is he thought.

"That was a nice attempt, but your still not off the hook." Samantha said breaking his moment of thought.

"Off the hook? Jesus woman. What do I have to do to make you understand how much I love you?" Adam asked.

"Well for starts we how about another round?" Samantha said with a shy grin.

"Sometimes I wonder if all you ever think about is sex. " Adam replied.

"Well maybe," she said as the two embraced each other for the start of round two.

Adams thoughts of reality were brought to life when Jack screamed, "I thought I told you to go home."

"I will, but did I ever tell you the story of how Samantha and I meet?" Adam said as he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door with Jack.

Chapter 2 Past Life

It's amazing how a shower can make someone feel so good. The refreshing movements of the water dripping off the head and onto the body pushed away the tension of the day. It was a welcome change to the upcoming events that he had prepared for. Today was the day that Roger would become a partner. Suddenly his relaxing place turned into a nightmare as the door swung open and there standing in the door way was Roger.

" Aren't you glad that I don't have a knife otherwise you would be dead right now in the shower." Roger said.

"Why the hell would you come in to a house with your gun cocked and ready to shot?" Adam asked pissed and outraged by the intrusion of his privacy.

"This badge gives me that ability." Roger said pointing the badge as if it was a holy embodiment of power.

"That badge only claims that you're a cop. There are rules and regulations to follow in order to be a cop." Adam said.

"You don't say. If you keep thinking like that then you will never have any fun with your life." Roger proclaimed.

"If you keep that attitude about your job then you won't keep it long. It's cops like you who give the media a reason to give us a bad name," Adam responded knowing he set off a nerve."

Adam grabbed a towel and then wrapped it around himself. He walked over to the closet where he pulled out his uniform.

"They said that you objected to having me as a partner why?" Roger asked.

Adam pulled out some boxers and put them on.

"The reason why I didn't want you is because I don't want any partners," Adam responded.

"Just because you think your better then anyone else doesn't mean you don't need someone to protect your back." Roger replied.

Adam just shrugged it off grabbing the pants and pulling them into place.

"I had a partner once, but they took her away from me and I don't you could ever replace her," Adam said.

"I don't want to replace anybody. However the past is the past and partners come and go." Roger replied.

"Not this one. This one was meant forever. I ever married her!" Adam replied.

Roger felt a little embarrassed and guilty at the thought.

"Look I'm sorry for being so stupid. I didn't know."

"You wouldn't have known. The fact that you know now is proof of the reason why I didn't want another person as my partner. When I lost my wife my whole world stopped. Before that I was on my rise to the top. Everyone thought I would be this vision of perfection. Do you know what it is like to watch your whole world suddenly come crashing down and a wall be built up in front of you from ever reaching that place again?" Adam asked.

"Yes I do. When I found out about my son and what he had done everything came crashing down for me as well. I was known as the man who had raised a perverted son. My neighbors feared letting their kids around out of fear that their kids might become the same as my son. We become social outcast of a society who could not understand what it meant to have a son that was different. My wife even lost her position on the school board that she had held for 10 years. So don't think I don't understand where you are coming from. We all have our ghosts from the past that we lie in order to protect from others." Roger explained.

"It's no wonder that this world needs order more then ever. We seem to spawn our own monsters out of fear in order to keep quiet about the truth that everyone holds," Adam said.

"Sometimes I wonder if we will ever have a world where police aren't needed. A citizen can walk out into the middle of a street and not worry about some speeding drunk driver coming down and smashing them out of reality and our own schools aren't even safe anymore. A child could walk in caring a gun and just start shooting way. Is this the type of world that we should be praising for the freedom we have? Sometimes it makes me wonder," Roger stated.

"Just because it's bad out there right now doesn't mean we should give up everything. I be damned if I'm going to give up my badge and gun just because some foreign country walks in and tells me to," Adam replied.

"I'm just stating the facts of how it is." Roger said with a sigh.

"It might be facts, but it isn't what I signed up for. When I became an officer I wanted to help people. I wanted to be the type of officer that goes into a school telling children how great my job was and that I was doing something to protect my country."

"You're in the wrong line of work then. I don't think they are going to invite a homicide detective to a school," Roger stated.

"Either way we have a job to do," Adam said, placing his badge on.

Then blowing a puff of air on it to give it that little shine.

The act of bonding is a strange thing Adam thought. In a short period of time they seemed to come closer then any time on the force could have forced them to. In a way he thought maybe this was the reason and the way partnerships developed. However the friendly feeling changed after Adam reached his front door.

"Damn, did you really have to kick in my door?" he asked.

"Well it's not like there was any other way to get in." Roger said.

"It's called knocking. Look it up sometimes most normally people do it." Adam replied.

"I guess I'm just special then," Roger replied.

What little progress Roger had made on being accepted by Adam had just gone down the drain. Even the best relationships have their problems. Adam picked the door up and then taped it back in place with crime scene tape.

"Are you really going to just leave your door like that?" Roger asked.

"If we leave one of the squad cars here the tape should scare people off from entering the compound. Now lets leave before I decide to tape you up instead," Adam explained.

Roger had to admit that this kid had balls. He respected that in a officer and knew if it came down to a fight with a suspect Adam would be able to back him up.

"Ok," Roger said.

He didn't want to give Adam a hint of his true feelings.

When Adam opened the door of the Police car a dispatch was being sent on all channels, "We have a 10-24 in the central distract of China Street. I repeat we have a 10-24 in process at the central distract of China Street."

'Damn' Adam thought.

"That isn't far from here." Adam said to Roger.

"Well what should we do?" Roger asked.

"What are you a rookie? We call in our location and head over there. Dispatch this is car 7293 at Broad Street. We are only 2 blocks away and heading to the scene, right?" Adam said.

"The two newlyweds are on there way. I repeat the two newlyweds are on their way to the location," was the message received back from dispatch.

"Very funny. Just remember I'm putting this on your record," Adam sent back.

He then flipped on the siren and then the two were off.

"Damn this traffic." Adam said.

"Well you should have know it would be this bad during rush hour." Roger stated.

"I know. I just hate traffic. The moment I see those cars blocking my way I get angry," Adam replied.

"It's called road rage. You should really get some help for it," Roger said.

"You want to see road rage? I'll show you road rage!" Adam replied speeding through traffic.

Each car came within a inch of side swiping each other.

"Now that's something they don't teach in the force these days," Adam noted.

"That's because they want have police officers alive now a days and not dead on the road some where because they cannot obey the rules," Roger stated.

"This from the man who claims he can enter a house just because they have a police badge," Adam said.

Roger gave him a evil glance.

"That was all in good fun. I wasn't endangering anyone's life," Roger retorted.

"You endangered my life by putting the gun in my face. Don't tell me you aren't endangering anyone's life," Adam replied.

"Stop your bitching. Your starting to sound like a woman," Roger replied.

"I'm not bitching. I'm speaking my mind. Which I must say if you used more of yours you might be smart enough to realize that," Adam defended.

"Ok enough is enough already. If I have to hear you explain yourself one more time I'm going to loose my mind," Roger said.

On that note the two ended their conversation.

When the two arrived at the scene 3 squad cars had already arrived at the location. The two showed the guard at the front of the tape their badges and then he escorted the to the crime scene.

"It's the same as the last one. This means our killer isn't just a one timer," Adam noted.

A man in a gray lab suit approached the two cops and shook their hands.

"You two Rogers and Adams I presume? My name is Simon."

The two showed them the badges.

"We know that you two were on the same sight as the last one. The MO matches what we suspect as a serial killer. Right now we are moving the body to the Southlake Hospital for a autopsy."

"Was there any sign of a computer?" Adam asked.

"There was one, but no notes were found like the last one," Simon replied.

"What about eye witnesses surely someone saw the murder happen," Roger asked.

"There was none to be seen. They are all too afraid to admit they saw it. This happens a lot in a neighborhood like this," Simon said.

"Still it is no excuse to hide what could be used to find a killer. These people should understand that we are the good guys and are here to help them," Adam.

"You try to tell that to them. These are hard times and people just don't want to help anymore. We get reports all the time of gang violence here."

"What happen to the morals and ethic's that a good citizen should have. Is our world really getting that bad?" Adam asked.

"It's the way of the times. Good morals went out like the dinosaurs," Simon said.

"What about parents or a spouse?" Roger asked.

"Both parents are dead. He's a cross-dresser so there is no spouse. The only thing we did seem to find was a recite for a club 69. It's a place on sixth and main. My wife and I accidently ended up there after we received the wrong directions to a meeting place with friends of mine. We found out later that it wasn't a accident, but they pulled a prank on us," Simon said.

"I think we better go and check out that club." Adam said.

"If you wanted a man you could have just asked me and I would have set you up with one," Roger said.

"Your moron. This killer is murdering people who are cross-dressers. Chances are there is a connection between the club and the killer."

"Aren't you at least going to stick around and look at the crime scene."

"Don't need to. The killer is using the same method which means that this crime scene is no different from the last one." Adam said.

"That's very sloppy deduction." Roger said.

"Look I got a degree at Yale. I think I know what I'm doing. Now get your ass in the car otherwise I'm going to leave you here." Adam replied.

"Ok. See you doc," Roger said to Simon.

"So honestly. What didn't we look the crime scene over?" Roger asked.

"It was something about the place that got to me. I just didn't want to be there any longer then I had to."

"Aren't cops suppose to be used to that type of stuff by now?" Roger asked.

"I thought I was used to. It might be trigger to what happen to Samantha." Adam said.

"Who is Samantha?" Roger asked.

"Remember when I told you I had a partner and I married her?" Roger asked

"Yes." Roger replied.

"Well that partner was Samantha," Adam explained.

"Tell me about Samantha. I would like to know more." Roger said.

Adam looked around. He saw the scene's changing. Streets turning into more streets. Cars that didn't have all their parts, the way the people were walking their dogs.

"How can I start this off properly. Samantha was a angel. She had long blonde hair that spun around when she shook her head. The hair always seemed to float back down into place. Her eyes were baby blue and her lips were as red as a rose petal falling off its stem. Whenever Samantha would walk into a room it always went silent. Everyone would have to turn their heads just to get a look at the angel that had just floated down from heaven." Adam said with a sigh.

"She sounds like she was a lovely woman." Roger said.

"That she was. I just hate the way we lost her. Being a police officer had given her a strong stubborn strike. We used to fight a lot about the stupid little things that all couples go through. That night however was different." Adam explained taking a pause. "She had thought I was seeing another woman."

"Were you?" Roger asked.

"Hell no. The only woman I was seeing was Samantha. When I married her I was happier then I had ever been. Only she insisted on being there that night. That God awful night that took her away from us and back into the heaven where she came from." Adam paused again.

"What happen on that night?" Roger asked.

"That night a stray bullet hit her in the side." Adam said.

The memories of that event came flashing back to him with no way of shutting it off.

"So this is the tramp that you are seeing behind my back." Samantha shouted.

"I'm not seeing her. This is a case I'm working on." Adam screamed back.

"Look I don't know who you are or why you are here, but just go away. Adam and I our on official business." Jennifer said.

Jennifer was the same height as Samantha, but had no idea how strong Samantha was.

"You actually think I'm going to leave you alone with my husband?" Samantha screamed.

She lifted her arm back and slapped Jennifer right in the face.

"Look missy. I don't know what you believe or want to believe, but your interfering with official top secret business." Jennifer said taking out her nightstand and using it to force Samantha off of her.

"Will you two stop fighting. They will hear us." Adam said.

Little did he know they were too late. A stray bullet shot into the side of the near by brick wall.

"Oh great. Now they have found us. Run!" Adam screamed helping Jennifer and Samantha up.

Jennifer ran one way and Samantha ran another. He didn't know which way he should go. On one side was a FBI agent who had asked Adam to help her with catching a terrorist group who had been threaten the USA. She needed a local man to help point her way and on the other side was his wife he cared for. Another bullet went by them him. This time they were getting closer so he choice his wife. The two ran into the darkness of the alley. That was when the group surrounded them.

"Why are you helping a spy?" The leader of the group asked.

He was at least 6ft. Half his hair had been shaved off. It looked like a bad copy of the military style only if someone had his mothers cutting it.

"I am not helping any spy. I am an officer of this state assigned to help a field agent. Let us go or otherwise there will be trouble." Adam said.

"Look at that boys. He thinks he is a big bad police officer and can hurt us by words. Shoot the girl first and then shot the man." The leader said.

He walked off not even showing a care for what he had just order.

"Don't shoot her." Adam screamed trying to jump in front of the bullets, but it was too late.

"Please remember the time we had together. I loved you with all my heart and know that you never would have done anything to hurt me. Now RUN!" she screamed.

She flung herself into the path of incoming bullets blocking them from hitting him.

"Stupid girl. She should have known doing that would just make her die quicker." A man with long side burns said.

"That stupid girl you are referring to was my wife." Adam screamed.

He grabbed his gun as from his hoister as quick as possible just shooting bullets everywhere. He didn't stop shooting till he heard each body fall to the ground.

That was when Jennifer had walked up on him. "Jesus Adam. What happen here?" she asked.

"They shot her. The bastard's killed Samantha." He said bending down to pick her up.

"You know you really shouldn't be moving your wife she is part of the crime scene." Jennifer stated.

"Fuck the crime scene. There is no way on earth that I'm going to let my wife be found dead here. I'm going to take her home. Let them write up whatever they want to about me," Adam replied.

The reality of it all had left Adam scared for life. Even telling Roger brought back the painful memories of how his wife had died.

"Listen that story you just told me. It wasn't your fault. Your wife had a mind of her own and no matter what you would have done she would have still followed you there." Roger said.

"I know. It's just that the pain she went through when those bullets hit her. It should have been me and not her. I should be the one laying out in the grave," Adam said pounding his fist into the dashboard of his car.

"Listen. If it had been you think of all of the lives you would have miss saving. In saving you she saved all of America." Roger said trying to cheer Adam up.

"What lives? I don't save lives I arrive at the scene of a crime after a life has been taken. I'm just a fucking clean up crew member," Adam said in a pit of anger.

"You do save lives. This case that we are on isn't just cleaning up what others cannot figure out. We are prevented more deaths from happening. Those are the lives that you save." "Listen all I know is Samantha was a gentle woman. She should have lived a longer life, Had kids, and grandkids." Adam said pulling into the parking lot of Club 69.

"I know that. It is a shame when anyone dies before their time. Lets just get this over with and then call it a night." Roger said.

 

 

 

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© 2002 by Innocent Guilt. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.