Chapter 46

 

Tommy Blackburn and Lieutenant Tony Nicosia stood inside the bedroom door of LeBlanc’s camp on Lake Pontchartrain, observing as a forensic team uncovered a growing collection of gruesome human souvenirs.

“I was wrong about the murder by Lee Circle being the strangler’s first,” Tony said. “He killed at least two in Washington. From the looks of his collection, it doesn’t end there. I just wish we could have stopped him before he turned my summer into a living hell.”

“No one could have caught him any faster, Fat T,” Tommy said.

Tony didn’t even flinch at his nickname. It didn’t matter anymore. He was bumping one-seventy-five, and felt better than he had in years.

“Tell that to the widows and children of the two dead cops.”

“Let it go, Tony. It wasn’t your fault.”

Though Tony wanted to believe what his partner said, he couldn’t quite get it out of his mind. Perhaps it was time to have Mama blow some more magic powder up his nose to elevate his mood a little.

“Maybe you’re right,” he said. “Lil and I are taking advantage of the month break the Chief is giving me. We’re going to Italy and the Greek Isles. Hell, we might never come back.”

“You have to. Donna and I are thick now. She’s cleaned up my apartment and is talking seriously about moving in with me. I may need a best man.”

Tommy followed him out the door. When they reached the car, Tony said, “Just don’t let your supply of love potion run out. Mama’s making me another batch before Lil and I leave for Italy.