Mindfield (Sideways Eight Book 1) (22 page)

Murphy closed his eyes for a beat. “A tenuous connection won’t cut it. We need something concrete to link the victims.”

“It’s our job to find out.”

“We better, or more will die. Has it occurred to either of you, he dumped her where she attends church?”

“Yes he did,” Doobie said. “Everyone is inside the building being questioned.”

“What about the ones who left after services?” Murphy stepped back, inspecting the grand granite structure.

“We’ll get the attendance rolls and work from there,” Doobie said.

“That doesn’t account for visitors.” Murphy shaded his eyes, scrutinizing the church.

“You’re right, Murphy, it doesn’t. We can only work with what we find. We can’t invent evidence or suspects.”

Charley sighed. “We need to figure out where he’ll take the next one.”

Murphy grasped Charley’s shirtsleeve, dragging her over to him.

“Need something?” Charley said, trying to maintain her footing.

Murphy pointed at the colossal stone house of worship. Two tower spires sat on each side of the immense arched window situated above the weatherworn gigantic wooden doors with steel hinges and pulls. “What does that look like to you?”

Charley’s eyes followed Murphy’s finger. “A church.”

“Look again, Char.”

She rubbed her chin and studied the massive edifice. “A castle.”

“A castle.”

“You two are talking about what Erin said?” Doobie said.

“Olivia would live in a castle,” Murphy said.

Doobie rocked on his feet. “But this is Natalie, not Olivia.”

“Yes,” Char said. “He revealed where to find the next victim. Geezus this is crazy.”

“He has a list.” Murphy massaged his temples. “He knows who is next.”

Charley watched the morgue van drive away with Natalie. “Not only did he give us a clue. It was next door to where he kidnapped Natalie. He is taunting us.”

Murphy opened a map of Fairfax County on his phone. “He’s hit Reston, Great Falls, Herndon. Isn’t it unusual for a serial killer to go outside his race or ethnic group?”

“It’s not about ethnicity.” Charley tugged his arm to tip his cell in her direction. “He uses his brain. His selection process goes beyond race. Each child represents something unrelated to the other girls.”

“Let’s explore other areas we haven’t considered. It seems with all the girls, the family dynamic is strained or dysfunctional.”

“I wonder if the killer is aware,” Doobie said.

“That’s a reasonable assumption,” she said.

“Char, let’s run through the likenesses,” Murphy said. “Perhaps the killer will fall in the same category as the victim’s family. It’s what he knows.”

“They live in nice neighborhoods.”

“They were active in sports and the arts. These are middle to upper-class families.”

“They pay their taxes, live within their means.”

“The murderer is abducting and killing those with whom he is familiar,” Murphy said. “He’s staying within his own environment. He will not stray outside his comfort zone. It gives him a sense of security.”

“Yes, it does.”

She turned to Doobie. “Sean and I will be at the home office if you need us.”

“Bye, you two.” Doobie waved and trudged toward the church.

Charley and Murphy ambled in silence to his truck.

“It’s gonna get worse, isn’t it?” Murphy said.

“Yes. It is.”

Chapter 25

Girls Have Goals

Manassas, VA – Medical Examiner’s Office

Monday, 23 May – 4:35 PM

Charley, Murphy, and Carmichael stood next to the steel slab, holding the remains of Natalie Norman. A white sheet covered her from neck to toe. The glare of the overhead light illuminated the fine features of her face.

Carmichael adjusted the lamp to view the body. “I don’t have to tell you the cause of death, do I?”

Murphy’s smile was acerbic. “Helium.”

“Yes.”

“Any differences between Natalie and the others?” Charley said.

Carmichael laid his palm on Natalie’s torso. “Stomach contents. Natalie’s last meal was roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, milk, and pumpkin pie.”

“Pumpkin pie?” Charley twisted her mouth. “Who eats pumpkin pie in May?”

“Natalie.” Murphy stared at his shoes and wiped his mouth.

Carmichael raised Natalie’s right arm. “Her binding marks are consistent with Robin’s and Olivia’s. But, Natalie showed signs of higher aggression than the others.” His finger circled her wrist. “Her abrasions are deeper, which shows she broke the skin trying to get loose.”

“Kind of cord?” Charley said.

“Forensics has been trying to determine the manufacturer since Robin.”

Charley’s gloved hand touched Natalie’s delicate features. “When little girls jump, they reach for the heavens, for there they find their goals.” She backed away.

“Did we find anything on the quarter?” Murphy said.

“Clean, no prints or residue,” Carmichael said. “I believe Natalie went on a hunger strike. I checked her medical records from her pediatrician. She had a doctor’s appointment two weeks before her kidnapping. Natalie weighed six pounds less at the time of death.”

Charley crossed her arms across her abdomen. “Hunger strike?”

“Autophagy. Early stage of muscle tissue deterioration,” Carmichael lifted the drape, folding it at the hips. “Enlarged liver, increased fatty tissue, and the extended stomach.”

Charley massaged the bridge of her nose and shook her head. “Natalie knew she wasn’t going home and became combative.”

“I disagree.” Murphy waved his hand towards the body. “There’s bruising other than the bindings.”

“Not so fast, Murph.” Carmichael indicated her arm. “View the wrist a little closer. This is severe subdural hematoma, bruising. She yanked so hard on the rope; she fractured the lunate and the scaphoid bones in her wrist.” Carmichael shifted towards the foot of the slab and lifted the child’s leg by the ankle. “Same thing with the shins, she kicked a solid hard object. The tibia has hairline fractures above the ankle. Whatever it was, it was cylindrical.”

“A bedpost?” Murphy said.

“Nice guess,” Charley said.

“The kidnapper didn’t abuse Natalie,” Carmichael said. “The injuries are self-inflicted, hence combative.”

“She tried to escape.” Murphy tilted his head back, pressing the heels of his palms onto his eyes.

Charley nodded and said with a catch in her voice, “Yeah.”

“He didn’t do this to her. He controls his emotions,” Murphy said.

Somber, Charley sighed. “He’d have to… a screaming child can cause serious stress. He ignored Natalie’s violent rages.”

“Which would make her even angrier.”

“Explains the deep abrasions and cuts on the wrist,” Carmichael said.

“Normal toxicology?”

“Yes.”

“Distilled water?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll review the crime scene photos taken on the day of the abduction.” Charley looked at Murphy. “We’re missing something.”

“Let’s find it.” Murphy backed away from the table, removing the protective clothing. He extended his hand out to Charley. “My turn to dispose.”

Charley removed the garb and handed them to him.

“Uhm, there’s one more thing.” Carmichael shook his head. “Sorry, can’t believe I almost forgot.”

“Yeah?” Murphy said, taking Charley’s garment.

“Natalie had leukemia,” Carmichael said.

“You test for diseases?” Charley said.

“No.” Carmichael shook his head. “Her pediatrician told me. A phlebotomist drew her blood during her doctor’s appointment. Blood chemistry revealed elevated white blood count. Tactile examination confirmed enlarged lymph nodes in her neck and underarm. Her physician scheduled a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy however the kidnapping occurred.”

“But,” Murphy swiped his forehead, “the bruising on her legs and wrists.”

“The disease compounded the bruising and the severity of the wounds.”

Charley put her arms out to the side. “Wait… stop… Robin was anemic, Olivia was diabetic, and Natalie had leukemia.” Her eyes passed from Carmichael and Murphy. “Each of them had medical disorders.”

“Maybe they see the same pediatrician or another health professional.”

“I’ll notify Doobie, to have him cross check the girls’ medical history.”

Carmichael pulled his mouth back and slowly shook his head. “No need, I checked. The girls don’t share any medical professionals.”

Charley chewed her thumbnail, eyeing Carmichael while he covered Natalie’s body. She switched her gaze to Murphy. “We’re losing.”

Murphy crammed his hands into his pockets and leaned towards her. Their faces mere inches apart. “No. We. Won’t.”

Chapter 26

Going South

Interstate 64 – Northeast of Madison, VA

Tuesday – 14 June – 8:30 AM

Charley’s hand strayed from the steering wheel to the charm on her necklace. Five miles ahead, her savior awaited her arrival at Lahey’s Diner in Madison, Virginia, a small town thirty miles north of Charlottesville. Two years ago, his job sent him to Europe. Charley didn’t regret she had left for the morning without leaving notice. Unusual for her, but this, she must do on her own.

Any attempt to hide anything from him would be futile. He understood her as no other. Her self-appointed brother, Jackson ‘Jake’ Lindsey, stood tall and lean with chestnut hair that swirled over his brows to his amber eyes, which bored into her soul.

Jake held nothing back.

No escape.

Charley spent the last two years missing him. The solitary link between them, a defining moment eight years ago while she laid dying alone atop the Shenandoah Mountains.

On a chilly November day Jake stepped into the mayhem. The aftermath had been as debilitative as the carnage that came before it. He rescued her, ripping her away from the terrifying scene without knowing he carried to safety the best sister one would want.

At first, she would avoid details, escaping Jake’s observations and intuition. Hiding the truth from those clever eyes would be tricky.

She parked in the diner parking lot and rushed indoors. After a few seconds, she spotted him.

Charley waved. “Jake.”

Jake raced to her and lifted her with a huge hug. He set her on her feet and gave her a quick sweep with his eyes. “It’s so good to see you, Sis. I’ve missed you.”

Charley’s cheeks glowed, her smile radiant. “Me too, you look awesome.”

“Working out as always. You look great. You’ve been hitting the gym hard. Are you still honing your mixed martial arts?”

“Everyday.”

The attendant led them to their seat as Jake requested coffee. They sat opposite each other in the red, faux leather booth, grabbing laminated menus from the holder containing shakers of salt and pepper.

Jake captured her eyes. “You’re wearing my necklace.”

She pinched the charm between her fingers. “My favorite.”

“When I found it I couldn’t believe it.” Jake grinned. “I talked the street merchant down a few euros. I’m glad you like it.”

“It’s special.” She smiled.

“I’m so glad you’re here and not in Maryland. Selfish, but I need my sis. You’re the only person I can talk to.” He lowered his head.

“Jake, what’s wrong?”

He tapped his thumb on the upper corner of the menu. Outside the window, the early morning traffic rush of Oakmont Street. “I’m divorcing Julie and filed for sole custody of Caleb.”

Charley’s mouth dropped. “Divorce? No. Jake. No.”

The server approached their table. She swooped the tray with skill and grace, balancing it with one hand, holding two heavy ceramic mugs and a carafe of steaming coffee. After placing a small bowl containing mini-cups of creamer on the table, she filled their cups and took their order. Jake opted for a Western omelet. Charley selected scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. The server excused herself.

“What happened?” She poured two mini-cups of creamer into the liquid, crushed them in her hand, and tossed them to the side.

Jake wiped the corners of his mouth with the crook of his hand. “She cheated.”

Shock opened Charley’s eyes as her brows raised. “Wait… what?”

“You heard me.”

“Humph.” She placed the menus back into the holder. “Did you cheat on her?”

Jake bowed his head, his voice low with shame. “Uh… depends on how one defines cheating.”

“You did, didn’t you?” She threw an empty mini-cup of creamer at him.

His attempted dodge failed.

“What is wrong with you?” She tossed another mini-cup in his direction.

“Not until after I found out she had,” Jake said, advoiding her judgmental glare.

“That doesn’t make it okay. You lowered yourself to her standards to make a point. Two negatives make a positive in mathematics, but in real life it creates chaos.”

“It hurt so much.” Jake blinked, rubbing his jaw. “There’s more.”

Charley flopped back on the bench. Apprehension filled her voice. “It gets worse?”

Jake dropped his head. “She’s pregnant with his kid.”

“What makes you think the baby isn’t yours?”

“I was in Athens, Greece, at the time of conception. I brag as much as the next guy, but my dick won’t reach Brussels from there.”

Charley shook her head, covering her face with her hands, blushing. “I see. How long has the affair been going on?”

“About six months.”

“How did you find out?”

“Caleb told me in his four-year-old way, complaining about the man with mommy in bed. How did he put it? Oh, yes, how he had to wait to eat breakfast in the morning. He doesn’t want me to go away anymore.” He tightened his mouth and wiped his eyes. “Char, I’m not sure what Caleb saw, or heard, but he’s four.”

“I agree.” Charley nodded. “Where is the bitch? Or should I say the lying, cheating bitch. Piece of advice, warn her, if I ever get my hands on her there will be nothing left of her to screw.”

Jake shook his head and snickered. “She’s in Germany with him. Caleb returned with me to the States. I want her out of our life, period.” He slammed his fist on the table. “Especially Caleb’s.”

The server approached their booth. Startled by the sound of his rage, close to dropping the tray she held in the air with one hand. Jake apologized. She smiled at them and placed their plates in front of them. He gave her a gratuitous nod before she left.

Charley’s eyes narrowed. “She better stay there.”

Jake refilled the coffee mugs and glanced at her. “Let’s talk about you. So what’s new with you?”

“Nothing much.” She stared at her food.

“Liar.”

“Large case in the works, nothing else.”

He held up two fingers. “Lie number two. Something’s going on. Fess up, big sister.”

“In my emails, I told you about my partner.”

“And…”

“Nothing else.” She took a bite of egg and bacon.

“Lie number three. You may as well spill it, baby. Tell me about this so-called partner.”

She crammed egg and toast into her mouth. Charley chewed slow, glancing at him. She swallowed, peering to the side. “Uhm… he’s new to the bureau. We attended UVA at the same time. You’ll like this. He played football for the Cavaliers, wide receiver.”

“Did he?” Jake leaned back on the bench. “How long have you two been together?”

“We work together, partners.”

“So, you two do nothing after hours?”

Charley shrugged.

Jake fanned his fingers for more information. “Details, little lady.”

“He has this radar, when I need… I’m not sure, comfort, compassion, a friend. He’s a nice person, respectful, and smart.”

“You’re interested in him?” Jake grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.

The palms of her hands faced him. “Stand down, little brother, big sister takes care of herself.” She lowered her hands and grabbed her fork and played with her scrambled eggs. “I’m not sure about him. He scares me.”

“He’s intimidating?”

“No. He makes me feel things. They’re foreign.”

“Whoa… really? Let me guess, you pushed him away.”

“I can’t deal with this stuff.” She smashed her eggs with her fork. “I’m relationship challenged.”

“You don’t want to deal with the physical side, period.”

Charley stabbed the eggs with her fork.

“You’re denying yourself the possibility of happiness.”

Charley’s eyebrows raced towards each other. “Who said I’m not happy?”

“Sweets, you’ve never been happy. You exist. Char, when will you move forward? Live a little? Experience life like the rest of us?” Jake dropped his fork onto the plate and clasped his fingers. “We’re not all criminals, assholes, and womanizers.”

“It’s all I know.”

“Because you won’t explore what’s out there.”

Charley’s eyes narrowed, mentally counting how many red cars were in the parking lot, a stall tactic, which never worked. “I’ve tried. It turned out bad. Even the press hounds me.”

“Garrett cared about you. The only people you can read are psychopaths.”

“I’m socially and emotionally incompetent. It’s who I am.”

Jake leaned on the table, cupping his chin with his hand. “How do you live?”

“Alone.”

“Dumbass. How do you function without attention and affection from the opposite sex?”

“Easy.”

“You refuse to be close to anyone. You have this impenetrable, invisible shield. A man could shout his feelings from the rooftop. You would tell him to get down or he’ll fall, without listening to what he’s trying to say.”

“Jake, please, I’m having a tough enough time.” She took a sip of her coffee and stared at the brown concoction.

Jake reclined tapping his fork on the edge of the plate. “I worry about you, Char. It bothers me you’re so hell-bent on being alone. It isn’t normal or natural.”

“I’ve never claimed either.”

“I wanna meet this guy.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“You’ll meddle.”

“Sis, I’m not trying to be mean. You realize we, the people you love, can’t always be there. We have lives, relationships. We’re out there. The day is coming where you’ll find yourself alone with no one. Not me, not Scott, not Doobie, no one. Then what, Char?”

“I’ll adopt a cat.” Charley licked her fork.

Jake shook his head. “Are you fucking serious? It’s not normal.”

“Eh.”

“Aren’t you curious? Don’t you want to experience what it’s like to love someone or be loved?”

“I know what it’s like.”

“No, you don’t. When it comes to love, you’re clueless. You’re missing out on happiness.”

“I disagree. You, for example, ended up with a cheating wife and a potential messy divorce.”

“True, but I wouldn’t change the experience. I have Caleb, and yes, I loved Julie, still do, but I know how it feels for someone to love me and for me to love them.”

“It’s all short term. I prefer guarantees.”

Jake leaned over the table, berating her with a whisper, “Char, when will you realize there are no guarantees in life. Don’t you see what you’re doing to yourself?”

“I’m not doing anything. It’s self-preservation. This way, no one gets hurt, not me, or anyone else.” She sipped her coffee. “I have my work, my research. The things I like to do. I answer to no one.”

“I give up, Sis.” Jake sighed. “Stay the way you are. Live your life alone. Enter your twilight years on your own and die in the solitary confinement you’ve built. That’s what will happen.”

“Please, don’t be upset with me. I am who I am and it’s all I have.”

“For years, I’ve tried to explain this to you. I don’t get it. You went through hell. I saw the aftermath, the long recovery, and the pain. All of it. Char, do you feel anything? I mean, take this partner of yours—”

“His name is Sean, Sean Murphy.” She peered at him through her eyelashes.

Jake jabbed his forefinger at her. “See, there it is. You admonished me for referring to him as if he’s inconsequential. You defended him. Doesn’t that tell you anything?”

“Jake, he’s…”

“He’s what, Char?”

“Different.”

“Different how?”

“He’s good to me, even when I don’t deserve it. I haven’t always been nice to him.”

“I’m glad you recognize it.” He glanced at his wristwatch. “I love you, Sis, but honey, you must hate yourself.”

“No argument from me.”

“You are so oblivious. Your denial is a way for you to refuse to change. To have a life.”

“Bullpucky.”

“Give life a chance, Sis, please. Give him a clue, something, anything.”

She shook her head.

“The next time you’re with him, when you’re not working, show him a little attention. You’ll be surprised at his response.”

Charley laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

She gazed out the window, with a glowing smile. “He bought me an ice cream cone. He knows when I want something. The CD, he bought. Sometimes, when we’re making lunch, we have food fights. For two days he stayed with me at the hospital.” Charley lowered her head.

“Are you hearing yourself? Do you know what that’s called?”

“No.” She took a bite of her toast.

“Sexual attraction and frustration. It’s foreplay, Char.”

She laughed so hard she spit out her toast. “You’re insane.”

Jake raised his eyebrows. “Nope. I’m smart enough to know you two are doing the love dance.”