Reprisal (7 page)

Shit.

I drop my head in to my hands and hold still for what feels like hours. Guess I don’t need to apologize for being an ass, as I have a feeling Gabe is about to beat me to the punch.

“Jesus, Syd. Why didn’t........”

“No, Gabe. Let it go. You know more now than I ever intended for you to know. It’s the past and......” I drift off again,
cause I don’t know what else to say. Gabe now knows why I lost it earlier in this very office, and again at the deli. Damn it. I was hoping to keep my past in the past and not let it interfere with this investigation. Now he’s going to be watching me like a hawk.

I shake it off and grab the files on Chuck’s desk, fingering the pages and sorting through the photos. I
move over to the conference table in the corner and start spreading out the photos.

Chuck and Gabe are still sitting, watching me. I can tell they are wondering what I’m doing, but I keep silent and go about putting the puzzle pieces together. I take the photos of Samantha Brockman and Sophia Fishman and lay them out, side by side in the best order I can see. Both are brunette, similar features and obviously related.

With my hands on my hips, I stand over the table staring. “Chuck, do you have a magnifying glass?” I don’t look back at him, but I hear his desk drawer open and close. Within seconds I feel him standing to my right, and another warm body to my left. I don’t look up from the photos because I don’t want to miss what I think I might be seeing.

“What is it
Syd?” I feel his warm breath in my ear, almost intimately. Shivers run up and down my spine, but I brush it off and get back to the task at hand. I know now I am going to struggle through this investigation, for more than one reason.

I take the magnifying glass from Chuck and lean into the photos, my eyes darting back and forth between the two girls. Sophia on the right and Samantha to the
left. Both bodies in various states of decomposition and rot, but their features still show. Their hair is matted and clumps of it have been pulled out, leaving bare scalp showing. Samantha has one eye missing, but you can see the deep brown of the right one. Both of Sophia’s eyes are closed, so I can’t see their color. I scan the puncture wounds from the barbed wire that was tightly wrapped around their necks, severing the carotid artery. They both bled out from their wounds. My eyes scan their chest and the ripped clothing and travel down to their wrists, both bound with barbed wire. I can feel the bile rising in my throat as I remember my past, knowing these girls went through something amazingly similar.

I feel a warm hand press to my lower back and I relax, but only a little. I lean in with the glass to my eye and scan the photo of the first victim, Samantha Brockman. “Tell me about her.”

I say, as I peruse the photos one by one.

“Runaway, found on th
e banks of the East River a month ago. No immediate family that we could locate, though we do know who her birth mother was. She was adopted, but was living in a half-way house.” Chuck tells me as I continue scanning the photos. I move over to Sophia Fishman and begin the same process.

“And this one?” I ask, not looking up.

“We have a bit more information on her. She’s the daughter of a high profile bank exec, disappeared a few days ago and then washed up on the banks of the Hudson.”

“Hmm. Both tossed in the river, eh?”

“Yeah, bodies in similar condition.”

My fingers trace the photos when something spots my eye. “Look at this.” I say I as go back to the first set of photos and zone in on the same area, the right hip. “Both have a tattoo here.” I whisper as I get closer to the pictures.

I take the magnifying glass from him and get closer to the pictures. My body starts shaking as I flash to my own kidnapping where I was strapped down and a tattoo carved in to my skin.

“It’s him, Chuck. It has to be.”

“Who, Sydney?”

I glare at him with steely eyes, full of anger because I can’t believe he questions this. He stares back at me, his eyes full of confusion. “No Sydney, we’ve been over this. He’s dead.

You.......”

“Look here.” I point at their hips. “Numbers. A number one on Samantha and a number two on Sophia, same place. Same font.” I hear Chuck suck in a breath and I step back, my hands feeling behind me for a chair.

I sit down, as my legs are weak and if I don’t get a grip on this, I’m not going to be worth shit. Gabe sits down next to me and I immediately soften. Not sure what it is about this guy, but he calms me. I don’t even know him, but I find myself warming up to him. He’s thick and strong, and his manly scent wafts across my nose. I can’t do this, I decide. I stand to leave and look back at the two sets of eyes following me. I don’t say anything and neither do they, they know.

As I travel down the cold hallway, towards reception I hear a voice behind me. No, don’t follow me please. I need...
space. I need time to think. I need Leslie, now. I grab my phone from my bag, not acknowledging Gabe behind me. I don’t look back and I don’t speak. I press the send button to get Leslie on the phone, but she doesn’t answer. “Leslie, its Sydney. Call me as soon as you can.” And I hang it up, never wavering in my steps towards the exit.

“
Syd wait!” Gabe says as his footsteps increase in speed. He’s now running behind me, because I too am running. Tears stream down my cheeks and I hit the door, shoving it open and almost falling onto the sidewalk. I gasp for air, struggling to breathe and collapse to my knees, my hands scraping across the concrete. People walk by me without speaking, without assisting.

This is New York and I’m sure they’ve seen stranger things, and most people don’t want to get involved, so they turn a blind eye and pretend they don’t see anything. I’m on my hands and knees and I watch the tears dampen the sidewalk, darkening the lighter
color. My mouth begins to water and I know instantly, I’m about to vomit all over the sidewalk. No, this can’t be happening! My stomach heaves and I empty the contents all over the sidewalk, my hands and my bag. People scurry by, trying not to step in the puddle but no one tries to help, and for this I am thankful. Move on along, that’s what they all need to do. Nothing to see here.

When I feel I’m done spewing my guts along the sidewalk, I rise up on shaky legs and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. I take a deep breath
and turn towards home, but slam right into a hard body. Gabe. “How long have you been standing there?” I ask, while trying to be nonchalant about the whole thing.

“Long enough. You okay?” He ask, his fingers under my chin tipping my head up.

“I think so. Sorry you had to see that.” I say as I tug my chin out of his grip.

“I’m a cop, I’ve seen people puke before.” He says on a chuckle.

“Well, that’s typically something I prefer to do in private.” And I turn on my heel to head the other direction, even though it’s the wrong way.

“Wait, I’ll walk you home.”

“No, that’s okay. I need to be alone.” Is the best I can come up with? Cause I don’t want him knowing where I live.

“I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer,
Syd. Come on.” And he takes my hand, spinning me around. I feel dizzy for a second and he catches me and pulls me in to his body. My cheek crashes against his hard chest and I then realize how much taller he is than me. I feel my knees give out and down I start going. My head starts spinning and the brightness of the day starts to darken a little. I feel strong arms around me and then my feet leave the ground. When I blink my eyes open, I find myself in Gabe’s arms being cradled like a baby.

“But first, I need to feed you.” He says as he turns and carries me down the sidewalk.

“You already fed me and look how well that turned out.” I say as I struggle against him.

“And I can walk!”

“You sure? Cause you looked like you were having trouble just standing. Walking might be a problem.” He snickers as he keeps walking.

“GABE! P
UT ME DOWN!” I scream as I beat my fists against his chest, which I realize right away is a mistake. Now my knuckles hurt.

I shake out the pain and squirm in his arms, but he just tightens his grip. A smirk curls on his lips and he keeps walking, looking straight ahead like I’m not even there. I give up,
cause I’m too weak to fight him. He stops at the entrance to a pizza place and softly puts me down, waiting to make sure I can stand on my own two feet without falling over.

“You good?” He asks.

“Yeah, thanks. I think.” I respond as I move to enter the restaurant. But he jumps in front of me, opening the door like a gentleman. Been a long time since a man has done that for me. I smile at him as I step inside. The smell of garlic overwhelms me and my stomach takes a nose dive again. Ugh, maybe not the best place to go after a monster bout of barfing. But I suck in a deep breath and trudge ahead to the table where a young waitress awaits us. Her eyes smile at Gabe and he ignores it, pulling my chair out for me to sit.

“This place okay?” He asks?

“I think so, though I’ll just have a salad. My stomach is still not at a hundred percent.” I respond as I pick up the menu. Deciding to stick to my salad, I lay the menu back down and glance around the small eating area and realize I’ve never been here before. Red and white checked table cloths cover the tables with small red, lit candles. Italian paintings adorn the walls and lots of greenery fill the empty spaces. Cute.

“So, you want to tell me what happened back there?” Gabe asks as he sets his menu down, pressing his fingers together in a steeple.

“Um, no. Not really. It’s....personal and.....”

“Sydney, or shall I say Doctor
DeCarlo.....even people in your profession need to talk sometimes. I’m here if you want to spill your guts.....” And he pauses, reflecting on the last thirty minutes or so. “Errrr, if you want to talk.” He grins.

“Very funny, Detective......” I pause this time, realizing I don’t remember his last name. I’m sure he told me at some point, but my brain is no longer functioning properly.

“Torres, Gabriel Torres.” He says as he holds his hand out for a handshake, as if we are just introducing ourselves. I take his large hand in mine and rest my fingers on his palm. Warm, callused and manly.

“Nice to meet you, Detective Torres.” I say, finally able to smile.

Gabe

I wasn’t sure what to do when I saw her getting sick all over the sidewalk. I wanted to help her, to comfort her. But I knew she would push me away if I tried. So I stood there like a coward and watched in horror as she heaved and cried. Whatever happened to her in her past has come roaring back to her. This case isn’t helping anything either, in fact I think it’s what caused it to haunt her. I stood there and wondered exactly what happened to her, but was afraid to ask.

I watch her nurse her salad, almost afraid to eat. I wish she’d eat more, cause after what I saw on the sidewalk, she needs to replenish quick. She’s so tiny as it is, that she can’t afford to lose any weight. In fact, if I have anything to say about it, I plan to plump her up a little.

I mentally shrug my shoulders,
cause I’m not real sure where that thought came from. I just met this woman, and she has a......past, one I’m not completely sure of right now. We eat in companionable silence, the occasional flicker of her lashes as she looks up at me. I’d love to know what she’s thinking, but I don’t ask. She’ll talk when she’s ready.

“So how long have you been on the force?” She breaks the silence.

“Twelve years. Started as a beat cop right out of the academy. Moved up to Vice after about four years.”

“You must enjoy it.”

Great, this conversation is about me and I want to know about her. But I go along figuring if I open up, she will too. Didn’t work last time, but maybe this time will be different.

“I guess, it’s a lot of work. And I get to carry a gun.” I smile as I pat my hip where my
Glock sits, waiting patiently to blow the head off of some bad guy. Even though I’m technically off duty, I still carry my piece.

She laughs, and it’s a beautiful sound. Husky and sweet, sexy. My dick gently reminds me that he’s there, waiting patiently. I drop my napkin in my lap to hide the evidence, and grab another slice of pizza watching her intently. She’s beautiful, I’ll give her that. If I wasn’t a cop I’d kidnap her and keep her to myself, though I’d never hurt her. Long, sleek brown hair, deep brown eyes and a perfect smile, even with the small
space between her two front teeth. Creamy skin and tits to die for. Easy Gabe, you can’t go there with her. Colleague......remember that.

“What made you decide to be a cop?”

Good, she’s talking still. “My dad was a cop and I just followed in his footsteps I guess.

What made you decide to be a Forensic Psychologist?”

Wrong question. She drops her fork and gently wipes her mouth moving to stand. “Excuse me please, I need to use the restroom.” And she’s gone and I watch her ass sway......shit, stop it!

I need to remember not to ask her about herself,
cause she clammed up on me the last time I asked. Though now I know that there is a reason behind her avoidance, and I vow to find out everything there is to know about Doctor Sydney DeCarlo. She’s mysterious and has some major secrets, secrets that she is fighting to keep hidden. When I overheard her talking to Chuck earlier, my heart sunk in to my chest. I know she was kidnapped, raped and almost killed. I know it was her father that did this and that she blew his head off in the end. Good for her, cause if he was still alive I’d kill him myself. Something about this case is rattling her, something that isn’t good.

The rape, the barbed wire.....the barbed wire, holy shit. I grab my phone and call Chuck, hoping to get this call out of the way before Sydney gets back.

“Chief Matthews.” Good he answers on the first ring.

“It’s Torres, Chief. Listen, I need to know what kind of publicity Doctor
DeCarlo’s story got in Chicago.”

“For what reason?” Chief snaps, like he’s being over protective of her or something.

“Cause, I think we may have a copycat killer on our hands, someone who knows about Sydney’s past. The barbed wire, the similar features. Hey, did any of her father’s victims wash up anywhere?”

I hear him exhale a deep breath and then silence.

“Only one. Listen, I recently got a file up from the archives and this whole story just blew out of the water.”

“What do you mean?”

“Not over the phone, when can you get here?”

“As soon as I’m done with dinner and get Sydney home, I’ll be there.”

“You’re with Sydney?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Shit, don’t bring her with you. And don’t let on you’re coming back here, I’m not sure we can keep her on this investigation after what I found out today. Take her home and get back here as soon as possible.”

“Yeah Chief, anything else?”

“Yeah, keep your hands off of her.”

“Wow, you really think I’d do that? Come on Chief, I just met her. I would never.......”

“Yeah you would, Gabe. I know you and
you
know you. She’s just your type, but stay away from her, at least until this case is over. Get her home and get back down here, that’s an order.”

Chuck barks into the phone.

“Yes sir.” I say as I click the off button. Shit, now I have to figure out a way to get Sydney out of here and home safely, cause Chuck will kick my ass if don’t. I silently wonder why he’s so protective of her all of a sudden.

As I shove my phone back in the holster, Sydney comes back to the table and sits. She leans forward on her elbows and bats her eyelashes at me.

Keep your hands off of her.

Yeah, I will for now. But when this is all over, she’s fair game.

“I’m ready to go.” She says quietly. I can tell she’s been crying by the redness in her eyes and the slight smudge of mascara. But I keep silent and nod for the check. The waitress brings it and a box for the leftover pizza. After it’s boxed up and I pay, we head out.

I stroll alongside her, as I don’t know where she lives but I’m about to find out.

But she turns to me and stops. “You don’t need to walk me home, Gabe. I’m fine and would like to be alone.”

“
Nuh uh, you aren’t walking these streets by yourself.”

“Gabe, I’ve lived here for years. And, I have a Black belt in
Sanshou. I know how to defend myself.”

Wow, I am totally blown away by this. I don’t know a lot about
Sanshou, but I know it’s a Chinese fighting technique, like kickboxing. “Where did you learn this?”

“There’s a good school here in New York, I go once a week. Even teaching a bit now, so I’m not
afraid. Plus, I own a gun too.” She says as she glances at my Glock.

“Well then, if you insist. But I really don’t mind walking you home. I’m enjoying spending time with you.” I say this and immediately wish I could take it back,
cause she just stepped back about three steps.

“I do insist. Thank you for dinner and for carrying me there, but you have a big investigation to get through and I need to be alone. Thank you again.” And she turns and leaves me in the dust.

I know I’ll see her again at the station, unless Chuck boots her off of the case. I’m actually kind of relieved, because now I can find out what in the hell Chuck is talking about.

“Hey Sydney?” I call out to her.

She stops and turns around as I walk towards her. I pull out one of my business cards and hand it to her. “Will you call or text me when you get home, so I know you made it all right?”

She takes the card and smiles, tucking it in to her pocket. “Sure.”

She walks away and I stand there a moment, breathless. Her smile lights up her entire face, I only wish she would smile more. Maybe once we catch this rat bastard that’s raping and killing young girls, I’ll see more of it.

Once she’s out of sight, I turn back towards the station. I pick up my pace and get there as quickly as possible.

Rose is behind the glass window and looking the other way. I tap lightly and she glances up, pressing the button under her desk to unlock the door. Once I get to Chuck’s office, I stop and stare at the back of the door. I want to know what this is about, but at the same time I have a feeling it’s not going to be good news. I knock quietly, but with purpose.

“It’s open!” I hear from the other side.

I step into Chief Matthews’ office and take a seat in front of his desk, crossing my ankle over my knee and wait. Wait for what he has to say.

Chief Matthews pauses briefly before beginning to speak.

“I’ve already pulled Doctor DeCarlo’s file.” He says as he slides the thick folder to me.

“Chicago PD faxed it over to me today. You should look inside.”

I take the folder and slowly open it revealing pages and pages of incident reports and photos.

As my eyes focus on the photos, I realize
it’s Sydney. A very young Sydney DeCarlo. “Jesus, how old was she?”

“Thirteen.”

“She was just a baby. Damn, no wonder she’s so wounded. How does such a young girl survive something like this?”

“Lot
s of therapy.” Chuck grumbles.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing. Look through that tonight at home.” He stands to leave. I’ve been here since four this morning and it’s.....” he looks at his watch, “seven. I’m out for the night. Read over all of that tonight and give me your thoughts in the morning. Be back here at nine tomorrow morning.”

He grabs his jacket and as he gets to the door, he stops. “Sydney is.......fragile, Gabe. I think once you go through that file, you’ll get it. I know you have that protective instinct, but Sydney can take care of herself. I believe we may need to remove her from this investigation, and maybe even put her in protective custody.” He nods towards the file. “See you in the morning.”

He leaves and I’m left sitting in his office dumbstruck. Protective custody? Surely, that isn’t necessary. She seems to be tough as nails, but I guess everyone has a weakness. I flip through the incident reports and documents, knowing I’m going to need to spread these out to get a grip on them. I slide the folder under my arm and kill the light. Guess I have some major reading to do tonight.

As I exit the station on
to Lafayette Street, the smell of exhaust and urine assault my senses.

T
he howling wind from earlier has died down, but it’s cooled off. As I move to step into the crosswalk, my phone goes off.

It’s Sydney, I’m home. Thanks again for dinner

Good girl, I’m glad to know she is safe and sound. But I ponder for a moment what to say as a response without sounding over protective. She doesn’t seem like the type of woman that wants a man paying homage to her all day and night, she’s independent. Or that’s what she wants everyone to think.

Thank you for letting me know. Good night.

There, plain and simple. Not condescending or patronizing, just....friendly. I want her to feel comfortable around me, not intimidated. But I also want her to know I’m here if she needs me.

And I have a feeling she is going to need me, sooner rather than later.

After arriving home in Brooklyn an hour later, I toss the folder on the table and grab a beer out of the kitchen. It’s been a long day and I have feeling it’s going to be a long night. I stand in the kitchen, staring out of the window, but that file is calling my name.

“Who are you, Doctor Sydney
DeCarlo?” I ask to an empty room. “And who is this ass hat that’s wreaking havoc on the young girls of this city?” Shaking my head, I toss back the rest of my beer and grab another one before tackling this file.

I slide my laptop over beside the file and stare at it for a moment. Google can be your friend, but it can also be a major enemy if you aren’t careful. I have to be in the
mind-set that not everything you read online is true. I thumb through the folders and glance in each one, deciding which to delve into first. There are three files sitting here, Sydney’s file and both files on the current cases.

After another swig of my beer, I gr
ab Syd’s file and relax back into the sofa staring at the cover. I need to see this, but not sure I want to. Currently, all I know is that she was kidnapped and raped at the hands of her own father. That alone makes me want to kill someone. How a father can do that to his own child......I shiver at the thought. Thirteen years old and she went through what no one should never have to endure. And now, I plan to do whatever I can to protect her, since her own father failed her.

I flip open the file and scan the pages, looking for anything that might jump out at me.

Nothing. So I start at page one and go over the synopsis page.

Name: Sydney De Carlo

Date of birth: 11/19/1982

Race: Italian American

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Mother: Gloria Watkins

Father: Luis
DeCarlo

Brother: Franco
DeCarlo

Date of birth: 5/23/1979

Sister: Sylvia DeCarlo

Date of birth: 3/9/1977

Hometown: Lincoln Park, Illinois

On July fourth 1995, Sydney
DeCarlo left her home in Lincoln Park, IL to walk to a friend’s
house a few streets over. It was three o’clock in the afternoon. The weather was sunny and warm.