“Why is that so interesting?”
“Well, to be up front with you, we’ve got a missing girl or two around here.”
“Well, Sheriff Payne, I’d really like to help you, I really would, but there’s something I need from you.”
“I’ll see what I can do to oblige.”
“For starters, I’d like to get out of this cell.”
Sheriff Payne looked up at Cale. “Josh, why don’t you go find us something to eat over at the diner. It’s early, I could go for some eggs.”
Cale opened his mouth to protest, but Payne silenced him with a shake of his head. Cale shrugged angrily and stalked out.
Payne stood up, removed a key ring from his pocket, selected a key, and unlocked the cell door. “This is the kind of thing we should talk over in my office.”
I followed Payne out through the lobby, where two other deputies sat at desks. One was typing, the other playing solitaire.
“Another busy day at the office?” I directed the question to Payne as he took a seat in front of the Sheriff’s desk.
“There’s not usually a lot of crime in Douglas, Mr. Longville. Practically none this early in the day. We like it like that, here. Which brings us to the present problem.” Payne reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a folder. He slid it across the desk toward me. I sat and looked at it for a moment. “Go ahead, have a look at what’s inside.”
I think I know already, said my little inner voice. I picked it up anyway, and opened it. My blood turned to ice. I recognized her face immediately; it was one of the girls in Samson Fain’s photo album. She was the little girl with the locket. She looked a lot like Georgia Champion. But she was different—she’d been found. Or what was left of her.
There were photos inside, two batches of them, in separate envelopes. The first envelope held photos of the girl alive, smiling, doing the things children do: laughing, running, playing. The other photos were different. They were photos of a rotting corpse that someone had stumbled upon, in some strange, deserted place.
The body was naked, and had been left in an obscene position, her rear end high in the air, her face forced down into the dirt. I looked through all of the pictures silently and laid them back on the desk. I wondered how much Payne had seen in my face. Enough, probably.
“The killer always leaves them in sexual positions. He hasn’t ever left two bodies in the same position. None of the victims have been over fourteen.”
“How did she die?”
“Asphyxiation. Most likely, she was strangled while she was asleep; there are no injuries that depict a struggle. But she was strangled manually. She died somewhere else, and the body was transported post-mortem, and arranged the way it was found. The livor mortis is in the buttocks, see? She was lying on her back when she died. Also, there was some warming, indicated the body had been transported, most likely in a car trunk. There was also evidence of sexual activity.”
I closed my eyes for a moment, and again saw the big bruises Samson Fain’s hands had left on a nameless little black girl, twenty years ago.
“Sorry, partner, this is rough stuff.”
“I’ve seen worse,” I said at last.
“Doing private work?” Payne raised an eyebrow.
“Homicide. Five years.”
“Yeah, I sort of had you figured for an ex-cop.”
“Where were they abducted from?”
“That’s the damnedest thing. They all disappeared from places with plenty of people around. Places like a schoolyard, a church cookout, and girl-scout meetings. And at no place did we have a single witness.”
“How many have there been?” I asked. I had yet to look up.
“Six, that we are more or less sure about, in the last three years. There are more girls missing in the area. Some of them, we think might be because of him. Some, I think, are a little too old, but you never know. There are always runaways, and non-custodial parental abductions, that muddy the waters.”
I looked up now and met Payne’s cool gaze. “You say six. I think we’d better make that seven.”
“So. You figure this is your man?”
“Let’s just say that I can make you think so, too. There are many similarities.”
Payne leaned forward and lowered his voice. “So, tell me. How long ago did the girl in your case go missing?”
“Three and a half years ago, this month.”
Payne whistled between his teeth. “So, he packs it in, leaves Birmingham, and comes west. The time frame sure fits. And he’s been at it all of this time.”
“And, from what I know, he isn’t likely to stop.”
“But why did he come all of the way out here?”
“He’s a clown, or was. Now, I think, he’s a magician. Your area has, of late, become very attractive to people in those lines of work, especially if they follow the carnival circuit. My guess is that there is some connection we haven’t discovered yet, that attracted him initially. Maybe he stayed because he felt he could blend in here.”
“A magician. Well, whatever else the twisted son of a bitch is, he is that.” Payne stood up abruptly. “We work together on this. From now on.”
“I’d like to, sheriff, but I’m currently in jail.”
“I can fix that, easy enough. You’re free to go. I’ll get Deputy Wade to give you your stuff back. I’d like to get you and Tiller in here, and go over what we know, as soon as possible.”
“I was just going to meet him before I was so rudely interrupted. We happened upon some evidence that you should have. I’ll leave you what information I’ve collected. I can give you his real name, and where he’s staying here. I can meet you back here in a couple of hours.” I rose, and Payne walked with me to the door.
“It’s getting light out. Be glad to take you, if you need a ride.”
“Thanks. I’ve got someone I can call.”
Payne grabbed my arm, and looked hard into my eyes. “Do it quick, Mr. Longville. I want to get this bastard. I need to.”
I nodded. “I know . . . I do too.”
Chapter 23
Tiller’s eyes creaked slowly open. His head felt like an old handbag, full of rocks. He was in the back of a van, hog-tied. His head had been covered with a cloth sack, but it was loose, and he could see out of the bottom. Had his blindfold been on tight, though, he would have still known he was in the back of a van. He could feel the hum of the axle through the floor, and the motion of the vehicle was so bumpy and violent than he found himself rolling from one side of the van to the other. Whoever had put the blindfold on had done a much better job tying him. He could barely move either hand an inch. The heat and the dust told him he was heading into the desert. It was daytime, but he could not discern the hour.
Christ, I hope this son of a bitch isn’t a cannibal, to boot.
He tried to turn nonchalantly so that he could see if Fain and Conrad were both still in the van, but to no avail. He realized that his feet were somehow fastened to the door, so that he could only look back, toward the van doors. He also realized that the speakers and other equipment had been off-loaded somewhere. So he had been out for a while.
He thought of his missed appointment in Inspiration and prayed silently.
Let Roland find me, God, before this crazy bastard does me in.
There were a few more hard bumps and the van began to slow.
There was a sudden blaze of light as the doors at the back of the van swung open. The hood was jerked off Tiller’s head.
For a moment, Tiller could not catch his breath. There, framed in the white glare, dust streaming in around him, was Samson Fain. But he had changed. Now he was the Big Red Clown, with black circles around his eyes, that came to points at the corners, and a likewise pointed, scarlet smile. He smiled, beneath it, and his big white teeth stood out in stark relief against the make up.
Jesus, I’m going to shit my pants.
The towering figure stood for a moment before him. Then the giant bent over and
began to untie Tiller’s feet.
In a loud, gravelly, sing-song voice, Fain started to sing,
“Don’t you love farce?
My fault, I fear.
I thought that you’d want what I want,
Sorry, my dear . . . “
He stopped abruptly and yanked Tiller out of the van, feet first. As Tiller hit the ground, the breath was knocked out of him. He felt Fain grab him by the rope that snaked down his back, connecting the bonds that bound his shoulders with those that bound his ankles. Fain hefted him easily with one hand, like another man might carry a large tote bag.
“Come on, sunshine!” Fain thundered in a voice that was murderously happy. “We’ve got work to do!”
Chapter 24
I squinted in the harsh morning light as I walked out of the Douglas jail. I had called Mayor Claeren, back in Inspiration, for assistance. As my eyes adjusted to the early morning light, I saw that Mayor Claeren, had indeed come, but he had brought along some company.
Traci came bouncing across the street and gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek. She had changed from the leotard to a very brief pink dress.
“Well, Mr. Longville, as you may or may not know, I despise driving. I thought you would find my choice of chauffeur most agreeable. Besides, Traci was livid when she heard the news of your arrest. I believe she has taken quite a fancy to you.”
“Why didn’t Tiller come with you?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean,” Claeren smiled diplomatically.
“Isn’t he at Inspiration?”
“My dear fellow, we haven’t seen Detective Tiller. Perhaps he’s back at your hotel.”
“Maybe. Would you mind swinging by there? He has our rental car.”
“Not at all. However, I have business here in town, so I must again make a hasty exit. I am meeting several worthies who wish to sell their wares at our fair tomorrow. Traci is in her own automobile, and I am sure that she would be more than delighted to take you to your hotel.”
“I really can’t thank you enough. But we can’t just strand you here.”
“Fear not, my good detective, for I am not only a man of some stature in these parts, but also an expert at catching rides.” He did his bowing retreat again.
Traci smiled and held out her hand. I sighed in defeat, and let her lead me to her jeep.
“The very idea of these people locking you up. I should give that Sheriff a piece of my mind.”
“No need. Sheriff Payne and I have reached an understanding. The main thing now is to find Tiller.”
When we arrived back at the hotel, I spied the blinking light and went straight to the phone. Traci came in after me, and we both sat on the bed and listened to Tiller’s message.
“Oh, good God!” was all that I could think of to say.
“You worry too much. Surely a big, strong, Detective Sergeant can protect himself. In the meantime, you can protect me.” Traci drew close and put an arm around him.
“Traci, not now. My partner might be in danger.”
“Oh, come on.” She looked doubtful.
“He’s tailing the man we’ve come all this way looking for, Traci. This Fain’s a very dangerous man. He’s also very resourceful. He hasn’t gotten this far because he’s lucky. We have to find this address, and get to Tiller.”
“Well, we can take my jeep.” She hugged herself for a second. “Do you not like me?”
“I like you very much. I sort of have a situation back home.”
“Wife?”
“No.”
“Girlfriend?”
“Well . . . not exactly.”
“Cool! I’m coming along.”
“No. I’d rather you stayed here.”
She arched a russet eyebrow. “Not a chance. I’m not letting you out of my sight again. But, since you’re being so forceful—and I really like that—I will let you drive.”
* * *
It was a sunny day, and there were few cars on the road. I mused silently as I drove. I felt a little guilty about not telling Sheriff Payne everything. He was obviously a good cop, but I didn’t want to risk involving Cale, and tipping my hand to Fain, who had already proved that he was capable of vanishing, in the same way he made his victims vanish.
And I still haven’t laid eyes on him.
We drove through the back alleys that Tiller had spoken of, eventually coming to the warehouse. The rental car was parked across the street. I walked over and looked inside.
“The keys are still in the ignition,” I observed aloud. “He must be nearby.” I reached inside and snagged the keys. I leaned into the jeep and gave Traci a kiss on the cheek. “Stay here.”
I went over to the warehouse. There was a single metal door. I gave it a try but it was locked. I walked to the narrow alley beside the warehouse. Something glinted on the pavement. I bent down and picked it up.
Suddenly Traci was beside me.
“I thought I told you to stay in the Jeep.”
“Never was good at taking orders. Besides, your friend isn’t here.”
“No, but he was.”
“What makes you so sure?”
I held up what I had picked up from the pavement. It was a small gold shield, engraved: Birmingham Police Department.
“He’s vanished.” Traci said in an amazed whisper.
I nodded slowly. “Into thin air.”
* * *
Deputy Cale watched from his patrol car, a couple of streets over. He wondered what Roland was picking up off the ground.
Now what in hell are they up to?
He wanted to run Roland in again, and relieve him of whatever evidence he had just put in his pocket. But that would never go over with Payne. Cale thought Payne was too soft, and as far as he was concerned, today had proved it.
Well, that’s just fine. I’ll just stay on this Dixie private eye’s tail until he crosses the line again, and then I’ll take him right back to jail, Payne be damned.
He watched Longville and the girl exchange a hug. Then she got in her jeep and drove away, with a wave. Longville got into the blue rental car that had been sitting at the curb and drove away. So, they were splitting up. That presented no problem; the girl obviously wasn’t important. Longville was the one obstructing justice.
Chapter 25
Before I had climbed into the rental car, I had broken the news to Traci.
“Traci, we have to go our separate ways now.”
“Why? That’s not fair. I brought you out here. I want to help.” She huffed like a small child, and she looked pretty cute, but mostly upset.
“You can help. I need you to do something for me. Go to the Sheriff’s office and ask for Sheriff Payne. Tell them that I sent you. Tell them about Tiller, the message, everything. Let Payne know that I’m going back to the Great White Lodge, looking for Fain. After that, go wait at Inspiration. If Tiller managed to escape Fain, that’s where he’ll be heading.”
“That’s too easy. You know Fain probably has Tiller. I want to go with you.”
She looked genuinely hurt, but I didn’t soften; there was no time.
“Look, Traci, every second we stand here is a second of Tiller’s life ticking away. Now, please, go to the Sheriff.”
“All right. For you.” She grabbed me and pulled me close to her, and put her mouth over mine. She was a strong kisser, and her tongue sought inside my mouth, and pressed against mine hungrily, first this way, then the other.
“Traci!” I broke away from her. “Not now.”
“You’ll be seeing me again, Roland Longville.” She ran and jumped nimbly into her jeep. I sighed as I watched her go. Deep down I felt a little guilty, and with good reason.
I had planned to separate from Traci as soon as I’d seen the rental car was still on the scene of Tiller’s disappearance. She was lovely, and damned good company, but I had a strong suspicion that I would soon be close to Fain, and I didn’t want her anywhere close to that monster.
It was possible that Tiller had escaped Fain, or that even now he was back in Inspiration, where Traci would soon find him, relaxed and flirting with Libby. But my hand kept going back to my pocket. There, Tiller’s pin served as a cold reminder that both theories were probably wrong.
Chapter 26
I drove back to the Great White Lodge, and parked in front. There was no sign of Deputy Cale’s cruiser.
The one time I could actually use him, I thought bitterly. There was also no sign of Tiller. I had hoped that I might see him there. I got out and walked toward the door.
Maybe Ms. Young has seen Samson Fain since yesterday.
I was almost to the front door when the black van emerged from the alley beside the building and turned down the street. I didn’t see the driver, but my heart jumped into my throat. Trying not to run, I jogged back across the street and got into the rental car.
I followed the van, which trundled through the alleyways slowly, then headed out onto the main thoroughfare. The sky was turning to blood in the west, and I felt more than a little squeamish about following Fain into the desert at night. But there was no other choice.
Our two vehicles drove in tandem for several miles. I kept cars between us until there were no more on the road. Then the van began to pick up speed, and made a beeline for the outskirts of town, which it passed through without slowing. Then we were out into the country, into the wasteland. It was impossible to follow the van without throwing up a plume of dust. The van slowed, and then speeded back up. The driver had caught sight of me.
This rental car can’t keep up with the van. He’s driving slowly deliberately. He’s keeping me in sight; he knows I have no choice but to keep following. That’s fine; I’ll follow you to Hell if I have to, you crazy bastard.
Evening was rapidly turning into night, and a dark one at that. Since it was obvious that Fain knew I was following, anyway, I turned on my headlights. They did little good, other than to illuminate the billowing dust that billowed in thick torrents behind the van.
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