Free Do Not Go Gentle by James W. Jorgensen Page A

attachments for each case to see if we can spot any connections.”
    â€œSounds like a plan.”
    The two men worked in silence, each making notes. Jamie used paper, while Cal typed his notes into a document. After two hours with nothing but bio breaks and coffee refills, they decided they had found all they were going to find in the online files. “So whaddya think?”
    Cal rolled his neck to stretch out his muscles. “I think you’re right, partner. All of these cases are connected. The M.O. is too similar, not only the bodies, but the way in which they were disposed.”
    â€œAgreed, and I’ve found a connection between at least some of the victims.”
    â€œReally? Mine all seem to be random.”
    â€œI don’t think so. Do your victims have anything in their files about a religious cult called ‘the Disciples of Endor’?”
    Cal looked through his notes, and then did searches within each online file. After a few seconds, he sat up straight and swore. “Hell’s bells, yes. Not all of them, but in about half my cases, the investigating detectives mention of the group.”
    â€œThe others could either be truly random victims or their connection to the cult may not have been obvious to the investigators.”
    â€œRight, so we need to do a little digging into the cult and see if we can find more concrete evidence of a connection.”
“Bingo. Not only should we ask around about these guys, I think we should pay them at visit at their offices.”
    Cal shook his head. “You’re not cleared for field work, Jamie.”
    Jamie made a face. “I know, I know, but I’m seeing the doc tomorrow, and I should be ready to get back into action by Monday.”
    Cal nodded. “Okay, that works for me, except you mean Tuesday—Labor Day weekend, remember? I’ve got enough other crap to keep me busy until then.”
    â€œAnything I can do to help?” asked Jamie.
    â€œYeah, you can get up off your dead ass and get back to work.”
    â€œAh, Christ on a crippled crutch. I’ll either get better soon or I’ll kill something.”
    Cal gave his partner a serious look. “You still having headaches and fainting spells?”
    â€œYeah, some. I think I’ll be better soon. I’m only going to the doctor to keep Eileen happy.”
    â€œWell, that’s a good enough reason for me. Just get better. I don’t need to be left hanging.”
    Jamie started and gave Cal a puzzled look. “What do you mean ‘left hanging’? You don’t think I
want
to be sick do you?” he asked vehemently.
    â€œNo, no,” Cal protested. “I’m just bitching. Take it easy, Griffin.”
    â€œOkay. I’m just tired of this crap.”
    Cal stood and watched as Jamie struggled to his feet. “Well, from what I can see, you may actually need to visit the doctor. It’s been four days and you don’t look a helluva lot better, my friend.”
    â€œTake a number, Cushing. I’m getting nagged by professionals—you’re just a rank amateur.”
    Cushing laughed and walked to the door. “Got it. You need anything else before I head out? Maybe I could drop off one of my Stephen King novels?”
    â€œI’d have to be dead before I’d read any of your supernatural claptrap. You’re not my nanny. I’m just glad I could help make some headway on this case.”
    â€œMe too. Get better, pal.”
    â€œThat’s my plan.”
    After Cal left, Jamie lay back down onto the sectional.
I’m just going to rest here for a while, so I can honestly tell Eileen that I took it easy after Cal left.
    It wasn’t long before Jamie fell into a deep, but troubled sleep.
He plunged once again into the darkness from his previous nightmare. He looked around at the rifle shot sounds of the bridge disintegrating behind him. As before, Jamie turned and ran to the