Page 47 of Dark Angel
Winding up the case after so many incidents was a nightmare of paperwork. Beth and Styles were required to make reports on the chopper accident, as well as do a detailed background and timeline for Ainsley Rice to prove that he was indeed the Pied Piper. This not only involved the local murders but the investigation spread around the entire country. Although working as a travel nurse was a bonus, as Rice moved from one agency to another every place he lived was well documented. All his shifts at local hospitals coincided with the times and dates that the girls went missing. The fact that his MO hadn’t changed for the last three years made it easy to establish his guilt. What had been difficult was trying to discover his motive. As he’d mentioned the name Susie when Beth had confronted him in the forest, she dug deeper into his background.
Convinced that Susie held the key to his fantasy, Beth researched old cases occurring in the places Rice lived as a child. As they seemed to move around frequently and, it seemed, after a particularly heinous child murder, she could only theorize that he was involved earlier than she’d imagined. At least having the name of the victim gave Beth something to use in the search engine. She came up with a handful of hits. Although the young girls had been raped and murdered, Rice had been too young to commit the crimes. On closer inspection of the murder scenes, she found one that would have put Rice at the age of twelve where the clothes had been neatly folded with the shoes placed on top.
The victim, a blonde-haired child by the name of Susan Parkinson, followed the Pied Piper’s MO to the letter. The problem was that the crime had been attributed to somebody else and the perpetrator was deceased. The note mentioned another case after this one where the victim fought back and killed Stanley Rice. Beth read the name twice, unable to believe her eyes. The next moment she pulled Ainsley Rice’s birth record and discovered Stanley was his father. After reading through the case file, she discovered a note that mentioned his mother went missing around the time of Susie’s death. Beth turned in her seat to tell Styles, but he was on the phone and making notes. She waited for him to disconnect and laid out the information she’d discovered. “His mother vanished, and I figure he witnessed his father rape and murder Susie. I have him out of town the night his father died. All the witnesses the local cops interviewed said that they were sure he’d left town the day before. His father was a psychopathic serial killer, the original Pied Piper. He was the trigger but unlocked Ainsley’s psychosis. This is why he murdered only blonde-haired girls. It doesn’t tell us why he decided to kill one and take one or what he did with them. We know they were passed on or sold into the sex slave market but tracing them is near impossible.”
“But you are on that, right?” Styles leaned back in his chair, twirling his pen in his fingers. “You have his laptop and those belonging to the girls. What have you found out so far?”
The time spent chasing down rabbit holes looking for leads on the dark web had given Beth a headache. She let out a long sigh. “I was able to trace the fact that he used a games room to contact the girls and used the Warlock as his name. He was very careful and moved around. I assume he used free Wi-Fi because that’s what most people do who are trying to bounce their signal around the world to hide their existence. He was exceptionally good at disguising his trail. I’ve asked the cybercrime department to assist, as this is far too big for me to handle alone. Even with Spike’s laptop, I found zip. Whoever is the kingpin changes his site address regularly.” She pushed both hands through her hair. “The last time I spoke to Dominic Lowe from the San Francisco office, he said he had made headway arresting all the pedophiles who frequented Spike’s brothel, but Spike was in the wind.” She smiled. “He never mentioned the drug dealers. I guess they made it okay.”
“Talking about Spike.” Styles gave her a long considering stare and raised one eyebrow. “The local PD located his vehicle in the bay. Guess what? The judge and Spike were in the trunk.” He leaned back in his chair saying nothing and just looking at her as if waiting for a reaction.
Trying to look confused, Beth stared at him. “In the trunk? How did he get into the trunk with the dead guy?”
“They’re not sure, but his throat was cut and they found a tarot card in his jacket pocket.” Styles cleared his throat. “You mentioned seeing someone holding open the door when he carried out the body. Can you give a description? Where exactly were you, when you saw this person?”
“Locked in a room.” Beth met his gaze. “There was a small window, a slit really, in the door, so I couldn’t see much, only the legs. There wasn’t anyone there when I left, the place was empty.” She leaned back in her chair, acting nonchalant. “I wish I’d seen him but he must have been in good shape if he was capable of lifting Spike into the trunk of a vehicle. He was a big man.” She stared into space pretending to think. “I’m sorry, I wish I had more for you, but I don’t. I didn’t see his vehicle in the alleyway when I left.” She tapped her bottom lip. “Did they give you a time of death? We’re only assuming Spike died the same day. He could have driven around with the judge in his trunk for days. No one would suspect Spike, would they? I’d say not many people knew the judge was a pedophile, and with the cops all over his brothel, Spike was probably holed up somewhere.”
“You could be right about Spike. The TOD isn’t conclusive as they’d been in the water for a time.” Styles blew out a long breath. “The PD moved in fast after they picked up the girls. They had undercover cops in position and just waited for clients to arrive.”
Relieved, Beth nodded. “Well then, Spike would notice the door was open. He kept it locked. I figure it was an appointment-only setup and his calendar was full. He was careful and I figure he didn’t trust anyone else to manage the girls. He didn’t care for them that’s for sure. He used his fists. They were terrified of him.”
“The girls aren’t saying anything about anyone else involved, but the San Francisco cops discovered he didn’t touch his girls. He had a few favorites among the local sex workers, but none of them are talking. For all we know, the Tarot Killer could have pretended to be one of his clients and was just waiting for the chance to kill him. Maybe he followed him when he left the brothel. I guess we’ll never know.” Styles smiled at her. “I’m just glad we got those girls out. I still can’t believe you risked your life for them. You’re the most unusual agent I’ve ever met. Reckless, fearless, and you don’t follow the rules.”
Amused, Beth snorted and headed for the door. “Just like you, huh?’
“Yeah, just like me.” Styles stood and went to the coffee pot and poured a cup. “With your final report, the case is wrapped up. The Pied Piper is dead.” He waved to his desk. “The cases are piling up and we can take our pick. The director is convinced we are the dream team. The good news is that you’re staying in Rattlesnake Creek. We’re getting a budget increase, a receptionist if we want one, and a new truck.” He smiled. “Take a look at the cases we’ve been offered. You choose what you want to investigate and I’ll download all the info and set up the whiteboard.” He walked back to his desk and scanned the screen. “This one is interesting. Someone is stalking and killing teenagers. The crime scenes are gruesome. Oh, and the director wants you to hand over the pedophile ring investigation to cybercrime and concentrate on a new case. They have an entire team working on finding the kingpin. Once they get a solid lead, they’ll bring us back into the loop.” He grinned. “You’ll be there to take him down, Beth. We have the director’s word.”
Discussing kid killers always triggered the rise of her dark side. It came on so fast, and needing to hide it from Styles at all cost, she averted her gaze. “Fine, but I still have some loose ends to tie up in my files. You choose the next case.”
“Okay.” Styles barked a laugh. “But not today. I’m beat. Do you ever stop working?”
Maybe he was right and she needed to step away from hunting down the pedophile ring and leave it to cybercrime. The deep research and frustration from not getting answers was driving her nuts. So many terrible things happened to kids who became a commercial commodity. They lost their humanity and being murdered was the least of their problems. Eventually, she would take down the kingpin. It had become a personal vendetta. With the Pied Piper dead, it wouldn’t be long before another uncatchable killer came to her attention. She’d already made plans to slip away unnoticed when necessary and only needed a good enough excuse to convince Styles. “Yeah, but it’s the investigator side of me. It takes the upper hand sometimes. After big cases like this one, I usually request some downtime. Is that usual for you?”
“Oh, yeah.” Styles leaned back in his chair, folded his arms, and sighed. “A couple of days fishing for me. Have you made plans? You’re welcome to come with me.”
Smiling, Beth shook her head. “Not yet but I’m looking ahead. In fact, I’m thinking of buying a cabin near the creek so I can paint in my downtime. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such amazing scenery. I’m by no means an artist but it’s something I’ve wanted to try for a time now. I’d also like to spend time traveling around the local towns. I love visiting those little stores that sell handcrafted goods. I like vintage furniture as well. Fixing up a cabin would be fun and relaxing.”
“You relax?” Styles chuckled. “You’ve had your head stuck in that computer twenty-four/seven since we solved the case. You really want to bring down that pedophile ring, don’t you? I can see it eating at you, Beth. You’ve gotta let it go.”
Stomach knotting, the faces of the missing girls flashed into her mind in a continuous stream as if demanding she bring them justice. They’d become a permanent reminder that her work wasn’t finished. Not today, but one day she’d discover the big fat spider controlling the pedophile web and squash it, but for now, she’d be the perfect special agent and bide her time. “Okay, I’ll let it go.”
Being a special agent with access to case files across the entire country, she had a smorgasbord of serial killers to choose from and really nothing had changed. Just like all the times before, when she morphed into the Tarot Killer to bring down a monster, all she needed was an excuse to be away from the office alone. She’d leave her phone and vehicle in a safe place and use other means to get to a neighboring county or city. She could travel anywhere within reason and return unnoticed by moving around in disguise. Having Styles as a partner could put a spanner in the works if he planned on checking her every move. So she’d need to keep one step ahead of him.
Staring at him, she chuckled. “That’s why I want a retreat away from the office and town. I need somewhere I can be alone and undisturbed so I can de-stress. No technology, just me and nature. Don’t worry, I’ll find a place on the edge of town where it’s relatively safe.”
“That sounds like a plan. We all need downtime and I’m glad to see you’re planning ahead. There are a ton of places to choose from. I have a fishing cabin too.” Styles smiled. “It’s rough but all I need is a bed and somewhere to fry my fish and make coffee.”
I sure hope mine is in the opposite direction.A headache threatened and she rubbed her temples. Stifled by sitting in the heated office, Beth stood and, avoiding Styles’ gaze, headed for the door. “Keep that thought. I need to take a break. I’ll be back soon.”
Inside the gym, Beth removed her jacket and shoulder holster and picked up a bat. She switched on the batting machine and started swinging. She connected with a few balls but suddenly realized why Styles used this method to control his anger. Sweat trickled down her back, and muscles clenching with overexertion, she continued to swing the bat. Her dark side slid away but would always be there, waiting. As she batted up, Styles walked into the gym.
“I hope that’s not my head you’re hitting with that bat.” Styles hung on the wire grinning at her.
Beth glanced at him. “Nope. Just letting off steam.”
“That’s good.” He waited as she connected with another ball. “You know, you get this look in your eyes like you’re going to tear me a new one, and then you don’t. I kinda like that about you. We have our own way of doing things but it works out just fine. I figure we’re going to make a great team. No, let me rephrase that. After solving the most difficult case on record, wearea darn great team.”
Turning off the machine, Beth placed the bat in the rack and then looked at him. She’d gained one small victory over her dark side. She’d never considered controlling it with strenuous exercise before seeing Styles’ working off his anger. It wasn’t a cure. Sadly, her need for vengeance could never be satisfied, but taming it would give her more time to meticulously plan her next move. Relieved, she nodded, agreeing with him, and allowed a smile to curl her lips. He was a good man. He’d always have her back and she’d come to respect him. In fact, she liked him just fine. She’d never had a soul to look up to, not ever, and then a maverick FBI agent had walked into her twisted life. Styles had proved to be a little off-kilter like her, but in him she recognized a true sense of justice. Go figure.I needed a hero and maybe I’m looking at him.Astonished by the realization, she laughed. “Yeah, we are and I wonder how much trouble we’ll get into solving the next case.”
