by Rita Karnopp
NO ORDINARY KILLER
by
Rita Karnopp
ISBN: 978-1-927476-13-0
Books We Love Ltd.
(Electronic Book Publishers)
192 Lakeside
Greens Drive
Chestermere, Alberta, T1X 1C2
Canada
http://bookswelove.net
Copyright 2012 by Jamie Hill
Cover art by Michelle Lee Copyright 2012
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
CHAPTER ONE
“Johnathan Berry slowly entered the kitchen. The smell of dying flesh immediately assaulted his senses. This had to be the killer’s sanctuary. Johnathan paused at the stove and fought the rising bile. Nothing prepared him to see a heart boiling in a pot of water. What appeared to be entrails sizzled and snapped like bacon in a hot, cast iron pan. Tightening his grip on the glock, he moved slowly toward the hall. Was it instinct that warned him the killer was still in the house?”
Thunderous applause filled the room. Megan smiled, taking it all in. One glance at the pale star talk-show host, Kari Winslow, added to the moment.
“My, this is graphic. Looking at you, I’d never guess you could write something so … shocking.” Kari pressed her palm against her chest.
“Murder happens fast. That’s what Cooper, my ex-husband, always said. He’s a police investigator, you know. We used to sit up half the night talking about killers and why they did it.” Megan drew in a slow, steady breath. Her heart pounded so hard against her chest she feared the small microphone clipped to her jacket would pick up the thunderous thump … thump … thump.
What was she doing here? She hated talk shows, but the exposure this interview would give her book was mammoth. Sales were picking up and she had to admit, she loved the spotlight.
“Yes, and rumor has it, Ms. Reynolds, that you got your information from your ex’s case files for your book. Is that true?”
“I wrote Malicious Intent with information I researched and pulled together. Now, some say it’s fact and others don’t. Maybe that’s the thrilling part about the book. No one really knows except me.” Meg smiled, pleased Kari Winslow struggled with the interview.
“Wouldn’t that be confidential information? If you stole a police case file you could have broken—“
“I didn’t say I stole any files. In fact, I didn’t steal a thing. I’m not stupid, Miss Winslow.” Her relentless pursuits wore on Meg’s nerves.
“Let’s move on, shall we? Malicious Intent has been number one on the New York best sellers list for an incredible ten weeks now. Do you think that’s because it’s a thrilling story or is it because it’s believed to be based on true events?”
“Back to that, are we? I think Malicious Intent is a well-written book. It’s intriguing and it’s graphic. People are sick of wishy-washy books that never let a reader truly see what a crime is all about. I get into the nitty-gritty. The public is surprised by my honesty and bluntness. That’s why it’s number one.” Meg leaned forward and flipped a handful of long, blonde hair behind her shoulder.
“We have to go to a commercial break right now. When we come back, I’ll read another honest, blunt page from the number one, best-seller, Malicious Intent. Please stay with us, you won’t be sorry.”
Meg dropped back in her chair and allowed a steady, slow breath pass between her lips. “Came at me kinda hard, don’t you think?” Meg didn’t miss the slight smirk that flashed across Kari’s face before she pasted on an innocent smile.
“No, I don’t think I was intentionally hard on you. I happen to think you’re not as honest as you want people to think. You could be placing your ex-husband in some serious trouble here. I heard he could lose his badge if they can prove you got your information from him. You do realize if you did base your book on true facts from real murders … well, I’d hate to be you. You’ve exposed all the facts and evidence. You’ve put the killer way ahead. Do you realize your actions could get others killed?”
“Excuse me, Kari, but if they suspected or, should I say had proof, that my information was obtained from my ex’s case files, they’d have already arrested me. Fact is, they can’t prove a thing, because my information is fiction. You keep forgetting this is a novel. Did it occur to you if my murder resembles a closed case that the killer is already in prison? Be careful what you accuse me of.” Meg’s dislike for the too-pretty, brown-eyed beauty increased. She had no idea what living with Cooper had been like … and Meg could care less what happened to him.
“We’re back.” Kari flashed a white smile that contrasted with the black wedge hairstyle that framed her small face. “As promised, let me once again read to you from Malicious Intent.” Her pause caused an electrifying silence from the crowd.
“Johnathan pushed open the door with the tip of this shoe. Stairs led to the basement. Fourteen years should have warned him … should have prepared him to wait for backup. But, this case was different, it had cost him a marriage and a partner. Step-by-step he descended into the dark abyss. The sweet stench of blood filled his nostrils. This had to be the devil’s den. Having reached the cold, concrete floor, two steps sent him sliding out of control, his gun flew from his grip. The hard landing jarred his elbow and hip. Flexing his fingers, Johnathan quickly concluded … he had landed in a pool of blood.”
Deafening approval supported Megan’s work. She wasn’t surprised the pale Kari didn’t share in the overwhelming consensus.
“My … my. This isn’t exactly the type of book I generally read.”
“Malicious Intent isn’t a love story, Miss Winslow. It’s about the psychology of killers. But you knew that, didn’t you?” Meg took great delight in Kari’s discomfort.
“I had no idea killers were that sick. One wonders if it’s necessary to reveal such horrid details.”
“The public has a right to know what goes on in the big, bad world. It’s nothing new, other than I’m a female writer and it’s shocking the hell out of everyone. Maybe they’re shocked that a woman can write about—” Meg paused, catching a glimpse of the director’s waving hand, indicating time for a break.
“We’ll be right back to discuss just that.” Kari’s voice waivered slightly.
Meg waited until Kari relaxed back into her chair, no longer finding it necessary to lean her cleavage toward the audience. Kari’s manager, Jack Felton, hurried toward them with a piece of paper. Excitement exploded across Kari’s face. Meg wondered what the shallow woman was up to now.
* * *
Seething, Cooper Reynolds watched his ex-wife on TV and slammed his fist into the couch cushion. Anger, disgust and resentment pushed him to the brink of explosion. She’d already made millions on her book, a book he’d talked to her about writing himself. He’d never have had the balls to put in all the gruesome details. Obviously the public wasn’t objecting … they were eating it up. He hadn’t given her any particulars on the murders … so where had she obtained the information everyone was talking about?
A knock at the door caused him to jump. Damn, his nerves were on edge. “Who is it?” He shouted from the living room.
“It’s Josh, let me in.”
“Doors open,” he countered, not moving his gaze from the TV.
“See you’re watching. Megan has managed to come short of admitting she got her information from you. She ever does and you can kiss your badge goodbye.”
“Think
I don’t know that?” He gave Josh Arnott a quick glance. “I’m beginning to understand why a killer does it, as she put it. That bitch is going too far. I’ve never wanted to be anything but a detective. She fucks this up for me and I swear I’ll kill her myself.” Cooper leaned back and stared at his best friend and partner.
“Don’t like you talking like this. You never gave her the information, so don’t worry. We’ll find out who this bastard is and set the record straight.”
“And what if Megan found a way to open my locked briefcase and got the information from my files? I was responsible for the confidentiality of those crime scenes. Megan’s an idiot if she thinks no one would have remembered those high-profile murders.” Cooper pushed the volume button up.
“It has come to our attention, Ms. Reynolds, that the police just discovered a house with, shall we say, an identical crime scene you described in your book.”
“What? You serious? Which one?”
“Oh, I’m quite serious. I’m sure you remember the Stevenson Mansion murders. Do you feel responsible?”
“Shit! A copycat killer?” Josh asked.
Cooper gave Josh an anxious look. “Maybe we’re dealing with the real killer, reborn by Megan’s bullshit novel. All this publicity, who could miss it. Maybe Stevenson is innocent like he claimed.”
“Who would believe that?”
“Christ, Josh, you know I’ve always had doubts about that case. I know it was a step-ladder case for us. We did get noticed for that one. But—”
“But what?”
“Well, I think maybe the real killer has resurfaced. He’s a celebrity now. Most killers want and need notoriety. They want to be remembered. Megan has awakened the monster. Damn that woman!” Cooper jumped up from the couch and slammed his right fist into his left palm.
“We need to find out who’s working the case. I’ll bet we can get assigned. Hell, we were the first team on the case.” Josh shook his head. “If you think Megan sold a lot of books before … that won’t be anything. She’ll sell millions now!”
Cooper thought about Josh’s comment and his spine stiffened. “Damn that woman! I’m going to go see Clarence Stevenson. He’s had two years to think about things. Maybe he’s thought of something new. Maybe he can—“
“Maybe he had a partner!”
“What the shit you talking about, Josh?” Cooper rubbed his temple.
“You know, some guy he met in prison. He could have talked him into doing the copycat killings for him. He’d have all the details … especially some that weren’t in Megan’s book. It would be a way of proving he’s innocent. Everyone would point-out he couldn’t have committed the crime if he’s in prison? That’s the first thing you thought of, isn’t it? It’s brilliant.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve always had a bad feeling about Stevenson’s conviction.” Cooper slipped his gun into his shoulder harness, then reached for his coat.
“Yeah, you did. But, remember a jury found him guilty.”
“Maybe the jury was wrong.” Cooper snatched his keys from the tray. “Come on, let’s get moving on this. The longer it drags out, the more momentum Megan has. I’d love to prove her a farce and failure.”
“Unlikely, Coop. She’s already rich and anything you’d try to do to discredit her will look like sour grapes.”
“Not if I can prove she tampered with files during an ongoing investigation. I kept that case locked. It’s a felony and you know it. If she has resurrected a killer, the public just might not think her so high and mighty.”
The only way you can prove that is with a confession. I doubt she’s going to give you one.”
Cooper hurried down the hall and a flight of stairs, leaving Josh to run after him. “Don’t underestimate me, Josh. I’ll bring her down … you just watch me.”
The words sounded sour and hollow even to Cooper. He didn’t like how she had turned him bitter and cold. Maybe if she hadn’t gone to court to get custody of the twins, leaving him only with visitation rights. Maybe if she hadn’t farmed Tina and Tucker off to her mom in Oregon, miles away from him in Montana, while she did her book tour. And, maybe if she hadn’t written that damn book out from under him … there were too many maybes. Whatever she was up to, Cooper knew it wasn’t good.
CHAPTER TWO
“Good lord! I don’t know how to answer that, Kari. I can’t believe anyone would blame me for the actions of someone else.” Megan swallowed hard … it felt like she had a mouth full of cotton balls.
“I would think you’d feel some remorse or responsibility. I mean, think about it. You wrote all those scenes with such detail. You were brutal and honest. Now someone has lost their life because of it.”
“No! Not because of my book. I didn’t make anyone read it. I’m only responsible for my actions. You are—“
“Isn’t the man serving liquor in a bar responsible for the actions of the drinker?”
“That isn’t the same thing and you know it.” A hot flash of color raced up Meg’s neck and across her cheeks. It burned a blazing trail of guilt. She resented Kari’s accusatory gaze.
“I don’t know, audience. Should we voice our opinion? Those who think Ms. Reynolds should feel some responsibility for her book inciting this … what … how to commit murder … stand up and clap your hands.”
Meg glanced around the nearly entire standing, clapping audience. Anger filled her. She’d get even with Kari Winslow. “I didn’t say I felt no empathy or remorse, I just said I wasn’t responsible for a killer’s actions.”
“Okay, please sit down everyone. Thank you for your support. Now, Ms. Reynolds, I realize you didn’t put the knife in the killer’s hand, but you did give him a blueprint for murder.”
“Nonsense. Reading about a murder doesn’t show a crazed person how to kill … any more than watching a talk show host with silicone breasts explains how we can be more … ample.” Megan snickered with the abundant of laughter from the crowd. Encouraged, she added, “Or, when hearing or reading about how we can instantly be wealthy by marrying older men for their money … just before they die … doesn’t tell us how we can all run out and find a rich old codger to marry us.”
“You, Ms. Reynolds, have gone too far. I don’t have to justify my breasts to you … and for your information, I loved Harry.”
“I’m sure you did. But that’s my point.”
“What’s your point?”
“You don’t like my accusations any more than I like yours. I’m responsible for me, and you’re responsible for you. I’m not responsible for a killer out there because I wrote about murder. People write about murder all the time.”
“You, Ms. Reynolds, should consider the feelings of the parents of the sixteen-year-old that was murdered. You should wonder if you hadn’t described the crime scene with such detail, would this young life have been spared.”
The explosion of applause caused Megan immediate concern. When had she lost the audience’s approval? “You, Ms. Winslow, have no right to place this burden on me.”
“Perhaps you’re right. If I recall, there are three murders described in Malicious Intent. For your sake, I … and I’m sure all our listeners out there … pray that the killer doesn’t use your book as a blueprint for murder and strike again.”
As the audience applauded Kari’s exaggerated comment, Megan found herself rendered speechless. She’d underestimated Kari’s popularity and loyalty of her followers. “I … had a best seller for ten weeks. The public has voiced its approval.” The audience stood and clapped their resounding approval and loud support.
“That might change in the next ten weeks.” The audience sat and quieted down. Kari smiled and added, “We’ll just have to wait and see. That’s all the time we have for today, my friends. I’d like to thank my guest, Megan Reynolds, author of Malicious Intent. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of her controversial book on murder.”
Meg smiled, seething beneath her demure. The bitch would pay.
“I hope to see you here tomorrow when we welcome Detective Cooper Reynolds, ex-husband of today’s guest. I look forward to exploring the truth as he sees it.”
Meg stared at Kari, shocked and speechless.
“This handsome detective just might have his badge on the line. We’ll hear his reaction to Malicious Intent and how it has affected his life.”
Meg continued to stare at Kari, anger and disbelief suffocated her. Would Cooper really appear on a talk-show … and expose … what? She couldn’t allow him to deface and ruin her success. She’d stop him. She didn’t know how, but she’d make sure Cooper Reynolds did not make that appearance.
* * *
With Josh on his heels, Cooper headed straight for his desk. The stares and interest of most everyone in the room didn’t escape him. No one asked, and he wasn’t about to offer an explanation until he had to.
“Reynolds, Arnott, in here right now!”
Cooper gave Josh a conspiratorial look and headed straight for Captain Gulchinski’s office. He was loud, but usually a fair man.
“Boys, meet Internal Affairs team, Bicsak and Dallas Fortune. This here is Cooper Reynolds and his partner Josh Arnott.”
They didn’t offer to shake hands. Josh sat and teetered a chair back until it rested against the wall. Cooper flipped his chair around and straddled it, facing the standing group. “What can we do for you?” He wondered if they were going to suspend him pending their investigation. If they did, he hoped to God it wasn’t without pay. “I’m assuming this has something to do with my ex-wife’s piece of shit novel.”
“Well put, Reynolds.” Captain Gulchinski sat and leaned back, stretching the black leather. “IA is here to look into the sensitive nature of the—“
“Cut the bullshit,” Bicsak said, dropping an envelope on Captain Gulchinski’s desk. “We have reason to believe you shared several case files with your wife, Reynolds. We are pursuing the matter.”