Dan laughed.
“Now, get going, Lieutenant. I’ve got work to do and so do you.”
“Hope I catch that lucky break, Henri, or curse the Avenger with a bad luck spell. He’s got to make a mistake soon.”
“He will, Dan. They always do. Just keep your eyes open, so you can catch it.”
“With a little help from my friends, I will, Henri. I’ll call you on Thursday.” As he walked out the door, Dan envisioned Dorothy’s face with the acid burns inflicted by Sam Parks. It must be horrible for her to know she frightened her own grandchildren and had become a prisoner in her own home. Sam Parks had been brutal, so Dan couldn’t help but think the bastard had gotten what he deserved. He supposed the same was true for the other male victims. Lord help me, he’s pulling even me into his corner!
Later at Andrea’s apartment, Dan said, “I’m sorry about having to cancel our date last night, but Mory and I were pouring over the case files and evidence, what little we have. Damn, but this killer is smart and efficient. He covers all of his bases except one, so we’re positive he has a good reason for leaving his semen behind, or he’d use condoms and take it with him. Even Mother Nature is working in his favor; that storm washed away any trace outside Park’s home. Worse, we haven’t been able to find a single witness against him. He certainly didn’t walk to and from the crime, but none of Parks’ neighbors saw or heard anything. He’s like a frigging ghost! And that infernal James Starr isn’t helping matters with his inflammatory articles like the one in yesterday’s paper. That bastard actually accused the police of being so desperate to solve this case that he was harassed at the crime scene and was almost hauled in for interrogation. He’s trying his best to make us look stupid and incompetent.” At least, he isn’t using my name and picture for some reason. And I’ve stayed out of the TV camera lights thanks to Ray and Neal handling the news briefings. And there were many important things going on for headline grabbers and top network stories: the USSR was coming apart at the seams; the lethal pedestrian stampede in Mecca; massacres in Somali; and other violent unrest. These events were destabilizing so many areas in the world. Even Mother Nature had gone wild and pernicious: tragic earthquakes; volcanoes erupting; and tornado outbreaks, with 88 in the Lower Ohio Valley alone. Cold wars. Hot strife. Drug wars. Natural disasters. God help President Bush deal with all these troubles.
“Did you see Dorothy Evans yesterday?” Andrea asked, wondering why Dan had been so still and silent for so long.
“Yeah, and it wasn’t a pretty sight, the poor woman. I also got an earful from her two sons when I contacted them.”
“I’m sure they’re just upset by what happened to their mother and having to rehash that ordeal. I worked with Dorothy and her family during the investigation and trial. They’re good people. You should have seen her, Dan, after the judge let Parks go. She was devastated: she sat in the courtroom and wept for an hour. It broke my heart, but Parks just grinned, laughed and joked on his way out. I realize the judge had no choice. The surgeons doubted they could repair her face and body completely, but the scars on her face at that time had turned an ugly black. She was so pitiful.” Andrea took a deep breath. “I had forgotten about some of these cases, forced myself not to think about them so I could sleep at night. The Avenger’s victims aren’t just rapists, bad as they are, his victims are men with vicious streaks who did horrible things to those women. The questions and physical examination Dorothy had to go through were terrible. The trial was, in some ways, worse for her than the assault. Park’s attorney humiliated her. He tried to make Dorothy appear senile or vindictive.”
Andrea paused before she continued, “At least she has her family to help her through this ordeal. I’ve seen how some victim’s families and friends treat them afterwards, as if they have a contagious disease or should have fought to the death. They’re made to feel dirty and worthless. It reminds me of the Salem witch trials. If you drowned, you were innocent. If you floated, you were guilty, a witch. They’re doomed either way.”
“What if the accused is innocent, but looks guilty?”
“I don’t know, Dan. They say more criminals go free on technicalities than innocents are wronged, but we all know statistics can be altered to fit whatever answer we want. I don’t know if I’d be willing to take the chance either way. I’d like to see some changes in the laws, but I’m not sure what the right answer would be without violating someone’s rights. People protest to get religious words off of our coins, to get the pledge of allegiance and prayers out of our school, to burn our flag and so forth. You’re a police officer. What changes would you suggest? Policemen risk their lives every day and night with their hands bound by these ever changing rules. Not to mention being terribly underpaid.”
“Maybe some of those crimes wouldn’t have happened if we had more manpower and money for more law officers, speedier trials, more jails and prisons, and more educational programs. The same is true of this case. I need more manpower and money to help solve it. The Captain has me and Mory working our butts off with hardly any help. Once in a while I get another man or two to check out details. Trouble is, I can’t and don’t trust their reports. Half the men don’t want the Avenger caught. After reading the women’s files, sometimes I don’t blame the bastard for playing vigilante. But people can’t take the law into their own hands. It’s dangerous. Not every man or woman who uses a loophole or whose case gets dismissed is guilty. If we allow vigilantes to operate freely, a lot of innocent people can get killed.”
“What about the reporter who’s harassing you? Anything on him yet?”
Dan thought about the subtle blackmail Starr had hinted at during their confrontation. If the reporter released his real name, identity and whereabouts, some heavy guns would be stalking him just like he was stalking the Avenger. Yet, he couldn’t ignore Starr if the evidence pointed in his direction. All he could do was hope Starr kept silent, or he’d be forced to leave town to take refuge somewhere else until it was safe to return to New York or Augusta. The last thing he wanted was to abandon this case and the woman nearby who had slid into his heart and life as easily as a spoon into honey. Just as fast and easy; it was as if the golden liquid had turned to cement, firmly imprisoning him in her loving grasp. He couldn’t move slowly with her, or some other man would snap her up in a flash. Actually he was amazed she was still unattached. Maybe, as with him, she had been waiting for the right person to come along, and—
“Where do you keep drifting off to, Dan? Are you tired? Do we need to make this another time? I’ll understand, honestly, because you’ve been working so hard for a long time. A single murder case is difficult on you, but working a multiple spree must be exhausting. Is there anything I can say or do to help you? I’m a good sounding board.”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be right now. I’m sorry I seem so distracted and antsy. I just have so many questions racing through my brain.”
“Such as,” Andrea prompted.
“Where does he get potassium chloride and acid?”
Andrea speculated, “From a chemical supply company, medical lab, or any business that uses them for tests, research, fertilizers, dyes or paints. Somebody in the car engine cleaning business, a mechanic. Ask the companies who buy potassium chloride and sulfuric acid and companies that make it or sell it.”
“I could use you on my staff, Andi.”
“Thanks, but I like where I am. You’re smart, Dan, so you’ll figure it out soon. With this many murders, somebody will witness something or he’ll make a slip. Don’t you cops say they always do?”
“Being able to find a slip and use it sometimes doesn’t happen. It would be ironic if the Avenger was apprehended, then got off on a legal technicality.”
“He’ll probably claim insanity and serve a few years in an institution. Whatever drove him over the edge will be his defense.”
“I just wish I could find out what caused him to run over that mythical edge. That would lead me right to h
im, I’m sure.”
“I can think of another edge I’d like to be going over right now, Lieutenant.”
“Can you? And what would that be, Andi?”
Andrea blushed as she said, “I stopped at the store today and got some... ummm... we were all out of the neon...”
“Oh, that edge,” Dan said as he smiled.
Andrea grinned and said, “Yeah, that edge. If you’re up for it, that is.”
She squealed when he leapt out of the chair and chased her toward the bedroom, promising, “Oh, I’m up for it all right.”
When he stood beside her, Andrea boldly put her hand against his already hardened manhood and said, “Yes, you are, Lieutenant Mallory. Why don’t you show me how to resolve this problem? We can work on the other one later. Much later.”
Without a moment to waste, they yanked off their clothes and put away all thoughts except of each other and making love...
As Dan was leaving her apartment several hours later, Andrea made a suggestion. “Why not make a list of possible victims from the police and DA files and put them under watch? I can go through our records and pull out the worst offenders for the last two or three years. Maybe you’ll luck up and catch him in the act.”
Dan smiled and replied, “As I said, you should be on my staff. I’d be grateful if you’d get that list ready ASAP. Then, all I have to do is persuade the Captain to give me the manpower to carry it out.”
Monday afternoon, July 9th
“Ready to go, Andi?” Dan asked as he poked his head into her office.
“Sure, just let me lock up my desk and I’ll be through for the day. Where did you plan on going for dinner? I hope it’s casual; it’s been a long day.”
“Yes, it is, because I’m pretty worn out myself. Hey, Raymond. How’s it going?” Dan said to the District Attorney as he walked by.
“Pretty good here. How is your case coming along?”
“Not much to go on, but we’ll catch him sooner or later.”
“I have to admit those guys are getting their just desserts. I get damned tired of the police arresting them, us making a case against them, then some blasted defense attorney twisting the law to get them off. I can’t blame the public for making the Avenger a hero for doing what we should be doing, getting trash like those unconvicted rapists off the streets. If we can’t defend our womenfolk or avenge them, at least somebody has the guts to do it for us.”
“Interesting theory, Ray, for a DA who’s sworn to uphold the law.”
“I’m sure it’s one that you’ve heard before today. I’m not your man, so don’t waste your time trying to investigate me. Besides, I’m just blowing off steam. I’ve been dealing with that Parks’ issue all day and it pisses me off. How the hell does a woman—even if she is his wife—protect a man like Sam Parks and live with herself? She knew what her husband was doing to those elderly women, but she kept silent. It’s a good thing she was so rattled the other night she made those slips to you. We’re putting her through the wringer and squeezing out all she knows. It could be that one of Parks’ unreported rapes will lead you to the Avenger. Parks could have been the main target all along. As for his wife, I’ll be throwing the book at her for withholding evidence and allowing that sorry bastard to continue his malicious deeds. If there ever was an accomplice to crimes, Mrs. Parks fits that bill to a tee. Before I charge and prosecute her, I’ll make sure every loophole in her case is closed tight.” The District Attorney turned towards Andrea and said, “Andi, I’ll see you in the morning. Bye, Dan. Sorry but I won’t wish you luck.”
As they walked out the back door, Dan asked Andrea, “You’re sure he’s not involved in any way? He seemed pretty passionate about his ideas in there.”
“I’m sure he’s not the Avenger, Dan, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for anything suspicious. So, where are you taking me?” she asked.
“I thought we’d get barbecue at Sconyers tonight. That sound okay?”
“Sounds wonderful. What else?”
“The Captain wouldn’t agree to the stakeouts of possible victims yet. He said it would be too expensive and take too many men. After you get that list compiled, maybe he’ll change his mind. If not, Mory and I will do some snooping and shadowing of our own. I’d like to stop by LifeCo on the way to dinner—it’s right down the road—and get some information on those sperm samples and tests. Would you mind going with me?”
“I can do better than that. I need to get a few things at Wal-mart. How about you drop me off there and pick me up after you return?”
“Are you sure you don’t mind, Andi? I could do it tomorrow,” he offered.
“There’s no need to do that. We’ll be passing LifeCo and I do need to run this errand, so it actually helps me out, too.”
“You’re wonderful, Andrea Arquette. I’m so glad we met.”
She laughed at how his last word rhymed with her name. “Me, too. Just don’t forget to come back and get me.”
“I couldn’t forget you, Andi. Ever.” Why had he said that? It sounded so... serious. Due to his New York troubles, his intense involvement with the Avenger case, and his past marital failure—he hadn’t wanted to get deeply involved right now, but Andrea was quickly and surely weakening the reasons why he was reluctant. He was learning to trust a woman again, and that made him realize just how far their relationship had progressed in such a short time. Yet, his strong feelings for her gave him grave concerns about her safety. He didn’t want her endangered. He had to protect her from that vengeful New York scum and from the local serial killer who was playing lethal games with him. He had to outwit and destroy both perils before she was ensnared.
Andrea smiled but let his romantic remark pass without responding to it. “So what have you been up to today?”
As they drove towards Wal-Mart and LifeCo, Dan told her about his morning attempt to track down the potassium chloride and sulfuric acid. He also mentioned Henrietta’s call to Doctor Louis Renew at the Medical College of Georgia for any assistance there with the missing chemicals.
Dan dropped her off at the front door to Wal-Mart and proceeded to LifeCo, hopefully to obtain some new information.
Chapter Eleven
Later, Dan watched Andrea exit the electronic doors, wave to him, and hurry to his car.
“How did it go? Find out anything new?” she asked as she fastened her seatbelt.
“That was a waste of time: they were closed,” Dan grumbled.
“Not a waste for me. I got my shopping done for the week, so I don’t have to worry about it later. I’m starved, though.”
“Me, too. Let’s get some barbeque. Then I have another appetite you can feed.”
Andrea smiled as she envisioned feasting herself upon the man sitting next to her. She had a hot dessert in mind for him tonight, better than the appetizer.
Wednesday afternoon, July 11th
“Did you see this morning’s paper, Dan?” Mory asked, flipping the paper onto his desk. “Starr wrote a blistering article on Sam Parks and his wife. He makes it sound like they had a game going with elderly women of the city. If Starr’s right and she goes free, I bet the new widow will be scared out of town.”
“Let me see that.” Dan grabbed the paper and began to read. The column described the attack on Dorothy Evans and hinted that the police thought Parks had attacked other elderly women, with his wife’s knowledge. He wrote that the ledger Sam kept only contained first names, so there was no real record for the last few years. Starr asked anyone who has any knowledge of Sam Parks to come forward to the police for help, or come to the paper and they will print their story if they wanted to tell it. The following day, he claimed his column would focus on safety tips for the elderly women. “Well, what do you know? Starr pretending to have a soft spot and a big streak of decency. An article on safety tips for the elderly. What a crock! He’s probably hoping that someone will come forward who gets saved by his tips article and that’ll help his career. He’s not thinking abo
ut the women.”
“You and I know that, but most of them probably don’t. Maybe someone will read it and follow his advice. If it saves their life, who cares how they learned it?”
“You’re right, Mory. This guy just gets under my skin. I’m going to find out what makes him tick and then I’m going to shut him down.”
Friday night, July 13th
“Do you believe in superstitions?” Andrea asked, sitting in her condo.
“Not really. Why? Because it’s Friday the thirteenth? My life has been unlucky enough for the last few weeks. I don’t seem to need a special day for it,” Dan responded.
“Thanks a lot.”
“Except for you, my life hasn’t been going so great.”
“I have some news for you. Ray told me this afternoon that Mrs. Parks is having a really tough time. Besides facing accomplice charges by the District Attorney, she’s also lost her job. Her charity family has decided they don’t want anything to do with her, so she’s essentially been ostracized by the community. Her family and friends have lost respect for her and refused to allow her into their homes anymore. Nobody believes she’s innocent or ignorant. She came in this afternoon, crying and hysterical, blaming everyone but herself and her worthless husband. It’s amazing how people can do that: blame everyone but themselves for their plight.”
“I’m sorry this had to happen to her, but she could have left that scumbag and turned him into authorities long ago. She stayed with him and gave him the cover to continue his crimes against those women. Maybe Starr has finally done some good with his column. Has anyone else come forward against Parks?” Dan asked.
“Not yet, and to be honest, I doubt they will. What good would it do at this point? Parks is dead, and they’ve managed to hide it from their families. Why would they want to bring their nightmare to light? I wouldn’t if I were in their shoes. Their testimony wouldn’t convict him and they’d have to go through a lot if they came forward. I can’t blame anyone for remaining silent. It will be difficult, but not impossible, to prove beyond that shadow of doubt crap that Cheryl Parks had any knowledge of what had happened to them. I know I wouldn’t come forward if I were in that position.”
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