by Sandy Smyth
“I know you’re in there. Get out here!” The words were slurred, but she didn’t have any trouble understanding them or who was now ramming his shoulder against the door. “Dickless” was on a rampage.
“Go away,” she cried. “I quit. I’m no longer working. Just leave me alone.” Her hands shaking, she quickly scooped everything back into her purse and secured it. She only needed enough time for Consuela and Reuben to arrive. But Marylou doubted that the flimsy lock would hold. She could see the nails holding the bolt mechanism to the doorjamb pulling farther away from the wood with each impact of his shoulder.
“You’ll pay, bitch,” he screamed each time his shoulder hit the door. “You’ll pay! Nobody quits on Scott Thomasson. Nobody!”
With that, the bolt finally gave way and the door slammed back against the wall, and Scott’s drunken momentum carried him past her and into the door of one of the stalls.
Filled with panic, Marylou quickly whipped out of the door and ran into the main bar area looking for the bartender, Consuela, or anyone who could help hide her. As she looked behind the bar, she saw Barney stretched out, unconscious. One of the customers was behind the bar at Barney’s side, trying to revive him. Yet another customer was on his cell phone, and Marylou could hear him giving directions to the bar. Terrified, she started to run toward the door, even though she knew it was the worst thing she could do. If he caught her outside, away from witnesses, well, it wouldn’t be pretty.
At that point a hand painfully grabbed her shoulder and violently spun her around to the sight of a fist coming directly at her face.
“Fucking whore,” she heard him roar. She managed to lean back and turn her head, and the blow glanced off of her jaw, sending bright, colorful shooting stars exploding behind her closed eyes.
“Nooo! Rosie!” That enraged scream was the last thing she heard before the shooting stars faded into black and she passed out.
Chapter 11
Mike was taking his first sip of the strong coffee he’d just brewed when his cell phone rang. The last two days and nights had been busy and chaotic. He and John had had several long discussions regarding their past, and everything seemed to be going along smoothly. Almost back to normal.
The teams had not been able to find any other hidden access to the house, but they had located the recording device in one of the storage rooms and had found several other listening devices. But at last, the house seemed to be clean and secure. Even the locks had been changed in case the intruder had made a set of keys. Mike and John had decided to send home at least one of the teams after breakfast and maybe another team after lunch.
“Get your ass out of bed and turn your computer on,” snarled Ben.
“What?”
“I’ve already had three phone calls, and it’s not even 6:30 a.m. yet. But apparently the guy you’re looking for is on YouTube, Twitter, and every other online news source and bulletin board on the Internet. It seems like every damn construction worker I talked to who worked on your addition is calling me this morning. Damn, there’s another call coming in. I’ll talk to you as soon as I can get there.”
While he put his cell phone on speaker and keyed in John’s speed dial, Mike opened the kitchen computer desk and started pulling up YouTube.
“What’s up, Mike?”
“I think we’ve got him!”
“Mike? Where are you?” John’s demanded impatiently.
“In the kitchen on the computer. Get here as soon as you can. Ben’s already on his way. He should be here in a few minutes. Just got a call from him saying that he’s been getting calls this morning from the construction workers he had talked to that our perp is on YouTube. Almost got it. Yep, this must be it. And there he is, big as life. Oh, my God, and that son of a bitch Scott Thomasson is involved in this, too. Everyone in that bar last night must have taken pictures with their cell phones.”
“Show me,” said John as he quickly walked into the kitchen, slipping his cell phone into the pocket of his unbuttoned shirt.
Mike hit a key, and the screen filled with the frightened face of what looked to be a very young woman and then the fist that clipped her chin, followed by Scott Thomasson’s hate-filled face as he pulled his fist back for another blow. Before the second blow could land, his fist was grabbed and violently wrenched behind his back. Although they couldn’t see the brutal twist his wrist received, they could see Scott’s face contorted in sudden, surprised agony, his mouth opened in a silent scream before his eyes rolled up into his head and he obviously passed out.
Filling the screen then was the enraged face of the man they’d been looking for. The one they never thought they’d find so easily. Mike paused the play and hit the print button. Seconds later his image emerged from the printer. His hair was white now instead of the salt-and-pepper it had been when the therapy room had been constructed, but otherwise it was the same face.
They resumed play and watched their man kneel beside the woman on the floor and gently stroke her face. There was an odd, puzzled look on his face as he stared intently at her. Seconds later he was pushed aside as a thin, scrawny woman and a giant bear of a man rushed into the bar, followed almost immediately by the paramedics and police. In the ensuing commotion, they could see their man edge toward the door. They watched him step back and grasp the doorframe near his head as a stretcher was rushed into the bar, nearly colliding with him. He looked back once, shook his head as if to clear it, and then disappeared into the night.
As they drank their coffee, they watched three other versions, each from a different perspective, but still the same basic action. One version they played several times, grinning at each other. This shot was from the side and had a perfect view as Scott’s arm was jerked behind his back. The deliberate and vicious twist of his wrist was so graphic they could almost see and hear the bones being crushed, twisted, and broken.
“Damn, I could almost like that guy for taking out Thomasson’s wrist with as much pain as possible. I don’t think Scott’s going to be using that fist on any more women. In fact, I’d lay odds that he’ll never use that hand with any semblance of normalcy ever again,” said John with satisfaction.
“I’m sure not going to take any odds on that one, John. But look at this photo. Look at his eyes and the expression on his face. He’s really scary. Spooky as hell. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more vivid example of madness. I’d better get this photo and the online websites faxed to Trent and Ian.” His fingers raced over the keyboard. “They can access databases that might be able to put a name to this face. And I’m making an extra copy for Ben. He should be here at any minute.”
“Who should be here at any minute?” asked Tom as he and Kate entered the kitchen. He guided his wheelchair over to the computer desk and peered at the computer screen.
“We’ve got him! Mike and I both remember seeing him and talking to him during construction. Look at this picture and see if you recognize him from the car crash. Ben’s on his way. He’s the one who called us with the information.” John handed the photograph to Tom and stepped back, watching his reaction.
“Oh, my God! That’s him! That’s him! I could never forget that face,” Tom said, shaken. “But why? Why has he targeted me? I don’t remember ever seeing him before the car crash or having any type of business dealings with him. Nothing!”
“Tom,” said Kate softly. “Look at his face. He’s not sane. There’s true madness in his face and eyes, and unfortunately, madness has its own logic.”
“There’s a lot worse to see, or better, depending on your viewpoint.” Mike quickly queued up the computer to the first of the four videos as Kate and Tom sat in front of the computer screen, intently watching the action unfold.
“That son of a bitch, Thomasson!” exclaimed Tom heatedly as he watched him strike the young woman.
Not another word was spoken as they watched all four videos, until they watched the one which showed his wrist being crushed and broken.
“I don
’t have the least bit of sympathy for that miserable asshole,” said Tom coldly. “I hope they dump him in jail and throw away the key.” He looked back at John and Mike. “What’s the next step?”
“Well,” said Mike. “We’ve forwarded the picture and the YouTube and other websites to Ian and Trent. They may be able to make an I.D. on this guy. Ben is also on his way and should be here any moment. And it looks like Mrs. Mallory has arrived to start breakfast. Why don’t we wait until after we have breakfast and talk to Ben? We may have more information to work with then.”
“Sounds like a winner, Mike.” John commented as he opened the kitchen door for Mrs. Mallory.
“What a welcoming committee,” said Mrs. Mallory as she entered the kitchen. “Good morning, everyone.”
“Mrs. Mallory, we’ll be out of your way in just a few minutes,” said John after the round of “good mornings” ceased.
“Take your time. I have a few things to set up before I start breakfast. It’s no problem.”
“By the way, Mrs. Mallory, Sheriff Whittaker was here two nights ago for dinner and wanted me to extend his thanks and appreciation for a wonderful meal. And I’m sure he’ll be here for breakfast, too. We’re expecting him any minute,” said Kate with a smile.
“What a nice thing for him to say. I’m so glad he enjoyed his meal. Now, I’d better get busy. Are you expecting twelve people for breakfast, then?
“Actually,” said Mike. We may have one or two more, but we don’t yet know whether all of them will be down at the same time since they worked in shifts last night.”
“Not a problem. But I warn you, if thirteen people show up for breakfast, I’ll have to join you and make it fourteen. It’s not that I’m superstitious, you understand, but there’s no sense in taking chances, right?”
“As you said, Mrs. Mallory, not a problem,” Tom replied with a smile. “We’ll be in the library until breakfast is ready.”
* * * *
“First things, first,” said Tom as they settled with their coffee in the library. “I want to find out what happened to that young woman Thomasson knocked out. Ben might have more information, but if not, I’d like to have the hospitals checked and find out how she is and if she needs anything. And from the way that the ‘perp’ acted with her, maybe she knows something about him. At least it would give us a place to start.”
John took out his cell phone and keyed in a number. “Let’s get Connor up here and fill him in on what’s going on. Connor, this is John. We need you here in the library for an update on some new information we’ve received. Right. Okay, see you in a few.” John closed his phone and looked around with a serious expression on his face.
“We don’t know if our perp is aware that his face is being spread across the Internet or not. If he is aware, it could push forward his plans to eliminate us, one by one. That’s why I’d like to use Connor to do some checking, find that girl, and if she agrees, bring her here so that we can talk to her. What do you think?” He looked at Mike, then at Tom and Kate, waiting.
“Perfect, John. That way we can stay here with Tom and Katie. At this point I don’t feel comfortable leaving them alone in the house, even with some of our teams here.”
“Thank you, Mike.” Tom’s voice shook with emotion as he said to John, “I hate to admit it, but I agree with Mike. As far as Kate’s safety is concerned I trust the two of you implicitly. I know your teams are first rate, but it’s Kate’s safety, and I would prefer to keep both of you here.”
John nodded and turned to open the door at Connor’s knock.
It didn’t take long to brief Connor on what had happened in the bar last night and to pass him the photo Mike had printed. His eyes lit up as they gave him the Internet websites and explained what they wanted him to investigate.
“As soon as Ben gets here, we’ll know more and can plan in depth what our next step should be, said John.
* * * *
“The Sheriff’s here.”
“Okay, Mike, I’ll go let him in.” John quickly left the library and returned a few minutes later with Ben and Carolanne.
Carolanne entered the library first, followed closely by Ben. He kept one hand on Carolanne’s waist as he steered her toward a chair in front of the desk. He stood behind her chair, one hand resting on her shoulder.
“I’ve already briefed Carolanne on what happened last night. The girl”—Ben referred to a small notebook—“Marylou Kasden, was taken to Metropolitan hospital and kept overnight. As far as we have been able to learn, she is going to be released today. Once we have the name of the white-haired man, we can pull him in for questioning. Unfortunately, given Marylou’s profession, she may not have been given a name by the man. If he’s a regular, we may be able to get some information from her. But, if not, I’m sure as I’m standing here that we’re going to hear from someone who can put a name to that face. The Internet exposure is pretty much worldwide and someone, somewhere, is going to recognize him.”
“You’re right, Ben,” said Mike. “Connor is meeting Consuela at the hospital this morning and will be bringing Ms. Kasden here if she agrees to answer a few questions. Apparently, a local pimp has decided all of the free advertising would work to his benefit if she was one of his girls. According to Consuela, the word is out that this Salazar is going to make a grab for Ms. Kasden sometime today or tomorrow. We don’t intend to let that happen.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” said Ben. “Just let me know if I can help. Salazar has a very bad rep, and I’d love to bust him. And, speaking of being busted, the bartender is filing assault and battery charges against Scott Thomasson. Maybe Ms. Kasden will, too, although it’s not strictly necessary.”
“We can only hope,” muttered Mike.
“After Ben filled me in this morning, I called the hospital. Thomasson is in surgery as we speak. They wouldn’t give me any more information than that.” Carolanne looked up at Ben with a small smile before continuing. “I do have several friends, I mean, sources at the hospital, and I understand there is another prostitute in the hospital that Thomasson nearly killed. She hasn’t named him to the police, but apparently he is well-known among the girls at The Bird of Paradise and has a bad habit of going into violent rages and taking it out physically on the girls. It’ll be quite a while before she will be released from the hospital.”
“Connor, check with Ms. Kasden at the hospital. Bring her here if she’s willing. We can help if she wants to make a change in her life, and if not, well, we can give her a small break before she returns to her old life.” Kate stood up and addressed the rest of the group. “I’m sure Mrs. Mallory has breakfast ready by this time, so why don’t we adjourn to the dining room? Unless you have something urgent scheduled for this morning, Sheriff, please join us. That way Connor can get something to eat before he has to leave.”
As the group began leaving the library, Mike pulled Ben and Connor aside and nodded to John, who shut the door again and joined them. “I think we need to take precautions about this Salazar possibly following Ms. Kasden here from the hospital. We don’t need any more problems. And we don’t know if this asshole is still watching us here. Anyone have any suggestions?”
“Why not use a decoy vehicle?” said John as he sat back down. “Or, better yet, they don’t even have to come back here at all. Why not have Kate and Tom come with us to the hospital. We can arrange for a conference room there. That way Consuela can see and talk to Ms. Kasden, as well as Kate and Tom, in safety. A second vehicle can be used to transport Ms. Kasden if she decides to accept the offer of relocation and assistance.”
“Damn quick thinking, John. I think it covers all of the bases.” Ben shook his head in admiration and grabbed his hat. “Why don’t we get some breakfast and let Tom and Kate in on your plans. In fact, I think it might be wise for Carolanne and me to visit the hospital, too. I know the city police have already talked to Ms. Kasden, but I’d still like to sit in on the meeting to see if she can provide any information o
n your mysterious white-haired man. We can also watch the exit for any cars trying to follow, and damn sure find some way to stop them, even if it’s just long enough for your car to disappear. I’d love a chance at that creep Salazar!”
“I think you’re right, Sheriff. The more cars, the less they’d know which one to follow,” said Connor, excitement filling his expressive face before he stopped, then continued more thoughtfully. “But, now that I think about it, I doubt if Salazar or his men expect Ms. Kasden to be picked up at all. Certainly not in an expensive car or limo. They’d more likely be looking for her to take a cab or the bus. Either way, it’s best not to take anything for granted. If we plan for the worst, we won’t be taken by surprise. I’ll just grab a quick bite to eat and then contact the hospital and arrange for a conference room before I leave, if that meets with your approval?” He looked at Mike and John.
“It’s your investigation, Connor. You do what you think is best. If we have any suggestions later, we’ll discuss them with you.” John nodded at Mike.
“Go for it, Connor!” Mike grinned and got up, signaling the end of the meeting.
Chapter 12
The faint odor of disinfectant seemed to follow them into the conference room of the hospital. There was a flurry of introductions before they settled into their chairs.
Marylou looked slightly uncomfortable and chose a chair next to Consuela.
Marylou listened warily as Connor explained that her hospital expenses had been paid and that she would be offered a one-week vacation with the opportunity to train for a vocation of her choice, along with relocation to a new city for a fresh start, if she so desired. Her mouth dropped open and tears flooded her eyes as a spark of hope began growing inside.
Consuela patted Marylou’s shoulder, “I believe you can trust these people to help you. Give yourself a chance. But if you are afraid or uneasy, I will gladly stay with you until all of the arrangements have been completed to your satisfaction.”