NOVEL WEB Chapter 54: Chapter 54: The Real Officer Eddie
Chapter 54: The Real Officer Eddie
Frank turned his head to see Lip watching the news on TV, where Officer Eddie's face was prominently displayed. The news of Officer Eddie's murder had hit the airwaves, a major story since a police officer being killed is a serious matter.
Frank quickly grabbed the remote to increase the volume, focusing on the report. The news confirmed Eddie's death and mentioned two suspects, though there were no actual photos, just silhouettes. A reward was offered for any information leading to their capture.
Frank and Dean had left no evidence at the scene. The police found no clues on Eddie's body or in the dimly lit area without surveillance cameras. The only lead was from Tony, who had seen two figures near Eddie's body before they fled, leading the police to suspect two perpetrators.
Despite the massive police effort to catch the culprits, Frank felt relieved. He and Dean were in the clear for now.
When the kids left for school, Dean arrived at Frank's house. Frank, Dean, and John regrouped to discuss the events of the previous night.
"From what the shapeshifter said, Eddie might still be alive, hidden somewhere. We need to find him," Frank said.
They decided to split up to search for the real Officer Eddie. John's robust constitution meant his injuries didn't hinder him, so he also joined the search.
"Oh, and here's your notebook," Frank said, handing back the notebook he'd retrieved from Carl.
"Thank you," John replied, opening it to touch a photo inside—a picture of a woman, likely his late wife.
After leaving the house, Frank didn't immediately join the search. Instead, he went to Sheila's home.
"Frank, why did this have to happen?" Sheila cried, hugging him tightly.
The police had visited early to inform Sheila of Eddie's death. Despite her anger at Eddie for calling Karen a derogatory name, their relationship wasn't entirely devoid of feelings. They had shared a home and raised a child together for over a decade.
Even a pet would foster attachment after so long, let alone a human being. Six months ago, their marriage was still barely holding together, and the sudden news of Eddie's death was difficult for Sheila to process.
In contrast, Karen appeared unfazed, even slightly relieved. The incident at the Purity Ball had filled her with hatred for Eddie.
"Take good care of your mom," Frank said, comforting Sheila before leaving her room quietly. He had to find the real Eddie.
"Frank, will you marry my mom?" Karen asked.
If Frank married Sheila, Karen would become his legal daughter, albeit as an adopted one.
"Uh, I'm already married," Frank said, caught off guard by the question.
"I know. Lip told me you married Monica, but she abandoned you and the kids," Karen said.
"But we're still legally married. We haven't divorced," Frank replied.
"You could divorce and marry my mom. There's no one stopping you now," Karen insisted.
"That's not something you need to worry about. Take care of your mom," Frank said, ruffling Karen's hair before leaving.
"Wait," Karen stopped him.
"What is it?" Frank asked.
"There's a parent-teacher meeting tonight," Karen said hesitantly.
Parent-teacher meetings required a parent's presence. With Eddie dead and Sheila unable to leave the house, Karen felt uneasy. Her classmates' parents would be there, and she didn't want to be the only one without a parent present.
"Don't worry, I'll go to the meeting," Frank assured her gently.
Searching for Eddie only required checking a few locations, not scouring the entire city. The shapeshifter needed Eddie alive to lure Frank, so Eddie had to be nearby, probably in the Southside where the shapeshifter operated.
To ensure Eddie wasn't found, the shapeshifter would have hidden him in a secluded place. The Southside was full of such spots, making the search challenging.
By afternoon, Frank and the others found Eddie, cuffed but alive.
Once free, Eddie, shivering in his coat, devoured a burger and hotdog.
"Thank you, Frank," Eddie said sincerely, sipping a hot drink. He had feared he wouldn't survive.
"This must be the skin the shapeshifter shed when it transformed," John and Dean examined a puddle of viscous liquid resembling vomit, remnants of the shapeshifter's discarded disguise. Ears, eyebrows, and other features were faintly visible within.
"What happened to the creature?" Eddie asked.
"It's dead. I killed it," Frank said.
"You killed it!?" Eddie was stunned.
"You should worry more about other things than that monster," Frank said.
"I'm dead!?" Eddie exclaimed, stunned as he watched the news on a TV in the fast-food joint.
The media had already reported Eddie's "death," declaring him a fallen officer, a hero who died in the line of duty. His identity had even been removed from official records.