A Critical Tangent

by Reily Garrett

  Death of someone you love always changes you.

  Nolan Garnett was an expert on the subject.

  “I’ll drive tomorrow. Your stomach will lead us straight to Chenovy’s for some pork and sauerkraut.” Nolan could handle a lot of things, but that combination for breakfast didn’t cut it. “What’d you find on Gabriella Kiernan?”

  “Hey. Don’t knock my favorite dish until you’ve tried it,” Coyote quipped as he led the way out of the squad room. “As far as Gabby is concerned. Her father’s a spine surgeon at Centerville General and her mother is a retired nurse. Guess the kid’s following in her dad’s footsteps. She lives in an apartment off campus with her best friend, Katherine Tallerman. Let’s check with campus security before we track them down. Might get some insight into the party world.”

  “You take security. I’ll take Admin for schedules and professor’s names.”

  “Trust fund to get Keiki through school, you think?” Coyote asked, pausing with his hand on the door.

  “Possible. Her parents owned the hardware store on Chesterfield Ave. So, yeah, probably.”

  “Any other family? Anything else?”

  “One maternal grandmother in a nursing home.” Nolan considered his target’s life. “The kid is licensed to fly drones. She’s buddies with a PI. Her friend is murdered ten ways to Sunday. Stabbed, drugged, and strangled. I don’t think there’s anything straightforward about this case. I also don’t think she’s gonna open up to cops.”

  Nolan considered the emotional monsters that drove an orphan to excel in school and at work. A brief explanation detailed her experiences. Both detectives stepped outside and inhaled a deep breath.

  Bottled up emotions erupted at some point, either through acceptable outlets or hidden lives. Keiki’s life had taken a macabre turn before her freshman year. The tragedy would remold her, no doubt, but into what?

  Coyote paused on the bottom step and sighed. “You think the killer was sending a message to the victim’s friends? He targeted Shelly with an awful lot of rage.”

  “Could be, and you’re assuming it was one assailant and a male. We didn’t see any sign of restraint, just an all-out brawl. The killer might not have looked at it from a position of total control.”

  “Thanks for the coffee, partner.” Coyote removed the plastic lid and blew across the hot brew. “Decaf?”

  “Really? To you, that’d be the equivalent of a hooker who only wanted to cuddle.” Nolan snickered. “I’m the one who eats right.”

  “Hmm, cranky. You need to get laid or rub one out.” Coyote shrugged under his colleague’s glare. “Sorry, I guess I self-identify as a grief counselor. Just saying…”

  “Maybe you should think twice before I self-identify as the tooth fairy.”

  The campus lay nestled in the valley, the school well known for its strong sense of place and community while preserving local folk culture through extensive outreach programs. Outdoor recreational activities drew nature lovers and adventurers to improve their skills in rock climbing, advance their knowledge in forestry services, or enjoy a vigorous hike.

  Nolan parked in front of the admissions office and pointed to a path leading around the two-story columned building. “Follow that downhill and turn left at the bear statue. Campus Police will be the first building to your right.”

  “Damn, you sure sound like a local when you give directions using landmarks.”

  “I am a local. I just got my initial police experience elsewhere.” Nolan shoved his car door open and retrieved his cell outlining the case notes, not that he needed them. The mystery of Katherine’s odd situation had spurred him to dissect her life the prior evening, regardless of whether or not she was involved in the victim’s death.

  “I’ll meet you back here in an hour.” Coyote nodded at a passing coed but ignored the student’s obvious interest.

  Stately brick buildings with manicured lawns offered a quaint and charming, old-fashioned feel. Meandering students and others playing Frisbee on the lawn declared the day free of worry. Snippets of their discussions entailed weekend plans, groaning over homework assignments, and other various sources of teenage angst.

  Spotty light filtered through low clouds to shroud the grounds in a sense of gloom despite Halloween cutouts standing sentinel on the front lawn of a nearby dorm. Greek letters marked three fraternity houses to the left, each offered an array of pumpkin lights, mini illuminated skeletons, and windows boasting its own decorations.

  Like each of Nolan’s sisters, his parents had given him money to start college. Instead, he’d chosen to get a job and fit his schooling in on the side. Saving every cent, he spent his non-working hours studying, learning how to invest his earnings. The result had proven as satisfying as it was fruitful.

  Time and experience had forged a path to what he wanted. The results equaled a solid career, a home with a low mortgage, and more time for hobbies and family. He’d not been sidetracked since losing the love of his life.

  Again he thought about Keiki, alone and motivated by similar circumstances. He’d soon learn if they’d guided her onto one of life’s darker pathways.

  Large double doors led him into an expansive lobby with mosaic-tiled flooring and a wide staircase to his left ascending to the second story. The registrar’s office lay ahead with orange pumpkin lights in the half window and an animated witch daring anyone to delve into the candy bowl within her grasp.

  Inside, it smelled of spices and the forest after a rain, the unusual combination pleasant and comforting.

  “Morning.” Nolan inwardly grinned when the young woman’s interested smile froze as he revealed his badge. Pasting on his friendliest smile, he added, “Appears you all are ready for Halloween. Looks nice.”

  A tentative grin slid into place while she looked around and tucked a lock of auburn hair behind her ear. “Um, what can I do for you? I’m afraid you just missed my boss. I’m just a student working here part-time.”

  Her nametag read Sonny.

  Getting access to the records he wanted without a warrant entailed one part intuition and two parts luck. If the information was offered, it was fair game. If he had to browbeat or otherwise use coercion, it put him in a sticky situation.

  More times than not, he succeeded with charm and developing a rapport, including his subject in a common goal.

  “That’s okay. I’m not looking for anything earth shattering.” He retrieved his cell and pulled up one of the pictures he’d taken at the victim’s house.

  Leaning on the counter, he offered the coed a view of the screen. “I’m looking to locate a friend of our victim, who deserves to know what happened now that the family’s been informed.”

  The student’s jaw dropped as her hand clutched her chest. “Oh my God. That’s Gabby, Keiki, and Shelly. Who?”

  “You know all three?”

  “Well, yes. This is a small school and they frequently hang out together. I’m a senior and pretty much know everybody. I’ve worked here since my freshman year. What happened?”

  “I can’t discuss details, but I’m looking to get hold of Katherine Tallerman and Gabriella Kiernan.” By not naming Shelly, he answered her question and, with any luck, gained her cooperation. “I’d like to take a look at their records if you don’t mind.”

  “Oh, right. Well, I don’t have much personal stuff, but I can pull up what we have. Come around the counter where you can see the screen better.”

  Within minutes, he had what he needed, using his phone to record information. Specific details about each girl helped form a general picture of their characters he wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

  “Should I be scared?” Wide hazel eyes lost all semblance of romantic interest while fear raised her voice an octave.

  “Like with any situation, you should always be aware of your immediate environment, know who’s around you. Does this school have a buddy system?”

  “For those who drink, yes, otherwise, it’s a bit loose. Is there a ki
ller or rapist on campus, as in one of our students?”

  “I’m sorry to say we don’t have details yet, but I would advise you to take extra precautions. You have one less student now.”

  Before he left, three girls entered the office, one bearing a plate of chocolate chip cookies. No doubt, word would start spreading like wildfire before the evening news aired.

  Various scenarios came to mind involving Franklin, Keiki, Gabby, and Shelly. None formed a reasonable picture. In the parking lot, he found his partner leaning against the SUV, observing the students’ meanderings.

  “I got pretty much nada. This Gabby likes to party hard, but keeps her nose clean. How’d you do?”

  Nolan slid in behind the wheel and waited until his partner shut his door before answering. “Interesting. I got pretty much the same on Gabby, yet Keiki is more of a loner. They don’t see her at parties near as much.”

  Information sharing drowned out the thrum of tire on asphalt and failed to lead to anything conclusive.

  “I think Gabby is the wild child of the three, the instigator. Shelly follows. Keiki is the voice of sanity when there is one. From what security said, they’ve been to Shelly’s dorm room to break up parties a few times. They’ve only sent Keiki packing on a handful of those occasions.” Coyote pulled out two sticks of mint gum and offered one to his partner.

  “According to the records I saw, Gabby and Keiki have a near perfect average. Sounds like the pre-med student gets bored on weekends, but I can’t imagine either of them partying after the news breaks.”

  “Which might make them easier to find.”

  “Shelly was a high-value, low-risk target. We have no idea if her death was personal or related to her father’s business. We need to find out what type of contracts he has and with whom.” Nolan drove off campus, knowing it would be a long day.

  “That means added pressure to make an arrest.” Coyote snapped his gum, gazing at the passing hills and sporadic homes.

  “I’ll make a few calls about Harock’s business dealings, later. Let’s go visit the girls.” Keiki would be Nolan’s first stop.

  “It’d be nice to find them both home, but I kinda doubt it’ll happen,” Coyote concluded.

  “Any word from forensics on the photo of that voyeuristic drone you almost shot down?” Nolan kept a straight face when his partner groaned.

  “I did not try and shoot it down. I was confirming that we were, in fact, being scrutinized. The photographer said it was too far away to pick up specific markings,” Coyote replied. “It didn’t belong to any of the news stations. But we do know a certain student who builds them.”

  “You think she offs her best friend using not one but three different MOs then hangs around for hours to take photos? I’m not quite sure I’d buy that considering my research, but I have seen weirder scenarios.”

  “I sure as hell hope we’re not dealing with a serial killer. Not what this school or town needs.”

  Chapter Four

  Scratchy, thick masks never improved his mood. While under the cover of night and lurking in the copse of trees, he took it off and stuck it in his back pocket.

  The temporary itch in his pants proved worse but would soon have a more enjoyable resolution.

  Time fouled his temper the longer he waited for the chem major to leave the frat house. A few smokes and pacing helped pass the time. Every third turn, he checked the screen on his cell.

  Minicams perched in pine boughs offered good side views of the building’s front and back doors. Since her car was parked in the main lot, she’d most likely take the shortcut through the woods. It would make his job easier.

  Self-control would be an issue. His target was young and pretty. He’d been young and carefree once, still was, if he didn’t consider the outstanding warrants in his alias’ name. Unlike his boss, Interpol didn’t have his mug shot hanging on their walls, at least not yet.

  Finding a specific college kid on campus during a weekend night was like distinguishing each and every honeybee on its comb. The place was crawling with kids.

  Whoever designed the campus had set it up with little forethought, leaving plenty of room between buildings and lots of trees for cover. Some days, he loved his job.

  Coed dorms covered the southeast corner of the campus near the woodland park while a row of fraternity houses formed a perimeter to the wooded territory beyond.

  He could almost define the gender requirements of each floor by the glowing decorations and colored lights in the windows. It seemed that testosterone drained the creative gene from the boys where Halloween was concerned.

  No self-respecting college kid should be alone on a Friday night. She had to be with her newest toy.

  Impatience lured him out under the cover of cloudy skies and overhanging tree limbs. His thoughts centered on methods to entice the smart-mouth bitch away from prying eyes if fate didn’t oblige his quest.

  Several couples crossed the campus, one pair trying to perform tonsillectomies with their tongues while walking. It wasn’t worth the risk of being remembered by interrupting a moving make-out session, so he waited.

  Patience was not one of his virtues.

  “Hey, you seen Gabriella Kiernan?” The boy he’d targeted tripped over uneven walkway while shuffling toward the frat houses and might not notice the age of the twenty-something stranger in his midst wearing faded jeans and sporting shaggy hair and a ball cap. A light windbreaker covered his piece.

  “Gabby? She’s probably screwing her boyfriend’s brains out about now.” The kid pointed to a brick building at the end of the row. “Lucky bastard.”

  He’d known about the boyfriend and where he lived, but couldn’t verify her presence inside. If he wasted another night tracking her down, she’d pay the price.

  He nodded at the kid and kept walking, assessing the house and best way to approach. Depending on how long she stayed, he might achieve his goal without incident. Foot traffic had started thinning out with the slight drizzle.

  Since his prey’s car was parked under a bright light, acquiring her there wasn’t an option. If she took the shortcut, he’d finish without a lot of fuss. There wasn’t a lot of cover to accomplish his goal. Expedience and a little luck would favor success.

  The bass beat of the band in the student center thrummed in his chest. It almost made him wish for a different upbringing, one where he went on to higher education instead of following in his older brother’s footsteps. Jason had wanted him to join the military instead of the gang.

  Thinking back, he had no regrets and no pile of debt. He drove a nice car, when he didn’t need to steal one for work. A well-padded bank account and a reputation for getting the job done created comfort and respect. His life was quiet and efficient without complications.

  While waiting, he took a new position at the side of the building where he had visual access of those exiting from either door.

  The equations in her head carried a hefty price tag. Money earned from this equaled a nice vacation, if he obtained the knowledge by Monday morning. That left time between for play. This bitch had the answers to their dilemma and he intended to get them.

  The drug business wasn’t profitable when your product killed off the clientele. With the chem major’s knowledge, they’d have the perfect formula, expand their business, and enjoy the fruits of their subordinates’ labors.

  Sources depicted the student as smart, sassy, and best of all, a party animal. He didn’t quite get the leap from chemistry major to pre-med student, but it wasn’t in his wheelhouse and didn’t affect her final outcome.

  Slipping on gloves and checking the baggie in his pocket, he leaned against a tree and waited. Sloppy seconds wasn’t his normal thing, but the girl’s picture revealed a nice shape and perfect breasts. He couldn’t wait to make a beautiful patchwork quilt of her body. His short blade itched for her crimson essence.

  Light mist had turned to drizzle and filtered through the leaves by the time she wobbled down the
back steps. That’s the thing about this college campus; kids think they’re safe. Discontent stiffened the set of her body long before he registered her grumbled complaints.

  In silent preparation, he circled around with uneven steps to get ahead of her using pines, oaks, and smaller saplings overrun with briars for cover. If the small noises registered in her inebriated mind, she’d think a squirrel scampered about.

  No escort meant one less body to deal with. His luck had improved. In counterpoint, it was just as well to knock out the brains of an operation before going for the brawn. His boss wanted information now, so Keiki would have to wait her turn.

  His objective turned toward the widened deer trail leading to the parking lot.

  Yes!

  Edging between two large trees put him in position of to see anyone nearby while the bulk of his body remained hidden. He slowed his breathing and waited for the shuffling steps announcing her approach. With a quiet snap, he opened the baggie and removed the prepared cloth.

  “Damn boys anyway. Immature and freaking useless.” She didn’t look around as if the hair on her nape pricked. Her sightline remained fixed on her feet and the trajectory of the occasional pinecone she sent flying. Either her intelligence didn’t range in the realm of self-preservation, or she was too drunk to have any.

  Erratic footsteps scuffing through the leaves stopped with an oath and soft thud. She’d face-planted. “Sonofabitch. I wasted a whole evening on someone who wanted to play video games.”

  Muffled threats against all things male and incompetent slurred as she pushed to her feet and struggled to use her phone’s light.

  It seemed her greatest challenge lay in avoiding small branches hidden in the leaf litter. She’d tripped again.

  He’d soon give her bigger problems to consider.

  Mumbled curses and her dispute with nature continued with a low string of curses.