Hidden behind some supplies, resting on a shelf was his special tool: a Winchester Model 70 Lightweight 243, fit his choice very well. Along with a simple 4X scope was perfect for his needs. Of course a sound suppressor from a major manufacture was mandatory. Chris had taken the opportunity to target shoot deep in the Cascade Mountains east of Springfield. As they say: He was good to go.
While he ate his sandwich, he toyed with the idea of sending another mail to his new chat mate, Marshall Stacy Foreham. He made a quick draft of a new mail and sat back reading it. To send it he would need a public library and one that was fairly busy. He smiled knowing detectives and agents would be visiting every public library in the state asking questions. One slight problem might be school vacation coming up. Libraries would be mostly quiet during that time of year.
He gave that some serious thought while trying to decide whether or not to send another poke at Marshall Super Sleuth, as her former boyfriend called her. As he thought about it an idea came to his sick mind. I will do another hit just after first of the year, he decided. This hit was scheduled four days before Christmas and the next would be four days after the New Year. Kids would be back in school so he could gloat sending a mail from a busy library. He memorized the new mail to Stacy on her personal mail site, waited until his secretary returned from lunch so he could motor up to Corvallis to send his mail. There was just two days left until Christmas was ruined for more than just one family.
-6-
After lunch at Stacy's office, Rory took Angie to a motel. He helped her with the bags while she checked in. This was the same motel he stayed at while investigating the university poison case. Angie's room was on the second floor so Rory carried her not so heavy bag up the stairs. Soon she was inside the room and he had her bag tucked away. "Thanks Rory," she said. "Will you be part of the investigating team if and when the killer strikes?"
"I'm sure I will Angie. But for now I'll go back to my office in Beaverton until something happens." He was looking at her as she gazed into his eyes making him weak at the knees. What he did not know was if she was hitting on him or just being friendly. He did not wait around to find out. He told her good bye for now and gave her his card. She took it with cold hands, but her fingers lingered just a shade too long. He made move to the door. She watched him over the balcony to his vehicle. He gave a small wave and she smiled.
Once on the road, he said to the windshield, 'she could be trouble Caltex.' He drove straight home and found that Candy was still at work. She liked her job at the publishers and even though it was a tough commute, made due with the logistics. Rory decided to take Candy out to dinner and after dinner, make some holiday loving to satisfy his throbbing libido.
After Rory left, Angie rang up Connie Wilson her direct boss. She did feel a little bad about teasing Rory, but he was so damn handsome, she thought while waiting for Connie to come on line. "What's it look like Angie," asked Connie as she answered kind of breathing hard.
"I'd say it's the real deal Connie. The how will be interesting from the standpoint of placing the killer in a category. He's advertising a spectacular event to grab some headlines. I expect another mail in a day or so. As you know a lot of serial killers pick a segment of society, but it could be this person is on a different course altogether. Like other serial killers, this person is middle age and educated. He works for a living, but probably goes unnoticed by his community or fellow workers. My guess he's looking at high profile victims for what reason we've no idea. If he chooses randomly, then he is smart enough to know how hard it might be to have a good even game to play with Stacy. That means he'll have to provide some clues. And those clues have to present some pertinent information for us to catch the perp. This, like all serial killer cases, will be very difficult to solve. Okay any questions Connie?"
"No nothing Angie. Waiting is hard and then when it does happen, what moves or where do we begin our investigation. What would be nice, but impossible, is shut down the entire media until January 2nd. If this person strikes, Christmas for thousands will be effected in many adverse ways."
Angie stripped down for a shower to wash off the airplane crud. After that she would do some research on the internet going over again what she had read so many times before, reports on serial killers.
Ben came in after lunch and he missed Angie Burnside as well. Ben was looking for some leftover's, but after he heard Rory had been here, realized how futile the search would be. Emma, as Ben said, "God love her," had stashed a roast beef on rye just for him. He sat down at the round table in Stacy's office relating his story or interview with Professor Ronald Gethall. In between bites he related that recently a graduate student had done a fine job on some mental aspects of serial killers. "Most have a desire of some notoriety by leaving clues or playing word games. He really emphasized the fact that all were mentally unbalanced resulting in unpredictable behavior. To apprehend a serial killer takes perseverance, dogma, patience and luck. He went on to say if the killer develops a rapport with a detective or media person, then the odds go up with an increase in apprehending him. His last comments were serial killers were basically unique in the true sense of the word."
"I'm at a loss as to what we do now until something happens a few days from now. Christmas might be busy with a homicide, but right now I'm going to find a small tree and with Dan and Emma's help, have a small decoration party. You're most welcome Ben. I'd like a few friends around before the proverbial, you-know-what hits the fan. Cathy and Marsha will visit later tonight."
"I'll make an excuse to my wife and show up after dinner time Stacy. Meanwhile, I'm going to look at some recent cases where killers communicated with an investigator or media person. It's possible that if communication happens, we can push or steer him into making a mistake."
"I like it Ben and see you later tonight," said Stacy reaching for her phone to call Connie.
"Hi Stacy. So all's quiet on the Western Front right now?"
"The calm before the storm, is what I'm thinking Connie. Angie arrived and so far has been very informative. We are in a holding pattern and tonight I'm having a Christmas tree put up at my house. We'll drink some wine and prepare for the mentally crazed person to raise his ugly head."
"Let's see what tomorrow brings Stacy. We've lots of eyes looking at Eugene right now. We'll talk soon. Good night."
-7-
Stacy closed up the office early. Sharon would come later as she had an errand to run. Dan and Emma in the front with Stacy in the back of the SUV went to a Christmas tree lot for a small tree. Dan seemed to have an eye for trees and had it loaded in the far back of the vehicle. Emma had slipped out earlier in the day to buy some Christmas lights and various other decorations using Stacy's debt card. The next stop was at the supermarket for snacks. Dan pushed the cart and Emma and Stacy were laughing and having a good time. Dan looked up giving some thanks for putting the wacko on hold for a while. Thirty minutes later, a hefty decrease in her bank account, they went to her house. Cathy was coming later with her two kids and Marsha was not far behind. Stacy felt good about having some friends around and it was at moment when she missed Rory.
That quickly passed as they all struggled up the stairs to her second floor townhouse. Dan had the tree and groceries and decorations were spread between Stacy and Emma. Dan had his backpack he used for school. He had emptied it of books and stuffed it full with a couple bottles of wine.
Stacy changed out of her clothes and invited Emma to don some sweats of hers. Emma gladly accepted. Her jeans seemed a little tight lately and she did not know why. Dan had the tree stand ready to go when they came back. He placed the four-foot tree into its place and said, "Okay where do you want the tree Stacy?"
"Good question Dan. We need it on a table and not the floor. And the only table I've got is the coffee table. Dad wouldn’t like that and besides we need it to put snacks and wine glasses on."
"Let me see what I can find. I'll be right back." And he flew out the door. Meanwh
ile Emma and Stacy went to work in the kitchen putting some things into the refer and other things being made ready for preparation later. Wine was being chilled. Talk was flying back and forth. Mostly the talk centered around Angie Burnside. "Stacy did you see the way that woman was looking at Rory?"
"Yes and I thought she was going to jump his bones right there on the table. She's so obvious and unprofessional. Oh, I hear the front door bell." She ran to the door and it was Cathy and her two kids. "Merry Christmas Cathy and kids. Come in and get warm."
"Stacy this is my oldest and his name is Andy. The youngest and prettiest little girl in town is Abby. She's ---- oh my I forgot—how old are you Abby?"
"I'm almost six mom," said a little voice hiding behind her mother's leg.
"How old are you Andy," asked Stacy bending over to his height.
"I’m seven and going on eight. Mom says I'm big for my age. Do you think so too Marshall Stacy," asked Andy with a stand up straight posture looking Stacy in the eye.
"In two years you'll be taller than your mother and me Andy. Are you the tallest in your class at school?"
"Got that right. Nobody messes with me and if they mess with my sis, big trouble with me is right there. You know my dad is gone so I'm the big boss around my house. Well, when mom not there is what I mean."
"Come in and let's hang up your coats. How about some hot chocolate kids," asked Stacy taking their coats. She did not want to continue the missing dad conversation.
"Yes please," said Andy. Stacy looked at Abby and she nodded her head being shy.
"To the kitchen kids. Follow me to the chocolate factory," said a happy Stacy with a smiling Cathy following.
Emma said, "I've milk warming and in no time hot chocolate is ready and how about marshmallows kids?"
Both kids nodded yes and both sat down at the table. It was clear that Cathy had made sure the kids were polite with good manners. Stacy and Emma looked at each other and winked. Stacy seemed happy thought Emma as she poured the milk into two mugs of already measured out hot chocolate.
Teamwork followed with Stacy fixing some greens for a salad, Emma frying off some chicken strips and Cathy cutting up cold cuts and cheese. Stacy was wishing there was enough room on her coffee table for all the food, but no matter, they would make due.
The door opened and Dan hollered out it was him and not Santa come early. Stacy peeked around the corner seeing a box being dismantled and a table inside for assembly. "Good job Dan," said Stacy returning to her job.
A rap -- rap on the door a few minutes later brought forth Dr. Marsha Stone. Ever since she accepted the position of Medical Examiner for Lane County and agreed to teach some pathology classes at the university, she bloomed like a flower opening for warmth to enter. She and Stacy had worked together in down south in Coos County where Stacy was a detective and Marsha the Medical Examiner. Simply put, a friendship began and was growing over time.
"Looks like I'm in time. Sorry a bit late. A car accident with a couple kids ran into a power pole. One didn't make it. Some Christmas for that family huh?"
"Come in for a glass of wine to brighten your spirits Marsha," said Stacy. Marsha followed to the kitchen where some nice smells were emanating. Greeting around and a close look at Cathy's two kids, Marsha turned to the central area and said:
"What can I do to help. I came with only hat in hand, but will make up for it another time. I ran like crazy to get out and get here before Emma drank all the wine," Marsha said laughing.
"It's true that this is my second glass. I'd best slow down before I attack the tree knocking over something breakable. I'll take a glass to Dan so he can mellow out putting that table together. Like most men, he's no patience putting together some simple like a table."
Stacy put on some Christmas music and soon the kids were in the living room sitting on the floor watching Dan assemble the table. Cathy was chattering away about her new friend from church.
She went on to tell all that after a few months they have slowly grown to where he on occasion spent the night. The kids seemed to like him, but were not sure who he really was.
Cathy said, "Abby likes to sit in his lap, but Andy still keeps an arm's length away. His kids are fine and seem to enjoy visiting. Andy likes them as well. We both take it one visit at a time. He told me his whole life changed when he found Christ. I just pray he's for real and not fake. I'm deathly afraid of making a total commitment. What do you guys think?"
"I've no advice Cathy. I don't have any experience in that area. Marriage scares the living hell out of me," said Stacy. "And then to experience raising children in a relationship that ends in divorce is plum scary. I don't think men appreciate how hard it's to work full time and raise a family."
"I like the idea of caution Cathy," said Marsha. "I'm beyond child bearing age so don't have that staring me in the face. However, to open up and subject yourself to possible hurt, is more than scary. This guy I'm seeing is as cautious as I am. Actually that makes us good for each other. I like the idea of 'for the moment' in our relationship. I'm not so sure it would work with younger people and especially couples with kids."
Emma walked in and said, "I heard you guys talking. I thought I'd throw my two-bits in and say, I'm going to have my first baby in about seven months." All heads flew her direction with mouths open. Emma stood there with a smile that should be a poster for expectant mothers in the baby food section of a supermarket.
"Stupid question, but does Dan know," asked Stacy with thoughts running rampant through her head.
"Actually no he doesn't or he's just playing dumb. He asked a while back why I was throwing up all the time. I told him it was bad food I was allergic to. He shrugged his shoulders and accepted it I guess."
A deep male voice was heard from the living room, "Men aren't that stupid ladies. I suspected long time ago. What I don't know is what do to about it. I'm too young to get married," he said laughing so hard he started coughing. Cathy's kids laughed too but had no idea what they were laughing about.
"Well, there you go Emma," said Cathy. "Welcome to the club of single women with kids," joked Cathy.
"It's time for a toast," said Marsha as she rose from the chair, took the wine out of the refer and walked into the living room where all had gathered. After filling each glass, including a drop or two into the kids mugs, said, "To the best friends I've ever had or probably will ever have."
A few eyes were teary, but Dan polished off his wine in one shot. He placed the tree onto his newly assembled table and then he dropped to one knee in front of Emma. He asked, "Will you marry me Emma Skyler?"
Silence was evident except the Christmas music. All saw Emma fall to her knees with her arms circling Dan. Through blubbering all heard her say yes I will.
A knock on the door presented Ben with a sack full presents. He said, "Sorry I'm late, but got a little carried away Christmas shopping. Why does everyone look like they been crying?"
The rest of the evening was spent decorating the tree, eating good food and even some singing occurred. Stacy went to bed around midnight oblivious that another mail was being sent via some off shore island.
-8-
It was not until after 3 pm the next day when Stacy heard the sound of a new mail come in. All day she had feared this moment. It made her angry and terribly upset to think a human would even consider taking a life that was by random choice. Not that is was justifiable, but at least when a homicide occurred it was for a major reason on the killer's part. But this senseless act coming was really unacceptable. Stacy saw the subject line:
Greetings Marshall Foreham,
I wanted to follow up so as to make sure you realize I'm deadly serious about my intention come four days before Christmas. Here is the reason, well one reason, for the demise of a prominent person. We work towards retirement. When a person reaches that age, then he/she should retire and not continue taking a younger persons opportunity to make his/her mark in life. These lifers are abusing and should be fo
rced to retire. The person who will be my first to 'retire' has thirty-five years of service. Come on, let somebody else younger take over. He and yes it's a he, should have retired years ago. I'm going to penalize the extension of his work career. Let it be a lesson to others in a like position. By a few months from now, a new person will occupy his empty chair. God how I love this work.
The Equalizer
Stacy sent a forward to Connie, Ben, Rory and saved to a cloud storage. Angie has been gone for a few hours, but said she would be back around 3 pm. She walked in as Stacy, with Emma and Dan sat reading a copy of the mail. Stacy handed Angie a copy. She sat down and with a serious look, read through it three times.
"Any first thoughts Angie," asked Stacy.
"Nothing that we all don't know. It appears he'll assassinate a prominent citizen who is well known. I'm guessing that Eugene is the location, but that can't be certain until events happen as here being the kill site. The first hard part is the waiting and the second hard part is the public screaming apprehend this killer. The word is pandemonium in the state of Oregon will occur. We've nothing to work with. All we have is two e-mails from an unknown source. Could we be so lucky it's all a joke? Nope, this guy is for real and afterwards he'll demand publicity. This guy wants banter back and forth via a newspaper. If and God forbid, he strikes in another city, say Salem, then panic will set in."
"Angie as it is right now, we sit and wait. Is there any way we can go on the offensive rather than a defensive posture doing nothing. What about news blurbs saying something to either make him mad or make a mistake. I'm not sure what I'm trying to say here, but doing nothing is a hard thing to do. Something like this Angie: 'Hey Equalizer, go blow your horn somewhere else. We're not buying your tripe.'"
Murder Mysteries #5 Page 15