**Disclaimer** All characters, real or implied, and the marvelous world they inhabit belong to the fabulous J.K. Rowling. I am just playing with them for my own amusement.

Chapter Nine

Stem the Flow

Wendy slung her book bag over her shoulder as she left the cafe. It was later than she had planned, but she had discovered that studying at the diner, with a constant supply of coffee, was quite effective for her. She had started clinical a week and a half ago and the extra studying was putting her at the top of her group.

She started walking down the darkened sidewalk toward the train station, her thoughts occupied reviewing the medications and dosages she had just finished studying. She picked up her pace as she walked, then turned down an alley, a shortcut she often took to the station. Wendy wouldn't have normally taken that route so late at night, but she was tired and had an early football practice. The quicker she got home, the sooner she could get to sleep.

Stifling a yarn, Wendy picked up her pace, then promptly tripped over something hidden by the shadows. Cursing, she picked herself up and dusted her knees. Turning to see what she had stumbled over, she gasped audibly.

Then, Wendy proceeded to scream.

Blake and Iris were a few blocks from the station when they heard the screams coming from the alley. Glancing briefly at Iris, Blake hastened his step. "Stay behind me," he practically growled at her as they entered the alley.

Wendy stood in front of them, still screaming hysterically, with the body of another woman, one who was clearly dead, at her feet.

"Wendy?" Iris exclaimed, moving to step toward her friend.

Blake put up his arm to stop her. "Iris, your friend is in shock. I need you to run as fast as you can back to the corner cafe and get help."

Iris nodded mutely, but hesitated.

"Go!" Blake insisted. "I will stay with your friend. And take this," he said, shoving a small can of pepper spray into her hand, then gently turning and pushing her back toward the street.

Iris's brain began functioning again and, gripping the pepper spray tightly, she sprinted out of the alley.

Blake turned his attention to the distressed woman in front of him. She looked familiar, but Blake was fairly certain he'd never met her before. Stepping carefully toward her, keeping his voice low and calm, he began to speak. "Wendy? Is that your name? My name is Blake. I've sent Iris to get help. You know Iris?"

As he asked the last question, he arrived at her side. He knew that she wasn't really hearing anything he had said as she was still screaming incessantly. Taking a deep breath, Blake carefully stretched out his hand a placed it on one of the girl's shoulders. Her wide eyes snapped up to meet his and she stopped screaming.

Blake began to repeat his introductions. "Wendy, my name is Blake. I've sent Iris, your friend Iris, to get help. You are safe. I won't let anything happen to you. Now, if you could just please step out to the sidewalk with me, we'll get this all sorted out."

The terrified Wendy gave her head a slight tremor, which Blake understood for a nod. He placed his other hand on her other shoulder and slowly guided her to step around the body and out to the street. Once they stepped into the orange glow from the street lamp, Wendy collapsed unto Blake and started sobbing uncontrollably. Blake wasn't used to such physical contact and had to resist the urge to push her away. Instead, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into an awkward side-hug .

Iris returned a few minutes later and rushed to her friend's side. Wendy turned easily from Blake into Iris's embrace, her cries reduced to a silent shaking with the occasional ragged sob. Iris hugged her tight, but turned her eyes to Blake. "The police are on their way. They've asked that we stay until they get here. They want to take our statements."

"That's understandable," Blake replied. Then he nodded toward Wendy. "A friend of yours?"

"Yes," Iris replied. "Her name is Wendy Hulda. She's studying nursing at the university. We met the first day of term. Actually, I bowled her over, trying to get to your office before the first lecture. I was in such a hurry, having just been informed of the schedule change, and it was as if she just appeared out of nowhere, just outside the history building." Iris knew she was babbling a bit, but since she wasn't peppering him with questions, and they were in a rather unique circumstance, she assumed the tall professor would cut her some slack.

Blake stiffened at the mention of her name. Hulda, that's why she looks familiar. Annemarie must have shown me dozens of pictures over the years. And the red hair should have been a dead giveaway, he thought wryly.

They sat in silence for a few more minutes until they heard the sound of sirens approaching. Two police cars, an ambulance, and an unmarked police vehicle all parked along the street and the officers filed unto the sidewalk.

Two of the officers, both wearing suits, approached the three people sitting on the sidewalk, while the others headed down the alley with cases of equipment and cameras. Iris watched the suited man walk closer, noting the flaming red hair of the taller one, and the thick, dark hair and the round glasses of the shorter one.

"Good evening. My name is Detective Trepot and this is my partner—," the dark haired detective began, before being abruptly cut off by his partner.

"Wendy! What… why…. are you…?" the second detective stuttered as he rushed to Wendy's side. Iris instinctively pulled Wendy closer and away from the newcomer. He quickly explained. "I'm Detective Hulda, Rhett Hulda. Wendy is my baby sister."

Iris relaxed and felt Wendy raise her head to look at the man. "Oh, Rhett!" she exclaimed, releasing Iris and standing to wrap her arms around her brother. She began sobbing again.

"Rhett, why don't you walk Wendy over to the medics, and I'll start taking statements from these two," Eric suggested. Rhett nodded and began to guide his sister to the waiting ambulance.

Both Iris and Blake stood and dusted their pants before extended their hands to the detective in turn.

"I'm Iris Raggner. Wendy is a friend of mine. We met a couple of weeks ago," Iris stated.

"And I am Professor Blake Rune. I teach history at the university."

"Nice to meet you both," Detective Trepot replied, pulling out a small notebook. He paused for a moment, glancing toward the medics with concern in his eyes, and then, shaking his head slightly, turned back to the pair in front of him. "Would you mind telling me what happened tonight?"

Blake took the lead. "Of course, Detective. Ms. Raggner and I departed the history building just past nine-thirty. As it was dark and getting late, I offered to escort her safely to her flat. We were walking here," Blake indicated to the block on which they were all standing, "toward the station, it was just past ten o'clock, when we heard Ms. Hulda screaming like a banshee from the alley. When we turned the corner, we saw her standing next to another young woman's body that was laid in the alley. I told Iris to run back to the cafe and call for help while I approached Ms. Hulda, who seemed to be in shock, and walked her away from the scene. We settled there on the sidewalk until you arrived."

"Ms. Raggner, do you have anything to add?" Detective Trepot asked, turning to the petite woman with the abundantly curly hair.

"Well, I obviously didn't see Professor Rune lead Wendy from the alley, as I had run to call for help, but I can attest that the rest of his statement is accurate and complete."

Eric nodded his understanding as he finished scribbling notes. Looking up at Iris he said, "You can go check on Wendy, if you'd like, Ms. Raggner. You might also want to get checked out. You look rather shook up yourself."

As Iris walked toward the medics to see to Wendy, another unmarked car pulled up to the scene. Blake was both relieved and disappointed to see Greenley Evaden step out of the vehicle. If he's here, then this is probably the murder I should have prevented.

"Detective Trepot?" Greenley asked as he approached, flashing his own badge to the young detective.

"Yes, sir?"

"My name is Special Agent Evaden. I heard you have a body here at this scene?"

"Yes, sir. My partner's sister stumbled over it in the alley. The forensics team is already going over the scene for evidence."

"Well, Detective Trepot, I have reason to believe this case may be linked to a serial murder case my department is working on. I'm happy to let you and your team finish up here, but everything needs to be turned over to me in the morning." Glancing over to the ambulance and seeing the other detective comforting his sister, Greenley continued, "And, with your partner being so close to a key witness, it's probably best you two are off the case, anyway. Nothing against you, Trepot."

Eric looked confused and a little upset, but acquiesced to the ranking official. "Of course not, sir. Whatever you think is best. Please let me know if there's anything my team or I can assist with."

"For starters, I'd like to speak to the gentleman here," he said, motioning to Blake. "A witness?"

"No, sir," Eric answered. "Just one of the people who came to Ms. Hulda's aid when she discovered the body."

"Nevertheless…" Greenley trailed off. "Professor Rune, would you mind stepping over here?"

"Not at all, Agent Evaden," Blake responded.

Eric was a little perplexed by the obvious familiarity between the two men, but since he'd been all but dismissed from the case, decided to turn his attentions to Rhett and Wendy.

"Blake, how did you end up here, of all places tonight?" Greenley asked.

"Ms. Raggner and I were researching and it was late when we finished. I offered to escort her home. Knowing there's a mad killer on the loose and plotting a murder for that very day caused to me feel somewhat chivalrous. We were walking to the station when we heard the girl screaming."

"And did I hear the young detective correctly? Ms. Hulda?"

"Yes," Blake answered ruefully. "Apparently the young woman who discovered the body is Bernie and Annemarie's daughter, a friend of Ms. Raggner, and the sister our young detective's partner, Detective Rhett Hulda."

Greenley let out a low whistle. "Annemarie is going to have a conniption when she finds out a couple of her kids got mixed up in this, even if it was all minor and coincidental."

"I agree. Is there any way we can keep her from finding out, at least for a few days until things settle down a bit?"

"I don't think that would be an option, Blake. She'll have our heads if she finds out we kept anything from her concerning her children."

Blake sighed, "You're right, I suppose. If you don't mind, though, I'd rather you do the honors. I have had a long day already."

"I will, but you owe me one," Greenley chuckled. "Have you talked to Ms. Raggner about the Agency yet?"

"No, I don't think the timing is quite right. We are starting to get on rather well, however, so it shouldn't be long before I think she will be ready to be shown what goes on behind the curtain."

"Sal will be quite happy to hear that. I'll make sure all the evidence from tonight makes it to your lab within a few days. Do you have a good story for how we know each other, in case Detective Trepot asks? He was looking rather curious when we began to talk."

"We tell him the truth, of course," Blake answered simply. "That I am an expert in my field and I have been called into to consult on a few of your cases. It's always best to tell the truth when at all possible, Greenley. Telling to many lies can be difficult to keep track of after a while."

Greenley nodded in agreement, then extended his hand. "Agreed. Thanks, Blake. I'll check in with you tomorrow at headquarters," he said, shaking Blake's hand and then heading back to speak with the detectives.

Blake turned toward Iris who was still sitting with the medics near the ambulance. She stood as he approached. "Professor! I thought you had left."

"On the contrary, Ms. Raggner. Agent Evaden over there," motioning to Greenley, "merely desired to have a word with me. How is your friend?"

Iris took a deep breath. "She's doing all right, I suppose. She's still a bit shook up. Having her brother here has helped a lot."

"Yes, it is lucky to have family nearby to assist in moments of crisis. Might I fulfill my previous offer to escort you home― when you're ready, of course."

Iris smiled, but then answered, "Actually, I've asked Wendy to stay with me tonight, so Detectives Hulda and Trepot will be seeing us safely delivered. She doesn't really want to stay alone, and with the detectives being roommates, she didn't feel it was appropriate at stay with them."

"And her parents?" Blake asked curious as to why Iris's flat was selected before the Hulda's residence.

Iris began with a chuckle, "Apparently can be quite suffocating in times of crisis. Not only does Wendy not want to bother her parents, but she indicated she'd rather not have to deal with her mother tonight."

I complete sympathize with that sentiment. "I see. In that case, I will bid you goodnight, Ms. Raggner. I expect to see you at lecture in the morning," Blake stated, and then he turned to walk back in the direction of the café.

Iris shook her head and laughed a bit to herself. Always the consummate professional, isn't he? She noticed Wendy and her brother moving toward the unmarked police car. Must be time to call it a night, she thought as she jogged over to them.

Detective Trepot smiled kindly as Iris approached. "Ms. Raggner, please direct us to your flat," he said as he held the door for her. Detective Hulda was helping Wendy in on the other side of the car.

"Of course, Detective," Iris replied. "Thanks," she continued, sliding into the car.

"Please, call me Eric," he said. "Any friend of a Hulda is a friend of mine."

"Well then, Eric, you may call me Iris."

Eric flashed her a smile and then walked to the driver's side door; Rhett had already settled in the passenger seat. "I'm at 1883 Bridgeway Circle in Stafford."

Eric repeated the address, then maneuvered the car unto the road. Iris kept a watchful eye on her friend as they drove out of the city. I really hope she's going to be okay after all of this, Iris thought sadly.

The drive to Stafford was quiet, with only the occasional polite question or comment passing among the car's occupants. Wendy had calmed down considerably, but was much quieter than Iris had ever seen her, sitting with a slight haunted look in her eyes.

When they reached Iris's flat, she unlocked the door to the building and ushered them all up the stairs. She then opened the door into her kitchen and they followed. Rhett had stopped to hold the door so Eric had taken Wendy's arm and led her in. Iris saw that the pale pallor Wendy's face had had in the car was now transformed to a bright tomato red to match her hair, and she then remembered that Eric was the family friend Wendy had hoped would notice her. My word, she nearly broke her neck tripping over a bloody body just a couple of hours ago, and now here she is blushing like a teenager because the man she fancies has taken her arm. She must really have it bad, Iris thought with an internal chuckle.

"Well, here we are. It doesn't look as though my flat-mate is home, so please, feel free to settle on the sofa while I just make up my bed for Wendy," Iris stated, gesturing them all toward the small living room. She walked down the hall and was surprised to find a note taped to her bedroom door.

Iris,

I'm staying with a friend tonight to study for an exam. I'll see you on campus in the morning.

Cheers!

Samara

P.S. I hope that irritable professor of yours doesn't keep you working too late tonight. But I also know that if he does, you won't really be complaining.

Iris read the note a second time and shrugged her shoulders. Well, at least I won't have to sleep on the sofa tonight, she thought. She went into her room, changed the sheets and blanket, and gathered all the books and notes she needed to finish her other assignments for the next day. She placed the books on the desk in Samara's room, then returned to the living room to retrieve Wendy.

"Everything is all ready for you. There's a bathroom attached to my room, and I've laid some clean towels and pajamas out for you."

Wendy wrapped Iris in a tight hug. "Thank you for doing this for me Iris. You're really a lifesaver." Wendy bid her brother goodnight, managed to mumble the same to Eric, then ran down the hall to Iris's room before Eric could see the deep crimson color that had started to flood her face once again.

Iris walked the men to the door. "Thanks for the ride tonight, Detectives."

Eric shook Iris hand and nodded. "Not a problem. We live to serve and protect," he said with a smile.

Iris turned and offered her hand to Rhett. He squeezed it tightly and said, "And thank you so much for looking after my sister. Please remind her give me a call tomorrow after her morning classes. Oh, and let her know I'll deal with Mum."

"I'll let her know. And really," Iris continued, "I'm happy to be able to help."

With that, the men walked down to their car and headed home. Iris heard the shower turn on in her bathroom and she began to put a pot of coffee on to brew. It's already midnight― I'm going to need all the help I can get to finish my work tonight, she thought.

Blake had arrived at his flat near campus around eleven o'clock. He knew that Sal wouldn't necessarily be pleased that he hadn't reported to headquarters, but, like Wendy, he was keen to avoid Annemarie. He and Iris had been working all evening, and between the research and his classes, he was in no mood to have to mollycoddle a hysterical mother.

He fell asleep within minutes of hitting the sheets, finally allowing his body to give into the exhaustion he had been carrying since he had begun investigating the murders.

There was a body, a woman's body, lying broken and disheveled on a long table. People sat along both sides of the table, but he couldn't see any of their faces. He kept staring at the woman's face—it was frozen in death, but the way it was contorted revealed a great pain she had been enduring. And then a laughter, a maniacal, eerie laughter floating through the air from the head of the table.

Blake woke from the nightmare with his heart racing and his sheets soaked with sweat. He ran to the bathroom and promptly retched. He had seen many dead bodies through the course of his work, but there was something different about the situation in the dream, And that laugh, he shuddered. Why was everyone just sitting there? Why was I just sitting there? Why didn't any of us help that poor woman?

Shaken from the dream, he went to retrieve a book from his case. If I can't sleep in peace, I might as well get some more research completed, he thought wearily.

Author's Notes

I was feeling inspired this week. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and the "new" characters!