No Ordinary Killer

by Rita Karnopp

  “We’ll be at that meeting.” Dallas walked toward him. “Actually, would you mind giving me a ride?” She waived her injured wrist.

  “Sure, no problem.” It pleased him she asked for his help and not Bicsak’s.

  “I’ll give you a ride, Dallas,” Bicsak offered. “We should make some joint notes about our observations and our take on these murders before we attend this meeting anyway.”

  “I’ve truly seen quite enough. If you want to take a few more notes, go right ahead. I’ve had enough of this room.”

  Cooper glanced back at Bicsak and didn’t miss the more than interested look he gave Dallas. So that’s how it was, the guy was in love with her. Now Cooper understood the hostility coming from the man.

  Dallas silently walked out of the house and Cooper followed close behind. He wondered why she hadn’t disclosed the broken fingernail to Bicsak. He’d let her explain that one if she chose to.

  Eucalyptus and spearmint drifted his way … he found her intoxicating. They reached the front steps when Cooper stopped.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You have the camera, but I forgot the evidence bag. I’d better go back and get it. You go to the car, and I’ll be right back. Damn, I’ve never done that before.” He turned and hurried back toward the gruesome scene.

  “I’m coming with. I don’t trust you and Bicsak in the same room without me.”

  He chuckled and continued on ahead of her. Cooper stepped into the bedroom and stopped short. Dallas bumped into him. “What the hell?” He said, looking around the room. Bicsak was nowhere to be seen.

  “Where did he go?” Dallas whispered behind him. “I don’t see your evidence bag anywhere. I saw it when you asked for the camera.”

  “Bicsak must have seen it, too.” Uneasiness gripped Cooper.

  “He must have grabbed it so nothing happened to the evidence, then gone out the back door.”

  “That better be the case … because if it’s not and someone else took that evidence, I’m screwed.”

  “There wasn’t enough time for Bicsak to walk out of that room and someone else enter and leave before we got here. They would have seen each other.”

  “Where does that leave us?”

  “I’m sure Bicsak has it. I’ll call him on my cell once we get to the car.”

  “I hope to hell you’re right. Let’s get out of here.” As Cooper followed Dallas a heavy feeling of doom settled over him. What he was afraid to ask … could the killer have gotten his hands on that evidence bag? But how? There wasn’t enough time. Nothing seemed to be going right lately.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The shrill ringing of the phone finally seeped into Megan’s deep sleeping mind. She pulled off the light inhibiting blinds from her eyes and squinted to find her cell.

  “Yeah?”

  “How can you sleep? Doesn’t your conscience bother you?”

  “Who is this?”

  “Don’t you wonder how your lover knows all the details of these murders?”

  “What are you inferring?”

  “I’m not inferring anything. Maybe you should give it some thought.”

  Megan sat, curiosity and anger building. “Who is this? Did Kari Winslow put you up to this?”

  “Wronnnng! Guess again.”

  “Are you … the killer?” She asked, looking around the sunlit bedroom.

  “Now, why would a killer be calling you? Oh, I know, to thank you for the attention you’ve given to … what shall we call them … certain events that have long since been forgotten.”

  “I just wrote a book. Since when is that a crime?”

  “Oh, you’re getting worked up. I’ve never claimed writing a book was a crime. Hell, I don’t think anything really is a crime. Shit happens. Killings happen. Accidents happen. Fear happens. What do you think?”

  “What do you want?”

  “I want satisfaction. Yes, that’s it. I want satisfaction. Isn’t that what you wanted when you decided to cheat on your husband? Satisfaction.”

  “How … who are you? What business is this of yours?” Megan slid off the bed and worked her way to the window. She carefully spread the mini blinds and glanced around the back yard.

  “Oh, it’s my business that you’ve screwed with. You didn’t have all the facts, did you know that? You’ve made me out to be some crazed idiot. I’m actually a genius. Would you believe that? A damn genius.”

  “Well, genius, what do you want with me?” She swallowed hard, hoping she sounded unafraid.

  “I think we should meet.”

  “What?” Megan shouted.

  “Did I surprise you, Megan love?”

  “I won’t meet you. I mean … what on earth for?”

  “We need to discuss the problems with your book. You need to inform the public of the truth, not the distorted facts as seen through the eyes of those idiot detectives.”

  “I … no … I can’t meet with you. I … the book is done. There’s no reason to change anything. It’s fiction for Christ’s sake.”

  “Wronnnng! Surely you are in the process of a second book. Come on, you aren’t going to write only one book. I know for a fact you have a two-book contract. The second is a sequel to Malicious Intent. Let’s see, it’s going to be called Physical Evidence, right?”

  “How … would you know that?”

  “Oh, come one, love. Meet with me. I’ll help you become the most prolific writer on serial killers ever. The name Megan Reynolds will be known internationally.”

  “I don’t know. How can I trust you?”

  “You can’t.”

  Megan trembled. She wanted to hang up the phone, but she feared that more than listening to the madman. “I’m not sure I believe you.”

  “Very good, Megan. A bit gutsy, but I’m impressed. You’ve got to be scared shitless by now. I admire your tenacity.”

  “I don’t want your admiration. I want you to hang up and never call me again.”

  “Wronnnng! Not an option, love. You will meet me.”

  “No I won’t. Don’t you see, I can’t?”

  “Oh, but you can and you will. I’m giving you an ultimatum. You’d better listen up and take me seriously. You’ll meet me and write what I tell you to write or you’ll become one of the statistics.”

  “What?” She could barely breathe.

  “Got your attention that time, didn’t I? You will come to me, Megan. Tomorrow night at … let’s make it midnight at the grave site of poor little Lisa Helms. You know where. Check your book and you’ll have no problem finding it. I warn you, come alone.”

  “I won’t be there.” Megan said, barely above a whisper.

  “Oh, you’ll be there or I’ll come to you. I’m going to make you famous one way or the other.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Victim or author. Choice is yours.”

  She shuddered inwardly at the thought. A click and dial tone told her the conversation was over. What would she do? God, how had it come to this? She couldn’t control the sporadic trembling within her.

  The phone rang in her hand. She jumped, dropping it to the floor. She hesitated, wanting to pick it up, yet afraid it was him again. She reached down, slid to unlock, and held it to her ear.

  “Hello.” Her voice constricted and the word squeaked out.

  “Megan? That you? It’s James Airhart. I have those papers drawn up for you to sign. You there?”

  “Oh, James, I’m sorry, I was … writing and my mind wasn’t on answering the phone.”

  “Boy, you do get involved, don’t you? Like I said—“

  “I heard you. I don’t have time for them today. Uh … why don’t you run them by Cooper and get his signature first. I’ll sign them later.”

  “It’d be easier for me if you both just came to my office and signed them.”

  “Didn’t you hear me? I just can’t today.”

  “You okay? You sound strange?”

  “I’m fine, only annoyed with your b
adgering. Just get Cooper’s signature and I’ll stop by your office when I can.”

  “Maybe we could do dinner? I could bring the papers along.”

  She drew in a breath, then focused on getting rid of James. “Sounds nice, we haven’t done dinner in a long time. Thanks so much, James, you’re a dear.”

  “I can’t do dinner tonight, how about tomorrow night, say eight at our usual place?”

  “Can’t do. I … have a commitment. Why don’t you check with me later?”

  “Sounds great. I look forward to it. Bye, Megan.”

  “Bye.” James Airhart had been trying to get into her pants for almost a year now. That came in handy when she needed an attorney willing to get her what she wanted. Going to the best restaurants and social events boosted her confidence.

  Her conversation with James helped her forget the previous caller. What choice did she have? And, believe it or not, she did need information for the second book. It was at a complete stand still.

  But, could she bargain with the devil? A better question, should she bargain with the devil … was he really the killer?”

  * * *

  Dallas settled back into the leather seat of Cooper’s navy Jeep. “Nice rig. You just buy this to replace the Mustang?”

  “No, I had the Mustang for the fun of it, but I use this one for fishing, hunting, camping, gold panning and the like. Hard to strap the canoe on the Mustang. Guess I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

  “I’m sorry. It was a real shame. Coop … I mean, Cooper—“

  “I need to get over that. Call me whatever you like.”

  “You may be sorry you said that! Thought you should know someone was ransacking my room this morning. I surprised him and … well he got away.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “No, I made it up. Of course I’m serious.”

  “You see him?”

  “Yes, I got a very good look at him. We actually had a conversation. He said he was looking for shit to fence. I’d have believed him, but his expensive Birkenstocks said otherwise. I attempted to arrest his ass for breaking and entering. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as I had planned and he got away. I should have been able to handle it. Damn brace got in the way. “

  “Any idea what he was looking for?”

  “That’s just it, I don’t have a clue. I mean, really what would I have worth stealing? Maybe he was telling the truth or maybe … if this had anything to do with the case … he just might have been after my notes. If not, then I don’t have a clue.”

  “Would you recognize him if you saw him again?”

  “Damn straight. I never forget a face. I’m going to visit a sketch artist when I get a minute.” She glanced at Cooper. He had one of the nicest smiles she’d ever seen. “What you smiling about?”

  “Bet your trying to arrest him was the shock of his life. He knows you saw him. That might not be a good thing.”

  “Maybe he wasn’t looking for anything.” Dallas said.

  “I don’t follow you.”

  “Maybe he was leaving something.”

  “The kind of something that has the same results as my car?

  She nodded. “I think we should send—“

  “Shit, is that your B&B in flames?”

  “Damn it! There goes about five-hundred dollars’ worth of clothes, not to mention my leather luggage.” Dallas slammed her hands together, then winced.

  “Well, I’d say I’m no longer the target. Someone is definitely trying to kill you, Dallas. You care to share?”

  She shrugged her shoulders, leaned back, then closed her eyes. “I have no idea. The killer must have seen me at the first crime scene and I guess the second one also. But that doesn’t make me anymore of a target than the rest of the team. No one seems to be trying to kill any of you.”

  “You must have stumbled onto some evidence you aren’t aware of yet. The killer is afraid you know too much. Did your notes burn up in the fire?”

  “Actually I was hoping my notebook fell out of my pocket at your apartment last night. I couldn’t find it anywhere this morning and I had to use a new one for today.”

  “Well, we can’t sit here and watch the firemen all day. Let’s run over to my place and see if it’s there.”

  “I have a little nail item still in my pocket and I’d feel better if it was being analyzed by the lab. If you have the blood samples from the carpet ring, we could drop them all at the crime lab.”

  “I do, but my plan is to send them to a friend at the FBI crime lab. No offense, but someone is leaking current information to the press. If we hear anything about a blood ring, Bicsak is the leak there.”

  “I think you can forget that one. He wouldn’t do anything like that.”

  “What is it between the two of you?”

  “Between us? Nothing more than professional partners and that’s the way I plan to keep it. He thinks he’s irresistible to women, I’m proving him wrong. I don’t mix work and pleasure anyway. My private life is just that, private. Art can’t seem to understand that concept. The more I say no, the harder he tries to change my mind.”

  “Maybe it’s because he’s in love with you.”

  Dallas rolled her eyes. “Give me a break. We work together. Period.”

  “You ever notice the way he looks at you? Now, don’t get pissed. I’m serious. A guy sees these things. I’m telling you, the way Bicsak looks at you isn’t in the line of duty.”

  “We need to change the subject because I’m not dignifying your comment with an answer.” She glanced at Cooper, then added, “What?”

  “You know I’m right, don’t you?”

  “Maybe. But that doesn’t change my mind or how I feel. He’s not my type either.”

  Cooper laughed. “Oh, and exactly what is your type? No … no … let me guess. I’ve known you all of two days. Let’s see how good I am.”

  She squirmed slightly as he gave her a look of thoughtful scrutiny.

  “He would be a guy that likes the opera, social parties, and champagne overlooking the lights of the big city.”

  “You couldn’t be more wrong. I like a guy that smiles and has a sense of humor. I like a guy who enjoys slow dancing and someone who is comfortable whispering sensitive things in my ear. I like a guy who prefers wine and cheese and long talks snuggled together in front of a fire. And, when I’m in an extremely happy mood or I want to celebrate, I love a guy who’s willing to go dancing at a Latin club.”

  “You really think you’ll find Mr. Right?”

  Dallas laughed. “Not in this lifetime, but a girl can dream, can’t she?” Cooper’s laugh caused her to look at him. “And since I bore my soul to you, what is your idea of the perfect female?” She giggled as he screwed up his face in a gesture indicating hopelessness. “Come on,” she coaxed.

  “Let’s see … the yin to my yang, eh? She’d have to love my Tina and Tucker and they would have to like her from the get-go. Then, she’d have to be funny and not moody. She’d love family picnics, hiking, and suspense as well as funny romantic movies. After my kids have gone to bed, she’d like quiet nights at home either watching a movie, talking in front of the fireplace, or just reading. There, you have a blueprint for the woman I’m looking for … well, not exactly looking. These days she’d have to fall in my lap before I’d notice her.”

  “Know what you mean. Our jobs don’t exactly free-up much socializing time, do they? Okay, I’ve got one for you. How long has it been since your last real date?”

  “Brother,” he said, squealing the tires as the Jeep turned a corner.

  “We got company?” she asked, glancing in the side view mirror.

  “We definitely got a tail. White van in the far left lane.”

  “Got it. How long has it been following us?”

  “Two blocks from the burning B&B. I think we’ll go to the station first. We can mail our evidence from there. Let’s include a couple pictures of the blood ring along with blood sample
s and the nail. We’ll use an evidence sequester form and keep a copy … for us.”

  Dallas nodded, while keeping her gaze fixed on the white van. “It just turned off.”

  “He figured out we’re headed for the station. That would indicate someone familiar with Great Falls.”

  “Or … he realized we were on to him and he didn’t want us reading his license plate.”

  “True. Nothing’s ever easy, is it?”

  “I wonder if a white van had been seen at the either of the crime scenes. We should study the overalls from the crowd. We should also search the first crime scene for a possible hidden blood ring,” she suggested, excited over the prospect.

  “Five months.”

  “Five months, what?”

  “Since I’ve been on a real date. Five months. It was a complete disaster set up by my partner. I could have shot him.” Cooper laughed.

  “My, you jump track often?”

  “It just came to me. Okay, how about you?”

  “I don’t have time … I’m on the road more than I’m home. I’m trying to keep—“

  “I know, keep on-track.”

  “Right.” Dallas unsnapped her seatbelt and was out of the Jeep before Cooper had a chance to respond.

  “Dallas, what type of vehicle is Bicsak renting?”

  “I think it’s a … white van.”

  “Great, here comes Romeo. How much you want to bet he was following us?”

  She glanced across the parking lot and watched him walk toward them. “Hi. Thought you wanted to stay behind to analyze the crime scene a bit more?”

  “I decided I’d go over the evidence when it gets back from the lab.” He held up Cooper’s evidence bag. “How about we grab an early lunch and go over our notes, then we can get back here for that five o’clock meeting?”

  “I’m sorry, Art, I’d love to, but Cooper and I are going to put these pictures into evidence. If we have time we might go back to the first crime scene to check a few things out. You’re welcome to join us, but I don’t think he should be going there alone.” Luke’s face flushed and he cast a threatening glance at Cooper.

  “You guys go ahead. I need to do some work before that meeting. You know how I like to be prepared.”