Holly couldn't believe this was happening. She just finished working on the previous victim and they already had another. She knew there was a very realistic chance for killer to continue the spree, but she hoped it wouldn't be that soon. She got dressed and went to the scene. It was in the gay district. Behind the club a woman was killed. She looked like she was in the club and just went out for a moment to catch a breath or maybe make a phone call. There was some party inside and by the looks of it, she was at it. Holly put on the gloves to examine the body. Victim was just in a dress and that confirmed her theory that she got out just for a moment. It was middle of the winter and it was too cold to walk around just in a dress. Gail stood on the side and followed each move doctor made.
''Ok… Victim is biological male, same as the previous one. She was in late twenties, white and I must notice much better kept. COD blunt trauma to the head. TOD less than an hour.''
Gail took notes and watched Holly examine the victim's hand.
'' No visible traces of struggle. She didn't see the killer coming, unlike the previous one. I will check in the morgue if there is something on the body that indicates struggle, for now it looks like there was not any. Her manicure is impeccable and I don't see any tissue under it.''
She was checking out victim's hair.
'' This is her hair, there are no extensions or clipons.''
Just as she was about to move her hands out of the hair, she noticed something.
''It's the same person… Some of this girl's hair is missing.''
Gail didn't like what she was hearing.
''Ok, this is becoming serial killing… Do you think she was a prostitute as well?''
''I honestly don't know detective… This is a club. She may be the prostitute, but she also may be just there to party.''
One of the officers came with small purse they found a bit further from the body.
''Detective, this might be the victim's bag,''
Gail was handed victim's purse. Some of the rookies found it by the dumpster. She opened it and found ID Jessie Quinn. Twenty nine years old, Ottawa native. Then she found some pills and few condoms.
''Doc, you might want to take look at this?''
Holly got off the pavement and took the pills. She took them one by one and told them what they were.
''This is for the cold, this is antibiotic and these are hormones. When you find the place victim was staying or lived, you will find more of these. And maybe the name of the doctor who was in charge of the treatments. Those pills are the top of the game right now and they are not easy to find or cheap.''
Sam and Gail waited for some more information from the doctor.
''Most of the people use hormones that are injected in their bodies. There are pills of estrogen, but they have lower concentration of the hormone and they are not often absorbed in the way your body needs it. That is why many people stick to the injections.''
She took the pills and showed them to Gail and Sam.
''But these puppies are pretty new, as few months new and they are as efficient as the injections are…but they also cost pretty penny and are not covered by the insurance. So, that means that our victim is either part of the test group or she comes from money and has connections to get this.''
Gail went back to the purse and just looked at it. It was branded purse and just looking at the victim's lipstick and wallet proved her point. She had black credit cards, and pretty decent amount of cash on her.''
''Motive is not robbery gone wrong. She has all her cards and money in the wallet.''
Sam looked at Holly and Gail.
''So, what is this? Is it a hate crime? Random murder?''
He was looking at Gail and Holly hoping one of them has an idea. Holly stood silent and watched the body and Gail watched the body and surrounding had the same question on her mind and many more. Were those two women killed because of their gender identity and the fact that someone was bothered by it or there was something more?
Holly went with the body and Gail stayed with the troupes to canvas the airier some more. Unlike previous night when she was alone, tonight her partner came.
''Oh, Peck… I leave you for two days and you get us in trouble with two murders and possible serial killer…''
''What can I say. I love to make you sweat.''
''I knew you love me.''
She looked around and saw that forensic team was almost done. That meant that in a few minutes she and Sam could walk around without thinking too much about where they are stepping or what they were touching. Gail stood in the middle of the ally and looked at the buildings around it. Sam noticed her standing there and he went to see what was on her mind. He would agree with many that Peck was weird, but he knew she had a good head on her shoulders when it came to solving cases. She brought fresh pair of eyes and ideas when she became detective.
''What is it Peck?''
''Do you think there could me cameras in any of the buildings?''
''I don't know what they are… It's not impossible… After all, this club might have them too. This is VIP exit.''
''Oh, you've been here?''
''No, it's written by the door.''
''Oh, you just spoiled all the fun.''
''I'm sorry Peck.''
''Let's talk to the guests. Maybe someone knows something.''
They were questioning people for hours. Entire club was in shock over the murder. From what they gathered, Jessie was well liked and very popular girl. From few guys they found out that she partied a lot, had a lot of cash every time and she didn't have problems or beef with anyone in the club. They also learned that people didn't know much about her other than what they saw in the club. She was usually out with the same crew, but tonight they left earlier than usual and she stayed behind. They gave Sam and Gail nicknames of those people, but they had no idea where they lived or what were their real names. One of the guests suggested they come next weekend and talk to them. Sam and Gail knew they had no time to waste and that a lot could happen in a week. But also they didn't discard the idea. Diamond was pretty popular club and they were pretty sure Jessica's friends would return next week. After talking to the owner of the club, Gail suggested he publishes on the page of the club that the next Saturday would be memorial for Jessica. He agreed because he also wanted this murder solved. He knew this would be bad for business and that he had to help solve this crime. Sam asked about the cameras, but he informed them that they are not working for years now but he keeps them there to intimidate people who want to cause trouble.
After few hours of questioning, they went to the morgue to see what Holly might have for them.
''Doctor…''
''Detective, I will start to think you like it down here how much you come and visit my underworld….''
''Some say I am devil's spawn… You have to meet my mother to know how much truth is in that statement.''
''I am sure she has her moments.''
''You must meet her first and then judge…''
''I did meet her. Now, let's talk about your body…''
''My body?''
Sam was blushing a bit and two other women looked at him in disbelief. Gail hissed at him.
''Victim's Sam…''
''Oh…''
''Unlike the previous one, this one was not abused. This one was well nourished and loved as a child. Not a scratch or a bruise inconsistent with some typical childish mischiefs. She had two small scars on the knees that might be from falling in the childhood but nothing to point to abuse. This girl had it pretty good life.''
Holly moved her gaze from the body to detectives. They were both taking notes and waiting for more information from her
'' From the looks of it, she had best medical care. She was strong, healthy and I am pretty sure she was a work out freak. Her body is in shape. She did indulge some meals that are guilty pleasure. We found some shrimps and white wine in the stomach and insistent content. That looks like expensive dinner choice. Also, her makeup was a good brand, clothing was expensive. Just her shoes are about 3000 dollars.''
Gail whistled at that…
''Wow, she really was rich…''
''I would say so…''
Sam looked at Holly.
''So we either a high class escort or a trust fund baby?''
Holly didn't speak at first. She hated making guesses.
''She had time to take care of her looks, so I am guessing she had some job she needed it for… or she didn't work at all. She has the look for the modeling and it's not impossible she was doing it. Maybe people knew she was trans or it's even possible she did it without anyone knowing her true identity. She had her bottom surgery done… So it's pretty hard to know…''
Both detective nodded and noted that into their notebooks. Holly continued talking
'' Hair is hers... Natural so, whoever took the piece of it, ripped it from the scalp. I believe it was after she was dead. You have minimal bleeding…She was killed with something round… Could be a baseball bat.''
''Anything else doctor?''
''No, the rest is up to you….''
With that Gail and Sam left. They checked out the evidence bag with her ID and found the place Jessie rented. It was a nice penthouse in the very center of Toronto. They got the warrant to search the place and when they got in Gail spent a moment at the door looking around and memorizing the details in the living room. . She took her phone and called Holly.
''Detective, long time…''
''We found the place… This chick really lived pretty big… But she was a rich kid, not an escort. Her daddy is owner of a big multimillion company…drug company… His name is Harrold Quinn and he is CEO of Liberty drugs''
To say Holly was surprised was an understatement.
''Wow! That is huge. He is really big deal in the industry. He makes drug we found on Jessica. Now we know how she got it. Not that the money would be an issue for her.''
''Did you tell the parents?''
''No, we haven't. Mayor said he will do it and then he would inform us about when her father could see me and Sam. They are out of country at the time. ''
''Good luck with informing the parents of their child's death…''
''Yes, that is the news no one wants to hear… Part of me is happy that I don't have to do it. I hate telling people about the death of someone they loved.'' ''I know… I know…''
''Talk to you later doc…''
''Sure… Maybe by then I could tell you about the blood work…''
''Ok... We might need more pointers… I am going back to her place. One of her best fiends is coming. I will check with her if something is missing from the apartment and hear what she thinks might happened.''
When best friend showed up, Gail was not ready for that much crying and someone falling apart as she did. Her name was Lexi and she grew up with Jessie.
''I met her as Jason. We were three years old when we started our friendship. My dad and her dad worked together for years.''
''And they are not working now?''
''No, my dad died few years ago, he had heart problems, and mom sold his share of the company to Jessica's dad. She was not into being his partner and she was not very educated about being in charge of pharmaceutical companies. She was a model in her days and after she married my dad, she didn't work anymore. She trusted Jessica's dad and that is why she sold the company. He paid my mom well and she invested into fashion business and she lives pretty well of it. Our families are still friends and there are no hard feelings about things.''
''So, tell me about Jessica…''
''What do you want to know?''
''Let's start with what you think is important. Let's talk about people she dated…boyfriends/ girlfriends… Her parents… How did her transition happen? Were people ok with it? Did she have problems because of it? Was she in danger at some point? Did she mention someone threatening her? Things like that.''
Lexi took a moment to think about what Gail asked her.
''Jason came out to his parents pretty early. I think he was five or six. They didn't take it seriously. He had two older sisters and his parents believed he wanted to be a girl to copy them. It took some time for them to take him seriously. I think that happened around his twelfth birthday. They didn't react badly. He was not hurt, disowned or anything, but I think it took them a moment to really accept it and since they did, Jason was slowly becoming Jessica. By the time the high school started, he was going to school as a girl. They legally changed his name to Alex, since it was gender neutral and Alexander was his middle name…so Alex was not that foreign for him. It took years for laws to change so he could become Jessica, as was intended the first time he came out. School was pretty liberal and they allowed Jessica to go to school looking as a girl. She was lucky to have dad who is rich and well connected. She got on hormone blockers and best drugs as soon as she could. Even before them, she was very feminine. Many students at school had no idea Jessica was a boy. She was not really bullied at school because the staff feared her dad and his connections. Kids also feared him, so no one was really brave to say something. She had her surgery when she graduated high school and she had few smaller interventions on her face during college. When she turned eighteen, she changed her name into Jessica and now in all of the documents she has she is listed as a woman. When it comes to her dating life, there is not much to say. She was not the one to commit. Well, that is not true. She had a boyfriend, but it ended pretty suddenly and badly. He killed himself when they were seventeen and since then she never recovered. She has lovers here or there, but nothing serious. She is seeing both men and women, so it's pretty big pool of people. She meets them online, in the club, dating apps. If you have her phone, you would be able to trace it. I honestly lost count.''
Gail could relate to people losing count. It was same with her. She lost count with how many people she was.
''You mentioned threats… From what I know, she didn't have anyone who made her feel like she is in danger. As you see, this building has security and cameras everywhere.''
''We will check the footage of previous few days. Do you think it's possible that some of her lovers felt betrayed because she hid who she was and choose to hurt her?''
'' I am not sure how many people really knew she was not born as a woman. You saw her detective, would you have guessed if you didn't know?''
Gail just nodded as she was agreeing with her.
'' I don't think so… Work done on her and the way she took care of herself made her one of the most beautiful women I've ever met. After her transition happened and she looked as a women even naked, she never spoke of her past and ''dark secret''. Every person she met or was with, met her as a woman and had sex with her as one.''
Lexi took some water and continued speaking.
''To be honest, I don't think she talked about it to anyone in years…like that part of her past was erased by the genital surgery….like Jason never existed.''
Gail gave her the card with her numbers.
''If you find something or remember it, please call me.''
''I will, but think I told you everything.''
''Thank you Lexi.''
Few hours later Gail showed up at Holly's office…
''A drink… I need a drink…A big one…''
''I can't help with that. Here I only have alcohol for medical purposes.''
''I can work with finding the one we can drink...''
''We?''
''Yes, join me for a drink. I owe you a story from the victim's best friend.''
''I am not sure…It's getting late. I haven't slept much.''
''Come on doctor. You and I know we had a crappy day. We need to wash it away with some tequila.''
''Just one drink detective. I have to get home sometime…''
''Are you married?''
''No….''
''Boyfriend?''
''No…''
''Girlfriend?''
''Not at the time…''
Gail smiled at doctor…
''So you are actually not in the rush to get home. No excuses doctor.''
''Detective, the fact that I am single and living alone has nothing to do with the time I leave my house or go back to it. I honestly need some rest and alone time.''
''This case is getting to you?''
''Many cases are detective, but the fact I can have my glass of wine and silence at home really helps decompress and clear my mind from horrors I see…at least for few hours.''
''Fine, just one drink and you are free to go.''
Holly changed and went back to the office where Gail was waiting.
''Let's go detective.''
They arrived at the Penny and Gail went to get their drinks. Holly found a table and waited for the other woman to come with their drinks. Gail put their beers on the table and took a seat across from Holly…
''So, no girlfriend? How come?''
''Well, as you know… this job is not really something that is helpful when it comes to having dating life. I get weird calls in the middle of the night that a body was found and I must admit that sometimes I leave files and pictures of a lot of yucky things on the dining room table… Normal people don't like it.''
''Fuck normal people! They are boring.''
''Maybe, but I get it.''
Gail took some more of the beer.
''Oh, than we need to change that…''
''We? It?''
''I can't find boyfriend for me, but I'll find a girl for you. I like you for some reason…You are weird…but like sexy librarian macabre weird.''
Holly smirked at that comment.
''What did I get myself into?''
''Don't worry… You'll be fine…''
''And we both know that is a lie Peck…''
They had one more drink and after it Holly went home. Gail stayed with some officers and detectives Holly saw passing in the lab. They looked to her as a tight bunch. She smiled at the sight of Gail trying to avoid being hugged by a very perky redhead officer.
Holly got home and got ready for bed. It took her a very long time to fall asleep and she was very happy that she didn't get the call in the middle of the night informing her that there was another body. In the morning she got ready and went back to work to try to figure out something more about two victims they had. She was supposed to get full tox screen on them and maybe there was something there that could help explain the murders and give some link to the victims, other than the person who did it.
After drinks at Penny, Gail went back to the place where first murder took place. She made sure to get some food to give to the homeless man that found the body and she had some extra in case he was not alone. During her time as a patrol officer, she learned from Oliver that homeless are often best witnesses you may get because they know their streets and notice people who are good to them or not so good. She found her man at his usual spot. She offered him a bag of food and he took it.
''You came back pretty detective.''
''Yes, I wanted to talk to you some more about the murder that happened.''
''I didn't do it.''
''I know… But maybe you know something that might help us know who did.''
''I can try to help… Stacy was a good one.''
''Stacy?''
''Yes, the murdered girl… Well, boy-girl.''
Gail took a note of the name. Now she had the name she could go with to the vice and look for more about the victim.
''How long do you know her?''
''She was working this corner for few years now. When she first came, she was just a boy with a pretty wig and as time went by and she had more money on her, she started looking more like a girl… At first, she would come here during the day dressed as a boy. She would bring us some food, some clothes… She was always good to us. We didn't care she was a boy-girl.''
''Did someone else care?''
Guy looked at Gail and pointed his finger at other women working the corner.
''Look at them pretty lady…. They are all like Stacy… And this is the corner where costumers come for that kind of ''entertainment.'' A bid down the street you have girls who look like boys… Each to their own…''
''So, customers knew who they were?''
''Yes, you don't wonder here by mistake. Who comes here, they know what they came for.''
''Ok.''
Gail also asked about the costumers and he told her that he didn't notice anyone or anything unusual. He didn't hear the girls talking about someone who made them feel unsafe or something like that. What caught Gail's attention was the fact that Stacy wanted off the streets. He said she still worked them, but less than before. She told him that she had a new job, but didn't speak much about it. Also he had no idea where Stacy lived. He told her to ask the girls.
When Gail got to them, all of them were pretty tight lipped. They didn't want to talk and some of them told her to leave them alone because she was bad for their business.
''If you don't help me, you might be next. All of you are in danger. It looks like you fit the profile of the victims pretty well.''
They showed her knives and other things they had on them.
''If that bastard comes at us.''
''I hope you would have enough money to use it on him. Woman that was killed after Stacy didn't see him coming.''
That got their attention.
''We don't talk to cops.''
''I am not here to arrest you or lecture you on your life choices. I am here to ask you some questions that would help me solve the murder and leave you with at least one less idiot to deal with. I know that prostitutes are an easy target… Prostitutes like you are especially easy.''
One of the girls got defensive.
''What do you mean that we are especially easy?!''
''My guess is that many of you don't speak to your families and don't live with them anymore. Only family you have are each other and maybe someone else you are not related to. Your support net are each other…and if one of you is missing or comes back from the job injured in some way, none of you will report it to the police or say anything to each other also. That makes you easy targets. I am not stupid. You hate cops. I am sure many of you have reason for it, even before you started working the streets. Some of the officers are pigs, and I am sure I wouldn't step forward with any info if I were you. I will give you my card. You can come to the station or call me if you need something or remember. It may not be closely related to the case, but now even breadcrumbs of the evidence are meaningful.''
''Why do you care lady?''
''Because no one deserves to die that way. From what I heard, Stacy was a good person who helped the others and took care of the ones that needed her. She didn't deserve to be killed in the way it happened. I believe none of you deserves death just because you are different.''
They didn't respond to her but just nodded. Gail left them and went back home. She spent the night thinking about the murders and what might have linked poor black prostitute and rich white girl.
Gail stood in front of the murder board when her mother came.
''Abigail…''
''Mother…''
''I see you are working those two murders.''
''And I am guessing you approve just because the second victim is a Quinn and that means media attention and a lot of money.''
''I can't believe you sometimes… I don't know where do you get those ideas from.''
''Hm… Let me see… Living with you mother…''
Superintendant Peck just gave her a look and Gail stopped talking.
''Why are you here mother?''
''Tomorrow evening I am expecting you to come for dinner.''
''Why?''
''Because we have some guests. ''
''Are you setting me up again?''
''No, I am not.''
''Than what is the catch?''
''The catch?''
''Well, if it is not setup, why do I have to come?''
''Because your father is getting commendation… is that enough reason to come and celebrate?''
''Fine. When should I be there?''
''Six.''
''See you tomorrow mom.''
As expected, house was filled with million Peck family members and few friends. She was not surprised to see James' parents there. During the years after his death, she didn't speak with them much. She avoided them after they told her to forget him and said a lot of bad things about him. She said hi to everyone and later she moved to the back of the room and just sat by the window. From that place, she had the view to James' window. She was remembering all the times they spent there and how happy they were. She really missed him. Someone put their hand to her shoulder and ended her walk down the memory lane. It was James' mom.
''Hello Gail… I haven't seen you for a very long time.''
''I was busy with work Mrs. S. I became a detective and I have so much work.''
''Work is not everything. It's time to start a family.''
''I am not interested in that right now. I have so much on my plate.''
''Don't wait for too long. When the time comes, I have few nice young men to introduce you to. Some of my husband's cousins saw your picture and asked about you.''
Gail was silent for a moment.
''Mrs. S.. Can I ask you something?''
''Sure honey…''
''Can you take me to his grave.''
Suddenly her face turned to stone.
''Leave it behind you Gail… It's been twelve years.''
''I know, but I want to know.''
''He has no grave. And if he does, I don't know where it is and don't want to know.''
And with that she left. Gail picked up her things and left the house unnoticed. She took her phone and called Holly. Holly was surprised to hear from Gail.''Do we have another body?''
''No, but I might commit a murder if you don't meet me for drink.''
Holly smirked.
''What happened detective? Bootie call gone wrong?''
''No, family gathering.''
''Oh, that is serious… Penny?''
''I'll be there in ten.''
''See you doc.''
Holly showed up and found Gail already sitting at the table with their drinks.
''Sorry I am late. One of the interns mixed up some reports.''
''Is he alive? I might have to arrest you if you killed him.''
''Oh, I am very honored you want to see me in handcuffs, but I must disappoint you and tell you he is very much alive.''
''Bummer.''
''I know… So tell me what's up Peck?''
''It will be a long night if I start telling you about myself.''
''Good thing I am off for the weekend.''
''Ok, you asked for it nerd.''
Gail talked about her family, her mom forcing her to be a cop, bad luck with men and all the crappy thing she did in her life. They were deep in Jack and cokes and they were both tipsy if not drunk. After each drink, Gail's walls were down one by one and she was telling Holly things she never told anyone. There was something about the other woman that made her feel safe. Gail noticed that Holly spent most of the evening silent, and studying her…
''What?''
''Nothing… You are just the same as always… Witty, sarcastic and deeply hurt and unhappy.''
''We met?''
''Long time ago… But I will let you remember me Peck…''
And with that Holly left…
Gail spent entire night and following day trying to figure out how she met Holly and when did that happen. She had no idea. And then she remembered working the case undercover in the lesbian bar. She now knew Holly was a lesbian and that's the connection she made. She had to flirt with some girls to keep the appearances and now she was waiting for the next encounter with the doctor to tell her that now she knows. She was so proud of herself. Ha! I got you Holly!
Few days later she was in the morgue looking for Holly. She barged into her office and found her with a bunch of pills in front of her.
''Do I have to arrest you?''
''No, prescription ones and vitamins… Sorry detective…''
''So many?''
''I have to…''
''What is all that?''
''My meds…''
''When you say it like that it sounds like you are crazy person that has to be kept on meds…''
Holly smiled…
''What brings you to the underworld?''
''Ha! I know how I know you….''
Holly was getting pail…
''Gay bar… Few years ago… I was undercover and I flirted with you…''
Color was back into Holly's face…
''Cold detective… I just got here few months ago…And before that, I was not in Toronto for over a decade.''
''Darn!''
''More luck next time detective…''
They spent weeks like that. Gail would just barge in and spit her guess. Holly would laugh and tell her no and Gail would come next time with even crazier ideas.
Gail showed up at Holly's office with lunch for them. Holly was very happy to see the other woman and even more happy to see her favorite order from the Chinese restaurant they often went to. They washed their hands and moved to the sofa in the corner to eat. Holly noticed that Gail was looking at her and again having some crazy idea how they met.
''Holiday in Greece!''
''No… But I must say I never pegged you as a Greece girl… Wine, olives and naked statues…''
''Don't judge… I had to go there…''
''Why?''
''If you want that story, you will have to get me really drunk… Really drunk.''
''Like the last time?''
''No, even more drunk… Close to passing out.''
''Oh….''
''Yes, and if I ever tell you that, consider yourself my very important person…''
Holly smiled…
''Why?''
''I don't talk about some parts of my life…''
''We all have secrets and bad memories detective…''
''That we do doctor…''
Gail was at the door…
''Want to grab a dinner after work?''
Holly wanted to tease Gail a bit.
''Are you asking me on a date detective?''
''You'll never know…''
''I am finishing at four. Is seven ok?''
''Sure… Where do you want to go doctor?''
''Why don't we meet somewhere?''
''Or I could pick you up?''
Holly took a deep breath and wrote down the address.
''Fancy…''
''What can I say… That's the way I roll…''
''No gangster talk for you nerd…''
Holly smiled at her.
''See you detective…''
Dinner went fine. They went to French restaurant and Holly got Gail to try some new dishes. At first she didn't want to eat things Holly suggested but after some time she gave up and tried them. As Holly predicted, she loved them but Gail being her usual pain in the ass took time to admit how much she loved the food. They had few glasses of red wine and Holly was nervous and babbling about the way this wine was made. Gail found it entertaining. Gail realized she really liked spending time with Holly and that their dinners and drinks looked more and more like dates…and she didn't mind it. She finally felt comfortable with someone and ready to let someone new in.
Getting closer to Holly had its down side. She started falling for the woman and at the same time dreaming of her late ex-boyfriend. She and Holly were meeting for an early morning coffee. Gail slept very badly because she dreamt of James again. Holly got to the café and found Gail.
''Rough night? Care to share detective?''
''Not in a way you think…''
''Oh, that sounds bad…''
''Have you ever lost someone you love very much?''
''In a way, but it was my fault…''
''What happened Holly?''
''It doesn't matter… We are talking about you…''
''Nice way to get away from answering the question.''
''I don't like to talk about myself…''
''Neither do I…''
''I am having dreams of someone…''
''Ok, someone you know?''
''Yes, my ex-boyfriend. He died… At least that is what his parents are saying.''
Holly didn't know what to say. She didn't dare to start the conversation about it…
''Holly, they never found him… That leaves a bit of hope….''
''Gail, what did his parents say?''
''Not much. They called him deviant, fagg and said they are glad he is dead and that I should forget about him.…''
Holly looked angry now…
''I am thinking about trying to find out what happened to him. He went to Montreal and next thing I know, he is dead and his parents say they didn't burry him. What if he is alive Holly?''
''Maybe you should let it rest Gail…''
''I have to know what happened to him… What if he is somewhere alive?''
''Maybe he didn't want to be found… ''
''I need to find him and close that chapter.''
''Why? Do you still have feelings for him?''
Gail could see that something was bothering Holly about this conversation. She took Holly's hand and laced their fingers.
''It's not like that. He was my first love… and in a way you never forget your first love… But this is not about getting back together. It's about hearing from him what happened and why his mom and dad said those things about him. In all honesty, if I learn that he left me and cut me off because he was gay and didn't want to hurt me, I think I wouldn't be angry at him. Maybe we would have a chance to be friends. I miss his presence in my life. Aside from being my lover, he was my only friend. I wouldn't mind getting the friendship part back.''
Holly had no idea what was appropriate to say at that moment, but she understood what Gail wanted to say. It was ok to miss him and miss the closeness of someone who knew you better than you knew yourself.
''Funny thing is that you have the same last name…Are you related?''
There was short silence…
''Why do you expect if you ever find him?''
''A part of me died with him Holly… The day he went, one huge part of me went with him. I never talked to anyone about the things we talked about. I couldn't open up to any other person…I am not easy…''
''From what I heard, that's not the thing…You have quite the reputation….''
Gail smiled…
''I am not talking about sex…''
''I know…''
''I wish I knew why he left me…''
''Maybe he had to…''
They kept having dinners and drinks and Gail kept opening up to Holly and telling her things about herself. Instead of usual buildup of the conversation where two sides exchange stories and experiences, their conversations consisted of Gail talking and Holly keeping quiet…
She never talked about anything prior to her college years and even then she didn't give too much information. That was the earliest memory she would offer to Gail. She didn't like to talk about childhood and teen years. Gail tried to get her to talk but each of her attempts was stopped. That woman had bigger walls than Gail ever imagined. One night Gail came to her door in the middle of the night. She was a bit drunk and she banged Holly's door like crazy. Holly opened and was surprised to see Gail that drunk…
''Why Holly?''
''What?''
''Why do you hide from me? I told you about things… My secrets and you never talk about yourself… WHY?''
''Come in Gail before someone calls the cops…''
Holly got her into her apartment and placed her on the sofa.
''I don't have much to say. I didn't have good childhood Gail…''
''Why?''
''Because my parents were not nice and gentle people. You talk trash about your mom, but at least she was there for her when you needed her.''
''You don't know that!''
''I do Gail…''
''No, you don't… I was pretty much alone…''
''She bailed you out when you broke the window of that small shop.''
Gail jumped…
''How do you know that?''
''I told you we met long time ago…''
''I must have been very drunk…''
Holly smiled…
''Gail, I am not ready to talk about myself. It's just that I want to leave past behind me and not dig through it… I want to keep it behind.''
''What happened?''
''A lot Gail… But in one word… Life… Life happened…''
Holly's eyes were wet. Gail touched her face and placed a kiss on Holly's lips.
''I have no idea what is happening to me… But I just had to do that…''
''You are drunk Gail…''
''No, I wanted to do it sober too…''
''You did?''
''Yes, there is something about you Holly… Like… I don't know… I have feeling that…It's stupid…''
''No, tell me…''
''I've kissed you before… I feel like I know your lips…''
Holly smiled…
''You did kiss me before…''
''And it was not at the bar?''
''No, not in a gay bar Gail…''
''Ok. Now I have no idea when we kissed…''
''You'll remember…''
''Did I kiss you more than once?''
''Yes…''
''Ok. Now I am confused…''
''It's ok…''
They kissed again and Holly broke the kiss.
''Gail, this is not a good idea…''
''Why?''
''Because…You don't date women.''
''That is true… But you are not a woman.''
Now Holly looked at her confused and very anxious…
''You are Holly… You are my extremely hot, funny nerd…and I want to be with you. Maybe I am not ready for everyone to know, but I really want to be with you. You make me feel things… You make me feel things I forgot I could feel.''
''This is not a good idea Gail… There are so many things you don't know about me.''
''You said we all have past and secrets.''
''I did…''
''I don't care Holly…''
''I think that you would if you knew.''
''Then tell me.''
''Not tonight… When you are sober… One night when we have weekend free… We will talk then…''
''Ok…''
Gail kissed her again. It was just a peck but it meant to Holly a lot.
''I don't know what your secret is, but I want you to know I am not going anywhere.''
''We'll see Gail.''
Holly went to the kitchen to get Gail some water and aspirin and when she got back, Gail was asleep on her sofa. She covered her and stroked her face and hair.
''I am not sure if you would stay if you knew… I am so sorry Gail.''
In next two weeks Holly and Gail started dating…in a way… Since it was new territory to Gail to be with a woman, they were going super slow. They would have lunch together when Gail would bring her some food and after work, Holly went with her to Penny. Gail tried to get Holly to kiss her again, but doctor was very firm that there will be no kissing until the talk they were supposed to have.
Holly and few officers were sitting in Gail's apartment going through the files and trying to get the connection. Finally, Chloe found something.
'' I think I know what connects those two.''
They all looked at her.
''They all had the same endocrinologist. Her name was Edna Bell.''
Holly froze when she heard the name. Chloe took her laptop and googled the doctor.
'' By the things I found on her, she is really good at her work and her patients were happy with her.''
Chris had few questions.
''Are we thinking that doctors are somehow involved?''
Holly was surprised by the question, but found it very good. Gail was thinking and Sam believed she was not important. Gail spoke…
''We should get warrant to get her patients list.''
Suddenly Holly got involved.
''No! Gail, that's private…''
''Holly, many other people are at risk…''
''I know, but her lists are private. You can't just invade people's privacy…''
''What is this all about Holly? You became very nervous when we mentioned her and Montreal.''
''I have to go…''
''NO! Holly, what is going on?''
''Nothing…''
''Holly, stop right now! Where are you running? What are you running from?''
''I believe in privacy Gail… I will not participate in something like that. These patients deserve their names and identities to remain secret.''
''Why do you care?''
''Because I… I simply do…''
''Holly, talk to me… Please, tell me what is going on?!''
''I will someday…''
''I'm tired of that excuse…''
''Gail…''
Chris went outside of the apartment and called them back.
''Pizza is out of the oven… Let's go doc… You made it, let's have it together…''
Holly came back, but there was some tension between her and Gail. After pizza, they were all a bit tipsy… and started playing truth and dare. Gail made few comments about Holly never telling the truth and Holly mumbled that the truth sometimes can hurt more than a lie. But she accepted to play… Chris was first to ask questions…
''Holly, truth or dare?''
''Truth…''
''Tell us about your first kiss…''
Holly looked at the people around the table and still angry at her Gail. She had her famous pout and freezing eyes.
It's now or never…
''My first kiss…Hm…''
Chris and Sam were very curious. Even more after they found out she was gay…
''Come on Holly, we all want to know…''
''It was summer… I was sixteen and the girl I liked was fifteen. We moved from Ottawa to Toronto for my dad's job. She lived in a house across from her and two of us would often walk back home from school. Her mom liked me very much because I was a nerd…and she hoped I would be a good influence on her rebel daughter… So, back to the kiss… It was sixteenth of august, hot summer afternoon and her parents made big garden party. She was not happy about the guests, so she hid in the garden. She was sitting in a swing in a baby blue dress and her long blond hair was down with a blue bow in the hair. She looked sad and I sat beside her and kissed her. It took me so much courage to do it. I liked her from the day we met, but I never imagined se would like me back… I was surprised when she didn't slap me, but kissed back. I stole a flower for her…a Lilly…''
Gail sat frozen for a moment or two. She looked at the floor and her face was serious and very pained. Others didn't notice because they were too invested in the story of Holly kissing the girl. Suddenly Gail got off the chair and looked at her…
''Get your things . We are going for a ride…''
Holly took a deep breath and nodded. She got her things and followed Gail…
''See you all…''
Gail stood in front of Holly's car… Her expression was even more pained than it was in the apartment.
''You are going to take me to the house you grew up in…''
''Gail…''
''Holly… I'm tired of all the secrets… Just do it…''
Holly got to the driver's seat and drove to her old house. Gail was getting chills when she realized they were in her neighborhood.
''No! NO! NO! Please tell me it's not true…''
Holly stopped the car in front of Gail's house… and pointed with the finger to the house across the street.
''This was my house and that was the window of my bedroom… Just across from yours.''
Gail looked at two familiar houses and at the person next to her.
''You are him? That is why you were against me trying to find out what happened. You watched me fall apart and cry over you and you just sat and said nothing… I can't believe you…''
''I'm sorry Gail…''
Gail took her time with speaking. She just sat in silence for some time…
