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

Chapter 19

Flint arrived at the Waterfront in Ben's blue minivan. Breaker had requisitioned two magnetic decals printed with the local Airport Security logo, along with a government issued license plate. With just a few cosmetic changes, Ben's minivan had converted into a clandestine sleeper car. Flint parked off to the far side of the Waterfront and walked across the open field toward the Boathouse.

College kids sped by on bicycles and skateboards, many oblivious to the emergency vehicles parked by the shore. Flint looked out over Waterfront Park at everyone walking, riding, and enjoying themselves, thinking how easy it would be for the killer to blend in and disappear.

Sheriff Douglas stood by the entrance of the Boathouse. The Sheriff was pacing back and forth, talking on his radio, his face tense. Flint walked up and reached out his hand to introduce himself. The Sheriff turned and abruptly ended his radio conversation.

"Hello Sheriff. My name is Flint. I believe the General mentioned I was investigating these murders." Flint said. The Sheriff took a step back, looking Flint over.

"Yes, he did say you were in town. Thank you for your help. Were you able to glean anything from the second crime scene?" The Sheriff asked.

"We did. Like the first victim, the second victim's grandfather had ties to our military investigation. What happened here?" Flint said, motioning to second floor of the boathouse.

"This was supposed to be a ceremony announcing the new director of the Global Alliance, Deborah Minh. Instead, it turned into another attack. Deborah was severely wounded, and her assistant was killed. Same style killing as the other two homicides. We left the assistant's body untouched for you to investigate." The Sheriff paused to see if Flint had anything to add.

"Do they expect the woman to live?" Flint asked.

"It is still too early, but she has a chance, and the doctors will do everything they can to save her." The Sheriff replied. Flint could understand how important it was to the Sheriff and rest of the town that she survive. The Sheriff led Flint through the Boathouse Café to the stairs leading up to the second floor.

"The ceremony was upstairs. Do you need any help?" The Sheriff asked looking up the stairs.

"No, thank you. I work better alone. I will debrief with you when I come back down." Flint stated and looked at the Sheriff who nodded and stepped away. Flint activated his earpiece as he walked up the stairs to talk to Breaker.

When Flint reached the top of the stairs he immediately saw evidence of a struggle. His contact lens activated, and the digital schematic began to analyze the blood stains on the floor and the tables and chairs as they lay strewn across the room. After the data processed, Flint suddenly saw the digital outline of two bodies begin to reenact the attack.

"Sir. I am starting a simulation of the attack based on the evidence now." Breaker stated.

Flint saw an outline of who he assumed was the killer try to stab the victim in the head, but missed and hit her in the shoulder. Then, the attacker stabbed the victim in the stomach as she fell to the ground. The killer turned turn toward the top of the stairs as Deborah's assistant walked unknowingly into the attack. The digital reenactment ended with Deborah's assistant getting stabbed, and the suspect jumping off the back ledge into Waterfront Park.

Flint peered out onto the park from the ledge where Breaker's analysis predicted the killer escaped. He then turned to look at Deborah's assistant who was laid sprawled out on his back. Crouching down, Flint inspected the cuts that streaked across his chest and stomach.