It was nice, in a dull sort of way. Like someone with not much flair but a decent amount of cash had decorated it, and like the people who lived in itwho had lived in iteither didnt spend a lot of time there or were a bit on the neat-freaky side. Of course, given the horrendous mess in there at the moment, it was hard to tell, but she noticed dust-free picture frames, glass cabinet doors devoid of fingerprints. They had one of those entertainment-center units with drawers and boxes built in, presumably for pictures or knitting or who the hell knew what; Chess had lived with one family once who had one of those, too, but theyd used the drawers to stash porn and drugs. Maybe these people did the same? They didnt necessarily look like the type, but there really was no type, was there? There were just people, and they were all sick beasts with shit to hide.
Jillians voice cut into her thoughts; apparently the three of them had reached some kind of decision. We have had a few ghost murders recently, yes. We believe there may be a small band of ghosts that escaped from the City, and were working to find them.
How would they escape?
How would they escape?
Vaughn shrugged. It happens sometimes. Nothing for you to worry about. Well catch them quickly, we always do.
The current ghost-caused death rate in the District is one in every half million, Jillian added. Thats very low, as youve probably been told. And its low because were very good at handling just this sort of problem.
The fact that this was at least the third murder of this typeChess figured it had to be at least three, because if there had only been one before, Jillian would have said another instead of a fewseemed to indicate that they werent as good as they thought, but Chess sure as hell knew not to say that.
And really, it was about all she knew, wasnt it? She hadnt even graduated yet, much less started training. Yes, shed read ahead; all those late nights in the library, sneaking books from the Restricted Room and the Archives to study, all those long silent hours of peace meant she probably knew more than the average last-year student.
But there was so much more to know, so much more to learn. No, she didnt want to join the Squad, but she might as well try to get something out of her time there, right? The more knowledge she gathered and the harder she worked, the better chance she had of graduating, of passing training, of getting to be somebody. So what do you do next, then? How will you catch them?
Well talk to a Liaiser, maybe, Jillian said, glancing at the men. See if theyve picked up anything about unrest among the dead, or if perhaps they know whos gone missing.
Vaughn nodded. Weve upped the street patrols, of course. The others have been in neighborhoods like this one, so were making sure the streets are well covered at night.
Do you warn people, or anything? Maybe have someone go around laying out salt or putting blood on
Trent started laughing. Are you crazy? And terrify half the city? Hell, no, we havent made an announcement. And you wont tell anyone, either, none of your little friends back at Church, understand?
Okay, now she was pissed. To imply that sheof all peoplecouldnt keep a secret? Shed kept secrets that would turn his Haircolor for Men No. 8 hair white.
And she was still keeping them. She always would. I know how to keep a secret.
Well, if you dont, well certainly find out soon enough, wont we?
Give her a break, Trent, Vaughn muttered.
Im just teasing.
Ah, yes. Just Teasing: the defense of the cowardly asshole. Whatever.
Jillian touched Chesss armwhat was the deal with that?and glanced toward the hallway. You want to come check out the other rooms with me, Cesaria? Ill show you how we run a search.
Dont know why youre bothering, Trent said. You know ghosts are opportunity killers. Searching the last few houses didnt
Because its a good way for her to learn, Jillian said. Because Im supposed to be teaching her.
The scream from outside interrupted whatever response Trent was about to make, and sent a chill up Chesss spine for good measure. It was a horrible scream, the high, long shriek of pain and loss. Nooooo! MomMommy! Daddy! What
Vaughn was moving before the words really gelled in Chesss mind; to Trents creditlook at that, she could find one nice thing about even himhe was right behind, with Jillian following. Chess hesitated for a minute; was she supposed to go, too? It really wasnt her business. It definitely wasnt something she wanted to see.
Not that staying there with a couple of dismembered corpses appealed more, but Oh, shit. The door was open, and from the doorway those corpses were clearly visible, and if that scream came from the dead couples daughter she really, really wouldnt need to see that.
Chess leaped for the door, intending to slam it shut, but she was too late. The green lawn and black cop cars she saw through the doorway disappeared, replaced by a womans body, little more than a shadow against the sunshine outside. She was a shadow, blotting out the light, her misery and pain more than enough to cast darkness all around her.