Into The Shadows by Aayush Borulkar (smart ebook reader txt) 📗

to live,” said Erika addressing everyone present in the room.

“Ma’am, let’s go to my cabin, as yours is not ready yet,” said Rodriguez.

“Yes, sure. After you,” replied Erika. They both walked into the cabin as everyone went back to their work.

“The crime rate in Panaji has declined quite a bit now, hasn’t it Rodriguez?” said Erika, walking around in the cabin. “But the clearance rate is quite low. Don’t you think so?” asked Erika turning towards Rodriguez.

“Yes, ma’am. But we are using all our resources in the best possible manner,” said Rodriguez brightly.

“And I can call you Rodriguez, right?” she instantly added.

“Yes, ma’am. Whatever seems fine to you,” answered Rodriguez. “After all, becoming ACP at the age of 26 back then, that’s a wonder in its self. The country is in the right hands it seems,” added Rodriguez.

“It’s been ten years to that….

Just then, Ekbote came into the cabin along with Avinash. “Jai hind, sir. We have a lead on the Parshuram case, and I am going along with Avinash to check up on it,” said Ekbote.

“He is head constable Narayan Ekbote and this is sub-inspector Avinash. Avinash is appearing for his IPS this year,” introduced Rodriguez.

“Nice. If things go well, and you clear the exam, Rodriguez might report to you, huh” chuckled Erika, which was followed by an awkward silence. “Okay, then I better get moving. I will see you guys tomorrow,” said Erika breaking the silence.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you to your car,” said Rodriguez. Ekbote and Avinash stood there as they left.

“His personality completely changed here,” said Avinash as he saw them leave. “The stern face, emotionless eyes, and an upright stance. Everything about that changed,” he added.

“Rodriguez very well knows which backs to scratch. He has been doing it for years,” said Ekbote as they stood in the office looking at the duo leave.

“Rodriguez, I will need all the homicide case files from the last five years. They should be on my table in the morning,” said Erika while getting into the car. “Let’s bring that clearance rate up. That’s the reason they posted me here in the first place,” added Erika.

“Yes ma’am, definitely,” replied Rodriguez.

The car stopped at the gate of a small house. Erika got out of the car and asked the driver to leave as she was done for the day. Then she opened the gate, which seemed pretty old as it made a screeching noise. A golden retriever came running from inside the house, and Erika kneeled to pet the dog.

“Someone was missing me, huh. Oh, you cutesy,” babbled Erika while petting him. “Okay, Milo, let’s go inside, and I’ll get you something to eat,” she added as they walked towards the house.

She entered the house and kept the keys on the counter. She pulled out some gravy and rice, heated it, put it in Milo’s bowl, and served him. She then walked towards the bedroom feeling tired. As she entered the bedroom, an old woman was sitting in a wheelchair, looking out of the window as the sun set gradually. The golden sun rays entering the room and were highlighting the freckles on the old lady’s face. Erika went and sat besides her.

“Hey Mum. How’s the day been? Did Sarika make dinner and keep it in the fridge”.

The woman just sat motionless, staring into infinity.

“Okay, so I will just get the dinner ready and come fetch you,” said Erika as she got up. Erika’s mother saw her leave the room with a straight face without saying a word.

Erika heated all the food and then again went into the room to bring her mom out. Then after dinner, Erika put her mother to bed and opened a bottle of wine. She poured herself a glass of wine and then sat on the sofa turning on the television. She just sat there sipping her white wine and watching the television with Milo sitting by her legs, and within minutes she dozed off, keeping the television on.

The clock struck six in the morning, and there was a loud noise as the doorbell rang, waking up Erika all startled. Milo who was sleeping peacefully by her legs until now, had woken up all excited and had started barking. Erika took a moment to come back to senses.

“It’s alright, Milo. It’s just the doorbell,” said Erika as she sat up on the sofa. “Who is it this early in the morning?” thought Erika to herself as she tried to look at the clock with her sleepy eyes and realized that she had dozed off on the couch without changing her clothes.

She got herself up, turned the television off, and trotted towards the door yawning. She opened the door, and to her surprise, there was no one at the door! She mumbled something in Konkani and closed the door. But within moments, there was another loud knock on the door. This time Erika pulled out her gun from the holder, which was placed on the counter. This time she opened the door swiftly, pointing the firearm outside the door. But again, to her dismay, there was no one at the door. She stepped out of the house, holding the gun, and searched the backyard and the small garden with dried flowers. She went outside the gate and looked around, but did not find anyone lurking around. But she did manage to scare a couple who was on a morning walk, horrified to see a woman swinging a gun at six in the morning. Erika immediately hid her weapon in her jeans and walked back towards her house, leaving the couple aghast.

While Erika was walking back to her house, suddenly a big heavy stone caught her eye kept on the left hand side of the entrance. She walked towards the door, swiftly picking up the heavy rock. There wasn’t anything peculiar about the rock, but there was an envelope under it. Erika threw the stone away and picked up the envelope. She checked it for any name or