I heard the sirens before I saw them. I was cleaning Bette and Dot's tent when I first heard them. My heart thumped against my chest knowing the police had come back. Flinging back the curtain I ran into Paul who was coming out of his tent.
"They are coming for someone." I told him. I do not know how I knew but I just did. He frowned with worry. We watched everyone gather on the grounds as the multiple police cars parked into camp.
Miss Elsa came out of her tent, "Elsa Mars. We have a warrant to search the premises for evidence pertaining to the disappearance of Detective Robert Bunch." Producing her with the warrant.
'So that was his name.' My mind murmured. I had not even known his name.
"On what grounds officer?" Miss Elsa angrily asked him snatching the paper from him.
"We received an anonymous tip. We have reasons to believe he was murdered here." I stepped closer to Paul suddenly afraid, "Which one of these tents belongs to Dell Toledo?" The lead officer asked. My brow furrowed with confusion.
Miss Elsa pointed to it, "That one over there."
"Turn it upside down!" The Detective shouted to his men.
"Now wait a minute! Now what the hell is going on here?" Asking the officer in outrage.
Dell went to move but another policeman stopped him, "We only just got here a couple of days ago. We haven't done anything." He tried telling them.
"Shut your trap!" The officer snapped at him.
The policemen came out of the trailer with Desiree who was yelling, "Dell!"
"We already got an earful about what a Boy Scout you were, from Chicago PD." The lead Detective told him. I watched Elsa and Jimmy briefly glance at each other. My stomach churned, what had they done?
One of the officers came over, "Nothing in the trailer sir."
"Nobody moves a muscle until we search every tent here! Tear this place apart!" Yelling at his men and us as the men started upending every part of the the camp.
This was feeling too familiar for me. I thought I was back in Lithuania watching the Gestapo tear homes apart forcing families into the Ghettos. Instinctively I grabbed Paul's hand for comfort. We both looked down at our hands. Blushing out of embarrassment I let go.
"Sorry." Apologizing as I was turn crimson.
"No problem love, anytime." His smile was still the same but his voice sounded odd...Something else felt different as we stared into each others eyes. It felt like the rest of the world was fading away.
"Found it sir!" One of the officers shouted breaking us out of our daze. We turned our heads to see an officer dragging Meep out of his trailer in a panicked state.
"No." I breathed out. My heart gripping with fear.
"Meep Meep Meep Meep." Was all he whimpered. I wanted to run to him. To pull that officer from him and cradle him till he was no longer upset.
The officer threw something to the Detective, "It was under his bed roll."
The Detective held up a piece of shiny metal, "This is Detective Bunch's badge." He declared.
Miss Elsa was stunned, "I am shocked officer, shocked." Was all she could say.
They started dragging Meep to the police car and I took off in run towards them.
"No, no you cannot take him! He did not do anything!" I was screeching at them. I tried moving but Paul was keeping me back. They ignored my pleas and started to drive off. All I could see was Meep's scared face in the back of the police car.
I collapsed in the dust, tears streaming down my face. I looked around as saw Miss Elsa and Eve holding back Jimmy. At least I was not the only one feeling this way.
After the cloud of dust from the car slowly disappeared everything stood still for a brief minute before the ticking of life came back to us. The camp seemed to come back to life in the aftermath of Meep's arrest.
Tearing myself away from Paul I got up, ignoring his calls to me, and ran back to my trailer and locked my door. I knew what I had to do. I knew I had to try. I ran to my bed and searched under my mattress for my shoulder purse.
I took out my pouch and counted all off the money I still had. One hundred and seventy-five dollars left. Stuffing the money back into my pouch I took off Miss Ethel's apron, took the pouch and put in back into my purse.
Slinging the shoulder bag over my body I unlocked the trailer and quietly stepped outside. Peering around I did not see Paul, Eve, Jimmy, Miss Elsa. They were still gravitated towards the front of the camp. Quickly I descended the steps, jogged my way to the outskirts of the camp, taking shortcuts to get to the main road trying to be spotted as little as possible.
Once I was sure I was far enough away from the beginnings of camp I slowed down into a walk as I headed for town.
By the time I had made it to town it was already early in the afternoon. I was tired but I did not stop until I was standing outside the Jupiter Police Station.
Taking in a big breath of air and silently asking my momma for strength I stormed into the station as if I was God himself.
"Who runs this station!" Demanding of the officer behind the desk.
"That would be Chief Colquitt." The man stammered.
"Bring him to me. I need to speak with him." Lividly telling him.
But all the man behind the desk did was stare at me, mouth agape.
"Did I stutter! I asked you to bring him to me!" Snapping at him making him shoot up out of his seat back into the station.
Some moments passed before the man who had led the raid on the camp appeared.
"What can I do for you?" Chief Colquitt sweetly asked me.
Crossing my arms, "The man you just brought in, Meep, I want him released."
His face immediately turned cross, "Now Miss that monster is under arrest for murdering Detective Robert Bunch, and the murders of those other folks in town."
"Have you seen Meep?" Inquiring if he was crazy, "He weighs, maybe what...a hundred pounds and is a simple minded person. You people really think he could have kill six people? Including your Detective, one of the victims was beheaded for God's sake you really believe Meep could have done that!"
"The evidence points to him." The Chief was becoming agitated at my attitude.
"Evidence, you have a badge! Sir our camp is an open camp. Anyone could have snuck in, day or night and placed that badge in anyone's trailer. Obviously they chose Meep's. Or maybe Meep just found the badge and kept it, he likes shiny things." Explaining this to the hard headed man.
"Look that freak knows something so we are keeping him till he tells us." Sternly telling me.
"Do not call him a freak! Are you really that desperate that you will hold a man like Meep guilty for six murders? He only speaks only word! But that is what people like you do best. Find scapegoats to blame your problems on so you will not have to find the real culprits, maybe if you all were doing your jobs properly you would not have six murders and two missing persons." Screaming at him.
"That's it get the hell out of my damn station!" He roared at me.
Two men came and grabbed me trying to force me out of the station, "Do not touch me you SS kiaulės!" Screeching at them momentarily thinking I was back in the hands of the Nazi's, "I am not leaving here until I have Meep!"
"What the hell is going on here?" Someone loudly questioned. Facing the sound of the voice all the air in my body escaped in a single heartbeat. That voice. I remember that voice.
Wrestling myself out the policemen's arms I slowly stood in front of him. He was older than when I last saw him, but his eyes. I would never forget those eyes. When I first stared into them I instantly became lost in two sapphires orbs.
"It is you." Whispering to him as I remembered.
The coughs racked my body echoing the nearly empty barracks. The only ones left in here were the sickly the Resistance rescued and hid. Why did they hid me? Why would they not let me die in peace? The sickness was nearing to an end, I could feel it. Even though the end of the War was coming to a close I knew I would not live to see it.
There was talk of liberation coming soon, but I did not care.
I just wanted to die and finally be with my family again. I was so delirious I did not know what was going on. Or even if anything was real. I kept drifting in and out of consciousness. I did not know how long I had been in the barracks, or how long the camp had been abandoned by most of the SS. Fleeing to save themselves. Cowards.
Even though my hearing was heavy and muffled the noises of commotion stirred me awake. Many voices came into my hearing but I was so weak I could not even lift my head up to see what was going on. My eyes drifted closed, exhausted.
Then I felt weightless.
Finally, I am dead. Smiling to myself.
"Hold on okay honey, we are going to get you help." A man's voice spoke but it did not sound like my papa's or my uncles, and it was speaking fractured German. Slowly opening my eyes I stared into what could only be sapphires. Pure blue sapphires staring right back at me.
"What is going on?" My voice cracked. I could barely speak, but realized he could not understand me.
"It's going to be okay. The Americans are here and we are going to take everyone out of here. You don't have to be afraid anymore." His voice was smooth, it reminded me of one of aunt's silk dresses.
Only then did I realize this man was carrying me. I was not dead after all.
What could God have planned for me if I was not supposed to die here.
My eyes became weighted and I shut my eyes again.
The next time I remember really waking up I was in hospital in Germany dreaming of those eyes.
He remembered me. I could feel it. You do not forget anyone under those circumstances.
"Chief could I have a few minutes alone with this woman." Even after all these years I never learned his name.
There was a pause, "Sure." Suddenly I was following this man into a small room with a table and chairs and closed the door. He turned around to face me.
"You remember me, I can see it in your face. I can feel it." Whispering to him.
"Of course I remember you. I've never forgotten you." Quietly responding to me.
Question after question wanted to pour out of my mouth but I did not know where to start.
"How...how are you here?" He asked me.
Exhaling, "Long story short, I work with the troupe of performers on the outskirts of town. You brought one of the performers in custody, I am here to take him home. He did not kill anybody."
"The man in the bird costume?" He questioned and I responded with a nod.
"Yes Meep, I need to bring Meep home." Imploring this man who saved me once, to save another life.
The man rubbed his neck torn between what to do, "Please at least let me see him." Pleading with him.
He let out a sigh, "Fine you can see him."
There was a pause, "What is your name?" He whispered to me.
"Madalina Lekeman." I extended my hand.
He shook it, "Deputy Chief Thomas Anderson."
"It is nice to finally know the name of the man who saved me from hell." Quietly replying, "Thank you." It seemed too simple but I did not know what else to say.
Mr. Anderson awkwardly nodded and opened the door for me. I do not blame him, this was incredibly awkward for both of us. He instructed me to wait by the front desk while he went to get Meep.
I felt dizzy. Nothing in my life was as it seemed anymore. What is the coincidence that the place I settle down in has one survivor and the man who saved me from Buchenwald, who happens to work at the police station?
Fate was being a bit too obvious for me.
Moments later Mr. Anderson appeared with Meep. My heart clenched tight as I took in the sight of him. He was bloody, very bloody, his costume torn, appearing to be have beaten repeatedly.
When he saw me he ran straight to me. I dropped to my knees and embraced him tightly. He was shaking violently.
"Hush little one it is alright now, I am here. I will get you out of here." Whispering soothingly to him as I held him tighter.
"Meep meep meep meep meep." He cried to me.
"What is he doing out of the cell?" Chief Colquitt boomed at Mr. Anderson and myself.
Stepping in quick to cover Mr. Anderson, "This man has been beaten!" I shouted at him, "What are you being allowed to be done to him?" Lividly questioning him.
"He is getting what he deserves!" The Chief yelled back.
"What he deserves?" Inquiring angrily, "Are you still telling me you believe that Meep is responsible for those murders, because it is just absurd."
"Or are you so idiotic you are willing to let your supposed murder be wrongfully killed before he ever stands trial?" Smirking at him and his face steamed red.
"Get out of my station!" He once again commanded me.
I stood up, frightening Meep but I soothed him with a kiss on the head and wrapped my arm around him as he clung to my legs.
"Not. Without. Meep." Seething at him, "I will not back down. Not from you or any other crude, barbarian who blames others for their problems and thinks they can get away with it scott free." Adding, "You know that you do not have a case here Chief, not from one small, shiny piece of metal."
"She's right sir." Mr. Anderson added quietly and mentally I cheered for him standing up even in that small way.
Long moments of silence passed and passed as I stood straight and stared the Chief right in the eyes, telling him I meant business.
"Fine you want him, then you can pay the little freaks bail!" The Chief exploded with frustration.
"Then I will pay the bail." Sternly replying, "And if it not too much trouble could I please have a First Aid kit to clean up Meep." Sweetly adding with a cheery smile, just for Chief Colquitt.
More silence, "Get the lady the First Aid kit." He hissed at the man behind the desk.
"How much is the bail?" Asking as I reached for my purse.
The Chief smiled and my stomach churned, "The bail is one hundred and thirty dollars."
"One hundred and thirty dollars!" Screeching at him. That was almost everything I had.
"Well if you can't pay then I guess this freak is going back into custody." Chief Colquitt roughly yanked Meep away from my legs and he started screaming.
"No! No, no! I can pay! I can pay the bail." I cried at him. He grinned and I felt sick at the enjoyment he was getting out of this.
Sick monster!
He let go of Meep and he ran straight back and clutched back onto my legs. I buried my head down and held him close.
"It is alright my saldus. We will be out of here soon." Kissing his head once more.
The man from the desk came back with the First Aid kit and I roughly snatched it from his arms. Bending down I opened the box and took out disinfectant and started cleaning Meep's cuts.
He whimpered out in pain, "Oh I know my little Meepling, I know it hurts but I have to do it." Calmly telling him. He quieted down after that and I cleaned all of his gashes and cuts, feeling sick at to what these men let happen to someone as defenseless as Meep.
Putting the last band aid on him I smiled, "All done saldainiukas." His mood seemed to lighten as he giggled at me.
Slowly I stood up and handed the Fit over to Mr. Anderson. Our eyes locked with each others. His was full of many questions, as I am sure mine were as well. Turning away from him I opened my purse and pulled out my pouch. It was killing me to have to hand over almost everything I had.
But then I looked back at Meep and his smile towards me and I knew I would do this over and over again if I had too.
Paying all the money I grabbed Meep's hand and walked him towards the door, "Come on saldainiukas, let us go home." Grinned at him and he started laughing.
I opened the door but took one last look at Chief Colquitt, "You would have done so well in the SS." I seethed at him. I caught Mr. Anderson's eyes one more time before walking out of the station with Meep.