G.I. Joe: Agent Blue Jaye and the Beasts of Lakeside

Chapter 15

Sheriff Douglas placed the receiver of his desk phone down gently and sank back into his chair. He had just gotten off a call with Courtney Thompson's family and had adamantly promised they would catch their daughter's killer and bring him to justice. He wanted to believe that would happen but in reality, the Sheriff had no idea where to start. There were two dead students, killed in the same horrific manner, less than twenty-four hours apart. Things were not good.

The intercom buzzed, and the Sheriff's assistant reminded him that there was a General who was waiting to talk to him. The Sheriff almost forgot and joked to himself that this General had to be the cherry on top of the crap sundae he had been served. Thinking that nothing else could possibly go wrong, he clicked his intercom and told his assistant to let him in.

The General's appearance as he walked through the door startled the Sheriff. He was expecting a man dressed in an olive uniform, crisp hat, and wearing a host of medals. The person who stood in front of him was of Native American descent, had long gray hair, and wore a tall cowboy hat adorned with two eagle feathers. Refraining from the traditional uniform, the Sheriff also noticed an impressive bowie knife hanging from the left side of the General's belt.

"Sheriff Douglas?" The General asked holding out his hand. The Sheriff nodded and stood up to shake the Generals hand. "My name is General Charlie Iron-Knife. Thank you for taking the time to see me." Spirit said. He gently removed his hat and took a seat in front of the Sheriff.

"General." The Sheriff stammered a bit. "Excuse me, I was just expecting someone in a uniform that is all."

"Ah yes." Spirit replied. "Funny thing about rank and uniforms you know?" Spirit said and watched as the Sheriff tilted his head, waiting for an answer. "You can still hold your rank regardless of what you put on. I figure, I might as well be comfortable." A content smile came across Spirits face as the Sheriff returned a look of confusion.

"Looks like you got yourself a bit of a situation doesn't it Sheriff?" Spirit continued. The Sheriff finally responded.

"Yes, you can say that. We were told by your office that there was a call to a military line at the time of the first murder. Would you care to elaborate?" The Sheriff interlocked his fingers and laid them on the desk, hoping that the General had something that could generate a possible lead. Spirit folded his forearms across his chest and began to speak.

"At approximately nine thirty last night, we received an incoming call to a top-secret military line. We tracked the call to the exact time and address where the first murder occurred." Spirit paused before continuing.

"We deployed an asset into the field to investigate, and he has reported back that the first victim's grandfather was one of our former covert operatives. Years ago, this particular operative turned against his former employer and provided us information that ended a national security threat. We believe the first killing was an act of revenge, possibly by our operative's previous employer." Spirit paused and unfolded his arms. Holy crap the Sheriff thought to himself.

The Sheriff unlocked his fingers and rubbed both hands up and down the front of his face. Baffled, he tried to process everything the General had just told him. While relieved that the military had identified a motive and a possible suspect, the fact it was a trained killer on some sort of a revenge mission didn't exactly make things better.

"What about the second victim? Did your guy find any links to your operative?" The Sheriff asked, hoping the General had found something.

"Not yet. He is currently reviewing the second crime scene now. I will make sure to let you know what we find." Spirit leaned forward in his chair. "We don't want to step on your toes and or make this a public spectacle. We would prefer ending this quietly and quickly." Spirit said as he kept his eyes on the Sheriff.

"I think that is the preferable solution yes, but how do you expect to do that? The second victim's body was found in a very public spot. People are going to want answers and updates. I am sure you don't want me to go up in front of the press and tell them what you just told me?" The Sheriff replied trying not to sound frustrated, but it was tough. He was being put into an extremely difficult situation.

"We will give you a script to follow for the next press conference and will have someone on hand to answer any questions." Spirit said as he sat back in his chair. The Sheriff looked relieved.

"We are going to find the killer. When we do, we will work with you and your officers to make an arrest." Spirit finished and raised his eyebrows looking at the Sheriff for his approval. The Sheriff quickly nodded in agreement.

"Is there anything that I can help you with?" The Sheriff asked.

"Yes, there is. We will be cross checking the entire student body at the University, looking for anyone who might have a relationship with the victims or our operative. We are hoping your officers will assist us in questioning these students. We can provide your officers with the questions to ask." Spirit shifted in his chair and continued.

"It would also be good to implement a curfew and try to encourage residents to walk in groups until we solidify where the suspect is located. We'll also include that in our statement for the press if that is ok with you?" Spirit asked as the Sheriff nodded again.

"When you do catch him though, I have your word that you will include us in the arrest? I think it is important that the Lakeside Police Department maintain the trust and safety of the town." The Sheriff asked, sincere in his request. This town meant everything to him and he was committed to keeping everyone safe.

"Yes, we will make sure that you and your department are informed of all ongoing communications, progress, and will be included in the arrest of the killer. You have my word." Spirit stood up indicating the conversation had come to an end. The Sheriff reached over his desk to shake Spirit's hand. Spirit then placed his hat on his head and addressed the Sheriff one last time as he turned to leave. "If you need anything else, you make sure to contact my office."

The Sheriff nodded as Spirit reached his door. Before the General walked out of his office, the Sheriff suddenly remembered the student reporters and their crazy mountain lion theory. Grabbing the manila envelope from his desk, the Sheriff shouted for the General to wait.

"There is one thing that you can help me with." The Sheriff said, running up to Spirit. Spirit turned back as the Sheriff met him in the doorway. The Sheriff handed Spirit the manila envelope. "The two kids who rent the apartment where the first murder occurred are reporters for the school paper. They are also friends with one of the witnesses who believes a mountain lion killed the first victim." The Sheriff said.

"I think they are going to write about this in the school paper. Even though it is a school paper, a lot of people in town read it, and I am afraid it's going to start a panic." The Sheriff continued as Spirit opened the envelope and looked at the pictures.

"The Journalism Department is in the attic of Brentview Hall at the top of Main Street and University Way. I was hoping that you might be able to speak with the head of the Department and persuade them from writing the story." The Sheriff requested, looking earnestly at Spirit who continued to study the photos.

"I'll handle it personally." Spirit replied, still staring at thepictures. After a few seconds, Spirit'shead shot up and he stuck out his hand again. The Sheriff took it for a brief shake, and with that, the old Generalwalked out of the police station.