Deadly Obsessions (Kensington-Gerard Detective series Book 3)

by K. T. Roberts

  “It won’t be easy for either of you. Just remember, we always hurt the ones we love.” Her brows rose. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Yes, that’s true. It’s the trust issue that I’m having a tough time dealing with at the moment. Anyway, we did discuss a number of things, including his new girlfriend. And you know what really surprised me? The deep respect he showed by wanting to organize something in memory of my mother for the upcoming anniversary of her death. I was shocked. This is not a man who shows his emotions.”

  “It sounds like he’s finally realized there’s more to life than winning his next case. I’m sure that made you happy.” His mouth creased into a warm smile. “Just because he didn’t say or do what you expected, doesn’t mean he didn’t feel them. His whole existence has been playing it cool in front of an audience.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. But I don’t think I would have heard from him if my mother’s anniversary wasn’t coming up.”

  “I wouldn’t be too sure about that if I were you. I’d bet this has been on his mind for a long time and running into you, regardless of whether you spoke to one another or not, could have made him realize how much he missed you. Sometimes our intentions are well meaning, in that we put many things we should take care of on the back burner to keep up with our busy lifestyle. Somewhere along the way, it gets lost in the shuffle. That happens to me all the time. I’m sure it does to you, too.”

  “Of course. But calling him wasn’t one of them.”

  “I know it wasn’t, but are you at least going to give him the benefit of the doubt and continue working on it?” Zach didn’t respond. He simply stared at her, but she could see he was contemplating what she was saying. “Don’t you think you owe it to yourself?” Zach’s name was called and the waitress walked them to their table and Jessie continued. “Do you agree?”

  “I do. Actually, something that surprised the hell out of me was that he’s been keeping tabs on me all these years. He has every single article from when I graduated from the academy to present day.”

  “I don’t know your father, but I’d say he loves you more than you think he does.” She wondered if her father ever thought about her.

  “But you haven’t spoken to your father either.”

  “Through no fault of mine. The difference here is that I don’t know where he is. But if he ever showed up on my doorstep, I’d never turn him away. I adored my father. I took care of my mother after he left, and quite honestly, I understood why he left her, but it doesn’t make the loss any easier that he also left a seven-year old child to fend for herself and her mother.” She bit down on her lip. “Not in the least. But what I have to remember is that we sometimes say and do things we wish we hadn’t. We make fast decisions based on the moment that often turn out to be the wrong ones, and then find it difficult to go back and apologize.” She raised her palms in the air. “The one thing I’ve learned in my short life is ‘words’ can never be taken back…but the good news is while you may never forget what happened, you do need to learn to forgive. So before jumping to conclusions, give it some thought and make the decision that’s right for you.”

  Zach leaned back in his seat and smiled at her. “Where did all these words of wisdom come from?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “Are you ready to order now?”

  Jessie pulled her coat tighter when they walked back to the car. “Burr, it’s so cold.”

  “Yeah, and it’s getting colder.” Zach inhaled. “It smells like snow.”

  “It smells like snow?” She teased.

  “Haven’t you ever heard that before?”

  “Uh, no. I’ve heard people say the sky looks like more snow is on the way.” He opened the car door, and she slid across. “I wish I had a blanket,” she added. Zach removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders.

  “Here, use this.”

  “Zach, no. You’re going to get sick.”

  “I’m going to be just fine,” he said edging himself behind the steering wheel.

  His thoughtfulness melted her heart. But this wasn’t anything new for him. This was the type of person he was. Kind and gentle, and he didn’t deserve being treated the way she’d been treating him. He’d no sooner worked his way back into the traffic than she was off dreaming about him and didn’t wake until they reached the motel.

  “The princess awakes,” he joked.

  “I’m sorry, Zach. I was just so content after eating that wonderful meal and being wrapped in your jacket. I didn’t even realize I’d even closed my eyes.”

  “You never do.” He laughed. “I’ve never seen anyone fall asleep as fast as you do.”

  She exited the car and held his coat out for him to put back on. Once she’d removed it, she was shivering.

  “Keep it.”

  “No. I’ll be inside in a few minutes.” Zach pulled the two bags out from the back and headed for the motel and entered the lobby. “We’re registering. The names are Gerard and Kensington.”

  “Will that be one room or two?” the clerk asked.

  “Two, please,” he answered matter-of-factly. It wasn’t long before she was handing him his key cards. “And your name is Kensington?”

  “That would be me.”

  With key cards in hand, they walked to the elevator and rode up to the third floor. “I’m ready for some shuteye,” he said.

  “I’ll bet. Unfortunately, I’m wide awake after that snooze.”

  “Want me to read you a bedtime story?”

  “No. I’ll watch some television. That ought to do it.” Checking the numbers on the wall, they each found their rooms, slid the cards into the lock, gave a wave and let their doors shut.

  Jessie changed into her nightclothes and crawled into bed, flipped on the television with the remote and adjusted her pillows. Two hours later, still wide-awake, she shut everything down and snuggled under the covers when Zach came to mind. It was difficult to have him across the hall and not be there with him. And this seemed even harder than staying at his house. They’d lived together. Time away in hotels was a whole different story. Although they were working, it was difficult to stop thinking about being with him. She tried to push the thought of him from her mind, but it was no use. Checking the clock, she contemplated her next move. She was happy she’d had time to talk to the shrink about their relationship and what her fears where. Dr. Stone had posed questions she hadn’t even considered. Before she even realized it, she was up and out of her room, standing by his door. Placing her ear up against Zach’s door, she hoped to hear the television, but it was silent. Just as she was about to tap on the door, he opened it.

  “What took you so long?”

  23

  THE RINGING of Zach’s phone stirred him from a sound sleep. “Gerard here,” he said in a croaky voice. Jessie opened her eyes and smiled at him. He smiled back at her and winked, then checked the clock. It was five thirty in the morning. He made a face. Jessie got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom.

  “Sorry, Gerard. I didn’t mean to wake you so early.” Guardino’s chipper voice echoed through the receiver. “What time did you guys get here last night?”

  “Geez, it was after eleven o’clock by the time we made it through that traffic jam. So what’s up?”

  “I just got off the phone with the CPD and they have nothing to report on Morton. They had a team staked out all night by both parents’ houses and all is quiet on the home fronts. I’m headed over to the mother’s house now. You and Jessie want to interview the father and Morton’s brothers later?”

  “Sure. After we interview them, we’ll head on over to the mother’s as well. By the way, did you hear any more about the body parts?”

  “Yeah, I got a call late last night. The DNA doesn’t match Keenan or Morton from the samples we took from the mobile home, so it looks like the Reaper is back.”

  “Then why was Morton taking the coats?”

  Zach shrugged. “Maybe he wanted the sam
e notoriety as the Reaper. It’s clear the Reaper isn’t happy someone is trying to copy him. He left his initials on the windshield at the car accident.”

  “Did the Danbury police confirm that?”

  “They didn’t have to. Several pieces were labeled with an ‘RR’.”

  “Christ. He’s been quiet for so long, we were all hoping he was dead. It’s obvious we were the ones dreaming. I guess we were getting too close and that’s what caused him to go into hiding.”

  “Keenan’s son called me again last night while I was driving here to ask if I had anything new to tell him. Poor kid, he’s going crazy with worry.” Guardino made a clicking sound with his tongue. “Given Morton’s reputation, it’s not looking good for Keenan. That son-of-a-bitch seems to have vanished. No sign of his car, no one seems to have seen him. We have an APB set up. No video footage of him stopping for gas…nothing. So where is he getting the gas to travel?”

  “He’s probably switched cars.”

  “I checked that. No stolen cars reported. Where the hell could he be?” Guardino huffed out a breath. “Okay, I’ll see you later, I just wanted to give you an update.” They disconnected the call.

  Jessie returned back to the bed, slipped under the covers and snuggled up next to Zach’s naked body.

  “Mmm, you smell like toothpaste.”

  “Yeah, I used your toothbrush.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “Seriously?” her brows rose, “I mean, seriously? We’ve shared a helluva lot more than toothbrushes.”

  “Yeah,” he said with a grin, “I guess we have.” He slipped back under the covers and pulled her closer. “Come here, you.”

  Zach parked the vehicle in front of Morton’s father’s house. Two detectives exited their car when they saw them pull up.

  “Gerard and Kensington.” They shook hands “Thanks for covering this for us,” Jessie said. “We’re about to interview Mr. Morton.”

  “Okay, we’ll follow you inside. We may want to ask him some questions too.”

  “That’s fine.”

  The elder Morton greeted them with a relieved breath when he opened the door. “Thank God you’re here” He gestured with his hand. “Hurry, come inside. My other sons are here already so you don’t have to go to their houses.” The house was a small ranch type home decorated in pure bachelor style. The heat from the fieldstone fireplace hit them as soon as they entered. Waldo Morton was a short stout man with a balding head, and had a strong resemblance to Ralph as though the two had been cloned. He wore a blue and black-checkered flannel shirt, with black trousers and work boots.

  “Thank you,” Zach said when they entered. “Before we get started, we need to run a check through your house.”

  “I told you he’s not here.”

  “We understand that, Mr. Morton. But what if he snuck in somehow without your knowledge and he’s just waiting for us to leave. It’s for your protection.”

  “Of course. I hadn’t thought of that.” The four detectives searched the rooms, and then returned to the hallway satisfied with the results. “It sounds like you have something to tell us.”

  “I do. Ralph called.”

  Jessie checked her phone after he commented. “I think he must have used a payphone, because I don’t have anything from the phone company,” Jessie mumbled to Zach out of earshot.

  “What did he say?”

  “He said he was at Tameric State Park with his friend and the old man’s grandchild, and as soon as they were done with their visit, he was coming to see me within the next few days.”

  Zach held his finger up. “Hold that thought,” and looked at Jessie.

  “I’m already on it,” she said and walked away.

  “Okay, is there somewhere we can all talk?”

  “Yes, let’s go into the family room. That’s where my boys are.”

  Zach pointed to where they were going. Jessie nodded and continued to talk into her phone.

  “This here is Detective Gerard,” Waldo said. Zach nodded. “And these two gentlemen are your local law enforcement, Detectives Finnegan and Unger.”

  “This is Ralph’s twin brother Raphael and his youngest brother, Douglas, and our favorite canine Jasper,” the father continued. Noticing the dog’s deformities, Zach was curious to find out what happened. They all shook hands then sat down across from the father.

  “Okay, tell us what he said.” Zach said.

  “He said he wanted to make amends and was coming over to talk.”

  “And, you told him what?”

  “I told him I was going to be out most of the week or so, but if he’d give me a call or text me when he was planning his visit, I’d make sure I was here.”

  “That was a very smart thing to say, Mr. Morton. Did you work in law enforcement at one time?” Detective Unger asked.

  “No,” he smiled sheepishly, “I just seen it on an old episode of Law & Order.” He shrugged. “So that was good, huh?”

  “It was perfect and we can be here to greet him. How many years has it been since you’ve seen each other?” Zach asked.

  “Oh gee, I’d say it’s been about fifteen years or more.” He turned to his sons. “What do you think?”

  Raphael nodded, but Douglas responded. “Yes, Dad. Don’t you remember? It was my tenth birthday when he made his grand exit.”

  “Can you tell me about that, Douglas.”

  “He asked me what I wanted for my birthday a few weeks before and I told him I wanted a puppy more than anything.” He hugged the Golden Retriever’s neck. “When he presented me my gift, the dog was all wet and he smelled funny. The next thing I knew, he lit a match and this guy went up in flames. Jasper took off like a shot. I chased him with a blanket to put out the fire, but as you can see, he’s scarred for life.”

  “My god, he’s one sick man,” Jessie said when she returned. “What did he do while you were chasing after the dog?”

  “He laughed,” Raphael said.

  “He really needs help. Why would anyone do such a thing to a defenseless animal?”

  “Because he’s a damn sick individual who had to be the center of attention,” the father said. “I blame his mother for this. She always took his side, and that’s when I decided it was time to throw the bastard out. I told him right then and there, I never wanted to see him again.”

  “Mr. Morton, will you excuse us for a moment?” Jessie said.

  “Sure.” He looked at the men, “can I get you a drink or something while we wait?”

  Jessie stopped when they stood in the entryway. “He’s not at Tameric State Park. I called it in and there are a few other parks in the surrounding area, some of them actually border on Massachusetts. So I’ve alerted all of them.”

  “Good. I think he’s onto us.. The fact that he told his father where he was and he’s not there, shows he’s no dummy. Will you give Guardino a call and give him an update?”

  “Sure. I’ve already called the captain.”

  “Good job, Jessie. I love having you as my partner.” He smiled and headed back toward the family room. “Sorry about that,” he said when he reentered the room. “Now, you said earlier that your wife was always taking Ralph’s side. Was that also the end of your marriage?”

  “Yes, it was. Sad but true, but it was pretty obvious to me that his mother loved him more than she loved the rest of us.”

  “Did you know she’s on that list too?” Jessie asked.

  “So you said, but I seriously doubt he’d do anything to her.”

  “Well, we’re not taking any chances. We need to take every precaution we can to keep all of you safe.”

  Jessie’s phone rang. She excused herself again and returned a few minutes later with a long face. “What?” Zach said.

  “We’ll talk later. Let’s finish up here.”

  “We’re just about done.” He turned to the other detectives. “Do you have any more questions you want to ask?”

  “Nope,” Unger said. “I
think we’ve got what we need.” He caught Morton’s attention. “To put your mind at ease, Mr. Morton, you should know that you’ll have protection 24-7 until we catch this guy. Will your sons be staying here with you?”

  “Yes. They’ll be staying.”

  Unger handed Morton his card. “Call me when you’re letting the dog out for a potty break.”

  “Okay, Mr. Morton,” Zach said, “we’ll be in touch.”

  Outside, Jessie told everyone what the last call was about. “They just found a body floating in Rice Pond at the Jefferson State Park.”

  “Where is that,” Zach asked.

  “It’s two towns over from Danbury, Connecticut.”

  “And according to authorities, the victim’s ID says its Keenan.”

  “Goddammit,” Zach said. “I had high hopes he wouldn’t hurt Keenan even though he was on the list.”

  Rushing out to the car, Zach shoved his hands into his pockets to warm them. Jessie cranked up the engine and turned the heat on full force, backed out of the driveway onto the main road and headed in the direction of the state park. “His victims are dropping like flies,” she said. “I’m still praying he doesn’t hurt that little boy.”

  “C’mon, let’s focus on one thing at a time.”

  “Okay, you’re right. But I can’t stop thinking about the kid. You know how it was with Jake.”

  “Alright, point taken. But honestly, from what everyone has said, he loves the kid. I don’t think he’s going to hurt him.” Jessie rolled her eyes. “Try to think positive thoughts instead. Okay?”

  She blew out a hefty breath from her puffed up cheeks. “I’m trying.”

  “You have to. If you can’t focus, there’s no point continuing because your mind is elsewhere and we could wind up getting killed. Take a step back and look at this objectively. These people aren’t our families. Sure, care about them, but pay attention to what’s in front of you and not something that could or might not happen.”

  “I’m trying.”

  “Well, try harder.”