Well, isn’t this interesting?
Richard watched with curiosity as the cruiser parked along the curb and the dynamic duo climbed out, walked to the house, and struck up a conversation with a scrumptious-looking girl who sat on the stoop. A moment later, the three of them went into the house together.
Whatcha got in your hand, Detective McCord? That looks like an evidence bag to me.
Richard pulled Leslie’s phone from his pocket and checked the screensaver. The girl on the porch was the same one in the picture with Leslie.
Hmm, little sister, maybe? My days are getting better and better, and opportunities just keep falling in my lap. I need to follow her for a day or so and see what she does.
Richard continued to watch the duplex, and a half hour later, McCord and Mills finally left. An idea was percolating in Richard’s head, and he waited a good ten minutes just to err on the side of caution before crossing the street. He checked the neighboring houses—nobody was in their yards or sitting on their porches. He was good to go.
He ran to the door and looked at the names on the mailboxes. L. Adams was shown for the upstairs unit. Richard rang the buzzer.
“Hello?”
Richard had to wing it as he went. “This is Officer Milstead from the Chicago PD. Is this the Adams residence?”
“Yes. How can I help you?”
“Detectives McCord and Mills wanted me to let you know I’d be keeping an eye on you. Problem is, I don’t know what you look like.” Richard chuckled. “I guess they forgot that there’s two apartment units here.”
“Oh, okay, I’ll be right down.”
Richard turned his back to the camera and smiled.
I’ll gain her trust, and then she’ll be all mine. That’ll show those detectives who’s really in charge.
Seconds later, the door swung open, and the smiling girl standing in front of him looked even better than she did from across the street. Richard had to hold back his urge to slit her throat right then and there, but killing her in front of the doorbell camera wasn’t the smartest thing to do.
He chuckled. “There you are. I’ll have to razz Detective McCord later about not showing me a picture of you.”
“They don’t have any pictures of me, but it’s Detective Mills who hovers like a helicopter dad, but honestly, I like it.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Gina Adams.”
“Of course you are. Sorry about your sister, but at least her killer won’t be stalking the streets of Chicago any longer. Anyway, you’ll probably see me around the neighborhood. I’ve been assigned to watch the area to make sure you stay safe. Orders of the PD, you know.” Richard tipped his head. “Have a good day, Miss Adams.”
“Thank you, Officer Milstead.”
Richard licked his lips as he crossed the street and disappeared from her view. He would find a spot where he could settle in and watch her every move. Waiting for the right opportunity to run that cold, sharp blade across her throat would be quite the challenge but well worth it in the end.