Since You've Been Gone

Chapter 6

Once we got to the police office, it was quarter to nine. 

We entered, really nervous. "This is the moment he pays," I whispered in Karen's ear. A few moments later, a tall uniformed cop walked in and said, "Hello. My name is Officer Johnson. How may I help y'all?" I took a deep breath. "Hi. My name is Alexis and she's Karen. My fiance, who's her brother, was murdered. They thought he was shot in the army, but he wasn't. He was shot once he was in the city. He also didn't take his phone with him. And we found these texts and we believe this is the man who killed him." I took out his phone and showed the officer the messages. "How did you know he was shot once he was in the city?" the cop asked, taking a notepad and pen out of his shirt pocket. "He called me and told me he was in the city. I don't know how, but he ended up at the Veteran's Hospital. But he told me he was in the city."

The police officer stroked his chin. 

"Sit here," he motioned to two chairs in the corner then headed down a hallway. He came out about five or so minutes later. "Ma'am, we will stick with your story. We tracked this guys number, and he in fact does live in the area. His name is Aaron Fleckbort. It is very likely he killed your fiance and your brother. Luckily, we have this guys address. I am going to check his criminal file at once and see if he has any history with the law. Then we could be more certain." He headed to the counter on the opposite side of the room. I whispered in Karen's ear, "I hope they figure this out soon." She looked at me and whispered, "I do too. So does my mom." 

The man clicked his tongue and walked back over. "This could indeed be our man. He's had quite a few previous run-ins with the law. Multiple counts of harassment. I'll find some available cops and we'll head to this guys place. He's under arrest until further notice." "Thank you so much for helping us out." Karen said shaking his hand. "You're quite welcome. We try to keep everyone safe." He then walked toward the door and sent a voice alert-thingy on his walkie-talkie: "E5 Officer Johnson need two or three backup headed to a man's home he might be armed." I couldn't understand what the man on the other end said but three men showed up at the door. He informed us to wait here. We did as told.

When he returned, he sat down at the counter and took a swig of water. He removed his cap to reveal his shaggy blonde hair. He grabbed his clipboard and wrote some stuff down on it. He put his cap back on. "He's under arrest. Any other details? They might help." I thought hard. "No. I got a call from some man who let me know. I don't know who he was, but here's the number: 555-9826. He typed the number into the computer. "Ah, Florence Reynolds." Karen and I exchanged confused glances. "We don't know anybody named Florence Reynolds." The officer looked at the screen. "It says here he works at the Veterans Hospital. Maybe he knows something about Josh." I wondered. "Hey, can I see Josh's phone?" The officer didn't look up from the screen. "Sure." He handed me Josh's phone. I went to his contacts. And there it was: Florence Reynolds. "Officer, take a look at this." I handed him the phone. "Ah. So he is associated with this man. I'll call him in for interrogation tomorrow afternoon. We will call you both back in tomorrow at 4:00?" I nodded in approval. "Can I have both of y'all's mobile numbers so we can contact you?" We wrote down our cell phone numbers, and headed home.

Once we were in the car, we both sighed in relief. We were slowly getting justice. The justice we deserved. We were getting justice for Josh. Karen called her mom and told her everything. Every detail. She was excited she was getting the justice they deserved. Since Karen was driving, I pulled out the notepad and wrote a note to Josh:

Dear Josh,

Today we started the slow on the process on receiving the justice you deserve. We found out how you were murdered, which made today far more upsetting. We also gave your cell phone to the authorities,sorry. The man he may have something to do with this is currently in custody.  Karen told me about the tiny beach you and her went to when you were young. I would have loved to go there with you. As far as getting justice goes, an interrogation will be held tomorrow against the alleged killer. Hope heaven is nice. I miss you, Josh.

-Alexis Rae-Lynn

Tomorrow, the real justice begins.