Whenthey arrived at Tony’s he did a complete search of the house. Andrea turned down the bed and put the news on. Tony sat next to her with his eyes glued to the television. They were nauseous while the broadcast news was on. The anchorman showed such powerful emotion while reading his script that Andrea felt as if she were being personally reprimanded.
Tony turned off the television and turned to Andrea. “Let’s just go to bed.
Chris was pacing the lab waiting for the copies. Finally, he got them. Moments later they were handed to every detective. Frank came back to the office and followed Chris and the detectives into the conference room. Carl and Jerry instructed everyone to watch the tape carefully for any recognition of the location. As more people were piling into the room, Maggie came in and stood by Frank.
“How did it go?”
“I got surveillance tapes.”
“Fantastic!”
“I hope so.” Frank was very uncomfortable with the idea of her seeing this tape.
“Hey, are you feeling alright?”
“Yeah.” He couldn’t look her in the eyes. “This tape is pretty graphic, that’s all.”
“Frank, I am in the sex crimes division.”
“I know, I know. It’s just that I…”
“You feel strange watching it with me here.”
“Yes, but more angry. The thought of you being taken…” He cringed.
“Let’s just get this over with.”
All detectives watched in horror. Some looked like they were on the verge of tears, and others were ready to kill the person responsible with their bare hands. By now, everyone wanted a piece of this case.
Later that night, Frank was at his apartment watching the tape over and over again. The more he watched, the more frustrated he became, but he couldn’t help it. There had to be something on that tape to give him a clue. It was either an abandoned room or it could very well bethe sociopath’s house. He was about to watch the tape again when Maggie came to the door.
“Hi. Is this a bad time?”
“No, I was just…”
“Watching the tape again?”
“Yeah.”
She walked to the couch and sat down. “Don’t do this to yourself.”
He came and satnext to her. “What else am I supposed to do?”
“I know you will find these women.”
“Before or after it’s too late?”
She gave him a sympathetic look. “Can I help?” “I wish you could. Right now we’re trying to figure out who the other woman is.”
“Well, I’ll let you work. Call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks.” He walked her to the door and kissed her goodbye. Frank did not feel comfortable looking at that tape with Maggie there. Although she had seen her share of horrific crimes, it still made him uneasy. Frank decided to go to the office and work. He wanted to be at the office in case Chris came up with anything, which was unlikely.” He had obtained pictures of all the men they questioned through the DMV. Hopefully, they would recognize someone onthe surveillance tapes. Frank didn’t even get to sit at his desk when his cell phone rang. The number was Dina’s office.
“Detective, oh God!”
“Mrs. Wilder? What is it?”
“I can’t believe it!”
“Clam down and tell me what happened.”
“ He called.”
“Who called?”
“Whoever has her. She was yelling in the background for help. He told me that if I called her again he would hurt her!”
“I’m going to have someone check with the phone company to see if they can trace the call. Are you sure it was her?”
“Yes, yes I’m positive.”
Frank was in shock. “I’m sending an officer over there. Mrs. Wilder, did you recognize his voice at all?” “No, I’m sorry.” She sobbed.
“It’s a right. You did the only thing you could do. I’m also going to put a tap on your phones just in case he decides you call again.”
“Alright I’ll be here.”
“Thank you Mrs. Wilder.”
Frank paged Chris to tell him the latest and then went to Mueller. He walked into his office without knocking. Slomin was sitting on the corner of the desk laughing. “Frank what’s up?”
“A lot. Dina’s boss called. She called Dina and he called her back. I need you to get someone over there for a tap and to work with then phone company.” Frank was finished asking for things at this point and Carl knew it.”
“Jesus. You got it.”
Slomin decided to make a mistake and put his two cents in. “Detective do you really think it was here, or is this guy just sending you on a wild goose chase.” Frank turned around and his face was red. “I need to check out every detail.”
“I understand. Just don’t waste too much time….”
That was it, Frank exploded. “Waste time? Are you nuts?”
Carl stood up. “Frank…”
“Instead of telling me not to waste time on something you think is insignificant why don’t you work on getting a decent sentence for this guy instead of plea bargaining for six years.”
“I take offense…”
“And I take offense that these rapists and murderers get time off because they were well behaved in prison. You know what; I have no time to argue with you. If you want my badge take it as soon as I solve this case. I’d like to see you do some detective work in your four hundred dollar suits.”
With that, Frank stormed out. He could imagine what Slomin was saying to Mueller right about now.
When he went to the basement he focused on Nicole first. Angel was gone, so Buddy had them all to himself. Dina looked like she passed out.
“WAKE UP!” They both jerked. “You girls will be having a roommate soon.”
He did his usual feeding and washing of the women. He then made a spot in the corner for his next victim. Before he left he laid on the bed with Dina. She remembered not to move away from him or else he would burn her again.
“I’m sorry you were hurt before, but I see you’ve learned your lesson.” He ignored her whimpering as he kissed her breasts . When he was done with her he whispered in herear. “I think you enjoy this but don’t want to admit it.” Then he took Nicole’s picture and left. John’s first call of the morning was at his home from Michael.
“John, I need your help.”
“Michael, where the Hell have you been?” “John, its Nicole.” Michael could barely catch his breath from the panic. “She’s gone. Someone has her.”
“What? I’m on my way over.”
John’s heart was racing on the way to Michael’s house. He officially began to panic when he saw the police car. He ran into the house to find Michael sitting on the couch holding his head. His face was very pale and sweaty. “Michael, what happened?”
“Nicole.” He mumbled.
John looked over to the officer. “What is it?” “Michael looked up. “I came home and her picture was in the mailbox.”
“Her picture?”
The officer took John aside and showed him the photo. “Jesus Christ.”
“We’re contacting Detective Riser.” “Frank Riser?” Michael managed to ask. “Yes. Do you know him?”
“I’ve talked to him a few times.”
“Officer Healy may I speak with you in private?”
“Sure.”
John and Officer Davis went into the kitchen. “Being as you are the Senior Parole officer, I figured you should know. This is probably the guy who is on the news. That’s why I called Frank.”
Michael came into the kitchen. They hoped he didn’t overhear them. John went to the phone. “Michael, I will help you anyway I can.”
“Thank you John. But whatever you do, don’t stop me from killing that son of a bitch if I get to him.” John got a hold of Andrea. “Andrea I’m at Michael’s, Nicole is missing.”
“I know, he told me she left him a note.” “No, I mean she was taken. He came home and
founda picture of her left under the door.”
Andrea felt sick. “Oh my God.”
“Listen, I know Frank Riser is close with Tony so if anything…”
“Absolutely we will do whatever we can. John, why Nicole?”
“I don’t know. Look, reassign his cases and I’ll be there as soon as I can. Michael called her parents and they are on their way. I don’t want to leave until there is someone here with him.”
“Alright. Please tell him to call if he needs anything.”
“I will. I’m sorry to put this extra work on you. I knowyou have your own problems to deal with” “It’s okay. Nothing has happened in a few days so who knows? We all could have been panicking for nothing.”
“Well, I don’t want to take any chances so stay with Tony until we’re sure.”
“I will.” She called Tony and told him what had happened.
“I don’t believe it.”
“Tell me about it. They think it may be the guy Frank is looking for. I told John if anything happens we would tell Michael immediately.”
“Does Frank know about Nicole?”
“Not yet. They are contacting him.” “I’ll leave a message for him to call me.” “Thanks.”
“No problem. Are you okay?”
“I just can’t imagine what’s happening to her.” “I don’t want to imagine it. I’ll call you later.” Andrea sat quietly in shock. No matter what kind of man Michael was, this was the last thing he deserved.
Frank’s phone went off after his outburst with Slomin. He began to panic when he didn’t recognize the number. Reluctantly he went back to Mueller’s office. Slomin looked at him with an astonished face that he had the audacity to storm back into that office.
“Who the Hell do you think…”
Frank interrupted him. “I just got a page from a new number. I want to call it from here with a trace.” Carl agreed. “Andy!” he shouted over the paging system. “We need a trace immediately in my office.”
Slomin looked at Frank. “You think it’s him?” “I hope so.”
A heavy-set Andy with his black hair in a ponytail; came to the office. “Okay Captain, let me set up.” Andy had it completed in minutes. They all sat in silence while Frank dialed the number. He was very surprised when he learned it was a cop.
“Hello this is Officer Davis. Detective I figured this was the quickest way to reach you. I have a situation here that looks like your guys calling card.” Frank covered the receiver and spoke to the others. “It’s a cop who thinks he may have a victim. Officer, I’m going to put you on speaker phone.”
“I was called to Michael Amalfitano’s home, a parole officer.”
“Yes I’ve met him a few times. What happened?”
“His wife supposedly left him a few days ago. When he came home today he found a photo of her cuffed to a table.”
Frank’s adrenaline was pumping. “Can you bring me that photo?”
“You got it.”
“Thanks.”
Slomin wasstunned. “A PO’s wife? What the Hell is this asshole trying to do?”
Frank rubbed his temples. “I think we’ll find out soon enough. This could be the woman on the tape.” Carl was smoking. “Let’s get a list of all his parolees that may want to causehim problems.” “I already have one.” Frank beeped Chris. “Chris questioned this guy who was Dina Weston’s fiancé. His brother is on parole.”
Slomin was getting angry again. “I thought you checked him out already.”
“We did. I think we should just follow them. If it is him, who knows what will happen to the girls?” “You’re right. You and Chris each follow one and we better get in touch with the parole department.” “I’ll call.”
Slomin was a little more relieved. “Alright, let’s do it.”
Frank went to his office and called Andrea. She was already aware of the situation.
“You think Aaron is that guy?”
“I don’t know. Chris and I are going to follow them.” Frank loaded his gun. “How’s Michael?” “A basket case.”
“I figured. I’ll call you when I know anything.” “Thanks.” Andrea jumped out of her skin when there was a crash of thunder. John came to her office moments later soaking wet.
“I got caught in the storm.”
“I see that.”
He sat in front of her desk. “Michael is a wreck. Before I left he said he was going to find her himself.”
“Can you blame him?”
“No. I got the officer to stay with him until Nicole’s parents get there. I cannot wait until our lives get back to old fashioned pain in the ass parolees.”
“You and me both.”
Tony called her while John was on his way out and she stopped him. “It’s Tony.”
John shut the door.
“I am about to make your day.”
“Do tell.”
“Sam Little called me. Nickels finally talked.” “Hang on John is picking up the other line.” John picked up fromthe wall phone. “Okay Tony, shoot.” “Sam got a name from Gary and you are not going to believe it.”
“Try me.” John was anxious.
“Brandon Hughes.”
“What?” They asked.
“Apparently Nickels hangs out at the apartment building where one of his parolees lives. Brandon offered him a couple hundred to deliver the notes and also promised not to arrest him for doing crack.” Andrea felt sick. “I don’t believe this.” John was in shock. “Did he ever harass you?”
Andrea turned red. “Yes, but I told him off and that was the end of it.”
Tony was infuriated. “When the Hell was this?”
“Tony not now.”
John’s knuckles were white from his grip on the phone. “That son of a bitch.”
Tony let out a sigh of relief. “So that’s it. Sam is on his way to the hospital to inform Brandon of his new charge.”
“Thank God.” John sighed.
“Andrea I’ll pick you up later.”
“Please thank Sam for me.”
“I will.”
Andrea and John stared at each other. John raised his eyebrows. “Well, that’s one down. I think I’ll go visit exparole officer Hughes.”
“John don’t do anything rash.”
“Not to worry.”
‘Bastard’, she thought to herself. By now the storm was in full force and it was pitch black out. It was very fitting for the mood.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sam Little was coming out of Brandon’s room when John arrived. John nodded to him. “So what did he have to say for himself?” “He got so riled up they had to give him a mild sedative.” John smiled. “Thank you for all your help.” “Anytime.”
Brandon was awake yet not able to speak clearly. John closed the door behind him. “You son of a bitch.”
Brandon tried to speak but could only manage to shake his head.
“I know Brandon, you didn’t do it.” John began to play with his IV. “I guess you really need this, huh?” Brandon’s eyes widened. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want to kill you. I would much rather have you in a prison cell with someone you arrested and believe me I can make it happen.” With that, John left with a smile on his face just thinking about it
The pouring rain didn’t make David move any faster. When he arrived at his counseling session he was exhausted. His nightmares were keeping him up all hours of the night. Andrew knew something was up.
“Why so tired? The nightmares?”
“Yeah.” David sat down and took a tissue to wipe the rain from his ace. Andrew began to see David privately in addition to group.
“Anything else?”
“Like what? Isn’t that enough?”
“You look pensive.”
He paused. “Nothing.”
“You’re not very convincing. Whatever is said here is confidential David.”
He crossed his arms and took a deep breath. “I though she wanted what happened.”
&
nbsp; “Your victim?”
David shuttered at the sound of those words, your victim. “Yes.”
and face it. a life left.” “Tell me what happened that night.”
David startedshaking. “I can’t.”
“It’s the only way you will be able to get it out
Otherwise, you are not going to have much of “I don’t have much of a life now.” David got up.
“Don’t go.”
“I can’t do this.”
“David, please.”
David walked out and stood in the rain. His chest was pounding. ‘This will never end.’ He thought. He went home which was beginning to feel like a prison with all the parole officers coming all the time.
By now, every available detective was helping Frank and Chris. Frank was lucky enough to be the one to follow David. On his way out Maggie ran up to him.
“Frank, a cop just dropped this off.”
It was the photo of the other woman, it was Nicole. “Show this to the Captain for me please.”
“Sure.”
‘Shit.’ He now had to see Michael and break the news. He called Andrea from his cell phone. “Hey.” “Hi. What’s going on?”
“It’s definitely Nicole.”
“Shit.”
“I have to go see Michael.”
“I should go with you.”
“I think you’ve got enough to handle with Brandon. Let me handle this.”
“Alright, but I know John will want to be there.” “Tell him to meet me outside and I’ll follow him over.” “I’ll tell him.”
Frank was there within minutes. John looked like he was going to throw up. There was no color in his face. “You ready for this?”
“No, but we don’t have a choice.”
When they were walking to the door they took a deep breath. Michael opened the door before they knocked.
“Anything?” His eyes were bloodshot, he hadn’t shaved and he was dressed in the same clothes as yesterday.
“We need to talk.” Frank broke the ice. They sat on the sofa and John looked around.
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