SHADOW OF THE PAST

Another day, another murder. Beatrice sat on her couch watching the daily news. Her small dog, Spike, rested peacefully at her side. 

“Just a few hours ago, a shareholder of the Tomaru Corporation of Robotics was found murdered in his home along with his wife, Maria, and two children, Alex and Sofia. Authorities were promptly called by their maid, Hannah Goodwin, and arrived on the scene to investigate the incident but were unable to turn up anything that may lead to the culprit.”

Beatrice let out an exasperated groan as she stared at her ceiling and half-listened to the news report and her music as she drifted off in thought. “Just can’t catch a break in this neck of the woods,” she said to no one in particular. 

The detective rose to her feet, being careful not to disturb the sleeping pooch on her couch, and went to her refrigerator to retrieve a canned beer. She took a sip from the cold alcohol-filled beverage, not really tasting it, as she continued to think about the situation regarding these murders. 

‘First, some lowly workers a few weeks ago, now one of their Chief engineers and a shareholder. Maybe the company isn’t behind any of this but one can’t doubt that something is going on here and that they're involved somehow.’

Her phone suddenly went off, rousing her from her thoughts. She moved towards the kitchen island infront of her and retrieved it from its charger to see the name of her senior and partner flash on the screen.

“Jay,” she said in a simple greeting as she answered the phone.

“I'm guessing you’ve seen the news already,” the man spoke promptly, getting to the point. His voice came in gruff through the speaker.

“Yeah,” Beatrice responded, already having an idea as to where this conversation was going. She felt something furry brush her leg and looked down to see her furball of a dog staring up at her giving the woman an “I want food” look. She rolled her eyes and placed the phone between her left cheek and shoulder and walked to retrieve a treat from her pantry.

“Chief wants us on the scene ASAP,” Jay said. The sounds of passing cars emanating from his side of the phone indicate that he was driving. Most likely on his way to get her.

“What happened with looking into the company itself?” she questioned the man as she teased her dog a bit with the bone-shaped treat in her fingers. 

“Put it on hold for now until we look into this. He believes we might find out more information on this recent case.”

‘Yeah, right,’ Beatrice scoffed, doubting that that would be the case. “The best way we’re going to get to the bottom of this is at the source itself.”

“I agree with that sentiment,” Jay responded with a nod on his end as he rounded a corner. “But orders are orders. Apparently, this has become big enough to finally spur the company into action as well. They’ve sent one of their Auto Droids to help with the investigation.”

Beatrice frowned. “Sending a bot to help? Thanks, but no thanks”

Jay chuckled on their side of the line. “What? afraid it might outdo you,” he teased.

Beatrice held back an annoyed grunt. “Doubtful,” she responded in a dry tone. 

Jay could tell that despite her attitude she was feeling a little unease by the prospect though he opted not to press. “Anyways, be ready in fifteen; I’m coming to get you”

Beatrice gave a small grunt in acknowledgment before the call ended. She leaned back onto her counter as her mind wandered, and she began staring off into space. “I need a vacation,” she muttered to herself.

When the duo arrived, the area was already cordoned off. Medics were parked in front of the house along with two SCPD vehicles. The pair stepped out of the vehicle after parking and Beatrice squinted her eyes a bit at the light from the blazing Californian sun above. She lamented not bringing shades.

Upon walking onto the premises, they were greeted by the sight of Garfield and his prodigy.

“Howdy you two,” Garfield greeted. “Figured you’d show up to this shitfest.”

“Whatchu got for us, Sergeant,” Jay asked as he shook the man’s hand. 

“Same shit, different victims. Yet again, we’re unable to find any traces of the culprit. Whoever’s behind this is real thorough with their work.”

The two detectives entered the home with the officers. Beatrice glanced around a bit. The house was very large and decorative, fitting for a city elite. Nothing seemed damaged or out of place, so sofar there didn’t seem to be any struggle. The culprit was precise with this, as per usual. Like a viper with its prey.

“Nothing out of the maid?” she heard Jay ask Garfield. She turned back into the conversation. 

“Nothing. She wasn’t here at the time. When she came in this morning she went to check on the children and found them both dead in their beds. After the shock settled in, she rushed to alert the parents only to discover they had bit the dust as well.” Garfield sighed as they moved up the stare and down the hall towards the master bedroom. 

“The company got some advanced bot up there along with Tomaru junior.” Garfield thumbed the slightly ajar door as looks of surprise adorned both Beatrice and Jay’s faces. 

“I knew things were getting serious, but I didn’t think it would be enough to spur one of the big names into physically coming here,” Jay said in slight disbelief. 

“Yeah me neither,” Garfield responded with a shrug.

“He’s so cool,” Baughn chimed. “He just looks like a million bucks. I bet he has tons of cute girls throwing themselves at him! Oh man, why can’t I be so lucky.”

Everyone looked at the young cop with awkward expressions.

“Because you’re you, Baughn,” Garfield deadpanned. “Because you're you.”

Baughn shot an annoyed look his way. “Heeeey, what’s that supposed to mean?!”

‘This guy reminds me a lot of Max,’ Beatrice thought.

“Anyways, we’ll keep looking around and let you know if we turn up anything,” Garfield continued, ignoring his partner's antics. “You two should go on in and see what's up. Apparently Tomaru junior is expecting you two.”

Beatrice raised a brow at that as Jay nodded. Garfield sent a two-finger salute their way as he and Baughn walked off.

“What do you think he wants us for?” Beatrice asked her senior as soon as the two officers were gone. 

“Let’s find out,” Jay responded as he pushed the door open and the two stepped in.

Everything in the room seemed pristine. Almost like nothing had happened if it weren't for the two figures in body bags in the center of the room surrounded by four medics and a well-groomed man whose dark hair was pulled into a bun.

“We’ll try and see if we can get something from the autopsy, sir, but I can’t give any promises,” the pair heard one of the doctors on scene tell the man.

“I see; whatever you are able to learn, no matter how small of a detail, have your Auto Droid send the details to either my assistant or me directly,” the black-haired man responded as he placed a palm on one of the body bags.

“Of course, sir,” the doctor responded. The man stood up adjusting his glasses slightly before turning his gaze towards the two detectives. 

“Ah, you’re both here,” he said with a friendly smile as he walked towards them.

“Mr. Tomaru, I presume,” Jay asked as he stuck out his hand. The man nodded as he took it in a firm grip.

“Haru Tomaru; I’ve heard much about you two and your achievements. You must be the famous Jay Jones. It is an honor.”

“The honor is ours, sir,” Jay responded with a smile. Haru turned his gaze towards Beatrice and gave her a courteous bow. 

“And you must be his partner, Beatrice Moreau. A pleasure to meet a beauty such as you, ma’am.” He took her left hand, catching her by surprise, and placed his lips tenderly on the back of it. Her cheeks flushed ever so slightly as she pulled her hand away from him quickly.

“Yeah, cool, nice to meet you I guess,” she responded, trying to contain the slight feeling of embarrassment in her chest. 

Haru chuckled. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“So,” Jay drawled out, seeing how uncomfortable Beatrice looked. “You wanted to speak to us sir?”

“Indeed,” he responded with a curt nod. “Come with me, I wish to converse with you two in private.”

Jay nodded as Haru passed them by and left the room. Him and Beatrice exchanged questioning looks as they followed him out. “He's quite eccentric,” Beatrice muttered to him.

Jay smirked. “Smitten are we?”

Beatrice shot him an aggravated glare in response. The trio came to a table in what appeared to be the kitchen and sat. 

“What is this about, sir,” Jay asked once they were settled. The detectives noticed the tired expression on Haru’s face and could tell this whole ordeal must’ve been weighing down on him. Whatever he wanted to speak with them about must be very important.

“I want your help,” he said bluntly.

“With?” Beatrice responded as she raised a brow. 

“This situation. It’s starting to take a toll on the company. There’s been talk amongst the wind that we may have something to do with this string of murders. And of course, such rumors attract a lot of unwanted attention. To top it all off, our P.R. continues to decline which is the last thing g we want.”

He closed his eyes and rubbed his lids. His eyes were baggy and sore from lack of proper sleep these past few days. “And quite frankly, people are right to suspect us.”

This got the pair's attention. 

Haru continued. “The killer behind these murders. It’s an Auto Droid.”