by Jet MacLeod
“What did you have in mind?” Reagan questioned.
“Whatever you can handle, Love. It’ll be my treat. But, it’s your decision, Reagan. Whatever, you want though, whatever,” Tabitha stated.
“That would be good. I could eat. But, I’m not sure what I want,” Reagan said.
“I think we are all hungry, Babe. Just sit down for a minute, and think about it. We don’t have to make a rash, quick decision. But, I do agree that it is your choice tonight, Darling,” Grace added.
“I know that. I just feel like I have to get this done. I feel like I’m not doing enough, not remembering enough, fast enough to help catch this guy. Something I feel absolutely worthless to this case,” Reagan explained.
“Don’t,” Sam replied, immediately.
“Reagan, you’ve helped the case more than you know,” Grace replied.
“Not everyone is as strong as you are. Not everyone can do what you are going. You should be proud of how far you’ve come and what you’ve helped to accomplish, and not just for this case,” Tabitha told her.
“I know, it just that—“ Reagan started.
“It’s just nothing. Reagan, Honey, you’ve got to stop beating yourself up over this. You didn’t cause him to rape you. You didn’t cause this maniac to do any of it. He did and he did it all,” Grace told her, holding her even tighter.
“Reagan, look at me,” Sam said. Sam waited for Reagan to turn and look her direction before continuing, “Look, I’ve got to tell you this. I’ve only been in the department for a few months, officially. I’ve seen all sorts of Hell and shit in six months. But, you are a strong woman. You’ve decided to stand up and fight back. You’ve decided to tell the world that not only am I a victim, but I’m a survivor and a fighter.”
“She’s right. Not all victims turn into fighters. Most stay victims and through counseling make it by day to day. Some even go on to lead normal, productive lives,” Tabitha added.
“Isn’t that what I’m doing?” Reagan asked.
“Dear God, no,” Grace quickly answered and then continued, “You decided to love again. You’ve decided not to let your victim status ruin your life. You’ve decided to be a fully functional member of society that doesn’t let this one blemish, this horrible act define you. And to top it all off, you’ve decided to be an active part in this investigation so we can catch and stop this sick sonuvabitch.”
“You should stand proud,” Tabitha said.
“Catie will be and is proud of you for this,” Sam told her.
“But, most of all, we’re proud of you. Maybe, I haven’t told you that enough. But, I am so proud of you. I don’t know if I could be as strong as you are, having been through all that you have. I love you,” Grace stated.
“Yeah, right. You were in the Army. Now, you’re a cop. You’re strong,” Reagan quipped.
“Not like you, Reagan. I’m in awe of your strength every day. It’s true that I’ve some hard things, made some tough choices, but I’ll be the first to admit: I don’t think I could do what you have done,” Grace said.
“Stop it, all of you. I love you, Grace. I love you all. Okay, I’m a strong woman. I get it. I’m sorry. I just needed to tell you all that,” Reagan replied.
“We love you, too,” Sam responded. “Maybe, we don’t tell you that enough. Or, the fact of how strong you are. That we are proud of your constant and diligent efforts in aiding us in this case.”
“And, we should, more often. I’m sorry for that. I’m also sorry for not being there for you when you needed me because I was working,” Grace added.
“But, Gracie, I understand. I’m sorry I broke down. I love you.”
“Don’t be sorry. You’re allowed to break down. I love you, too, Little Bit,” Gracie replied.
“Okay, enough of that,” Reagan said, wiping her eyes, “You said you were hungry and mentioned dinner. So, despite, my little momentary lapse of strength, it is still October.”
“Yeah?” Tabitha questioned with a smile on her face.
“So, I feel like celebrating,” Reagan answered.
“What?” Sam asked.
“Life. Love. You guys,” Reagan replied.
“Where?” Grace asked as they were all bewildered.
“Hueller’s, where else? It’s Oktoberfest. And, if we don’t do some major partying, I just might break down and cry tonight,” Reagan explained.
“Then Hueller’s, here we come!” Tabitha exclaimed.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Cormack and David sat at their lab desk pondering all the new data they received from Fairfield. Frenchy had even made it down to the lab to help review the case work versus the evidence. Frenchy was happy to help. He had to admit going through the case files and evidence sure beat sitting at a desk and answering phones, waiting on retirement. He didn’t want to do all the field work, anymore, but he didn’t mind doing evidence reviews.
“Still retiring?” Cormack asked him.
“Twenty years isn’t enough?” Frenchy joked back.
“Nah, I’m a lifer,” Cormack answered.
“Me, too,” Frenchy added.
“So, what you going to do?’ David asked, joining the conversation.
“Well, I’ve talked with the Major. He doesn’t want me to go, yet, either. He does understand that I am burnt out in SVU. He’s asked if I want to try ‘Cold Case’.”
“And?” Cormack questioned.
“I think I might do it. I would be the head of a team. It sounds good, ya know?”
“A team?” David asked.
“Yeah, they are switching it around some. I would be the captain. I would have two lieutenants to do the field work. And, I get to pick my own lab rat.”
David looked at Frenchy. They stared at each other in silent conversation. Cormack didn’t miss a beat, either.
“Pick anyone yet?” Cormack asked.
“Not really. I was kinda hoping to convince Grace and Sam. But, I know Grace likes the action and SVU. She’s already dealt with homicide enough to know that cold case isn’t for her. She needs a perp, a bad guy, someone that she can prove is guilty. She doesn’t do well with too much speculation,” Frenchy explained.
“What about Sam?”
“She’s good, but she’s green. Computer crimes is nothing like field work. Don’t get me wrong they are both necessary. I like the kid, but I doubt if she would do it anyway.”
“Why’s that?” David inquired.
“She looks up to Grace. Plus, she reminds me of me at that age, all gung-ho. No, she’s good where’s she at. But, I wouldn’t ask either of them to begin with. I am smarter than that.”
“How do you mean?” Cormack asked, still reviewing evidence.
“Danica would kill me if I took her new star team. It’s bad enough that she having to replace Gregor now. She’d kill me if I took those two.”
“True, but do you have any prospects?” Cormack pushed.
“Sure, still trying to narrow it down. The Major gave me twenty jackets to review. I’m thinking though that I want ‘old blood’ and ‘new blood.’ I think it will help the team,” he stated.
“I agree. Sounds good for you, Frenchy. Congratulations,” she told him.
“Thanks,” he said, “But, that still leaves me a lab rat short.”
“Take David. He hates people. He’s good at his job and I know that he would love to not have to deal with me, Gracie and Sam on an almost daily basis,” Cormack stated, matter-of-factly.
David stared at her. Frenchy looked amused. Cormack was still hard at work with the evidence of the case.
“I’m serious. Go with him, David. It’ll probably be a promotion and you’d be good at it. You’d love it. It would mean more set hours,” Cormack stated.
“When do I start?” David asked French.
Cormack just started laughing. Frenchy was a little shocked, but then, he joined Cormack in laughter. David just sat there as serious as ever.
“Well, that was easy. I’ll have to talk
to the Major first. But, thanks, to the both of you. I’ll tell the Major that you are my first choice in my team as my lab rat,” Frenchy told him.
“Seriously, when do I start?”
“Is it really that bad here?” Cormack asked him.
“Yes!” David said, “No, I just hate field work, but you know that. Plus, you already said that it would be good for me. Don’t be offended.”
“I’m not,” Cormack told him.
“But, you just –“ David started.
“Joking. I was joking. Calm down cause I would still be the one who writes your review. Play nice or I’ll get you stuck in the field, permanently,” Cormack told him.
“Yes, ma’am,” David replied.
“Look, Frenchy, he’s trained, too,” Cormack stated.
Cormack and French laughed. David finally caught on that she was razzing him. He finally calmed down and went back to work, secretly hoping to start with French as soon as this case was over. He loved his job, just hated field work.
Samantha and Grace walked into the lab. Both of them were carrying large binders. They grabbed an empty table and began to spread out the case load. Cormack and French just watched, not saying anything until they were settled behind the table.
“What’s wrong with y’all?’ Cormack asked Sam and Grace.
“Long night,” Sam offered.
“Tiny, did you have too much last night or something?” French asked Grace.
“You could say that,” Grace replied.
Cormack joined them at their table. She realized that they didn’t really want to talk about it. She handed Grace her report on what she’d analyzed already.
“Thanks. Anything jump out at you? Any new leads?” Grace asked Cormack.
“Not that made any sense to me. I did reference where the Fairfield victims lived and where they were found. I did the same with our victims. I put it all on a map overlay,” Cormack told them.
“Show me,” Sam stated.
Cormack reached back around. She grabbed the map and her overlays. Cormack then spread the map out on the table. She pushed the map towards Sam and Grace. She, then, unrolled an overlay on top of it. She watched as Grace looked over the map and overlay. Sam leaned over and looked as well.
“What does this overlay show?” Sam asked.
“This one is just the reported cases. Most of them, as you can see, are in Lexington. There are a few from Fairfield and Newberry Counties. I have referenced the cases you brought back from Fairfield and the ones that SLED was investigating,” Cormack explained.
“So, what’s the next one show?” Grace asked.
“I’ll show you,” Cormack stated, unrolling the next on top of the rest.
“What’s this one? Directionality? Possible approaches?” Sam inquired.
“It shows the possible approaches and main facings of the lake,” Cormack replied.
“This is very interesting. Do you have any commonality to them? I can’t see anything that makes sense,” Gracie stated.
“No real commonality but the lake itself. They all over map on the overlay, but there isn’t a common cove or departure point. I can’t find a place. I’ve run different approaches from the same coves to the victims’ coves, but none of the results make sense. I’ll show you what I’ve come up with so far, but I promise you, it doesn’t mean a blasted thing,” Cormack told them.
“Let me see it anyway,” Sam stated.
Cormack grabbed another overlay with different colors. Each one of the colors represented a new and different possible approach based on the cove the victim lived on. Sam and Grace followed the lines and could understand Cormack’s frustrations. Grace watched Sam just stare at the overlay for a few minutes. She knew that Sam’s mind was working overtime. She was proud of the rookie. She was proud of how far Sam had come in the short months they had been partners. She was proud of Cormack, too. Cormack was going above and beyond trying to make the evidence make more sense.
“See something?” Grace asked Sam, breaking the silence.
“Maybe.”
“Plan on sharing?” Cormack inquired.
“Give me a sec,” Sam replied, “You have a grease pencil?”
Frenchy and David got up and joined them. David handed Sam a pack of colored grease pencils. Sam took the pack but didn’t pick a color. She continued to stare at the overlay. Grace didn’t push Sam, but Cormack was getting a little impatient.
“So what do you see?” Cormack pushed.
“Two or maybe three different coves could be the point of approach, but maybe they aren’t all the same cove for departure,” Sam said.
Grace handed Sam a grease pencil. Sam took the pencil as Cormack put a plain clear overlay on top for Sam to mark. She began drawing lines on the overlay as they all looked on in suspense.
“Everyone keeps thinking that they guy is leaving and coming from the same spot. The only constant in all our victims is they are gay residents on Lake Murray. The only other constant is a water landing before the attack,” Sam stated.
“Yeah?” Grace asked.
“Maybe, we have to approach it from a different angle.”
“Such as?” French asked, finally weighing in on the topic.
“We know that our perp is sadistic and escalating. He lives or works on the lake. We only have one current survivor.”
“Yeah, we know all that,” Cormack said.
“Plus, the fact that he likes knives and so far only one of the victims managed to fight back. She actually got a piece of him. Remember he was dragging his leg or it seemed to be his leg. But, he also left that tainted bloody handprint. The DNA was useless,” David added.
“That’s all true, too, but listen, we have a guy who lives or works on the lake. He obviously doesn’t deal well with rejection. It doesn’t seem like he was seeking the victims out personally except for the fact that the victims are all lesbians. None of them belong to dating sites or programs. Their lives didn’t overlap socially,” Sam stated.
“And, none of them were looking for a partner,” Grace added, flipping through her notes, “Two were partnered. One partner is missing. The other was killed. Those that weren’t partnered had active social lives in the lesbian community. The three that recently broke up with their partners hadn’t moved on or even started looking for new dates, yet. The exes were all cleared and had solid alibis.”
“That’s my point. We don’t know his selection process. All we know is that he likes lesbians on the lake,” Sam stated, “But, if we follow different paths based on jobs at the lake, maybe a pattern will emerge.”
“I get it. We need to figure out his selection process. But, that still doesn’t explain a six month absence,” Cormack stated.
“Maybe it does,” Grace replied.
“Training or jail?” Sam posed.
“I was thinking training or relocation. We checked the prison and jail records. There wasn’t even a remote match to our two partial DNA files. Prison terms are too long and none of the jails had anyone that raised any suspicion that pulled a six month bid. We checked that earlier,” Frenchy added.
“So, we’ll go with training then. That actually makes some sense. Now, we think he was away on training for six months. What jobs would cause someone to be gone for six months that would be on the lake?” Sam asked.
“Only think I can think of is DNR,” Cormack answered.
“But, the partial DNA didn’t pop any hits,” Grace replied.
“Military?”
“They take DNA, too,” Grace answered.
“Okay, anyone got an off-the-wall job?” Sam questioned.
“Dam tech?” Frenchy added.
“Recreational boat tours?” Cormack asked.
“Good, so we realize this guy doesn’t have a normal job. Now, if he had any of these jobs would he have full access to the lake on a daily basis? Yes, he would. Would he know the lake better than us? Yes, he does. Would he know different routes, approaches, and departures? Of course,
he does. Now, how do we find this guy?” Sam asked.
“Lake patrol?” Grace asked.
“Sounds like fun,” Cormack replied.
“I doubt Mom will approve that,” Sam stated.
“We could work with DNR and the county patrols,” Grace added.
“Why can’t we do it?” Cormack asked.
“We will do some shifts and investigation time, but we can’t be out there all the time. We need a better profile. We need to be able to give them something to look for, something to be prepared for,” Grace replied.
“We need a sketch, too,” Sam said, quietly.
“She’s actually working with Tabitha on that,” Grace answered.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Sam stated.
“I know, Sam. We still need to get this profile together. Cormack, can you and David finish here? I have some ideas I need to run past Danica,” Grace said.
“Yeah,” Cormack stated, “What’s up now? What’s you think of?”
“Just everybody be back here, in say, three hours,” Grace answered.
“Sounds like a plan,” Cormack replied, not pushing any further.
“Remind me to tell you something,” Frenchy told Gracie.
“Good or bad?” Gracie asked him.
“Good, I hope,” French replied.
“Then, I’ll remind you. Come on, Sam. We need to go talk to your mom.”
“I’m right behind you, LT,” Sam replied.
“Okay, Rookie.”
Sam and Grace started towards the door. Grace suddenly stopped and turned around. Cormack and French looked at her in anticipation.
“Cormack, you got any friends with DNR?” Gracie questioned.
“Not yet,” Cormack answered.
“Well make some and make sure they realize that Sam will be the officer in charge. I don’t want anyone else thinking they are going to take this case. Make sure they don’t have a problem with women being in charge, too. I want someone good. Test ‘em if you gotta,” Grace told her.
“Gotcha,” Cormack replied.
“Okay, see you guys in a couple hours.”
“Until then, Gracie,” French told her.
Gracie and Sam left the CSU lab. They both got in Grace’s F150. As Grace turned out of the parking lot, Sam noticed that they weren’t headed to the station house, but she knew enough not to question Grace when she had an idea. Sam just watched the scenery. After a while on the road, she finally figured out where they were going.
