Awakened

10. I didn't know

WARNING: Violence/murder in this chapter

**

"So how did these guys look suspicious?" asked Davey in a hushed tone as he surveyed the bank of the creek with his flashlight. He'd arrived promptly on the scene, only moments after Lee. Always the dutiful employee.

Lee had led him into the darkness of the creek, insisting this had been the direction he'd seen the phantom men go. They were exploring the woods alongside the banks with flashlights, but of course there had been no sign of anyone.

"You know the type" replied Lee quietly. "They were talkin' real close, and one of them kept clutching his pocket and looking over his shoulder. And you know nothin' good is happening at the creek at this time of night". He lied effortlessly, his hand skimming the hidden firearm he had tucked into the back of his pants and disguised under his jacket.

Davey nodded. "I can't see nobody, but let's keep checkin' it out."

"Maybe they heard us and skedaddled" Lee said thoughtfully. "But let's go just a bit further to be sure".

Lee lead the way, drawing Davey further into the night as they walked along the water's edge. He made a big show of shining the flashlight through the trees and leaning down as if trying to catch glimpses of something in the bushes. The only sound was the steady trickle of the stream beneath them.

After getting to almost the centre of the woods, Lee sighed heartily. "I guess we lost them. Sorry to drag ya all the way out here, Davey".

Davey shrugged and waved a hand dismissively. 'No big deal, boss. I wasn't doing nothin' anyways". He smiled cordially, despite the darkness the two men were backlit by the moonlight. Lee could see his deputy's face perfectly.

"Yeah the nights can be like that" said Lee. "Sometimes you're up to your guts in brawls and car accidents, other times you're wonderin' if you should knock one out in the station bathroom to kill some time" he chuckled.

Davey laughed enthusiastically. "You ain't wrong there, Sheriff".

"I'm sorry you've done more than your fair share of nights lately, Davey. Your pretty little wife must be missin' you".

Davey chuckled again. "She's a good girl, she understands that my job is what puts food on the table. And a little absence never hurt nobody, right Sheriff?"

"That's right" replied Lee curtly as he made his way over the mossy ground, leading the way. He had been wearing his mask successfully so far, but now the big moment was nearing he found his anger bubbling to the surface. He clenched his fists as images of your battered body ran through his mind.

"Besides" continued Davey. "There are often a lot of sweet young things out at night to keep me distracted".

Lee's head whipped backwards to face Davey. "Yeah, like who?" he questioned.

"Oh you know who the types I mean" Davey replied with a smirk. "Ladies of the night. And the druggy gals at the edge of town desperate for their next fix. Eager to please for a few bucks. I know you're well acquainted, Sheriff".

Not anymore, thought Lee. Not now he had you.

Lee nodded. "Anyone else?" he asked, his rising anger now peeking out.

"Well actually, just last night. I pulled over a real good time gal" continued Davey.

"Yeah? Who was that?" asked Lee through gritted teeth. His eyes were looking forward again now, he couldn't risk Davey seeing his rage until Lee was ready.

"Oh a gentleman never tells. But let's just say what the wife don't know can't hurt her, huh?".

Lee realised his balled up fists were now shaking. "You have fun?"