38

Two weeks later

I sit at my desk back in DC and stare at the photos of the victims of the Murderers’ Club. I’m supposed to be working on a profile of a serial rapist in Indianapolis but I keep drifting back to the case. I close my eyes but still see the victims. It’s hard to forget. I remember the pit of bodies, the smell, as if I was still there. And the memory of Brigitte being dragged down the corridor by her hair, screaming, will never leave me either…another permanent reminder of the case. I shudder.

I focus on the positive, on the outcomes. We got almost all of them. Brooke’s DNA matched the three early crime scenes in which DNA was found and with the evidence in front of her she finally confessed to all the murders over the past fifteen years, including her most recent victim, Malcolm. She’ll probably get the death penalty, but one way or another she’ll be in jail for the rest of her life. Hopefully that’s enough justice and vengeance for the Jackson family.

DialM, Victor Petrov, is dead and out of the way for good. I knew it wasn’t his first murder, and a thorough sweep of his property, including imaging of the ground, revealed bodies in the barn. Forensics started digging and found the remains of twenty young girls. They’re still identifying the victims, and hopefully that will bring closure to their families. Sometimes it’s better to know your loved one is dead, than to live in hope.

Then there’s Heath, AmericanPsycho. Heath still isn’t talking, but Brooke wanted her vengeance, too. She’s signed a witness statement that AmericanPsycho was the mastermind of the whole thing, the president. She’s also pinned Cindy’s and Danny’s murders on him. Her statement, coupled with the computer evidence that identifies Heath as AmericanPsycho, should be enough for a jury. No doubt his fancy, expensive lawyer will have a few tricks up his sleeve, but all we can do is wait for the trial and trust our evidence and the court system.

I’d like to be content with three out of four but it’s not in my nature. I flick over to a photo of Brigitte. I’ll get the bastard—one way or another.

AmericanPsycho has entered the room.

Killer4Ever: Hi, Psycho, long time no see.

AmericanPsycho: Yes, I’ve been busy.

Killer4Ever: Don’t make me jealous. I’m still pissed I didn’t get into your club.

AmericanPsycho: Sorry, Killer. Maybe next time.

Killer4Ever: So it’s finished?

AmericanPsycho: Yes.

Killer4Ever: Fun?

AmericanPsycho: You’ve got no idea.

Killer4Ever: My name’s definitely on the list for next time?

AmericanPsycho: Yes.