You Can't Hide (33 page)

The camera in Tess’s shower. The one that had been in the back of his mind all morning. Even as he’d kissed her, caressed her, a small nasty part of his mind had wondered who had seen her. “How?”

“I remembered that model has a switch inside that has to be set, so I checked.” Rick held up the camera cover. “There’s a partial print on the underside.”

Murphy gestured him to hurry. “I’m gettin’ old here, Rick.”

“We ran the print through AFIS and got a number of matches,” Jack said. “Rick remembered one of the names on the list.”

“It was a sex pervert that installed cameras in a girls’ locker room in a high school,” Rick said.

“He’d been contracted to run cable through the building and took a sideline for himself. He used this same model camera.”

123

Karen Rose

[Suspense 5]

You Can't Hide

“David Bacon,” Spinnel i said, pushing an arrest photo to the middle of the table. “He served three of five years for the locker-room incident. Ended up being classified as kiddie porn because the girls were underage. He got out eight months ago.”

“He cried like a baby at his sentencing,” Rick said with contempt. “Little shit.”

Aidan was staring at Bacon’s picture and description, forcing his mind to stick to the logical.

“He cried? That doesn’t fit.” He pul ed Tess’s handwritten sheet from his pocket. “Tess developed a psych profile last night.”

Spinnelli narrowed his eyes. “When did she give you this?”

Aidan kept his face bland. “I saw her this morning before I came in. She gave me the profile then.”

Spinnelli nodded, clearly unconvinced. “Uh-huh. What hotel’s she in?”

“The Holiday Inn downtown.”

“Uh-huh. So what does the profile say, Aidan?”

It appeared that would be all Spinnelli would say on the matter. Aidan let himself relax a little. “She said she hasn’t seen this combination of traits in her practice, that it’s very rare, especially to see one so focused and successful. He’s likely male, based on the number of people killed. He’s likely not too young, based on the level of patience and planning he’s shown. He’s an antisocial voyeur, educated and fond of theatrics. He may be an actor or may go to the theater often-Maybe a season-ticket holder. He knows about voices and impersonations, as well as the technology of surveillance. He knows about medicines, specifically psychotropic drugs, and how to use them to make people suggestible. He understands psychology-he picked three of her most vulnerable patients and customized their torture. Or he knows how to recognize these skil s in others and ensure their compliance.”

Aidan put the paper on the table so Murphy could see it and continued. “He likes to watch the suffering of others. He probably has a previous history of smaller offenses, although he probably hasn’t been caught. He’s too smart to be caught. Yet. He also doesn’t like to get his hands dirty, but will if called on. He’s very goal-oriented and focused. He may own his own business. He’s accustomed to delegating and good at it. He’s probably not someone who works a menial job.” He frowned. “This kind of person would kill his own mother and not lose a minute’s sleep if it meant reaching his goal.”

“That’s complete,” Spinnelli said thoughtful y. “She put some time into it.”

Aidan thought about her sitting alone in his house with his gun at her side and his dog at her feet, worrying until sheer exhaustion had pushed her into a deep sleep. “She was restless last night. After the day she had, it’s no surprise.”

“David Bacon laid cable,” Murphy said. “He knew how to set up wireless transmissions. That’s educated.”

“But he worked alone,” Rick said. “He liked to watch the girls and know he was the only one who could. It’s one of the reasons he only got five years. There was no evidence he had any accomplices or distributed his videos.”

“Maybe Bacon’s just one of the skil ed people he’s delegating to,” Jack said. “Either way we won’t know till we find Bacon.”

“We’l find him,” Aidan said quietly.

“Well, I’ve got something, too,” Spinnelli offered. “IA broke the Records clerk down and she admitted to checking Adams’s and Winslow’s files out to Blaine Connel .”

Aidan closed his eyes. “No way.” They’d never been friends, but Connell had always seemed like a decent guy.

“IA’s bringing him in today. We’l get a crack at him after they’re done.”

“If there’s anything left,” Jack muttered. “Hell.”

Aidan broke the silence. “What about Wallace Clayborn? Have we found him yet?”

Spinnelli shook his head. “I sent out a pair of uniforms last night and they couldn’t find him. I gave it to Abe and Mia this morning. Is Tess alone?”

124

Karen Rose

[Suspense 5]

You Can't Hide

That his brother and his partner would be involved was a comfort. Abe knew his job, as did Mia. They’d leave no stone unturned until Clayborn was found. “No. Her brother came from Philly last night. Apparently her part in Seward’s death is big news all over the country and her family was worried.”

“I saw it on ESPN last night,” Rick offered. “You were on the footage, too, Aidan.”

“Don’t get a swelled head,” Spinnelli said dryly. “What loose ends are dangling?”

Jack scanned his notepad. “I’m still waiting on the serial numbers for the guns you found in Adams’s place. If I haven’t heard anything by lunch, I’l call.”

“We’ve got the receipts we found in Nicole Rivera’s apartment,” Murphy said. “Once we find Bacon we can check out the toy store to see if anybody remembers her.”

“And we’ve got to find who had access to all the apartments.” Aidan looked at Spinnelli. “Can you get somebody to review the security tapes?”

“Yeah. You guys focus on tracking down David Bacon. I’l take Connel and IA. I’l call you all when we know something. I know Connell. I might be able to believe he passed some records, but I can’t believe he’d shoot Nicole Rivera in cold blood. But I’ve been wrong before. Go and keep me up to date. Oh, and Aidan?”

Aidan turned at the door. “Yeah?”

“Tell Tess we need her to organize those files. Patrick called this morning. He’s got a subpoena for her records and wants her to review them with us. While we try to catch this guy we can at least try to block his next move. Tell her I’m sending a uniform to meet her at her office to supervise the cleanup, then take the papers and her thumb drive. Patrick will use her electronic files until the paper records are in order.”

“Are you worried she won’t hand the files over to you?”

“No, I know she’l do what needs to be done. But we have to be able to document the chain of custody. I don’t want any loopholes for sleazy defense attorneys, Aidan. Between you and me, the uniform’s really for her safety. I’m worried Clayborn will be watching the office, waiting for her.”

The thought of it made him sick. “I’l tell her. Thanks, Marc.”

Abe was waiting for him at his desk. “I need to talk to you.” He leaned his head close. “Dad reported it.”

Aidan’s sick stomach pitched even harder. “Is Rachel going to school today?”

“We thought it would look worse if she didn’t.”

“Probably.” He blew a breath up his forehead. “God, Abe. Part of me wishes she’d left well enough alone and never went to check on her friend.”

Abe squeezed his shoulder. “I know. She said the same thing. Then she said she wouldn’t have been able to look herself in the eye if she’d let it go.”

Pride met the nausea half way. “She’s a good kid, Abe.” He swallowed. “If one of those assholes looks at her wrong…”

“I know,” Abe said grimly. “Mia and I are off to find Clayborn. Try not to worry.”

Aidan rubbed his forehead as Murphy’s phone rang. “Murphy must be out smoking. I’m considering taking it up myself. I feel like arrows are coming from all directions.”

“I know how you feel.”

Aidan knew that Abe did understand. It hadn’t been that long ago that Kristen had been the target of angry killers. “Just find Clayborn, okay?”

“We’re on it. I’l call you when we find him.” Aidan’s phone began to ring and Abe raised a brow. “Somebody wants one of you real bad. See you later.”

Sinking into his chair, Aidan picked up the phone. “Reagan.” He flipped through his Rolodex for the parole office’s number. They’d have Bacon’s last known address.

“Detective Reagan, my name is Stacy Kersey.” The voice was nearly a whisper. “I’m assistant to Lynne Pope,
Chicago On The Town
.”

“No comment,” Aidan said tersely and started to hang up.

“Wait, dammit!” she snapped, then her voice dropped again. “Listen to me.”

“We’re not done with your tape.” Rivera’s final imitation of Tess was evidence.

125

Karen Rose

[Suspense 5]

You Can't Hide

“It’s not about the tape,” she hissed. “Lynne Pope just came back from a meeting with some guy claiming to have porn flicks of your shrink on a CD.”

Aidan shot to his feet, his pulse spiking. “
What?
Can you keep him there?”

“For a little longer. He’s starting to get itchy feet. I’m supposed to be getting fifty grand in cash to pay him for the video. But he won’t wait much longer.”

“What does this guy look like?”

“Five nine, salt-and-pepper hair. Fifty, maybe. Sleazy.”

Bacon.
“I’l be there in fifteen minutes. I’m going to send a patrol car to hold him at the door in case he leaves before I get there. Thanks.” He ran to Spinnelli’s office. “We have a lead on Bacon.”

Spinnelli looked up, his eyes narrowing. “Maybe we’re finally catching a break here. Go. I’l call Tess and tell her to start on the files.”

Aidan found Murphy outside the station’s front door taking his last puff. “Come on.”

Wednesday, March 15, 8:55 A.M.

“Goddammit to hell.” Murphy’s oath was savage.

Aidan closed his eyes and fought to get a grip on his own temper. They were five fucking minutes too late. David Bacon was gone, taking his CD with him.

“I’m sorry.” Lynne Pope looked devastated. “I tried to keep him here. I should have called 911.” She shook her head. “I’m so sorry.”

Murphy forced a smile. “You tried and we appreciate it. Did he say anything before he left?

Anything that would let us know how to find him?”

“No. He got fidgety. It was almost like he had radar or something. He started sweating, then jumped up and said he’d be in touch. I called security, but he ran.”

“How did he originally contact you, Miss Pope?” Aidan asked, trying not to think about that slimy bastard running around with a CD of Tess.

“He called the switchboard after the broadcast last night. He said he had more information on Dr. Ciccotelli’s unethical practices. I met him this morning and he showed me the CD. Said she was a local celebrity now and he wanted fifty grand.”

“You could have bought it,” Aidan said, studying her angry face. “Why didn’t you?”

“I hear cops say they don’t like coincidences,” she said tightly. “Well, neither do I. Nor do I like being made to look like a fool on camera. I could see the shock in her eyes yesterday, Detective. She’s a pawn in whatever the hell’s going on here. I won’t be.”

Aidan gave her his card. “She’d want me to thank you. Cal me if he comes back.”

Outside Pope’s office, Murphy hurried toward the elevator. “Parole Office just opened. Let’s get an address for our peeping Tom.” He hit the button harder than necessary. “Then we’l get a warrant. Somewhere, something’s got to give.”

Wednesday, March 15, 9:45 A.M.

“What a mess.”

Tess glanced over at Vito who stood outside the vault surveying the ruin. Next to him stood a uniformed officer sent by Spinnelli to supervise the cleanup, but Aidan had told her the real reason for Officer Nolan’s presence and it made her feel that much safer. Clayborn would have to get through both Nolan and Vito to attack her. And if he did manage to get her alone, Tess had Aidan’s gun in the purse his mother had brought her the night before. “Thank you, Vito. I wouldn’t have noticed on my own.”

“Be nice to me, kid. I’m on my vacation here.” His tone was light, but his face was tight as his eyes paused on the bloodstained paper still on the vault floor.

126

Karen Rose

[Suspense 5]

You Can't Hide

Tess’s heart stuttered painful y. Harrison’s blood. She pulled on a pair of plastic gloves and gathered the ruined documents. “I don’t think these will be of any use, Officer Nolan. I’l put them in a bag and you can enter them as evidence.”

Nolan gave her a curt nod. “That will be fine, Doctor.”

He didn’t like her, Tess knew. She’d spent so many hours with Aidan and Jack and Murphy and Marc Spinnelli that she’d almost forgotten the rest of the police force still hated her guts. She and Vito worked steadily for nearly an hour before Amy’s voice interrupted them. It was a good time for a break.

“Tess?” Amy’s face lit up. “Vito! My God, it’s good to see you.”

He smiled back. “You’re looking good, Amy.”

“When did you get into town?”

“Last night. I was worried about Tess.”

Amy glared. “As were we all.
Somebody
forgot to call to say she was okay.”

“I said I was sorry,” Tess muttered. “So did you come to harass me or what?”

“I came to see if you were all right.” Amy’s expression softened. “So are you?”

“I’ve been better.” Her visit with Flo Ernst had not gone well. Still wildly grieving, she’d been given a sedative by her doctor. One of the Ernst sons frostily advised her to come back after the funeral, which would be Saturday. Respecting their grief, she’d pushed aside the hurt and left saying no more. “But I suppose I’ve been worse.” Amy would know better than anyone else, having stood by her through all those times, too.

“I know, honey,” Amy said softly. “And you’l get through this like you got through everything else.” She looked around. “Where’s Denise?”

“In Harrison’s office.” Tess glanced at the closed door, in her mind seeing the broken furniture, the blood on the corner of his desk. “She’s cleaning. I couldn’t.”

Amy smoothed a hand over Tess’s hair. “It’s okay. You don’t have to be a superwoman every day.” “Dr. Ciccotel i?” A young man wearing the jacket bearing a local courier’s name poked his head in the door. “I have a package.” He stepped in, bicycle helmet under his arm, a flat cardboard envelope in one hand. “You have to sign for it.”