by C. M. Sutter
Robert glanced at the clock radio on the nightstand—a quarter past eight.
“Let’s give it another hour. We’ll enter town on North Main, cut over to that alley you showed me last night, and see if her car is there. We can exit the alley a few blocks away, park by the river, and cross the bridge. There seems to be enough dark areas along Main Street to watch from.”
Tony nodded and took a sip of the cheap whiskey. “Good plan.”
They both leaned back in their chairs and watched the nightly news. By nine thirty the brothers were restless.
“Let’s go. It’s late enough and plenty dark. Downtown was quiet last night, but on a Sunday night, it has to be good and dead.”
Robert led the way out of the room, and Tony locked the door at his back. They climbed into the truck and left. Tony clicked on the headlights as he exited the driveway.
“How do you want to do this once we get her alone?”
“She’s definitely mine—I’ve been waiting too long to share. I have to give that some thought, though. Killing her quickly wouldn’t be satisfying enough. I’ve thought about her for ten years. I want to prolong her death and see the fear in her eyes and hear her beg for her life.”
Tony jerked his head toward Robert. “I still want to watch.”
“Yeah, that’s fine with me.”
Tony slowed at the city limit sign and drove cautiously into town.
“Good thing we have Wisconsin plates. The cops don’t have any reason to stop us,” Robert said.
Tony waited at the red light and checked his rearview and side mirrors every few seconds. The light turned green, and he carried on. Two blocks later, he turned right onto Washington Street. The alley was ahead on their left. He turned in and slowed to a crawl.
“It’s right up there,” he said and pointed at the next group of buildings. “There’s her building and her car. She’s home.” Tony stopped the truck and killed the engine. They got out and entered the dimly lit alley. Her lights glowed from the second floor.
“Come on. We’ll have a better vantage point from across the street. She had a street-facing window too, didn’t she?”
Tony nodded as he opened the truck door and climbed in. Robert stood on the running board and entered the passenger side. They continued through the alley for two more blocks, turned left, and crossed over Main Street to the parking lot behind the river. Just as they had the night before, they took the footbridge to Main Street, found a dark alcove at a building’s entrance directly across the street from her apartment, and watched the second-story window.
The orange glow from their cigarettes was the only way to know anyone stood in that space. They stared up and saw a silhouette pass by the street-facing window every now and then.
“She’s still up,” Robert said. “What time is it?”
Tony pulled his cell phone out of his back pocket. “It’s ten o’clock.”
Robert peeked out and looked both ways down the sidewalk. “There are still a few people milling around. We’ll have to do this much later. Let’s watch her for a few days and see if she actually has a routine. We’ll strike when the timing is perfect.” He took one last drag and dropped the cigarette to the pavement below. With his shoe, he crushed the glowing ember until it was dead. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
Chapter 59
I continued the phone call with Jack as I paced. Our plan was working exactly as we had hoped. The city police department’s undercover officers had discreetly followed Robert and Tony through downtown once word came from our deputies that the brothers were on the move. As soon as the red-and-white truck entered the city limits, the North Bend Police Department was notified. With both law enforcement agencies working together, they weaved in and out of the area so that the Lynches never knew they were being tailed.
“So they saw Kate’s car parked by the alley, then continued on to the parking lot behind Main Street?”
“That’s what the undercover cops said. They crossed the footbridge by the jewelry store and backtracked a block, then stood across the street hidden from view—or so they thought. The city boys said they smoked cigarettes and stared up at you going back and forth in front of the window. Nice work.”
I smirked. “Man, they’re creepy. At least the sheer curtains gave me a little sense of privacy, even though we wanted them to see me. Knowing I’m up here at night will definitely keep them watching closely.” I plopped down on the sofa and took a swig of the beer I’d purchased earlier at Pit-Stop.
“Well, according to the PD, Robert and Tony are back in their truck and are heading out of town. Our deputies will continue the tail once they leave the city limits.”
I heard Jack sigh through the phone line.
“What’s wrong?”
“How are you picturing this going down? Are we hoping to take them in, or are we going to shoot them dead in the act of trying to kill you?”
I chuckled. “No loss there, right?”
“I’m serious, Jade.”
“Sorry. I’d really like to take them in, if it’s at all possible. Jillian Wiley is still unaccounted for, and her family needs closure. The Lynch boys have murdered people in Indiana and Illinois as far as we know, and it could be more. What is the count up to now, five?”
“Yeah, if you’re counting Jillian too. Okay, I’m going to hit the sack.”
“Me too. Keep me posted when you get word on the identity of the girl in the cornfield. Her family will have to be notified.”
“Yeah, I think Clark already has that on his morning to-do list. Good night, Jade.”
“Night, partner.” I clicked off the living room light, placed my beer can in the recycling container, and took the five steps down the short hallway to the bedroom. I washed my face and brushed my teeth, then went to bed.
I woke the next morning to the sounds of wind chattering the panes of glass in the living room. Now I knew what Kate meant. Old man Myers needed to do a major overhaul to the building. I thought back to last night. I remembered that clunking sound Kate had warned me about—the furnace was giving its “about to die” sound. I felt bad that Kate lived in this tiny apartment. Maybe once Robert Lynch was out of her head, she could feel more permanent in the community and find a nicer place to call home.
I got out of bed, put on my robe and slippers, and made my way to the kitchen. I had set up the coffee the night before since Kate didn’t have a coffeemaker with an automatic start feature. I pressed the button and sat at the table crammed between the kitchen and living room and stared out the window. The day was sunny and windy. That usually meant it was cold.
Great morning to have two killers watching me.
I shrugged and poured a cup of coffee, then opened the white bag containing my doughnut. My phone rang as I sat at the table and began eating. I checked the caller ID—it was Clark.
“Morning, boss.”
“Morning, Jade. How did it go last night?”
“Just like we hoped. They were watching me from across the street. The deputies and city boys were on it in a flash and monitored their every move.”
“Good to know. Just don’t forget—”
I cut Clark short. “I know, boss—put on all my gear when I go outside. Any word on the Minnesota girl?”
“Yeah, just heard back from the DMV, and I’ve already made that unfortunate call to her folks. They live in Minneapolis.”
I groaned. “That’s always difficult, and it’s something you’ll never get used to. So why was she here, and who is she?” I put Clark on speakerphone while I ate.
“Her name was Tamara Simpson. She was twenty-three years old and traveling from Minneapolis to Port Washington to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend. Apparently, he had recently moved to the area, and that would have been her first trip here. She wasn’t familiar with the area at all and must have gotten turned around once she exited the freeway at the detour.”
“That’s a real shame. So the boyfriend lives in Ozaukee C
ounty, and that’s likely who he called when she didn’t show up on time.”
“That’s right. The girl’s folks said they’d contact him. So, what are your plans for the day?”
I took a swallow of coffee to wash down my French cruller. “I’m taking a few things to Kate before I get word that the brothers are trolling the neighborhood. I wouldn’t want them following me to my house.”
“Good plan.”
“The rest of the day, I’ll come and go and make sure they have eyes on me.”
“Okay, keep us posted. Remember, an entire city has your back.”
“Thanks, boss.” I clicked off and gathered the items Kate had on her list. With the few things in a plastic garbage bag I’d found under the sink, I looked out the windows, made sure nobody was lurking in the shadows, then left the apartment. The cold morning hit me like a ton of bricks, which reminded me to talk to my dad in depth about opportunities in San Bernardino County. Warm weather was definitely on my wish list.
The alley was directly to my right as I walked out and stepped down to the sidewalk. I peeked around the corner—dead quiet and empty. Either way, I was glad I had martial arts training under my belt. I walked to Kate’s car at a hurried pace, partially due to the cold and partially because the alley was dark and eerie. Walking that alley every time she came and went to her car was not only scary but dangerous as well. At least I was armed. I left the downtown area and headed south to my house. I called Amber as I drove.
“Hey, Jade. How was your first night at Kate’s apartment?”
“Not bad, considering there were two killers watching me.” I laughed when Amber gasped. “Seriously, it’s okay. I’m on my way over. How’s the coffee coming along?”
“Hang on, I’ll look. Okay, it’s at six cups, so it’s halfway done. Your timing should be perfect. I’ll pour you a cup in three minutes.”
“Thanks, Sis. I’ll be there in five.”
I arrived at my condo complex and parked on the street a half block from my house. I didn’t want to take any chances. I entered through the garage and found everyone up and enjoying breakfast.
“Want some eggs?” Amber asked.
“I guess so, even though I had a doughnut already. Kate, I brought the things on your list.”
“Thanks, Jade.”
“How is your day scheduled?” Tom asked.
“That’s one reason I’m here, Dad. I need to know what you normally do every day, Kate. I can’t go to someone’s house and do a reading since I’m not actually you.”
“Yeah, we can scratch that off the list for a few days. Usually when I don’t have any appointments lined up, I’ll go to the library, the grocery store, the laundromat, or even to Regner Park just to walk around. Lately, of course, I’ve been spending time with you at the sheriff’s department.”
“True enough. I probably won’t shine around here for a few days. I don’t want the Lynch brothers to follow me.” I looked at the clock on the stove. “Speaking of which, I need to go.” I gobbled down my eggs and toast, gave everyone a kiss, and left.
Back in the car, I called Clark. “What’s the word, boss?”
“Robert and Tony are having breakfast at Evan’s Cafe.”
“Really? I bet they’re sitting at the booth facing the window.”
“That’s exactly where they are, with a perfect view of the entry to Kate’s building.”
“Then I’ll park on the street. I’m sure they already know I’m not in the back. I’m on Main Street now, and I’m looking for a parking spot where they’ll be able to see me. Okay, I found one about four spaces from the entrance. Talk to you later, boss.”
“Be safe, Jade.”
“Will do.”
I parked and got out of Kate’s car, then walked the short distance to the building’s entrance. I was dying to look over my shoulder at the cafe, but I had to resist. My mic came to life, and Billings was on the other end.
“We have eyes on you, Jade.”
I chuckled. “Good morning to you too, Adam. I can see this is going to be as boring as hell for the next day or so. I think I’ll prod them a bit and go for a walk. We need to get this over with so I can go about my normal life and Kate can too. Too bad I have to do this in the cold. I’m going to see if Kate has any gloves upstairs, then I’m coming back down.”
“Roger that. We’ll let you know when they leave the restaurant.”
Upstairs, I noticed a box on a shelf in the coat closet. I pulled it down. A dozen or more scarves sat inside. I flinched with sadness for Kate. Here was the proof of how she always tried to cover her scars. A pair of wool gloves lay at the bottom of the box. I put them on and left the apartment.
Outside, I began my walk. My plan was to go five blocks south until the retail area ended, turn and cross the street, then go north on the shaded side. A voice sounded on my shoulder—it was Jack.
“The Lynch brothers are on the sidewalk, a block behind you. I’m behind them. Clayton and Billings are at the end of the block ahead of you on a bench. Do you see them?”
“Yep, I have my eyes on them.”
“Good. There are two officers from the PD at the next intersection. One is wearing a plaid wool jacket. See them too?”
“Uh-huh. I’m glad I remembered my sunglasses.”
“Because of the bright day?”
“No, because I’m going to let the brothers get closer. The sunglasses will hide my identity a little more.”
“Don’t do anything stupid, Jade. It only takes one move for them to be on you.”
“I’m wearing my stab vest, remember?”
I slowed my pace and began window shopping. At each store, I’d stop and look through the glass at the displays. From the corner of my eye, I saw the brothers stop and lean against a building. They each lit a cigarette and waited. They were fifty feet from me.
A whisper of a voice came over the mic. “Sergeant, Officer Simpson here from the PD. Is everything okay?”
“I’m good, Simpson. Thanks.”
I continued on to the lights at the corner and passed by Clayton and Billings. I gave them the slightest nod. The light turned red, and I had to wait at the crosswalk. The brothers were getting dangerously close. Clayton and Billings stood and filled the space behind me. Robert and Tony backed off. With a nonchalant look both ways, I saw them turn and head up the sidewalk, where they disappeared around a building.
The cat-and-mouse game continued throughout the day. I played as if I hadn’t noticed them at my back, always following me fifty feet away. When they’d get too close, someone would slip between them and me. I’d go through the same routine tomorrow and then let them catch me at some point in the evening. Nobody would block their attempt to kill me—it was the only way.
At the day’s end, I entered Kate’s apartment and stripped off my coat, radio, mic, and vest. I had probably walked five miles in the cold, brisk weather. I dropped onto the sofa with a beer in my hand and let out a sigh. The trap was set, and I was the bait, but it should all be over tomorrow.
Jack called my cell phone right before I went to bed.
“We miss you in the bull pen, partner. I heard you were misbehaving most of the day.”
I chuckled. “Hey, I need to draw them in, don’t I? Everyone did their job beautifully, and I appreciate our guys and the city boys so much. After dark tomorrow night, it’s fair game. I’m all theirs. Let them give me their best shot. It’s time to get those killers off the street and in a cage where they belong.”
“Yeah, I know. We have to plan where and how so you’re well covered.”
“We will, but for right now I’m signing off. Good night, Jack.”
“Night, Jade.”
I slipped into my pajamas and brushed my teeth, then climbed into bed and clicked off the table lamp. I was hoping to turn off the constant gerbil wheel in my head and drift off to sleep right away.
The sound jarred me awake, but it wasn’t the furnace this time. I sat up in the dark and
listened, then turned to the clock—2:57 a.m. The noise sounded again, and it was something from beyond the window. I climbed out of bed in the dark and pulled the sheers to the side. I peeked out but it was too dark. The noise definitely came from below, somewhere in the alley.
Chapter 60
I woke to daylight, knowing the process would begin again as soon as I stepped outside. I reminded myself of the movie Groundhog Day and rolled my eyes. I knew this journey of horror that had given Kate nightmares for ten years was almost over. I felt relief.
The sounds from last night came back to me, and I went to the window. Barely touching the sheers, I gently moved them to the side and peeked out and downward. Something seemed different, yet I couldn’t tell what it was. I went to the kitchen and ate my second doughnut—although it wasn’t quite as soft as yesterday’s treat.
I showered and dressed for the day then touched base with Lieutenant Clark. He explained that Tamara Simpson’s autopsy was complete. We both knew her cause of death, but the autopsy documentation was necessary to go along with the murder case against the Lynch brothers. Her body was en route to Minneapolis, her home.
With my shoulder holster and vest on over my clothes, I clipped the mic to the vest and attached the radio to my belt. I slipped on my coat and Kate’s gloves, dropped my sunglasses in the coat pocket, and grabbed my keys and purse. I turned on the radio and activated the mic, then told whoever was listening that I was on my way out of the building.
The mic crackled, and Officer Leeds from the police department spoke up. “We see you coming down the stairs, Sergeant. You’re all clear to leave. The Lynch brothers haven’t left the motel yet, according to the deputies.”
“Okay, thank you, Officer Leeds. If that’s the case, I’m going to stop at my house for a few minutes. Have someone contact me when our criminals head into town.”
“Roger that, ma’am.”
I clicked off and snickered. “Ma’am? For Pete’s sake, I’m only thirty-one.” I opened the glass doors and walked out into the morning chill. I turned the corner at the alley and began walking the darkened corridor between two buildings. Sunlight couldn’t find its way into that narrow space. A change caught my eye and stopped me in my tracks.
