by Jaden Skye
The room grew quieter. This wasn’t a pretty picture, Wayne could end up looking like a sketchy character, but there was no evidence he had motive for killing three women, thought Tracy. She knew that it would be easy to grab on to someone like Wayne and get sidetracked.
“Is there any evidence at all of trouble between Wayne and Candace?” Tracy spoke out.
August looked at her gruffly. “None.”
“Any evidence linking him to the other women?” continued Tracy , undaunted by his glance.
“Unfortunately not,” August relented. Seems Wayne was loyal to Tracy. Even though there’s nothing to hold on to, there’s a smell about this guy, anyway.”
The room stared at August. They all knew how it was when a situation had a smell about it and they couldn’t pin it anywhere. It usually just took time for the smell to get stronger and take them where they needed to go. They didn’t have the luxury of time now, though.
“Keep Wayne in your crosshairs,” Hunter said. “Put a trail on him. Where does he spend his time now?”
“Holed up in his apartment,” said August.
“Okay,” said Hunter, “good work, thanks, August. Now I’d like Tracy to come up here and give us a sense of who this guy could be. Where should we focus our efforts to find him?”
Tracy stood up, smoothed out her blue linen skirt, tossed her hair over her shoulders and walked calmly to the front of the room. The silence in the room deepened as she looked around at the faces eager for that one perfect clue.
Tracy started, “Although it is tempting to believe that we have a random killer here, or the usual sadistic psychopath, I see it differently. In my opinion, the killer not only knew all about them, he knew them personally. They had an opportunity to interact and he’d gained their trust. Then the women were killed suddenly, with no sense of it coming at all. The killer enjoyed their company and then suddenly struck. But, why these women? What does each of them represent to him? Why did he keep Shannon alive for two weeks?”
“He loved torturing her,” August interrupted. “Mental torture is torture too. There’s no reason to rule out a sadistic psychopath.”
“Let Tracy finish,” Hunter interrupted, “then we’ll debate it.”
“I know it’s natural to assume we have a sadistic psychopath on their hands,” Tracy went on. “However, we’ve checked the database for criminals in the area committing these kinds of crimes and nothing has come up so far. That could well be because we’re looking for the wrong kind of killer. I believe our killer is consumed by jealousy of women and wants to strike them where it hurts them the most. Tina was a prostitute, her sexuality was the core of her life, and he tore it apart. The second victim, Shannon, was surrounded by children, both her own and her students. The killer strangled and left her on a boat ride in the park where children go all the time. He was also striking out at the families and children who saw her. Was he getting back at a world that would have no part of him, but that he longed to be a part of?
“Candace was engaged to be married, and sleeping that night at her ex-boyfriend’s house. Did the killer think she was being unfaithful? Was he disturbed by her wedding plans? He gets women at the peak of their lives and stops them from going forward, finding fulfillment.”
Wanda listened enrapt, smiling at Tracy.
“But there’s more,” said Tracy. “It’s how he lures his victims to him. This killer has an apparent soft side as well. I believe killing these women is something he’s dreamt of for a long time, built fantasies about. Somehow, he got the courage to act on his dreams and he’s doing it now as quickly as possible. Suddenly he’ll run out of steam and fall apart. But before that, his craving to be noticed is increasing. He’s demanding his fifteen minutes of fame and time in the sun. He insists on being known.” “Okay, so let’s get practical. Where should we look for this lunatic then?” Sgt. Harding spoke up loudly.
“He’s close by,” Tracy said in a throaty tone.. “This is his grand performance. He would never leave town, he’s enjoying the uproar. Don’t focus out of town. There’s a single point that joins the women together, a place they all went to, maybe? A person they knew? Something they believed in? How about the church? Shannon worked there, and it was the place Candace was getting married. Have you checked everybody there?”
August stood up, obviously restless. “We spoke to everyone who worked at the church and the nursery school. They all came up clean. Had only good things to say about Shannon and Candace and there’s no evidence the two women knew each other at all. If you ask me, I prefer tracking guys who’ve recently been let out of jail.”
“It’s not either, or. Go ahead, track them,” said Hunter. “We’ve got to keep going after every possible lead. There are plenty of tips coming in with sightings of Candace, too. There are guys out following those as well.”
“And I plan to go to Shannon’s nursery school class tomorrow and then go to Candace’s shop,” Tracy added. “Something will turn up, I’m sure of it.”
“It’s been done already,” August stood up, facing off with Tracy. “You’re not satisfied?”
August was threatening, but Tracy wouldn’t take the bit. “I like checking things myself,” she replied. “Just one unexpected comment or encounter can turn everything around.”
“Fine,” said Hunter, “and thank you, Tracy. Excellent analysis as usual.”
“Thank you, Hunter,” Tracy said. “I’ll be able to round out the picture as more evidence comes in.”
Everyone in the room stood up then and began talking to one another, breaking the tense atmosphere that had formed.
Wanda came over to Tracy and gave her a warm hug. “You’re terrific, honey, I’m proud of you. Listen, I know you’re in over your head, but if you ever have time for a cup of coffee or need an ear to talk to, I’m right here, a few steps away.”
“Wonderful,” said Tracy. “You don’t know how much I appreciate that.”
“Oh I do,” said Wanda, “believe me. It’s rough working just with guys.”
*
“Good meeting,” Clay commented, after everyone left. “You did a great job, Tracy.”
“Thanks,” she replied, “it’s only a beginning, though. I need more input.”
Hunter agreed, looked concerned. “We’ve expanded the tip line and more people are manning it. It’s going to be open all night long.”
“Speaking of working all night long, I’d better get home now,” Clay smiled wanly. “Barbara’s been more than patient with me. She’s starting to grumble about my late hours these days and I can’t say I blame her.”
“Absolutely,” Hunter agreed. “You go home and eat with your wife and Tracy and I will grab a bite down the street at Café La Mer.”
Clay paused a second, surprised, looking back and forth quickly between them. Then a little smile crept over the edges of his mouth.
“Good idea,” he said. “You two take your time, relax, enjoy yourselves.”
“We’re not exactly going to a party.” Hunter looked at Clay oddly.
“Wherever you’re going, have a nice evening.” Clay’s smile broadened as he tossed another glance at Tracy and Hunter before leaving for home.
Chapter 21
Café La Mer was well known not only for its world-class gourmet meals but beautiful décor. When Hunter and Tracy arrived they were seated at a choice table near the French windows. It seemed the owners knew Hunter and there was always a fine table available for him.
Tracy looked around at the walls, which were covered by deep burgundy wallpaper. The chairs were upholstered to match and small antique crystal chandeliers hung over each table, providing a soft light. She felt a sense of comfort and ease. It was good to be out of the usual work environment, if only for a short while.
“The lobster bisque is particularly good here,” Hunter remarked as both of them picked up the hand-embroidered menus.
“Wonderful,” said Tracy, as the waiter came by. They ordered and the tw
o of them were left together alone. A startled silence rose between them suddenly, as though they were strangers sitting down to an intimate meal.
“I used to come here all the time.” Hunter broke the silence. “Now work doesn’t permit it.”
“That’s what I tell myself, too,” Tracy’s voice lowered.
Hunter looked at her quizzically.
“I tell myself I’m on a mission and nothing can get in the way.” It was surprisingly easy and natural to talk to Hunter and Tracy appreciated this moment to unwind in.
Two glasses of wine were brought to the table. As Hunter lifted the glass to his lips, a look of ease crossed his face as well. .
“You don’t mince words, Tracy,” he said as he drank most of the wine. “I love a person who says what they think and does what they say.”
“Pretty rare these days,” Tracy echoed, drinking her wine as well.
“You’re a wonderful addition to the team,” he added.
“That’s good to hear,” Tracy was grateful.
Suddenly Hunter’s beautiful smile lit up his face, making him seem charming and boyish. Tracy couldn’t help suddenly smiling broadly as well.
“Tell me about you, Tracy,” Hunter said as the waiter then brought them their delicious dinners.
“No, you tell me.” Tracy was hungry and wanted to eat. She also wanted to know more about Hunter “I knew I was going to be doing this job since I was young,” he started. “It called to me. I had to answer.”
Tracy’s head shot up. “How well I know,” she replied. “And what’s the rest of your life like?”
“This is the rest of my life,” he answered.
Tracy wondered if she should mention his painful divorce, but quickly thought better of it. It was never a good idea to mix things up. They were definitely getting to know each other better, but this was a strictly professional relationship and it was best to keep it that way.
Hunter felt comfortable with Tracy though, seemed to need to talk.
“I’ve just been through a rotten divorce,” he said then, surprising her. “It’s not a secret. The whole department knows about it.”
Tracy looked at him softly. “I’m really sorry to hear that,” she said.
“I was blindsided in every way,” he went on. “My wife cheated on me.”
“That’s awful,” Tracy responded. “You deserve better and you’re fortunate you found out early on. This certainly isn’t a person you want to live your whole life with.”
“That’s an odd way to put it.” Hunter looked startled. “There was nothing more I ever could have wanted than the marriage I had. I loved my wife and I always will.”
There was something beautiful about that kind of loyalty, thought Tracy. She understood what he was talking about, too. She felt that way about her mother. Tracy’s whole life had been driven by the desire to find her and bring the person who’d kidnapped her to justice.
“That kind of loyalty is noble, Hunter,” Tracy said softly.
Tracy’s response startled Hunter again. “Thank you,” he said. “I haven’t heard anyone say something like that before. Most people tell me to get over it and just move on.”
“Most people don’t understand,” Tracy responded.
Hunter drew closer to her across the table. “But you do,” he mused. “You’re different than others, Tracy. You’re fascinating.”
“Some things you can’t move on from,” said Tracy, “not ever. And it’s okay.”
Tracy’s telephone rang. She looked down at it quickly and saw that Wess was calling.. He always found the most inopportune times to call.
“I’m so sorry, it’s Wess,” she said. “I haven’t spoken to him for a while.”
“Please pick it up, talk to him.” Hunter backed away.
“I’ll make it quick,” said Tracy as she picked up the phone.
“Tracy, is it you?” Wess’s voice sounded heavy.
“So glad you called, Wess,” Tracy said.
“Everyone’s upset about what’s going on,” he started. “I’m hearing from all kinds of friends. A bunch of them have even come to visit.”
Tracy was surprised to hear that.
“They’ve come so I won’t be alone at a time like this,” he continued.
“Alone?” Tracy was confused.
“No one thinks I should have to go through something like this by myself,” Wess didn’t sound like himself. “It’s awful to have your girlfriend in the middle of danger, tracking down a serial killer in another state. Anxiety producing.”
“I realize,” Tracy said softly. “I’m glad they’re there to support you.”
“For all I know you could be next. You could be taken, too! ” Wess’s words grew slurred. “I couldn’t handle something like that. I don’t want to.”
Tracy felt chilled. “Are you drinking, Wess?” she asked him.
“Come home, Tracy,” he said. “Give them your profile and get on a train.”
“Wess, I’d love to talk, but I’m at dinner right now. I’ll be back in my room in about an hour or so. Can I call you as soon as I return?”
Tracy’s answer only upset him further. “I’ll be busy in an hour,” Wess replied instantly. “Talk to me now or not at all.”
“This is an awkward time,” Tracy repeated.
“An hour from now is awkward for me,” he retorted petulantly.
Tracy’s face fell. This was definitely not the Wess she knew. “I’m at a business dinner right now” she said.
“Yeah, I’m sure of it,” he replied. “A business dinner with who? Those FBI agents you work with?” Then he hung up the phone.
Tracy looked at the phone, her heart pounding.
Hunter reached across the table and took the phone out of her hand. “I don’t want to get in the way of anything that’s not my business,” he said, “but every time you talk to this guy you look like you’ve been hit by a truck. What’s wrong between the two of you?”
“Seems like Wess has a hard time with my being away on a case,” Tracy replied. “Usually, our relationship is solid. We’re happy together. He’s never behaved like this before.”
“What’s different this time?” asked Hunter.
“We’re just about to get engaged,” Tracy answered in a soft voice.
“Tell me about it,” Hunter mumbled. “Everything comes out when you get engaged. Things that never mattered before become hot topics. The whole world starts to get involved in your relationship. If you can survive an engagement, you can survive anything.”
“We’re not engaged yet,” Tracy murmured. “Just about to.”
“Pay attention, Tracy,” Hunter insisted. “If you’re going to marry a guy like that you’ll have to kiss your work good-bye.”
Hunter’s words hit hard, creating a pit in her stomach. Tracy didn’t want to kiss either Wess good-bye or the work she loved to do.
“You said I deserve better than what I had,” Hunter went on. “Well, how about you? Do you know how many guys would be thrilled to have you at their side?”
That didn’t matter. It was Wess Tracy cared about.
“I actually don’t like what’s going on with you and your boyfriend,” Hunter continued. “Things like this can escalate. It’s getting on my nerves.”
Chapter 22
Things weren’t going well and it was getting on Tad’s nerves. He didn’t like it. Not one bit. He’d sent the letter to the editor and it hadn’t got published. In the letter he’d said it was obvious there was more than one killer loose, but no one contacted him and asked why he thought that.
He called the tip line three times and the person who answered was not only rude to him, she didn’t pay any attention to what he’d said. He told her to look for the killer along the Charles River at night. That was the perfect place for him to lie in waiting.. The woman answered as if she were reading a scripted message.
“Thank you for your call, sir. May I have your name?”
Tad stopp
ed a moment before telling her. There was no harm in it though,, he decided. “Tad Warehouse calling,” he’d said.
“Are you calling about a sighting, sir?” she’d continued.
“Could be,” he’d replied. “If you have someone go and walk near the Charles River, you’ll have a sighting yourself in no time at all.”
“Have you sighted the victim, sir?” the woman asked again.
This irritated Tad enormously. How the hell did she get a job like this? Someone who didn’t even listen.
“Did you hear what I just told you, lady?” He repeated it again.
“Have you sighted the victim?” the voice repeated.
Tad hung up on her then, furious. Damn idiot, he gave her his name. He gave her valuable guidance. Why didn’t she ask him why they should patrol the Charles River? Because she didn’t really want to find the killer, that’s why. Once they found the killer her job would be over. What kind of woman worked at a job like this anyway, late at night? A poor, lonely woman, that’s who. At this speed how could the cops find anyone? They couldn’t. There was no one answering the phones who had brains of their own. They were human robots, that’s what they were. If Tad hated anything, it was human robots, people who couldn’t think for themselves or feel real pain.
Tad got out of the house then to walk off his frustration. He liked taking long walks, but this time it wasn’t working. If anything he felt more frustrated than when he started. He wasn’t going to let them brush him off like this either, especially in the middle of the investigation. Then, suddenly, he had a brilliant idea. Tad thought of Tracy Wrenn. She wasn’t a human robot. He’d bet dollars to donuts on that. Tad suddenly decided to call the hotline again and demand to speak to her. Only her. No one else.
Even though it was late at night, Tad called again. “Put Tracy Wrenn on the phone immediately,” he said when another idiot picked up the phone.
“Who’s calling?” the other woman answered. “Can you give me your name, sir?”
