“Gathering evidence takes a while.”
“I’m a former U.S. Marshall. You’re preaching to the choir.”
“I didn’t realize that.”
“There are lots of things I haven’t told you.”
“Start talking, it’ll help pass the time.”
Agents Locklear and Mansfield approached the bench.
Agent Mansfield glared at Matthew. “We must stop meeting like this.” He extended his hand.
Matthew rose and shook his hand. “I agree, sir. Every time I see you, there’s a dead body.”
“I was thinking the same thing Mr. Raymond.” Agent Mansfield looked over at Liz. “Dr. Wright. When were you brought in on this case?”
“I haven’t been. I found the body with Mr. Raymond.”
Matthew shook his head; eyes toward the ground. He took a deep breath. “Do you think this is the same killer who murdered Roxy Starlite?”
“There is no way to tell until the evidence is analyzed and we obtain the autopsy report.”
Agent Locklear glanced toward Robby. “I see the medical examiner now. Or, should I say Amber Alert since he’s in drag? Are you coming, Mansfield?”
“Give me a minute. I have lots of questions for these two.”
CHAPTER 31
The House of the Rising Sun
Orange Beach, Alabama - the smell of fresh Gulf air, colorful beach houses and massive waterfront condos had a way of setting a personal transformation in motion. Life always slowed to a sense of tranquility for Blaze when she arrived. Any worries melted away the moment she drove through the archway of the Rising Sun Tower condominium complex.
Blaze bounced in her seat. “I’m so excited. I can’t contain myself.”
“We know.” Jenni and Mag shook their heads.
“Ya’ll can’t tell me you aren’t as excited. Bam! Sizzle! And, fry!”
Mag rolled her eyes. “Where does she come up with that crazy shit?”
The car stopped at the guard shack. Blaze handed Jenni the car pass.
Jenni rolled the car window far enough to hand it to the guard.
The guard peered inside the window at Blaze. “Welcome back Ms. Angela. Glad to see you made it safe and in one piece.”
“Thank you. We are too.”
“Be sure to hang the owner’s pass on the rearview mirror. Have a great spring break.” He handed Jenni the parking pass.
Blaze grinned relieved. “Thank you. Go, Jenni. So close; yet, so far. The story of my life.”
“Don’t be so dramatic. There must be a big wig here. Look at that stretch.”
“Probably somebody about to get hitched.” A bride and a groom bounced from the entrance. “See, I told you.”
The wedding couple passed the limousine and headed toward a decorated car. On the back window someone used white shoe polish and wrote a congratulatory remark - “Just Married.”
***
The Angela penthouse balcony, on the fifteenth floor, afforded the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the white sugar sand beach. Blaze and the girls couldn’t wait to arrive as they ascended in the elevator.
“The older I get, the longer it takes to get to the top.” Blaze watched the numbers light up as they ascended.
Jenni took a deep relaxing breath. “Look at the bright side. At least it gets us there.”
The elevator door opened to Dubois, the English butler of Dr. Angela.
Blaze flabbergasted dropped her jaw. “Dubois, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Your father insisted, Miss Blaze. The guard called and informed me of your arrival. I’ll take your things to your room.” Dubois took Blaze’s luggage and led the entourage to the penthouse.
Mag’s lips formed the cheesiest grin as she lifted her brow. “Nice, we get a butler for spring break. Your father isn’t so bad.”
“Indeed Ms. Freeman.” Dubois’ tone refined. “The old man isn’t bad as you put it.”
The girls giggled as they followed Dubois and watched his long hunchbacked strides. Blaze mimicked his gait behind him to the amusement of her friends.
They stopped in front of the penthouse door. Dubois looked into the eye scanner. “Deedra, unlock the door.”
The door opened to the luxurious open floor plan, marble floors, granite countertops and plush furnishings.
Mag eyes widened. “Wow! The view is breathtaking.”
“No kidding, I agree.” Jenni glanced toward Blaze. “The pictures of this place you showed us doesn’t do it any justice. This condo is amazing.”
“Change into your swimsuits and meet me on the balcony. It’s beach time.”
Jenni jetted down the hall. “We’re all in.” She stopped abruptly. “Where’s our room?”
“This way.” Dubois pointed in the other direction. “Miss Blaze, your father awaits your arrival on the balcony.”
Blaze stormed toward the terrace. She forcibly opened the sliding glass door, bolted onto the wrap around balcony and glared at her father who leaned against the railing by the hot tub. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I own the place, my princess.”
“Then why did you say we could use it?”
Mag and Jenni entered onto the balcony wedged in the crossfire.
“How could you? Why would you do this? Forget it. We’re leaving.”
“There is no need for a tantrum. I came up for a meeting. I’m leaving in the morning and the condo will be yours. Look at it this way, that dinner you agreed to attend, consider tonight’s dinner in replacement. We both win.”
Blaze looked at the floor and darted her eyes.
Mag stepped toward Blaze. “That’s not really a bad idea. I’m starving.”
“I agree.” Jenni gawked at the scene with wide-eyed fascination.
Dubois came onto the balcony. “Excuse me, Miss Blaze you have a phone call from a friend.”
Only two people know I’m here. “Okay, Dad. It’s a date. Jenni and Mag eat with us too or the deal is off.”
“That is what I intended. They are our guests.”
“Miss Blaze, the phone call. Shall I take a message?”
***
Dr. Angela and Blaze sat at opposite ends of the table for eight while Jenni and Mag sat across from each other at each side.
“This is the prettiest table setting I’ve ever seen.” Jenni touched her plate. “Do you always eat on fine china and have starched napkins folded like seagulls?”
Blaze frowned pointedly at Jenni for asking. “We do, it’s the Angela way.”
Mag took in the lush environment that Blaze took for granted. “Dr. Angela. This place is over the top. Everything is magnificent.”
“Thank you. Blaze’s mother had a lot to do with this place.”
Dubois entered, cleared the salad plates and placed them on the buffet. “Dinner will be served immediately. Shall I serve the wine?”
“Thank you, Dubois. I believe it has had time to breathe sufficiently.”
Dubois wrapped the wine bottle in a white crisp linen napkin and filled Dr. Angela’s glass; only a taste for approval.
Dr. Angela grasped the stem and swirled the wine. He sniffed the aroma as a smug grin crossed his lips. “I think this will be perfect.” He sipped the wine. “Yes, Dubois. Excellent choice.”
Dubois poured three more ounces into Dr. Angela’s glass.
Both Jenni and Mag watched enthralled as neither had seen anything like this five star service. Their eyes narrowed with curiosity.
Dubois held the wine bottle and sauntered to the other end of the table. “Miss Blaze.”
“Is it a rare vintage?”
“Only the best, Miss Blaze. It comes from your family’s vineyard.”
Jenni’s eyes opened wide. “You have a wine vineyard too?”
“Several actually.” Blaze rolled her eyes. Why is he making me do this?
“Then may I have a glass?”
“Yes, please Dubois. Fill my glass and my friends' glass
es too.”
“Of course, Miss Blaze.”
Dubois approached Jenni and filled her glass.
“Father, why don’t you tell Mag and Jenni why you chose Orange Beach when you could have bought an exclusive island?”
Dubois filled Mag’s glass and retreated to the kitchen.
“My darling daughter. I own several private islands.”
“Like they care. Just tell them the story.”
“As you wish. You see Jenni and Mag, I’m a romantic. When I was about your age, I met Blaze’s mother here on this beach during my college spring fling. Victoria was mesmerizing. It took me three hours to get up the courage and ask her on a date. Through enough support and egging from my friends and the alcohol, I finally mustered enough courage. I approached her and blocked the sun. She glanced up at me and handed me her sunscreen lotion. I can still hear her sweet voice. She gazed into my eyes, licked her lips and spoke magic. She chose her words carefully. ‘Mind putting this on my back?’ Of course, I didn’t mind. I couldn’t wait to touch her porcelain skin. As I sat down, she asked me if I liked the song House of the Rising Sun. I’m glad I did because she would have dismissed me if I didn’t. It was a tag line game she and her friends played. Once I learned that, that song quickly became my favorite. A year later, at the exact spot where I met her, I asked her to marry me. She told me only if I purchased her a waterfront condo in Orange Beach. I must admit, I took the liberty and built this entire tower for her as a wedding present. She’s the one that named it, The Rising Sun.
Mag placed her hand over her heart. “Awe. That’s so romantic.”
“It really is.” Jenni’s eyes flushed at the purity of the story. “It’s so sweet. Blaze never told us anything about you or her mother.”
Dubois carried a covered domed silver tray and placed it on the buffet table, removed the dome lid and served Dr. Angela the first plate of steamed lobster.
“She does that.” Mag pursed her lips.
“Hey, remember me? I’m Blaze and I’m sitting right here.”
Dubois brought Blaze her plate.
“My wife also named our mansion after our favorite song.”
***
Milo parked his car five houses from the Angela mansion and hoofed it toward the elegant residence deep in thought. He had no remorse from the ruse he and Judas conjured over a decade earlier.
***
The chauffeur held the passenger door open for Dr. Angela and Blaze, age fourteen, who were about to step into their limousine. Out of nowhere an armed robber stormed the Angela’s and shot the chauffeur between his eyes. The force of the bullet slammed him forward onto the door wedging Blaze between the car and the door. Blaze screamed as if in a horror movie as she grappled to get into the back seat. Another gunman grabbed her by the legs and jerked her out. He clutched her around the neck, pulled her to her feet and put the tip of the gun against her temple. The second gunman pointed his gun at Dr. Angela’s temple. Blaze’s eyes filled with fright and her tears pleaded to her father.
The gunman holding Blaze pushed his weapon’s tip against her temple; his finger poised on the trigger. “Give me your wallet and your jewelry.” The robber squeezed Blaze relentlessly as she froze.
“Do what he says; or, your daughter dies in front of you.” The other gunman pushed the tip of his gun harder onto Dr. Angela’s temple who remained in control and fearless.
“Take what you want. I implore you not to hurt my daughter.”
Out of nowhere, two shots fired. The gunman who held Blaze fell to the ground pulling her with him as his blood splattered onto her. The second shot killed the robber who aimed the gun at Dr. Angela.
Milo stepped from the shadows and extended his hand to Blaze. “Miss, you’re safe now.”
“You’re like Batman; but real.”
He assisted her to her feet and gave her his white handkerchief to wipe the blood off her face. “Miss, cover your eyes. Don’t look at them. Everything will be okay.” He nodded toward Dr. Angela. “Are you all right, sir?”
“Thanks to you, son. Who are you?”
“Milo Evans at your service.” He tucked his gun into the waist of his pants.
“Why did you protect us? You don’t work for me?”
“I was at the right place at the right time.”
“Please come to my office tomorrow to receive a reward. It’s much deserved.”
“I don’t want one.”
“How can I repay you? You deserve a reward. You saved our lives.”
“I’d like to be your family’s bodyguard. It looks like you both need one.”
Sirens blared in the distance. Dr. Angela nodded to Milo. “Give me your gun. I’ll tell them I shot them in self-defense.” He handed Milo his business card. “Come see me tomorrow.”
Milo passed Dr. Angela his gun and dashed from the crime scene.
***
“Things haven’t changed.” Judas’ words in Milo’s com brought him back to reality.
“Did you really expect it too?”
“Guess not.” Milo touched the brass embossed plaque marking the name of the mansion - “House of the Rising Sun.” He put his thumb against the entrance security panel.
“Welcome back Mr. Evans.” The lock clicked open.
“Thank you, Deedra. That’s way too easy.”
“Great work. Now get in and get out.”
“I’ll finish in less than ten and I’ll head back to central command.”
“Correct that. Your boy has pulled up to Loyola campus and parked in the Freret Street Garage.”
“That’s not far from here. I’m on my way.”
“Install the camera first. I have eyes on your little buddy.”
***
Roth stepped from his van. He wore a black mask over his face. As he carried a body bag over his shoulder and a psychology text book in his free hand, he took brisk strides to the nearest Magnolia tree and placed the bag in the shadows. He unzipped it, lifted Gayle’s lifeless body and posed her against the tree.
In the shadows, Milo lurked. He watched as his nemesis worked and didn’t recoil. His eyes turned cold as ice. A lump formed in his throat. Do you know what it’s like to feel your own last breath?
Roth flipped through the pages of the textbook. “What chapter do I want displayed?” He stopped on pages 228-229, Chapter Thirteen - “The Psychology of the Mind of a Serial Killer” and positioned it open across her lap. He retrieved Gayle’s printed D-Net profile, a delete key and wrapped his signature piece into a ball. “Got you. Now don’t you wish you would have been nicer toward me?” He jammed his signature piece down her throat. I feel much better. Roth gathered his belongings and strolled back to his van humming.
Milo leaped from the darkness in front of Roth. This isn’t even a match, poor kid. Milo rolled his eyes at Roth. “This ends tonight, one way or another. I can kill you now, but I don’t like killing males unless they really screw up. Or, I can give you a second chance. I’m in a good mood.”
Roth took two steps closer to Milo. “You’re the Co-Ed serial killer? I’m a great admirer.”
“I don’t like you killing my co-eds.”
“I chose them because they told me nasty things bullying me. I can’t help it if they were co-eds.” I despise bullies and stuck up cheerleaders.
“Find another type. Or, you’ll be my next. I can dress you up as a co-ed. Understand? Listen very carefully. Blaze Angela is mine. Hands off.”
Sirens blasted in the distance. Milo flashed a wicked lopsided grin. “Time to go.” Milo raced away.
Roth bolted for his van.
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2058
CINCO DE MAYO
CHAPTER 32
The Truth is Out There
Blaze stood on a step stool to hang Mexican themed decorations throughout her apartment. “It’s party time in the U.S. of A. I can’t wait to see what everyone brings to add to our fiesta.”
Mag handed her another green, white and red strea
mer.
Jenni stood and watched her friends struggle to decorate. “Who’s all coming?”
“Not that many. A couple of our sorority sisters, their boyfriends, Roth, Sam and Lorenzo.
“Blaze, I know you better than that. You love big parties.”
Mag giggled and nodded. “Good point Jenni. Girl. Girl. You better define a couple of sisters. Your idea and my idea are not the same. Now, tell us the truth.”
Jenni yawned in a bored sort of way. “Good luck with that.”
Mag handed Blaze a piece of tape. “Seriously Blaze, how many did you invite? I want the whole truth and nothing but the truth; so, help you God.”
“Okay, I give. I invited our sorority. The way I look at it, if they’re here, the serial killer can’t kill them. It’s my way of protecting them.”
Mag twisted her lips. “I have to give you that.”
Jenni handed Blaze a piece of tape. “I guess you have a valid point. If we’re together, the serial killer can’t kill us. It’s the safety in numbers thing.”
Blaze rubbed her stomach. “I’m starving to death. If I don’t eat soon, I’ll die before any serial killer can get me.”
Mag dropped her jaw. “Seriously! You’re making a joke about serial killers. What if the serial killer is somebody on campus? Hell, it could be the next person who rings the freakin doorbell.”
“Now look who’s making a joke about serial killers.”
Jenni’s eyes bulged; she gulped. “She didn’t mean anything by it.” She went to the kitchen, poured the salsa into five bowls and opened the tortilla chips. I’m so hungry. She opened the oven and peeped inside. “Enchiladas, tamales and beans are almost ready.”
Blaze’s stomach growled. “Can you speed it up? I want to eat before my party starts?”
Three taps on the door.
Blaze glanced at her full hands. “Jenni, please get that.”
“Sure thing. I can play Dubois and open the door for a serial killer.”
“That’s not funny. Open the door.”
The girls laughed as Jenni mimicked Dubois’s stride toward the door and opened it.
The Keystroke Killer Page 27