Hidden Motive - A Hamilton Kane Mystery

Chapter 6

To say I'm psychic would be a lie but as a detective there's always that instinctual feeling of alertness when something around you feels off. I was deep asleep in my bed when I sensed something was amiss. My apartment is not what you would call small but it was large enough that if my door bell was not rung, I won't be able to know if someone was at the door.

Something awoken me. It wasn't a sound. Nor was it any sort of movement. But the air just felt different. Like something shifted. I rose as the covers fell and felt like a chill rush over me.

Did I leave the balcony door open? I don't remember going outside after Harold dropped me off. But then again, I was so out of it I barely remember washing up before hitting the sack.

I grabbed my robe and the baseball bat I keep under my bed as I slowly sneaked out to make sure everything was locked. I did a quick sweep of the apartment. Nothing seemed to be out of place. Even the balcony lock was secured.

As it was already pass 4am, I decided to get ready for work. After a quick shower, I went to grab a glass of juice from the fridge before heading out when I found the fridge door was ajar. Cautiously, I used my foot to push it open slowly and out fell an envelope similar to the one the captain had received. Sensing something was off, I called it in. On the front of the envelope was a short message that sent a chill down my spine and told me that it was time to do what I had been dreading to.

Death seeks the King.

Well, sorry Death. Not if I have a say in it, you won't. Guess that leaves me no choice. I have to warn Nick.

__________________________________________________________________________________

I was on the phone calling for the third time praying to God I'd get an answer when a smooth yet husky voice came over the line spreading warmth across me.

"My, my, my...To what do I owe the pleasure of your call, Little Lamb? Dare I say you missed me?"

"It's Detective Kane now, Nick. And this is not a social call. We have reasons to believe that your life is in danger," I tried to keep my tone as professional as I could but hearing the smugness of his tone was really getting under my skin.

"We? You mean the Sulisberg Police department is that concerned for my well-being all the way from across the country? I must really be a national hero to be so well taken care of."

"Listen, Nick. We've received photos of you and your building anonymously yesterday. Nothing to indicate anything at first. But then, another set of photos was discovered. In my apartment. Someone broke in and placed them in my fridge."

The line was silent for a while before asked me in a voice completely devoid of his earlier humor, "Did they hurt you?"

Call me stupid but Nick was my first serious boyfriend and had left a huge impression on me while we were together for two years. So, to hear that that was his first concern left me feeling butterflies in my stomach.

Damn it, I need to shoot down these god damn butterflies ASAP if I'm going to focus on being professional here.

"I'm fine, Nick. What I'm concern about is that someone left a threat for you in my apartment while I was asleep." I managed to answer him calmly without letting him hear that I was anything but calm.

God damn it, heart! Stop beating so fast, will you!

"What was the message." Again, that same emotionless tone.

"Death seeks the King. Does that mean anything to you?"

He was silent for a while more before answering, his tone back to his usual one, "I'll see you later, Little Lamb."

The line went dead after that before I could ask him anything else.

Later? What does he mean by see me later? Like later this afternoon? Later this evening? Or later like See ya later the way some people say toodaloo? Is he being serious?

Yes, he was serious. That very morning kind of serious. Dear lord, help me!

__________________________________________________________________________________