Shores of Truth

Ch.1, The Return

Nyx

The case files laid on the table. A cup of coffee steamed in her hand and the noise of cops going about their shifts with half-hearted flirting between co-workers sounded throughout the office. People were taking breaks to catch the last of the soccer game on the TV. A cheer rang out as the favored team scored. It was giving her a headache. Another day her office with its bustle would have been peaceful. Perhaps even serene. Not this day. Not this time.

Although it had been weeks since the funeral, it felt like was mere moments since the life shattering call. Nyxeria Page had been a detective for years. She had seen her fair share of broken families and tears shed. None of her experiences prepared her for when it happened to her own loved ones. Nyxeria's father had been a police officer. Respected by the community and a good man. Ironic that he was killed in a hit and run. He died opposite of how he lived. Killed by those he lived and breathed for.

The coffee in her hand was cold when she finally took a sip. With a sigh, she glanced around with knowing nostalgia. She adored her job. Nyxeria had given up everything to be where she was today. No social life, no hobbies, and no need for anyone else. Her father was a good man. It was time for her to make the moral choice as well. Nyxeria's mother was a mess and needed her. Along with her obligations, she had a personal reason to return. She didn’t believe her father’s car crash was an accident. The location and time were too obscure for a hit and run. The facts were not adding up. Someone killed her father. She wanted to know whom. It was time to go home.

Several months had passed since Nyxeria moved back to her hometown and she had slipped seamlessly into her old life. The small town was north of sleeping bear dunes on Lake Michigan. It consisted mostly of vacation homes and the odd convenience store. Spring was beginning seep into the area driving out the cold and bringing new warmth. Ice was melting on the water. It was still too cold for most of houses to be occupied. The solitude of the beach was calming as Nyxeria walked her mother's golden retriever, Max. He playfully dashed in and out of the freezing water. Laughing at his antics she called him over then threw a stick for Max to chase. His yellow fur blended into the damp sand he kicked up in his wake.

Her mother was doing better. It would have been nice if she had joined them. Mrs. Page rarely left the house these days. There was always some inconsequential problem. She had to knit a tea cozy or the guest room needed to be painted. Even after several months, Nyxeria wasn't surprised her mother was in denial. Mrs. Page's emotions were as sensitive and dangerous as thin ice. She took up much of Nyxeria's time these days. Not that there was much else to do. She hadn’t gotten anywhere tracking down her father’s murderer the report was sketchy and there was no new evidence, so she started her own private detective agency in town. Yet since the tourists were gone there wasn't much work. But when the population did swell in the summer, she got calls from frantic tourists seeking help for suspected robberies or lost pets. Both were usually found lying on the beach covered in sand. The grateful owners were unaware of her underutilized talents. She missed the fast pace of the city. It wasn’t only the people and all of her friends, she missed the city itself. It was exciting with restaurants, museums, concerts, and culture. The closest place of interest here consisted of a drive to Grand Traverse and there wasn’t much to do there during the winter anyways.

"Max?!" she called. Nyxeria had been busy watching a barge in the water. Max hadn't returned the stick. She turned around. Max was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it." Max generally stayed close, but if a deer or rabbit wandered too close he would take off after it. Sure enough Max's paw prints showed him running up the beach towards a patch of trees. She followed. Luckily she knew the property. It had stood empty for some time. It had great beach front, but the house was needing a lot of work and was too far from the main roads for most people to consider buying it. "Max!" She called, "Max, come here, maxie boy. MAX!"