We Wish You a Bloody Christmas!!!

By Jennie G.

A body of a mature male, laid in the middle of the living room filled with cuts and gashes, and around him, were broken Christmas ornaments. "It's exactly done in the same pattern as the others Steve." confirmed Detective Lopez.

Lt. Steve Sloan sighed, "Well at least this time he didn't electrocute his victim. Got an identity of the body?"

They walked through the apartment. "His name is Karl Hiden. 30 years of age. Superintendent at Marshall Elementary School."

Steve then inquired, "So what's the connection?"

Detective Lopez stood in front of Steve with her arms crossed. "He is also a confined bachelor. The same as the three other victims. What do you think?"

Steve rubbed his neck, "What do I think? We have evidently a pattern. I'll have the body sent to Community General and have an autopsy performed. Hopefully we'll know a little more after that."

* * *

Dr. Mark Sloan was at the beach house, with the radio tuned a bit high playing Christmas songs, with Amanda and Jesse, putting up garland on the balcony outside.

"Jesse, a little too high." Amanda yelled out from below, because Mark had her in charge of indicating where the decorations went." Mark, a little lower. Jesse a little too high. Lower it. Not that much!!!"

Jesse spoke out loud," My arms are getting tired Amanda. How about if we switch places?"

"Cause if we switch places right now, the garland will fall, and we'll have to start all over again." snatched Amanda. "Besides we're almost done. Just be patient and quit moving the garland so much!"

Jesse looked over at Mark impatiently. "We're not going to get this done until next Christmas!"

Smiling, Mark answered, "Just hang on there a bit longer my friend, and it'll be done before you know it!"

"That's what my dentist used to say to me when he had to pull one of my molars." Jesse complained.

"Well it worked, didn't it?" Mark asked.

"Two days of pain, not to mention the bleeding every time I bit into my food. I'd say it worked." whined Jesse.

Mark looked concerned, "Was it that bad?"

"Oh yeah. But it's worse when you get your wisdom teeth out." commented Jesse.

"Oh I know." Mark exclaimed.

Jesse started inquiring, "Did you get your wisdom teeth pulled?"

"Oh yes." Mark said.

"What procedure did they do on you." Jesse asked curiously.

"Well I had it taken out by a local..." Mark was interrupted by Amanda's voice, "Just look at what you two did!!!" Jesse and Mark bent over.

"What's wrong with it?" Jesse asked innocently.

"What's wrong with it!? Your side Jesse is just too low and out of place. It's totally crooked!!!" Amanda flung her arms up in the air.

Just then a familiar voice was heard from inside the house. "Dad! Dad are you home?" Mark turned toward the slide door. "Out here Steve."

"Dad, what are you doing?" Steve asked as he walked outside.

"Oh we're just putting up garland to add to the Christmas cheer." Mark smiled.

"Some cheer!" Jesse complained, "We're going to be here until next year if Amanda keeps on with the directing!"

Steve looked at him puzzled. "What do you mean Jess?"

Jesse sighed, "Only that Amanda here..."Jesse was interrupted by Amanda bounding up the stairs, "Steve. You're just the man I need."

She stopped to take a breath. "Steve, I want you to use your manly strength and help me put up this garland. You can take over this poor strengthless young man over here." She glanced at Jesse.

"Hey." Jesse said pretty annoyed. "Just who was here for almost an over an hour holding up the garland!?"

"We would have gotten it up sooner if you quit complaining and just cooperate." said Amanda in a demanding voice.

"Cooperate!? With you directing how can anyone put this up!?" Jesse answered back annoyed.

Amanda ignored him. "So Steve. You gonna help?"

"I'd really like to Amanda, but duty calls." excused Steve. "I just stopped by to see if you guys could help me out with the case I'm working on. But since you're all busy, I'll just call in later." Jesse gave Steve the most helpless look.

"Just a minute Steve." Mark exclaimed, as he dropped the garland on the floor in front of a much annoyed Amanda. "Come inside and tell us all about it." He followed Steve inside as Amanda watched with her arms crossed.

Jesse, watching all this, imitated Mark by going in front of Amanda, dropped his garland, and walked away while turning around and smiling mischievously at her.

Amanda glared at him upset, and walked after him saying out loud." Just hold it right there Jesse Travis."

* * * *

"So that's it." said Steve. "Four victims of no relation, killed by what seemed like gashes from a knife. Their Christmas tree half decorated, and Christmas ornaments scattered all around the body."

"That's a good way to spread Christmas cheer." joked Jesse. Amanda glanced at Jesse irritated.

"Well hey. That's much better than setting up garland outside the balcony."

Steven turned his head trying not to laugh. "Oh that reminds me. I sent the last victim to CG so you can do the autopsy Amanda."

"That's very sweet of you Steve." She said sarcastically.

"Don't mention it," teased Steve.

Mark put his glasses on, took a magnifying glass and started examining one of the pictures of the victims. "What's this on the neck?" he asked while pointing to the spot on the picture.

"Didn't I mention. Three of the victims were electrocuted," confirmed Steve.

Mark looked at him through his glasses. "How?"

"That's a pretty interesting clue Dad. They were electrocuted by Christmas lights." replied Steve.

"How can you get electrocuted by Christmas lights?" asked Jesse confused.

Amanda leaned near Jesse. "Want me to show you!?"

Jesse turned from her uneasy. "Not that it can't happen."

"Have any suspects?" Mark inquired.

"Not yet. The only connection is that they are all single." commented Steve.

"Hmmm. Mind if I take a look at the crime scene with you?" asked Mark knowingly.

Steve got up. "I'd never thought you'd ask!"

Mark and Steve were heading toward the door. "Hey." Jesse said aloud. "What about us?"

"Why don't you guys finish putting up the decorations. I'll be back soon." responded Mark as he followed Steve out the door.

"You put up the garland and I'll do the directing." said Jesse rapidly as ran outside to the balcony, making Amanda chase after him. "Hey Jesse. Now you see here...!!!"

* * *

In a dark gloomy apartment, a TV was on while he was watching it. As the sound came through the room you could hear,"...all we know is that the victims were single and have absolutely no connection to each other. As Lt. Steve Sloan, who is a Homicide Detective at the LA Police department, says that he will take on the case until the killer is caught. Lt. Sloan. This is one of the most puzzling cases of your career, is it not?

Steve Sloan: "I have had a lot of puzzling cases. But this is a very confusing case. One which I hope to solve soon."

Reporter: "We know your father, Dr. Mark Sloan, has helped you solve a great number of your cases. Will he help you on this case as well?"

Steve Sloan: "I have no comment on that."

Reporter: "Are you going to work on this case all the way through?"

Steve Sloan: "I'm going to catch the person who's doing this!"

Reporter: "Will you get this case solved before Christmas."

Steve Sloan: "I'll do everything possible to do that."

Reporter: "Lt. Sloan. Do you have any suspects? Is it an uncover job?"

Steve Sloan: ( walking toward his car.)"No comment!"

Reporter: "What is your next move?"

Steve Sloan: ( Getting in his car)"No comment."

Reporter: ( Hovering over his car door.) "Do you think the murderer hates single people?"

Steve Sloan: ( Starting the engine.) "Look Miss. I've got a killer to catch. And I have absolutely no comment on that." ( And drove away.)

Reporter: "You have just heard about the recent victim of the Christmas Tree killer. This is Margaret Nade, of channel 9. Reporting to you live from the crime scene."

Thank you Margaret. Having a hard time going Christmas shopping because of the crowded stores well..."The TV was shut off.

"Well Lt. Sloan. I've been waiting for a chance to get at you when your father is around. How many murders will get his attention?" He asked depravity. "Your father killed my wife and baby. Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you or endanger your father. No, that would be too simple. I'm going to go after someone really close and vulnerable to you and your Dad. Everyone who is single is as lonely as I am. I'm just giving them their Christmas wish. To be with family and friends. Now they are no longer alone!" An evil laugh rang throughout the apartment.

* * *

Norman Briggs walked briskly into the ER, and saw Jesse sitting in a chair reading a magazine. "What is the meaning of this Dr. Travis!? You’re supposed to help the nurses put up the Christmas decorations in the ER. Where do I find them? In that box right by you, and instead of putting them up, here you are reading a magazine!!!" Norman said irritated.

Jesse put down his magazine. "Norman, if you mention decorations again I'm going to quit!" and started reading his magazine again.

Norman got down to business. "Listen young man. You were sent to this hospital to work, not read silly magazines." and he took it away from Jesse. "I have a time limit. You have to go under the rules of this hospital. And right now I tell you to go help the nurses put up the decorations."

Jesse started pouting. "But Norman. I was up at Mark's house yesterday putting up decorations, and now my arms hurt." as he got up.

"Put liniment on them." replied Norman. "And get to the Nurses station with that box."

"But Norman..."whined Jesse.

"No buts. And it's Mr. Briggs to you. Now get going!!!" Norman just walked out of the room totally annoyed.

Jesse flopped back into the chair, glanced at the Christmas decorations and sighed.

He then leaned over and picked up a small Santa ornament. As he stared at it, he had this far away look in his eyes, as though he was somewhere else. He heard his cousins laughing, and he could smell his Mom's homemade cooking. The cold shiver on his hands when he picked up some snow to throw at his cousin Marty. His thoughts were interrupted by Mark's voice," Aren't you going to help us put up the Christmas decorations?"

"Oh. Hi Mark. Yeah, I was just about to get them." Jesse replied with his mind still dazed.

"Don't bother. I'll get them." Mark went over and picked the box up." Where ever you are my friend, you certainly aren't in this Hospital!"

"How do you know?" a dazed Jesse questioned.

"First, I called your name about four times before you answered. Second, you had your eyes glued to a Santa figure which by the way you still have in your hand. Third, you muttered something like, snow fight before you realized I was there." explained Mark. "You miss your family don't you?"

Jesse smiled. "I can never hide anything from you. Well you see, I received a Christmas card from my Mom this morning, and she says that my Dad is going to be at the house for Christmas."

Mark shrugged his shoulders. "Well go back home for Christmas!"

"It's not as easy as it sounds. "Jesse said disappointingly. I tried getting a flight, but there is no seat available. The only one that is costs more money than I can afford." saddened Jesse.

"How much are we talking about?" Marked asked curiously.

"We are talking of about at least $650. The most would be about $8 to $900."Jesse said discouragingly.

"That much!?" exclaimed Mark. "I never knew it was that expensive."

"Well it's that much because I'm asking at the last minute. They said I had to ask at least 2 months in advance to get a good price." explained Jesse." So how's the case going so far?"

"Slow. We haven't got a suspect yet." Mark answered. "Funny thing though. There was no forced entry on the door or windows of either one of the victims."

"Well maybe someone they knew." Jesse put in.

"I don't think so. Because they each had different friends. "said Mark." Are you doing anything Saturday night Jesse?"

"Not that I know of. Why?" wondered Jesse.

"I just was wondering if you would like to come over to my house for a little Christmas tree decorating party I'm having at my house." replied Mark.

"Sure. I'd love to Mark." answered Jesse happily. "You know it seems so funny. When I was a kid, my cousins and I used to go to neighbors, sing Christmas carols in front of their house and get cookies and hot chocolate. We used to do it before supper time, so when we came home we were too full for supper." laughed Jesse. "Another time, we wrapped this package up, went to a house which we never met the owner, but we seen her around. She was so hot, I mean beautiful. Well anyway, we gave her the package. She let us in and gave us some cookies. Man that was great."

Mark stopped in his tracks. "Jesse you just gave me the answer to how the killer got in without forced entry." and quickly walked away in thought, leaving Jesse very confused.

"What? How? I'm lost here. Mark. Mark wait up!" as Jesse ran after him.

* * *

He pulled up his delivery truck in front of a little red brick house, got out a package, and walked steadily up the winding path towards it.

"Another mystery for Mark Sloan. "He thought to himself as he rang the doorbell.

"Yes?" A young woman in her 20's opened the door.

"Package for Kristine Baker. "He smiled.

She looked at him doubtfully. "You sure, because I don't have any relatives, and all the friends I have are living here."

"Well it says here on the package, "He persuaded."... and up till now I've never made a mistake about delivering it to the right person."

She received the package, glancing at it carefully. "Seems like the right name and address. When you're alone because your friend's out visiting someone you've got to be careful. Sorry I've acted so rude."

"Oh it's all right. When you're single you can't be too careful. "He commented.

"You seem so confident and trusting." She said. "Why don't you come inside for a cup of coffee!?" She offered cheerfully

"That's very generous of you miss. But you see, I've got a lot more packages to deliver." He excused.

"Just one cup?" She begged.

"Just one, then I must go." He replied. He then went in. Little did Kristine Baker know of the danger she just led into her house, and that she was in the line of fire. The line that crosses the path of life and death.

* * *

In the doctor's lounge, Mark, Steve, Jesse, and Amanda sat around the table, which had four coffee cups on it.

"That's my theory Steve." confirmed Mark. "The killer delivered a package, and managed to get in. That accounts for the no forced entry."

"It's a great theory Dad. But who in their right mind would offer coffee or cookies to a perfect stranger?" asked Steve in bewilderment.

Mark glanced at Jesse. "Well that would be through me." said Jesse. "When I was a kid, my cousin and I did that to a girl that lived near us. She let us in and gave us some cookies and hot chocolate. We never even knew her. It could be the way the killer gets in. After all, it is Christmas, people do give other people things and food."

"I suppose that Santa in the North Pole would do that." replied Steve a little sarcastically. "Got any real theory on how the fourth victim died Amanda."

"Well broken pieces of glass were found in the cuts, probably from the ornament. But I'm having an toxicology done on him, so we'll know the results soon." Amanda answered.

"You know Steve. If you just look into that theory, maybe you could find a connection. "Mark mentioned.

"It's a bit far fetched Dad. Anyway, what will my chief say!?" asked Steve.

"Don't tell him until the case is over." Mark suggested. "He doesn't have to know."

Jesse imitated." That's right Steve. No one has to know where you get your source."

Steve sighed. "Fine, I'll look into it." Mark and Jesse smiled at each other. "But I can't promise you guys anything." He said sternly.

"Oh we know that." They both answered.

Just then, Steve's pager went off. As he got up to go, he asked Amanda. "You'll call me when the toxicology report is done Amanda?"

"Sure Steve. The minute I get it, I will call you." assured Amanda.

"See you guys later." as Steve left, he thought to himself, "Dad and his strange theories."

* * *

"The victim was killed by gashes of a knife, or the Christmas ornaments that are scattered all around her. This is the fifth victim Steve. What are we going to do?"
asked a pretty irritated Detective Lopez.

"We do what we always do. Find out what really killed her, and try to find a clue that will lead us to the killer." He turned to the crime photographer. "Take as many pictures as you can of close ups of the body." He walked by Detective Lopez. "So who's the victim this time?"

"Her name is Kristine Baker." answered Detective Lopez. "As the others, she was single. Has no relatives. Her only relative is an aunt who has Alzheimers disease, and lives at the Brooks nursing home in Nevada."

"Any friends?" Inquired Steve.

"Only a roommate, but she went to see a relative in the hospital at the time of the murder. When she came home, she found Kristine on the floor like this, and called the police." explained Detective Lopez.

"Did anyone come here while her roommate was out?" questioned Steve.

"One of the neighbors saw a delivery truck come. The ones that bring packages." responded Lopez.

"Did she look at the name on the truck of what company it came from?" Still interrogated Steve.

She sighed. "The truck was from a company called the Rad Express." They walked toward the door." Strange. Five murders. A few clues, and still no suspects. This is getting to be a pretty annoying case Steve."

"I couldn't agree with you more Detective." Steve agreed. "If there was a delivery truck here, there should be a package too!?"

"It's right over here, on the hall table." and pointed to a package on the table.

Steve walked over to it. "Maybe we should open it?"

"Be my guest." She answered. "Probably something she ordered."

Steve opened. Inside was an envelope which was marked, "For Dr. Mark Sloan." Steve turned it around, "Seems like were closer to a suspect."

Detective Lopez said in dismay. "We should check for finger prints."

"Let's see what it says first." and just tore it open;

Am I getting your attention Dr. Sloan? This is for a revenge that was planned for four years. Who will be the next victim, is up to you!!!

Signed: The Christmas Tree Killer.

"That's just great." Steve said irritated. "Now he's after my father."

"We'll put your father under protection around the clock. "Detective Lopez called in the station.

"I'll go to the hospital and show my Dad this. "Steve said a little afraid." And I'll also check out that company who owns that delivery truck."

"Steve?" Detective Lopez said aloud. "Make sure that he doesn't go anywhere with out somebody by his side."

As Steve was walking toward his car, his cell phone rang. "Sloan here."

"Steve." on the other end was Amanda. "I just got that toxicology report on Karl Hiden, it's very interesting and strange how he died."

"He died from a knife and broken ornaments, what's so strange about that?" asked Steve a little puzzled.

"Also he was hypnotized before he was killed." finished Amanda.

"What!?" Steve answered perplexed.

"Yes. Someone put a rare kind of drug somehow in his system, made him totally numb and paralyzed, and then cut him." she verified. "The only way for the drug to go into the body is if someone injected him, or if he drank it in a drink. There was no puncture of a needle on his body, so he had to have drunk it in a cup."

"Well I guess Dad's theory wasn't so crazy after all." Steve took a breath. "What kind of drug is it?"

"It's not any drug I know of, but I'm doing some research on that. I'll call you when I find that out." promptly Amanda answered.

"Great. Keep me posted." Steve answered. "Oh Amanda."

"Yes?" Amanda answered.

"He got another victim." disappointingly Steve said.

Amanda sighed. "Who this time?"

"A female named Kristine Baker, in her early 20's." Steve replied. "Look, I'm sending her body there O.K."

"Fine." replied Amanda with a tiredness in her voice. "It will determine if she died the same way as Mr. Hiden."

"You’re starting to think like my Dad Amanda." teased Steve. "Listen I've gotta go. Keep me up to date will you!?"

"I will Steve." Amanda said.

"Oh and Amanda!?" Steve said hastily.

"Yes Steve?" wondered Amanda.

"Could you or Jesse stick by Dad, and don't let him be alone for a minute." Steve asked worried.

"Steve what's going on?" Amanda was concerned.

"I'll tell you all later." Steve answered. "Just do me that favor. All right?"

"Sure." Amanda was confused.

"Bye Amanda. And keep me posted. "Steve then hung up.

* * *

A small delivery truck from Rad Express stopped in front of Community General Hospital. He got out of it with a package, the same like he did with Kristine Baker, Karl Hiden, and the three other victims.

Walking inside he thought to himself, "This is the final curtain before the climax."

Getting off at the elevator at the second floor, he went to the nurses desk.

There was a young Doctor there, signing forms.

"I've got a package for a Dr. Mark Sloan." he told a nurse there.

The young Doctor perked up. "I'll give it to him."

The delivery men smiled. "I take it you know him very well." He handed him a form. "Sign it right here."

"Know him?" Jesse said while he signed it. "He's like a father to me. Here you go."

"Thanks." The delivery man was given back the form. "Isn't Dr. Mark Sloan, that Doctor who's involved with the Christmas Tree Murders, as a consultant to the Police?"

"That's the one." Jesse smiled. "Sorry, I've never introduced myself. Dr. Jesse Travis."

"Joey VanderHyde." They shook hands.

"Do you help Doctor Sloan with his mystery work?" Joey inquired.

"All the time." Jesse answered.

"Where do you find the time?" Joey wondered.

"Two words." Jesse said mysteriously. "Confined bachelor."

"Oh. So I take it that you also have no relatives in LA?" asked Joey. ."No. They are all safely in Indiana." disappointingly answered Jesse.

"Aren't you going back for Christmas?" asked Joey. .

"I wish." Jesse said sarcastically. "The only problem is prices."

"It always is." Joey looked at his watch. "Look I've got to run. Was great meeting you Doctor. Maybe we could chat some other time. See ya."

"Yeah see ya Joey." and left for his rounds.

As Joey VanderHyde left the hospital, he thought to himself, smiling wickedly," I've just found my next victim Dr. Sloan."

* * * *

To Be Continued.....!!!