Dreadnight Nursing Home

Dreadnight Nursing Home

Chief Thomas Davison (retired):

Thomas was stunned!

His cellphone had rung, interrupting his writing. Of course, the call came through just as he was reaching the peak of his latest fantasy short story, 'Memory Lane'.

Thomas was irritated at the invasion into his creative flow, and thought, "It never fails. The damn thing only rings at the worst possible time. Murphy's Law is hard at work."

The retired criminal investigator angrily flipped the phone open and almost gasped aloud when the caller ID stated 'MIKEY'. What the heck? Why was the current Governor of the State of Ohio calling him?

It didn't make sense!

Out of the six governors that Thomas had served under, Michael Vine was the only one who had disliked the former Chief. In fact, the two men had actively disliked each other.

Why in the world would Vine be calling him?

Thomas hesitated and then finally pushed a button on his cellphone. "This is Tom. How can I help you?"

A familiar voice answered anxiously. "Thomas? Is that you? Thomas, I need your help."

"Governor Vine, I am confused, sir. The last time we spoke was over seven years ago, during your first term, and you made it quite clear how you felt about me. That was right before you eliminated the Special Criminal Investigation Unit. You cut SCIU from the state budget and fired fourteen of my people without warning."

"Yes, I did do that. But I realize now that it was a mistake, Thomas. Can we meet and discuss this further? I really need you, Chief. It is critical! Please, Thomas?"

Thomas hesitated again before answering.

"Governor, before I can answer you, I would need to know what it is exactly that you want to meet about."

There was a long pause.

"Chief Davison, I am reluctant to speak about this over the phone. I would prefer we discuss this matter in person. Can you meet me at the State House at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning? I would truly appreciate it, Thomas."

"I'm afraid not, Governor. I won't meet with you unless you can give me an idea about what the topic would be."

Another even longer pause.

"Okay. I don't blame you, Thomas. I want to talk to you about temporarily coming out of retirement and helping us with this nursing home serial killer thing."

"Vine, I'm 70 years old. That's too old to be chasing down a serial killer. No thanks"

"Thomas, I need you because you are seventy. Please just come by tomorrow, and I'll tell you the details."

"I don't need to hear your details. The answer is still no! I am a writer now, not a crime solver."

"Thomas, this is personal, or I wouldn't ask. The son of a bitch killed my mother. He killed Eileen!"

"What? Eileen? I always liked and respected her, Michael. She was a great woman. Okay, look, umm... I will see you tomorrow morning. I am truly sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, Thomas. Tomorrow, then."

Click

****

The Ohio State House, Columbus, Ohio

Office of the Governor:

The Honorable Michael Vine

Thomas had set his alarm for 6:00 a.m. and took a shower. He spit-shined his best dress shoes. Put on his only tailored suit and carefully tied his silk necktie into a smooth Windsor knot.

He arrived at the underground parking tunnel and pulled up to the security gate at 7:45. A young man wearing an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper uniform approached his Jeep, holding a clipboard.

"May I help you, sir?"

"Yes, my name is Thomas Davison, and I have an 8 o'clock appointment with the governor."

The young trooper checked the paper on his clipboard.

"Yes, sir, Chief Davison. You are expected. Please park in one of those spots marked visitor to your left."

The State Highway patrolman pushed a button on his belt, and the wooden barrier arm lifted.

Another patrolman met Thomas at the Governor's private elevator and escorted him to the big man's office. The former Chief checked his watch, which read 7:55, and approached the desk outside the closed office door.

Before he could speak, the efficient-looking young woman smiled brightly at him and said, "Chief Davison, the Governor said for you to go right in the moment you arrived. He is waiting on you, sir."

Thomas hesitated.

The last time he had been inside this office, seven years ago, tempers had flared, and harsh words had been exchanged. Taking a deep breath, the retired criminal investigator rapped on the door.

He heard a muffled voice from inside the office.

"Thomas? Is that you? Please come in."

When Thomas swung open the door, he saw the Governor and another man standing beside him. Thomas recognized him immediately. It was Colonel Charles Jones, Superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol."

"Well, it's good to see you, Charlie. It has been a long time."

"Thomas! Thank God, you came. I need you on this one, buddy."

END of Chapter One