Chapter  Reversed Sun 19

the Reversed Knight of Pentacles, the Seven of Swords (my serial Killer is back) and the reversed Sun 19.

~~~~

Despite her grandmother's protests, Cassie moved into a small travel trailer in the box canyon while Erin and Nick finished the semester. The peace and isolation was a balm to her depression and fear. Her Peace of Mind ended when the detective on the case called. Detective stone wall had no luck locating any person known to Shivonne with the name Ike but he did find it odd that he was unable to contact one of the party goers named Darren Wilson, who was from Washington State, and according to a former coworker, had moved to Colorado after losing his brother in a California wildfire that destroyed a town called Pleasantville. However, Detective Stonewall was unable to confirm Darren's twin brother Dakota had died in Pleasantville because the bodies of Darren and his roommate were reduced to ash. Cassie had never heard of Darren or Dakota Wilson. She did not recognize the pictures of the men emailed to her. Nervously, she drove herself back to her grandmother's house in Golden. Adeline arrived as Cassie was finishing loading boxes of clothing and music books into her car.

"I don't agree with you moving into that hole in the wall," Adeline declared as she put her purse on the entryway table. She had gotten a call from a neighbor that Cassie was taking things from the house.

"I don't feel safe here, Grandmother," Cassie insisted. "He's going to come back, I know it and my cards say he is still out there. His card is the Seven of Swords."

"Don't be ridiculous. Those are just stupid bits of paper used by fortune tellers to trick the weak minded. You're imagining everything you think they tell you." Adeline's frustration seeped out in her words. She was an atheist and did not believe in deities or superstitious magic, which was what she considered tarot cards. She felt it was beneath someone as intelligent as her granddaughter to rely on such things as a crutch. "I never should have let you start playing with tarot when Shivonne brought them in the house. She was a weak-minded girl."

"Don't talk about Shivonne that way! And reading tarot cards is not stupid! They speak to me. They work for me. They help me understand what is going on in our horrible world, and how to prepare. They even warned me about what was going to happen that night! It's my fault I didn't understand."

"Your card knocks a few random tarot cards on the floor by accident and you think some mystical spirit warned you?" Adeline huffed indignantly, "That's the most irrational thing I have ever heard anyone say. It was a coincidence that they implied that something may or may not happen."

Cassie insisted hotly, "Look. Just because you don't believe in anything or anyone, doesn't mean that I feel the same way. I believe the universe is a living thing, filled with energies we do not have the ability to understand through science, and that higher spiritual powers speak to different people in different ways." She repeated the argument Erin once made about becoming a Buddhist as she continued to load her car.

"There are no gods or goddesses, those things are just manifestations of the need of man and womankind to explain the unknown and have someone to blame for their problems besides their parents and natural forces of our planet." Adeline began to lecture her granddaughter as they walked up the stairs to Cassie's room.

"You said you would never tell me what to believe or how to believe," Cassie pointed out. "Maybe I need to believe in something more than the rational world and the psychoanalyzed actions of people. Maybe I need to believe that there are somethings greater trying to speak to us, so I don't have to accept how evil people are to each other."

"Not all people are evil. You can't hide from your fellow citizens of Earth forever. What happened to Shivonne happened because she and her killer made choices."

"Choices, really?" Cassie argued, stomping down the stairs carrying a box of knickknacks. "You don't think it was evil that killed Shivonne or that made those people come and have a random party in the house of someone they did not know. Two of those people had sex in my room on my bed while Shivonne was hanging dead across the hall. People are twisted, people are sick in their minds and souls, and I don't want anything to do with them."

"Your fear of all people is irrational. You need to overcome it. There is no reason a single event should control the rest of your life and dictate how and where you live. Hiding in a crevice in a cliff is not a healthy solution to dealing with any trauma," Adeline scolded, holding the door open, "You need to come home and face your fears."

"Grandmother, I am not one of your disaster survivors. My life wasn't destroyed by a tornado or earthquake or hurricane. My life was ruined by a sadistic man. My best friend was murdered, and I was raped in this house, so I won't stay here. If you love me and you want me to get better then please," Cassie begged as she put the box in the car. "Please understand I can't stay here. I can't live in a place surrounded by thousands of people I am afraid of and do not trust."

"But Cassie," Adeline started, following her back upstairs.

Her granddaughter held up her hand to silence her before she said, "I'm not staying here, I'm moving to the Rocking M and I am going to build a new life there, away from the city and away from all these people who did nothing to help Shivonne or find the man who killed her." Cassie rested her hand on the last box of music books, looked around her room, then bowed her head in shame as tears leaked from her eyes. "Grandmother, I have to believe in something, in an afterlife of some kind. I can't accept that Shivonne is just gone and that someday, you and Erin will be too. If I do, if I try to believe the way you do, then I am going to kill myself because your way means everything I suffered from my mother and that man were pointless and meaningless. I never did anything to deserve them. I have to believe in something."

Almost weeping with her, Adeline cupped Cassie's face in her hands, "Oh little nightingale, believe in yourself and your talent like I do. You bring beauty to the world, it's a rare and special ability."

Cassie's chin trembled as they hugged for many long moments before she stepped back and admitted, "I'm not like you. I'm weak, I'm afraid, I'm not special." She picked up the last box and went out, leaving her grandmother standing alone in the old Victorian house built the year Colorado became a state, the year Adeline's ancestral family moved from the east coast. Listening to the sound of her daughter's car door close, then the engine start, Adeline almost chased after her, but she let her drive away, knowing it was cruel to demand that Cassie keep the family home after what happened to her here.

Going down to her office, Adeline made two calls; one to her lawyer, and one to a realtor friend. She didn't have much time, but she could ease the burden of her granddaughter after she was gone.

~~~~

The bouncer and bartender kept an eye on the satellite feed of a Denver, Colorado station while waiting on the Broncos' pre-game to start. The waitress, June, laughed with a few customers as she cleared away their dishes and beer bottles. He watched his obsession as she flirted for a few dollars more. He had to be careful his last girlfriend almost got him arrested and he didn't want to have to move again or find someone else to be. The show began talking about a missing man from Arvada. He smirked slightly then changed his expression to a pleasant smile as someone called out his current name.

"Hey, Dakota."

"Hey, Jay! June just went in the kitchen." Jay Lancaster was an affable man a few years younger and the brother of his obsession. He had done a stint in the Army before returning to Montana after his parents' deaths in a car accident.

"Okay, I want you to meet by coworker, Shane Claymore. Shane, this is Dakota Wilson. He just moved here. I'll have my usual," Jay introduced them then went to talk to June.

"What are you drinking and eating, Shane?" Watching Jay and June together, Dakota decided the brother and sister were perfect for his next change. His identity as Arvada resident Darren Wilson was ruined by the escape of the roommate of his last obsession and he worried he would get questioned by the police again about his 'twin' brother's involvement with the unusual crime and party that ruined all the evidence.

"I'll have the same as Jay," Shane responded, then leaned on the bar, almost too casually, "So what brings you to Montana?"

Dakota pulled a chilled mug from the ice and filled it with Bud Lite, asking, "Do you want your hot wings mild like Jay or spicier?"

"Spicer... Why'd you move here? Not many people leave Washington for Montana," Shane pressed the subject.

Dakota repeated the same story he gave Jay, which was to story he told the real Dakota and his brother Darren when he was Laurence. "My brother was killed in a wildfire that destroyed the town he and his roommate were visiting. They went to see Laurence's girlfriend and go mountain biking. I couldn't stay at home after his death, so I started moving around. This seemed like a nice town and June helped me get a job." He walked back to the kitchen to drop the tickets.

"You like June?" Shane asked as he sipped his beer when Dakota came back from dropping

"She's a real sweetheart but not really my type. My type gets me into trouble, and I needed a new start." A phrase from the TV caught his attention and he looked over his shoulder before turning to watch the TV talking about the Pop-up Party murder. He paid keen attention the details.

"Someone you knew from Arvada?" Shane inquired.

Realizing, Shane was not some casual acquaintance from Jay's job or college classes, Dakota shrugged. "My brother was at that party, it was right before he died. He moved there for a job that didn't work out. He said the whole house was decorated up and he didn't even know the mannequin hanging in one room was a real girl until the police showed up and questioned everyone." Dakota shook his head slowly, like he was very sad. "He became an alcoholic to deal with it, then he died drunk driving."

"Dakota, order up."

He was happy to leave Shane sitting at the bar and go get the food. Coming out, he set the baskets down and pulled Jay's draft beer.

"So, what do you do and how do you know Jay, Shane?" Dakota asked casually as he refilled the older man's beer.

"I'm an instructor at the law enforcement academy. Jay is one my students," Shane announced. "I like to meet my students' known associates to make certain the don't have any questionable influences." There was a cold almost accusing edge to his tone, but Dakota expected it. Shane's words confirmed everything

Dakota made himself smile, "That is very good of you. Say, what all do I need to do to apply? Jay makes his school sound like a lot of fun, and it seem like the world always needs more cops." He waved his hand at the TV.

"Being a police officer is as much about following a strict code of conduct and respecting other people's rights, as it is about solving crimes and arresting criminals." The last two words were emphasized.

"And about protecting the ones we love." Hiding his true nature, Dakota smiled as he called out, "Jay, your wings." Then he walked down to see if the other patrons needed more intoxicants. By the end of his afternoon shift he knew he would have to do something about Law Enforcement instructor Shane Claymore, but he would have to be patient, he needed Jay to graduate before he could finish his game. He decided to go back to Colorado and take care of a loose end, so he wouldn't be tempted to act to quickly. He could find another to sate his craving until it came time for June's turn. He watched her doing her totals and putting her till in the safe.

"Don't stare at me," June hissed at him.

He could smell her perfume mixed with the smoke-tainted air of the bar. "But you're so beautiful, and we like the same author," Jay refuted her, "We belong together like..."

"Stop it! We don't belong together, and we are not characters from those stupid romance books." Interrupting, June snarled her defiance of his desires. "I never should have agreed to do that with you. Stay away from me and stay away from my brother and my dog."

"But Jay and Nero like me. Why don't you like me, my fiery flame," Dakota grinned evilly at her, and she backed away a step.

"I mean it! Stay away, I told Jay, and he'll protect me even if the police won't." The tremor of fear in her voice reminded him of her passion.

"No one needs to protect you from me," Dakota falsely assured her. "I just want to love you with all my burning passion until the sun burns the world away."

June trembled as she snarled, "Stop quoting that book. You aren't a fireman or a hero. You aren't anything you claim."

"Maybe you're right," Dakota murmured as he stepped toward her, towering over her. "But I can be. I can be anything and anyone you want, Vivian. I have to leave for a few months, but I'll be back. I know you'll miss me." He turned and walked about before he lost control and kissed her. Turning over his shoulder, he reminded then lied, "The police believe I'm not a threat to you, you need to believe that too. I love you."

June Lancaster sat down in the office chair and wept in fear. She washed her face before she left. Going home, she sat on her couch drinking wine and petting her dog Nero. Angrily, she stood up and began burning her erotic romance novels. Jay found her sitting in front of the wood burning stove, feeding it the pages of a book called The Fireman's Flame, when he got home from his shift as a bouncer at the bar.

~~~~

Under his future identity, Dakota rented a room from the elderly widow who lived across from Miss King and her voluptuous granddaughter Cassandra. He watched Miss King coming and going for almost a month. Following her on her errands, and even listened to her give a speech on the need for mental health services to be included with all Red Cross and FEMA aid in disaster areas. He was impressed by her intelligent articulation of her points. She seemed a passionate and yet, no-nonsense woman and that appealed to him. However, her granddaughter never came home and from the several visits to their home to install cameras, Dakota had found no trace of her belongings in the home. An extensive internet search had revealed the identity of his largest lover. She was a singer and professional voice, though he wouldn't have guessed it from the rasping and coughing of their rendezvous. She was so much more satisfying a conquest than that thin dancer and fitness instructor whose favorite novel was Carnal Carnival.

"Where are you, Cassandra? When are you coming home? I want to hear you sing in person." He murmured as he watched Adeline come home alone, eat carry-out, then settle in her room to read another Longmire novel. Miss King had quite a collection of fiction and Dakota had liberated a few. He was developing a fondness for western police procedurals. He could almost imagine himself living away from the city, surrounded by wholesome people and protecting them from invasive criminal elements. He chuckled at his flight of fantasy, wondering if he should try it. His phone chimed. If he went to sleep now, he would have six hours before he had to get up and prepare himself for his new identity's interview with the Colorado State Patrol.

There was a polite knock on his rented room's door.

"Come in, ma'am," Dakota answered, flipping his surveillance to a Colorado Law Enforcement handbook.

"Oh, sweetie, you study so hard." The retired court reporter patted his hand in a grandmotherly way as she set a cup of warm sweet milk and a giant cookie beside him. "But shouldn't you be getting ready for bed?"

He gave her his best smile, "Yes ma'am, I just want to do well tomorrow." He began to eat and drink. Enjoying the bedtime treat because he had never had a grandmother to do that for him.

"You will, you will. Your school marks are excellent even if they are from Montana." Mrs. Hiddleston smiled at him, and he chuckled.

"Well, it's where my sister lives."

"Have they caught that horrible stalker she has?"

"No, ma'am, but she called me today, she thinks she saw him back in town. I'm going home this weekend for the anniversary of our parents' passing and maybe hunting with my buddies." Dakota stretched and pretended to yawn. "I'm sorry."

"No worries. Goodnight, Jay. Good luck tomorrow."

"Goodnight."

~~~~

After his successful interview as Jay Lancaster, Dakota parked his truck down the street and creeped into Adeline King's home wearing the same mask and makeup he had before. The old woman was in her room reading a new novel and sipping tea. He used his phone to trigger a power outage for several blocks.

Adeline cursed as she got up and fumbled around to go to the kitchen. He grabbed her from behind.

"Hello, Grandmother King. Would you like to play a game?"

"Let go of me. Get out of my house!" Adeline shrieked and struggled. "Help! Help!"

She was much stronger than he expected, and she almost escaped but instead he dragged her up the stairs to Shivonne's room. He kicked the door open, holding her facing it.

"What do you want?" Adeline was weakening quickly, and her chest hurt worse than it ever had.

"The last time I visited, I played in this room. Delilah was such a disappointment and fell asleep far too quickly but then an angel came in, round and soft as a cherub." He murmured into her ear then he dragged her across the hall and threw her onto the other bed. "Where is my Cassandra? She is such a lovely songbird and I want to add her to my collection."

Laying helpless, Adeline clutched her chest as she whispered in ragged panting breaths, "You came back... her cards said you would come back... and I... didn't... believe them." She breathed in and out in a staccato gasping way then exhaled slowly.

Whenshe didn't inhale again, Dakota shook her, then he checked her pulse andcursed. Adeline King was dead, and he had no way to find the one who escapedhim.