by C. M. Sutter
I nodded and took in a slow breath. “I’m fine, just rattled. I walked to the neighborhood pharmacy, but I’ll explain that later. I was on my way back, only a block from the house, when someone jumped me from behind.” My eyes darted across the room. “Shit, he has my gun and phone.”
Lutz craned his neck toward the kitchen. “They’re both on the table.”
“He left them behind?” I couldn’t understand why he did that, but I continued. “He held me at gunpoint with my own weapon and took my cell. He had it when you called. He was wearing a black ski mask, so I can’t give you a facial description, but I can tell you he was white, around two twenty, and was probably six foot three. He called himself John.”
“Okay, that’s a good start. So we’re looking for a big guy.”
“That’s correct, sir. He also had blue eyes.”
Lutz wrote down everything I said.
“He knew who I was.”
Lutz squeezed his eyes closed and ran his fingers across his forehead. “I’m a sergeant in the homicide division of a city with the most murders in the country, and that maniac knows who we are and what we’re doing. He’s putting us on notice. If he was a random thug who wanted to rob you, he could have grabbed your purse and run, but he didn’t. He’s trying to instill fear in law enforcement.” Lutz pressed his palms against his temples. “Jesse is likely dead, he killed Lennard, and you might have been next. What the hell did we do to deserve this? Somebody is out on Chicago’s streets with a specific beef against individuals in our criminal justice system, and I have no idea why. The problem is, there are thousands of people in this city that likely have a beef with lawmakers. Our government officials are already nervous, and now this? Everyone who enforces the law could be a target.” He gave me a concerned look. “That goes for you too, and you aren’t even a member of Chicago’s police department. I think you should go back to Wisconsin where it’s safe.”
I shook my head. “I’ve dealt with plenty of murderers in my lifetime, and they aren’t only in big cities.”
“But our criminal justice system is under siege, Kate, and you shouldn’t be in the middle of it.”
“I’m right where I should be, sir. I studied him and listened to his every word. You need to start looking into every criminal that Jesse came across during his time in Homicide and Narcotics.”
Lutz shrugged. “That’s thousands of people.”
“Well, somebody was, and still is, out for revenge, and that’s likely where those attorneys come into play too.” I stood too quickly and wobbled.
Lutz jumped from the couch. “Are you okay?”
I touched the back of my head and felt the goose egg–sized knot. “I will be sooner or later. He clocked me pretty good and knocked the chair over. I took a hard hit to the back of my head.”
“Sit down. I’ll have an EMT examine you.”
“Okay, then would you mind grabbing my purse off the kitchen table? I have to show you something.”
Lutz went into the kitchen and gathered my things. “Here’s your phone and sidearm too. What do you have?”
I opened my purse and slid the card out of the brown paper bag. “I found a receipt in Jesse’s garbage can for a card identical to this one.” I handed it to Lutz. “That’s why I walked down to the drugstore.” I pulled the original receipt out of my wallet while he studied the card. “See here?” I pointed at the date and the drugstore name. “He bought this card Sunday afternoon with intentions of giving it to somebody, likely that night.”
Lutz glanced around the room. “And the original card is nowhere to be found?”
“I intended to check again when I got back from the drugstore.”
The sergeant opened the card and read the message inside. “It sounds like it’s meant for somebody Jesse doesn’t see often.”
“That’s exactly my thoughts too. Maybe there was a birthday get-together for that person Sunday night.”
“I think you’re onto something, Kate. Now we have to figure out who that person is.” Lutz sighed. “But it still doesn’t tell us where Jesse is or who abducted him.”
“It might. If we find out where Jesse went Sunday night, we can scout the area for security cameras and possibly catch the abduction as it took place. I gave that card a lot of thought as I was walking to the house.”
Lutz groaned. “Just before you were attacked.”
“Yeah, then, but hear me out. Jesse doesn’t have any siblings, and you’ve already interviewed his neighbors and everyone who works with him. Those people wouldn’t be someone he doesn’t see often, anyway, like the card implies. So, who does that leave?”
“Old buddies?”
“Bingo, and maybe college buddies that he’s still close to but doesn’t see often.”
“Yeah, we’ll start working that angle.”
We were interrupted by an EMT who approached us. “Sergeant, can you give me a minute with Detective Pierce?”
“Sure thing.” Lutz tipped his chin toward the door. “I’ll be outside with Truman and the ME.”
Chapter 13
John unlocked the door and pulled down his mask before entering the room. “You’re causing all sorts of problems, Detective McCord.” He held a syringe in his hand as he took a seat across from Jesse.
“Yeah, what the hell does that mean? How can I cause any problems when you’re holding me prisoner?”
John chuckled. “You truly are clueless, aren’t you?”
Jesse spewed his response. “Apparently.”
“We’ll talk about that in a minute, but first, you need another hit.”
Jesse bucked back and forth against the restraints, but he couldn’t escape the needle.
John sucked in a deep breath between his clenched teeth. He grinned as he punctured Jesse’s vein and pushed down the orange-topped plunger to release the drug. “Believe me, by tomorrow, you’ll be begging for this needle.” He watched Jesse’s face for a reaction. “Ah, there we go. You’re enjoying that rush, aren’t you? You have a lot of time on your hands, Detective. I would think you’d be trying to put two and two together by now. Oh, and by the way, Officer Lennard is dead, and if Sergeant Lutz wouldn’t have been so damn curious, Detective Pierce would be dead now too.”
“You son of a bitch. Jeff Lennard was a good man.”
“Well, that’s water under the bridge now, isn’t it? So, your department requested the help of a psychic detective to come rescue you? Damn, that’s embarrassing. There are more loony tunes in the Chicago PD than I ever realized.”
Jesse didn’t respond.
John shrugged. “I guess you have more allies than I gave you credit for. It’s a shame the only people who give two shits about those dead attorneys are the press. Maybe I need to light a fire under law enforcement’s ass.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Jesse jerked against the straps holding down his arms. “What kind of monster are you?”
“The kind who likes to keep everything in balance. It’s that old adage—the yin-yang, karma-is-a-bitch sort of thing. It’ll all make sense to you in due time, Jesse, be patient. I have to leave now, so stay out of trouble.”
Chapter 14
I looked up when Bob Lutz reentered the house. Despair was written all over his face. “Lennard was on the force for nine years, and he was a damn good patrol officer.” He tipped his head toward the EMT. “How is she?”
“The ice pack will help. It’ll reduce the swelling on her cheek and head. Her eyes are clear, and she’s coherent—so no concussion.”
Lutz let out a relieved sigh. “Thanks, Dennis.” He turned back to me. “I’m assigning one of my detectives to work with you starting tomorrow, so if you really want to continue on this case, you aren’t doing it alone. From this point forward, everyone is doubling up.”
I gave the sergeant a thank-you smile as I held the ice pack against the back of my head. “You’re right, and it’s the responsible thing to do considering the circumstances. I’m going to
head back to the inn and call it a night. I have to get my thoughts organized and write down everything I can remember about the assailant. I was face-to-face with Jesse’s abductor and a murderer, and I can’t even tell you what he looks like.”
“Don’t blame yourself. Go ahead and gather your belongings, and I’m going to follow you to the inn. I want to make sure you get there safely. Tomorrow morning, we’ll start over with clear eyes and fresh minds. I’m conducting a meeting at eight o’clock with our entire squad. I have to be up-front with my department and explain the danger that’s facing all of us. Those men and women don’t get paid enough to constantly wonder if they’ll make it home at night, but I don’t want them to become trigger-happy either because some maniac is targeting law enforcement. I want you to join us in that meeting, Kate.”
I placed my Glock in the holster and dropped my phone into my purse. “You can count on me, sir.” I headed toward the door. “Right now, I need a couple of aspirin, and I have to update Jack on what took place tonight.”
Sergeant Lutz followed me to the inn. I was thankful the drive was only ten minutes long. I wasn’t up for more than that. It had been a rough first day, and I was sure as soon as I called Jack, I would get an earful. I said good night at the sergeant’s car window and looked back before entering the building. He sat there until I was safely inside before driving away. I got settled in my room and checked the time—nearly ten o’clock. I’d text Jack, apologize about not calling that afternoon, and ask if he wanted to talk. I fired off that short text and pulled my sleepwear from my suitcase then realized I hadn’t eaten dinner. The candy bars I’d bought earlier would have to do. My cell phone rang moments later and I secured the earpiece around my ear, plumped two pillows behind my back, and got comfortable on the bed. I answered the phone as I peeled back the wrapper of the first candy bar.
“Hi, Boss.”
“What’s the word, Kate? How did today go, and why didn’t you check in earlier?”
I knew I was in for a tongue-lashing even though going to Chicago hadn’t been my idea in the first place.
“Everything went to hell as soon as the sun set.” I heard nothing but silence for a good ten seconds.
“What does that mean, exactly?”
“Jack, I may have found a lead from a greeting card Jesse bought, but we’ll work that angle starting tomorrow. To say the night didn’t go as planned is an understatement. I was attacked, and the officer who was patrolling Jesse’s house was murdered.”
“Not happening. I’m buying you a train ticket to Milwaukee first thing in the morning, and I’ll pick you up at the station. There’s no way I’m putting your life at risk on a case we have no part in.”
“But what happened to the ‘doing the right thing’ speech I got this morning? Now I shouldn’t do the right thing because it’s too dangerous? I’ve faced danger right in my own home. It’s what we do.”
Jack went silent again. “Fine, but I’m getting to the bottom of this with Lutz in the morning. I’m sure you glossed over the worst details. Get some sleep, Kate, and I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Boss, and I’ll keep my head on a swivel and my finger near the trigger from now on.”
Chapter 15
I shot straight up in bed with my ear cocked toward the door. The voices I thought were in my dream were actually late-night guests returning to their rooms while talking about how expensive Chicago was and the amount of money they had spent at the bars. I exhaled a relieved sigh and wiped my forehead. It was slick with sweat. After pushing the blankets aside, I got up and walked to the bathroom. I held the washcloth under the stream of cold water then pressed it against my face. Sadness for Officer Lennard filled my heart, yet I couldn’t allow myself to go to the place my mind was taking me. It wasn’t my fault he was killed. Before I even arrived in Chicago, he had already been assigned to patrol Jesse’s neighborhood and watch for unusual activity near his house.
I turned the switch on the small table lamp and checked the time—3:18 a.m. What was I dreaming about, and who did those voices belong to? I sat on the chair next to the bed, the legal pad and a pen on the table. I had to remember. I rubbed my brows and mentally returned to the dream, blocking out everything else.
I saw a foggy image of two men sitting in a white car. They were discussing money, or the lack of it. The man behind the wheel listened as the passenger suggested an idea he had that would make them both wealthy. He just needed front money to get it going. The driver wasn’t so sure. It was a risky endeavor, he had said, and completely illegal.
The passenger mocked him and spewed the words, “No guts, no glory, and that kind of money would pay back your enormous gambling debt. I’m getting threats because of my connection to you. You have to make good on what you owe them, or they’ll come after both of us.”
Before the dream faded, I quickly jotted down the images I saw and the conversations I heard. I pushed myself to see more then remembered hearing a name that began with an M.
What was that name—Morris, Manny, Mitchell?
I couldn’t pull it from my dream memory at that moment, but I hoped it would come back to me later. I rubbed my forehead as I thought more about the dream.
What could the risky endeavor be? Whoever the man behind the wheel was had a large gambling debt. That often causes desperation in people, but how is that related to Jesse, the murdered attorneys, and the Chicago PD?
With nothing more coming through from that dream, I rose and filled a paper cup with water then placed it in the microwave. I always carried bags of chamomile tea with me for when the disturbing dreams jarred me awake at night. The tea always relaxed me and helped me drift off to sleep. I needed to be alert and ready to go for that morning meeting in four hours.
My phone alarm buzzed at six forty-five. I groaned and rolled over. I wanted more sleep, but I didn’t have that luxury and rarely did. The commitment was made, and I’d promised to share with Sergeant Lutz any psychic revelations I had about the case. I prayed I could come through for the Chicago Police Department and give them answers before somebody else became a victim. I showered, dressed, and did my best to cover my bruised cheek with makeup. I had just enough time to enjoy a muffin and coffee downstairs at the continental breakfast before I had to leave. By seven forty, I was in the car and driving the five-minute commute to the homicide division of the Chicago PD.
Once I parked the cruiser alongside the fifteen other ones, I crossed the lot and entered the building. After signing in, I was given a guest badge that would last me through my stay in Chicago. I wouldn’t have to sign in every day as long as that badge was exposed.
An officer rose from her chair behind the counter. The name badge above her right chest pocket had “Sgt. D. Blake” engraved on it. I knew the D stood for Debra, as she’d been introduced to me yesterday. She punched a code into the door and opened it.
“Right this way, Detective Pierce. Sergeant Lutz asked me to escort you to their meeting and roll call room.”
“Okay, thank you.” I fastened the guest badge to my sweater as I followed Debra down the hallway. Voices sounded at the end of the hall. Debra pushed open the half-closed door and allowed me to pass her. I nodded as I entered the room filled with at least twenty officers and a handful of detectives. Lutz stood behind a podium and had a folding table on either side of him. He waved me over and pointed at an empty seat at the table on his left.
He fisted his mouth and cleared his throat before beginning. “A few of you met Detective Kate Pierce yesterday, but most of you haven’t. Kate has worked with the Chicago PD in the past, about six years ago, and comes highly recommended.”
An officer from the third row spoke up. “Highly recommended for what? We have plenty of officers and six top-notch detectives.” He corrected himself. “Five now until Jesse gets back.”
I steeled myself for the bombardment of questions and sneers that were coming my way. I was about to be interrogated by a group of men r
ight out of the good ol’ boys club, even though women were present. I felt my face heat up and hoped it wasn’t noticeable.
Lutz held up his hand as if to tell the officer to pump his brakes. “We’ll get to the question and answer session in a minute. I just wanted to make the introductions. First things first, roll call and updates.” Lutz was all about procedure and took care of that right away. “Okay, I don’t know how many of you heard about the murder of Officer Lennard from Patrol. He was shot point-blank while sitting in his squad car last night across from Detective McCord’s home. He had been assigned to patrol that neighborhood and to watch for suspicious activity near Jesse’s house. Nobody in the immediate area witnessed the shooting, and nobody called 911 about hearing shots fired. That’s telling me the perp might have used a suppressor.”
Mutters sounded throughout the room.
“Somebody went there to kill Jeff Lennard? They were watching the man assigned to watch the neighborhood?”
The room got louder as officers and detectives began voicing their frustration. I felt as though all hell was about to break loose.
Lutz yelled above the crowd. “Okay everyone, that’s enough. There’ll be time for opinions and questions after I’m done.” Lutz looked at each face in the room and continued on. “According to the ME, the bullet came from a .40-caliber handgun. Close-range stippling tells us the barrel of the gun or suppressor was between six and twelve inches from Jeff’s body when the gun was fired. Stippling was evident on Jeff’s neck and left cheek. Because there weren’t any defensive wounds—as if he raised his arms to block the shot—I’m led to believe the shooting took him completely by surprise. He was either having a conversation with the perp or he didn’t realize the man was there, meaning his window would have been lowered, which I doubt was the case on a cool fall night.”