The Front Range Butcher

by R Weir

  “Getting to the Senator would be difficult.”

  “Would he talk to you?”

  “Maybe. But guys like that are booked up for months. I doubt I could get in to see him right away. And he would only want to talk politics and give me his ‘I work for the people’ baloney all politicians spout. Your best bet is Belinda, if she will talk to you and if she is still alive.”

  “I think she would. But I’d have to find her first. Last I knew she was in a hospital in Pueblo, but under FBI watch. I assume that is no longer true since they believe they have the killer.”

  “I know they were questioning her, but she wasn’t saying much. I believe out of fear. I would imagine she is back at home or maybe staying with a friend. I can make some calls with my contacts and see if they know anything.”

  Dezmond was a possibility, to see if he could help find Belinda. But I didn’t want to go to that well too often and I might need his help on something more pressing, like the Russians and Chinese. I sat back resting my head trying clear my mind. After a couple of weeks of calm, I was back to feeling as if there was too much going on, making keeping everything straight in my head challenging. Maybe I needed to take up one of those relaxing exercises, like Tai Chi. Some type of meditation to bring calm to my crazy world. I needed something to find balance. Or maybe I needed to learn The Force. Though none of the characters in the Star Wars world seemed any less conflicted.

  “Doris, what is your availability the next couple of days?” I asked her after answering my ringing cell.

  “Nothing pressing. What do you need?”

  “I had a conversation with Darren Woodley today. He told me a few things and I need you to do an evaluation on him. See if you think he is sane or not.”

  “I’m not trained in psych evaluations.”

  “No, but you’re a profiler and have interviewed serial killers in the past and know what to look for. I want you to talk with him and make some type of conclusion.”

  “What are you thinking?” She sounded curious.

  “That there is a possibility he is not The Butcher.”

  “From what I’ve learned the evidence is overwhelming.”

  “It is. But I need you to try and read him. I’m not sure what it is, but something is not sitting right with me. Everything is not lining up properly. I trust your judgement and it will help me decide what to do next. Besides you spoke with Simon during the original murders, so you would be able to see any connections that may be there.”

  “When did you want me to talk with him?”

  “Hector, his lawyer, says he’ll need a day to arrange things. Are you available the day after tomorrow?”

  “I can be. Give me a time once you have it. Morning normally is best.”

  “I’ll call you.”

  Once I was done, I decided a workout was in order and my best option over meditation. I grabbed my things, hustling out the door, arriving at the gym, finding the parking lot nearly full, which was normal for late afternoon. I’d get a good warmup for the distance I’d have to walk to the front door. My phone rang as I was leaving the car. It was April.

  “I’m off work early. What are you doing?” she asked.

  “I’m about to walk into the gym. Care to get buff and limber with me?”

  “I’ll be there shortly.”

  I waited in the car, until she arrived. After changing we found some open machines and started our workout, each taking turns. Leg presses, squats and curls. Followed by abdomen, back, chest and arms. After a good sweat, our muscles feeling good, we changed into swimwear and did a few laps. April was in great shape and could do everything I could, and at times was even better, including beating me in a race in the pool.

  After showering and changing we decided on dinner out. There was a nice family place near the gym we hadn’t gone into before and decided on trying it. It was still a little early for the dinner crowd, so there was no issue getting a booth and we slid in next to each other.

  “Did you hear about Boone’s closing?” I asked of her.

  “I did. Such a shame. Where are we going to go to hang out after a stressful day?” Her face looked long and sad.

  “I don’t know. Sounds like the new place won’t be our style. More of a dinner club and not a hangout.”

  “Where everybody knows your name.”

  I smiled enjoying the cultural reference. “Yes, which is what we need. I’ll have to start pro bono work on finding a new place. Try all the beers, taste the food, check out the TV’s and determine the right mixture.”

  “Sounds like a challenging case. Good thing you’re a trained detective.”

  “Someone has to do the dirty work.”

  She reached for my hand and cupped it. “How are you holding up? You look tired.”

  “I am. Been a long few days.” I proceeded to tell her all that had happened, though I did leave the part out about Skyping with Lyndi and my temptation to see her.

  “Wow. Your life sounds like a bad soap opera, with all that going on. Have you heard anything from Rocky?”

  “Nothing. Though I didn’t expect I would. It is something he needs to handle himself.”

  “Hard being a tough guy. Sounds like The Butcher case isn’t over.”

  “Maybe. Once I hear back from Doris, I’ll have a better idea.”

  “Which means no trip for us.” She sounded disappointed. So was I.

  “Sorry, no. But it will happen. I like you in your bathing suit. You looked beautiful in it at the gym.”

  She scoffed. “That old thing is nothing. I have something much more appropriate for a sandy beach. I’ll have you drooling.”

  I leaned over and kissed her passionately, then hugged her, like I didn’t want to let her go. She was my meditation. My way to escape from the world and the events that twirled all around me. Tai Chi had nothing on the passion we created with each other. She had been there by my side though all the pain and conflict, never once batting an eye. She had become the rock in the center of my world I needed, to make it through each and every day, good and bad. I had grown to love her and maybe, when there was time to reflect, realize I was in love with her.

  After dinner we went outside and a familiar black SUV pulled up. Even in the darkness that was falling over the early evening I could tell it was the two FBI agents I had encountered a couple of times now, and nicknamed Curley and Moe. My hope they had gone onto other more important items hadn’t been realized. The driver’s side darkly tinted window rolled down.

  “You need to come with us,” said Curley, with a stern look. “Agent Alegre wants to talk with you.”

  I’d grown tired of them, their demands, long drives in tank-like SUV’s, and especially Catalina. I ignored them, grabbed April by the arm and started walking to our cars.

  I heard a door open and the passenger, Moe, got out and came towards us.

  “Didn’t you hear him,” Moe said, coming towards me in a threatening manner.

  I turned to face him. I wasn’t going to back down, which I heatedly explained.

  “I did. And I’m tired of jumping every time Catalina calls. I’m not a dog who heels to his master. If she wants to talk, she can call me and make an appointment. Come to my office and talk like normal people do.”

  Moe stepped in and tried to grab me by the arm. I pulled back, so he missed. He moved closer and got a hold of my left forearm. I looked him square in the eye as a warning. He started to pull me, but I didn’t move, my strength equaling his. He tried pulling harder, and then as fast as I could, I grabbed the wrist of the arm that had a hold of me with my free hand, I yanked it loose, pulling it above his head, twisting him sideways in the process. Before he could react, I swept his feet out from under him, and he lost his balance, landing on his keister. The pavement didn’t give any, there was an audible thud and groan of pain that came from him. He was feeling the agony, as he grabbed for his tailbone.

  “Stay down and leave me alone,” I said aggressively.

>   The driver’s door opened, and Curley jumped out to aid his partner. I took a step back as he glared at me and began to make his move. His hand went to his side reaching for his weapon.

  Before he got to me, April had her gun out and pointed at him. It was something he wasn’t suspecting.

  “Don’t move,” she said, forcefully.

  “Big mistake, lady!” He sounded tough, but knew he was in a bad spot.

  “I don’t think so. This man tried to assault my friend here and I’m a Denver cop. If I didn’t have better things to do, I’d have you both arrested. Either you walk away from this or I make a call.” She was tense, ready to do what was needed.

  Curley looked at his partner on the ground clutching his lower back. He glared at April, fire red on his cheeks, before he walked over, grabbed Moe by the arm and helped him back to the SUV.

  “Tell Agent Alegre I’m busy tomorrow, but I can talk anytime the next day. Have her secretary call me for a time.”

  Once both were back into the SUV, I got a cold stare from Curley, before he drove off. We had drawn a bit of a crowd, and April waved her badge and told them to disperse. There were a few comments we heard as they left, all of them complimenting us on our victory.

  “Nice backup,” I said to April, who put her gun away.

  “Hopefully they don’t make a federal case out of it.”

  “They won’t. They had no legal authority to take me. The men in black at times think they are above the law. And if they try to, I’ve always got Barry. He scares the shit out of even the toughest of agents.”

  “Always know I’ll have your back.” Her eyes were soft and sincere, making me feel splendid.

  I put my arm around her. “I know, as I have yours. Let’s go to your place and meditate.”

  She looked at me confused. “Meditate?”

  “Don’t worry I’ll explain what I mean while we are lying naked in your bed and I’m kissing you all over.”

  Chapter 68

  Agent Alegre’s assistant called and made an appointment, trying for a day earlier than I wanted, but I held my ground. I had finished my breakfast, and was now cleaning up when I heard a car pull up. I opened the door after confirming through the peephole, and she walked in without a word, looking around for a place to sit, her hand acting as a comb to straighten out her short chestnut hair, blown by the wind. She was wearing a black pantsuit and red boots with a thick heal. I don’t think she was impressed with my furnishings and finally decided on taking the easy chair in the living area, unbuttoning her jacket revealing a red blouse. I offered something to drink, but she refused. Her face was stern, looking as if she came in mad as a hornet, ready to sting me. I took a seat on the sofa, as far from striking distance as I could get, waiting for her to speak.

  “Why are you still trampling on my case?”

  There was a tinge of anger, though not as much as I expected. No reason to have any pleasantries. I was fine with straight to the point.

  “I didn’t realize I was trampling.”

  “You went and talked with Darren Woodley.”

  “I did. His lawyer asked me to.”

  “Why?”

  “He was pleading his case to me. Says he was framed. Didn’t kill anyone.”

  She huffed. “They all say that. I’ve not run into many killers that didn’t say they were innocent.”

  “I agree. Doesn’t mean it’s not possible.”

  Her brown cheeks turned darker. I was good at getter under people’s skin.

  “I want you out of this. No more visits with him.”

  “Now I must ask, why?” I questioned calmly. I was trying to keep my blood pressure down.

  “Because I’m going to put him away for life and with any luck he will be put to death.” She sounded convinced of his guilt.

  “Career case for you. One that looks good on your record.” I was poking the bear now, getting to the meat of why she was so combative.

  “That is not the reason.”

  “Sure it is. You’re in the FBI. A female breaking a case like this is a golden feather in your cap. Agent Alegre getting a commendation. Sitting pretty with the good old boys. A promotion that normally is hard to come by, now more likely.”

  “Stay away or I’ll have you arrested!” Her anger was spilling out.

  “For what. His lawyer asked me. I have every legal right to talk with him. You may be right about him being the killer. But if he isn’t I’m going to find out who is.”

  “I know you sent Doris to talk with him as well. I’ll tell you now she will never work for the FBI again. She is through!”

  She was in full on threat mode now. But I wasn’t going to back down.

  “It’s too bad your pride gets in the way on all of this. Doris is a sharp lady who can help you catch killers. That should be more important than some vendetta you have against me. All she is doing is trying to decide if he fits the mold of a serial killer. If she says yes, then I’ll let him rot, and you can put him away or in the ground. If she has doubts, then I begin looking again. And you should too. Because this nut will be back.”

  She heard every word, maybe I’d gotten through to her, and her anger died down.

  “I’m not going to change your mind, am I?” She sounded calmer, but for how long.

  Her bullheaded and threatening attitude was why I’d not cooperated with her on this case and had left out several key items I had learned.

  “No. As I once told you, I’m no good at following orders. One of the reasons why I’m a PI.”

  “Fine. I won’t bother you anymore. But don’t expect me to come to your rescue.” She snapped.

  “I wouldn’t dream of calling you. I’ll continue to work with the Denver Police. They seem to like me. Or least tolerate me.”

  She got up from the chair and headed towards the door, she opened it before turning around.

  “If I’m wrong I’ll admit it. It will be difficult to swallow my pride, but I can do it. I just want these gruesome murders to be over.”

  Her words were sincere, revealing a soft side I’d not seen. Maybe there was a real person under all that tough exterior after all. This made her more human to me, which was progress.

  “Then we can agree on one thing, Catalina,” I said, using her first name to sound more personal. “I want them over as well.”

  After she left I went to the gym to work off some tension. Once I was finished and showered, I was to meet Doris. She suggested the Hudson Gardens in Littleton, at around 2 p.m.

  When I arrived, she was standing at the visitor center, adorned in a green dress, with yellow flowers and the floppy hat she wore when I first met her. She smiled when she saw me, which was nice after my meeting with Agent Alegre.

  “You like your gardens,” I said.

  “Calm after the storm. Even though it’s fall, there are still some colors here. And the grass and trees are always a nice green, though the leaves are starting to yellow. Let’s walk while we talk.”

  I had her lead the way, since I’d never been here before. It was pretty, and quiet, a nice buffer from the heavy city traffic on Santa Fe nearby. After talking to suspected serial killers, one needed a respite from all the insanity.

  “Catalina paid me a visit today,” I said. “Says you won’t work for the FBI anymore if she has any say in the matter.”

  “She can kiss my ass,” said Doris who then blessed herself, after swearing, asking for forgiveness. I had to laugh.

  “My thoughts exactly. I pretty much told her the same thing. I’m not sure it swayed her any, but she did say if she was proved wrong about who is the killer, she’d admit it.”

  “She is a hard case. Fighting for recognition. Never easy for a woman in the business world. Society is much more enlightened than it used to be, though we seem to be taking a couple of steps back with what is going on in the world. When I started, it was difficult for me as well. You need to keep plugging along. They will acknowledge talent when they see it.”

/>   We walked past the wetlands. There were a few ducks hanging around in the water, diving for something to eat. The weather was still warm enough that they hadn’t migrated. There were even a slew of butterflies flying about.

  “How was your discussion with Darren?” I asked. “Any conclusions?”

  “Remember it is difficult to make hard determinations after a two-hour chat. This is extremely preliminary. I would need to talk with him more to get a better answer.”

  “I understand. I won’t hold you to it, if you find out different later.”

  “That being said, my initial feeling is, he is sane. And if I had interviewed him without knowing about the mountain of evidence against him, I would never peg him as a suspect in this case.”

  “Then there is a possibility that he is telling the truth and he was set up.”

  “Yes.”

  We passed a storage shed where a man was working on some equipment. He waved and said hi. A couple of older ladies passed us, walking the other way. Both smiled and said hello. It would seem that in this park was where peace on Earth resided and all was right in the world. Too bad we couldn’t expand it further to cover more of the planet. Maybe Catalina should make a trip down here to decompress.

  “What are you going to do next?” asked Doris.

  “I’ve been thinking about this, wondering about my next step. I believe I need to find Belinda Woodley and try to talk with her. Some of what she told Darren doesn’t line up with what I believe to be true. He thinks his father is Senator Bowles. Only she can shed light on the truth.”

  “And what will that tell you?”

  “I’m not certain yet. If the father is Simon Lions, it would make sense still that Darren is the killer, and Simon’s protégé. But he claims he’s never heard the name before. And if he is his son, why would he throw him to the wolves? Hard to believe a father would set up his own son for a fall.”

  “Why do you think Simon set up his son?”

  I explained to Doris my meeting with the mysterious Wolfe and how he would get me the killer if I left Simon alone.