The end was nearing. He was going to kill me. The man I fell in love with not but a few moments ago…How can I escape?

It was nearing December 1st. Snow was lightly falling from the cloudy, grey sky. Sondra was enjoying the hospitalities of the little café she was eating at. A blueberry muffin and hot chocolate lay in front of her. She couldn’t stop reliving through those last few moments with John. John, who was blue-eyed, brown hair, tall, strong, and 5’6, was Sondra’s latest boyfriend.
Sondra smiled a happy smile. Their departure from each other was not a very nice one:

I was sitting on the bus station bench, waiting for John to arrive. It was past 2:30, almost hitting 3:20. I glanced around me, unsure if I should delay any longer. I was almost late for my appointment with a client. I worked for a detective named Lue. My appointment was at 5:30. I really didn’t want to risk being late, seeing as how this case was an important one. I flipped my cell open and dialed John’s number. It rang…and rang…and rang…I let it ring a few more times before hanging up. Annoyed, I wiped black hair out of my face. I couldn’t stand sitting. I got up and started pacing the length of the little bus station. Every time someone entered the station I stared at them in hope. And every time I was disappointed. I tried calling John again. It rang twice then he finally answered. “John! Where are you? I’ve been here since 2:27. You were supposed to meet me at 2:30 remember?” I demanded, fighting the annoyance in my voice. “I’m sorry,” John replied, not sounding sorry at all. “I completely forgot about it. I’ll be right down.” Click. He hung up on me. He hung up on me. Annoyed I sat back down. No since in standing, I thought aggravated. A few more minutes passed then John finally came sailing through the door. He grinned at me for a fleeting second before reading the outrage in my eyes. “You forgot.” I stated flatly. “Sorry.” He replied. Keeping his voice light…why? “I got caught up in work.” Immediately I got suspicious. “You didn’t have work today. It’s Saturday.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Doesn’t mean I can’t have work today.” “You missed three busses and a taxi while you were ‘working’. I have an appointment I have to get ready for. I’ll wait with you until the next bus comes.” John shot me an annoyed glace. “Sorry Sondra. I meant to tell you this sooner but…it’s over. I can’t leave town for a month and not find someone to occupy my time with. I don’t want you anymore.” Surprisingly, I didn’t care but at the same time…I did. “Fine. I’ll leave you to it then.” I snapped then gathered up my bag and purse and left the station. I fought tears until I reached town. I decided a café would be a nice place to rest before my meeting.

Sondra blinked a few times, coming back to reality. “Are you done, miss?” a waiter asked as he passed by. “Yes, thank you.” Sondra replied while paying. She left a three dollar tip then gathered her things and left. She caught a taxi and headed toward her office. It was 5:00 already. Wiping away a tear that had escaped her she told herself that she would not mourn over her breakup. It wasn’t real.
She paid the fare then walked into her office building, preparing for her meeting. Lue walked into her office a few minutes after she arrived. Lue was 27, two years older than Sondra. He noticed the red around her eyes. “Boy trouble?” He asked lightly. Sondra nodded. “He broke up with me. I waited a good hour for him too.” She stifled a sigh. “Well, what else have you found for our case?” “Sara was found leaving the scene moments before Linda’s death. The reporter of this accusation is unknown and the reported is not liable. We need solid evidence of more than one person. Proof.”
Sondra nodded. “Yes, proof is always good. Have you heard more from Linda’s family? Friends?” “No. Not from what they’ve told me…look…I understand if you don’t want to meet with Sara tonight. I could take over from here and you can go home and rest.” Sondra shook her head. “No. I’m fit for this meeting. Besides, I’m not going to let this whole breakup thing get to me. It’s his loss the way I see it.” Lue grinned, “Indeed it is. Well, here’s the file you’ll need. I told her to come in a few minutes earlier than expected. She should be here any minute.” He winked at her then left.
Another few minutes passed by as Sondra flipped through the files Lue gave her. “Cause of Death: Suffocation, bruising, beaten, poisoned, stabbed. Attacker: Unknown. Victim: Linda Jines. Date of Murder/Death: 11/25/10. Suspects: Sara Johnson, Dale Greenworth, Emily Walkman. Current/Previous Meetings: Previous-Dale Greenworth 11/27/10. Previous-Emily Walkman 11/29/10. Current-Sara Johnson 12/01/10. Authorities: Detective Lue, Detective Sondra. Witness of Death: None.”
She flipped the file closed when she heard the office door opening. A few moments later Sara walked in. Sondra stood to greet her then offered her some water and a seat facing the desk. “Hello, Sara. I’ll skip the petty introductions and be very blunt with you. I’m a detective. You’re here to tell me everything you know about Linda Jines’s death.” As Sondra said that, Sara stirred a little.
“Come now,” Sondra stated calmly. “You must know something about her death. We were informed that you were seen fleeing the scene moments before the body of Linda was found. Is this true…?” Sondra left the question floating in the air. She was a rare detective. One of the many reasons Lue hired her. Sondra solved nearly all of her detective cases and got straight to the point. Hinting at things others overlooked. Answering conclusions and thoughts that weren’t spoken aloud.
The atmosphere in the office got very tense. Well, tenser for Sara. Sondra was used to this kind of atmosphere. She lived it everyday. Sara opened her mouth to speak then closed it. Clearly thinking her answer through. “I never knew Linda…what time did she die?” “Where were you at on November 27th, 2010?” Sondra cut in. “I was at my sister’s helping her wrap presents.” “Really?” Sondra put in. “I just recently met with your sister the other day. We were out shopping and happened to run into each other.
“Out of curiosity I asked what she did the 27th of November. She asked me why so I told her. She was appalled. I told her she didn’t have to answer since I wasn’t on duty. She said no worries and told me what she did that day. She baked cookies at her grandmother’s house. Now, I’ll ask nicely one more time. Where were you at on November 27th, 2010?” Sara moved uneasily in her chair. “I was at…I was at…” “It’s okay if you feel ashamed for being there but I need to know why you where there in the first place. Please don’t lie to me.”
Sara looked away from Sondra quickly and then back again. “Alright, fine. I didn’t know her but my mother wanted to drop off a package at her house. It was filled with books and a few sweets that Linda had a favor for. When I got there her boyfriend, John, yelled at me and told me to leave or he would hurt me. I quickly gave Linda the box and left. I freaked. I called the cops not but five minutes later. I just don’t want him to hurt me!” Sara was close to tears when she finished. Sondra was used to this though.
“What was John’s last name?” Sondra used a gentler tone than earlier. “Spree. John Spree.” Sondra felt shock flitter across her face before she concealed it. She pulled out a photo of Linda. She had curly brown hair that reached her shoulders. Bright green eyes and pale. She was very pretty. John stood me up that day too, Sondra speculated. “Is this the girl you gave the package to?” She asked Sara, holding the picture out to her. Sara gasped, nodded, then started crying, sobbing.
Sondra picked up the phone and dialed Lue’s office number. He immediately picked up. “What’s the matter?” He asked urgently, hearing Sara’s sobs in the background. “Meet me in the front room. It’s urgent.” Lue agreed then hung up.
“I’ll be right back.” Sondra said gently to Sara. Sara looked up, her eyes puffy and red from crying. “I won’t be long.” Sondra promised. “I just need a quick work with Detective Lue.” Sara nodded. With that matter dealt with, Sondra left her office, closed her door, and headed toward the front room. It was two doors down from her own office.
Lue was already there, waiting. He cast Sondra a worried glance then looked away. “Lue, Sara says that John Spree was Linda’s boyfriend. That he was there when she delivered a package to her. He threatened to hurt her and she left, calling the police a few minutes later. Lue, it’s the same day when John stood me up. I waited and waited for him to show up at my house but he never came. Then you called and informed me of Linda’s death. Today he was leaving town for a month. Lue! He’s fleeing!”
“Slow down!” Lue replied. “Why do you believe this girl’s story over the other two’s?” “Because, Lue, it makes sense! Come here. We’ll go back to my office and you’ll see the girl for yourself. She’s in pieces over it.” Lue nodded and followed Sondra back to her office. Sara was still crying when they entered.
“What did John look like?” Sondra asked as she sat down behind her desk again, taking out a piece of paper and pen. “He had blue eyes, brown hair, kind of tall, and looked very strong. That’s all I was able to make out before I left…please!” she pleaded. “Don’t let him find me! I can’t bear to think of what he’d do to me if he found out that I turned him in!” “Don’t worry Sara; we won’t give away your identity. We’ll escort you home and—“NO! Not to my empty house!” “Okay, then your sisters. We’ll call you to let you know if we find him.” Sondra finished.
She gave Lue a look and he smiled. “You were right.” He replied quietly. “We’ll take my car. It’s unmarked and faster than yours.” Sondra nodded. She offered Sara’s hand. “Come on, we’ll take you to your sister’s now.”

About thirty minutes later they were driving north, toward the town John was headed to. Lue was driving. Sondra looked out her window then down at the touch screen in her hand. It was like a laptop but with out the keys attached. She fiddled around on the screen until she got to John’s files.
“Here it says that he’s just purchased a ticket to Wales. I’m not sure what town he plans on going to but it’s somewhere near I’m sure. We’ll find out when he uses his card again if he does.” Lue nodded.
“Look Sondra. Are you sure you want to do this? I mean…is it going to be hard for you to decide what’s what with John being the accused murderer?” “No. I’ll be fine. How can I like a murderer?” Lue laughed and reached over to entwine his hand in hers. He didn’t explain himself and Sondra didn’t mind. It felt nice to know that someone was there for her.
As they neared Wales, Sondra’s screen flashed red. She clicked on the notice and found that John was headed to Hay-On-Wye, Wales UK “Guess we’re going there.” Lue mused looking at the town’s name.
“I’ll email the police there so they can catch him.” Sondra replied. She freed her hand from his and started typing away:
John Spree is heading toward your city. He is accused of murdering Linda Jines and is on the run. If you see him in town arrest him please. We’re coming to collect him from there. I’ll send a picture of him so you know who to look for. He should be arriving there by taxi. If you’re able to, please send out police and detectives to look for him. Thanks, Detective Sondra and Detective Lue.
She sent the message along with a picture of John. She replaced her hand back in Lue’s before she thought about the action. “Sorry,” she said, embarrassed. She went to remove her hand but Lue squeezed it gently. “It’s okay. I don’t mind…say, when this is over how about me and you take a nice vacation away from work for a while?” “I’d like that.” Sondra answered, coloring when she thought of it. Her screen blinked red again.
Thank you for noticing us, Detectives. We’ve sent out police and hidden detectives to search for him. I’ll let you know if we find him. Detective Red.
Sondra nodded, satisfied. A few moments later her screened flashed again.
They’ve found him, Detectives. Let me know when you get here. We’ve got him under lock and key right now. He denies everything he is accused of. Detective Red.
Sondra replied that they were about five minutes away. Lue sped up the car and they arrived at the police station in about ten minutes. Sondra stowed her touch screen and got out of the car. Lue followed. They entered. Detective Red met them at the door. “He’s this way, Detectives.” They followed Red to an enclosed room. Both Lue and Sondra entered.
“Why?” Sondra demanded. “Why did you kill her? Love? Hate? What?” John laughed in her face. “Why dear, I did it for you. I love you. She was just in the way. All the girls you talk to are in the way. Well, Linda was in the way because she was a past lover of mine but she’s gone now.” He glanced at Lue then back at Sondra. “Well, I guess I have to murder men now to.”
Sondra glared at John. “Do you deny killing Linda?” “No.” “Did you kill her?” “Yes.” She called Red in and then handcuffed him. She asked if he could be shipped off to a more secure prison. Red agreed and soon John was laughing hysterically as he left the station and to the car. “I killed someone else today, Sondra.” John said as he was being lowered into the cop car. “That’s why I was late. I wanted to kill you too. I didn’t. I wish I would have.” He fixed Sondra with a cold, level gaze before the door closed and he was on his way.
Sondra sighed and fell onto the bench outside holding her head. “Hotel?” Lue asked lightly. Sondra nodded. They got back in the car and headed toward a hotel in town. Lue registered them and soon they were safely inside the warm hotel room.
Sondra took a quick shower and crawled into bed. Lue followed suit and joined her. He took her hand and kissed it. Sondra blushed and looked away. Lue pulled her face lightly around to look him in the eyes. “I’m glad John’s gone, Sondra. I love you, you know.” Sondra blushed a deep red. He brought her face close to his and kissed her. It was a while before they broke apart. Sondra was struggling to breathe. She was the first to break away.
Lue smiled at her and whispered in her ear. “You know Sondra. John didn’t kill Linda. I did.” Sondra recoiled from him. “What? But Sara…” “Yes, Sara did see John. He said he didn’t mind going to jail for a murder he didn’t do. We go back, me and John. I’ll bale him out eventually. But you came too close on our last case to finding out what started that fire. You almost found out that it was me who started it. I had to give you a false lead so you would find that nothing but a candle started it.
“Don’t look like that. The end is nearing, love. You can’t escape.” Before Sondra had time to reply he kissed her again. She didn’t want to believe him. She couldn’t believe him. A plan formed in her head. She didn’t want to, wouldn’t, die. She kissed him back until she needed air. Then she whispered, “Can I go to the bathroom real quick? My bladder is very weak as you know.” Lue smiled. “Of course.”
He let her get up and go to the bathroom. She closed the door and locked it very silently. There were no windows in the bathroom but there were vents. Just big enough for her to squeeze through. She climbed onto the sink’s counter and unscrewed the bolts and pulled the vent cover off. She climbed up and replaced the bolts back, which was not an easy task. She crawled to her right, heading away from her room. She soon reached a point where the vent dropped down a little.
She slipped down the little hill and found that she was above the hotel lobby. She quickly unscrewed the bolts and slide out of the vent system. Sondra then replaced the vent and screws back on. The lobby was empty for the moment. She grabbed her bag and coat that she’d hidden underneath a table and left the hotel smiling. She knew who really killed Linda. She just had to take the bait and wait. She called for a taxi that took her to a train station. She then took a train to Cardiff, Wales UK.
She quickly opened up Yahoo and messaged Nick, her fiancé.
I did it.
Just three simple words. She didn’t go into detail incase his account was hacked into. She put away her touch screen and waited until she got to Cardiff. Nick was waiting for her now. She said give her three months and she’d solve the murder case. Police were swarming the hotel Lue was at right now. Detective Red was impressed with Sondra’s detective work. She had informed him that the person she walked in with was going to be the real murderer of the victims they kept finding. And the person accused was going to be his sidekick.
It was all planned out from the very beginning. Sondra got a lead from a DNA test that linked Lue to the murder of Nancy Young. All the women died the same way. The train screeched to a halt. Sondra gathered her things and got off the train. She searched for Nick and soon found him. He gathered her in his arms and kissed her.
“I was so afraid that you were going to get killed.” Nick started, nervous. “It’s okay. The police are locking the two men up as we speak. Love is such a complicated emotion don’t you agree? It was easy to get the information I needed. No harm done. All I want now is to go home and get a good night’s rest. I missed you a lot while I was away. You kept me going when I thought I wasn’t going to find anything. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Nick whispered, steering them both toward his car.


Miles away from Cardiff, John Spree and Lue Lee were sentenced to life in prison for murder and attempted murder. Sondra and Nick got married two weeks after she got back from her detective mission. Detective Red nominated Sondra as Best Detective Alive. She won. Three years later, Sondra and Nick had their first child. Still deeply in love, the couple raises their child and helps solve cases that are unsolvable. Sara was awarded Services to the City for keeping her act and helping Sondra solve the case. Sondra still remembers how she felt when she was alone with Lue, vowing to never let another living soul go through what she had to go through as long as she was alive. Love, she thought on a clear September evening, is complicated. Love is the reason there is hate. Love is the reason there is life. Love is the reason jealousy exists. Love is the reason why I solve cases and save girls from a terrible future.

That is the love story of Sondra the Detective.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 23.12.2010

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