Kathryn pulled a small towel from her large shoulder bag and wrapped the gun and silencer. She dropped it back into her purse. Pocketing the wad of bills, she walked over to Chuck’s body. Blood was pooling out around his head faster than she expected. She thought about checking for a pulse, but knew from the amount of blood he was dead.
“Sorry Chuck, but I can’t have any witnesses. Besides, I heard a few rumors about you which is why I came here. Do law abiding people make silencers on the side? Maybe, but when they’re arrested four times for domestic battery, once for hitting a child, well, maybe they’re not law abiding. Your wife and son will be safer now.”
She watched Chuck’s blood begin to run in a thin stream toward the grate in the middle of the garage floor. Kathryn strode toward the door, out into the darkened alley, and toward the anonymity of the nearby street and parking lot.
She was back in her house before Chuck’s wife walked into the garage to ask when he was coming to bed.
Chapter Six
When Kathryn arrived home, she stopped in the laundry room and stripped before entering the kitchen. She tossed everything, including the towel she placed over her car seat and the one wrapped around the gun, into the washer. She was relatively certain she didn’t have any blood traces on her clothing, but she needed to be sure. Kathryn dropped the leather gloves into a plastic bag. Tomorrow she would dispose of them in a red hazardous waste bag at the hospital. No one questioned the contents of the bags. After placing the gun and silencer in the lock box she bought for their storage, she headed for the shower. She would clean the gun later after her shower.
She showered while the clothes washed. After tossing the clothes in the dryer, she cleaned her gun readying it for the next execution. Kathryn poured a glass of wine, and carried it to her bedroom. She took a deep cleansing breath, settled in bed with a book, and relaxed for the night.
Kathryn smiled to herself knowing she had taken and completed step two. She owned an unregistered gun; more than enough bullets to practice and take care of business, and now she had a silencer. No one followed her, and no one knew what she did. She rolled over and turned off her light. Tomorrow would be a busy day. She needed to start flirting with Nick. Dating him would appear natural and normal to her fellow employees. Kathryn needed everyone to see her as a normal, sweet girl next door. There was a very good chance at least one detective might wander into the morgue to discuss Chuck’s death with Dr. Graydor, and Kathryn didn’t like surprises. She’d be ready.
Kathryn decided taking a week or ten days off before the next execution would be best. Then maybe two in a row and another break. She wanted to be sure she used a disconnected pattern only her mind could understand.
~ * ~
Kathryn arrived before Dr. Graydor again. She hit the remote in her pocket that controlled the doors and lights. The doors slid open, and the morgue lit up. She hurried to change and disposed of the gloves in a red bio-hazard material bag. She dropped the bag in the red container knowing no one goes through the contents. She sat at her desk and had time to pull up last night’s records. After a few moments, she knew that Chuck occupied cooler drawer number five. Doc’s notes stated he died instantly from a gunshot to the temple. Cause of death: homicide.
Kathryn heard the elevator door chime and glanced up without moving her eyes. She saw Detective Wayne exit the elevator. She dropped her eyes and exited the screen holding Chuck’s information. She was back on the supply inventory page when the detective knocked on the window. She held up a finger, exited her inventory page, looked up, smiled, and stood. She pushed the button to allow Detective Wayne to enter.
The detective stood nearly six foot tall. His black hair was graying slightly on the sides, and he had friendly soft brown eyes. Kathryn wondered how he could interrogate people with those eyes. She guessed his age to be about fifty. He was well built but carried a bit of extra weight around his midsection. He wore the same black overcoat he had on the night he questioned her concerning Brad’s murder.
“Miss Wright,” he said. “I hope you’re doing better than the last time we spoke. Do you remember me?” He held out his hand. “Detective Jackson Wayne.”
“Yes, I remember, sir.” She shook his hand and smiled. “We spoke after Brad’s murder before they gave me that shot. After that, I don’t remember much. Your partner came to see me at the hospital. I still don’t remember anything new. What can I do for you?”
“I’m not here about your attack; I’m here to speak to the doc about your newest customer.” He pulled out a chair and sat next to her desk.
“Oh, I just got in and Dr. Graydor should be here soon. I didn’t know we had a body come in. Let me check. We sure did, in the middle of the night. A Charles Kratzner.” She looked up at the detective.
“That would be him, what can you tell me?” He smiled and pulled out a small notebook.
“Not much. You’d have to speak to Dr. Graydor.” She returned the smile.
The smile left her face, and she looked into his eyes. “You’re a homicide detective, aren’t you?”
He nodded.
“Does that mean someone murdered Mr. Kratzner? We don’t get many murders here. Brad and now Mr. Kratzner. Is it the same person? Should I be afraid?”
‘No.” He waved his hands from side to side. “You work for the coroner so you’ll soon learn the manner of death. I can tell you they were different and no similarities. Your attacker hasn’t struck again. I believe he may have fled after he learned he killed someone. It’s not unusual for them to hide far away from their crime. Be as vigilant as you always are, and I’m confident you won’t see him again. We kept your name out of the press, and that helps.”
“I appreciate that more than I can say. I was worried my face would be all over the news. I didn’t see any news while in the hospital, but my sister watched and read everything she could. She never heard my name or saw my face. Thank you.” Her smile was genuine. She wanted to stay well under the radar.
Dr. Graydor walked in and said, “Jackson, nice to see you. We always seem to meet under these types of circumstances. How’s the family?”
“Doing great, Tim. Thanks. What can you tell me about our vic?”
“Single gunshot to the temple. Fragments mushroomed. Never had a chance. Died instantly. I pulled the fragments I was able to retrieve. Goes without saying it's homicide. No powder burns on the hands or temple. Must have been shot from several feet away. I bagged the fragments for your tech. The rest will have to wait until I’m able to dissect the brain.” He handed the detective the autopsy report.
“Thanks, Tim. My guy will be here soon to collect the fragments and take photos.”
Kathryn dropped her head to hide the happiness she felt that there wouldn’t be much evidence to trace back to her or anyone else.
“Kathryn are you all right?” Dr. Graydor walked over and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Perhaps we should go elsewhere to discuss this death.”
She wiped an imaginary tear from her eye and glanced up at her boss. “No, sir, I’m fine. It’s part of my job. I just don’t understand the world at times. How can people do these things to each other?”
Detective Wayne spoke up, “It happens, and murders are the most difficult. Have you worked in a morgue long enough to see many? I know we don’t have many around here.”
“No, detective, this is my first besides Brad. They were just too close together, but I’ll be okay. If nothing else, I’ll gain experience.” She looked at him without smiling.
“Baptism by fire is not always the best way to learn. Take care Kathryn, Tim.” The detective nodded and strode toward the elevator.
~ * ~
Kathryn strolled toward the cafeteria. Dr. Graydor insisted she take a thirty minute break after Detective Wayne left. He had looked at her and said, “You look a bit stressed. Grab a cup of tea and take a walk around the hospital. You’ll feel better.”
Heading toward a side door with her tea, she saw Ni
ck approaching from the opposite direction.
“Hi,” Nick smiled and the smile traveled up to his eyes. “What’re you doing?”
“Murder victim in the morgue and a visit from the detective in charge. Doc thought I should take a walk and relax. He thinks I might be too stressed after…” She intentionally let her voice trail off for effect.
Nick placed a hand on her arm. “No need to explain. I understand. Want some company?”
“I’d love it,” she looked up at him with a small smile forming.
“Great,” he held the door open for her and she stepped out onto the sidewalk that circled the hospital’s perimeter.
They strolled in silence for a few minutes before Joey Coyle bolted out of another exit. “Hey, is it true? Did Big Chuck buy it? Is he in the morgue?”
“Who?” Kathryn asked.
Joey brushed his auburn hair out of his dark gray eyes and stared at her. “Big Chuck. You know the guy we talked about last week. He works on guns and stuff in his garage after work.”
Kathryn scrunched her eyebrows and shrugged. “Did we? You talk about a lot of things. I’m not sure.”
“Hmm, maybe it wasn’t you but is there a guy named Chuck in the morgue?” He shoved his hands in his pants pockets.
Kathryn bit her lip and waited a moment before answering. “We do have a gunshot victim downstairs, but I don’t know if his name is Chuck. I can’t recall his name right now. Sorry. You can go ask Doc; he’s in the morgue now.”
“Never mind, I’ll get someone to check the records.” He ran toward the door, scanned his access card, and disappeared into the hospital.
“Wonder what’s up with Joey? He certainly looked stressed,” Kathryn said. She sipped her tea and continued to walk.
Nick answered, “With that guy you never know. You said gunshot victim and murder. Could be Joey knows something. Nothing bad goes on around here without him knowing something or causing it.” Nick took her arm and steered her around a bush she nearly walked into.
“Thanks, I guess I’m more stressed than I thought. I hope Joey doesn’t know anything. That’s creepy.” Kathryn shuddered. “The detective and doc discussed the man’s murder. You don’t really believe Joey knows something about his murder? It sounds as if he knew the guy. Joey’s a creep, but murder?” She took a step closer to Nick and looked in the direction of the door Joey entered.
Nick shrugged. “Could be, but I agree with the doc. You’re too stressed and need some fun. How about dinner and a movie tomorrow night? I’ll let you choose the movie. Maybe a comedy or one of those romantic girlie ones if it’ll make your eyes happy again. You look too sad.” He bent forward to look around her and into her eyes.
She laughed. “Okay, I think you’re good for my spirit. Dinner and a movie it is. We can see a comedy, but I won’t make you watch a chick flick.”
They continued their walk. Nick chatted on about little things that had nothing to do with the hospital or recent events.
Kathryn thought He’s good for my mood. Maybe dating Nick will be more fun than just pretending I’m doing what’s expected. I might have fun. I actually like him.
When they walked back into the hospital, Nick turned to her and said, “I won’t see you at lunch. I just used up my lunch break a bit early.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” She frowned.
“It was worth it. I’ll grab a granola bar to eat, and I got a date out of the walk. I’d say it turned out great.” He smiled before he rushed off.
Kathryn strolled back to the elevator feeling less stressed and happy. Life was going well.
~ * ~
Dr. Graydor met Kathryn as she walked back into the morgue.
“You look refreshed,” he said. “The funeral home will be here shortly to transport Mr. Kratzner. Can you handle it? I have an appointment, but I could reschedule.”
“No, please, I’m fine. I think it was two murders and seeing that detective again. I need to toughen up. I never expected this much awful activity here. I’m used to the sadness, but murder.” She scrunched her face, and the doctor smiled.
“Let’s hope it settles down,” he patted her shoulder as he headed out of the morgue and strode to the elevator.
~ * ~
Kathryn applied a second coat of mascara and fluffed her hair. She heard the doorbell.
“Right on time,” she murmured. She wore a pair of black dress slacks and a soft peach blouse. Dressy enough for a nice restaurant, but not too dressy for the movie.
She looked out the peephole and noticed Nick wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a blue shirt. He wasn’t overdressed either.
She opened the door and smiled, “Hi, come on in.”
Nick walked in and looked around her well maintained and decorated three bedroom ranch home.
“Nice place, I’m in the wrong line of work,” he grinned at her.
She wasn’t ready to share all the details of her life, and she answered, “I inherited some money for a down payment.”
Her mother had been able to pay off the mortgage on their large home after her dad died and when her mom died, Pam and Kathryn each shared the proceeds from the sale of the house. Each bought a house that fit their needs and desires. For Kathryn, it was a lovely ranch all on one floor while Pam purchased a large two-story Tudor style home.
Nick nodded, “Nice you had the money but sorry you lost someone.”
“Thanks, ready to go?” He helped her slip on her coat, and they walked to his car.
~ * ~
Two weeks passed quickly. Kathryn and Nick had gone out on three more dates and Joey Coyle was avoiding her now that she was dating Nick. Dr. Graydor seemed to accept the fact that Kathryn was doing all right after her ordeal and Big Chuck’s murder. Detective Wayne had not returned. Life was back to normal. Time for another execution.
Kathryn hurried out of the hospital and made her way to the library. It was usually quiet on Friday evenings, and Kathryn was the only person using a computer. She double checked the information she needed and committed it to memory. Last names didn’t matter to her. A first name and face were all she needed to carry out what she felt compelled to do.
David. The picture on the child predator site could have been clearer, but she would know him anywhere. She doubted his blonde hair and electric blue eyes had changed much if at all. She logged off and pushed the chair back in leaving no trace she had been using that computer.
She knew the library has enough security cameras to keep track of her every move. Nothing she did would draw attention. She browsed the romance section and randomly chose two books. She checked them out and headed home.
She dropped her purse and the bag of Chinese food on the table. She poured a glass of wine and while she ate dinner; she plotted and planned.
When she met Brad, she was carrying her purse and all her identification. That execution went badly, but her fast thinking kept her safe except for three days in a psychiatric ward. It could have been worse.
She carried her wallet in her pocket when she picked up the silencer from Big Chuck. She could have lost it. That wouldn’t do at all.
Kathryn recalled a television show about people with unusual habits. One woman didn’t trust banks and hid her money in very unusual places around her home. When she need to go out shopping, she would carry only her license and cash in her jacket pocket. If she needed to make a large purchase, she would carry her cash in a small pocket she sewed into her bra. The idea appealed to Kathryn.
She could carry her license and a few twenties in a secret bra pocket in case she needed to grab a cab or hide out in a nearby bar or restaurant if something went wrong. Kathryn didn’t anticipate anything going wrong, but she liked being prepared.
She made a small pocket from an old t-shirt just large enough to hold a few bills and her license. A hook and loop closure held it tightly closed. She sewed her small creation into the left cup of an old bra.
Trying it on, she smiled at the small squ
are area between the bra and her left breast. Under a loose t-shirt, blouse, or sweatshirt, it was unnoticeable.
“Problem solved,” Kathryn mumbled as she removed the bra and placed it on top of her dresser next to the top she planned to wear the next night.
David was under house arrest until his next trial, and she had an idea how to get into his apartment and carry out his execution. This one was trickier than Big Chuck, but if all went right, it would be easier than Brad. With any luck, someone will find him before Monday, and his body might make it in and out of the morgue before she got to work. If not, she’d deal with Doc and the detective.
She hated that they looked at her as if she were a victim. She wasn’t a victim. She might have been as a child when Mr. Waters abused her, but not anymore. Not ever again. Neither will the children she saves from these monsters.
Chapter Seven
Kathryn woke to overcast skies. She slept late knowing she didn’t have any set plans. Saturday meant errands. Grocery shopping would take the longest and bored her. She groaned and buried her face in her pillow. An hour later she woke again and knew it was time to start her day.
Kathryn loved to compartmentalize her thoughts. Tonight’s execution was filed away in an imaginary cabinet where it would remain until needed. She didn’t need the details to overshadow her day’s plans.
Her phone beeped, and she knew she had a text. It was either Pam or Nick. Both seemed to enjoy sending her morning greetings. This one was from Nick.
“Dinner tonight?”
She frowned and texted back.
“Have plans. Maybe watch a DVD later?”
His answer appeared immediately,
“Call me when u r free.”
She answered with a smiley face.
~ * ~
Kathryn slipped on a raincoat in case the skies worsened and headed for her first stop. After dropping two silk blouses at the dry cleaners, she stopped at the pharmacy.
Kathryn's Justice Page 5
