Seer - Chapter 4 - Kol/Nick

He definitely hadn't heard that right, his gaze automatically going to Threadgood's so his partner could confirm or deny what had been said. Threadgood was doing his best not to snort and Nick looked at the Captain, sure he would see a similar expression of disbelief or something that said that this was some sort of joke. He didn't and Kol continued speaking. “At a little after eleven on Thursday night, I closed up after an event at my book-store. I was driving home when the vision took me over. I managed to pull over before I lost sight completely.”

“Mr Barrington.....”

“He was waiting for her in her home. He's laughing inside–so much for your home being your castle. She finally spots him and screams. He smiles and tells her not to scream or struggle. She's pathetic–shaking while she nods and pretends to believe him. She's not unattractive–he's glad he waited until after her bath. It's simple to make her lie down, pushing her face away from him while he does her. He doesn't want to be distracted by her tears, doesn't want to start the final phase too soon. She's so grateful that he's not brutal and considerate enough to use protection – sobbing quietly but keeping still. Stupid smile on her face when he finishes and ties off the condom as if that's going to change things, make him act differently.

He even helps her to her feet. Such a gentleman. The first slice takes her by surprise. She obviously didn't see the knife. The look of disbelief as he slices her again – priceless. She finally shows some spirit and stumbles back. Is she going to run? Actually provide him with some entertainment? Stupid bitch–she took a swipe at him. He can feel his neck stinging where her nails have caught him. She's going to pay for that. It's not meant to be his blood that's spilt – it should be hers. She does run then and he's swiping at her – she heading towards the kitchen. Is she planning to get a knife of her own? Naughty naughty. No more slices. The knife sinks in and gets a little stuck as it catches on bone. He's annoyed now–piece of shit isn't properly sharpened.

Scarlet sprays everywhere as he stabs in deep and wrenches it free. She's still fighting–twisting and turning as she tries to get away. Her hands have made pretty patterns on the walls in lovely red. He's kind to her now, finishes her off with one final deep blow and she's still. At peace. So peaceful with the white cleanliness of the kitchen now patterned in red. Peaceful.”

It took Nick a few moments to realise Kol had finished speaking and was sat trembling in the chair. His pale skin had an unnatural tint to it, like the telling had exhausted him and his only movements were his fingers twisting against each other. Son of a bitch didn't look the murdering type but what other explanation was there?

The Captain handed Kol a glass of water whilst looking at Nick but he still had nothing to say. As confessions went it was a doozy but they did happen. So what was with the psychic bullshit?

Having finished the water, Kol resumed speaking.

“ I came to in a lay-by close to my home. A girl was knocking on the window of the car­ she gave me a cup of coffee. That’s how I made it home. Her name was Toni or something like that.”

“Wait, you're trying to say you didn't do this? Don't tell me, you're a schizophrenic or something and it was your alter ego that actually killed her?”

“I'm merely providing you with the details of my alibi-I'm fully aware that telling you all of this places me firmly on your list of suspects.”

“Damned straight it does!”

“Look, Detective Threadgood - “

“I'm Taylor, he's Threadgood.”

“Whatever.” Nick couldn't help but bristle at how dismissive Kol sounded. “I came forward to tell you in the hope that it would help.”

“If you were so hot to help, why wait so long? You could have told us before it happened if you're that good!”

“I said psychic, not clairvoyant. There is a difference.”

“This is so much bullshit-Captain, you can't seriously-”

“I've told you everything I can. I've given your Captain Cannon all of my contact details and also some other people, police departments in other cities who can vouch for me. What you choose to do with that is entirely up to you.” Kol got to his feet, standing close enough that Nick could see how finely grained his skin was, the lean column of his neck seeming to invite Nick's kiss, the sea-green eyes that were almost otherworldly in their beauty. He was still speaking but Nick wasn't hearing the words, he was just looking at that mouth and wondering if those lips were as soft as they looked. He blinked rapidly, forcing himself to pay attention.

“What do you mean, other police departments? What, you've peddled this pile of shit elsewhere?”

“Look, Detective, I didn't have to come here. And I don't have to take this from you. If you're too boneheaded to accept that there may be things out of the realm of your experience, I pity your narrow mindedness. Now, can you move out of the way please?!” It was only then that Nick realised he was blocking Kol's exit as well as seriously invading his personal space. A quick glance at Threadgood showed his partner was obviously bemused by Barrington's story but also amused by Nick's behaviour. God-damn, he was practically poking Kol with his erection and he flushed, stepping back rapidly. What the hell was going on that Barrington made him lose focus like this?

“We'll be in touch Mr Barrington. Thank you for coming in.” Captain Cannon's voice was courteous and Kol nodded before shifting around Nick and opening the door. The bright red sneakers seemed a little incongruous with the bland outfit but definitely in line with the fieriness of Kol's temper. He so obviously wasn't some weak twink in search of a Daddy and Nick found himself following the curve of that ass as Kol stomped out of the office. Psychic his aunt Mary, but he had to admit he wanted to know more about Kol, complete fruitloop or not. 

“You wanna explain that?”

“Captain, you're not seriously telling me that guy didn't just jump right to the top of our meagre selection of suspects?”

“I wasn't talking about that and you know it. Whatever, Taylor, you and Threadgood take this and make some calls. I want to know everything there is to know about Mr Barrington by the end of the day.”

Snatching the offered folder out of the Captain's hand, Nick barrelled his way out of the office, already flicking through the contents.

“If he was the killer he would have to be pretty stupid to come forward like that.” He flicked an irritated glance at Threadgood as he threw himself into his chair, a list of names and numbers in his hand.

“Maybe he wants us to think that way. Maybe he's trying to catch us off guard.” He frowned, trying to read the spidery handwriting. Looked like everything about Kol wasn't bordering on beautiful-his handwriting was atrocious.

“Then why come in? We had nothing-why bring himself to our attention?”

“How am I meant to understand how the weirdo's mind works?” He managed to decipher a full phone number and reached for the telephone.

“You better hope he's not our killer.” Mid-dial, he looked over at David, confused.

“Why?”

“I didn't think they allowed gay conjugal visits.” Threadgood was already ducking before Nick had even picked up his stapler to throw at his head, and tossing it back onto his desk he ignored his partner's snickers and finished dialling the number he had deciphered. “Seriously, I get why you're still single if that's how you treat potential partners. Not exactly good form to be herding him into a corner and humping his leg.”

“I was NOT – you know what, fuck you! No, sorry, not you Ma'am. I was talking to-forget it. Look, can I speak to Detective Abrahams please? It's about Kol Barrington.” He listened intently, frowning “No, nothing's happened to him-I just wanted to ask-yes, he seemed like a very nice-yes, his talent is amazing. Look, is Abrahams there?” He sighed as the woman at the other end of the phone finally stopped waxing lyrical about Kol and went to get Abrahams. Without looking up at his partner, he threw him the finger before grabbing a notepad and pen.