Percy Davis FBI Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Percy Davis FBI

There had been a break in the missing person's case. Crystal Hennings body was found in close proximity to the railroad tracks. It had been cut in half by a passing train. The area was checked for evidence, but I nothing relevant was found. Once the body had been separated, it was dragged from the tracks, and put loosely together in the tall grass. What was puzzling was the lack of blood. The coroner took the body now for an autopsy. It was a grim discovery made by two young boys on bicycles. Percy and Max followed the coroner back and awaited his findings. Blunt force trauma to the forehead was the cause of death. She was probably facing towards her killer so it’s possible she knew her assailant. She had been drugged with a powerful psychiatric drug called Enthedgen. A drug used to heighten emotional experiences and was also used in rituals such as voodoo and black magic. Traces of an adhesive was found on her wrists and ankles, possibly duct tape residue. There was an incision made showing blood had been drained by the carotid artery, similar to where an embalmer would have chosen.There was something else very troublesome, continued the coroner. Tucked into Crystal's bra in between her cleavage was a Black Dahlia silk flower. From Percy’s FBI training, he was very well aware of the unsolved case of a woman named Elizabeth Short, murdered in 1947 in a similar fashion in Los Angeles California.

Max blurted out “copy cat”, but that murder occurred some twenty five years ago!

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here," said Percy, “There wasn’t any proof the original Black Dahlia victim was drugged as Crystal had been. Her torso was separated by a train and not with a knife. It would be a stretch to say that the killer was still alive and applied his handiwork, but we have to consider all the possibilities. Another thing, Crystal had not been sexually assaulted. I hope that fact will bring some comfort to the family.”

Percy and Max headed back to the office to digest all the information that was provided by the coroner. “We can’t overlook the fact that Crystal had been drugged at some point.The drug Enthedgen was given to her that made her compliant and made her leave her postal truck with no signs of a struggle. But how was it administered,” he wondered? Had she stopped at a restaurant or coffee shop prior to falling victim? Was it slipped into her sweet tea or food? Percy called the coroner asking how the drug could be absorbed in the body? “Well, the coroner answered, it comes in a powder form. It is tasteless and can be mixed in with food or drink, undetectable to its victim. It could also be delivered through the respiratory system. I’ve read practitioners of Voodoo have been known to send a puff into a person's face with a hollowed wooden tube or straw to make the victim comply and not resist.”

“Please check the mouth and swab the nasal passages to look for any other traces of this substance” directed Percy. No sooner had he hung up the phone when a call came in from an unidentified woman that he had given his card to. The voice was recognizable as that of the old woman on the porch at the cathouse where he had found Maddie. “Mr. Lawman”, that Pete come a lookin for Maddie and mostly his money. He done roughed me up and smashed my livin room. You done stirred up a hornets nest in that man!” I understand said Percy, I think I know where he’s headed. I can send a patrol car to sit out front in case he returns said Percy. Noooo Sir! was the reply, with a laugh. “That would be bad for business but I does appreciate da offer!” Thank you Ma'am, I’ll be in touch. Percy told Max to grab his coat and that they were going for a little ride. Percy explained Maddie’s situation to Max who was by then squeezing the car seat so hard Percy thought he was going to rip the upholstery. They sped down the dirt road to Madam Laveau’s, only to see Pete dragging Maddie out by her hair, kicking and screaming. He tossed Maddie into the back seat of his car and tried to make a run for it. Percy swerved in front of Pete forcing him to slam on his brakes and kicked up a cloud of red dirt. Pete jumped out swearing at the two agents that this was none of their affairs and to move their car. Both Percy and Max positioned themselves behind their car doors with guns drawn. “Give it up Pete, You're under arrest for kidnapping and holding your daughter against her will.” Pete looked for a long moment then reached into the pocket of his door, now pointing a thirty eight revolver at them. “PUT THE GUN DOWN! PUT THE GUN DOWN!” Both of the agents screamed. Pete paused for a moment then pointed the gun towards the back seat where the trembling Maddie was squirming, Sayin “If I can’t have you Maddie, NOBODY WILL!” Pointing the gun at her squeezing on the trigger, two shots rang out. Both Percy and Max fired at the same moment and ended the nightmare for Madeline. She was unhurt and as she left the car, she kicked his lifeless body barefoot and spit on him. Percy wrapped his arms around her understanding the built up rage she had endured these past years. “It’s over Maddie, He can never hurt you again.” In that exact instant of Percy’s touch, a calm came over her. Looking up at Percy she said, “I see her! I see my Momma!!!! She blew me a kiss and told me everything’s gonna be alright.” It seems Maddie had herself inherited the family gift from God, she herself possessed the power of the shine. Max thought it was just the ranting of a young traumatized woman in shock, but Percy knew better and just smiled.

Percy notified the sheriff to bring the coroner with him. It was a justified shooting and there would be no tears shed or a lengthy investigation for the man best described by Lady Lucinda as “White Trash.” Weeks later, Pete’s unclaimed corpse would be buried in an unmarked pauper's grave. Even in death, there was none to mourn him.

Traces of the hallucinogenic powder were found on Crystal's nasal passages. This would explain her just leaving the mail truck on the side of the road and willingly going off with someone.

With the Sheriff’s resources stretched, he could only afford two deputies for the investigation. That meant a lot more leg work for Percy and Max. The clues were now to be scrutinized. First a visit was to be made to the three local funeral homes in the area. If there were any recently let go or disgruntled workers. Next, to try and ascertain where the hallucinogenic powder came from. Percy was aware of a community of Rasta people. Some called it a religion, others a cult that practiced obeah. This was an outlawed occult ritual with broad interpretations. It could be used for good as well as sinister purposes. It was not uncommon to find those practicing it in the swamp areas of bayou country. The third lead was to follow up if there was any connection to the black dahlia murder case or a mere copy cat killer.

A report came in from the railroad office. Last night not a mile from where Crystal's body had been severed in half, an engineer aboard a freight train witnessed a body being dragged to the tracks, perhaps with the same intentions. As the engineer blew the horn the person dropped the body and took off into the darkness. Now a second, unreported missing person's body lay dead at the side of the tracks. Percy and Max arrived at the scene which had already been secured by the locals. Another female, young, no purse or identification. Her lifeless body laid face up and Percy could see the same neck incision as the first victim. Presumably, her blood had also been drained. Percy observing the woman’s blouse neckline also contained a silk black dahlia flower. There could be no mistake, it was the same person committing these deeds. Had the engineer not startled him, the same body severing would have taken place. Max interviewed the engineer, a seasoned veteran of the rails, nicknamed Smitty. “What could you tell us about the person dragging the body?” Max asked. “Well sir, it seemed the guy was struggling quite a bit to move it. I noticed he was wearing glasses as the light from my headlight reflected off them. Not much else to tell it was dark, it looked like he was wearin a baseball cap.” Max thanked him for his cooperation and then conferred with Percy. “It sounds like the killer wasn’t very physically fit to struggle moving that petite body,” said Max.”It could be a person of advanced age struggling to get the body to the rail. That could explain why he was wanting the train to do that heinous act on her corpse for lack of his own physical abilities to duplicate the Black Dahlia murder. He will no doubt be enraged that he was unable to complete his mission. We are going to have more bodies if we don’t catch this killer soon” said Percy.

The second body was identified by her boyfriend who went to the police in the morning when Jewel, a 27 year old barmaid at the Lil Brown Jug honky tonk hadn’t returned home. “Max, get over there and see if anyone was paying special attention to Jewel. See what you can learn, when she left or if someone followed her out of the bar into the parking lot. I’m going for a visit to the Rasta community. We need to find out where that hallucinogenic powder came from.” Max was from Ohio, with little knowledge of the ways of the Louisiana Bayou or its people. Speaking to the Rastas required finesse as they take offense easily to any uncivil language. Your greeting to them should never use the word “hello” because the word contains the word hell in it. Max’s colorful vocabulary wouldn’t have gotten them past the gate. The community itself was made up of people of all races. Their lifestyle was very wholesome and organic minded. A plant based holistic diet suited them all. They did not consume alcohol or most meats, but did partake in smoking Ganji, also known as marijuana in their spiritual rituals.

Percy was greeted by an elderly rastaman at the gate. “Wagwaan” to which Percy replied “Yes I” and the gate was opened. The community is ruled by Kings and Queens so proper respect is always shown. Silently, I thanked Madam Laveau for teaching me some of the ways of these people. After making proper introductions, he explained he was a member of the law who was not there for any other purpose but to speak to their healer and maker of potions. He told the King of the murders occurring outside his walls and asked his permission for help.

The King agreed whereas Percy exalted him by saying “Yes King Bless”, parting with the words “up up” for his cooperation.

The healer was named Queen Jasmine. A delightful woman whom I explained my need for her help. She was certainly aware of the properties and uses of the hallucinogenic Enthedgen. In fact Percy had been the second person recently asking for this powder. She claimed she was approached by a white elderly man wishing to also obtain. Percy asked for a small sample to be compared to the one used on his victim, and inquired if there was an antidote for the powder? Reaching from a shelf she handed Percy a liquid that she herself had made to lessen the effects of the drug. “Many blessings to you Queen Jasmine!” Stated Percy. “Do you know of this man or why he wanted the powder?” “He claimed to be an elder in his church. They use snakes in their rituals and the powder was to calm their disciples nerves before handling venomous serpents.

I supplied him with two packets that should have lasted them for months but after he come back a week later seeking more I say no. He left a very angry man.”

Percy thanked Queen Jasmine and bid her goodbye with a “me ago” term.

Percy was familiar with the religious group of snake handlers called “The Church of God with Signs Following.” Although he had never attended such a “service” he was not afraid to do so. It seemed like this could be the break his case needed. Max had returned empty handed. Nobody had seen Jewel leave the Honky Tonk yet alone if someone was following her. The bartender said she left after her shift ended at 1 am.

Looking on the local map, the two crime scenes, the postal truck location and the bar, victim two had left were all in close proximity. The Rasta community not far and to Percy’s surprise, smack dab in the center was a Pentecostal snake handling church!

Percy devised a plan. He was to attend a service there with Max as his backup from a distance. If Percy did not leave afterwards in a timely manner, he was to go inside.

Max wanted Percy to carry his sidearm and Identification but Percy refused saying he didn’t want to raise any suspicion in the congregation. The service was to be held on Saturday afternoon. This gave Percy time to look into the church elder named Carl Aiken. There was not much known of this man. It was said he came from either Utah or California in the 1950’s and started this church here after the founding elder was bitten by a snake and died. Not much more to go on.

Percy prepared himself for that night. The alligator tooth that Madam Laveau had left him was around his neck for good luck. Not that he was superstitious, but what could it hurt? He put the antidote for the powder in his pocket and would drink just before he entered the building. if they were to put him in that helpless state, he hoped the antidote would work.

Brother Carl as he introduced himself, welcomed Percy to the service. He informed him that they used serpents during the service and asked if he was wary of snakes? Of course Percy was not, but he gave Carl the impression he wasn’t fond of them and almost feared them. Brother Carl put his arm around Percy’s shoulder and assured him that he will be jes fine! Percy took a seat at the end of the aisle to increase his chances of being handed a snake to dance around with. The congregation numbered about 25. People from all over, some devout followers and others just curious visitors. Carl was used to those who came for just entertainment. One of the elders asked me to sign their attendance book. Percy complied and then looked through a few pages. His eyes lit up as he saw Crystal Hennings signature in the book. Quickly Percy turned the pages and returned to his seat. The show was about to begin.

The meeting room was stifling hot with the two old ceiling fans groaning from age.

The lights were lowered and entering from the rear was Brother Carl holding a large leather case. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up, sweating profusely from the heat. Behind him were two of his disciples tapping on tambourines that gave a hissing snake sound. The curious ones looked around wondering what they got themselves into. Percy stared straight ahead as Brother Carl walked up and down the aisle professing the ills of society.

He stopped over Percy and asked if he was free of sin? “No Sir, Percy” answered “but I’m a good honest soul.” Carl was not pleased with Percy’s response. “Shall we put this boy to the test?” asked Carl to the congregation. An overwhelming response of “Yes’m uh huh” was the reply. Again the tambourines hissed with approval as hands reached up waving to the sky. There was a drummer and electric guitarist in the back that played a rousing, strange tune that got the congregation to its feet. Brother Carl opened that leather case and reached inside, coming up with a rattle snake in each of his hands. Raising them over his head “Behold the serpents of Evil!” Shouted Carl. Now to someone who had not been familiar with snakes as Percy was they would look menacing. Percy could tell they were probably drugged as they barely moved in Carl's hands. The drums continued now with crashing cymbals bringing a fever pitch to the followers, clapping to the music. Some even bending over and kissing the snakes that Carl held. Looking at Percy still seated he shouted to have the mask of truth brought over. It was a wooden African carved mask that was to be held over the face of those to be tested. As the mask was being put on Percy, he noticed a small syringe bulb by the assistant holding the mask. Percy shut his eyes and heard a puff and felt a powder enter his nose. Oh Lord he thought, hoping the antidote worked!

The mask was removed as Percy became a bit disoriented but still conscious of what was happening. He stood straight up and was handed one of the serpents. Percy danced around with the snake like no other. Dancing to the drum beating, the guitars sliding riffs and the tambourines hissing at a fever pitch. Up on the Stage sat a large clear aquarium. Inside was a lively African Black Mamba, considered one of the most deadly snakes of the world. Its bite would cause almost an instant agonizing death in seconds. The snake slid up and down the glass sides and clearly was not happy with his living arraignment. Percy handed off the rattler he had just held and walked to the stage. He made eye contact with the snake then opened the top. The music stopped and a hush came over the crowd. Percy reached inside letting the black mamba curl around his arm. Turning to the congregation their expression was that of disbelief. No one had ever put their hand inside that aquarium yet alone touched that snake with a bare hand.

Brother Carl in his disbelief dropped the snake he was holding and it slowly slithered under the seats causing a great commotion for the nonbelievers. Percy stepped from the stage now walking towards Carl. Proclaiming to those assembled that a profit from God allowed him to hold this serpent and invited Brother Carl to join him in holding it. Brother Carl waved his arm in a gesturing way for the band to start playing the closing song of the meeting. Still Percy advanced as Carl backed up! Carl shouted out “It’s the work of the devil '' and instructed Percy to return the snake at once. Percy complied so as to not show the hallucinogenic drug had not worked. Everyone gave a sigh of relief as they began exiting. All except for Percy who returned to his seat sitting up straight, eyes forward. It was just Brother Carl and Percy left in the room. “Brother” proclaimed Carl, will you assist me down stairs? Percy nodded of course, continuing his act. Percy followed him down the steps to what appeared to be an old root cellar. A door to the room was locked with a double hasp. Brother Carl certainly did not want his secrets discovered. The door opened to a room with no windows, a long stainless steel table, and a stand with medical instruments on it. Carl said in a commanding voice to lay down on the table. Percy did as instructed as he watched Carl get a roll of duct tape from the shelf. Percy closed his eyes as if asleep. “Well well Son, as he put the tape down, you're making this easy on me” he smiled. Carl unbuttoned Percy’s shirt and noticed the alligator tooth and called it a stupid amulet of protection. He reached for the blade when Percy grabbed Carl's wrist while delivering a solid punch to his face sending him squarely to the floor with his eyeglasses flying. Still a bit disoriented from the drug he made for the door. Carl struggled to his feet, slashed at Percy’s throat with the knife. It was stopped by the thick leather lanyard of his good luck charm. There would not be another attempt as Max burst in down the stairs and shot Carl in the shoulder! It’s over, Persy said, ending his hypnotic charade. Holding his shoulder Percy explained to Carl he had taken an antidote. “But that black mamba should have killed you,” snarled Carl, cursing Max for shooting him. “It looks like my lucky charm worked after all as he took it off from his neck and observed the nick in the leather strap from the blade.” A patrolman accompanied Carl into the ambulance. It would take months to sort out Carl's past deeds. The room was filled with evidence and newspaper clippings. A special forensic team would be sent to gather evidence. Will he turn out to be the black dahlia killer? That was uncertain Percy wondered, but he was satisfied with the part he played in the apprehension of a killer.

Now, cleaning out his desk from Sheriff Nelson’s headquarters, Percy pulled that small bottle marked “Love Potion” from the drawer. How silly Percy thought, why would Madam Laveau give me such a thing? He shook the bottle only to hear an odd sound. Opening the bottle a small hand written note slid out.

My Dear Perceval Davis,

There is no such thing as a “love potion” nor do you needs one.You possess a special love and kindness that lights up the world. Get ready Cher, because someone from your past is about to come back into your life. Jes look up to the stars!

Au revoir! Signed, Madam Laveau

That following evening….

“Hello Momma,” Percy beamed with joy. “It’s so nice to hear your voice…I’m glad you like that new Princess telephone I sent you ....You deserve it Momma. Have I got a whopper of a story to tell you!”….as he played with that alligator tooth around his neck. “You best be sittin down, he said with a smile”…..

The End

Get yourself ready for a story from Percy’s best friend Johnny Lee Dixion and his exploits as a Secret Service Agent.

Coming soon, free for all.

-Ken Beyer