The Keystroke Killer Page 11

  Dr. Langford limped to a locked cabinet across the lab, pulled a key out of his lab coat pocket and unlocked its door. He prepared a needle and syringe, retrieved a rubber tourniquet and returned to Dr. Angela’s side who had already rolled up his crisp white sleeve. Dr. Langford tied the tourniquet around Dr. Angela’s arm and thumped his forearm.

  “Perfect vein.”

  “Process my blood immediately. I need to identify if I’m a carrier.”

  chapter 10

  Office Politics

  Matthew’s Ford Taurus pulled into the crowded parking lot of a strip mall office building. Several other cars pulled in behind him including Peterson’s red Mustang. As Matthew stepped out of his car, Peterson parked his car by his. Matthew closed the door and leaned against it, pulling a pack of smokes and a silver Zippo antique lighter from his back pocket. After he retrieved a cigarette, he flicked the lighter open and struck the wheel to ignite the flint. The tip of the cigarette glowed red as the blue and red flame engulfed it. He took a drag and blew three smoke rings.

  From the entrance of the building, Debra headed toward Matthew as Peterson stepped from his vehicle, both reached Matthew at the same time.

  Debra stood in a defensive posture. “Look who the cat finally dragged in. Mr. Hammer sent me to wrangle you guys the moment you arrived.”

  Peterson ogled Matthew’s cigarette. “Can I borrow one of those?”

  “I know, you’ll gladly pay me Tuesday, for a cigarette today.”

  Matthew tossed his cigarette pack to Peterson.

  “Now you think about it, you can’t smoke in there.” Debra’s hand mimicked holding a cigarette. “Hammer’s rules to live by. Rules to die by. Don’t inhale.” She spoke using a strong southern accent to mock her boss.

  Peterson handed Debra a cigarette. “No thanks. I’m good with the second-hand smoke.”

  Peterson put the pack into his own back pocket.

  Matthew threw his hands in the air. “That’s how you want to play this game. I give you one cigarette, you take the whole pack? You ain’t right bro.” Matthew exhaled the smoke and squashed the cigarette beneath his shoe and left.

  Peterson shook his head. “He’s the one that’s not right. You have him pegged, yet?”

  “He’s a head case for sure. I feel sorry for him.”

  Astonished, Peterson’s mouth puckered. “Sorry for his ass? Not me. I’m telling you, he’s been nothing but trouble since coming back from New York. He’ll get no ounce of sympathy from me. Not one ounce. I mean it, too.”

  “He’s a New Yorker? That explains everything.”

  “You’re kidding! Right? I can tell you’ve only worked for the firm for a month. He was born and raised here, his daddy is on sabbatical after five years as New Orleans Police Commissioner. Word on the streets is the Comish went crazy searching for the Mind’s Eye serial killer for more than a decade. People say he’s out of his mind right now. I say we can’t trust the spawn from a looney toon. Your boy here is nothing but looney.”

  “Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?”

  “All right, I will. He’s F’n crazy. I’d stay clear of him.”

  Peterson extinguished his smoke and took one step as Debra stepped in front of him. “Peterson keep your opinion to yourself. I’ll decide about the people I work with or have in my presence. Judging someone’s character is my specialty. I’m very astute at it. Thanks for the warning.”

  Peterson trekked into the strip mall as Debra retrieved her phone and dialed a number.

  “I’m in. I’m one of the boys. Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”

  ***

  “I thought so, hold one minute.” Dr. Angela peacocked behind his massive desk as he spoke to POTUS Aryc Lucien Windfall.

  “Do you have any idea on how much time we have lost on this project?” The President’s tone harsh and abrupt sent bullets toward Dr. Angela.

  “Some things can't be helped.” Dr. Angela extended his middle finger into the air narrowing his eyes, then poured a shot of whiskey.

  “If I don’t see progress, I’ll end our business relationship with Dimension Global. This is that critical for our national security.”

  “Shut up you overpaid government pig!” The veins in Dr. Angela’s neck popped as his face turned red. “You listen and do nothing else. Your boys didn't do their job here in the South, so it’s time to do things my way. You know the ole saying, ‘Live or die trying’ and that’s what I intend to do my faithless friend.”

  “Faithless? I have all the faith in the world. I need results. Get that goddamn weapon working or we take our business elsewhere.”

  Dr. Angela chugged his bourbon and poured another. “Threats will do you no good. Scientists from all over the world are working on this project. Project Dimension will collapse if they aren’t successful, and then there will be no one who has the answers. It would take an alien to decrypt the mess.”

  “I don’t believe you understand my position as President of the United States. I find this unacceptable.”

  Dr. Angela looked at Victoria’s portrait and another picture of him, his wife and children standing alongside former President Prescott Jax Hamilton. He slammed the picture onto his desk and pretended to shoot it. “Explain it Mr. President so I know you understand the ramifications.”

  “We may have won the Global War, but next time we’ll be sitting ducks. The Chinese are on the verge of designing a working sonar weapon with the ability to shut down entire power grids in the United States. They will cripple us.”

  Dr. Angela ambled to the window overlooking the Superdome. Lightning bolts shot across the darkened sky through a single-cell cumulonimbus capillatus cloud. In the distance he heard a clap of thunder as rain pelted against the window.

  “This problem isn't going away! Choose your battles wisely Dr. Angela. Tick. Tick. Tick.”

  “It’s only a matter of time before Milo Evans escapes on my orders. He’ll get me what I need to get this weapon working.”

  “So, it is clear. You’ll use Milo Evans. I’m sure there’s a better choice.”

  “That’s no concern to you. I’m in complete control. I know where it is and where it will always remain.” He looked over at the family portrait and focused on Blaze’s charm bracelet. “Some individuals are untouchable, while others are disposable. Mr. President, which one are you?” Dr. Angela slammed the receiver onto its cradle. He pressed the communication device on his desk. “Get in here, now!”

  Lux sassily strutted into the office and approached the desk. “What can I do for you?”

  “Get Gunter in here.”

  “What a coincidence. He’s in the lobby requesting to see you without an appointment.”

  Dr. Angela’s brows merged into a savage line. “Get him in here. Now! I summoned him, you idiot.”

  Lux didn’t like the tone of Dr. Angela’s voice or the derogatory reference and stood steadfast in retaliation. He stomped his foot, puckered his lips as he lifted his brows and crossed his arms over his chest in defiance.

  “Is there a problem with my directive?” Dr. Angela, deep in anger, scowled.

  “You forgot to say please. I’m not a dog you can command.”

  “Please.”

  Lux pranced out of the office. I may not win them all, but I won this one.

  Gunter, a bulldozer size CIA body guard, in an expensive black suit, white starched shirt and a black tie entered the office in striking contrast to Lux. He looked as one would expect of someone given the name Gunter. “I’m at your disposal.”

  “Initiate Milo’s escape, he’s more useful out of prison.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be glad to hear that.”

  ***

  “Good morning, Dr. Franklin.” His receptionist flashed a welcoming smile as the surgeon entered the office. “How did your date go last night?”

  “Exceptionally well. What about your evening?”

  “Nothing unusual to report. I cooked dinner, liste
ned to some great music and drank a bottle of red wine.”

  “That’s exactly what I did.”

  “Have you heard from Kara? She’s not here for the second day in a row. She hasn’t called in and she’s not returning my calls.”

  “I’m positive she’s tucked safely somewhere. Any messages?”

  “Oh yes. Special Agent Mansfield called. They discovered another victim of the Sorority serial killer and need your help to review her dental records.”

  “Get him on the phone and put him through to my office.”

  “Yes sir.”

  “At lunch, please go buy me a new keyboard, my delete key broke.”

  Debra entered the reception area. “Hello Dr. Franklin. Thank you for fitting me in.”

  “My pleasure Ms. Jones.” A lustful and hungry grin crossed his lips. “I’ll see you after my next patient.”

  Her heart melted. Damn. I get what love at first sight means.

  “Mrs. Carol Raymond, please come this way.”

  Carol gathered her purse, grabbed a magazine and followed Dr. Franklin.

  “How’s the Commissioner and your son?”

  “Both as crazy as ever chasing after a serial killer.”

  I wonder, which one? Debra pursed her lips.

  ***

  The bulletin boards behind Special Agent Mansfield’s desk displayed the criminal map for the unsub which included the names, pictures and dates of deaths of the Sorority serial killer’s victims. An area map hung on the wall contained bright colored pin tacks marking each location a murder occurred. Its purpose bi-fold - serve as his constant reminder to bring closure and to catch the son of a bitch who murdered them.

  Agent Mansfield analyzed the victims’ pictures. “Other than being sorority sisters, have your paths ever crossed?” He mumbled beneath his breath. One at a time he whispered each victim’s name and the campus where the police discovered the body.

  “Monica Perry. Found on Loyola’s campus.” She wanted to be a doctor. He frowned and sighed.

  “Charlene Applebee, Loyola.” NASA candidate.

  “Brandy Chastain, Tulane.” Wanted to be a pediatrician.

  “Loraine McDaniel, UNO.” What a waste. A lawyer in the making.

  “Nancy Dubois, LSU.” A chemical engineer major.

  “Tracy Nelson, LSU.” A police cadet killed before even getting into the line of duty.

  “Phyllis Cantrell, Loyola.” Studying organizational behavior.

  He touched the latest Jane Doe’s picture. “Who are you and what were your plans?”

  Agent Locklear approached Agent Mansfield’s desk, she cleared her throat. “Excuse me, Agent Mansfield.”

  “If you have nothing to add, don’t interrupt my train of thought.”

  “The medical examiner confirmed the latest victim had a delete key tucked in her mouth which the unsub wrapped in a printout of her D-Net social page. This confirms she’s a victim of the Sorority serial killer.”

  “What about the textbook? Was it opened to pages two twenty-eight and two twenty-nine?”

  “Confirmed.”

  “Does she have a name?”

  “We’re still waiting on Dr. Franklin to see if he can identify her.”

  “Time of death?”

  “Dr. Ziegler won’t say for sure until he completes the autopsy. His best guess she perished nine hours earlier.”

  “That son of a bitch did it right under our noses. Now that pisses me off. None of this gets out to the press. Nobody needs to be aware his signature is a delete key. It will keep copy-cat killers at bay.”

  “I agree. Office politics as usual.”

  ***

  In the morgue, Dr. Robby Ziegler performed his best work where he maintained complete control. Layout of the medicolegal autopsy workspace optimized his workflow. He ignored the alcohol odor and the foul stench of decomposing bodies. Those comforted him. The relationship of the cold body storage walk-in cooler, the MRI and x-ray machine were in easy reach to the autopsy table where the latest victim of the Sorority serial killer lay draped in a white sheet from head to toe.

  A tall stainless steel table located to the right of Robby showcased a delete key inside a small clear evidence bag.

  Robby stood at the autopsy table. He grabbed a pair of blue surgical latex gloves and put them on with ease. “Deedra, start recording procedure now.”

  “Do you want audio or video?”

  “Both.”

  “Recording session has commenced. Be gentle Dr. Zeigler, I detect no life signs.”

  “Keep your comments minimal.”

  “I’m sorry. I did not understand that command.”

  “Start recording the autopsy.”

  “I started moments ago.”

  He pulled the sheet from the victim’s face and stroked her hair applying a fatherly touch as he winced in pain himself. “Poor baby. What did he do to you?” He stroked her hair again and shuddered.

  Robby lowered the white sheet to the victim’s naval. “Don’t worry, I will find out what happened.” His eyes flushed as his mirror touch synesthesia flared. This syndrome caused him to absorb a sensation on the same part of his body where someone else received a hit, a kiss or a wound once he touched the spot on a victim as if he had been on the receiving end.

  He shook his head. “Oh my. He did a number on you. Didn’t he? I feel your pain, sweetheart. Let me take it from you.”

  He stepped backward, took a deep breath and exhaled. He rubbed his hands together and pursed his lips. “I’ll take care of you.” He wiped a tear from his left eye. “Why weren’t you more careful?”

  Robby moved to the end of the examination table, pressed a button and weighed the corpse. He grasped the victim’s feet and stretched her body. “The victim is five feet seven inches and weighs one hundred and twenty-eight pounds.”

  Pain shot throughout his upper torso as he examined her face, neck and shoulder wounds. He measured an ink marking. “One tattoo of an angel one-fourth of an inch on the left side of the neck.”

  Robby absorbed her pain jerking his head to one side as he touched her neck. “Evidence of strangulation. Bruise markings on both sides of her neck.” He touched his own neck. I might recover fingerprints.

  After removing the sheet, he placed it across the tall stainless steel table and examined the lower half of her body. “Victim has one naval piercing with a ruby studded ring.” He removed the naval ring, put it in a clear bag marked evidence and placed it next to the delete key.

  He rolled the corpse over and continued the examination. “One four inch tattoo ‘Would you rather be right or happy?’ stretches across her lower spine.” He pulled the sheet from the table and covered her lower body.

  “Whoever did this to you will rot in Hell when I’m through gathering evidence.” Robby paused, shivered and took another deep breath before he made a U-shaped incision from both shoulders. He tried not to touch the corpse’s skin. The incision joined over the sternum to the pubic bone. Robby placed the scalpel on the tray and retrieved a rib cutter, separated the skin and the underlying tissues exposing the rib cage and abdominal cavity. “No one will ever hurt you again. You’re safe now.”

  He examined her internal organs. “At least you don’t talk back.” His body shook as he gasped for air after a sharp pain pelted his heart. “You have a wonderful heart. We’re family now.” He opened his arms to a welcoming gesture. Oh, honey. You were in so much pain. He continued to examine her with his tender touch.

  There were two short taps on the door. “Come in.” Robby looked over his shoulder at Dr. Franklin. “I’m almost finished.”

  “No hurry. I can wait before I take her teeth impressions. She deserves for you to take your time.” Dr. Franklin looked over at the delete key on the prep tray. “I’ll be glad when they catch this bastard.”

  ***

  Judas selected industrialized white tile for the floor, installed locked cabinetry for his supplies and painted the walls dove white du
ring the double car garage transformation into a makeshift do-it-yourself research facility. He took every precaution ordering his supplies making certain he had everything before he started. It took years for him to save enough money to create the home lab after the Consortium awarded the prize money for his research in sonic communication through space. He unpacked the boxes and assembled his lab according to his plan and specifications.

  “Deedra, do I have any D-Mail?”

  “You have three messages. Do you want me to read them to you?

  “No.”

  Marge entered the garage. “Another box was delivered. Do you want me to bring it in?”

  “Not yet, I’ll get to it. Don’t interrupt me again with such trivial details.”

  Deedra mistook his statement. “I’m sorry Judas. I did not intend to interrupt you.”

  Marge shook her head in disgust and frowned. “I don’t like what or who you are becoming.”

  “The front door is always an available escape route.”

  “I do not need to escape Judas. My network stretches far and wide.” Deedra mistakenly replied again.

  “I’ve had it. You talk more to Deedra than you do me.”

  ***

  Matthew sat at his desk searching through several files on a discovery mission while Debra talked on the phone. “Yes mother. I’m aware of the serial killer… It’s not like I’m hanging around with one. Besides, he’s only murdering brunettes who have blue or green eyes.”

  Matthew winked at Debra. “My mother does that too.”

  “Mom, for the last time, I don’t fit his victimology. Bye Mom… Yes, I love you.” Debra held the phone receiver away from her ear.

  Her mother continued to talk muffled. “Would it hurt to say I love you to your mother?”

  Debra rolled her eyes. “Blah, blah, blah.” Her tone in a whisper showed her frustration.

  Peterson entered from the copier area holding several files. He went to Debra’s desk, jerked the receiver from her and slammed it back onto the phone cradle. “Mothers will be mothers.”

  “Yes, and some mothers can be… nothing. Did you find the files for Matthew?”

  Peterson raised one file. “It barely has anything in it. I don’t think this is what he’s expecting.”