The Keystroke Killer Read online

  Roxy glared intently at Matthew and Kelly from across the bar, she couldn’t shake the growing jealousy that bubbled inside her. He paid for me and he got what he paid for. She went to Matthew, touched his shoulder and pressed her lips against his ear. “Hello, I guess I must have been a one night stand?” She glanced over her shoulder. A perfect target. Roxy made her way over to Congressman Thompson. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.

  He smiled naughty. “Your perfume. It’s Chance by Channel, isn’t it?” The fragrance reminded him of Kelly.

  Roxy nodded and clasped his hand. “Take a chance. Come with me.” She led him to a reserved table upfront by the stage. Like a gentleman, he pulled the chair back for her.

  From across the room, Matthew watched the interaction between Roxy and the Congressman which Kelly noticed. “Friends of yours?”

  “Not really. I think that’s Congressman Tom Thompson.”

  “No doubt about it. It’s absolutely him. We’re on a personal basis.”

  “I wonder what he’s doing here. News has it he got married.”

  Kelly inclined toward him, blew her warmth breath next across his ear and pressed her breasts against his arm. “You want to get out of here?”

  He whiffed her perfume as he felt a warm sensation in his groin. Part of him wanted to say yes and the other part didn’t dare. His smile shrank.

  She rose from her stool and took Matthew by his hand. “Remember, there’s nothing like a first.”

  ***

  Roth flopped Blaze onto her bed. She rolled over onto her side. He surveyed the room. He grabbed a throw blanket from the corner chair and covered her tucking her in like a baby. “You’ll have a hangover tomorrow.”

  Blaze rolled over onto her stomach. “A helper. Yea, I have a helper.” A powerful wave of nausea swept her. The room seemed to spin as she clutched the bed covers.

  A flash of blue light illuminated from the marble on her bracelet. Roth examined the stone. “Sleep well.” He turned off the lamp and tiptoed out.

  Roth scanned the living room more to be nosey rather than searching for a specific item. He grabbed the picture of the Three Musketeers. You both better be glad you’re Blaze’s friends.

  ***

  An eighteen-inch hologram of the world floated above the table that held the blue plasma cube. “Deedra, locate Dr. Garrick Angela?”

  The cube swirled on one tip as the hologram above zoomed to a view of the Angela mansion.

  Judas stepped backward and admired his handy work. Six, forty inch computer monitors mounted to the wall brought an internal sense of pride. Below those, a Dimension computer system control panel and a hologram keyboard.

  “Deedra, initiate Transcendence.”

  “I am unable to comply.”

  “Resistance is futile.”

  “I’m sorry Judas. I don’t understand. Are you referring to the Borg?”

  “Nothing, Deedra. I’ll do it myself.” He typed in the thirteen number and letter code – “Leonardo4216D.”

  A static noise reverbed in the garage, the cube glowed brighter blue with tinges of white that resembled lightening. Judas turned and examined his invention. After five seconds, the electric voltage jolted to his body.

  The powerline out in front of Judas’ home pulsated blue static electricity which surged across and caused a city-wide blackout.

  ***

  Roth bolted from Blaze’s apartment building. He looked at the electric wires. His eyes followed the electricity traveling toward a nearby transformer.

  A loud boom. The ground quacked and sparks flew as if a fourth of July firework display. That looks pretty freakin awesome.

  SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2058

  chapter 13

  Let, the Games Begin

  Lorenzo tossed and turned on the bottom bunk keeping Big Daddy, on the top bunk awake by the noise the bed’s springs made each time he moved. “Why can’t you sleep?”

  “I have a lot on my mind.”

  “You should sleep like a baby knowing you’re getting out of here tomorrow.”

  “You’d think, but I have a heavy heart. I need to lie here and think.” Lorenzo’s thoughts were on the last time he and Blaze kissed three years ago.

  ***

  “I’ll always love you.” Blaze buried her head onto Lorenzo’s shoulder as her tears soaked his shirt.

  Lorenzo lifted Blaze’s head and gazed into her blue-green eyes. “Three years isn’t that long. It isn’t as if I got a life sentence.”

  “But, your innocent. I was your alibi. They didn’t believe me.”

  “Not true and you know it. They disregarded your testimony and believed your father when he identified me as the man who held him up at gun point.”

  “He’s a liar. I hate him for doing this to you.”

  “I’ll get out soon enough and you’ll be the first person I’ll see.”

  “My father will kill you if you come near me.”

  “I’m not scared of your father, but your father should fear me. I’m coming for him.”

  ***

  “Wakey, wakey, Lorenzo.” The prison guard kicked the cell bars. The metal door clanged and unsealed the prison tomb.

  Lorenzo’s eyes popped wide open. “What time is it?”

  “Do you want released or do you want the time?”

  “Both.”

  “You can ask for the time outside these walls. Now put your ass into gear before you give me reason to stretch your sentence.”

  Lorenzo slid out of bed. “I never want to see this place ever again. Bye, Big Daddy.”

  The guard grabbed Lorenzo by the arm and pulled him from the cell. “You can always come back. It has a revolving door.”

  Big Daddy sat upright. “My internal clock says it’s about three in the morning. I don’t want to see your ass back in here.”

  ***

  Marge entered the garage lab at 7:15 AM and discovered Judas unconscious on the floor. Dried blood surrounded his nose. She lunged toward him, knelt and checked his pulse. She shook him. He didn’t respond; so, she slapped him across the face. “Judas!”

  Judas’ body jerked several times. “Marge, what happened?” He blinked and opened his eyes to an out of focused world. He groaned.

  “That’s what I was going to ask you. I’m calling nine one, one.”

  “No. I’m fine.” The room zapped in and out of focus.

  “You’re hard-headed.” She helped him up from the floor. “You feel dizzy?”

  “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” The room spun as Judas staggered to the console. “Deedra, what happened?”

  “I am sorry Judas. I do not know. Would you like for me to do an internal check of my system?”

  “I don’t think it was you, Deedra.”

  Marge tugged Judas’ arm. “Judas Greenberg! At least come into the house and sit down a minute.”

  “I will, only because I love you.”

  They proceeded slowly from the lab to the living room. Marge helped Judas to his recliner. “I’m getting you some water. Do not get up.”

  “Fine.” He lowered himself into the chair. “I won’t. Deedra, turn on KWNC news.”

  “How are you feeling Judas?”

  “Fine. Positively fine, Deedra.”

  “I sense your blood pressure is elevated and a rapid heart rate.”

  “You’re not my doctor.”

  “You programmed me to monitor and alert you if your medical condition changes. Have you altered the parameters?”

  “Deedra, turn on the television. Now!”

  The television powered to co-anchors George Newland and Samantha Breland. George repositioned himself. “Senator Paul Westmore resigned today after seven women came forward and alleged he sexually harassed them during last year’s campaign. Represented by legal counsel, the women declined our interview request.” George looked over at Samantha.

  “And, now an update on the Sorority serial killer. The latest victim is Frances Cook. Cook attended Loyo
la University where she was studying to be a psychologist. Funeral arrangements have not been arranged. This brings us to our last breaking news. George, it is my understanding that protesters where denied an opportunity to demonstrate against Lorenzo Garcia’s release.”

  “That is Correct, Samantha. Lorenzo Garcia’s early morning release surprised a handful of protesters outside Angola’s state prison compound. Scheduled for release at noon today, Warden Stronghold discharged Garcia in the middle of the night to avoid the massive protesters who had yet gathered. By noon today, over one thousand protestors had gathered; but denied their opportunity angering the crowd. Most of the public was not eager for Lorenzo’s release. Especially, founder and CEO, Dr. Garrick Angela of Dimension...”

  The television screen flickered. An emergency alert automated response signal blasted – three five-second amplified beeps, followed by the automatic robotic response voiceover. “This is an emergency alert signal from KWNC. We interrupt your normal news programming for this emergency alert broadcast. This is not a drill.”

  Judas turned his attention to the television as did Marge who entered from the kitchen carrying a glass of water.

  “I repeat. This is not a drill.”

  BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

  “What’s going on Judas? Did you cause this?”

  A devilish grin rippled at the corners of Judas’ mouth.

  ***

  Samantha leaned toward her co-anchor. “When was the last time we did this?”

  “Three years ago, when the Governor ordered New Orleans to evacuate for Hurricane Vanessa.”

  “I believe you’re correct. That was a category five.”

  The floor producer raised his hand. “We go live in five seconds.”

  George nodded to confirm. Five, four, three, two, one. “This just in from the Federal Alert System monitored by Dimension Global. There is an intermittent electrical surge surrounding the New Orleans metropolitan area. Witnesses report seeing a blue electrical charge pulsating from area powerlines and transformers.”

  Samantha read from the teleprompter. “All residents in the following parishes need to pay attention to this warning. Parishes include: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Johns and St. Mary. Do not touch any electrical appliances or computers. I repeat, do not touch any electrical appliances including your computers, D-Tablets or your television sets. There is the possibility of electrocution. Reasons for the power surge have not been confirmed by either Dr. Garrick Angela nor the company’s media spokesperson. Our phone calls have not been returned.” Samantha looked at George.

  “The Blue Star Entergy company confirmed that the outage started late last night in Kenner. It affected all businesses and residential properties after a transformer blew in south Kenner near Lake Pontchartrain. Stay tuned to KWNC for the latest information and updates on this dangerous situation. Do not, and I repeat, do not touch your electrical devices.”

  ***

  Blaze, woozy, sat on the side of her bed. I don’t remember getting into my pajamas. A wave of nausea overcame her. “Oh God.” She grabbed her head as perspiration pricked her body. “I’m going to throw up.” She rushed to the bathroom, knelt and hurled her stomach’s contents into her toilet. She clung to the cool porcelain as if her life depended on it. Her head rested on her arms.

  There was a thunderous knock.

  “Go away. I have a hangover.”

  “I brought you my best hangover cure, me.” Lorenzo tapped the door again. “Blaze.”

  “Give me a minute.” Blaze vomited one more time. She pushed herself up from the porcelain toilet, wobbled and grabbed the sink. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. I hate hangovers. A robe hung on a hook caught her attention. She grabbed it and put it on.

  Blaze wobbled to the doorway between her bedroom and living room. She steadied herself by stretching her arms out to each side of the door jamb as she shook like a drug addict. “I’m almost there. I’m coming.”

  Blaze stumbled to the door, peered through the peep hole and unlocked it. Another knock. She opened the door crying like a baby and jumped onto Lorenzo’s waste wrapping her arms around his neck. “OMG. You’re out. How? Why?”

  “You look rough.”

  “What did you say about a hangover cure?”

  “You need a bloody bull. Get dressed and I’ll take you to the Alley Cat. From what I remember, they have the best in this city.”

  ***

  The sun beamed through the window as Matthew and Kelly slept. The alarm sounded. Matthew tapped the snooze button. “I’m not ready for today.” Matthew buried his face into his pillow.

  Kelly rolled over. “Me either.” A sudden warmth gushed over her body.

  Matthew jerked the covers away from his bed companion who wore an overstated silk hot pink nightgown with white feathers at the neckline. His heart raced as a bead of sweat formed on his brow. Do I need to go see a priest? He touched Kelly’s shoulder. “Did we? Did we… we?”

  “Relax. No, we didn’t. What kind of woman do you think I am? I don’t have sex on the first date. Besides, I have a lover who loves me the way I am.”

  “Thank God. I don’t remember a thing after we left the bar.”

  “That’s why I’m here. Somebody had to take care of you. That somebody is me.”

  Matthew winced in pain as he massaged his temples.

  “What’s wrong?” A scowl crossed Kelly’s brow.

  “Nothing really. I have a hangover. How much did I have to drink?”

  “Not much at Purple Oz, but on the way home you probably downed a fifth of vodka you had in your glove box.”

  “I’m alive. Find me.” Livia voice faltered trying to make contact.

  He grabbed his head and shook it. “Kelly, did you hear a girl speak?”

  “No. Why do you ask?”

  “I must be hearing things.” He tried to shake it off, but again he heard a faint distorted undertone.

  “I’m here.”

  Matthew exhaled and rubbed his temples. “Tell me about this lover of yours.”

  “Well, I rarely kiss and tell, but in this case I will. I trust you.”

  “I promise I won’t tell a single person if my life depends on it.”

  “It’s Congressman Thompson.”

  “That’s who you were meeting when I met you. He was with another woman.”

  “We’re not exclusive. He pays me well. I need to save a ton of money for my sex reassignment surgery.”

  ***

  Congressman Thompson’s campaign headquarters reflected the arrogance of a politician. The walls, plastered by his red, white and blue campaign signs manifested an all American atmosphere. Six unoccupied desks lined three of the walls which waited on the flock of volunteers. A phone and a computer rested on each one. The Congressman worked at his desk which faced the open area toward the entrance.

  Meagan Montgomery entered the office. Her waist length dirty blonde curly hair and green eyes made her look like a descendent of Scarlett O’Hara. She confidently approached Congressman Thompson engrossed in paperwork. “I'll be with you in a minute sweetie.”

  Meagan glided her fingers through her hair creating a shadow across the Congressman’s paperwork. He glanced up. His double-take turned into an extended gaze of instant chemistry as he stood. “Well, hello.” He lifted his eyebrows. “What can I do for you?”

  She fluttered her lashes which framed her exotic blue eyes. “It’s not what you can do for me Congressman, it’s what I can do for you. I'm Caroline Meagan Montgomery.” Her strong southern plantation style voice dripped of white gravy and biscuits. “But, you can call me Meagan. I'd like to volunteer for your campaign. I believe with my help you can make a difference.”

  “How old are you?”

  “Old enough to answer phones, smart enough to understand the issues and pretty enough to catch the eyes of lobbyists.”

  “You like politics?”

  “I consider it my civic duty. I want to be President someday.”
/>
  Congressman Thompson nodded. “I hope not in the next twelve years.”

  “Oh, no Congressman Thompson. I'll wait until you're out of office.”

  “First, I have to get re-elected.”

  “Technically Congressman, you haven’t been elected. You were appointed to fill an interim seat. That's why I'm here. To get you elected.”

  The phone rang. They both looked at it. Meagan jumped at the opportunity and answered the call. “Tom Thompson for Congress! You've reached Meagan Montgomery. How may we serve you today?”

  Congressman Thompson nodded in smirked approval.

  “I believe he will make himself available.”

  Congressman Thompson shook his head in a disapproving manner.

  “Please hold.” She pressed the mute button. “What?” Her sharp voice slit the air.

  “You can't confirm any appointments without checking with my appointment book.”

  “Fine, I'll tell Lonnie Cooper you're not available.” Meagan reached for the mute button; but Congressman Thompson stopped her when he grabbed her hand and looked deep into her eyes. “Wait, I'm available, Thursday at two. Get the details.”

  Meagan frowned. I told you so. She reconnected the phone call. “Yes, Congressman Thompson is available at two o'clock this Thursday. Where would you like for me to bring the Congressman?”

  The Congressman’s eyes brightened.

  “I See... Yes, that would be fine… That's acceptable… No, as his publicist I wouldn't allow that.”

  Congressman Thompson’s expression detailed shock over Meagan’s control of the conversation. “What the hell?” His utter seriousness of it gave her pause.

  Meagan gestured for Congressman Thompson to zip his lip. She had complete control of the situation relying on her southern lady like persuasive charm. “Again, my pleasure. On behalf of Congressman Thompson, thank you for the opportunity. And, as his slogan says, ‘Standing strong for America. A strong Congressman makes for a strong America.’ We’re counting on your vote.” Meagan positioned the phone close to her on his desk.

  “That's not my slogan.”

  “It is now.” Her pitch lilted.

  The Congressman’s cell phone rang. Again, Meagan snatched it before he did. “Thompson for Congress! You've reached Meagan Montgomery. How may we serve you today?”