Joe and Rachel decided to get some rest in the bunks. The captain glances at the bed across from him, to find his wife is already up and about. She's likely doing everything I told her not to, he thinks. Rushing through the door, he discovers her working quietly at her desk. Maybe she's actually following my advice for once, he muses as he continues down the hall.
He notices a fourth letter on his desk when he steps into his office. Settling into his chair, he opens it and reads.
Dear Captain
Years of hard work were put into what you found last night, and a lot of young lives were saved, but that my dear friend is only the beginning. Once I saw the effectiveness of my plan, I decided to expand out further since child abuse seems to be a problem across the globe.
I will be sending letters revealing their whereabouts and a hint as to who I am as promised soon, but for now, I will leave you with this. I traveled for work along the eastern coast. So my advice to you, captain, is to start your search there.
Happy Reviewing
The Phantom
Joe stomps out to the detective's desk, waves the letter through the air and says, "He's claiming there's more."
"More captain?" Jerry exclaims. His voice was laced with a mixture of surprise and despair. They found eleven bodies behind the walls. Six out of the eleven they believe to be missing locals. Jerry hopes their ME can work her magic and tell them who the other five are.
"He says the remaining are from the east coast. So, I want you to check the national data banks to see what you can find. I'm going to see Sharon, see if she's found anything yet."
He walks into the cold, sterile environment of eggshell walls and white tile floors to find the ME working on one of the recovered bodies. "Please tell me you've been able to Id them."
She exhaustedly shakes her head, and says, "I'm afraid not, Joe. Their DNA isn't in the system. And since most only have a few remaining teeth, I'm not sure how reliable dental records are going to be." Swiping a loose curl from her face she adds, "I may have to ask my anthropologist friend to assist me with this case. It'll take longer to id them, but I don't see that there's any other way." With the use of a biological profile, using unique features and tissue markers they are able to sculpt a clay resemblance of the victim's face.
"Do what you have to do, and let me know."
"I will, and Joe. I'm sorry that I couldn't do more." She sighs, eyeing the remains again.
"I know you did everything you could."
****
Court is adjourned until one. The judge says, smacking his gavel on the desk. Perfect timing. The killer thinks. She steps into the hall and waits. The attorney walks through the heavy wooden doors a few minutes later. The killer trails a few feet behind with only one plan in mind. That's to prevent others from having to go through what her sibling did.
Her sister, Jasmine was raped on her way home from school, thanks to an attorney doing their due diligence and getting his nympho client released on bond. With Jasmine's detailed description and eyewitness accounts of the horrific events, the police were able to find and arrest the perp later that night.
Jasmine started attending therapy to help her heal. The road to recovery was a long process, mixed with good days and bad but she was slowly coming to terms with the horrific events, until her rapist was released on a technicality the day before the trial was set to begin.
The following night, the man raped then killed Jasmine while sleeping in her childhood home. Being caught on camera, a statewide manhunt immediately went out for this man.
The killer wasn't about to let what happened the first time occur again. So while the police were gathering search teams she was busy combing the streets. He and his attorney's bodies were found floating in the Buffalo River the following day.
No perve is going to escape on a technicality while I'm around she thinks pushing through the bathroom door.
The killer is washing her hands when her target steps out of the stall. "I'm glad that's over with," she says, reaching for a paper towel.
Seeing she's in police uniform the attorney asks, "You had to testify, I take it?"
She nods. "I'd rather be out there helping someone than spending the day in court."
"So how long have you been a cop?"
"A little over five years. My captain keeps pushing me to take the detective exam, but I don't think I'm ready yet."
"He clearly thinks you are."
"My coworkers do too."
"So, what's stopping you then?"
"Fear of failing."
"Let me tell you what my professor once told me. Failure is not fatal, but failure to change could be. The film company Kodiak is a good example of that."
"I never heard of them."
"Exactly. They stuck to their traditional ways instead of changing with the times and because of it, they are no longer in business. So are you going to be like the Kodiak company or fujifilms."
"You're right, I should take the test. Thank you."
"I'm glad I could help."
The attorney tries to soap up her hand but the dispenser doesn't work. "I keep meaning to say something about this." She says, pushing the handle again.
"It didn't work for me either, never does." Reaching in her purse she pulls out a bottle. "That's why I carry this. You're welcome to use some if you like."
"Please," the lawyer says, holding out her hands.
Smiling, the killer squirts some into the palm of her hand.
"Thanks."
"Sure, no problem." No problem at all she smiles. Throwing her towel away the killer steps into the hall.
***
The sergeant and her detectives are reviewing case files at their desk. Rachel glances up with a perplexed look on her face then back at the papers again. Is that possible? The people reported missing have been accused of domestic abuse? She checks her facts then thinks, They were all blamed although none were ever formally charged. "I think I've found a pattern." She shuffles a little more then says "It seems to be holding true with all of them."
"What does Rachel?" Jerry asks.
"The men seem to disappear soon after the initial accusation."
"Boss did say that the killer claims he was helping the children get out of an abusive situation."
"And we did find a DFS case on Mrs. Abbot." Kirk says.
"So whoever did this would have to have an inside connection, a way to find out about these alleged crimes. I need to figure out who worked at the DFS office at that time."
"I've been thinking, sergeant. Our first victim, Kendra Fox, had her mace out but never used it. So maybe something spooked her, she took out the spray to protect herself, then turned to find that it's someone she knew."
"I want you to deep dive into her life, Kirk. Figure out who she hangs out with and any known frenemies she might have."
"You got it sergeant."
"She grabs her jacket from the back of her chair and says, "I'm going to talk to Grace Morgan to see if she can remember anything more and then stop by DFS."
***
The shop has been quiet all day, so Becca decided to use this time to catch up on her cleaning. She's dusting the last of the shelves when the phone rings. "Clark's Collectibles," she says, plopping down at the desk. "I was the one who put the ad in the paper. I found a few family photos and was hoping to return them. "My shop is open until five. We're not busy now. Sounds good, I'll see you in a few. I might as well finish dusting while I wait, she thinks. She's headed down the aisle when the doorbell chimes. She steps into the hall to find an officer stepping inside. "Can I help you officer?" Becca asks.
"I was the one who called about the families things."