No Ordinary Killer

by Rita Karnopp

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  “Okay, you’re impartial. Tell me some facts you and Bicsak have pulled together.” Cooper gave her a sideways glance. Either she was thinking or she was stalling. Either way, it made him uncomfortable. Was she trying to decide if she should trust him?

  “I want you to concentrate on driving. I’m going to share a few facts with you that might shock the pants right off you.”

  “Really?” he asked, giving her a hard look.

  “Eyes on the road … wait, there’s a connecting highway. Woo hoo. Right or left?” she asked.

  “Right is east, back toward Great Falls. I’m really not interested in making it to Missoula anymore. I think we should hide out at Arnott’s or Maxwell’s place.”

  “That’s predictable. I think we should contact Captain Gulchinski. You won’t be accused of talking a buddy into covering for you.”

  “Okay, I see the reasoning there.” He depressed the clutch and shifted into third. “We still need to get a doctor to look at your shoulder.”

  “We will, all in good time.”

  “I’m ready for your facts.” He wasn’t sure if that was the truth. Really, what facts could Dallas possibly have about the men he considered his friends and family?

  “Let’s start with your brother-in-law, Sparks. I’m sorry to tell you he’s been having an affair.”

  “Well to be honest that’s nothing new. He came clean with Candy and even though she’s having a hard time trusting him again, she’s giving it her all. To say I wasn’t pissed is an understatement. It’s pretty common knowledge if you want the truth. Sparks is always trying to prove be still has guy mojo.” Cooper didn’t like her sudden silence.

  “That’s not really the affair I’m talking about.”

  “You mean he’s doing it again? I’ll strangle the bastard. He’s going to be a father of twins any day now and he’s waggin’ his tail. So help me, Dallas, I could throttle the piss right out of him,” he said, slamming his palms on the steering wheel.

  “He’s not doing it again, Cooper. He’s been having an affair with the same woman for over four years.”

  “I’ll kill him! I swear, Dallas, I’m going to kill the stupid bastard. I trusted he was going to be straight with my sister. He’s not stepping near her and the twins. I’ll help Candy raise them myself.”

  “Calm down, Cooper. Maybe we should have this conversation after we get to town and you’re not driving.”

  “No, we’ll have this conversation right now. I have been there time and again for Dennis. He looked me right in the eyes and said he wouldn’t touch any woman but Candy after the babies were born.”

  “Then he hasn’t had a chance to keep his word, yet. The babies aren’t born.”

  “Don’t mince words with me, Dallas.”

  “I’m just saying, he might be calling the affair off and will stay loyal to Candy after the twins are here. Are you willing to give him … well, before you answer that … there is more you need to know about this situation.”

  “More? Good God, don’t tell me he has a kid with this other woman. And you better damn well better not tell me she is pregnant right now, too.”

  “No, I can with certainty tell you she is not pregnant.”

  “Then he has kids with this other woman?”

  “It has come to our attention that he is having paternity tests run right now. We are guessing he believes he’s the father of this woman’s two children. That’s how Bicsak found out about the affair.”

  “That’s just great. Do you realize how devastated Candy is going to be? She is about to experience the most happy and wondrous event in her life— giving birth … to twins no less, and her prick of a husband pulls this. It’s going to destroy her. We can’t tell her right now. It would serve no purpose to tell her this until … until after the twins are born and she’s had time to adjust.”

  “I agree with you there, Cooper. Would you mind pulling into that rest area? I’d like to use the facility.”

  “Sure. Good idea. Have to admit I could use the stop, too.” He didn’t glance her way. He stared straight ahead. Anger built and he wanted to slug someone. Right now he wanted to kill Dennis Sparks. He pulled into the stop and was heading for the men’s facility before even giving Dallas a thought. She didn’t want him to treat her like a helpless female anyway. His anger didn’t allow him to go back. He entered the men’s room and chose a stall. Within minutes of sitting he pressed his face into his palms and sobbed. His heart broke for Candy. He knew the heartbreak of an unfaithful partner and all the questions and inept feelings that went along with it. He’d have to be strong for her, as she was for him. They would get through this together.

  Finally, he regained control, washed his face and hands and headed back to the truck and Dallas. He slid behind the wheel. “You make it in and out of the truck okay?”

  “Well, actually, I was hoping you’d give me a hand. Not only can’t I get down or up this monster truck, I really can’t do much with one arm tied to my side.”

  “I should have thought of that.” Cooper got out and walked around the truck. He opened the door and pulled her into his arms. “Forgive me for being an insensitive jerk?”

  “Not necessary. I’ve been known to have lapses of similar behavior from time to time. Not that I’m proud of them … but they happen. No one is perfect, Cooper.”

  “I usually am … it’s the every now and then that keeps me honest.”

  Her laughter eased the situation. “I like that about you.”

  “What?”

  “Your ability to laugh and deflate the tension. It’s an admirable trait. One I’m growing quite fond of.”

  “You want me to go in with you and pull your trousers down for you? I promise not to look.”

  Dallas laughed. “Since you offered so nicely, I’ll take you up on it.”

  Upon entering the ladies room, Cooper hesitated, “I can’t claim to have been inside the ladies room too many times. Pick your stall, lady.” He waited for Dallas to back into the first stall and pause.

  He unbuttoned her slacks, then inched the zipper down. “This is the second time I’ve had the opportunity to undress you. Once again, it’s not quite as stimulating and sexy as I had imagined.”

  “We do seem to be setting a pattern here, don’t we?”

  Cooper laughed, then pressed her pants to the floor. “Just give a yell when you need assistance putting things back in order. I can wait outside if you want.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Just stand there and I’ll be done in no time. We are adults after all. You know, maybe one of these days when things are back to normal, we can give this undressing thing another try.”

  “Might I suggest a candlelit dinner, wine and soft music? Maybe lobster tails and rice pilaf. A little cheek-to-cheek dancing, a bit of sexy salsa, some tender kisses … then who knows. The sky is the limit.”

  “I’m ready for—”

  “At your beck and call,” he said, then quickly hoisted her panties then jeans upward without a second pause. “There, up, buttoned and zipped.”

  “I’m impressed.”

  “You shouldn’t be. I’m the father of twins. You have any idea what it takes to get them ready for day care?” He held the water on while Dallas washed her hands. He tore off paper towels and wiped her hands dry.

  “Nice job,” she teased.

  He led the way out of the rest room and had to chuckle at the looks two elderly woman gave him as he held the door open for them. Dallas laughed all the way to the truck. “You know what they were thinking, don’t you?” He slid his palms beneath her legs and swung her into the truck.

  Dallas snapped her seatbelt in place. “Yep, and it’s only wishful thinking.”

  Cooper closed his door, the adjusted the seatbelt into place. He turned and looked at her. “You really are a beautiful woman, Dallas. No matter what happens, I just want you to know your trust in me means a lot. If I had to go through the last few days �
�� alone … well … you’ve made it entertaining if not even fun. I know that sounds lame … but I just wanted to say it before we got back.”

  “I … Cooper, I don’t—“

  “You don’t have to say anything. I wasn’t trying to put you on the spot.”

  “No, that’s not it at all,” she leaned over and kissed him.

  Cooper slid his palm up under her chin and kissed Dallas back, first soft and tender, then with passion. He hadn’t meant to react with such emotion. He leaned back and took in her beauty. “I can’t help wanting you. You’re the first woman I’ve been interested in since Megan.”

  “I keep telling you not to compromise our positions, and then I’m the one who crosses the line. When we get back to Great Falls, we must be nothing but protocol and professionalism.”

  “I agree.”

  “Cooper, there is one more thing you need to know about Sparks affair. It has to do with the woman he—“

  “I’m not sure I want to know.” Cooper looked down at his left hand and rubbed his thumb over the barely light ring that once was covered with a wedding band.

  “You know, don’t you?”

  “I’ve always known Megan wasn’t faithful. She wasn’t good at covering up the fact I wasn’t capable of satisfying her in bed. She would no sooner climax and she’d need more. I wanted her to see a doctor about it and she accused me of not being man enough to satisfy her. I shouldn’t be telling you this bullshit. I don’t want to know who was man enough to satisfy that woman. And maybe it’s best I don’t know who Sparks was cheating with either.”

  “Did you ever suspect Sparks as your wife’s lover?”

  “Are you serious? The bastard! Not in a million years would I think him low enough to be screwing his brother-in-law’s wife. He’s my sister’s husband and now my wife’s lover … ex-wife’s lover. You said they’ve been screwing for four years? What the hell. What the hell. You said … no … Dallas, do not tell me. If that paternity tests doesn’t name me as the father—I don’t want to know. That bastard! I swear I’d like to kill him.”

  “You can say that to me, but please don’t say stupid shit like that in public. Anything happens to Sparks and you’ll be the number one suspect. Wait … let me think.”

  “About what?” He wasn’t following Dallas’s direction.

  “You’re being set-up. Why? We don’t know. But let’s say this affair is exposed, sending you into a rage. Then they add the question of paternity of the twins. Now you’re provoked into attacking Sparks in a public place. Maybe you punch him a couple of times and tell him you could kill him. A few days later, Sparks is found dead. Who do you think is the number one suspect and will be charged with his murder?”

  “But who hates me this much? Do you think Megan is behind this? She wanted me to forgive her and give our marriage another shot. I said no. I couldn’t live with a cheater. She turned bitter and hateful.” Cooper stared out the front window.

  “It goes back to looking for a motive. Since we’re being honest here, I have to tell you my feelers go up when it comes to Sparks. He is savvy, good looking and has that aura that many women envision as a sex magnet. When he leans back and pulls his fingers through his dark hair, he portrays what we women call the ‘I want to fuck someone’ stance. It speaks of insincerity and a user. It makes most women uncomfortable.”

  “Damn, you women can sense all that? I’ve always been jealous of his way with women. I’ve always thought he was one lucky SOB.”

  “You? You have incredibly green, bedroom eyes. Thick, sink your fingers into red hair. The most charming dimples when you smile and a distinguished jaw. You have a fit bod with the most incredible six-pack. Your best quality is your sense of humor and laugh. No, I think your best quality is how much you love Tina and Tucker. Good grief, Cooper, what on earth are you jealous of? You are ten times more of a man than Dennis Sparks.”

  “Where were you when Megan left me and I felt like the biggest loser on earth?”

  “Okay. We keep getting off track. Let’s look at the facts. If there is indisputable proof that Sparks is the sperm donor for Tina and Tucker, he’ll lose Candy for good. Candy and you are best friends. Maybe he’s threatened by that. I’ll bet there are times she turns to you, instead of him. Then there are the three cases that your team worked on. Only you and Arnott were promoted. There has to be some resentment building here.”

  “That’s always bothered me. I’ve always welcomed him as a brother. He’s my only sister’s husband. Dennis will be the only brother I have. That means a lot to me. He and Candy are godparents to Tina and Tucker. How sick is that?”

  “Cooper, don’t do this to yourself. Tina and Tucker are your children in every sense of the word. Until we know for sure, don’t put yourself through the pain.”

  “I know you’re right, but it’s not all that easy to let go.”

  “Sparks will destroy you by making sure you’re found guilty for these murders. You’ll lose the twins, Candy’s respect and reliance on you, and you will go to prison for the rest of your life. With you gone, he’ll step up for Candy and move back into her life. If she boots his ass out the door, he’ll more than likely turn to Megan and take over your role as father with her. Either way he wins … and you lose everything.”

  “Lord, I had no clue. But, Dallas, Dennis is no killer. And we’re not even talking just a killer … this is some gruesome shit he’s doing. I can’t see him being capable of pulling this off. There has to be some other explanation for all of this.”

  “Well, I’m open to any suggestions. Right now Dennis Sparks is my best bet. Anyone else you know that has a motive for sending you off to prison?”

  Cooper closed his eyes. Exhausted, frustrated, and hurt; all were not conducive to clear thinking. “Maybe we need to have a talk with Weaver.”

  “Why?”

  “Partners share just about everything. I can’t believe Paul is completely unaware of the situation if Dennis is harboring that much hostility toward me.”

  “You have a point. I’ll have Bicsak look into it. He’s been tailing Sparks since we started our IA investigation.”

  “Why? What evidence did you find upfront that made you suspect him?” Cooper leaned his forehead on the backsides of his hands while gripping the steering wheel.

  “We caught him in a lie.”

  “A lie?”

  “Small and huge at the same time. Bicsak had drinks with Sparks and Weaver after our first team meeting. Weaver had offered to follow-up with Megan on some questions the team had regarding sequestered items. Bicsak brought it up he was curious how Megan will respond to knowing about the piece of latex inside the body of one of the victims. Surprisingly, Sparks glibly replied, It wasn’t in the information she was given. She’ll say she doesn’t know a thing about it.”

  Bicsak said Sparks quickly recovered by rephrasing, Unless she changes her story, since we’ve already asked her about the latex.”

  “Well, I don’t think that one sentence proves Sparks guilty of anything. Maybe they had asked her about the latex before.”

  “The question and answer didn’t appear in any of the notes we went over. One mistake leads to more. It’s only a matter of time before all these little things will prove a pattern.”

  Cooper switched on the ignition and squealed the tires. “I’m sick of this whole—we need to find a phone. The first town we spot we’ll pull into a gas station.”

  “Okay, one mile to the next gas and food,” she said, reading the sign.

  “I had Gulchinski’s number in my iPhone, don’t have it memorized.”

  “I do.”

  “Of course, silly me. Wonder Woman to the rescue.”

  “Knock it off, Cooper. It was one of the first numbers I got on this investigation. I have a memory for numbers, dates and all kinds of information. It comes in handy, like now. We need to get a snapshot of the case board and do some serious work.”

  “No doubt Maxwell and Arnott are on top of
that one. They just might have the missing pieces in place. I’ll bet Sparks is not a suspect.”

  “Who is your suspect, Cooper? I’ve seen your jacket and you have an uncanny ability to notice the most insignificant evidence and break a case wide open. What is that missing clue we aren’t seeing here?”

  “Distractions. No diversions.”

  “Diversions? Expand, where are you going with this?”

  “Think about it, Dallas. We’ve been on a roller coaster ride. Started with my car, your motel, a bomb in the office and the compromised evidence, run off the road, shot, kidnapped, nearly dinner for a pack of wolves, almost blown up, and need I continue? We’ve been so busy being led around by our noses that we haven’t had time to concentrate on the case in front of us.”

  “You’re right. I have all these facts from the cases rattling around in my head, but I haven’t had a chance to sit down with a moment’s peace and concentrate on it all. I never made it to the sketch artist to describe the guy that broke into my B &B. We never made it back to your place to look for your missing notebook.”

  “What about that list of dates and murders I had Delores working on? I wonder about the list of questions and answers Weaver and Sparks were getting from Megan.”

  “Good, Cooper. Now who do you know is capable of manipulating us in this way?”

  “That’s the key. We need just one fact that will fracture just enough to expose the killer. One weakness will crack this case wide open,” he said, flipping the turn signal and taking a right. He glanced down at the gas gauge and slammed on the brakes in front of the pay phones. “Damn it, we’re just about out of gas.”

  “Well, I think we ought to park this thing and have Gulchinski send a team to process it. Whoever those boys were, their family needs to be notified. If we’re lucky, maybe it contains fingerprints that will point us toward the killer.”

  Cooper picked up the phone and dialed the precinct.