Picture Perfect Murder

by Rachel Dylan

  “And what about your life? You can’t just give up your life to provide protection for me around the clock. I’m sure you have friends and probably someone special in your life. What about them? I’m not worth giving all that up for. I know that much.”

  He shook his head. If only Lily knew how empty his life really was. “Don’t ever think that you’re not worth my time, Lily. You’re worth it and then some.”

  “There’s no need for you to say that.”

  “It’s true. And beyond that, my job is my everything.”

  “I find it hard to believe that you don’t have any personal life.”

  “I have a couple of close friends, including Derrick. But romantic relationships are too difficult to maintain, given my line of work.” Plus, he wasn’t going to bring up the fact that he’d given up his heart once and it had been trampled on. He didn’t ever want to be vulnerable like that again. To feel that pain again. No, it was better to live alone.

  “Well, who am I to talk about relationships? You know what happened with my last one. That was enough to make me okay with being single the rest of my life.”

  He laughed. “I think we have a lot in common, Lily.”

  “Are you going to tell the police about my CIA background?”

  “Only Derrick. The rest of the police team doesn’t need to know, but I wanted someone else in the loop.”

  She nodded in agreement. “That makes sense.”

  “And besides that, Derrick was pretty impressed with how you dragged me back into the house last night. I think he was starting to realize that there was something about your story that didn’t add up. You’re unlike any photographer we’ve ever met before, that’s for sure.”

  “I’m not going to lie. Moving you was no easy task. You’re even heavier than you look.”

  He smiled. “You’re a strong woman, Lily. And not only in the physical sense. I’m sorry this is happening to you, but if it had to happen to someone, at least it’s someone with your background and strengths. I fear that most people wouldn’t have had the internal fortitude to make it through each day, but you’ve been a rock.”

  “Thanks, Rex.”

  He looked at her and couldn’t help but want to know even more about this woman who continued to amaze him.

  * * *

  As Lily walked into the FBI field office in Atlanta, a wave of apprehension washed over her. She’d been processed by security and her visitor’s badge now hung prominently around her neck.

  She looked over at Rex, who was in his element. This was basically his home. From what she gathered, even on nights and weekends, he spent much more time here than he did at his house. She followed him into a conference room on the third floor.

  This strategy meeting was Rex’s idea, and Lily had to admit that it was a good one. Bring everyone together in one room and talk out the case. But ever since the latest text from the killer yesterday, Lily had been uneasy. And not just for the obvious reason that there was a serial killer on the loose, who also happened to be obsessed with taking her out.

  No, it was much deeper than that. Something about the entire situation felt off to her, but she couldn’t really explain why. It bothered her that she hadn’t isolated the issue that was causing her the most concern.

  Lily took a seat beside Rex at a big, dark conference room table and waited for the others to join them. Within a couple of minutes, Derrick and Sean came into the room, along with a woman she didn’t recognize.

  She stood up from her chair to greet them all.

  “Lily,” Rex said. “This is Special Agent Eliza Newton. She’s one of the Bureau’s most skillful agents specializing in serial killers.”

  The petite brunette FBI agent with big hazel eyes gave her a firm handshake. She liked the woman instantly.

  “Lily,” Eliza said. “I can’t even begin to imagine what this has been like for you.”

  “I just want to catch the guy before he hurts anyone else.” And that was the truth. She feared that this psychopath wasn’t going to stop. Which meant that it was up to them to stop him. Lily understood that it wasn’t going to be an easy job.

  “Please, everyone. Take a seat so we can get started,” Eliza said.

  Lily proceeded to sit back down in the large conference room chair and the others followed suit.

  “I thought it would be a good idea for us to get together and talk about the latest developments,” Rex said. “I asked Eliza to get involved because of her extensive experience with serial killers. Were you able to read the file?”

  Eliza nodded. “Yes, I’m up-to-date. The last documented item took place yesterday with a text contact from the killer to Lily. Has there been anything else since then that hasn’t made its way into the file?”

  “No,” Rex said. “Now that we’re electronic, I am doing my best to keep the database updated in real time, given the number of different messages.”

  “Thank you,” Eliza said. “Having the real-time flow of information is really important. I also read about how the killer came after you directly, Rex. He clearly sees you as a threat in his quest to take out Lily.”

  “The question is what do we do about all of this?” Derrick asked. He leaned forward in his seat. “And what is this guy’s next play? He’s already killed five women. We don’t need a sixth victim. We want to do everything in our power to try to stop this guy before he strikes again. So I’m all for any assistance you can provide. Any theory you have, no matter how farfetched. I think we should put it all out on the table.”

  Eliza stood up and started to write on the whiteboard. “I agree. Let’s start with the facts. Lily, the killer picked a certain type of victim. That type of victim happened to also fit your physical characteristics, age and the fact that you live alone. So after he picked his target type, he somehow came into contact with you and then determined that you would be his next victim. So he breaks into your house with the explicit intention of killing you, but you thwarted his attack. You fought back. He probably wasn’t expecting you to be able to take him on, but you did. And because of that, you became the number one target in his mind. He elevated you to a special status because, as far as we know, you’re the only victim he’s chosen that has been able to get away.”

  Eliza took a deep breath and continued to write on the board. Then she turned around and addressed the group. “And from the file it appears that no one has been able to find any connection between the victims or people that the victims knew, correct?”

  “You’re right about that,” Rex said. “It hasn’t been for lack of trying, but we’ve come upon a lot of dead ends. What are you thinking, Eliza?”

  “I’m wondering if the killer has a specific place that he likes to find his victims. Even if the victims didn’t know each other, have you thought about certain places or activities that they shared as part of their routine? Maybe they all shop at the same store or go to the same hair salon?”

  “You’re right,” Rex said. “I hadn’t been focusing on that particular angle.”

  “Because if you get any leads there, then you have a starting point for trying to catch this guy in the act of finding his next target.” Eliza let out a big breath. “But don’t get your hopes up. This might be a long shot.”

  “At this point, we’ll take any and all ideas on where you think this guy is headed with his current strategy,” Rex said.

  Eliza took a seat and tapped her pen quickly against her legal pad.

  Rex crossed his arms. “So next steps. What’s your opinion, Eliza, on Lily responding to the text from the killer?”

  Eliza leaned forward in her seat. “There are different schools of thought on that. On the one hand, a direct communication from Lily could satisfy him and cause him to keep his focus on her, buying us some time to continue our investigation before he finds his nex
t victim. But there are other experts in the field who caution against any direct contact with a serial killer. You’re feeding their obsessive tendencies, possibly causing them to escalate their efforts.”

  “What would be your recommendation?” Lily asked.

  “I would hold off on any direct contact for now. It’s a calculated risk and, in my opinion, the payoff isn’t as large as the potential downside. There may come a time when it makes sense, but I don’t think we’re at that point.”

  “What about Lily’s personal security?” Sean asked. “Do you think we should move her to some sort of safe house?”

  Eliza shook her head. “I’m actually concerned about the repercussions of that. A move at this juncture could be premature. Yes, Lily could potentially be safer, but if our killer loses connection with her, then he may go off the deep end. I realize that Lily may not be on board with that approach. It’s asking a lot of someone.” She directed her attention to Lily. “I’d completely understand, Lily, if you wanted to leave. I’m sure the FBI would provide you with a totally secure safe house.”

  “That’s exactly what I told her, too” Rex said. “Ultimately, I think Lily should get to weigh in since we’re basically putting her in harm’s way if we keep her home.”

  “I’m totally on board with staying put for now,” Lily said. “You’re right about this guy and how he’s likely to react if I try to hide. I’m not willing to elevate my own personal safety if it means that he could act out by killing more women. I am capable of taking care of myself. And I’ll have the help of Rex and the APD.” Lily watched as Eliza’s hazel eyes narrowed.

  “Let me be clear, though,” Derrick said. “We can’t disregard your safety, Lily. Even if part of the plan is to try to catch or slow this guy down, we are going to be smart and cautious about it. We will add additional APD presence at your house, and of course Rex will still be with you. But at any point if we feel like the risk is too high, I’m reserving the right to pull you out of there. I appreciate your bravery, but we have to take a balanced approach in all of this.”

  “I understand that. But I’m not scared of this guy.”

  “Lily, how can you say that?” Eliza asked, clearly confused at Lily’s response. “He’s killed five women, not to mention he’s come after you, too. I don’t want you to take this threat lightly. This madman wants you dead. I simply can’t stress enough the gravity of this situation. Just because you’ve been successful in evading him so far doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Far from it, actually.” Eliza paused and then looked directly at her. “Is there a piece of this puzzle that I’m missing? If so, now would be the best time to fill me in. I can’t work from partial information.”

  “Sean, can you give us a moment alone, please?” Derrick asked Sean.

  “Sure, sir.” Sean didn’t question his boss and stood up to exit the room. Once the door was shut, Derrick looked at Lily.

  “I think you should tell Eliza about your background,” Derrick said. “This really isn’t the time for her to operate without all the facts.”

  She considered it for a moment and realized that maybe revealing her history would be useful. It would also help to explain her reactions to the situation.

  Lily looked over at Rex, and he nodded his agreement.

  “I have the feeling, given the looks on all of your faces, that this is going to be important,” Eliza said.

  Well, here it goes, Lily thought. She’d see how Eliza took the news. “The short version is that I used to work for the CIA.”

  Eliza’s eyes widened. “Well, that sure explains a lot.” Eliza let out a breath. “Frankly, I’m glad to hear this because I was starting to wonder if there was something wrong with you. Now I see that isn’t the case at all. I’m assuming you have specialized field training, as well?”

  “Yes, I’ve been trained in advanced martial arts, self-defense, and I’m very capable with a gun and various other weapons.”

  “This complicates things. I’m assuming that someone has verified that there is no link between your past and the victims?” Eliza asked.

  “We have,” Rex said. “Zero connection to Lily’s former life.”

  “This does add an interesting wrinkle to the equation. But, if anything, this helps us. If there are no links to the CIA, then that means our killer has no idea that he happened to pick a former CIA agent to mess with.”

  “That’s right. And I want to use that to our advantage,” Lily said. “The more he’s preoccupied with finishing the job he started with me, the less time he can put into finding other women to kill. So if that means me lingering around to keep him interested, then I think that’s the best course of action.”

  “I would tend to agree with you,” Eliza said. “You’re not an average woman, and we can use that to our advantage.”

  “I’ll do whatever it takes to shut this guy down.”

  Sean walked back in the door, his face reddened. “I’m sorry to interrupt. But there’s another dead body. He’s struck again.”

  SIX

  Lily felt sick to her stomach as she and Rex drove back home from the crime scene. Another innocent woman brutally murdered. A woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to her. This guy was proving that he didn’t plan on stopping his killing spree anytime soon.

  Rex let out a breath as he pulled into her driveway. Two police vehicles were there along with Alison’s car.

  “I need to tell my friends to stay away from me. I can’t have this guy coming after them. He’s proved that he’s willing to kill with impunity. Even if his victims have all fit a certain profile, the fact that he shot you makes me think he’d do the same to my friends without a second’s hesitation.”

  “I agree with you,” Rex said. “But they’re not going to like it.”

  She and Rex walked up to her front door and went inside. Alison had used her spare key and was waiting with Jackson in Lily’s living room.

  Her friends quickly stood and walked over to her. “We saw the news. Are you all right?”

  “Yes, but unfortunately another woman is dead.”

  Alison pulled her in for a tight hug while Jackson eyed Rex warily. “You guys at the FBI need to be taking more action to catch this guy.”

  “They’re doing everything they can, Jackson. He’s proving to be very elusive.”

  “But they can do more,” Alison pleaded. “They have to. You’re not safe!”

  “I know you two aren’t going to like to hear this, but it’s for your own good,” Lily said.

  “What?” Jackson asked.

  “I need you two and Guy to steer clear of me for a while.”

  “But why?” Alison asked. “We can’t just leave you to go through this alone.”

  “The killer is coming after anyone who is close to me. Rex is an obvious target, but this is his job.”

  “She’s right,” Rex said. “He’s coming after Lily again. And while you aren’t going to fit his profile, it won’t matter. This killer doesn’t have a conscience. If it means hurting you to get to Lily, then he wouldn’t think twice about it.”

  “So until this is over, I’d prefer it if you wouldn’t come over or try to see me. I’d never be able to live with myself if something happened to any of you.”

  Alison’s dark eyes filled with tears. “This isn’t fair, Lily.”

  “I know it’s not, but I need you to be safe.”

  Alison gripped her hand. “I’m praying hard that this will end soon. That this murderer will be stopped.”

  “Thank you.” Lily found no point in arguing with Alison over her prayers, but she feared that he was just getting started.

  * * *

  Later, Rex found Lily in the living room on the sofa while Grace slept by her feet, snoring up a storm.

  “What’s on your min
d?” he asked. He could tell she was troubled, but who wouldn’t be if they’d gone through what she had? It bothered him that he couldn’t help her more. Because he really hated to see her so down.

  “Just a bit upset about the latest victim. It’s hard to deal with the fact that I’m still alive and well and the other victims are dead. All of them around my age, with their entire lives ahead of them. Why is my life continually being spared? How am I supposed to deal with that?”

  “That’s a heavy burden to carry, Lily, but it’s not your fault. The killer is to blame. Not you. And the reason that you’re still alive is because that’s the plan God has for you.”

  “I’m not so sure about that, Rex.” She paused. “And the killer has made it clear now that he has no intention of stopping.” She put her head in her hands. “Coming after me is one thing. I know how to process that. But I’m having a much harder time processing the deaths of all those innocent women.”

  He moved closer to her on the couch. He felt the need to try to give her some measure of comfort, no matter how small. “Lily, you don’t have to shoulder this all by yourself.”

  “I don’t want you to think that I’m unappreciative. I know you’re here and doing everything you can,” she said softly.

  “That’s true, but that isn’t what I meant.” He knew that his abilities were limited.

  “What, then?”

  “You’ve made comments about faith before that make me think there’s a story there. Maybe talking about it would make you feel at least a little bit better.”

  “But you know that my story doesn’t have a happy ending.” She looked up directly into his eyes.

  He saw an emotion that wasn’t just pain. No, it was raw anger. “I’m listening.”

  “It ends with me killing the man I thought I loved and who I thought loved me. What kind of God allows that to happen?” She asked in a raised voice. “Because I’d really like to hear your answer to that.”

  He took a moment to think about how best to address her concerns. “It doesn’t really work like that, Lily.”