No Ordinary Killer

by Rita Karnopp

  “You won’t kill me … will you?” She cringed, afraid of his reply.

  “You can trust me, Megan. Now, the first thing you need to do is tell your agent, mother, and of course dear Cooper you’re going away to write. I have arranged for you to stay at The Carolina B&B in lovely Helena.”

  “I’m glad that I only have to travel an hour and what … twenty minutes, but couldn’t I stay at something lovely like Boulder Hot Springs or maybe Fairmont Hot Springs?”

  “Always wanting something more than you’re offered. My … my … you are a diva, aren’t you? I did reserve the Courtney Rose Suite for you. You’ll have the entire third floor. It has a large private living area and a library for you to write in. Should you be inclined to invite a friend, you’ll have a private bathroom that includes a jetted tub and shower.”

  “By friend you mean?”

  “I’d love you to invite me.”

  “That’s not going to happen.”

  “Make some calls and pack your bags, Megan. I’ll expect to see you leave in about two hours.”

  “And if I don’t leave?”

  “You may not want to be a mother, Megan, but you are. You want your Tina and Tucker to be safe, you’ll be on the road. Oh, that includes your lovely mother, Ana Truelee.”

  “You bastard. You leave them alone.”

  “I guess you better hurry up then, huh?”

  The dial tone told Megan he’d hung up. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind, but decided she just didn’t have time. Packing for two weeks and all those phone calls to make. She tapped a number in her contacts and waited while it rang.

  “Great Falls Police Department, how may I direct you?”

  “Cooper Reynolds desk please.”

  “One moment while I ring him.”

  “Reynolds.”

  “Is that really you, Coop?”

  “Cut the shit, Megan. You know it’s me. What do you want?”

  “My aren’t you in a good mood.”

  “I’m busy. What do you want?”

  “Don’t bite my head off. I just wanted to let you know I’m going to be gone for two weeks to work on my next book. I’ll have my cell phone with me, just in case you need to get ahold of me.”

  “Like that would ever happen. And Tina and Tucker?”

  “They’re still with my mom.”

  “Then why can’t I have them if you’re never taking care of them?”

  “I don’t have time for this old argument. I just wanted to let you know I’ll be busy for a couple of weeks.”

  “Tell someone who cares, Megan.”

  The loud click confirmed she’d been hung up on for the second time in minutes. She closed her eyes and drew in a lungful and muttered under her breath. “You’ll get what’s coming to you … and soon, Cooper Reynolds.

  Flipping back to contact and tapping another number, Megan pulled a suitcase from the closet and opened it on the bed. She wasn’t going to need anything but change of underwear and comfortable writing clothes. One or two dinner outfits in case she chose to get out of the suite. Megan smiled. This second book was going to be something. She’d show everyone that Megan Reynolds could make it without a man.

  “Hi, Megan. I was just telling Tina that it’s about time her mama called and the phone rang. Here, talk to her—“

  “No, Mom, I just don’t have time to talk to the kids. I—“

  “Mama … goo girl.”

  “Hi, sweetie. Yes, now be a good girl and hand the phone to grandma. Tell her I’m in a hurry—“

  “No need to, I’m back. It wouldn’t have hurt you to say more than a few words to the girl.”

  “I don’t have time for this now. I’m calling to tell you I’m going to Helena to work on my next book. I have a deadline in two weeks and if I miss it … well, let’s say the advance we spent will have to be returned.”

  “Oh, you mean the advance you spent.”

  “Don’t be like that. I do the best I can. It’s not easy being a single mother of two.”

  “You aren’t a single mother of two. I’m a grandmother of two. Once you get this book finished, I’m no longer taking care of the twins. I’m too old for this. You earn that money, girl. Then you will take your kids back. They are your responsibility. I’m the grandmother … not the mother. You hearing me?”

  “Yes, mother. Now that we’ve have this lovely chat, I must pack. Call me if you desperately need me. If not, I’ll call you in two weeks.” She placed a neat stack of folded tops followed by three pairs of designer jeans into the suitcase.

  “I’m sure you could spare a few minutes here and there to call us if you wanted to. Two weeks without checking in with us is ridiculous. What if I need something?”

  “What did I just say? If you desperately need me you can call my cell. Otherwise, I can’t afford to be distracted. You’ll just have to deal with things. If you can’t reach me, you can always call Cooper. He’ll drop everything for the twins.”

  “Too bad their mother won’t.”

  “I don’t deserve that. I do the best I can. I’m writing this book just as much for them, as I am for me. When they go to college they will have me to thank for that. This next book is going to be even bigger than the first. You mark my words, mother. My name will be in the papers, on every talk show, and even in the movies.” A handful of panties, bras and socks filled the top netting of her suitcase.

  “Well, let’s not count our chickens before they’re hatched, missy.”

  “I hate that cliché and you know it. I’ll call you in two weeks. Bye.” Megan hung up as quickly as she could. After tossing in a bathing suit, she zipped the suitcase shut and pulled it to the floor. She had one last number to call.

  “O’Neail and Donahue Literary Agency, how may I help you?”

  “Peggy, this is Megan Reynolds. I need to speak with Jessica.”

  “Oh, Miss Reynolds. I can’t believe the commotion your book is causing. Things have been so exciting—“

  “Peggy, I’m calling to talk with Jessica. Is she in?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to rattle on—“

  “Jessica please.”

  “One moment, let me check if she’s off the phone. Yes, I’ll ring you through.”

  “Megan darling, I was thinking of calling you today. How is our new book coming along? Please tell me you have at least half of it finished. I was hoping to have some pages to go over this weekend to be honest with you.”

  “That’s why I’m calling actually. I am going to Helena to a quaint B&B to do some writing. I’ll be gone for about two weeks, at which time I’ll have plenty for your reading pleasure.”

  “That’s absolutely great news. You know I’m expecting profound results.”

  “I can promise this book will get more attention than any book out on the market. Jessica, I expect this book to be a real killer.” Megan couldn’t help chuckling to herself.

  “That’s a choice word for sure. Well, I won’t keep you. Fingers to the keyboard, girl. I expect your baby on my desk in two weeks.”

  “You can count on me.” After hanging up the phone, Megan tossed it into her purse and grabbed her suitcase. Smiling, she locked the front door and headed for her car. This was going to be an incredible experience. She hoped for notoriety and smug Cooper’s demise.

  * * *

  Cooper gave Dallas five seconds to get to the rear of the house … then moved steady and quiet through the front entrance. From the sound of it, the perp was in the bedroom. Dallas came toward him, indicating it was clear so far. He pointed down the hall and led the way. A loud thud as something hit the floor caused his heart to race. He stopped at the partially closed door. Moving quickly to the other side, he faced Dallas. Holding up one finger, then two, finally three … they burst into the room.

  “Police, hands up,” Cooper shouted.

  “Don’t shoot … don’t shoot. Cooper, what the hell. You scared the shit out of me.” Sparks held up latex gloved
hands.

  “Brother, what the hell are you doing in here? I could have shot you.”

  “I can see that. I’m checking something out. Thought I’d get here before … before anyone had a chance to beat me to it.”

  “Could have turned the lights on.” Dallas flipped the switch.

  “Beat you to what? What you talking about? Why didn’t you turn on the lights?” Cooper holstered his gun.

  “The receipt thing. I don’t exactly know where those eyes were pointing to or at what level, but I remembered there being a ceiling to floor bookcase in here. I’m looking to see if the killer left a receipt. Might be the clue we’ve been needing.”

  “Why not take Weaver with you? You should never come to a crime scene like this one alone.”

  “Yeah, I know. But Weaver already took off and I was heading home when it occurred to me. I’d like to contribute something to this case for a change. I feel like a fifth wheel along for the ride.”

  “Sorry, Dennis. Didn’t know we were ignoring you. I’ve been so wrapped up in what’s been happening here, I wasn’t paying much attention.”

  “Just cause Candy is due any day, doesn’t mean I don’t want to participate. Weaver has just been weird since he found out Candy’s expecting. Maybe he thinks now that I’m a family man I won’t have his back anymore. But I will. Nothing has changed for me, except maybe I don’t have sex with my wife much anymore.”

  Cooper laughed. “Hey, more information than a brother needs to hear.”

  “If you fellas are done with the brotherly drama, let’s check for that receipt.”

  “The eyes and glasses were on this stand,” Cooper said, crouching down on his haunches and snapping on a pair of gloves. “I’d say they were looking straight across….” Sparks dropped three shelves and opened several books. “Look for a hollowed-out space or paper between the pages.”

  “Nothing.”

  “Try a shelf above or below,” Dallas pulled on a pair of latex gloves.

  “Okay … nothing … wait….” Sparks pulled the ribbon that tied a book shut. He opened it and retrieved a yellow paper. “Now we’re talking. It’s a receipt for a woman’s watch. Special instructions—inscribed on the back: till death do us part ~ your lover always.”

  “Who is the customer?” Dallas asked.

  “Paul Weaver.”

  “No possible way.” Dallas snapped her second glove in place.

  Cooper grabbed the receipt from Sparks. “Damn, that’s what it says. In the first case, it was the receipt that led us to the arrest and conviction of Michael Powers. He always said that it was a setup and he never confessed to the murder.”

  “Another conviction you didn’t think was right?” Dallas asked.

  “That’s right,” Sparks added. “You never believed either of those cases were solved and that the wrong men went to prison. You fought the team at every turn. Arnott and Weaver were all gung-ho … and no one was listening to me … like usual. That’s the way it went. You and Arnott got promoted and Weaver and I sat in the shadows. Pissed us both off … for sure.”

  “You realize that wasn’t our doing. We asked Captain why that happened and he told us not to disrespect a promotion. We stopped asking.”

  “Most likely it was because you were the lead detective,” Dallas suggested.

  “What about Arnott?”

  “He’s Cooper’s partner. The others were part of the investigating team. I’m just guessing.” Dallas reached for the paper.

  Cooper shook his head. “You know we have to log this in as evidence. We’ll notify the team in the morning what we found.”

  “I wonder why Weaver didn’t mention he knew the girl. It would have been less incriminating if he had,” Sparks slipped the receipt into an evidence bag.

  “True, but did it occur to you that maybe he didn’t know the girl? That once again this is a setup?” Cooper grabbed the bag from Sparks.

  “I’m outta here guys, see you in the morning.”

  Absently, Cooper muttered, “See ya.” He watched Dallas inspect the receipt.

  “Yes, as a matter-of-fact, I have considered that. All my instincts say that you’re no more a killer than Michael Powers. How many years has Powers been in prison?”

  “He was sent to the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge in 2005, a year after the murder. But two years later he was stabbed by an inmate. He died on the three-year anniversary of the killing of Steven Okree. I’m not inclined to think that was a coincidence.” Cooper pulled his gloves off and shoved them into his pocket.

  “I remember that, the whole case was awakened by the press and on the news. I don’t exactly believe in coincidences myself. I’d better get home before I end up sleeping on the couch.”

  “I’m dead on my feet, too. Come on Dallas, we’ve done enough work for one day.”

  “Feels more like a week than a day. Like you, I’m ready to drop. I can’t think straight.”

  “Check the back door, then we’ll go out—“

  “Cooper, was the front door locked when you got here?”

  “No, but then I figured Sparks must have unlocked it.”

  “The back door was also open. I might have thought the same thing, except we have the house key. If both doors were left unlocked, anyone could have compromised the crime scene. That receipt could have been planted by anyone. We’ll check it for fingerprints, but we’ll have to indicate it was found in an uncontrolled environment.”

  “I agree. We’ll see what the team thinks tomorrow.” Cooper slid behind the wheel. “When are you going to realize you don’t have any clothes or a place to stay?”

  “I’ve been so busy, I forgot. I’d better place an insurance claim tomorrow. Maybe I’ll check with the agency first, they might cover my loss. Is there a WalMart close by?”

  “You would wear WalMart?” Cooper looked over at her with a raised eyebrow.

  “Just because I wear brand-named clothes doesn’t mean I’m too good for regular wear. Just get me there, okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Don’t you yes ma’am me. I’m too damn tired to fight this battle.” Dallas leaned her head back against the leather head rest.

  By the time they reached the parking lot, Cooper didn’t doubt Dallas had fallen asleep. He hated like hell to wake her. He could barely keep awake himself. “Dallas, we’re here.” He gently shook her shoulder. She tilted her head toward him and nearly took his breath away. What a beautiful woman. He wanted to do nothing more than kiss her full lips. No matter how tired, this woman woke him where it counted. He reached over and slid a block of shiny red hair behind her right ear.

  “Dallas, you’ve got to get your shopping done and get some sleep,” he said, raising his voice. He got out of the Jeep and gave the lot a quick glance. He pretended not to notice the white van hovering near the back of the lot.

  “I’m coming. If I didn’t need a toothbrush or a change of clothes, I’d say forget it.” She wearily got out of the rig and walked toward the building. “White van … back lot,” Dallas said.

  “Not bad for being half asleep. You go shopping and I’m going to work my way around the neighborhood and see if I can get in closer. A license plate would be helpful.”

  “You be careful and don’t do anything stupid. You want backup?”

  “No, I’m on a snooping expedition. We both try and we’re twice likely to get spotted. I can handle this one solo.”

  “If you haven’t found me inside within half an hour, I’m coming to look for you.”

  “That’s a deal.” Cooper ran to the back of the building the minute they were inside. He flashed his badge and the night janitor let him out the back door. The early morning air chilled him to the bone. There was a line of trees that bordered the parking lot. Keeping low, Cooper made his way through the shadows, working his way closer and closer to the van.

  A man lit a cigarette and tossed the match out the open window. Cooper had expected to see Art Bicsak, but that was
n’t the case. The man held night vision binoculars toward the WalMart front doors, obscuring his face but not his head of black hair. Is he watching Dallas or me? Cooper asked himself.

  He remained still, watching the watcher. The man flipped up the night lens and jotted in a notebook. Just as quickly, he flipped the lens back down and searched his target. A quick jerk right, then left, warned his mark wasn’t where he expected. Within seconds the cock of a gun broke the night silence.

  “You better have some answers for me or my finger just might slip,” Dallas said.

  She once again surprised him. Cooper laid low and waited, gun in hand.

  “Listen little lady, you’d better put that gun down.”

  “Give me one good reason and I’ll consider it.”

  “I’m unarmed.”

  “That doesn’t make you any less dangerous. Why you following Cooper Reynolds?”

  “I’m not, Lady. I’m following you.”

  “You’d better have a good reason for that.”

  “I was hired to follow you and keep a twenty-four seven log.”

  “Who hired you? Don’t lie because I’ll know it and you can be sure it’ll piss me off. You won’t want to see me pissed off.”

  “I don’t know who … honest. I got a phone call, asked if I had any spare time to take a case immediately.”

  “A case? You a private dick?”

  “Yeah, guess you could call me that. I usually get pictures for spousal cheating. Once in a while I get a good job, like this one.”

  “You’re not telling me much, private dick.”

  “That’s it, there isn’t much to tell. I’m supposed to take pictures if they are of interest, mark down your coming and going. That’s it.”

  “So how come you don’t know who hired you?

  “The first day he left an envelope with a thousand in cash on my desk. Every day since, there’s been an envelope with five hundred dollars in it. I leave my notes and any pictures on my desk and so it continues.”

  “Have you watched your office to see who it might be? Or do you already know and don’t’ want to ruin a good thing. Don’t lie.”

  “Honest lady, I don’t have a clue. I haven’t tried to find out cause I don’t want to screw up the good pay.”