No Ordinary Killer (26 page)

“What romance? I haven’t heard from him since we last
spoke. It’s like he vanished from the face of the earth. I called the number I
had and it’s disconnected. I frequented a few restaurants we’d gone to, but he
hasn’t shown up. I can’t imagine why. I tried figuring out what I’d said or
done to make him leave, but I just don’t know.”

Megan didn’t miss the sniffles and deep hurt. “I’m
sorry, Jessica. Had I known, I wouldn’t have asked. You really don’t know his
name?”

“I know that sounds ridiculous, but … oh hell, you’d
think I’d know better. It’s not like I’m a fourteen-year-old.”

“Give it time. Maybe he had a family emergency or
something came up at work and he didn’t get a chance to let you know. “

“You really think so? I really liked him. I should
never have slept with him right away. I was too easy. He probably thinks I’m a
whore.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re a … a modern woman who
knows what she wants. If he can’t handle that, it’s his loss. Hold you head up
and don’t let him see it bothers you. There is nothing more attractive than a
woman who is in control.”

“You really think he’s just watching to see how I
handle this?”

“Some guys don’t like the clinging woman. He just
might be testing you. I’d go on with business as usual. Call up friends and
laugh and enjoy going out. Show him you have a life. Heck, call up a male friend
and see if this guy is the jealous type. Play his game and he’ll be knocking on
your door.” Megan didn’t believe a word of it, but she could tell Jessica sure
did.

“Thanks, Megan. I appreciate the advice and I’ll give
it a try. Oh, look, Ms. Winslow is dialing you. Are you going to answer?”

“Nope. I’ll let her stew and grovel a bit longer,” she
said, feeling smug.

“You are so bad. Well, I have to get back to work.
Send me number two as soon as it’s finished.”

“You got it.” Megan set the phone down and turned off
the TV. If Dennis had been Jessica’s lover, he surely wasn’t interested now.
Maybe he revealed himself because he wanted to make that commitment. He wanted
to see how she’d react. She returned to the computer and thought a while before
typing.

He wondered what Samantha
Brown really looked like. He knew she had long blonde hair and blue eyes and
that she had been twenty. He rubbed his palms across the smooth skin of her
head. Having read her head had been shaven clean, he wondered why. The only answer
he came up with; he wanted James’ last mental impression of his love to be a
hideous one. Holding her head between his hands it seemed as though he could
feel her pulse beating. One quick snap to the right … a crack … and there was
no doubt, Sarah Betrovek breathed her last breath.

 
It was a rush like no other. The power of it
caused an arousal. He entered her and grunted his pleasure. The climax was
intense and satisfying. He couldn’t keep the smile from his face.

Cold gripped him and he
quickly dressed, satisfied the scene would be a magnificent adrenaline rush
when the body was discovered. He would make sure he was one of the first of the
team on the scene.

Megan smirked. It seemed fitting and rewarding to
slant the case toward a sick and sadistic detective. There had to be
cohesiveness to the case. The killer chose women who were slight in build, long
blonde hair, blue eyes, and with certain promiscuity in their history. The
killer was reliving history by recreating the murders that had taken place at
ghost towns.

Why? Megan had to answer that question to tie the
murders together. No, the killer wasn’t reliving murders from the past, but
pointing out that innocent men were killed for those murders. Even in the
1800s, the law had failed.

Why? Again Megan needed to know what case tied
everything together. Did he have a parent or grandparent murdered and the
killer got away with it? Maybe she could create a scenario in the third book
that reveals why the killer chose to be in law enforcement. With corruption and
politics he finds that justice is just a word. The system once again has let
him down. Again, it was important she slant the murders on individual killers.
No one would ever expect this to be the work of a serial killer.

The phone rang, Megan jumped. “Yes?”

“Why do you answer the phone like that? It sounds
stupid, if you don’t mind my saying so.”

“I do mind. What do you want?” Her heart pounded as
she leaned back in her chair.

“Why is your lover searching the database for case
files on Eunice Ballyard and Samantha Brown? What did you tell him?”

Megan swallowed hard. “His name is Dennis Sparks, but
you know that already, don’t you?”

“My my, Megan love. You know who your lover is. Is he
as handsome and stimulating, now that you can see him, touch his face, and kiss
him?”

“He’s very handsome and a great kisser. The
mysteriousness of not knowing got tiresome after four years. It’s fresh again.
It felt like we’d made love for the first time.”

“Bravo. But you do realize you’re not making love with
him. You’re fucking, there’s a difference.”

“What Dennis and I feel is none of your business.”

“Why he’s looking for those files is. What did you
tell him?”

“He went in my workroom and found them by my computer.
He’d never done that before. When he asked where I got them from, I told him I
thought he’d provided them like before. He denied it.”

“What else did you tell him? Don’t lie to me.”

“I thought you were he … I mean my lover. I wanted him
to admit he’d been making the calls to me and pushing me to write
Physical Evidence
. He denied it all and
started asking me about you. I didn’t tell him anything, because I don’t know
anything.”

“What did I tell you would happen if you told anyone?”

“Listen to me … you fucking piece of shit. I didn’t
tell him anything other than I’ve received some phone calls. You can’t possibly
hurt my mother or the twins over something that trivial.” Megan stood and moved
toward the window.

“You’ll regret that little temper tantrum, Megan.”

The dial tone spoke louder than words. What had she
done? Would he really do something to harm her mother or the kids? She stared
at the phone. Should she call and warn them? No. He’d know and it would make
things worse.

Would this nightmare ever end? She peeked through the
blinds only to find the man no longer stared up at her. She glanced right, then
left. No one. God. What had she done?

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Okay, you’re impartial. Tell me some facts you and
Bicsak have pulled together.” Cooper gave her a sideways glance. Either she was
thinking or she was stalling. Either way, it made him uncomfortable. Was she
trying to decide if she should trust him?

“I want you to concentrate on driving. I’m going to
share a few facts with you that might shock the pants right off you.”

“Really?” he asked, giving her a hard look.

“Eyes on the road … wait, there’s a connecting
highway. Woo hoo. Right or left?” she asked.

“Right is east, back toward Great Falls. I’m really
not interested in making it to Missoula anymore. I think we should hide out at
Arnott’s or Maxwell’s place.”

“That’s predictable. I think we should contact Captain
Gulchinski. You won’t be accused of talking a buddy into covering for you.”

“Okay, I see the reasoning there.” He depressed the
clutch and shifted into third. “We still need to get a doctor to look at your
shoulder.”

“We will, all in good time.”

“I’m ready for your facts.” He wasn’t sure if that was
the truth. Really, what facts could Dallas possibly have about the men he
considered his friends and family?

“Let’s start with your brother-in-law, Sparks. I’m
sorry to tell you he’s been having an affair.”

“Well to be honest that’s nothing new. He came clean
with Candy and even though she’s having a hard time trusting him again, she’s
giving it her all. To say I wasn’t pissed is an understatement. It’s pretty
common knowledge if you want the truth. Sparks is always trying to prove be
still has guy mojo.” Cooper didn’t like her sudden silence.

“That’s not really the affair I’m talking about.”

“You mean he’s doing it again? I’ll strangle the bastard.
He’s going to be a father of twins any day now and he’s waggin’ his tail. So
help me, Dallas, I could throttle the piss right out of him,” he said, slamming
his palms on the steering wheel.

“He’s not doing it again, Cooper. He’s been having an
affair with the same woman for over four years.”

“I’ll kill him! I swear, Dallas, I’m going to kill the
stupid bastard. I trusted he was going to be straight with my sister. He’s not
stepping near her and the twins. I’ll help Candy raise them myself.”

“Calm down, Cooper. Maybe we should have this
conversation after we get to town and you’re not driving.”

“No, we’ll have this conversation right now. I have
been there time and again for Dennis. He looked me right in the eyes and said
he wouldn’t touch any woman but Candy after the babies were born.”

“Then he hasn’t had a chance to keep his word, yet.
The babies aren’t born.”

“Don’t mince words with me, Dallas.”

“I’m just saying, he might be calling the affair off
and will stay loyal to Candy after the twins are here. Are you willing to give
him … well, before you answer that … there is more you need to know about this
situation.”

“More? Good God, don’t tell me he has a kid with this
other woman. And you better damn well better not tell me she is pregnant right
now, too.”

“No, I can with certainty tell you she is not
pregnant.”

“Then he has kids with this other woman?”

“It has come to our attention that he is having
paternity tests run right now. We are guessing he believes he’s the father of
this woman’s two children. That’s how Bicsak found out about the affair.”

“That’s just great. Do you realize how devastated
Candy is going to be? She is about to experience the most happy and wondrous
event in her life— giving birth … to twins no less, and her prick of a husband
pulls this. It’s going to destroy her. We can’t tell her right now. It would
serve no purpose to tell her this until … until after the twins are born and
she’s had time to adjust.”

“I agree with you there, Cooper. Would you mind
pulling into that rest area? I’d like to use the facility.”

 
“Sure. Good
idea. Have to admit I could use the stop, too.” He didn’t glance her way. He
stared straight ahead. Anger built and he wanted to slug someone. Right now he
wanted to kill Dennis Sparks. He pulled into the stop and was heading for the
men’s facility before even giving Dallas a thought. She didn’t want him to
treat her like a helpless female anyway. His anger didn’t allow him to go back.
He entered the men’s room and chose a stall. Within minutes of sitting he pressed
his face into his palms and sobbed. His heart broke for Candy. He knew the
heartbreak of an unfaithful partner and all the questions and inept feelings
that went along with it. He’d have to be strong for her, as she was for him.
They would get through this together.

Finally, he regained control, washed his face and
hands and headed back to the truck and Dallas. He slid behind the wheel. “You
make it in and out of the truck okay?”

“Well, actually, I was hoping you’d give me a hand.
Not only can’t I get down or up this monster truck, I really can’t do much with
one arm tied to my side.”

“I should have thought of that.” Cooper got out and
walked around the truck. He opened the door and pulled her into his arms.
“Forgive me for being an insensitive jerk?”

“Not necessary. I’ve been known to have lapses of
similar behavior from time to time. Not that I’m proud of them … but they
happen. No one is perfect, Cooper.”

“I usually am … it’s the every now and then that keeps
me honest.”

Her laughter eased the situation. “I like that about
you.”

“What?”

“Your ability to laugh and deflate the tension. It’s
an admirable trait. One I’m growing quite fond of.”

“You want me to go in with you and pull your trousers
down for you? I promise not to look.”

Dallas laughed. “Since you offered so nicely, I’ll
take you up on it.”

Upon entering the ladies room, Cooper hesitated, “I
can’t claim to have been inside the ladies room too many times. Pick your
stall, lady.” He waited for Dallas to back into the first stall and pause.

He unbuttoned her slacks, then inched the zipper down.
“This is the second time I’ve had the opportunity to undress you. Once again,
it’s not quite as stimulating and sexy as I had imagined.”

“We do seem to be setting a pattern here, don’t we?”

Cooper laughed, then pressed her pants to the floor.
“Just give a yell when you need assistance putting things back in order. I can
wait outside if you want.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Just stand there and I’ll be
done in no time. We are adults after all. You know, maybe one of these days
when things are back to normal, we can give this undressing thing another try.”

“Might I suggest a candlelit dinner, wine and soft
music? Maybe lobster tails and rice pilaf. A little cheek-to-cheek dancing, a
bit of sexy salsa, some tender kisses … then who knows. The sky is the limit.”

 
“I’m ready
for—”

“At your beck and call,” he said, then quickly hoisted
her panties then jeans upward without a second pause. “There, up, buttoned and
zipped.”

“I’m impressed.”

“You shouldn’t be. I’m the father of twins. You have
any idea what it takes to get them ready for day care?” He held the water on
while Dallas washed her hands. He tore off paper towels and wiped her hands
dry.

“Nice job,” she teased.

He led the way out of the rest room and had to chuckle
at the looks two elderly woman gave him as he held the door open for them.
Dallas laughed all the way to the truck. “You know what they were thinking,
don’t you?” He slid his palms beneath her legs and swung her into the truck.

Dallas snapped her seatbelt in place. “Yep, and it’s
only wishful thinking.”

Cooper closed his door, the adjusted the seatbelt into
place. He turned and looked at her. “You really are a beautiful woman, Dallas.
No matter what happens, I just want you to know your trust in me means a lot.
If I had to go through the last few days … alone … well … you’ve made it
entertaining if not even fun. I know that sounds lame … but I just wanted to
say it before we got back.”

“I … Cooper, I don’t—“

“You don’t have to say anything. I wasn’t trying to
put you on the spot.”

“No, that’s not it at all,” she leaned over and kissed
him.

Cooper slid his palm up under her chin and kissed
Dallas back, first soft and tender, then with passion. He hadn’t meant to react
with such emotion. He leaned back and took in her beauty. “I can’t help wanting
you. You’re the first woman I’ve been interested in since Megan.”

“I keep telling you not to compromise our positions,
and then I’m the one who crosses the line. When we get back to Great Falls, we
must be nothing but protocol and professionalism.”

“I agree.”

“Cooper, there is one more thing you need to know
about Sparks affair. It has to do with the woman he—“

“I’m not sure I want to know.” Cooper looked down at
his left hand and rubbed his thumb over the barely light ring that once was
covered with a wedding band.

“You know, don’t you?”

“I’ve always known Megan wasn’t faithful. She wasn’t
good at covering up the fact I wasn’t capable of satisfying her in bed. She
would no sooner climax and she’d need more. I wanted her to see a doctor about
it and she accused me of not being man enough to satisfy her. I shouldn’t be
telling you this bullshit. I don’t want to know who was man enough to satisfy
that woman. And maybe it’s best I don’t know who Sparks was cheating with either.”

“Did you ever suspect Sparks as your wife’s lover?”

“Are you serious? The bastard! Not in a million years
would I think him low enough to be screwing his brother-in-law’s wife. He’s my
sister’s husband and now my wife’s lover … ex-wife’s lover. You said they’ve
been screwing for four years? What the hell. What the hell. You said … no …
Dallas, do not tell me. If that paternity tests doesn’t name me as the father—I
don’t want to know. That bastard! I swear I’d like to kill him.”

“You can say that to me, but please don’t say stupid
shit like that in public. Anything happens to Sparks and you’ll be the number
one suspect. Wait … let me think.”

“About what?” He wasn’t following Dallas’s direction.

“You’re being set-up. Why? We don’t know. But let’s
say this affair is exposed, sending you into a rage. Then they add the question
of paternity of the twins. Now you’re provoked into attacking Sparks in a
public place. Maybe you punch him a couple of times and tell him you could kill
him. A few days later, Sparks is found dead. Who do you think is the number one
suspect and will be charged with his murder?”

“But who hates me this much? Do you think Megan is
behind this? She wanted me to forgive her and give our marriage another shot. I
said no. I couldn’t live with a cheater. She turned bitter and hateful.” Cooper
stared out the front window.

“It goes back to looking for a motive. Since we’re
being honest here, I have to tell you my feelers go up when it comes to Sparks.
He is savvy, good looking and has that aura that many women envision as a sex
magnet. When he leans back and pulls his fingers through his dark hair, he
portrays what we women call the ‘I want to fuck someone’ stance. It speaks of
insincerity and a user. It makes most women uncomfortable.”

“Damn, you women can sense all that? I’ve always been
jealous of his way with women. I’ve always thought he was one lucky SOB.”

“You? You have incredibly green, bedroom eyes. Thick,
sink your fingers into red hair. The most charming dimples when you smile and a
distinguished jaw. You have a fit bod with the most incredible six-pack. Your
best quality is your sense of humor and laugh. No, I think your best quality is
how much you love Tina and Tucker. Good grief, Cooper, what on earth are you
jealous of? You are ten times more of a man than Dennis Sparks.”

“Where were you when Megan left me and I felt like the
biggest loser on earth?”

“Okay. We keep getting off track. Let’s look at the
facts. If there is indisputable proof that Sparks is the sperm donor for Tina
and Tucker, he’ll lose Candy for good. Candy and you are best friends. Maybe
he’s threatened by that. I’ll bet there are times she turns to you, instead of
him. Then there are the three cases that your team worked on. Only you and
Arnott were promoted. There has to be some resentment building here.”

“That’s always bothered me. I’ve always welcomed him
as a brother. He’s my only sister’s husband. Dennis will be the only brother I
have. That means a lot to me. He and Candy are godparents to Tina and Tucker.
How sick is that?”

“Cooper, don’t do this to yourself. Tina and Tucker
are your children in every sense of the word. Until we know for sure, don’t put
yourself through the pain.”

“I know you’re right, but it’s not all that easy to
let go.”

“Sparks will destroy you by making sure you’re found
guilty for these murders. You’ll lose the twins, Candy’s respect and reliance
on you, and you will go to prison for the rest of your life. With you gone,
he’ll step up for Candy and move back into her life. If she boots his ass out
the door, he’ll more than likely turn to Megan and take over your role as
father with her. Either way he wins … and you lose everything.”