Heart of Fire (11 page)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The office was silent as Mayor Burns sat at his desk studying his campaign speech, he was so engrossed that he did not even notice Danni walk in and sit in the seat to his right.  She studied his features and observed the lines around his eyes were from lack of sleep.  She cleared her throat to get his attention. 

He looked over his folder and grimaced when he saw her there.  “Detective Pacelli what did I do to deserve another visit so soon from you?”  The sigh that expelled followed by him shaking his head from side to side gave ample warning he was in no mood to deal with her today.

“As you know we have a lead to catch the killer, and I am sure you are aware of the fact there was another murder.”

He had to fight back the tears as he locked eyes with her.  “I’m aware,” he said and turned his head in despair.  “Why are you here Detective?”

“Since you know the rest, then I’m sure you know that my partner was almost killed last night and she is in intensive care fighting for her life?”

“Yes, the Chief called me this last night.  He also said that was a stupid mistake on her part since she was off duty.”

She looked at him then down to her hands.  She forgot the implications and the legal problems the city would have now.  “
I…she was just being a good cop.  She saw the suspect and tried to get assistance but all our man power was tied up at Officer Travis’s house.”  Danni choked back the next words, “She almost died.”

“Put your guard down Pacelli, we are not on a witch hunt for her badge,” he assured her, knowing that he was grateful that Flanery was willing to put her life on the line to get the thorn that was going to ruin his career taken down.  “If there is an inquiry I will advise them that you two were working undercover on orders from my office.”

The tension eased from her shoulders.  She sat back and locked eyes with him.  “We are going to get her, but we need your help now,” she said as matter-of-fact.  “I’m not sure what the Chief told you, but this woman is dangerous and will stop at nothing.  I don’t think it is a coincidence that she is killing the women you have a past with.  So, what I need to narrow it down is a list of all the women you’ve dated in the past thirty years.”

“Why would you need those?”
he asked stunned.

“I need to see if any of them are still alive.  And if not, how they died.  There has to be a connection somewhere.  It seems that the only targets have been prostitutes, so there has to be a connection there.” 

He sat back in his seat and observed her for taking in the request.  “Okay, give me a few hours and I’ll have that list together.”

His demeanor changed and his willingness confused her.  He had not been receptive to her requests in the past but there was a definite change in him.  Maybe he knew he would be next if did not help.  The thought occurred but she was too tired to dwell on the whys.  “
I also need you to look at this picture and tell me if she looks familiar.”  She place a still shot from the video footage of the woman on his desk.

His eyes narrowed down, but with her head turned it obscured his ability to see her clearly.  “
Not sure it’s hard to tell.”

The sigh that escaped her said words for her current mood, she was frustrated.  The suspect had to have knowledge of where the cameras were and avoided them.  “Are you sure?  Think of her with a different hair color.  My first thought when I saw her was it was a dye job.  Her skin tone is too light for that dark of hair.”

He looked again but nothing stood out.  Only if he could see her face clearly he could say yes or no.  He shook his head.

“I got a good look at her and I have to sit with the sketch artist later.  If it’s okay, I’ll fax over a copy for you to look at.”

Before she could continue he said okay and excused himself for a meeting.  Danni just sat there and caught her breath.  She had to fight the urge to break down.  As much as she wanted to be at the hospital holding Annabel’s hand when she woke, she had no choice but to continue with the investigation.  One hour and she would meet with the artist, and approximately four hours until she could see Annabel.  When she left the hospital earlier she still had not woken up after surgery.  The doctor said she had swelling on the brain and crushed vocal cords he continued to say she was lucky, because the stab wound that entered just below her arm pit would have entered an eighth of an inch more to the left, it would have punctured her heart.  All that mattered at this point was she was alive, and with time and healing, she would recover. 

Conner called her while she sat waiting for her to get out of surgery.  He advised that the pool of blood collected was not Annabel’s.  She remembered hearing the gun shot, and when she reached her she had the gun in her hand.  Connor verified her gun had been shot, and the bullet casing found at the scene proved it was from her gun.  So they knew two things, the woman was fast enough to overpower Annabel, but now was injured.  Danni recalled the scream and knew it was not Annabel.  She smiled to herself as she thought how her partner fought even at the brink of death. 

Danni rubbed her temples, she was tired and her head was pounding, she had so many emotions running through her, and was starting to feel conflicted.  Just last night she was ready to kill the woman, but now she wanted to see her suffer, and what better way than to be strapped to a table and know that any second they would release the plunger and fill her veins with poison.  It would be sweet justice to be able to sit on the other side of the glass and watch her take her last breath, Danni mused with a wicked smile.

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

“Are we done?” Danni leaned over to see the finished product of her memory.  Her eyes widened when she looked at the face of the killer.  It was exact replica of the killers face.  She smiled as she looked at her watch.  It only took half the time that she was told it would take to get a likeness drawn.  “It’s perfect.  Can I have it now or do you have to make copies first.”  The face of the murderer looked directly at her from the paper.  Danni’s heart skipped a beat as she looked at the likeness.  “Amazing,” she muttered as she scanned the picture.

Forensic artist Daniel Martin loved the amazed look he got each time when he held his masterpieces up.  “
If you promise to make copies you can take it now.”   He winked playfully.

“Scouts honor,” s
he laughed as he handed it to her.  “You’re really good at capturing the likeness.” 

“Thank you.  I hope this helps you catch our cop killer.”

“You’re mouth to God’s ear.”   She waved a hand as she walked away.

Danni faxed the picture to Frank’s office and to the Mayor’s personal fax.  She was not going to leave anything to chance.  She scanned it in the system and put it over the wire which would send it to each mobile unit’s computer.  She had to talk to Frank before sending it to the media.  The woman would not be able to hide if she was seen in every household in the city.  She could see it now.  ‘
News at nine, serial killer also takes the life of one of our very own.  Officer Wendy Travis and critically wounds Detective Annabel Flanery.  Please be on the lookout for – then they show the picture – if you have any information please call local authorities.
’  She smiled as she replayed the scenario in her head.  She would send it to the hospitals, but was well aware they had to notify the authorities when someone walked in with a gunshot.

She skipped a few steps as she dropped the rest of the copies on the Lieutenants desk with a note.  Next stop Northwest Texas Hospital to check on Annabel, she smiled, but soon her lips lost their luster when the phone lit up with a text message from Frank saying he needed to see her.  She spun her car around and sped in the direction of his office.  The elevator on the way up was packed with Federal Agents.  She listened as they discussed cases without using names.  She listened to the excitement in their voices and the procedures they used to catch suspects, it intrigued her and she knew if she only had half the availability to the resources they had she could find anyone she was looking for.  The door opened and she walked briskly to Frank’s office.

He smiled as she approached him.  “I got what you asked for.”

Danni gleamed with excitement as the news registered.  “We got a name for our suspect?”

“Better.”  He smiled as she sat down and retrieved the papers he handed her.

The thick packet was filled with aliases used over the years, but one thing was consistent the picture was always the same woman.  “There’s a lot of names here Frank, which one is her real name?”

“That we have not narrowed down yet.”  His smile faded.  “But, give it a few more days and I think we should pin it down.  I was only able to go back twenty years.  Before then, she didn’t seem to exist, but Kent is on it, and he always finds his man.”

The silence increased as she looked over the documents.  “This doesn’t make sense.”  Her eyes fixed on the occupations the woman had.

“If you look down on the bottom left, she worked security.  Her job was to patrol areas that had the security systems installed.”

“I see that, but what makes that so significant?” Her head shook in confusion.

“I didn’t see it at first until the report came in.  Look at who was on her route.”

“Shit, so she’s been following the Mayor for the past twenty years.  Frank she couldn’t have been older than nineteen then.  What the fuck does the Mayor have to do with her?  Where the fuck is the connection?” Her eyes went to Frank then back to the data in her hands.

“Were looking into it and as soon as we find out who she really is then we will find out.”  He stood and extended his hand to hers.  “Send my best to Detective Flanery, and I will call you as soon as I find anything else.”

Danni took his hand in hers and smiled.  “Frank thank you, I will as soon as they let me see her.”

Within twenty five minutes she was standing in the lobby of intensive care.  She could see Annabel through the glass as the nurse checked her vitals and gently rubbed slowly almost sensually over Annabel’s shoulder.  A mix of jealousy knotted in her stomach.  No smile, no sparkle, the concern now etching itself onto her forehead as she waited patiently for the nurse to leave the room and give her an update.  With a firm grip, she placed both hands on her temples her head pounded from the lack food and sleep.  When the nurse finally exited her room, Danni looked at her and waited for a response.  She shook her head no and let out a sigh with a hint of frustration.

The look and the response gave her the answer she needed.  There was still no improvement; Annabel’s chances were becoming slimmer the longer she stayed unconscious.  She was not ready to give up on her and did not care what the neurologist said.  None of them knew Annabel the way she did and she was sure she would fight her way back.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The wait at the precinct was excruciating.  Danni watched as officers and detectives walked in and out of Hagerty’s office.  Her anger built as the she kept looking at the clock on the wall.  She had already been waiting a few hours and now it was three o’clock.  “What the hell is he waiting for?” the question escaped her lips catching the attention of Detective Gillespie who was walking out. 

“He’s not in a good mood Pacelli, watch yourself.”  He winked as he patted her on the shoulder.

“Just fucking great!”

“Pacelli?”  she heard her name being called from the inside of his office.

Hesitantly she stood and smoothed her pants.  She was sure she was going to be reprimanded for allowing Annabel to follow-up on the lead while on medical leave.  She sat down ready to be yelled at, but no words were exchanged as he sat there looking over a file.  He glanced over from time to time, but said nothing.  Finally she heard him huff then growl. 

“I should be suspending you, but for some reason the higher up’s want you on this case.  You are being reassigned to protect the Mayor until we catch the suspect.”  He locked eyes with her then looked out the window.  “Apparently the Fed’s want you on this.  Is there something going on that you are not telling me Pacelli?” his question had a hint of suspicion.

“I need to talk to you about that.  Can I shut the door?” He nodded his approval and within seconds she was seated back in her chair.

She diligently explained everything they found out and the latest leads leading to the apprehension of the suspect.  Then she swore him into secrecy before explaining in detail how the woman had been following the Mayor for the past twenty years.  He did not seem surprised as Frank had already told him enough information to keep him off her back.  Once she was done explaining the case she gave the unexpected news of her future prospect.  “I was given an offer to apply for the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  Once this case is over, I am going to take them up on the offer.”

“You’re a good detective; I hate to see you leave Pacelli.”  He bit his bottom lips as he sighed.  “Is there anything we can do to keep you with us?”

The offer made her smile, she never felt appreciated before, but now he was trying to keep her there, and also telling her she was good at her job.  He was making the decision harder, but she needed to progress in her career and she knew she would not move up if she stayed.  “Sir, I have put a lot of thought into this, and I need to do this for myself. I kept putting it off when I was asked a few years ago to apply, but the time I spent working with the Fed’s, I realized I would be a good agent. I appreciate the kind words, but I need to do this for me.”

He stood up and shook her hand holding it tight in his own.  “You will make a good federal officer Pacelli.  When the time comes for you to leave, you and me, we are going to go out and have a drink.”

She blinked back surprised by his offer.  “Sir, a drink?”

He laughed by the tone in her voice.  “Once you’re not working with us anymore, I cannot be charged with misconduct by having a drink with you.”

“Sir, I would really like that.”  She was seeing a side of Hagerty she never saw before.  She really like this side of him and was a little saddened she never saw it before. 

“Good.  Then keep me informed on the process of the case.  Your assignment starts in two hours.  Call the Mayor and make the arrangements.”  He ushered her off as his phone rang.

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The snow cascaded down onto the city streets making the streets slick and dangerous.  Danni drove with care as she watched the oncoming cars slide on the black ice and try to regain control of their vehicles.  Just up ahead a black SUV with Oklahoma tags drove slowly, she tried to focus on the rear lights to guide since the heavy snow obscured her view.  The weather cast called for six to eight inches of snow within the hour, and the city was not prepared for it.  The sand trucks and plows had not made it out yet.  She began to regret not buying the snow tires the salesman at discount tires tried to convince her to purchase.  Several times she slid to the right and just before hitting the curb was able to recover in time.  She let out an exasperated breath as she pulled in front of the Mayor’s mansion.  She was annoyed that she had to protect the Mayor when he already had body guards on his payroll.  She chuckled as she thought about the short fat want to be cop trying to fight off an intruder.  “Suck it up Pacelli.”  She rolled her eyes as the house came into view.  She rationalized how she would have to get used it, because once she was working for the government, she would have to defend scum that were being hunted from other scum.  She shrugged and knocked at the door.  Several knocks later a man dressed in all maroon opened the door, she stepped back and looked at the address again.  She had to stop herself from laughing as the house and the man reminded her of the Adam’s Family mansion.  She half expected to see a hand crawling across the floor as she stepped back to survey the entrance. 

“Can I help you?” his deep and raspy voice gave her chills. 

Danni flashed her badge and he stepped inside.  “We have been expecting you.”

She walked into the foyer and eyed her surroundings.  She winced as she thought how easy it was to just walk in after flashing her badge.  Where are the body guard’s?  She thought scanning the adjacent rooms. “Is the Mayor here?” she questioned as he closed the door behind her and made a mental note that he did not lock it. 

“The Master will be down for dinner in a quarter of an hour,” he said emphasizing each word.  He waved his hand for her to follow, Danni watched closely as he walked, his back hunched slightly.  She assumed either he had osteoporosis or some other type of bone disease.  The home was designed elegantly, and if she did not know for sure he was a single man, she would have automatically assumed a woman lived in the house. 

The sound of glass breaking from one of the rooms in the house caused alarm.  Panicked, Danni ran from room to room with her gun drawn.  She ran into what looked like an office and found a picture frame window broken.  She surveyed the window then the surrounding area outside.  There were no branches which would have broken it, so ran back in the house and there on the floor next to the desk was a brick.  She could not believe that no one else came running.  What kind of protection did he hire?  She frowned as she stood in the room alone. 

She must have been taking pictures with her cell for twenty minutes before Andy Smith the short fat guard finally graced her with his presence.  “Lazy Fuck.” she hissed the cuss word as she shot him a look of disgust as he strolled in acting like nothing happened.  “Where in the fuck were you?”

“I was in the kitchen eating,” he said as a matter of factly.

“You fat bastard, you are hired to protect him and the only thing you care about is eating?” Her anger spilled over, and before he knew what was happening her fist connected with his jaw knocking him to the ground.  “I am not going to let you get me killed.  Either you go, or I quit,” she scorned, but before she could continue, the Mayor walked in from the hallway.

“You’re fired Smith.”  Burns fumed as he stood over the man still spread out on the floor.

He scrambled to his feet and spoke calmly, though there was a powerful underlying authority style tone to accompany it.  It had a rich texture but it didn’t need much more to make people take a step back.  “When she gets you killed, I’ll laugh and say I told you so.” 

Before he could continue, Danni wrapped her hand around his throat.  As he struggled to get away, her grip got tighter around his neck and he turned a slight shade of purple.  “Get the fuck out of here.”  She let go and pushed him towards the front door.

“All the trouble he caused and he did not have the courage to be a man about it,” she hissed under her breath.  “Spineless coward!” she spouted at the other body guard that just pulled up behind her car, but when he saw the look on her face and the Mayor’s, he trailed behind one of the Mayor’s black bulletproof cars.  For a spit second, she could have sworn she saw the jelly fish sliding around out there.

She understood why the Mayor wanted her on his team.  She was shocked how the coward ran from the house and jumped in his car.  She actually wanted to leave herself, but she had a job to finish and when she committed herself, nothing or nobody would get in her way.