For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.
—Hosea 8:7 (KJV)
I know, it’s all political. You and I both know that, McGregor. But isn’t that pretty much what we’re doing anyway. These news briefings aren’t getting us any closer. They’re just making the politicos look good.”
Cat and McGregor walked out of the Irvine Police Department building in late afternoon.
McGregor nodded. “Just keep doing what you’re doing, and I’ll do the rest.”
Cat was asked by the chief to stay. The request had been predicated on Cat’s building a more detailed profile, so the city could put more black-and-whites on the street in affluent neighborhoods. She didn’t buy it.
“And, besides, we don’t have anything new to build a profile with. The black nylon rope that was tied around her, it could be bought at any local Ace Hardware Store. Then there’s the electrical tape he used. Same thing, buy it at any local home and garden store. Don’t you see, he’s toying with us. Leaving us with jack—”
“They want you to stay, Cat,” McGregor said, squinting into the sun. Donning his sunglasses, he added, “It might not be a bad idea.”
“Covering their asses is what they’re doing. They’re stepping up foot patrols, cars in all the rich areas, thinking that’s where this sonofabitch will strike next. But everyone forgets about Kim Collins. She doesn’t fit that victim profile. Neither does Consuelo Vargas for that matter.”
McGregor knew she had a point. “What if we get another floater?”
“The assistant medical examiners here can handle it. Just make sure they do a thorough job.”
“You think there’ll be more don’t you?” McGregor said.
“Yes. But I don’t know if they will be floaters. He seems to work in twos. We’ve had two upper- to middle-income victims, two floaters. Then there’s Kim Collins. God help the politicians if he chooses a poor one this time. With all the manpower concentrated in Irvine, Orange, Newport Beach, he could hit the back streets in Santa Ana. If that happens, you can be sure they’ll blame it on my profile. No way.”
“You think it’s just as likely he’ll strike in the lower-classed areas?” McGregor asked.
“It’s just as likely. He’ll strike wherever he thinks he can get away with it. But there’s no reason for me to sit around and wait for it.”
“You think it’s a good idea to head to Chicago right now?”
“It’s the only lead we’ve got. Someone’s got to follow up. Something tells me it will give us something. And anything is better than what we have now. I don’t give a damn what the Justice Department is saying, or my superiors. Someone’s got to follow up on this. And with my background, I’m the best one.”
“I guess you’re right on that one.”
“Stick with me on this, McGregor. Something’s gotta break open soon enough.”