Dark Deeds

by Jill S. Behe

  “Yeah. See. You did know.”

  “Yes, but— Not Jacqueline.” Teal shook her head. “I suspected she was jealous, but if you figured it— You— Sierra, you need to tell your father, as the police chief, not as your dad, about your observations.”

  “Aw, he’s not interested in anything I might have seen.”

  “I think you underestimate your importance to him. However, I am certain that when you do talk to him, you need to make sure your mother is nowhere in the vicinity.”

  “Oh, please. Like I need to be reminded about that.” Sierra waved it off. “You really think what I noticed is that important?”

  “Yes.” Teal nodded. “Yes, I do. The sooner you tell him, the better.”

  Sierra looked over, saw the serious look on her friend’s face. “Okay. I will. Right after you drop me off, and before we go home.”

  “I’m not dropping you off. I’m staying. Your Uncle Decker is meeting me there, and we’ll be talking to your dad, too.”

  “Okay then, if he’s not too busy.”

  “No. Don’t wait. It doesn’t matter how busy he is, you need to tell him. Besides, I think you’re wrong about being invisible. You made me your friend. She may take that as a threat.”

  “Nah. She knows Decker’s my uncle.”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Oh. Yeah. I see. He’s not my real uncle.” She nodded. “Okay. I’ll be more careful. But, then again, I’m too young for him.”

  “Age doesn’t matter to her, at this point. Still. Be extra aware of who, and what, is around you.” Giving the teen the same advice Decker had drilled into her not that long ago. “Don’t take anything for granted. If it looks or sounds off, don’t do something stupid and try to handle it yourself. Tell someone you trust. Run, if necessary, but don’t take chances.”

  “Now you’re really scaring me.”

  “That was my intention. As your uncle would say—and has, to me—if you’re afraid, you’ll be more aware.”

  She was nodding. “That does sound like him.”

  They pulled into the parking lot in front of the station house, and got out. “Now, you’re going to go in there and start talking.”

  “Roger that.” She shrugged. “My dad’s cop lingo is rubbing off.” Then smiled. “Thanks, Teal. For everything.”

  “Same here. Be safe.”

  They hugged.

  Sierra opened the front door, and motioned Teal ahead of her. “You, too.”

  Teal settled into a chair in the hallway to wait for Decker, and watched Sierra walk toward her father’s office.

  Fifteen minutes later, Decker walked in. He saw Teal and took a seat next to her. “Hi.” He leaned close for a kiss.

  She smiled. “Hi.”

  “Why are we waiting out here?”

  “Sierra is talking to her dad—the cop—about what she has observed about a certain person we both know.”

  “Ah. You and she finished your secret talk?”

  “In a manner of speaking, yes.”

  “So she’s aware of the threat, too?”

  “She only knows a small part of what’s going on. Okay, I don’t actually know how much she’s aware of, but she is very observant. Warning me about Jacqueline. I’m not even sure of what I know, and what I think I know, or what I’m just supposing.”

  “Did you get a chance to look for—?”

  “I did, but it’s all still in the computer. I haven’t had a chance to print it out, yet. Sierra had a dentist appointment today, and rather than go back to school, she came by the library. Had a funny feeling something bad was happening.”

  “Did she now?”

  A nod. “I figured rather than call her mom for a ride home, I’d just drop her off here and meet you at the house as planned. Then things changed. She’s been with me on the desk for the last few hours, which is why I didn’t get a chance to print anything. And, now I’m not sure how Sierra’s going to get home.”

  Levi’s office door opened and Sierra sidled out. Grim. Worried.

  Her father followed, looking shell-shocked.

  Teal reached out. “Sierra, I’m so sorry you have to wait until after we talk to your dad.”

  The girl shrugged. “No biggie. I’ll hang out with the night shift.”

  Abigail was shutting down her computer. “I go right past your house on my way home. I could drop you off.”

  Sierra, over the worry, grinned. “That’s appealing. As long as Pops doesn’t object.”

  Pops waved it away. “Not at all. I appreciate it, Abbie.”

  The woman winked at Sierra, smile wide. “No big.” She retrieved her purse from the bottom drawer of her desk. “Let’s blow this joint, sister.”

  Laughing, Sierra linked arms with the dispatcher, and waved over her shoulder as they started down the hall to the front door. “Later dudes and dudettes.”

  “Jiminy Christmas.” Levi motioned to Teal and Decker. “Come on back.”

  They decided on the conference room, rather than Levi’s office.

  “Anyone want anything? I wouldn’t recommend the coffee, but we’ve got Pepsi, juice, and water bottles in the fridge in the breakroom.”

  Teal shook her head. “None for me. Thanks.”

  “I’m good.”

  “Okay, then, Deck. What’s got your shorts in a wad?”

  “Not that big a bunch, but it’s concerning.”

  “Just spill it out.”

  He opened the file folder he’d brought, and slid a paper-clipped packet across the table. “My former partner sent me all the paperwork from a case he and my old team closed over the weekend.”

  Levi’s eyebrows rose as he pulled the sheets closer. “What does this have to do with you?”

  Decker cleared his throat. “The case wasn’t about me, but the scenario was similar to what’s been happening around here.”

  “How so?”

  “Female stalker/serial killer.”

  Levi stared at his friend for some seconds. “Don’t that beat all?” He held up a hand. “Was he aware of what was going on here?”

  “Not until he told me he was sending me the case files.”

  “Huh. Any idea why he thought you’d be interested?”

  Decker glanced at Teal.

  She gave him a stern look, and a nod.”

  “I do. Yes.”

  “And? You been blabbing again?”

  Decker beat back his temper. “Again?”

  Levi shrugged. “How would he know?”

  “Did I not just say he didn’t know, until he called me this morning?”

  The cop squinted. “Go on.”

  Decker glared back. “Liz told him to.”

  Levi blinked. “Liz? As in, your late wife, Liz?”

  Decker nodded. “The very one.”

  “God bless it.”

  “Yeah, I kinda had the same reaction.”

  “Liz. Again. It’s almost like she’s part of the investigation.”

  “Isn’t she? It’s almost like she’s an avenging angel, helping us in whatever capacity is available to her. Don’t you think?”

  Levi studied the other two at the table, not sure, still, if he believed in ghosts or apparitions, or premonitions. But these two were his friends, and they did believe. “So, okay. What’s the deal with these two cases?”

  “Have a look.”

  Decker handed another copy of the packet to Teal.

  There was silence as they read through the papers, an occasional sound from one or the other when something of significance stood out.

  Levi finished first, which surprised Decker.

  As Teal flipped the last page over, she looked up slowly, dismay showing on her face, horror in her eyes.

  Decker was nodding. “Exactly.”

  Levi scrubbed at his face. “It’s damn near identical, except for the identity of those involved.”

  “Good Lord, Decker.” Teal reached for his hand. “Do you think she has a trophy room, too?”

>   “It’s possible, but we—Levi, correct me if I’m wrong—we haven’t found anything missing, or unaccounted for from any of the victims.”

  “Just your rifle.”

  “Yeah, but we know about that.”

  “She hasn’t used it yet, though. Well, except for shooting at us. She hasn’t killed anyone with a gun.”

  “That’s true. I think it’s almost strange that she’s used her hands.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I forgot you weren’t all the way in the loop. Three of the victims were strangled after being tasered, or drugged. So far, at least.”

  “So far?”

  “Ah, thus far?”

  Teal scrunched up her mouth and shook her head.

  Levi threw out his arms.

  Mouth pinched, eyes narrowed. “Sorry, but that makes it sound like there will be more, and I think our purpose in all this is to stop her before anyone else dies. Right?”

  Levi nodded. “We’re in agreement on that.”

  “Amen.”

  “And the fourth?”

  “Brooke survived, or has to date.”

  “The fifth?”

  “Liz—sorry Decker—was stabbed, repeatedly. But she had ligature marks on her neck. Obviously, she put up a good fight.”

  “Actually, to be precise, Liz was the first.”

  “Oh, Decker.” Teal swallowed a gasp. “I’m sorry I asked.”

  He patted her hand. “I’m fine, Teal.”

  “Still.” She frowned. “Female killers don’t usually strangle their victims, do they?”

  “Not as a rule, no. It’s not unheard of, but no. Not usually.”

  “It’s kind of hard to believe it of her. She doesn’t look strong enough.”

  “Are we sure it’s her?”

  “Who else could it be?”

  “She does subdue them beforehand. However, strangling, I’m told, is very personal and takes a long time.”

  “How did the—? What was his name?” Teal went back to the file notes. “Justin. I don’t remember seeing where they’d figured out what was happening, and how they knew he was the victim of an obsessive stalker?”

  “It’s near the back in Gavin’s side notes. Sort of how we found out. The ladies he was dating were ending up dead within a day or two after he’d been seen with them. The local cops even brought him in for questioning several times.”

  “Logical assumption. What finally clued them in that he wasn’t the killer?”

  “Would have been pretty stupid, for one thing. But there were two reasons. First, he had an airtight alibi for each one, and no motive. Second, on—I believe it was three occasions—there were witnesses to the abductions.”

  “Huh. And they still couldn’t catch her?”

  Decker shook his head. “She wore disguises. It was always at night. Too dark to give an accurate description. Couldn’t see the license plate. She’d borrow other people’s cars. Even stole a truck, and a delivery van.”

  “So they got lucky with this last one?”

  “This last one was a female cop, undercover. They set up a sting. Had the guy call up and make a date—they’d found out his phone was tapped—with a female cop. Killer still got the drop on the cop. Luckily her team was close, and no real harm was done. Except to the killer.”

  “Maybe we should set up a sting.”

  “It’s certainly within the parameters of possibility. I’ll put a team together, and we’ll figure out a strategy.”

  “Decker and I are going to be part of that team, right?”

  “Ah.”

  “Not you.”

  “Why not me? I’d make a good lure. Not that I want to be, but she goes after the women you pay attention to. And I’m a woman you’ve been paying more attention to than any of the others. She’s already tried twice, and missed.”

  “She’s making sense, Decker.”

  The man glowered. “I don’t care if she is.”

  “All right, look. It’s getting late. Let’s put this away for the moment. I’ll do some more preliminary stuff in the next few days and get back to you. Sound good?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’ll be looking forward to hearing what you come up with, Levi.”

  “Excellent. Bethany is going to be calling here looking for me soon. It’s suppertime. I gotta go.”

  Decker, though still concerned about Teal’s suggestion, smiled. “She’s got your number, in more ways than one.”

  “She most certainly does. And most of the time, I like it.”

  They all stood and made ready to leave.

  “I’d like to hang on to this file, if you don’t mind.”

  “That’s why I made you your own copy.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “See you soon, chief.”

  “Likewise, Miss Hannigan.”

  “Levi, tell your wife hello, even though I’m still…irritated with her.”

  “That I will, Decker. That I will.”

  Levi was chuckling as they went down the hall. He made a pit stop in his office for his hat and keys, then followed the other two outside, and got in his car.

  He waved on his way past.

  Decker stood next to Teal’s car. She’d rolled her window down.

  “I’ll follow you home.”

  “There’s no need. It’s not that far.”

  “Not the point, but yes, there is. My peace of mind.”

  “Very well. Thank you.”

  He leaned in for a kiss. “Drive carefully. I’ll call you when I get home.”

  “Thanks for that.” She rolled up her glass, smiling at him.

  He ran to his truck, not entirely convinced she wouldn’t take off before he got in.

  But she waited, and he followed her out of the parking lot, and all the way to her house. Truck idling, he watched her go inside, and blink the porch light.

  Then he drove home.

  Chapter 40

  Wednesday….

  * * *

  Decker’s phone rang, mid-way through the afternoon.

  “Brogan.”

  “Hey, Deck. I’m going to visit our survivor. Doc says she’s alert enough to answer questions. Want to tag along?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

  Brooke, though weak, tired, and in some pain, was ready to talk.

  “Oh, we were so mad at each other that day. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that she’s gone.” Her eyes filled, and spilled. “While we hiked up the trail we talked things out, and apologized to each other. That comforts me some.”

  She shifted in the bed and her demeanor changed. “Then that person jumped out at us, raving at us to stay away from her man.”

  “What person?”

  “I have no idea who she was. We thought it was a big joke, at first. Like one of our friends had followed us up, and gotten there before we did. But we didn’t recognize her, and she didn’t stop yelling. She was truly angry. Mad as a hatter, too.”

  “Can you describe her?”

  “Not really. It was such a shock, you know? And I said we didn’t recognize her, but I didn’t really pay attention to what she looked like. She was crazy. Screaming and yelling, and waving her arms around.”

  “Could you tell what direction she came from? Was she ahead of you? Did she come up behind you?”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I haven’t really thought about it. Everything happened so fast. So…I don’t know…abrupt. One minute we’re hiking up, and the next there’s this lunatic flailing at us.” Brooke paused. “Um, well, now that I’m talking about it. I seem to remember her running straight at us after she jumped out of the bushes. She was a little ahead of us. Probably why we thought it was a friend playing a prank.”

  “You said we. Did you and Megan discuss this, at any point?”

  She blinked, thinking. Then shook her head. “No, I guess it was all me thinking it. We didn’t really have time to talk about anything after that.”<
br />
  Decker spoke softly. “You mentioned she was raving about something. Can you remember exactly what it was about?”

  “She wanted us to stay away from her man. We had no right to touch him, to talk to him, to be around him. He belonged to her.

  “We didn’t have a clue what she was talking about, or who. Wouldn’t believe us, either. That’s when she forced us up the rest of the way to the top, and kept inching us closer to the edge. She gave me a shove. I lost my balance. I remember reaching out for Megan, but she was too far away, and I fell off. I was screaming. I could hear Megan screaming, too, I think. Then I guess I hit the ground. For about thirty seconds I couldn’t catch my breath, and everything hurt so bad I thought I was going to die. Then there was nothing.

  “That’s about it until I woke up here. Although, I do have vague impressions of pain, and being cold. Seemed like forever. And there’s these ghostly images of two men.” She made eye contact with both men. “It was you two, right? You got me out? It wasn’t a dream, and you weren’t…aren’t ghosts.”

  “Yes, it was us.”

  “That’s so awesome. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

  “You already have, by being alive. For recovering.”

  “Doesn’t cover it, by half. My parents told me to lavish you with praise and thanks.”

  Levi spoke up. “We got really lucky, young lady. We’re just glad we found you in time.”

  “The doctor told me I probably survived for a combination of reasons. One was that you found me when you did. And because of my age, and how healthy I am.” She dabbed at her eyes. “Still, thank you, doesn’t seem adequate.”

  Decker patted her arm. “It’s adequate enough for us.”

  Levi cleared his throat. “I’ve arranged for the guard to stay outside your door until you’re released.”

  “Oh? You really think she’ll try to come here?”

  “I don’t know, but I don’t want you worrying about that. It’s just a precaution.”

  “Okay. Then, thanks, for that, too.”