“I can handle it! Maybe you need to put your personal feelings aside and start focusing on the true objective here. We need to catch this killer and sitting here on our asses is not working. Whether you’re with me or not, Sandman, I’m walking out that door and there’s not one damn thing you can do about it.” She stood there ready to defeat his challenge.
“Donald never showed up for questioning, Grace, and he’s still nowhere to be found. Lancaster has pretty solid evidence against him and he’s now the main suspect in this case,” Big Jay told her and she knew he was trying to get her to stay. But she was still shocked. There was no way Donald was the killer. She felt it in her heart and she was still determined to leave.
“Well then if that’s the case, then your agents know who they’re after. I’m leaving, and that’s final.”
She headed up the stairs.
* * * *
“We have to do something. We won’t be able to hold her here for much longer,” Big Jay stated toward Sandman.
“She’s stubborn and she’s upset. Rightfully so, but heading home in the middle of this is not feasible at all,” Duke stated.
“I’m going to call Frank. Maybe he’ll be able to get through to her or figure out a plan,” Sandman said.
“Why don’t we make a few calls and see if we can find a safe house, closer to home just in case?” Duke added.
“Okay, let’s do this. No matter what, we have to protect Grace,” Sandman said then headed to his office while his brothers went downstairs.
* * * *
Grace grabbed her backpack, some money, and her cell phone then snuck out Sandman’s bedroom window that he left opened. She knew the sensor on the alarm system only sounded when a door or window was opened. She prayed that she would figure out who the real killer was and that she made the right decision to sneak out and go alone.
Grace had planned on taking a bus back, but first she needed a disguise and some makeup to ensure she stayed undetected and unidentified.
As she headed across the field, she prayed that the men would forgive her. She knew that they loved her and wanted to protect her from this madman, but enough was enough. This guy had to be stopped before something happened to another member of her family. She hoped that she truly had the strength and capability to complete her plan successfully.
* * * *
Sandman got off the phone with Frank then received a phone call from Jim.
“Yes, Sandman, it looks like you might have caught something when you found the partial telephone number and short letter in the file. I’ve downloaded the information and have sent it through your secure e-mail,” Jim said. He was good at his job as a detective but also had a knack for the high-tech stuff. Jim was a whiz at computers, satellite imaging, and every special tool the department had access to.
Sandman opened his e-mail and began reading the information.
“I figured out the telephone number by tracking down the victim’s personal phone book which was included in one of many evidence boxes. I don’t know why the detectives at the time hadn’t checked there first. The number belonged to a Charlie Vasco,” Jim said and Sandman listened as he wrote the name down on a notepad.
“So who is this guy?” he asked, wondering if he could be the killer.
“Well what struck me as strange, Sandman, is that it seems that this Charlie Vasco just fell off the face of the earth right after that first murder ten years ago. There are no records of him thus far, but I’m still looking over death certificates or any signs of name change.”
“That’s great work, Jim. Do you have fingerprints on this guy? Or maybe even a photograph?” Sandman asked.
“Yes, I do have fingerprints but no photograph yet. Hopefully I’ll have his current name for you as well real soon,” Jim stated and Sandman hoped he would as well.
“Okay, now onto something that Frank found out. It appears that those other three victims, the ones you felt may be connected to the Thompson murder, are linked by one main fact.”
“That being?”
“They were all involved with a fundraising organization that applied for affordable housing in suburban developments.”
“Shit, wasn’t Donald involved with that?”
“Yes, but apparently Donald and these other victims were receiving threatening phone calls and e-mails from people for years. Those three men were heavily involved in the fundraising board. Once they were killed, the programs either were shut down or lost funding. Donald has been the only one able to help complete a development and right here in Houston.”
“Are you thinking that this killer started killing these people so they wouldn’t build affordable housing in the area?”
“Frank thinks that the killer was so used to killing for his pleasure, that perhaps he started killing to get his point across. Maybe some of the threats were from this same guy we’re after.”
“Jim, you have Frank there with you?”
“Yes. He’s right here. He’s trying to find copies of any threatening letters. His mom was involved with that board along with Donald. The affordable housing complex s just a mile or so from their house.”
“See if you can find any of those letters. See if we can make a connection to the words in those letters and maybe the ones in the poems left with the bodies.”
“Okay, we’ll keep you updated.”
He hung up the phone and explained to Duke and Big Jay what Jim and Frank found out.
“So Grace was onto something after all in finding that note and phone number in the file?” Big Jay asked then smiled.
“She sure was and maybe we can use this to get her to stay a little while longer. First I want to look at the files from the first few cases again. The first victim may have known the killer. Perhaps even had a relationship with him. We’re looking at that particular case as his first killing but maybe something else triggered it. It may have been what led him to change his identity, fall off the face of the earth as Jim put it. Come on guys, grab a chair and start reading,” Sandman said as he gathered up the files.
* * * *
“What do you mean she wants to come home? Today?” John asked all surprised.
“Yeah, that’s what Sandman said and he wasn’t very happy about it. We need to move fast, brother. Grace is stubborn and determined, and Sandman didn’t sound too confident about changing her mind,” added Frank as John leaned against the black unmarked police car.
“Well let’s try to find Donald. I know Mom said that Eric had seen him at the town board meeting the other day. Maybe we can ask Eric if Donald seemed preoccupied or maybe acting differently,” said John.
“That’s a good idea. We’ll try to speak with Eric before he leaves for that small business trip to Dallas he mentioned. We’ll head over there after we go talk to Mayor Donovan. Donald and him are good friends,” added Frank. John walked around the unmarked police car to get in on the passenger side.
Ten minutes later they were at the municipal building and headed to the mayor’s office.
“Hey what brings you two around here? I thought you hated this place,” said Peter as he bumped into his brothers as they approached the mayor’s office.
“Hey, Peter, what’s going on?” asked Frank as he shook his brother’s hand. Then John did the same.
“I’m running around between the courts and the office. What are you two doing here?”
They filled him in on the case as well as Grace wanting to come back home.
“Well Sandman and his brothers can’t allow her to. She’s in way too much danger and now the FBI is looking for Donald? They don’t have a fucking clue,” said Peter and both John and Frank laughed.
“Is that your professional opinion?” John asked with a smile.
“They don’t have shit, guys. Every bit of so-called evidence they have against Donald is filled with holes. None of it would stand up in court,” Peter added.
“Well hopefully it won’t go that far. I don’t believe Donald�
�s the killer. I’m beginning to get worried about him. When we spoke last, he was actually looking forward to Agent Lancaster’s questioning and even willing to take a lie detector test. Something’s not right,” said Frank
“Do you think he’s in some kind of danger?” Peter asked.
“He may be in danger. That’s why we’re here. We wanted to see how Donald was acting at the meeting the other night. There’s nowhere else for us to start looking,” said Frank.
“Well Mayor Donovan is good friends with Donald and that’s as good a start as any,” said Peter as the men continued to talk.
* * * *
“Grace…Grace, Goddamn it, this isn’t funny. Where are you? Answer me right now!” Big Jay yelled as he frantically searched the house.
“She’s gone.” Duke pointed toward Sandman’s bedroom.
Sandman headed toward the door and saw that his bedroom window was opened. There was a note on his desk from Grace.
Sandman, Duke, and Jay,
Please understand why I snuck out and decided to do this on my own. My family is suffering. The community is suffering because of me. I don’t want to put any of you or anyone else in danger. I’ll contact the FBI as soon as I get to Houston. I know of a safe place to stay, and when I get there I’ll contact you. I can’t just sit around safe, happy, and out of control. I need to stop this guy and you’re only willing to do this your way. I understand that you love me but I can’t sit here in your house, miles away while innocent women are being killed. He nearly killed Jamie, and all he wants is me. You said you wouldn’t help me or let the FBI use me as bait. Well that decision wasn’t for you to make. I’ve made the decision and that’s what I’ll be…Bait…Anything to stop this madman. Please don’t be angry. I love you all so much.
Love, Grace
“Goddamn her. What the hell is she thinking, guys?” Sandman yelled as he headed through the bedroom door and down the stairs.
“She couldn’t have gotten far. We flew here by helicopter and there’s no way she could get a plane ticket and pass through security without being identified. Everyone knows what she looks like,” Big Jay stated.
“We don’t know when she left. She came upstairs over two hours ago. She could take the train,” Sandman said.
“Or she could play it real safe and take a bus, get there by tonight.” Duke added.
“I better call her brothers and the agents and have some agents posted around the bus stations and train stations. We have to pack our bags. It looks like we’re headed back to the Houston Police Department.”
* * * *
Frank’s cell phone rang just as Peter was about to walk away.
“Yeah, Thompson here,” said Frank into the receiver.
“Frank, it’s Sandman. Your sister pulled a Houdini on me. She’s headed home and I don’t even know how she’s getting there.”
“Oh shit. I was afraid this might happen. Damn it, what the hell is she thinking?” said Frank into the receiver as John and Peter stopped talking to listen to Frank.
“What are you going to do?” asked Frank.
“Well I’m going to call Jim and the guys, let him notify Lancaster, and have some men posted at the bus stations and train stations. I don’t want this information leaking to the press. We have to find her before…”
“Before the killer does. I know, man. This is really, really bad news. I can’t believe this. Did she leave a note?” asked Frank.
“Yeah she actually did and said something about a safe place she knew of. Do you know what she was talking about?”
“It doesn’t ring a bell but I’ll ask my brothers. They’re right here,” Frank said.
“Don’t tell your mom yet. She’ll be in a real panic when she finds out. When I get ahold of your sister, she’s going to get it. I can’t believe she did this.”
“I hear you, man, and thanks for calling me right away,” said Frank before hanging up the phone.
Frank stuck the cell phone back onto the clip attached to his navy-blue Dockers.
“What’s the really bad news?” asked Peter as John waited to hear as well.
“Looks like our baby sister just ditched her men.” Frank shook his head in fury.
Both John and Peter started talking at once. Frank settled them down and tried to keep in control.
“First of all we can’t let Mom know. Sandman doesn’t know when she snuck out, so he doesn’t know how far she may have gotten. He’s informing Agent Dickhead right now and he plans on stationing undercover agents at various bus stops and train stations,” said Frank. Both John and Peter laughed a little at their brother’s new name for Agent Lancaster.
“What does he want us to do?” asked John, wanting to get his sister to safety immediately.
“Stay put here. Maybe she’ll contact one of us, and knowing her I’m sure she’ll make it here without the agents even knowing it. She was always good at hiding and evading capture,” said Frank as he thought about the strategic military games they would all play as children.
“What are you talking about, Frank? We were kids when we used to play ring-a-lario and manhunt,” Peter said to his brother.
“Oh man, I remember that. She used to always win that game. Shit, did that piss me off and Clara, too,” added John and the three men began reminiscing about old times.
“You used to get so mad at her, John. That was when you wanted to become a Marine,” added Frank.
“Not just a Marine, he wanted to be a sniper or special forces,” added Peter and they started laughing.
“This is a little bit different, guys. She never had a real killer after her. Never mind someone without a face or a name,” John told them and once again they became serious. Frank’s cell phone rang so he answered it.
“Yes, Captain. Okay, I appreciate it, sir. No, I haven’t yet. Thank you again,” said Frank. Then he hung up the phone.
“That was the captain. He wanted to give me the heads-up on Grace. Unfortunately the word’s out about Grace and still there’s no sign of Donald. The captain said Lancaster is about to release a statement to the press telling them that Donald is the serial killer,” Frank told his brothers. They stood there in shock.
Frank called his mom to let her know about Grace, and John headed home to stay with her. Peter went along with Frank to talk to the judge. After their brief conversation they came up with nothing new.
“What are we going to do next?” asked Peter.
“Let’s find Eric and ask him a few questions about Donald’s behavior the other day. Then I’ll start talking to his family and close friends. Maybe he had another place to go to. I’ll get his mom’s number in Pennsylvania. I’m sure Lancaster has already got her place swarming with agents,” Frank added. Both men went their separate ways, hoping their baby sister would arrive safely.
* * * *
Donald was beginning to regain consciousness. His arms were tied tightly behind his back and his legs were tied together with masking tape. The pain in his shoulders and back was excruciating and his vision was blurred as he tried to regain his bearings. He wondered where he was and how he got there? The last thing he remembered was going outside to throw the garbage out, then the sharp pain in the back of his head, which radiated to his neck and shoulders. Then it hit him.
“The killer,” he said out loud and wondered if anyone knew where he was. Who was the killer and what did he want with him? He asked himself numerous questions as his head throbbed with pain.
Now that he didn’t show up for questioning, Lancaster would think that he was the serial killer. “Damn it,” he said out loud again.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t spend my last hours before committing suicide cursing and damning everything.” The voice came out of nowhere. Then suddenly Donald focused on the silhouette image behind the sheer curtain. “Who are you? Why are you talking about suicide?” Donald demanded as he tried to break the restraints around his wrists.
“You couldn’t take the fact that you
have murdered so many innocent women, especially that female police officer. Then of course you tortured your own daughter-in-law. Your son would hate you forever for doing that. Finally you killed Grace and there was no reason to continue to live. It’s all in the letter you wrote, Donald. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already?” the voice asked sarcastically.
“Whoever you are you’re not going to pin these murders on me. You don’t even have Grace. She’s safe and somewhere you will never find her.”
“You’ve been resting, Donald, so you haven’t heard the latest news. Grace has escaped the protection of one, Special Investigator Sandstone. She’s traveling alone in disguise, I assume in order to avoid being captured by agents. She will find you, the serial killer, and I will be here waiting for her,” the voice said.
“No way, asshole. You’ll never get away with this. Grace will not come he…” Donald was about to say “here” when he realized where he was. Donald looked up toward the curtain where the real serial killer stood, and as he did, the figure appeared. Donald was shocked to see his face.
“No…it can’t be…No!” Donald yelled and the killer laughed, as if excited and invigorated after revealing himself.
Chapter 17
Sandman, Duke, and Jay arrived at the precinct receiving police escorts as they pushed their way through the crowd of people and reporters. Grace’s escape had made the news. Now everyone knew she was missing and began to assume the serial killer had her. Questions were being thrown at them about Donald and the rest of the Thompson family. It was a zoo outside, and finally Sandman and his brothers were inside. They immediately headed upstairs to the main conference room where Agent Lancaster, the captain, Frank, John, and other brass were gathered for updates and new information.
“You got through that mess huh?” asked Frank as he shook Sandman’s hand and then his brothers’ as Sandman introduced them.
The American Soldier Collection 3: Amazing Grace (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 24
