After spending most of the day inside the precinct, Becca welcomed the diversion her plans afforded her. A little voice in the back of her head kept yelling she shouldn’t be doing this alone. What choice did she have? The way Randy acted of late, and after he totally ignored her all day, she didn’t know whether to trust him or not.
She tucked light-wash jeans into her knee-high leather boots and stood in front of a full-length mirror. Her fringed top matched the same dark tan of her boots. After going a little heavy on the eyeliner, she was good to go. Hopefully I’ll run into one of our old contacts. Maybe one of them has heard or seen something.
On the way out of the house, Becca twisted her unruly red hair and tucked it under her helmet. Her bike, the one thing in her life that had never let her down, sat in the driveway.
On any other night like this she would’ve headed to the lake, revelling in the scent of the water and the wind against her skin. All too soon she arrived at the bar and parked at the end of a row of bikes. A couple of guys were out having a smoke; they stopped talking to watch her take off her helmet. Her curls spilled down her shoulders. She felt them watching her. Not wanting them to think she was on the prowl, she kept looking forward, breathing a sigh of relief once her hand touched the door.
Here goes nothing.
Becca paused just inside the entrance. Once her eyes adjusted to the dark room, she headed to the bar, tuning out a few cat calls and whistles.
“Hey, pretty lady, what can I get you?” The bartender flashed perfect, white teeth.
“I’ll have a rye and ginger, tall glass, lots of ice.” She smiled.
“Coming right up.” A playful wink crinkled the corners of his eyes.
“Put it on my tab, Joe.”
Judging by the size of the dark shadow, the guy standing behind her was a big man. Oh great, here we go.
“Thanks, but I buy my own drinks.” Her eyes lit up. “Ben?” She hopped off the stool to be engulfed in Big Ben’s massive arms. “It’s nice to see you. How’ve you been?”
“Not too shabby, l’il girl.” His bushy brows arched. “Are you on or off duty?”
“Technically I’m off, but I’d love to buy you a drink and pick your brain.”
“Honey, lookin’ the way you do, you can pick anything yer little heart desires.”
Becca laughed, happy to have bumped into Ben of all people, a well-respected guy in the biker community, and a good friend of Jack’s.
“Let’s sit at my table.” He ushered her to the back corner of the room. “So how can I help you, Becca?”
“I don’t know if you’ve been following the news or not, but we have a real piece of work out there. He’s killed six people so far and one of them was a family friend.” She swallowed hard before draining half of her drink in one big mouthful.
“I’m really sorry to hear that. Are you talking about the guy who sews people’s mouths shut and leaves a flower behind after he’s killed them?”
“Yes, that’s the one. I’m here because there’s been a new lead on this guy. It seems the killer rides a motorcycle.”
“Shit, are you serious? Thanks for the warning.”
“I’m sure the press will blow it out of proportion—bad-ass bikers and all.”
Ben took a swig of his beer. “So are you saying you think he’s hanging out here?”
She shrugged. “It’s very possible. He’s riding old school, all black, and with a kicker.”
He rubbed his chin. “There’s a few like that around. Is that all you have to go on?”
“That and the guy knows all about floriculture.”
Her friend chuckled, setting his belly in motion. “I’m not exactly a flowery kinda guy.”
“Seriously, Ben, this guy is one sick puppy. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your eyes and ears open for me. Maybe pass the word on? While you’re at it, you might want to warn everyone about receiving even more negative attention than normal.”
“You got it, and thanks for the heads up. Now that that’s out of the way, how have you been holding up?”
Becca shrugged. “Well, I’m back on the force. Too bad it took Susan’s murder for it happen.” She exhaled breathily and shuddered. “I’m doing okay, taking it one day at a time.”
Suddenly her mouth went dry, warning bells ringing in her head as she watched the waitress walk toward them.
“Becca?”
Words failed her.
“This is for you.” She handed Becca a pristine rose the deepest shade of purple she’d ever seen.
Becca jumped to her feet and picked up the rose from her tray. “Who sent it?”
“Joe found it on the bar.”
Her hand trembled as she took the note from the waitress. Becca was scrawled on one side. She flipped it over and time stood still as she read two words: Guess who?
“Show me where you found this.” She plucked a napkin from the tray and closed it around the card.
“What’s going on?” Ben appeared at her side.
“It’s him. The sick fuck left this for me.” Her heart pounded so fast she feared passing out right then and there. She half jogged across the dance floor.
“Hey, Joe, can you show Becca exactly where you found the rose?”
Joe pointed to the end of the bar by the door. “I don’t know how long it sat there. I’ve been busy with customers.”
Becca scurried to the empty space beside a young couple groping each other. They stopped and looked her way.
“Did you two happen to see who left this here?” She felt like she might explode.
“Sorry, when I saw the flower I turned and only saw the back of him walk out the door.”
Shit! He was right here, just a few feet away, and I missed him.
“I’m a police officer. Did you notice anything unusual or did he stand out in some way?”
The couple looked at each other and shook their heads in unison.
“Wait, he had some kind of case on his back. Looked like something you’d keep a telescope in but black. In fact, everything about him was black—black rain suit, black shoes and gloves. He even wore a black biker’s helmet.”
The old lady had said practically the same thing word for word.
“I’m sorry, Ben, but I need to take this to the station.”
“You’re not going anywhere by yourself with that whack job nearby.” He motioned for Joe to pass his helmet from behind the bar. “I’ll ride with you to the station.”
“If you insist.” She had no time to argue, inwardly happy to have him go along.
They got back to the station in record time. Ben put two fingers to his forehead and kept going. Becca mouthed the words “thank you” before practically flying through the precinct to Chief Thomson’s office. It wasn’t until she stood at his door that she realized the time. Luckily, her boss burned the midnight oil on a regular basis.
She burst into the room. His head popped up from the file open on his desk. “Becca? What’s wrong?”
She laid the rose on his desk along with the note in a napkin. She paused to catch her breath.
“I was at the bar tonight, talking to an old friend, when The Florist left this for me.”
Chief Thomson jumped to his feet. “Did you get a look at him?”
“No.” She clenched her jaw, frustrated beyond words.
Her boss read the note and looked at her over the rim of his glasses. “How did he know where you’d be? The psycho must be following you.”
Becca shivered. “I don’t know. I never noticed anyone trailing me nor have I seen anyone suspicious around my house. I’m always aware of other bikes.”
Chief Thomson picked up the phone. “Jerry, I’ve got a card I need printed. Put a rush on it. This is top priority. Send someone over to get it.”
“Can you tell me what you were doing at the bar by yourself?”
“Can’t I go out for a drink on my own time?”
He arched an eyebrow and narrowed his gaze on her.
“Okay, okay. I have a few biker friends and thought I’d ask them to keep an eye open for him.”
“No more, do you hear me? Why didn’t you call me or your partner?”
Becca shrugged. “Listen, I know it was a dumb thing to do. I think I’ve had enough excitement for one night.”
“Mike!” Within seconds the officer stood in the doorway. “I want you to follow Becca home and stay parked right out front until I make arrangements for a shadow.”
“Yes, sir.”
Becca wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea but knew there was no way around it. “Can you please call me when you get the results back?”
“You got it, kid. I’ll see you back here first thing in the morning.”
“Come on, Mike. I’ll put on a pot of coffee. I got a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”
Chapter Twelve
The aroma of freshly perked coffee wafted toward him. A lazy smile spread across his face as he imagined her reaction to his gift.
It felt good to get a laugh at her expense, knocking her holier-than-thou attitude right out of the park. Next time I want to see her face. What a thrill that will be.
He sat heavily on a bar stool, his smirk fading as he opened the journal and turned it to the book-marked page.
Kevin Baird is one of the angriest men I’ve ever known. Today he told me about his job as a bouncer. To see the pleasure in his eyes while he spoke about beating the crap out of guys was unsettling to put it mildly. Maybe I should stop seeing him, but I fear he’ll unleash that lethal rage on me. I’m a goner if he does.
He picked up the photo and sniffled as he gazed into her expressive hazel eyes. He traced the outline of her face with his finger and then lightly kissed the framed glass.
“No worries, my love. He’ll soon learn he’s not so tough.”
He rubbed his face and yawned, sorely in need of a couple days of rest. A flash of color in the cooler caught his attention and he smiled. The dark purple roses really were exquisite. A pretty flower for a pretty lady.
I need a plan. He frowned. So much for the theory, the first thing to go is your memory. That old lady sang like a canary; she even saw I wore black shoes. Maybe I should pay her a visit. He shuddered.
Finish what you started.
“What was she doing in the bar by herself? She could have called me. Last time I checked I was her partner.” Randy paced. “The guy actually walked into the same room with her? Doesn’t she realize just how sick this s.o.b. is?”
Chief Thomson raised his hand. “Calm down. I won’t have you talking to her like that this morning. Yes, she shouldn’t have gone there alone, but in her defence, she had no reason to fear he’d be following her.”
“So what kind of game is The Florist playing now? Why Becca? Does it have something to do with Susan?”
“I don’t have any answers for you. I do know we can’t lose our focus. The results came back from the coroners. He stuffed money in her mouth, and if my hunch is right, her own money. Her wallet was open in her purse and it was empty.”
“Good morning.” Becca breezed into the room, leaving her fresh, feminine scent behind.
Randy caught her attention, but the second his mouth opened, her hand shot up between them.
“Save it. I was wrong...yadda, yadda. Let’s just drop it, okay?”
He searched her eyes only to have her quickly turn her attention to the chief. She’s got a bug up her ass about something. What the hell did I do to piss her off so badly?
“Did the results come back for the note?”
Chief frowned. “They didn’t find anything, no prints, no DNA... nothing.”
“This Florist is sure one smart guy, I’ll give him that,” Randy said.
“Yes, but he’s bound to slip up sooner or later,” Becca countered, narrowing her gaze on him before sitting.
“So, I did get a warrant. I want a closer look around that acreage, especially after you two heard that bike out there.”
“I hate to do this to Professor Davies. The poor man is such a sweetheart.” Becca sighed.
“Try talking to him first and make him understand someone on his farm might be suspect. Maybe you won’t need the warrant if he gives permission.”
“Okay, I didn’t bring my bike today. How do you want to do this?” Becca gathered her bag and file.
Chief Thomson opened his drawer and tossed a set of keys her way. “Take the SUV.” He turned to Randy. “You ride your bike. It might come in handy.”
“I don’t want to leave Becca alone.”
The look of surprise on her face confused him. Doesn’t she know how much I care about her?
“Danny will drive Becca.”
She nodded and walked past Randy without a glance. “I’ll see you out there.”
“What did you do to piss her off?” Chief Thomson looked at him sternly. “You might want to clear the air. The sooner, the better.”
“Wow, we got our work cut out for us searching this place.” Danny whistled as he turned down the driveway.
The sprinkler system sprayed in sheets over the fields, casting rainbows all across the vast expanse of color.
“I think we need to focus on the workers first. I hope Professor Davies understands so we don’t have to use this warrant.”
Danny nodded. “Looks like you’re going to find out. I take it that’s him?” He stopped a few feet before the porch.
Professor Davies stood at the top of the staircase leading to an impressive wraparound porch. He leaned against a column, giving them a short wave with his free hand.
“Good morning, sir.” Becca rounded the front of the vehicle, extending her hand. She saw the lines of confusion between his striking blue eyes.
“Well, good morning, Becca.” He took her hand in his and kissed the top before looking over at Danny, who stood with his back to them.
“I’ll introduce my chaperone when he’s done on the phone.” Becca chuckled lightly.
The professor shrugged indifference. “What brings you here so early? I’m sure it’s not just to say hello.”
She smiled warmly. “Please, may we be seated?”
Pain registered on his weathered face as he slowly sat.
“You already know about the killer we’re looking for and how he uses a flower for his signature. There’s been another victim.”
His eyes widened. “I’m sorry to hear it. That makes five?”
“Actually, six. This time he left a white orchid.”
Professor Davies stroked his jaw. “A white orchid represents kindness and truth. Sometimes it’s sent to someone to inspire compassion or thank them for a random act of goodwill.”
Becca frowned. I can’t imagine the ruthless attorney being any of those things. “Last time we were here I heard a motorcycle being kick-started. We have a witness who saw The Florist leave one of the crime scenes on a motorcycle with a kicker.”
“Let me guess, you think the killer is here?” His looked down his nose at her. “Of course you’re entitled to your suspicions, but I find this very hard to believe. The only motorcycle I’ve heard is yours and his.”
Randy rode up the driveway, followed by two SUVs.
“We’d like your permission to have a closer look around, including the workers’ bunkhouse.”
Professor Davies struggled to his feet, a weary sigh parting his lips. “I’m too old for all of this commotion. Go look wherever you need to. I can’t be a part of it.” His hand covered his heart.
“Of course. Thank you. We’ll try not to be too disruptive.”
He walked to the door. “I hope you find this guy, but forgive me when I say, I hope you don’t find him here.”
With that, the door mysteriously opened and he disappeared into the privacy of his home. Becca hated seeing him in such a fragile state, but they had a job to do. If The Florist did his growing here, they’d find him.
Randy and Becca stood in the driveway with a group of ten offic
ers. All were given a map of the grounds with each building labelled. Randy divided the group into two. He’d lead the one and Becca the other.
“Okay, we have a plan. Let’s stick to the timeline. If anyone uncovers or comes across a red flag, report directly to Randy or me.” She glanced in his direction. “Any questions?”
The same worker who accompanied them on their initial tour arrived. Jacob smiled and jumped off his jeep-like truck. “Good morning. The boss called me. I have a couple of Mules for you to use while you’re here today. I’ll take two drivers with me to pick them up and bring them back here.”
“Rick and...Danny? Where’s Danny?” Randy looked over his shoulder.
“Ah, he got a call and needed to return to the station right away.” Rick shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
Randy levelled a hand above his eyes to block the sun. “Okay, well this is Jacob, the head honcho around here. You can pick another officer to go with him now, please.”
Rick sprung to action, tapping the back of the nearest officer to join him on the back of the Mule.
Jacob eased in behind the wheel. “I’ll be around. If you need anything, just ask.” He slipped his vehicle into gear.
“Thank you, Jacob.” Becca smiled. Could Jacob be The Florist? He sure knows his flowers, but every account of the killer’s appearance has him pegged tall and slender, not short and stocky like Jacob is.
The drivers returned quickly and split into teams. Becca stood up in the passenger seat next to the driver. “Please, try to be respectful of the professor’s property today. We didn’t need the search warrant, and we’d like to keep our relationship with the man amicable.” She sat and raised her arm. “Let’s do this thing!”
Chapter Thirteen
Enough is enough! Whatever was going on with Becca, he needed to get to the bottom of it and he needed to do it now. Luckily, he didn’t have to look very far. He stepped outside the mess hall where they were interviewing the workers and found her standing in the middle of the roadway, looking up and down the row of greenhouses.
“See anything interesting?” He walked toward her.
Killer Scents Page 6