It was only the other night that he’d considered the possibility that she was not a prostitute but a mistress of disguises. Now it appeared that he also had to consider the possibility that she was not even a she but a he. Could the whore’s breasts have been an optical illusion, created by the shadows or some special apparel like a padded push-up bra? Could the choker around her neck have been hiding a protruding Adam’s apple that might have revealed the killer’s true gender?
Theodore Jones was not a large man. Perhaps his Adam’s apple wasn’t that obvious to begin with.
The most important question, however, was, did he actually believe the brother of a popular California senator was a cross-dressing, psychopathic killer?
Terrell was right, of course. The idea was preposterous. No one crazy enough to commit multiple gruesome murders could hide his insanity from his publicity-minded brother for so many years.
Unless the brother knew the truth and helped to hide the ugly family secret… which could explain why the senator took his brother with him everywhere he went.
No, that angle really was too far-fetched to work in any scenario.
His mind pulled up names of infamous serial killers whose families and neighbors insisted they were really nice men. Hadn’t Ted Bundy been considered charming by all those women he murdered? Wasn’t it possible that The Eye Doctor had never been caught because he was hiding in plain sight, right behind someone in a public position? Wasn’t it possible that he might avoid suspicion even if he was found ten feet from a dead body with the eyeballs in his hand? He had a recollection that something like that was suggested about Jack the Ripper.
Luke had his arguments and questions well-rehearsed by the time he and Terrell were alone late that night. “All I’m asking is that you have an open mind about it. There are a few grains of sense here. Anyone smart enough to outfox the FBI experts all these years could be smart enough to fool the public. Then there’s the matter of all the different times and places that the murders occurred. Maybe, instead of the killer being a transient and moving from big city to big city over the years, he traveled around under the cover of his brother’s profession. The senator has often used his close relationship with his brother to exemplify his stance on the importance of family values. Plus, didn’t you say that the statistics suggested that California could be a home base?”
Terrell ran his hand through his hair, clearly frustrated with Luke’s refusal to drop the matter. “I also said the base was probably Los Angeles. If you’re going to take that route, it would make more sense to pick on one of the movie stars that were at the banquet last night.”
“But none of them gave me the feeling that I’d met them face-to-face before and had reason to be afraid of them.”
“I don’t know what you want me to say, but I’m too tired to keep coming back with logical answers. Let’s both get some sleep and if you still want to talk about it tomorrow, we’ll review everything all over again.”
There was too much going on in Luke’s head for him to think about sleep, but it wasn’t fair to keep Terrell awake when he had to work tomorrow. “Okay. Just answer one, no two, questions for me.”
“Fine,” Terrell said with a look of exasperation. “Two questions.”
Luke leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “Has Senator Jones ever before asked to meet the detective handling a particular Los Angeles homicide or offered suggestions about its solution?”
Terrell narrowed his eyes. “No, but the case does have a connection to his platform, if homophobia is involved. Was that one question or two?”
“One. This is the second. If you were the one who came up with the idea that Theodore Jones might be The Eye Doctor, what would be your next step as a homicide detective?”
“Can I take the fifth? I have a bad feeling about answering this one.”
Luke held up a hand. “It’s just a hypothetical question then I’ll let you go to bed.”
“Promises, promises. Okay, what would I do? Are the circumstances the same? No proof, only a feeling?”
“Exactly.”
Terrell rubbed his jaw and wrinkled his nose. “Since logic tells me that my feeling has to be wrong, I’d discreetly check to see if he had an alibi for the time of Neuman’s murder, without asking him directly. As you said, he’s usually wherever his brother is and his itinerary is public information. It wouldn’t be that hard to get a hint as to where he was and what he was doing. If he flew from Sacramento to Los Angeles that night, then I might try to check a few of the other dates until I found one that absolutely proved it could not be him.”
“Wouldn’t you be afraid that he’d get wind of what you were checking on and, if he was The Eye Doctor—”
“Bzzt. That was your third question, but I’ll answer it anyway because it’s important. I’m always aware that a criminal might turn on me because he found out I was investigating him as a suspect. However, if I didn’t think I could handle him, I wouldn’t be a cop. Facing down the bad guys is what I do for a living. It would serve you to remember that police investigation is not what you do for a living. You’re a college professor who is too close to this case to see it objectively. Sleep on that.”
Luke remained downstairs for a long while after Terrell left. When he finally retired, he had decided what he had to do. Though he had told Terrell he wanted to visit his parents, he actually had no intention of doing so. His unexpected appearance would have them worrying too much about his reason for being there. Instead, while Terrell was at work, he was going to take The Eye Doctor files to a copy center and make duplicates for himself. Then he was going to make reservations to fly back to Sacramento.
As Terrell said, he wasn’t a law enforcement officer, so he couldn’t just start asking pointed questions. However, there was a beautiful woman in Sacramento with whom he would love to spend some time, and she just happened to be someone who would know whether Senator Jones was in Los Angeles on the night Stewart Neuman was murdered, and whether his brother was with him.
* * *
“You know this is for the best,” Terrell told Luke before he left for work Tuesday morning. “Under other circumstances, I’d be glad to have you hang out here indefinitely. But something’s got me bugged about this case and I’ll feel a lot better if I’m not worrying about you.”
“You sound like you feel guilty about my leaving. Don’t. This is my choice. Like you said numerous times, there’s nothing more I can do here.”
Terrell looked only slightly mollified. “Are you sure you don’t mind taking a cab to the airport? Maybe I could—”
“I’m sure. Just get out of here. Catch a couple of bad guys and give Maria a hug for me. I’ll call you next week and see how things are progressing.”
Luke didn’t like lying to Terrell, but he knew it was the only way he could return to Sacramento without Terrell having a fit or locking him up for his own protection.
If Terrell was right, and he was nuts, he would be on his way back to Charlotte for real in a few days. If Terrell was right, and if his plan worked, and if Ellery Winters would give him more than the time of day.
There were a lot of “ifs” in his thoughts, but he was determined to find out whether the senator’s brother could be a killer or if he had simply become so obsessed with finding The Eye Doctor that his imagination was playing tricks on him.
By noon, Luke had caught a flight to Sacramento, rented a car and checked into a modestly priced motel. He hoped the rest of his plan went as smoothly, but he wasn’t counting on it.
The first hitch occurred when a burly security guard in the government office building informed him that he could not simply get directions to Miss Winters’ office. Since his name wasn’t on the visitors’ list, he would have to be announced.
“I was hoping to surprise her,” he explained, but could see that his plea fell on deaf ears. “Okay. Tell her Lucas Madigan would appreciate a few minutes of her time. I’m a teacher and I’m trying to put someth
ing together for my class about the state government.”
“The public information office is down that hallway,” the guard said, pointing the way. “I’m sure they could give you whatever you need.”
Luke played his trump card. “Yes, but Mrs. Jones specifically told me to ask Miss Winters to help me. She introduced us at the banquet Saturday night.” The guard responded to that information much more positively.
“One moment.”
Luke held his breath as the man dialed the interoffice number and related what he’d been told. He couldn’t guess what Ellery was saying but he gathered that she remembered their meeting. A few seconds later, much to his relief, Luke had the directions and security pass he required. Now all he needed was the magic key that would open Ellery’s heart—and her files—to him.
* * *
As Ellery finished her conversation with the lobby guard, Brandon called on the other line.
“Any chance of my getting you to take a trip down to L.A. for a few days?” he asked before she finished her greeting.
“About one in a gazillion. What’s up?”
“My agent just called and he’s got something really big for me—we’re talking big budget feature film—but I’ve got to make a personal appearance down there by tomorrow night. You know I was planning on spending this whole week with you—”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Brandon. Of all people, I understand the demands of a career.”
“How about this weekend? You could fly down Friday night, I can show you my new house…”
She knew what he was thinking. A change of venue might help her get over her reluctance about getting into a relationship with him. Unfortunately for Brandon, the only thought his suggestion prompted in her mind was that she would rather stay home, do laundry and clean her apartment. She knew that wasn’t a good sign. Before she could think of a better answer, her secretary let her know that Mr. Madigan was here to see her.
She motioned that he could be brought in. “Could I get back to you on that, Brandon? I’d have to do a lot of rearranging and someone just came in who I need to talk to.”
His voice was heavy with disappointment. “Try, Elle, please. And think about everything I’ve said.”
“I’ll think about it, I promise.”
“I’ll call you Thursday night. If you can’t get away, I’ll just have to come back up here as soon as I can.”
“I really have to go now.”
“We’re still on for tonight, aren’t we?”
“Of course. I’ll talk to you then.” The instant he said goodbye, she was able to turn her full attention to the man standing before her. That probably wasn’t a good sign either. “This is twice you’ve surprised me, Mr. Madigan.”
“Is that good or bad?” he asked as he stepped toward her desk.
“Neither. Just different. I find that most people are quite predictable. How can I help you?”
He sat down in the chair in front of her. “I’d like some information on the senator—a couple photos, his bio, voting record—anything that would be pertinent to his being chosen as Erikson’s running mate and the road he took to get where he is today. Also, if you have anything that would show how much traveling is involved in a political career, for speaking engagements, conventions, that sort of thing.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Are you planning to write a book?”
He grinned. “Not me. I’m trying to put a package together for a political science class.”
Brevowski’s warning rang out in her head. “I thought you said you taught English.”
His smile spread to a twinkle in his eyes. “And here I was wondering if you’d remember me at all. Your recollection is correct. The information is for a colleague’s class. Tell me, Miss Winters, do you have an incredible memory or did I manage to do something to impress you Saturday night? Lord knows, I tried like hell, but I didn’t think you’d noticed.”
She should have known what he was really here for. “Mr. Madigan—”
“Please call me Luke.”
“If you really want some information on the senator, I’ll be glad to assist you. If you’re just using that as an excuse to flirt with me some more, let me try to put your efforts into perspective. That was Brandon Ross I was speaking with when you arrived. He was begging me to come spend the weekend with him at his Beverly Hills mansion. I told him I’d have to think about it. That’s how hard it is for a man to impress me.”
Luke nodded slowly. “I think I understand now. You’re too important to spend time with an average guy like me. Fine. Just give me the information I need and I’ll get out of here.”
Ellery didn’t like the way that sounded. “You misunderstood the point I was trying to make.”
“That sounds like a political response. Tell me, Miss Winters. Do you take those pins out of your hair when you go to bed at night or do you leave them in so that every hair stays under strict control even when you’re asleep?”
She blinked at him. “That’s really none of your business.”
“You’re absolutely right. I apologize.” He stood up. “If you would direct me to another office that would have the information my friend asked me to get, I’d be most grateful.”
She wanted to tell him exactly where he could go. But she would prove his opinion of her was mistaken. Forcing a smile, she rose and said, “There’s no need for you to go to another office. I’m sure I have everything you’re looking for.”
As she pulled out a standard press kit and chose several other pieces from her files to add to it, she tried to ignore the frost that had formed in the air between them. Was what she had said really that insulting? Did he really think she was so stiff that she never let her hair down? She couldn’t remember the last time she cared about a man’s opinion of her, on a personal level. Not that she actually cared about this man’s opinion either. It was just annoying that he was sentencing her without giving her a chance to defend herself.
“Here you go,” she said, handing him much more than his friend could possibly need.
“Thank you.” Without smiling, he met her eyes for a brief second then turned to leave.
She couldn’t stand it. “Mr. Madigan?” He looked back at her. “Do you really think I’m a snob or were you just returning what you considered an insult?”
The corner of his mouth tilted upward. “I really think you’re a snob.”
As he opened the door to leave, she stopped him again. “That’s not fair, you know. Especially considering the fact that you probably have a wife and kids waiting for you back in—” She stopped herself from letting him know she remembered even more of their conversation. “Wherever you’re from.”
He closed the door and came back to her. “Sorry, princess. I’m not married, never have been. I have no children, legitimate or otherwise, except for my students, who I will admit to getting somewhat attached to on occasion. Since I’m not wearing a wedding ring, I have no idea how you came to the conclusion you did, but I guess that makes us even. I made an unfounded assumption about you as well. I thought you were nice.”
This time he made it completely out the door and through the outer office before she gave in to the need to prove him wrong about her. Trying to appear casual, she grabbed her purse, strode out of her office and told her secretary to hold all calls, and if the senator’s meeting ended before she returned, tell him she went to grab a quick lunch.
She caught up to him at the elevator. He barely looked at her. “Have you had lunch yet, Mr. Madigan?” Again he did that thing with his mouth that wasn’t quite a smile or a sneer.
“Are you inviting me to join you?”
Is that what I’ve done? “I… I suppose I am.”
He turned and faced her directly. “Why?”
Why indeed? She frowned. “I haven’t the slightest idea.”
“Good answer, princess.”
“Please don’t call me princess. It’s demeaning.”
“Please don’t call me M
r. Madigan. It makes me think I’m talking to one of my students.”
“That’s funny, I got the distinct impression that you thought there was something you could teach me.”
“I don’t give lessons in good manners.”
She inhaled sharply. “That’s probably because you weren’t taught any to begin with.” She turned to walk away, but he caught her hand.
“Wait,” he pleaded in a completely different tone. “Could we start this conversation over… without letting our egos rule our mouths?”
She stared at him through narrowed eyes then slowly relaxed her shoulders. He hadn’t released her hand and she didn’t want to be the one to pull away. “It would probably be better if I just went back to my office, and you went on to wherever you were heading.”
He loosened his grasp on her hand without letting go. “I don’t know about better. I’m sure it would be easier. Unfortunately, I recently made myself a promise to quit taking the safe road, so I have to vote no on that proposition.”
Ellery could not remember the last time she felt this off-balance. Why was this man getting under her skin so easily? The only thing she knew for sure was that he had thrown down a gauntlet in front of her for some reason and she couldn’t seem to resist picking it up.
Slipping her hand away from his, she smiled sweetly and asked, “Shall we go have lunch, Mr. Madigan?”
“Are you paying, princess?”
“No chance, Luke. We’ll go Dutch. And no ordering anything that requires sharp knives.”
“Deal,” he said with that funny half-smile and pushed the elevator button. When the doors opened, he waved her forward. “After you.”
She took one step, halted, then waved for him to go first. “Please. I wouldn’t want you to think my ego demanded I receive preferential treatment.” He shrugged and entered the elevator in front of her. She wasn’t sure how to react to that either.
He had so distracted her, she was all the way inside the elevator before remembering to prepare herself for being enclosed. Her fingers found and clamped around the heavy-duty steel flashlight in her purse just as the elevator doors came together.
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