Saturday morning, July 7th
“Mrs. Evans, I’m sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but unfortunately, I must. It seems the man who allegedly raped you last year was killed last night.”
The woman sitting before him bowed her head and began to cry softly. Her hands were wrinkled with age and her hair was almost stark white. Dan could still see her scarred and burned face from the mercuric acid that Parks had used to torture the elderly woman. He glanced around the room and saw many pictures of people he assumed were her children and grandchildren. It relieved him to know she had family who could help her deal with this new episode.
“It’s that Avenger I’ve been hearing about on the news. He got him for me, didn’t he?” she asked, her voice crackling with emotion.
“Ma’am, we’re not sure who’s responsible for Sam Park’s death, but we have to investigate every angle. He was raped and tortured in much the same way that you were before he was killed. That’s why we must talk to you. We need to know if there’s anyone you know who might have some knowledge about who did this.” He knew from her file that her husband had died from a stroke several months before she was attacked.
“I don’t know anyone who would do such a thing. I thought I was safe from such heinous crimes. The worst thing I ever thought would happen to me was that someone would rob me. I can’t imagine anyone wanting me with all the pretty young girls out there. Thank God he didn’t do this to some teenager. I couldn’t imagine facing the rest of my life like this if I had been young when he attacked and disfigured me.”
Mory said, “There are some evil men out there, Mrs. Evans. It’s difficult to say why anyone does something so horrible to another human being, but they do. It’s our job to stop them and make sure they don’t do it again.”
“But you didn’t stop the man who did this to me. You let him go. Just because a police officer went to his house and found the acid without a written search warrant detailing what they were looking for, that doesn’t mean he’s any less guilty of what he did to me. It only means the officer didn’t follow a procedure. I just can’t imagine a system that sets these monsters free, when they know he did it. If I hadn’t let him come inside to use the toilet and get some water, there wouldn’t have been a reason for his fingerprints, a few hairs and some skin cells to be in here. That’s how his awful lawyer got him off.”
Dan knew from the case file that Parks had claimed he had the mercuric acid on hand because he was going to use it to clean his house bricks and stone walkway. He also knew what that scumbag lawyer had used for “reasonable doubt”. “I know, Mrs. Evans. It’s just as frustrating for an officer to arrest a guilty party, only to have his defense attorney find a loophole in the law to exploit unfairly. I’m sorry for what happened to you.”
“Not as sorry as I am, Lieutenant. Do you see all my pictures? I have four children and seven grandchildren. But they hardly know their grandma. Do you know why? The young ones cry when they see me. They’re afraid of me. The oldest one is ten and Joey can’t bear to look at my face. How do we comfort kids who know somebody can break into their home and do something terrible to them? It gives them nightmares if they come to visit me. I’ve become a hermit in this house, because people stare at me and whisper behind my back like I got bad ears and can’t hear them. Some even dare to ask me what happened, as if I’d tell them and it’s any of their business. I’ve had little hoodlums laugh, joke, throw rocks at me, and call me the Boogey Woman or worse. I had to lock myself away from those things or go crazy. I have my groceries delivered and one of my neighbors—God bless her kind soul—runs my other errands for me. Can you imagine going through life with a face like this? I can barely watch television or read the papers, it gives me such a headache. I’m completely blinded in my right eye and partially in the left one. The only thing I have to give me pleasure are my gardens and they’re fenced in so nobody can see me when I work.”
“Mrs. Evans, we’re so sorry for what happened to you and we’re sorry the courts set him free. But we have to stop this killer. We don’t know what he’s capable of. Tell us about your children.”
Dorothy Evans looked at Dan as she spoke. “None of my children would do something like this. If they were vengeful souls, they would have shot him before, during or right after the trial. They’ve had to go on with their lives and with their children’s lives. Yes, they were upset by the outcome, but I can’t imagine any of my children killing that man or the other ones. They didn’t have anything to do with it, that I’m sure of.”
“Please tell us about them, ma’am, and we can scratch them off the list. We’ll need to contact them as a formality,” Dan warned so she wouldn’t be surprised. “We want to make sure we do everything by the book and don’t make any mistakes so this killer won’t have any loopholes to exploit.”
“You don’t want to make any mistakes when you capture my Avenger, but you didn’t worry too much about making any when you were after my rapist,” Dorothy stated in a bitter tone. She paused, then went on softly, “I’m sorry. You weren’t the officers in charge of my case, so I shouldn’t be taking this out on you. If all policemen were as thorough as you two, there wouldn’t be any need for the Avenger, would there?”
“Everyone makes mistakes, Mrs. Evans,” Dan said. “Everyone. Policemen are just as human as everybody else. We try to be as careful as we can, but sometimes we do mess up. The problem isn’t that the police make an error, but that the system says that infringes on the criminal’s rights and therefore, sets them free, regardless of their guilt or innocence. Hopefully, someday soon things will change, but we have to follow the rules that have been set now.”
“I know you’re only doing your job. To answer your question, I have four children: two boys and two girls. We had the boys first, but I wanted a little girl badly. Then, we had the twins. Both of them live in Texas, where they went to school and married their college sweethearts. Ever since this happened they’ve tried to get me to move out there, but I’ve refused. Jack and I lived in this house since the birth of my second son. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, and it would be a burden on my kids to take me in looking like this. They love me, so that wouldn’t be fair to them. One of my oldest boys lives in Augusta and the other one lives in Atlanta. Jimmy is the oldest; he’s the one in Atlanta. He’s a tax attorney for a large company there. Bobby lives here in Martinez. He was out of town this weekend on a golfing trip he takes every year. I’m sure you’ll find he didn’t return to kill that evil man. I’ll give you their phone numbers and addresses before you leave.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Evans. We appreciate you talking to us. We know this is difficult for you and we wish it could be easier, but there’s no other way around it Nobody can appoint himself a judge, jury, and executioner. We can’t allow him to make a mistake and slay an innocent person. Thank you for your time.”
“You’re welcome, Lieutenant. Please be gentle with the boys when you see them. They’re still upset about what happened to me—not enough to kill Parks—but angry about what happened to their momma. It’s normal to be angry he went free. Please be easy with them. They’ve had to deal with so much.”
“I will, Mrs. Evans, I promise.” Dan hated to pour more anguish on her lingering wounds, but he had no choice. “I’m sorry to tell you, ma’am, but the news media may try to contact you for an interview. This case is getting bigger and louder with every new vic—slaying. Because of the past trial, it’s public knowledge you were Park’s victim. Once they learn the crime against you was copied on him, they’ll be calling or dropping by to add you to their news reports. They might even contact your family members for comments.”
“I’ve seen and heard how these creeps work. They won’t get to me, and I’ll warn my children about them.”
“I wish I had the power and authority to stop them.”
“I know, Lieutenant Mallory, but the law is on their side. As the Avenger was quoted, Justice is blind. It’s a blessing we victims have him on our side. With Parks dead, I can finally get a good night’s sleep and not be terrified he’ll break in and attack me again. Forgive me, sir, but I hope and will pray you never catch him. If you do, who will protect and avenge people like me?”
For once, Dan and Mory lacked an honest response.
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Sunday afternoon, July 8th
“Sorry bastard deserved it if you ask me.” Bobby Evans angrily responded to Dan’s initial inquiry. “I was out of town, so don’t go thinking I had anything to do with it. I can give you a list of forty men who’ll swear I was with them on a golfing trip. We go up to the mountains every year and play. I might have wanted to rip the bastard’s throat out, but I would never have done that. Mama couldn’t have lived with herself if I was thrown in jail for seeking revenge because of her. But that’s the only reason why I never killed him. She’s suffered enough already.”
“Yes, she has,” Dan concurred. “I’m sorry for the way things turned out for her, but I still have to uphold the law and do my job. We don’t know what this Avenger is capable of. He could kill an innocent person by accident. We have to stop him.”
“Well, you’re on your own. Just like Mama was when your kind let that bastard go. I don’t know anything. Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you. I’d love to meet this Avenger and thank him from the bottom of my heart. I hope he continues for a long, long time, just as I hope you never catch him. If you do, I’ll pay any amount the attorneys require to find one of those convenient loopholes they use all the time to get the real guilty off. But I do thank you for being kind and gentle with Mama.”
Dan watched Bobby as he talked and was convinced that he didn’t have anything to do with those murders. But he’d check out the man’s alibi anyway. No mistakes. No oversights. Not this time. The phone call to his brother had turned out much the same. He had been a counselor at his church’s youth camp. There was no way he could have been gone long enough to drive the distance to Augusta without his absence being noticed. To Bobby he said, “Thank you for your time. If you think of anything, please give me a call.” He handed Bobby his card and walked out the front door, Mory trailing behind him, looking tired and depressed, then angry and frustrated. Dan understood those feelings, as they plagued him at times.
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Late Sunday afternoon, July 8th
“Please, Henri, tell me something good: tell me he’s messed up somewhere this time and left fingerprints, hair, something. Anything,” Dan almost pleaded with the medical examiner in her office.
“I’m afraid this guy is good, too good. The only clue he leaves behind that could lead us to him is his semen, and that oversight mystifies me. As careful as he is, I’m surprised he doesn’t use a condom to catch it and take it with him.”
Dan speculated, “Maybe it’s intentional, some kind of message or a taunt. Maybe he wants to be exposed and arrested. Maybe he’s playing a cat and mouse game with us. He probably figures no jury will convict him.”
Henrietta said, “You could be right. Sam Parks was injected with the same potassium chloride that the others were, causing almost immediate death. He was anally sodomized and forced to perform fellatio before he was tortured with the sulfuric acid. If your killer wasn’t careful, he could have acid burns on him because it’s highly corrosive. But I have a feeling he knows how to handle it safely and didn’t injure himself. I’d say your Avenger was really pissed off at this one. Sam’s rectal tissues were torn up pretty badly. The victim struggled so hard to get loose, the ropes nearly sliced his wrists like a razor. Cut so deep, he severed a few veins and had heavy blood loss. All droplets were his.”
“Damn! He’s got us chasing our tails.”
“Your killer didn’t leave fingerprints or a single hair, skin or fiber sample anywhere. The semen was sent to LifeCo, but I’m sure it will be identical to the others. I’ll have a full report by Thursday. You can check with me then. The Avenger must know his victims or have a clever disguise.”
“Why do you say that, Henri?” Mory asked.
“Dan said there was no evidence of forced entry into any of the houses or apartments, so these men must have invited the killer into their homes. If you can figure out that angle, it might help you find your man.”
“By the way, how are you getting these results so fast from the State Lab? I’ve heard the backlog for testing is several weeks.”
“They work faster when it involves a serial killer, especially when he’s active.”
“But still, you’ve managed to get results back in two weeks. That’s nearly impossible. What gives?”
“Being a female, in this case, helps a lot, Dan.”
“What does that mean?”
“Most of the lab techs are women. There aren’t many female ME’s around, so we can generally get our stuff pushed to the front in an emergency. It’s a well kept secret, so keep your mouth shut, or I’ll bury your results for the next five years.”
“Ouch, Henri, that hurts. And that’s reverse discrimination.”
“What are you complaining about? It benefits you, especially with this Avenger on the loose. Besides, men have had the monopoly for a long time. Every now and then, we women have to pull together and even the score a little bit. I only ask for a rush job when I really need it. I never misuse my friends, so they help me out when I call. I thought you’d appreciate me using up one of my favors for you.”
“I do,” Dan emphatically replied. “I really do. We need to catch this guy, so whatever advantage we can get, I say we take it.”
“I thought you’d see it that way.”
“Thanks, Henri. I do appreciate you calling one in for me on this. I promise to pay you back.”
“Yes, you will, Dan, because I intend to collect after you catch this Avenger. Have you figured out where he’s getting his potassium chloride? I called an old friend, Doctor Louis Renew, at the Medical College. He’s supposed to be checking things out over there. Here’s his name and address.” She gave Dan a piece of paper with those things on it. “He said he’d call if he came up with anything.”
“It always helps to have someone on the inside, Henri. Even when it involves a case like this, it’s knowing the right person to call that gets the job done. Thanks again. Have you ever considered going back to the department?”
“No way. I’m just fine where I am. There are less knives in my back and no guns pointing my way. The rules I have to follow are a lot clearer, too. I know what I’m supposed to do and how to do it and no judge is sitting up there claiming whatever I did set a maniac free. I couldn’t live with that. I know I’ll be going home at night, too, unless some drunk driver runs over me.”
Dan smiled. “Henri, you’ll probably live to be a hundred.”
“God, I hope not. I’ve seen what those old folk's naked bodies look like. I want to make it up on that table while I’m still good looking.”
Dan laughed.
“Now, get going, Lieutenant. I’ve got work to do and so do you.”
“Hope I catch that lucky break, Henri, or curse the Avenger with a bad luck spell. He’s got to make a mistake soon.”
“He will, Dan. They always do. Just keep your eyes open, so you can catch it.”
“With a little help from my friends, I will, Henri. I’ll call you on Thursday.” As he walked out the door, Dan envisioned Dorothy’s face with the acid burns inflicted by Sam Parks. It must be horrible for her to know she frightened her own grandchildren and had become a prisoner in her own home. Sam Parks had been brutal, so Dan couldn’t help but think the bastard had gotten what he deserved. He supposed the same was true for the other male victims. Lord help me, he’s pulling even me into his corner!
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Later at Andrea’s apartment, Dan said, “I’m sorry about having to cancel our date last night, but Mory and I were pouring over the case files and evidence, what little we have. Damn, but this killer is smart and efficient. He covers all of his bases except one, so we’re positive he has a good reason for leaving his semen behind, or he’d use condoms and take it with him. Even Mother Nature is working in his favor; that storm washed away any trace outside Park’s home. Worse, we haven’t been able to find a single witness against him. He certainly didn’t walk to and from the crime, but none of Parks’ neighbors saw or heard anything. He’s like a frigging ghost! And that infernal James Starr isn’t helping matters with his inflammatory articles like the one in yesterday’s paper. That bastard actually accused the police of being so desperate to solve this case that he was harassed at the crime scene and was almost hauled in for interrogation. He’s trying his best to make us look stupid and incompetent.” At least, he isn’t using my name and picture for some reason. And I’ve stayed out of the TV camera lights thanks to Ray and Neal handling the news briefings. And there were many important things going on for headline grabbers and top network stories: the USSR was coming apart at the seams; the lethal pedestrian stampede in Mecca; massacres in Somali; and other violent unrest. These events were destabilizing so many areas in the world. Even Mother Nature had gone wild and pernicious: tragic earthquakes; volcanoes erupting; and tornado outbreaks, with 88 in the Lower Ohio Valley alone. Cold wars. Hot strife. Drug wars. Natural disasters. God help President Bush deal with all these troubles.
“Did you see Dorothy Evans yesterday?” Andrea asked, wondering why Dan had been so still and silent for so long.
“Yeah, and it wasn’t a pretty sight, the poor woman. I also got an earful from her two sons when I contacted them.”
“I’m sure they’re just upset by what happened to their mother and having to rehash that ordeal. I worked with Dorothy and her family during the investigation and trial. They’re good people. You should have seen her, Dan, after the judge let Parks go. She was devastated: she sat in the courtroom and wept for an hour. It broke my heart, but Parks just grinned, laughed and joked on his way out. I realize the judge had no choice. The surgeons doubted they could repair her face and body completely, but the scars on her face at that time had turned an ugly black. She was so pitiful.” Andrea took a deep breath. “I had forgotten about some of these cases, forced myself not to think about them so I could sleep at night. The Avenger’s victims aren’t just rapists, bad as they are, his victims are men with vicious streaks who did horrible things to those women. The questions and physical examination Dorothy had to go through were terrible. The trial was, in some ways, worse for her than the assault. Park’s attorney humiliated her. He tried to make Dorothy appear senile or vindictive.”
Andrea paused before she continued, “At least she has her family to help her through this ordeal. I’ve seen how some victim’s families and friends treat them afterwards, as if they have a contagious disease or should have fought to the death. They’re made to feel dirty and worthless. It reminds me of the Salem witch trials. If you drowned, you were innocent. If you floated, you were guilty, a witch. They’re doomed either way.”
“What if the accused is innocent, but looks guilty?”
“I don’t know, Dan. They say more criminals go free on technicalities than innocents are wronged, but we all know statistics can be altered to fit whatever answer we want. I don’t know if I’d be willing to take the chance either way. I’d like to see some changes in the laws, but I’m not sure what the right answer would be without violating someone’s rights. People protest to get religious words off of our coins, to get the pledge of allegiance and prayers out of our school, to burn our flag and so forth. You’re a police officer. What changes would you suggest? Policemen risk their lives every day and night with their hands bound by these ever changing rules. Not to mention being terribly underpaid.”
“Maybe some of those crimes wouldn’t have happened if we had more manpower and money for more law officers, speedier trials, more jails and prisons, and more educational programs. The same is true of this case. I need more manpower and money to help solve it. The Captain has me and Mory working our butts off with hardly any help. Once in a while I get another man or two to check out details. Trouble is, I can’t and don’t trust their reports. Half the men don’t want the Avenger caught. After reading the women’s files, sometimes I don’t blame the bastard for playing vigilante. But people can’t take the law into their own hands. It’s dangerous. Not every man or woman who uses a loophole or whose case gets dismissed is guilty. If we allow vigilantes to operate freely, a lot of innocent people can get killed.”
“What about the reporter who’s harassing you? Anything on him yet?”
Dan thought about the subtle blackmail Starr had hinted at during their confrontation. If the reporter released his real name, identity and whereabouts, some heavy guns would be stalking him just like he was stalking the Avenger. Yet, he couldn’t ignore Starr if the evidence pointed in his direction. All he could do was hope Starr kept silent, or he’d be forced to leave town to take refuge somewhere else until it was safe to return to New York or Augusta. The last thing he wanted was to abandon this case and the woman nearby who had slid into his heart and life as easily as a spoon into honey. Just as fast and easy; it was as if the golden liquid had turned to cement, firmly imprisoning him in her loving grasp. He couldn’t move slowly with her, or some other man would snap her up in a flash. Actually he was amazed she was still unattached. Maybe, as with him, she had been waiting for the right person to come along, and—
“Where do you keep drifting off to, Dan? Are you tired? Do we need to make this another time? I’ll understand, honestly, because you’ve been working so hard for a long time. A single murder case is difficult on you, but working a multiple spree must be exhausting. Is there anything I can say or do to help you? I’m a good sounding board.”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be right now. I’m sorry I seem so distracted and antsy. I just have so many questions racing through my brain.”
“Such as,” Andrea prompted.
“Where does he get potassium chloride and acid?”
Andrea speculated, “From a chemical supply company, medical lab, or any business that uses them for tests, research, fertilizers, dyes or paints. Somebody in the car engine cleaning business, a mechanic. Ask the companies who buy potassium chloride and sulfuric acid and companies that make it or sell it.”
“I could use you on my staff, Andi.”
“Thanks, but I like where I am. You’re smart, Dan, so you’ll figure it out soon. With this many murders, somebody will witness something or he’ll make a slip. Don’t you cops say they always do?”
“Being able to find a slip and use it sometimes doesn’t happen. It would be ironic if the Avenger was apprehended, then got off on a legal technicality.”
“He’ll probably claim insanity and serve a few years in an institution. Whatever drove him over the edge will be his defense.”
“I just wish I could find out what caused him to run over that mythical edge. That would lead me right to him, I’m sure.”
“I can think of another edge I’d like to be going over right now, Lieutenant.”
“Can you? And what would that be, Andi?”
Andrea blushed as she said, “I stopped at the store today and got some... ummm... we were all out of the neon...”
“Oh, that edge,” Dan said as he smiled.
Andrea grinned and said, “Yeah, that edge. If you’re up for it, that is.”
She squealed when he leapt out of the chair and chased her toward the bedroom, promising, “Oh, I’m up for it all right.”
When he stood beside her, Andrea boldly put her hand against his already hardened manhood and said, “Yes, you are, Lieutenant Mallory. Why don’t you show me how to resolve this problem? We can work on the other one later. Much later.”
Without a moment to waste, they yanked off their clothes and put away all thoughts except of each other and making love...
As Dan was leaving her apartment several hours later, Andrea made a suggestion. “Why not make a list of possible victims from the police and DA files and put them under watch? I can go through our records and pull out the worst offenders for the last two or three years. Maybe you’ll luck up and catch him in the act.”
Dan smiled and replied, “As I said, you should be on my staff. I’d be grateful if you’d get that list ready ASAP. Then, all I have to do is persuade the Captain to give me the manpower to carry it out.”
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Monday afternoon, July 9th
“Ready to go, Andi?” Dan asked as he poked his head into her office.
“Sure, just let me lock up my desk and I’ll be through for the day. Where did you plan on going for dinner? I hope it’s casual; it’s been a long day.”
“Yes, it is, because I’m pretty worn out myself. Hey, Raymond. How’s it going?” Dan said to the District Attorney as he walked by.
“Pretty good here. How is your case coming along?”
“Not much to go on, but we’ll catch him sooner or later.”
“I have to admit those guys are getting their just desserts. I get damned tired of the police arresting them, us making a case against them, then some blasted defense attorney twisting the law to get them off. I can’t blame the public for making the Avenger a hero for doing what we should be doing, getting trash like those unconvicted rapists off the streets. If we can’t defend our womenfolk or avenge them, at least somebody has the guts to do it for us.”
“Interesting theory, Ray, for a DA who’s sworn to uphold the law.”
“I’m sure it’s one that you’ve heard before today. I’m not your man, so don’t waste your time trying to investigate me. Besides, I’m just blowing off steam. I’ve been dealing with that Parks’ issue all day and it pisses me off. How the hell does a woman—even if she is his wife—protect a man like Sam Parks and live with herself? She knew what her husband was doing to those elderly women, but she kept silent. It’s a good thing she was so rattled the other night she made those slips to you. We’re putting her through the wringer and squeezing out all she knows. It could be that one of Parks’ unreported rapes will lead you to the Avenger. Parks could have been the main target all along. As for his wife, I’ll be throwing the book at her for withholding evidence and allowing that sorry bastard to continue his malicious deeds. If there ever was an accomplice to crimes, Mrs. Parks fits that bill to a tee. Before I charge and prosecute her, I’ll make sure every loophole in her case is closed tight.” The District Attorney turned towards Andrea and said, “Andi, I’ll see you in the morning. Bye, Dan. Sorry but I won’t wish you luck.”
As they walked out the back door, Dan asked Andrea, “You’re sure he’s not involved in any way? He seemed pretty passionate about his ideas in there.”
“I’m sure he’s not the Avenger, Dan, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for anything suspicious. So, where are you taking me?” she asked.
“I thought we’d get barbecue at Sconyers tonight. That sound okay?”
“Sounds wonderful. What else?”
“The Captain wouldn’t agree to the stakeouts of possible victims yet. He said it would be too expensive and take too many men. After you get that list compiled, maybe he’ll change his mind. If not, Mory and I will do some snooping and shadowing of our own. I’d like to stop by LifeCo on the way to dinner—it’s right down the road—and get some information on those sperm samples and tests. Would you mind going with me?”
“I can do better than that. I need to get a few things at Wal-mart. How about you drop me off there and pick me up after you return?”
“Are you sure you don’t mind, Andi? I could do it tomorrow,” he offered.
“There’s no need to do that. We’ll be passing LifeCo and I do need to run this errand, so it actually helps me out, too.”
“You’re wonderful, Andrea Arquette. I’m so glad we met.”
She laughed at how his last word rhymed with her name. “Me, too. Just don’t forget to come back and get me.”
“I couldn’t forget you, Andi. Ever.” Why had he said that? It sounded so... serious. Due to his New York troubles, his intense involvement with the Avenger case, and his past marital failure—he hadn’t wanted to get deeply involved right now, but Andrea was quickly and surely weakening the reasons why he was reluctant. He was learning to trust a woman again, and that made him realize just how far their relationship had progressed in such a short time. Yet, his strong feelings for her gave him grave concerns about her safety. He didn’t want her endangered. He had to protect her from that vengeful New York scum and from the local serial killer who was playing lethal games with him. He had to outwit and destroy both perils before she was ensnared.
Andrea smiled but let his romantic remark pass without responding to it. “So what have you been up to today?”
As they drove towards Wal-Mart and LifeCo, Dan told her about his morning attempt to track down the potassium chloride and sulfuric acid. He also mentioned Henrietta’s call to Doctor Louis Renew at the Medical College of Georgia for any assistance there with the missing chemicals.
Dan dropped her off at the front door to Wal-Mart and proceeded to LifeCo, hopefully to obtain some new information.