Unchangeable

Chapter 2

Saul lives a simple life. He works as librarian when not helping to solve crime. His home is full of books, simple furniture, small and neat. Living alone his routine is consistent and dull.  He arrives home and showers, a way to start to remove the feel of the murder off of him. He can’t bear to wear the clothes he wore when going over the murder. He then makes a simple meal and sits down to read. His television viewing is sparse. There are days that the set isn’t turned on. He heads to bed around ten. On days where he isn’t helping to solve murders, he eats before the shower. 

Today is no different. He hurries in, taking his shoes off at the door. He heads straight to the bathroom and strips his clothes off, placing them in the standing hamper before stepping under the streaming water. Lathering up, he scrubs ever inch of himself, washing his clean hair because every part of him must be freshly cleaned. 

Stepping out, he towels off and heads to his room. Sweats and a t-shirt, thick soaks, and he heads into the kitchen. He makes chef salad, pours some tea and heads  into his living room. A seat is taken on his favorite seat and he picks up his fork and the book he is reading. 

He soon finds that it is hard to eat and focus on reading. He sighs as he sits his bowl on the table and lays the book down on the seat. He moves to the phone on the table on the other side of the room. He dials the police station.

“Yes Saul, we have him. We found the knife he used and the ring missing off the victim. Thanks to you, she was found and her parents will be able to bury her and her murder will be in prison for a very long time.” The detective reports.

“How long?” That evil glance on him, that is what he keeps seeing.

“Life most likely. You seem nervous Saul?”

“I am. There was something different in this one.”

“What is that?” The detective, Fred O’Brien, shifts in his seat, across town from Saul.

He starts to tell him, but.. “The brutality. The poor girl seemed to be searching for someone to help her. I was right there Fred and couldn’t do a thing.”  He fists the hand not holding the phone, his eyes turning stormy. 

“I can’t imagine how you feel Saul. It is hard for us arriving after the fact.. but, your not really there. It is just a vision.”

Is it, he wonders, if the evil saw him? “Your right. Thank you. I am glad I was able to help.”

“You’re welcome. I wish we could help you. Your skill..”

“Is a curse and a blessing. Thank you again Fred. I will let you get back to work.” He knows the paperwork is overwhelming. He rings off and stands there a moment. Just a vision. It has to be. After all, how could he be there? Shaking his head, he returns to his meal and book.