Saturday afternoon, June 30th
Andrea laughed out loud as she recalled the afternoon spent on Mory’s boat. “Sorry, Dan, I was just thinking about the story Janie told me today. I’d like to see the pictures of that episode in New England.” She laughed again when she heard him groan and saw his grimace. “You know, she probably wouldn’t have told that story if you hadn’t thrown her in the lake.”
“It was the only way I could think of to shut her up.”
“You know what they say, Dan: ‘Payback’s a bitch’.”
“Yeah, and I’m gonna get her back, too. It might take me a while to think of something good enough for that one. I still can’t believe she told you about that.”
“I still can’t believe you did it.”
Dan looked away from the road for a minute to glance at her. He couldn’t help but smile at the mischievous look on Andrea’s face. Her nose had gotten slightly burned, even though she’d applied sunscreen throughout the day, but she looked wonderful to him. He liked the way she had gotten along so well with his friends and knew Mory and Janie liked her. The two couples had laughed almost the entire day.
As he turned his attention back towards the road, his mind wandered to the time he had put the lotion on Andrea’s back and shoulders. Damn, if they’d been out there alone, there’s no telling what might have happened. A little “afternoon delight”, as the song goes. He was getting a hard-on now just thinking about it. He wondered if Andrea had also felt aroused when he touched her bare skin.
Andrea looked straight ahead as she thought about the great time she’d had today and couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun. The relaxed camaraderie between the three old friends had been obvious and they’d eased her into their midst with much teasing and delight. Her face hurt from smiling and her sides were sore from laughing as Mory and Janie told her many stories about the younger Dan Mallory. He’d told a few of his own, but none had equaled theirs. She was sure there had been some exaggerating going on today, but it had added to the fun and had all been good-natured.
As the car pulled in front of her condo, Andrea asked him, “Would you like to come in for a drink? It’s still early, and I could make us my frozen specialty.”
“That would be great, Andi, but I’d like to take a shower first. It was pretty hot out there today. How about I go home, change clothes and pick us up some dinner while you shower and mix the drinks?” Dan countered.
“Your idea sounds even better. I do feel pretty nasty.”
“I’ll be back in about an hour and a half. Would that give you enough time?”
“Sounds perfect. Just to warn you, I’ll be very casual when you get here.” Seeing the look that crossed Dan’s face, Andrea smiled and clarified, “T-shirt and shorts.”
Dan swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and hoped Andrea didn’t glance downwards to see the evidence of where his mind had wandered. Judging by the smile on her face, she had guessed his thoughts. “Casual sounds great. See you soon.”
Andrea got out of the car and hurried to her front door. What am I going to wear? I’ve got an hour and a half to shower, change clothes and find something that looks smashing, though casual. “Damn,” she muttered as she entered her condo and raced to her bedroom.
When Andrea closed the door, Dan floored the accelerator and drove as fast as he dared to his apartment. After a quick shower, he changed into a police academy t-shirt and khaki shorts, then sat down on his bed to contemplate his next decision.
Should I take a condom? I’m aching to make love to her tonight. But if I take some, she’ll think I expected this. If I don’t take one, we won’t be able to... Dan groaned as his mind continued down the path it had taken earlier today. Damn! And women think they’ve got it tough. Maybe Andi’s got some at her place if we decide to take it that far tonight. I don’t want to push her if she’s not ready, but I’d like to be prepared if she is.
Dan walked into the kitchen to order some Chinese food to pick up on the way to her condo. After he hung up, he reasoned with himself. Forget it, Dan. Let’s just see what the night brings. If she’s all right with it, there’s always the next time. As long as it’s been, one more day without sex won’t kill you. Dan adjusted himself as his body fought against that last rationalization.
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Dan questioned his judgment when Andrea opened the door twenty minutes later. He nearly dropped the food when she smiled and invited him in. She was wearing a coral tank top that molded against her figure perfectly. The white jean miniskirt hugged her hips and showed off her newly tanned legs. Her hair, which she had brushed to a shine, had lightened from the sun and softly framed her face. Damn, she was beautiful. If she says ‘yes’, I can always run to the store.
“The drinks are ready. What did you bring us to eat?” Andrea asked as she led him into the kitchen.
“I hope you like Chinese food. I brought us some sesame chicken and some sweet and sour pork. And, of course, the shrimp fried rice.” He held each thing up as he pulled the cartons from the paper sack. “And I didn’t forget the fortune cookies.”
“That sounds wonderful. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I smelled the food. Mmmmm,” Andrea said as she sniffed the air.
Dan wondered if his hard-on would ever go down or if he’d have to stand behind the counter the entire night. Maybe Andrea would do something to help him with this. It’s going to be a long night if you keep your thoughts running down this path. That other part of him argued back, But look at her! She looks like she could...
“Dan?” Andrea’s voice brought him back to her.
“Sorry, Andi, my mind just wandered for a moment. What did you say?”
“I asked you if you wanted to try my special drink I made for us. Actually, it’s a concoction that Cindi and I created one day at the lake. It’s got several different types of liquors, but it won’t make you crazy. Just a little warm and fuzzy. Would you like to try some, or do you want me to pour you some Chivas?”
“I think your drink sounds pretty good. Warm and fuzzy, huh?”
Andrea grinned back at him as she poured the mixture into two glasses. “And, Dan? No working tonight, okay? Keep the Avenger downtown and concentrate on me this evening.”
What Avenger? Dan responded. If she kept talking like this, he’d have to use her bathroom and take another cold shower before he could eat his dinner. What’s going on with me? I’m not some young kid any more. I’m thirty-eight years old, for God’s sake. Maybe it was all the talk of my college days today, but I’ve got to get a grip and control myself tonight. Dan took the offered glass from Andrea and realized control was going to be very hard to come by with her around.
Andrea began to spoon some of the food on their plates as she asked, “Is it any good? Do you like it?”
Dan nearly choked before responding, “It’s wonderful. What’s in here?”
“It’s a secret, but if you’re a very good boy tonight, I promise to make you some more,” she teased.
“I promise to be very good,” Dan responded, desire lowering his voice.
Andrea felt a shiver run down her spine. This little game they were playing with each other was making her warm and fuzzy without the drink. How far should I let this go tonight? I don’t want him to think I’m easy, but I bet he’d be a wonderful lover. I know Cindi would encourage me to go for it. After all, it is the nineties and women are allowed to have their needs met without being considered a slut any more. Then again, we are in the South and things still move a little slower here.
Andrea took their plates to the table while Dan brought their drinks. Each was lost in thought as they sat down to eat. Soon, the tension in the air eased and they were laughing and telling other tales from childhood. Dan told her about some of his encounters as a young police officer on the streets in New York after she finished telling him about her surprise thirtieth birthday bash.
“Let’s do our fortune cookies now,” Andrea suggested as she put their dishes in the kitchen. She walked back to the table with them and asked, “Which one do you want?”
“Ladies choice,” Dan responded.
“Okay, here’s yours. But you have to go first, since I picked.”
Dan broke his cookie in half and read, “‘Keep going forward on your chosen path and you will find what you are looking for.’ I hope that refers to the Avenger.”
“Dan! You promised no work talk tonight. I thought you were going to say something nice about me.” She playfully sent him a pout before she read the small slip of paper in her hands. “You must decide what price you are willing to pay to get the things you want.’ It must be referring to law school. I know it’s expensive and there’s a lot of sacrifice involved in achieving that goal. I hope I can make it.”
“You will, Andi. Besides, everything in life involves a sacrifice of some kind. Anything of value, that is.”
“What do you value in life, Dan?”
“My family, my friends, my job. Making things right in a world gone bad. How about you?”
“My family passed away, but I’ve made great friends. My job would have to come second to that. Putting something back into the community.”
“And I thought you were going to say something nice about me,” Dan tossed Andrea’s words back to her.
“You’re impossible. Cute, but impossible. Would you like some more to drink?” she motioned to his now empty glass.
“No, thanks. I need to head home. I’ve got to be downtown early tomorrow morning and it’s been a long day.”
“Thanks a lot.”
Dan reached over and pulled Andrea into his arms. As he locked his fingers behind her waist, he whispered, “This has been one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. I’ve really enjoyed your company, and I know Mory and Janie liked you, too. I’m just sorry it took so long for us to meet. No telling how many times we just missed each other in a hallway or a store or any place in town. God, you’re so beautiful. Your eyes sparkle when you smile and it lights up your whole face.”
Dan touched her hair, then ran his finger along her chin. He gently lifted it until she raised her eyes to meet the question in his. Dan read the permission before lowering his lips to hers. As Andrea’s mouth touched his, he felt himself grow hard again. Damn, she smelled good. She tasted good. She felt good. As he pulled her tighter against him, Dan heard her soft moan.
Andrea’s body responded automatically to his touch. She felt the wet heat between her legs and moaned deep in her throat. When he pressed his hardness against her stomach, she thought she would melt like butter under a hot sun.
Dan reached his hand underneath her top and cupped one of her breasts. She was perfect. Not too big and not too small. He trailed his fingers down her rib cage and back to her breast, circling its taut peak with his thumb. When she tossed her head back, his lips made a path down her throat to her exposed shoulder.
Andrea ran her fingers through his thick hair and pulled him closer against her. She lifted her arms as Dan removed her top, then she pulled his shirt over his head. When his bare skin touched hers, the heat seemed to burst within her.
Dan quickly unfastened the hooks on her bra and lowered his head to allow his mouth and tongue to continue what his hands had started. He placed warm kisses down her stomach to the top of her waistband, then stood up and looked into her eyes. “I want you, Andi, but I don’t want to move too fast. I don’t want you to think I expect—“
Andrea silenced him with her lips as she arched her body against his. She smiled when he flattened his hands against her bare back and pressed her tightly against him. Her mouth began to follow a course down his neck, to his shoulder, down his chest to the place where a patch of hair formed a trail down below. Then she stood and looked into his face and repeated his words back to him. “I want you, Dan, but I don’t want to move too fast. I don’t want you to think I expect—” She nearly screamed as Dan picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, silently thanking the builder for placing it next to the kitchen.
As he lowered her onto the bed, a cold realization dampened his passion. “Wait a minute, Andi. I didn’t bring anything with me. I wasn’t sure if... And I didn’t want to appear...”
Andrea smiled as she reached into the nightstand beside the bed. “Cindi gave these to me as a gag gift for my thirtieth birthday.” She pulled a box out of the bottom drawer and tore open the cellophane wrapping. She grinned at him as she held up a small circular object. “That is, if you don’t mind being green.”
Dan fell back on the bed and laughed. Damn, this woman was good for him. He looked over at her tear-streaked face and said, “Just one more thing I’ll need to thank Cindi for.”
Andrea squealed, “Dan! Don’t you dare tell her. I’d die if—“
Dan silenced her protests with a sound kiss before he promised, “Andi, I’d never tell anyone anything that happened between us. Especially not in the bedroom. I don’t kiss and tell. But you have to promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Don’t laugh when I put it on. Laughing when a man is at his most vulnerable could have devastating consequences for any further activities.”
Andrea touched his chin and responded, “Dan, the way you make my body sing, I promise the color of your condom will not be noticed.”
Dan’s male pride well stroked, he leaned over to make her vow good.
Throughout the night, they made love and each kept their promises. Andrea didn’t laugh whenever he pulled out another neon color, and Dan made her weak and tingly as he drove them repeatedly over the edge in various positions.
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Wednesday morning, July 4th
Since they had spent the entire weekend together and he had been busy working on the case and sidestepping James Starr, it was Wednesday morning before Dan called Andrea. She didn’t answer the phone. Hoping she might be working in her yard, washing her car, or sunbathing, he drove to her condo. She wasn’t home or at the pool. Maybe she had gone to the lake with Cindi and Brian or other friends. He wanted to kick himself for being too cautious and waiting two days to phone her. Of course she had plans. Who, besides him, hadn’t made plans for the Fourth of July?
He went to Mory and Janie’s house for an afternoon cookout, but kept calling Andrea’s number. He wished either of them had suggested he bring Andrea along today. They had laughed and told him they’d assumed he didn’t need a reminder. Mory teased him unmercifully about being whipped and enslaved after only a few dates. He fumed at his partner for not teasing or probing him with a zillion questions on Monday and Tuesday to break his concentration on the entwined cases. Mory and Janie confessed they had intentionally avoided mentioning Andrea and the “long sultry weekend” so as not to spook Dan on her and romance. Janie seemed delighted that Mory had taken her advice, but disappointed Dan had been too caught up in grisly murder cases to call Andrea and invite her to join them today.
Later, they went to the mall to watch the fireworks, but he didn’t see her in the massive crowd. At ten thirty, he left a message on her answering machine asking her to call him when she got in. As he prepared for bed at nearly eleven o’clock, he was edgy and mad with himself for spending most of the holiday trying to reach her. He shouldn’t have ignored her or waited so late to ask her to spend today with them. After all, he couldn’t work on a holiday when places were closed and people were gone unless a crime was committed or the Avenger struck again. The realization that Andrea hadn’t contacted him either or included him in on her plans for the day increased his disappointment and concern. It was the nineties, women asked men out, too. He felt frustrated, worried.
Dan tossed and turned as the horror movie his mind created for him played havoc with his sleep. Instead of “Charlie” chasing him through the Vietnam jungle, it was the Avenger playing cat and mouse with him in dark alleys. Over and over again, the killer lured him into pits lined with sticks and the mutilated bodies of his victims. Large hands would point to one corpse and the Avenger would describe in detail the way he had tortured the man. Suddenly, the victim’s image would be replaced with that of his female victim’s face. Every time Dan tried to run away, every time he turned a corner, there was another one. How long could this go on? How many people would suffer and die before the system did what it was created to do? Before he could capture his target?
Dan was finally able to break the trance when the face of seventeen-year-old Susan flashed before his eyes and stuck the knife deep into his heart. He awoke, shaking and bathed in sweat. Even the bed sheets were soaked. How could he bring this vigilante to justice when he understood the motive behind the Avenger’s actions? He couldn’t help but wonder if the self-appointed Sword of Justice had slain his last target or if the bringer of necessary evil was just getting started on his ride to doom and glory.
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Thursday morning, July 5th
Dan went to the District Attorney’s office to return the borrowed files and to ask Andrea out to lunch.
Cindi overheard him talking to the receptionist and heard the disappointment in his voice when he learned Andrea had already left for an early lunch. She sensed his frustration, smiled and decided that Andrea was playing the situation right. She knew they had slept together over the weekend and that Dan had waited until Wednesday to call. The sleeping bird misses the juicy worm and has to work harder to get a meal, so wake up and get hopping, man. She waved as she approached him and grasped his outstretched hand. “Dan, it’s good to see you again. Everyone had so much fun Friday night and really enjoyed meeting you. I’m sorry you missed Andi; she left earlier than usual today and is taking a few hours off this afternoon. Did you two have plans for a meeting or lunch?”
Dan shook his head. “No, we didn’t. I just hoped I’d be able to catch her before she left. How are you and Brian doing?”
“We’re great. I’ve got an errand to run for lunch today, or I’d ask you to join me. Would you like me to give Andi a message for you?”
“Just tell her I stopped by and to call me if she gets the chance. She can page me if she wants. Here, let me give you the number,” Dan said as he did so.
“I’ll give this to her and tell her you stopped by. See you around, Dan.”
“Bye, Cindi.” A disheartened Dan worried that Andrea might have had a date yesterday and for lunch today. Why shouldn’t she? She’s an attractive woman and there isn’t any commitment between us. He’d finally found a woman he liked, and he was probably screwing it up by not giving her the consideration and attention she deserved and needed. He promised himself to correct that oversight pronto.
He returned to his office where he and Mory continued to follow up on the Avenger case. So far, they had no leads on the rope, typewriter, paper or potassium chloride. None of the same policemen had worked the females’ rape cases. They couldn’t find any record of a local officer whose loved one had been raped to give that lawman a motive for a single murder or a grisly rampage. Only one lawyer had two of the male victims as clients, something Dan and Mory went to check out at three o’clock.
At six o’clock, Dan decided to call it a day, so Mory could go home to his wife and escape his partner’s grouchiness. Dan knew he needed to get some food in his house very soon, but he needed to go home first and get a shower. He really didn’t feel like eating out alone, and cooking for one didn’t hold any appeal. Maybe he’d order a pizza, then do his grocery shopping on Saturday.
As Dan sipped a scotch and lazed in his chair, someone knocked at the door. He cursed and hoped it wasn’t James Starr or he may bite off his head. He opened the door to find Andrea—smiling, beautiful, fresh and desirable.
“Well, Lieutenant Mallory, are you going to stand there and stare at me or invite me inside? Your note said you wanted to see me.” She lifted her shoulders slightly and opened her palms in invitation. “Here I am.”
Dan wanted to grab her and throw her to the floor, but managed to catch himself before he acted on his imagination. “I wasn’t expecting anyone; the place is trashed—”
“I shouldn’t have shown up without calling. I’ll come back another time,” Andrea replied and turned to leave.
“No!” Dan responded quickly and reached out his hand in invitation. “That wasn’t what I meant. Come on in. Just watch where you step and sit. I was going to call you in a little bit, but I just got home and was unwinding. It’s been a crazy day and a long week. I didn’t think I’d be much for talking or company until I improved my mood.”
Andrea closed the door behind her and leaned against it. The room was messy, but not dirty. It looked like the bachelor quarters of a man who came and went in a rush and who had more important and pressing things to do than straighten his apartment every day. “Why don’t you take a long, hot shower while I have a drink and prop up my feet? Then we’ll see what we can eat. We can talk after you get out. I remember how my father hated being pounced upon by his eager family the minute he walked in the door from a hard day. Get moving, Mallory. I’ll be here when you finish.”
“You don’t mind waiting?” Dan asked as he grabbed up discarded clothes, papers, and other items.
“Nope. I need time to settle down, too. Been a busy week. You really don’t mind my coming here without calling?”
“I’m glad you did. I tried to call you yesterday, even went by your place a few times. I should have checked with you Monday or Tuesday to see if you had plans. And tell you I had a great weekend. Like I said, I’m rusty in this area, so bear with me.”
“So am I, Dan, and I don’t usually go to a man’s residence alone. I went to the lake yesterday with Cindi and some friends. Today I had lunch with Brian. He wanted me to help him pick out an anniversary present; they’ve been living together for three years. I tried to call you a few times this afternoon, but you were out. I didn’t leave my name or a message; I know how guys tease each other about such things. I didn’t call on your cell phone because I didn’t want to interrupt a meeting or interrogation. I know you’re knee-deep in that vigilante case and following up on all your leads. I’m sure Monday and Tuesday were busy catch-up days and exhausted nights. We’re busy keeping up with all the reports from everybody. Ray wants to be ready to charge and indict the Avenger as soon as you all arrest him. I think my boss is as weary of news conferences and media phone calls as your boss is. I’m sure you and Mory, as the lead detectives, will be overjoyed to close this case and see justice done.”
“More than you can imagine. Just wish we had some worthwhile leads to follow. I have to admit, Andi, this is one of the smartest criminals I’ve ever pursued. When victims are chosen randomly, we have no links to connect.”
“Is any crime truly random, Dan? Ray told me long ago ‘a victim and a perpetrator are in the same place at the same time for a reason. Find the reason their paths intersect at that specific time and place, and you can solve the mystery.”
“Ray’s right in this instance. These victims are being carefully selected and methodically dispatched. No random slayings involved. I just need to find the who and why.”
“Don’t worry, you will. Now, no more shop talk, Mallory. Get your shower so we can eat. I’m famished.”
“Me, too. You have any plans for the weekend?” What the hell, he wasn’t going to make the same mistake of waiting too late to get her commitment.
“None yet.”
“Good. X out those days for me, will you?”
Andrea grinned at him. “I kept them open in case you asked. Get your shower, Mallory; you look a wreck. Do you have any wine? If not, I can go get some.”
“There’s some Chablis in the bottom door shelf of the fridge. I don’t know how long it’s been there, so test it first. The opener is in the drawer next to the stove. Here, let me do it for you.”
“No need, Dan. I can do it. You just get cleaned up. Yours will be chilled and ready when you get out. Unless you prefer something else?”
“I’m not much of a wine drinker. A few fingers of Chivas on the rocks will do the trick nicely.”
“It’ll be waiting for you when you’re done.”
“Thanks, Andi. If you like, we can go out to eat after I get cleaned up.”
“How about we order a pizza? I’m not in the mood for noisy crowds tonight.”
Dan smiled. “That’s what I was planning on doing. I didn’t feel like a run to the grocery store. I like anything on mine, so whatever you order will be fine. The phone is in the kitchen and the number is on the fridge.”
“Order pizzas a lot, do you?” Andrea teased with a smile.
“Occasionally,” Dan lied with a telltale grin and walked to the bathroom.
While Dan showered, Andrea quickly tidied up the kitchen and breakfast area, then called to have a supreme pizza delivered. Afterward, she checked the refrigerator to find it almost empty. She poured her glass of wine and his Chivas.
“The pizza should be here in ten minutes,” Andrea told him upon his return. He was dressed in jeans and a blue golf shirt that brought out the color of his blue eyes. He was more than a handsome hunk with a great physique. He was captivating and fun, and she was utterly willing and eager to enjoy him to the fullest.
Dan was aroused by her titillating gaze and aura. His voice was husky with animal heat as he said, “I hope that’s okay with you. I’m not much of a grocery shopper or cook. I promise to treat you to a nice meal soon.”
They talked while Dan got out plates and napkins. Within minutes, the pizza arrived and they were eating, chatting and laughing.
Soon the conversation drifted toward the Avenger case and clues, or the lack of them. Dan told her more of what he knew, what he’d been doing, and what he was planning to do. It was good to have a woman whose job was similar to his, so they understood each other’s work. Talking aloud with her helped clarify things in his head. She knew all about the cases, so he wasn’t worried about keeping secrets. It felt good to relax, to open up, to say anything he thought or felt without having to watch his words.
“If it was a law enforcer’s wife, sister, mother, daughter or lover who was raped, but it wasn’t reported,” Andrea speculated, “who knows better than a cop or lawyer how difficult it is to get a conviction on a rape charge? They know the woman is made to look and sound more like the criminal than her attacker. We’ve both been involved with these types of cases, Dan, and seen the victim’s lives torn apart while they seek justice. Their families’ lives, too. For what, to watch their assailant walk on a stupid, minor technicality? Half of the ones who escape justice do the same thing again. It’s frustrating as hell. The intentions behind the court’s decisions are there for a reason—to protect the innocent who’ve been wrongly charged or possibly framed. But sometimes it helps the guilty to go free. How can you check out so many men?”
“We have a blood type and DNA from the sperm samples, but I need hard evidence or strong suspicions before I can begin an intense look in those directions. I can’t demand hundreds of blood tests for comparison, not without probable cause. That’s too bad because it would rule out a lot of maybes. I made enough enemies and rivals on my last job doing things like that. Cops don’t take to being doubted or accused, especially if they’re dirty. And most cops don’t like what they consider traitors to their hallowed ranks. It’s frustrating as hell, but that’s the way it is.”
“What about that obnoxious, overzealous, ambitious reporter? You said he’s around more than he should be. What if he’s creating his own story? If this Avenger strikes on Friday nights, why not have him tailed tomorrow night? At least you might learn who’s tipping him off. His source could be the killer, or he could be working under Starr’s orders. It would be good to shut down that leak.”
“I’ve thought about that. I want this case solved, so I think I’ll shadow him myself tomorrow night. We can get together on Saturday and Sunday, if that’s okay with you?”
“Sounds great to me. I realize a lot of time is needed to work this case. What you do makes our community a safer place to live, so how could I begrudge you that?”
“You’d be amazed how many wives and girlfriends resent the crazy hours and the overtime that goes with the job. I’m thinking you might just be an early Christmas present from Santa because an understanding woman is hard to come by these days.”
“I have my own life, Dan. I enjoy spending time with you, but I’ll be understanding when you have something else to do. The same goes for you.”
“I’m in heaven, I know it now,” Dan murmured with sparkling eyes. “I also know this Avenger is left handed, besides being very strong.”
“Left handed? How did you determine that?”
“The way those victims were bound, the knots and marks indicate a left handed killer. And he has to be strong to overpower them. But how he selects and disables them has me stumped. If I can figure that out, I’ll be closer to unraveling this case.”
“You’re amazing, Mallory. You notice important details. From what you’ve told me and what I’ve read in the paper, I don’t think he’s crazy or after media attention. I think he’s after vengeance and justice. By the way his victims are disfigured, it sounds like a personal vendetta. Maybe he’s acting out of anger, hatred, and frustration because he can’t get to his real target for some reason or doesn’t know that man’s identity. One thing you haven’t mentioned, what if the real target killed his female victim after raping her? In all of the cases you’ve investigated, the female victims survived their assaults. Why did he kill those men afterwards? Why not just torture, humiliate and rape them? Let them live in misery and shame like their victims were forced to do? If he’s masked or since he blindfolded them, they couldn’t have identified him.”
“You’ll make a damn good lawyer, Andi. You’re quick and smart. Mory and I hadn’t thought of some of those angles, but we’ll follow up on them. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I work in criminal justice, Mallory, so I should hope a lot of it has rubbed off on me. Ray is such a good teacher and super smart DA.. If we miss details, criminals find loopholes to use. I sometimes catch discrepancies or clues when I’m typing up notes or talking to him. Ray is the one who said I have a keen eye and alert mind and should be a lawyer. He lets me do footwork for him on occasion and I love it.”
“I could tell you’re more than a legal secretary, no matter what you told me that first day. It’s obvious Ray depends on you and trusts you, which doesn’t happen often in our professions. That makes him a smart man.”
“He’ll be glad to hear that. Do you like him?”
“Lawmen and lawyers often clash. We catch scum, they let it go. They say they have a great case, but if they lose it, they claim some policeman messed it up on a technicality or error. What’s Raymond Harris really like? I noticed he handled all the original cases involving those women.”
“Surely you aren’t suspicious of Ray? He’s intelligent and determined, and he’s a kind and gentle man. He gets pretty upset over failures and the miscarriage of justice, but he could never be the Avenger. I know him, Dan, so forget him as a suspect.”
“Sometimes we think we know somebody close to us, but we don’t. That’s why it shocks us so much when we discover we’re wrong,” Dan said in a frigid tone as he recalled Kristi and Rick’s cruel betrayal.
“Does that mean we’ll clash when I’m a lawyer, Mister Lawman?”
Dan grinned and jested, “Not if we never work on the same case.”
“But we’re working on this one together, in a small way.”
“Yep, and that’s the only part of this investigation I like. When this case is solved, I hope we can spend more time together.”
“Maybe the Avenger has made his last strike or moved elsewhere. Nothing happened last Friday night. Are you attending the victim’s funerals to see who comes? I saw that on TV. There’s an old cliché about the criminal returning to the scene of the crime or watching his success lowered into the earth. You know, it isn’t such a wild idea to attend the funerals, if there are any more. If you get a photographer to take pictures, the same person might show up in them. He could have a morbid urge to see his victims put away.”
“I wonder if the Avenger is a writer.”
“What do you mean?”
“That poem he left beneath his victim last time. He used Bible quotes, then added his own words. He didn’t make it sound as if he was finished yet. I know that damned reporter gave him the idea for his name.”
“Or the reporter penned the note. He’s a writer, a very good one. You said he was at the scene. What if he arrived before you did and left the note? What if it’s from him, not the Avenger? Sensationalism, Dan.”
“Damn, he’s even got me calling the bastard the Avenger.”
Andrea smiled, caressed his clenched jawline, and enticed, “Why don’t you call me instead, say into the bedroom?”
Dan leapt to his feet and scooped her into his arms. He laughed as he said, “I don’t have any neon colors. We’ll have to call Cindi and find out where she got them.”
“Don’t you dare, Dan. Clear is just fine with me.”
Dan laughed before he said, “Forget clearing the table; I’ll take care of that later. Right now, another chore is more appealing.”
“So, I’m a ‘chore’ now, am I?” she teased as she nibbled on his cleft chin before he deposited her on his bed.
“It’s never a chore to make love to you, Andi, only the best thing I’ve done since we were together last time.”
“In that case, Mister Lawman, hush talking and get busy. You have lots of work to do before midnight when I turn into a wicked witch.”
“Let’s pray our Avenger doesn’t change his schedule, because I’d surely hate to be interrupted before I have my dessert.”
“Well, since I’m a witch, I’ll grant your wish. Strip me and take me, Lieutenant Mallory. I’m all yours for now.”