Page 39 of Dark Angel
MONDAY, WEEK TWO
Spring Grove
Unable to sleep, Beth had eaten breakfast early and headed for the office. Settled at her desk, she’d searched through aerial shots of Spring Grove, looking for clearings in the forest. She zoomed in on hunting trails leading to small clearings and similar settings to those the Pied Piper had used previously. It seemed obvious to her that he followed the same pattern in his movements when he met the girls. He gained access to the forest via a fire road, parked his vehicle, and continued on foot to the meeting place. The fire roads in Spring Grove were kept clear at all times, which made it easier for her to find them on the aerial views. None of the girls had arrived at the crime scenes on a bicycle, so she had to assume that the meeting place was in easy walking distance of their homes. When she traced back the trail the girls had taken from the scenes of the previous murders to their homes, she discovered they were less than half a mile away. After studying the maps and taking into account the distance from the local town, she came up with three possible locations. She wrote down the coordinates and stood to fill a couple of Thermos flasks with the coffee she’d just brewed. They would be driving to Spring Grove to interview Emerson Green at Spring Grove General and then head to the school, where she had arranged to speak to the children about the dangers of strangers in the area and online gaming. It had surprised her how eager the school principal had been when she suggested their visit.
An email popped into her box from Shane Wolfe. She read the contents with interest. He’d attached the autopsy report on Hailey Quinn with a note.
This is a mirror image of Brooklyn Daniels’ autopsy. Time of death would have been approximately one hour after she left home. All other injuries are animal in nature and inflicted post-mortem. It’s without doubt the same killer.
She filed the report and looked up as the door to the office opened and Bear bounded in and ran straight to her, his ears erect and brown eyes glossy. His thick tail wagged back and forth with excitement at seeing her. It made her feel good to be accepted by Styles’ dog, even though his owner was still a little hesitant to trust her. She looked up from rubbing Bear’s ears as Styles collapsed in his chair, making it groan. “Wolfe sent Hailey Quinn’s autopsy report. It’s the same as Brooklyn Daniels’, apart from animal intervention. TOD was approximately one hour after she left home.”
“I guess it’s good to know we don’t have two maniacs running around killing young girls.” Styles flexed and unflexed his fingers in obvious pain.
Wondering what had happened to him overnight, Beth examined his pale expression. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just overdid it some in the gym.” Styles rolled his shoulder. “It’s an old injury that plays up from time to time. I’ve taken some meds to take down the swelling, but remind me next time I get mad not to spend so much time swinging a bat.”
During her lifetime Beth had studied many things to assist her in her lifestyle. The herbs and various medications were only a very small part of her arsenal of knowledge. Physical therapy was another. As it was obvious that Styles didn’t like her driving his truck and they would be spending a good deal of time on the road and very likely in the air, she needed him in top shape. With reluctance she pushed to her feet. “Take off your jacket. I can help with the shoulder injury.”
“Ah, I’ll be fine.” Styles looked at her as if she’d grown two heads. “As soon as the meds kick in, I’ll be as good as new.”
Balling her fists on her hips Beth stared at him. “What, are you chicken?”
“You might make it worse.” Styles reluctantly removed his jacket, wincing with pain.
Beth eyed him critically. “I figure it’s a pinched nerve. I know meds or an injection usually work pretty fast, but sometimes I can work faster. You’ll need to come and sit on one of the stools.” She hid her smile as he obeyed and walked round behind him. “Relax, don’t fight me.”
“Okay, just get on with it.” Styles sat bolt upright and his jaw tightened.
With gentle care, she manipulated his shoulder and then stood back. “There, feel better now?”
“Ah…” Styles moved cautiously. “Yeah, that feels much better.” He raised one dark eyebrow and looked at her suspiciously. “You’re obviously a woman of many talents. Is there anything else I should know?”
Beth laughed and reached for her coat. “Probably. Not everything about me is in the files. I did once actually have a life outside of the FBI.” She collected the Thermos flasks and tossed a bag of energy bars to him. “Let’s go or we’ll be late. I don’t want to rush through Emerson Green’s interview.”
After a picturesque drive through alpine countryside, they arrived in the small town of Spring Grove and went straight to the hospital. A wave of antiseptic hit her as she pushed inside. It was busy for a small town. People sat in waiting areas looking depressed, glancing up at them as they walked by. Every now and then somebody coughed or groaned. After showing their creds at the front counter, they were directed to the ward where they located Emerson Green. Beth checked his image on her phone, and they found him easily enough. Styles hung back in the passageway, and they waited for Green to leave the ward before she approached him in a casual manner. “Emerson Green?”
“Yeah, who wants to know?” Green peeled off examination gloves and tossed them into the garbage before turning to look at her.
Holding up her cred pack, Beth smiled. “There’s no need to be alarmed. We’re speaking to everyone who frequently moves around between here, Rainbow, Serenity, and Rattlesnake Creek. I spoke to your agency and they mentioned you and a few other travel nurses in the area. Is there somewhere we can speak in private?”
“Yeah, out on the deck.” Green stared apprehensively at Styles as he pushed away from the wall and walked toward them.
Beth moved to Green’s side. “This is my partner, Agent Styles.”
Outside on the deck, Beth took out her notebook and pen. “Can you tell me your whereabouts since Thursday last?”
“What’s this about?” Green narrowed his eyes at Beth. “I’m happy to assist you, but first I’d like to know, do I need a lawyer?”
“Mr. Green.” Styles tipped back his Stetson. “You heard about the girls going missing in Rainbow and Serenity, right? I mean everyone in both towns is talking up a storm about it.”
“Yeah, so what’s it to do with me?” Green swiped a fist over the end of his nose.
Beth cleared her throat. “As I mentioned, we’re talking to people who were around town at the time they went missing. We need a timeline. We know you were in both towns and showed for your shift on time. You would have traveled through town around the time they left home. Did you see anyone with the girls? Did you see the girls walking toward the forest?”
“There are kids out all the time.” Green shrugged. “I don’t recall noticing anyone in particular on either day.” He glanced over one shoulder toward the door. “I can’t be too long. Is there anything else?”
Needing to know so much more about this man, Beth nodded. “I noticed on your social media pages you mention you’re into gaming. I like to play online, do you?”
