No Ordinary Killer

by Rita Karnopp

  The truck then engine stopped, a door opened and closed, followed by a second door opening. “What the hell you stoppin’ here for, Wayne?”

  “I gotta piss, okay?”

  “Couldn’t wait until we got to the cabin? Ain’t very far now.”

  “We get there and we need to be on our toes. Them two might be drugged but they also could be sittin’ in there just waiting to pounce on us. He said both are trained cops. They’re killers and we got to respect that. We got to be smart about this.”

  “I agree, but what’s that got to do with wanting to piss here?”

  “You may be my brother, Dean, but sometimes you’re about as dumb as rocks. We’re gonna leave the truck here, then we’re gonna sneak up on them two. We’ll have what they call the element of surprise on our side.”

  Cooper squeezed Dallas’s arm as a steady stream of urine dropped in front of the culvert. After several squeeze off squirts landed, he glanced at her. She smirked and shook her head as if to say, what next? He couldn’t help finding the humor in the situation.

  “Okay, so I agree that’s smart.” The second truck door slammed shut.

  “You think you could close that door any louder, Wayne? Damn, must I tell you everything?”

  “They didn’t hear that. Look how far up the road that cabin is from here. You gotta be harpin’ on me every minute of the day, don’t ya? You ain’t mom or dad.”

  “I know that. Ain’t trying to be either. Now shush and we’ll get this over with.”

  “Can I have the gun this time? You always get to do the shooting. How am I ever going to learn how to fire the damn thing if you never let me?”

  “We’ll see. If you’re quiet and don’t give us away, maybe I’ll let you shoot the woman.”

  “Hey, you think we could poke her first … I mean, why waste a free one?”

  “Now that’s the best idea you’ve had in a long time. This is going to be one fun and prosperous morning. Now shush, we got us some hunting to do. Now when …”

  Their voices grew faint and Cooper remained still. No doubt Dallas heard every word he did. If he had a gun, he most likely would have tried taking them down just for their intent. “I just hope they left the keys in the ignition,” he whispered.

  “I’d like to take a poke at them,” she said, her tone tight.

  “Wait here and I’ll sneak a peek at how far up the road they’ve gotten. Get ready to move fast.”

  “I’m more than ready.”

  Cooper inched out of the culvert, and groaned as his thighs cramped from squatting so long. “After I move away, you’d better edge out and stretch your legs a bit before running.” She nodded and moved closer to the edge. “You want me to help you out before—“

  “Get moving and stop treating me like a helpless female.”

  He wanted to explain that wasn’t his intention, but they didn’t have time to waste. He leaned against the embankment and slowly inched upward, keeping his motion undetectable and his head low. Finally, he spotted both men, crawling on their bellies, approaching the cabin. Once they reached it, they simultaneously jumped to their feet and rammed their shoulders against the front door. Instantly the cabin exploded sky high. Cooper stood up and Dallas moved alongside him. They watched in disbelief as the cabin went up in flames.

  “My God, that was one hell of a blast. I forgot about the booby trapped door.”

  “You know what, Dallas, I don’t think the killer ever expected those boys to come back for payment.”

  “I think you’re right, he set them up. He didn’t think we’d wake up before the boys arrived. He rigged it so they would do the dirty work for him. He’s somewhere making sure he’s seen and couldn’t possibly have killed us. Then again, maybe he figured we’d escape. He just wanted us to know he could have killed us.”

  Cooper stomped up the embankment and reached out his hand to help her. It surprised him that she took it. “I see the keys are in the ignition. Glad the boys didn’t let me down.” She chuckled and he breathed easier.

  “Won’t the killer be surprised when we come back safe and sound—“

  “We stay dead. He may have wanted us dead, or just scared … either way … we stay dead.” He walked around the truck with Dallas, opened the door and lifted her into the jacked-up vehicle.

  “I think you’re right. We contact the people we know we can trust. I wish we had gotten that pen to Missoula.”

  “Me, too,” he said, sliding behind the steering wheel. He turned the key and the over-sized rig roared to life. “That is music to my ears.”

  “Cooper, do you think we ought to turn around at the cabin and make sure the boys aren’t lying around, injured and needing help?”

  “I’d say just leave them and let the wolves finish them off if they aren’t already dead. But, I suppose that sounds a bit heartless, huh?” He spun the tires forward and circled the drive by the cabin. Nothing and no one could have survived that blast. “Damn, it’s amazing how fast that thing burned down.”

  “I agree. Maybe the killer had the whole parameter rigged, not just the door. We might be damn lucky we didn’t trigger that explosion. Cooper, you know your team. Anyone an explosives expert?”

  “All but two guys in our team have military experience. Sparks, Weaver, Maxwell and Captain Gulchinski have explosives training.”

  “So Arnott and you don’t?”

  “Yep. But I’m not convinced the killer is one of those four men. We have to consider motive,” he said, down shifting for another hill. “You see any signs telling us where the hell we are yet?”

  “Not one, but this beats walking.”

  “You have a point. Check around for a map and while you’re at it, see if you can find a cell phone.” He rifled through the box between their seats with half-attention on the road. They hit a dip that sent both their heads into the cab roof.

  “First, slow down, Cooper. I’d rather get there slow than to wreck this rig and have to start walking again.”

  He turned the heat up and slowed the rig some. He snapped his seatbelt into place. “You’d better put your seatbelt on. Remember, it’s the law.” She smiled and without comment snapped the belt in place. “What’s so hard about this is I know these guys. Hell, Sparks is married to my sister. Weaver is my cousin. Maxwell was my dad’s best friend and he’s actually my godfather. And there is no approaching Captain Gulchinski. His record speaks for itself. Where does that lead us?”

  “Motive. You have to stop thinking with your heart and let your head lead you. Forget you have a connection to these men. Look at facts.”

  * * *

  Megan remained as still as she could, listening, making sure Dennis wasn’t still in bed with her. He was an unexpected turn of events. He seemed different somehow. Most likely it was because he revealed himself. She pulled the mask off, but there wasn’t a doubt he allowed it. And why now? That wasn’t the only difference. The way he made love to her was intimate, tender, and exciting. A different exciting. It felt new and fresh. She could tell he was experiencing it, too.

  Certain she was alone, Megan headed for the shower. She lingered, relaxing, reliving the passion she shared with Dennis. If … when Cooper found out … there would be hell to pay. His brother-in-law, his sister’s husband. My, what a Payton Place I’ve created.

  There was no way she would have guessed Dennis was her lover. She wouldn’t have intentionally set out to hurt Candy. Cooper on the other hand, she didn’t give a damn. Why would Dennis expose himself and reveal he was the one who provided the case files for her first book? It didn’t make sense. Under oath she couldn’t disclose what she didn’t know. Now it was a totally different story.

  After slipping into a plush robe and slippers, Megan pulled her hair into a simple ponytail and headed for a cup of almond latte and bagel she knew would be waiting for her. She grabbed the cup and walked over to the window and peered out across the street. There he was again, standing and staring at her. His black hoodie shad
ed his face just enough to hide his features. She sipped the coffee and stared back at the figure. He made no effort to hide. Maybe she should throw on some clothes and go find out what he wanted. Her bravery lasted only long enough for the thought.

  She found no energy for the new day. The second chapter was nearly finished. The phone rang, reluctantly Megan reached into her pocket and answered, “yes” in a stern tone.

  “My don’t you sound in a good mood?”

  “Who is this?”

  “It’s me, Jessica. Do you have a TV in your room?”

  “Of course, I’m not out in the boondocks. Why?”

  “You’ve got to turn on the Kari Winslow Show.”

  “And why must I do that?” Megan didn’t take her gaze from the man across the street.

  “They’re talking about you, that’s why.”

  “Good grief, now what does Miss Winslow have to say about me? Please don’t tell me there’s another murder because Malicious Intent is fresh out of them.” She turned from the window and headed for the sitting room. After flipping it on, she melted into a recliner.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, in case you haven’t heard the latest effort from Megan Reynolds just hit the stands. Yes, you heard me right. I picked up my copy on the way to work and here is the first installment of Physical Evidence.”

  The audience went crazy with applaud. Megan smiled and hoped Kari would be positive in her presentation.

  “Our people have been madly trying to get ahold of Ms. Reynolds for comment or to have her be our guest once again.”

  Again the audience voiced their approval with whistles and clapping. Megan sipped her latte and waited for Kari to continue.

  “We are in for a treat. Mr. Stiles O’Neill, owner of the O’Neill Publishing House, informed me that they are going to publish Physical Evidence in three installments. Yes, that is right. Today the first release covers the grisly murder of Ella Burquist. In Ms. Reynolds fashion, this first murder happens at the old Bannack mining town where she weaves a murderous tale that grips the 1800s as wells as today. Once I started reading, I just couldn’t put it down.”

  “Did you hear that, Megan? She really liked it. Wow, that is incredible. I never thought Ms. Winslow liked you much. The book is going to fly off the shelves. Aren’t you excited?”

  “Of course. I’m thrilled. I didn’t think the first book was due out until the end of the month. You never said a word. Do you realize I didn’t even get a chance to approve the cover? Why the big rush, Jessica?”

  “Oh, Mr. Stilles was so anxious he couldn’t wait two more weeks. We’ve sent out over a million copies already.”

  “For real? I’m just about done with the second case but I haven’t begun to think about the third.”

  “It’ll come to you, it always does. By the time you’ve finished all three, we’ll have an appearance and book signing schedule set up for you all over the states. Mr. Gilles has a friend in England and they’re discussing having you go there for a major book signing and TV appearance. Talk about exciting. I truly hope he approves my traveling with you. I’ve always wanted to see England.”

  “He’s going to pay me to go to England? I can’t believe it,” she said, smiling over the turn of events. “I’ve dreamed of being a world-class writer. I’m so excited.” Megan suddenly felt rejuvenated.

  “How soon will you be sending the next case?”

  “I should have it wrapped up either today or tomorrow. Again, it’s the first draft. Please tell the editors I haven’t read it through a second time. There’s bound to be some changes and tightening-up.”

  “No worries. We know that and are willing to take care of it.”

  “How is your romance going?” Megan held her breath.

  “What romance? I haven’t heard from him since we last spoke. It’s like he vanished from the face of the earth. I called the number I had and it’s disconnected. I frequented a few restaurants we’d gone to, but he hasn’t shown up. I can’t imagine why. I tried figuring out what I’d said or done to make him leave, but I just don’t know.”

  Megan didn’t miss the sniffles and deep hurt. “I’m sorry, Jessica. Had I known, I wouldn’t have asked. You really don’t know his name?”

  “I know that sounds ridiculous, but … oh hell, you’d think I’d know better. It’s not like I’m a fourteen-year-old.”

  “Give it time. Maybe he had a family emergency or something came up at work and he didn’t get a chance to let you know. “

  “You really think so? I really liked him. I should never have slept with him right away. I was too easy. He probably thinks I’m a whore.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re a … a modern woman who knows what she wants. If he can’t handle that, it’s his loss. Hold you head up and don’t let him see it bothers you. There is nothing more attractive than a woman who is in control.”

  “You really think he’s just watching to see how I handle this?”

  “Some guys don’t like the clinging woman. He just might be testing you. I’d go on with business as usual. Call up friends and laugh and enjoy going out. Show him you have a life. Heck, call up a male friend and see if this guy is the jealous type. Play his game and he’ll be knocking on your door.” Megan didn’t believe a word of it, but she could tell Jessica sure did.

  “Thanks, Megan. I appreciate the advice and I’ll give it a try. Oh, look, Ms. Winslow is dialing you. Are you going to answer?”

  “Nope. I’ll let her stew and grovel a bit longer,” she said, feeling smug.

  “You are so bad. Well, I have to get back to work. Send me number two as soon as it’s finished.”

  “You got it.” Megan set the phone down and turned off the TV. If Dennis had been Jessica’s lover, he surely wasn’t interested now. Maybe he revealed himself because he wanted to make that commitment. He wanted to see how she’d react. She returned to the computer and thought a while before typing.

  He wondered what Samantha Brown really looked like. He knew she had long blonde hair and blue eyes and that she had been twenty. He rubbed his palms across the smooth skin of her head. Having read her head had been shaven clean, he wondered why. The only answer he came up with; he wanted James’ last mental impression of his love to be a hideous one. Holding her head between his hands it seemed as though he could feel her pulse beating. One quick snap to the right … a crack … and there was no doubt, Sarah Betrovek breathed her last breath.

  It was a rush like no other. The power of it caused an arousal. He entered her and grunted his pleasure. The climax was intense and satisfying. He couldn’t keep the smile from his face.

  Cold gripped him and he quickly dressed, satisfied the scene would be a magnificent adrenaline rush when the body was discovered. He would make sure he was one of the first of the team on the scene.

  Megan smirked. It seemed fitting and rewarding to slant the case toward a sick and sadistic detective. There had to be cohesiveness to the case. The killer chose women who were slight in build, long blonde hair, blue eyes, and with certain promiscuity in their history. The killer was reliving history by recreating the murders that had taken place at ghost towns.

  Why? Megan had to answer that question to tie the murders together. No, the killer wasn’t reliving murders from the past, but pointing out that innocent men were killed for those murders. Even in the 1800s, the law had failed.

  Why? Again Megan needed to know what case tied everything together. Did he have a parent or grandparent murdered and the killer got away with it? Maybe she could create a scenario in the third book that reveals why the killer chose to be in law enforcement. With corruption and politics he finds that justice is just a word. The system once again has let him down. Again, it was important she slant the murders on individual killers. No one would ever expect this to be the work of a serial killer.

  The phone rang, Megan jumped. “Yes?”

  “Why do you answer the phone like that? It sounds stupid, if you don’t mind my saying so.�
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  “I do mind. What do you want?” Her heart pounded as she leaned back in her chair.

  “Why is your lover searching the database for case files on Eunice Ballyard and Samantha Brown? What did you tell him?”

  Megan swallowed hard. “His name is Dennis Sparks, but you know that already, don’t you?”

  “My my, Megan love. You know who your lover is. Is he as handsome and stimulating, now that you can see him, touch his face, and kiss him?”

  “He’s very handsome and a great kisser. The mysteriousness of not knowing got tiresome after four years. It’s fresh again. It felt like we’d made love for the first time.”

  “Bravo. But you do realize you’re not making love with him. You’re fucking, there’s a difference.”

  “What Dennis and I feel is none of your business.”

  “Why he’s looking for those files is. What did you tell him?”

  “He went in my workroom and found them by my computer. He’d never done that before. When he asked where I got them from, I told him I thought he’d provided them like before. He denied it.”

  “What else did you tell him? Don’t lie to me.”

  “I thought you were he … I mean my lover. I wanted him to admit he’d been making the calls to me and pushing me to write Physical Evidence. He denied it all and started asking me about you. I didn’t tell him anything, because I don’t know anything.”

  “What did I tell you would happen if you told anyone?”

  “Listen to me … you fucking piece of shit. I didn’t tell him anything other than I’ve received some phone calls. You can’t possibly hurt my mother or the twins over something that trivial.” Megan stood and moved toward the window.

  “You’ll regret that little temper tantrum, Megan.”

  The dial tone spoke louder than words. What had she done? Would he really do something to harm her mother or the kids? She stared at the phone. Should she call and warn them? No. He’d know and it would make things worse.

  Would this nightmare ever end? She peeked through the blinds only to find the man no longer stared up at her. She glanced right, then left. No one. God. What had she done?