“I swear I didn’t know,” Sheila said, the despair in her voice startling. It wasn’t surprising considering a man had held a gun to her head earlier today, but Jordan suspected there was another reason. “He owed me money, that’s why he came over today. At least I thought it was why, but I think he wanted to make sure there’d be no witness.”
“A witness to what?”
“If this helps you to solve the murders, you won’t charge me, will you?” She sounded hopeful now.
“Depending on what it is you’re going to tell me, we’ll certainly take that into consideration,” Jordan promised.
Sheila gave a heartfelt sigh, her grip tightening on the cup. “All right. At first, I didn’t make the connection at all, but then I saw his photo in the newspaper, and…I swear, I didn’t know he was Lori’s husband. He was hanging out at the All Colors on nights Lori wasn’t there, watching…someone had given him a tip, I don’t know who. He bought some stuff…”
“Stuff?”
“Well, all kinds, to get high. Not the usual. Somebody told him he could get it from me, but the bastard never paid me. Then I put two and two together. He didn’t want to get high, he wanted to use them on someone he kept locked up in the basement.”
“When did you make that connection?”
“He was babbling crazy, about Seattle and the policewoman who got attacked, swore he didn’t do it, that someone was trying to frame him.”
“What did he say about the policewoman?”
Sheila shrugged. “Not much, just that it wasn’t him, and she wasn’t even his type. I couldn’t make sense of any of that, I was scared, you know?”
Gleason had known about the attack on Ellie. If he had told the truth, the perpetrator was still out their, and whether he was playing a name of numbers or not, he was likely the same man who had kidnapped Judy and Lori, and murdered the others.
Jordan dared to turn and look at Ellie. She had gone pale.
* * * *
“He’s been lying to us from the start,” Ellie said when they were on their way to Gleason’s house. “I can see him going off the deep end over all of this. Maybe he started out wanting to punish his wife, but then got into the killing. Whatever. He’s in the hospital now, so he can hardly harm me or anyone else.”
Jordan let her ramble on before she undid Ellie’s argument. “Eleanor Campbell was killed long before Lori disappeared, and besides the M.O., there’s no connection between the two.”
Ellie groaned. “I’m so tired of this. Even Dr. Roberts thinks he’s the one, and isn’t she supposed to be the expert?” Not a good idea, she reflected, bringing up the third party between them. Jordan looked unhappy, her shoulders tense.
“I’ve been on this case since we found the first body. She hangs out with the PD in Seattle, learns some facts and doesn’t even tell me? I hate this bureau-cratic shit.”
If the situation hadn’t been this serious, Ellie might have congratulated her on the pun. As it was, she was trying hard not to overreact to what they had learned from Sheila.
“Either way, it’s shitty of a husband to get someone to kidnap and torture his wife,” she offered. “Even if they were—” She stopped herself short of saying “cheating”. Ellie didn’t think the reminder would be welcome. Speaking of which. “Can you come over tonight? You’ve had a rough day. I could cook you something.”
It wasn’t likely, but she had to try. First of all, once reality sank in that her attacker might have been a serial murderer on the prowl for his next victim, she’d freak. In that case, Ellie would rather be with someone. Second, the sex they had made her feel amazing. She wasn’t ready to give up on it yet. Certainly not for the sake of Bethany who was scornful and patronizing even after Jordan had survived a confrontation with an armed and dangerous man.
“I don’t know,” Jordan said. At least she was honest.
How can you stand her? Ellie wanted to ask. She held back the question, knowing her judgment was clouded by hormones, fear and something that was too early to determine. She was well aware she was walking a fine line. Her new no holds barred approach to life wasn’t supposed to come with heartbreak. “I understand you said you wanted to move out, but how are you still together?” It wasn’t diplomatic enough.
“You’re right, it’s been a rough day. I’d like to get this done and head home. There’ll be an officer in front of your house. If there ever was another guy, and I think it’s a possibility, he might be tempted to make an appearance.”
Ellie leaned back in her seat, trying to get a handle on her disappointment.
“We don’t know if he ever planned to come back for me.”
“That’s right. I don’t want to take that chance.”
“I’d feel safer though if you were with me,” she hazarded.
Jordan shook her head. “No way. We’ve crossed enough lines. Your safety is no joke.”
“Oh, so that other thing is, a joke? I feel so much better now.”
“Ellie.”
“You’re right. We’re at work. This is not the right time to discuss these things.” She avoided Jordan’s gaze, startled when, at the next red light, Jordan laid her hand over Ellie’s.
“Either way, I’ll clean up this mess,” she promised.
Ellie didn’t know what to say.
* * * *
They found the rope in the garage, a worn leather collar in the bedroom, none of it a surprise anymore. When Ellie stumbled over the threshold between the dining and the living room, she wondered if it was mere fatigue, but then she realized there was an irregularity in the floor. It was too small to be another trap door, but when she tried, the wooden plank came off after a couple of attempts.
“Detective!”
Jordan was beside her in an instant, her jaw dropping slightly at the sights of the papers in the hiding place. Neat, hand drawn maps. Floor plans. They had always been certain that the victims hadn’t been chosen at random, but based on habits and lifestyles the perpetrator perceived as a crime. According to these sketches, neither had been the places where they’d been held. A quick check revealed there were more than the names they had. The bastard had been planning ahead.
“Good job,” she said, about to continue when her cell phone rang. “Check each location, and then make sure these are bagged and off to Evidence.” There was a hint of excitement to her voice, and Ellie knew why. They could find the place where Judy Lawrence was held, today. “Oh hey,” she said to the caller. “Could you call later? I’m at work. Really? That’s great. Hang on a minute.” Jordan walked away a few steps, making Ellie curious about who might have interrupted with the good news. The truth was, she knew next to nothing about the woman whose body she knew intimately, family, friends, anything. Maybe Jordan would tell her. She didn’t hold her breath.
She had a job to do. Kate and Jensen joined her, and they began bagging the papers and marking down the information each of them held.
* * * *
The house they hadn’t been able to match with a victim’s name yet was empty, but lived in. The family of four was on a one month vacation according to their neighbors, lovely people who had moved in not long ago. The elderly lady next door seemed happy and excited to talk to the police. Maybe, Jordan thought, she was just lonely, grateful for any kind of human interaction. She wondered if she was going to end up the same. For sure, she didn’t seem all that successful at making a relationship work. Ellie might be attracted to her now, but she hadn’t yet experienced the everyday life with Jordan. Ask Bethany about it. On second thought, don’t.
Despite the reassurances she had given everyone, Jordan felt exhausted, the pounding headache not helping her overall condition. She didn’t want to go home and sit on the couch when this could be their chance to find Judy.
She felt a drop of sweat snake down her spine when they eased down the narrow stairs to the unfinished basement. It was cold and drafty down here, obvious that the owners hadn’t invested much in this part of the ho
use.
The basement was empty. She felt lightheaded and sick with disappointment. Maybe she should take Ellie’s offer after all, but she had already committed to another appointment. Ellie was right, actually. There was no reason for her to keep stalling any longer. Once she closed on a new place, Bethany would realize she was serious, and let her go. Jordan wasn’t yet sure whether she was thrilled or terrified at the prospect. There wasn’t anything particularly devilish about Bethany, but without a doubt, she was the one Jordan knew.
She knew Jordan better than anyone else. Sometimes, trusting to much was dangerous, giving the other person too much power over you.
A quick search revealed nothing but what appeared to be links from a golden necklace or bracelet. It was something. It had to be.
* * * *
“Ouch.” Darby winced at the sight of her. “Bad day, I assume?”
Jordan shrugged. “It could have been worse.”
“Wow. I don’t think I’d be able to do your job, and frankly I’m grateful I don’t have to. However, I think I have something to take your mind off it. Let’s go take a look.”
They had met in a neighborhood about half an hour away from the city center. It wasn’t exactly close to work, but distance in every way appealed to Jordan.
“The owner is looking to make a quick sale, because she’s leaving the country due to a new job,” the realtor explained. “It’s not big, but updated and move-in ready.”
“Sounds good to me.”
They walked up the steps to small the porch, and he unlocked the door for her. Jordan stepped inside and felt she could finally breathe. The prospect of having this space, any space, to herself put a smile on her face she hadn’t been aware of until the realtor mentioned it.
“You like it.”
“What’s not to like?” Jordan ran her hand over the countertop. The kitchen opened up into a dining space with a huge window, letting in lots of light. As Darby had said, the rooms were medium-sized, but it would be more than enough for her. She hadn’t lived by herself in almost a decade, and the thought excited her. “This is enough space. I love the fact that I could just pack a few things and move in here.”
“If you like the furniture, you could negotiate with the owner. She’s not going to bring it to Japan. You must have something you’d want to bring though?”
“Not that much. I paid half, but my partner chose most of it.” She laughed wryly. “That sounds bad. Truth is, I’m not good at shopping for anything, so whenever I don’t have to, that’s a definite plus.”
“You broke up?” he asked, his tone sympathetic, before he caught himself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be nosy. It’s often the case when someone comes looking for a new place by themselves.”
“I guess you hear a lot of stories. Well, you’re not too far off in this case.”
“Then I’m even more sorry,” he said. “Why don’t we take a look at the bedroom?”
“I’d like that.”
Off the master bedroom, there was a small balcony, and a deck below, the property encased by a cedar hedge. The half hour drive every morning was something to consider, but truth be told, this house already felt like a home. It could be hers.
The master bedroom was the biggest room in the house, with an adjacent bathroom, everything modern and functional, but not daunting like the perfect magazine home Bethany aspired to have. A smaller room for office space, another half bath.
“I love it,” Jordan said. “How soon can I move in?”
“Whoa.” Without a doubt, Jonathan Darby was pleased. “I haven’t even told you that it’s a five minute walk to the water. I’m glad you like it. Frankly, it’s a steal, which brings me to the next subject.”
“Anything under three-fifty, I’m ready to make an offer.”
“Usually, I’m the one who has to help speed things up a bit. In this case, I think it’s good to make up your mind quickly, because the owner is on a tight timetable. I want you to be sure though. We should see a couple more places, just to show you what options are out there, maybe even something closer to town. If you still like this one best, I’ll prepare an offer for you.”
A few years back, she and Bethany had thought about home ownership, and Jordan was now glad they had decided to rent. However, she had gotten an idea of what kind of money the bank would let her spend. “How about I’ll check with my bank, and I meet you tomorrow to sign the papers?”
“Do you always make up your mind so quickly, Detective?”
Yes, and it gets me in trouble every single time, she thought, even before he reached out to touch her arm, letting the touch linger, longer than it was appropriate for their kind of relationship. She should have discouraged him here and now, as she was in enough trouble already. It had always been hard for Jordan to resist playing with fire, even after getting burned a few times. A harmless flirt didn’t harm anyone. The realtor didn’t seem like the type who’d involve her in yet another tug of war of emotions. He was a guy, after all. There was no danger.
* * * *
“Hello stranger,” Bethany greeted her when she entered the apartment. She seemed in a good mood. She’d better be when Jordan disclosed her plans of moving out. Surveying the apartment, Jordan realized she hadn’t exaggerated. She could pack and be out of here in a couple of hours. Maybe she had never really moved in.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said.
“Didn’t you see my message? I was worried about you. Anyway, have a seat. I ordered dinner, it should be here any moment. I’ve got good news too. I lit a fire under the lab and made them work overtime, and guess whose DNA was on that piece of bracelet?”
“You tell me.”
“You’re no fun,” Bethany chided, but her tone was affectionate. “It’s Lori Gleason’s, and guess what, she said she wasn’t wearing it on the day she was taken. Once Gleason is ready to be questioned, we’ll figure it all out. Your rookie had good instincts.”
“Yeah. Anything else?” Jordan preferred not to deepen the subject of Ellie. It would only make her regret she couldn’t be with her now.
“Well, given the fact a crazy person hit you in the face today, I can understand you’re grumpy. Have a seat. Some wine and food will make you feel better. I’m sure you couldn’t even tell me when’s the last time you ate. Anyway. I believe he’s taking trophies, either before he’s kidnapping them, or he’s bold enough to return to their home after he took them. Not that it would be so unusual for a serial murderer, but it gives us something else to look out for. See if Judy’s sister can tell something is missing, and who had access to it.”
“That’s good.” Jordan had checked the papers found under the plank herself before she went to meet Darby. Every place that didn’t match a victim had been examined, and they had found nothing. With each minute ticking by, Judy Lawrence’s fate looked worse. She was tired. What if they, if she was overlooking something? A change of a place to live might not be all she should consider.
“Don’t tear yourself up over it,” Bethany said softly. “You’re a good cop. You can’t win them all.”
“It’s not a game. People’s lives are at stake.”
The doorbell rang before Bethany could answer. “Hold that thought,” she said.
* * * *
He took a fleeting look at his mirror image in the window, smiling. The look suited him. His mother had always said he should become a doctor. He didn’t really have the talent. It had taken him forever to make the drugs work in his favor, have his subjects relaxed but not comatose, distracted but not in a full-blown psychotic break.
He was still learning.
He kept his head down as he walked along the hallway, to the room he was looking for.
He had weighed his chances, thought about mistakes made along the way. He had to be careful. Of course, there would come a moment when he wouldn’t want to share the glory any longer, when the world would know, but he had so much to accomplish before that.
He had s
o much knowledge to give to the world. Reassured in that thought, he went about his work quietly, then left. He walked out unseen, onto the parking lot and to the car he had rented today.
Another loose end tied up.
He laughed softly to himself. Tied up. He couldn’t wait starting his next project, though he would have to be patient a little while longer, see if Judy could make any progress at all.
He thought about the cop, and her inevitable lesson, within a few heartbeats breathless with arousal. He smiled at his image in the rearview mirror. Patience, my friend. You always finish what you start, even with her.
Chapter Eight
As Ellie hung up the phone, Kate appeared in front of the desk she temporarily occupied. “Hey, Ellie,” she said. “We hardly ever see you anymore. I know you’re playing with the big kids these days, but please, join us for just one drink tonight, okay? Everyone needs a little break.”
Ellie shrugged. “Sure. Why not?” She wasn’t kidding herself. If Jordan had given her any indication she’d invite herself to Ellie’s home and bed tonight, a drink with friends would have been the last thing on her mind. It was unlikely to happen. She’d had another bad night. On top of that, she had the suspicion she and Jensen would be sent back to their regular day job soon. From there it would be many more months until she could take the detective’s exam. Meanwhile Jordan and Bethany seemed to have patched things up, or maybe that was just their usual pattern.
Either way, it probably meant Ellie was on her way out. She shouldn’t feel so dejected about it—life hadn’t paid her back enough yet for bleeding on the sidewalk at the hands of a sexist, probably murdering, jerk. Due to him, she now needed a security detail, an officer in an unmarked car on the street that made her feel claustrophobic in her own home. No, she wasn’t done collecting. The problem was, she didn’t want just any warm body next to her in her bed. She wanted Jordan.
“That is awesome. By the way, I’m a little jealous of you, you know?” Kate said. “Working with a real FBI profiler, that is so cool. Does she go around and see scenes of the killing happen?”
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