Monday, October 8, 247
At dinner, after shift
Bloody cove struck again and I'm down right furious. Tunstall could tell too because without permission, I used the torn cloth from the first attack and had Achoo chase his scent. I didn't care that out of all the Dogs in Corus, I was the one in the most danger. A criminal has to be stopped, especially after his second kill in about three days. At this rate, he could have half the mots in Corus killed within the few months that it normally takes to catch a serial killer.
Achoo raced ahead and I easily followed her. A lot of people stepped aside as I ran, watching me with delight. I got a few encouragements and a few insults like most Dogs do while under a chase. I didn't care. I just needed to catch the cove.
To my disappointment, he had used the water again. I tried my luck and crossed the Mark bridge and Achoo picked up the scent again. We ran through more parts of the city, ones not as familiar to me as others as Achoo sped into a full on sprint. She seemed to know how badly I wanted this and I thanked the stars that Pounce wasn't here lecturing me.
Rosto would've been screaming at me and calling me mad. I didn't have time to think about how upset he would be about this. He knew that I was a Dog first before a woman. I fought before I fled. I hoped that he understood that and that's why he loved me for it.
Unfortunately, the cove's scent led us back to the water and I knew then, that he had probably crossed a few times or maybe just entered the water and traveled down the stream but staying on the same part of land. I stared at Achoo and ordered her to come. We met Tunstall back at the crime scene still evaluating the bodies. Another red marked pin on my map, I noted sourly.
Again, the woman had very bright eyes and blonde hair. She was obviously scared when she had died- a stab wound to the heart. Tunstall glared at me, "Cooper, what do you think you are doing? Running off like that when clearly you are the killer's target!"
"I know, I didn't follow orders Tunstall. I was a bad Dog," I whispered although my blood was filled with anger. I wanted to chase him but I wasn't sure what I would do with the Dog/murderer once I actually got him. I feared the worst after all that had happened.
Tunstall sighed and rubbed his eyes, "You acted like a Dog, Beka. But you had me worried. You aren't invincible and Rosto can't protect you all the time." He had lowered his voice on the last line so only I could hear him.
I glared, "I take care of myself Tunstall. I don't rely on anyone." I hoped my lying skills had gotten better because I realized now how much I did need Rosto. I needed a face that didn't remind me of my job or my life as a Dog. I needed Rosto, who somehow made me feel strong as regular Beka Cooper without the gear to hide behind.
Tunstall raised a hand, catching on to my anger which has gotten worse. "Let's eat. We've been dismissed from the scene and I'm starving." My own stomach grumbled in agreement and I knew on this topic, I couldn't argue with Tunstall. A Dog has to eat after all.
We ate a light meal and then made it back to the kennel in time to get a swing of Goodwin's upset mood. "Cooper, here now!" She had barked the order in three words and that was enough to tell me not to hesitate or do anything illogical because it could get me killed with Goodwin's anger.
"Yes Sergeant Goodwin?" I bowed my head and kept my eyes off of her. She was more than her usual angry self. Then I remembered she hated when I didn't look at her so I lifted my head and tried pretending to be strong.
"How dare you chase after a criminal like that without orders from your Senior Dog? I should take away your badge and make you a Puppy again. Would you like the stripe back?" All of the bodies in the building where staring at us without trying to hide it.
"I'm sorry, Sergeant Goodwin. I thought I was doing the right thing chasing after the murderer who has killed two people in the past three days." She let out a breath of frustration because I knew I had her there. With everyone listening she couldn't say otherwise.
"I was just worried Cooper, you know me." She gave me a weak smile as she began to calm down. "Clearly, he's sending you a message. I'd pay attention and always have my guard up." I nodded my head, "Nico offered to take you home."
I sighed as the gangly, red-headed Dog I had come to call friend walked into view. "Hey Beka, how are you?" He was timid as usual, even around me. I gave a weak smile and shrugged. He seemed to light up when I smiled at him. "Are you ready to go home?"
"Yeah," I replied. We walked outside and headed back. When we reached the Dancing Dove, I was surprised when Nico led me to my old home across the street. He stared at me as I started heading towards the Dancing Dove's side entrance that only Rosto, Kora, Eskren, Phelan, Annika, and I knew about.
"Where are you going Beka?" Nico called out, staring at me. I didn't want to explain that I was living with the Rogue. Nice wouldn't approve first of all because he despised the Court and second of all, I had to keep where I was living mostly a secret."
"For a walk," I called over my shoulder, leaving Nico standing in the street.
