Serial Separation (26 page)

Chapter 69

I had wasted my time checking out the remaining properties. I felt none were conducive to murdering young men.

The last time I had talked with Lisa was Friday night. I tried to reach her Saturday evening, but after waiting on the phone for about ten minutes, someone hung the phone up.

I hoped that she understood the investigation was taking most of my time. I should have just driven over to her dorm, but it was late.

I needed those two missing listings. It was before 8:00 a.m. when I arrived at the task force office. The office was jumping already. I wanted to see Mike to relate my review of the properties and to check on the status of the other listings.

I found him busy in the conference room. “Good morning, Mike.”

“Good morning, Scott.”

“Those other listings were a waste of time. The ones I need are the two missing listings. Any word on how we stand?”

“I checked yesterday, and they were being sent over by courier this morning. We should have a complete list before nine.”

“Do you want me to compare those against the ones I’ve already checked?”

“If you could take the lead, I would appreciate it. You know what you are looking for. We came up empty finding Jason and believe it’s too late now. Mercedes is also among the missing. We sent a unit by her apartment several times, but her car was not there. I want to warn you, if she shows up here this morning, we are going to question her about what she was doing all weekend.”

I wondered if a coffee would soothe my upset stomach. “I better get a cup of coffee. I think my body is telling me I need something.”

“There’s a fresh pot and some doughnuts waiting for you. Oh, we did talk with Jeremy. He gave us some new input on his kidnapping. We added his comments to the board. The thing you should be aware of as you look at those other listings—he told us there was a hill, or a bridge, right near where he was held. He said it was a long climb and descent. I would consider a bridge close to those new properties.”

* * *

I headed to the pantry area but couldn’t get what Mike said about Mercedes out of my mind. Could I have spent the night with a killer?

The rich fragrance of coffee greeted me while I poured a cup. I drank the first cup, just the way Mercedes liked it. I quickly ate a donut while standing there and took another to the desk area.

My mind went to Jason. Based on what Mike said, he was already dead and in the ocean like the others. I hoped we would have found him and prevented another killing. I should have found another way to get those other listings. If I had been faster checking the properties, I would have discovered the missing listings earlier.

Maybe Mike was right about Mercedes. She may have removed those listings. Why was she not at home if she was feeling poorly?

If the listings arrive in a few minutes, should I hide what I was doing from Mercedes? Most likely she would be questioned the minute she arrives—if she actually comes in.

Could she act nonchalantly if she indeed killed Jason? If Mercedes was a killer, it would be such a waste of an education and a person.

If there was something about this hockey league that made the players vulnerable—could I be a target? I know I’m not a great judge of character, but I could not picture Mercedes killing anyone, especially me.

“Scott! For the second time—those listings have arrived.”

I guess I hadn’t heard Mike the first time. “I’m on my way.” I headed to the reception desk where Mike was standing, opening the courier envelope.

Mike removed the package from the envelope. It was almost two inches thick. “You’ll have to make some sense out of this. It looks like they sent a more complete listing than we asked for.”

He handed me the pile, and I noticed there was no cover sheet to explain the package. “I’ll check it out and let you know what I find.”

Mike was about to say something when the front door opened. It was Mercedes, looking as if nothing was out of the ordinary. “Scott, that sounds fine. Let me know, thanks. Mercedes, good morning. When you hang up your coat, would you come into the conference room? We met with Jeremy yesterday and want to go over some things with you.”

“Sure. It’s good to see both of you. Good morning.”

I wanted to move, but I just stood there staring at her.

“Are you okay, Scotty? You look like you just saw a ghost. I wasn’t sick enough to die and feel fine this morning. Thanks for asking.”

Mike had already left for the conference room. “I’m sorry, Mercedes. Good morning.” I realized I was standing there with the listing documents in my hands.

“What’s that you’re holding?”

I thought for a moment. “Oh, it’s something Mike asked me to look at. I’ll talk with you later. You better not keep Mike waiting.” She smiled but continued to study my face as she passed, heading toward the conference room. I could smell gardenia again.

I was concerned about Mercedes’ session with Mike. I wish I could have warned her, but it would not have been proper. I noticed Mercedes enter the conference room; Mike was standing there and closed the door behind her.

I went over to my work area, spread the package out, and decided to fill my coffee cup and try to reach Lisa. I phoned her dorm and waited for her to come to the phone. I was getting nervous using the office phone, but I needed to talk with her. She came to the phone within five minutes—almost a new record
.

“Hello, Scotty.” Her voice was more pleasant than I had anticipated.

“Hi, hon. I only have a couple of minutes. I’m using the office phone. I tried you Saturday night, but after waiting about ten minutes, someone just hung the phone up on me. I need to see you. Can we meet for dinner tonight?”

“I’m sorry I missed your call. I would love to see you. What time tonight?”

“How about 7:00 p.m.? I would like to take you to a nice restaurant.”

There was a silent period, and I wondered if she’d heard me. “Are you sure you can make seven?”

“I’m sure. I have to go, but I will pick you up then.”

“Okay, Scotty. I’ll dress for the occasion. See you then.”

After the call, I considered whether I had been too optimistic with my time frame. Since I only had two properties to check out, I thought seven should give me enough time to report back to Mike, get home to change, and get to her dorm.

I decided not to make any reservations, as it was a Monday night and any of the fine restaurants would have tables available.

* * *

I studied the listing package. It was a multiple page listing for each property, which is what made the package so voluminous. I had a list of all of the properties I had checked out and went through the package to identify the new ones.

It took me about an hour to separate them. There were four new listings, which surprised me. However, I read through the four listings and identified the two that were referenced in the other listing.

I read the details of those two and decided each could be what we were looking for. I wrote the addresses down on a scratch pad and attached it to the front sheets of the two listing cover sheets.

I wanted to know where these were located and pinpointed them on the harbor map Mercedes had given me. Both of them fit what we were looking for.

Should I interrupt Mike?
I wondered. No. That would not have been appropriate. It was almost 9:30 a.m. If I left right then I thought, I could review these properties before early afternoon. That would give me enough time to review them with Mike, clean up, and still be on time for my dinner date.

I grabbed the listings and took my coat off the rack. Mercedes’ coat was still there, and the scent of her lingered.

“Am I invisible this morning?” Colleen asked.

I failed to notice her sitting at her reception desk. “I’m so sorry, Colleen. My mind is going in several different directions this morning. Good morning.”

“I’m leaving to check out a couple of properties and should be back mid-afternoon at the latest. Please tell Mike where I went.”

I noticed the conference room door was still closed when I left.

Chapter 70

Mike noticed Mercedes’ demeanor was changing.

Paddy announced, “Mercedes, it comes down to this—did you see those other missing listings, and where were you all weekend?”

She ignored Paddy’s questions, momentarily looking at the additions to the blackboard again. “I have no idea what you are referring to regarding the other missing listings. As far as what I was doing all weekend—that’s my business and really none of yours.”

Mike felt like he needed to intervene. “Mercedes, we’re conducting a serial-murder investigation. You know that. We need to ask you these questions. You should understand. We wouldn’t be doing our job if we ignored these things, or activities.”

He looked at her seeming indifference. “Are you going to help us out here or not?”

Her head snapped in his direction. “I thought I was being a help
.
However, if my association with the task force is not appreciated and is causing problems . . . I would just as soon leave it . . . now.” She studied the new additions to the board, rising from her chair:

Combat Boots

4
^th
Woman—Sunday Late Arrival

One woman referred to as ‘Red’

Hill, or Bridge, Near Facility

Coal (?)

Mercedes looked over to see Paddy was now standing as well. “Are you holding me here, or am I free to go?”

Paddy looked shocked. “Mercedes, please don’t do this. We’re not holding you, but would prefer you stay with us.”

“I think, under the circumstances, it’s not in my best interest to stay here. I can be more help to this investigation on my own.”

Paddy held up his hand. “I’m really sorry you feel that way.”

She leaned on the table. “If the situation were reversed, how do you think you would feel? You’re considering me a killer. That hurts—and it would hurt you too.”

Before she turned to leave, Mike noticed her tears. She bounded for the door and left, closing the door behind her.

Paddy had braced himself for the door to slam behind her. However, she closed it softly.

They just sat there, staring at each other.

Chapter 71

Colleen must have thought she was invisible. Mercedes came out of the conference room and, without a word, put on her coat and left. She stood and looked at herself in her mirror and then looked down at her outfit. The phone rang, making her jump.

“Good morning, task force office. How can I help you?”

“Colleen, I’m glad you answered the phone. This is Lisa. Is Scott there?”

“No. Scott left a few minutes ago. Can I help you or give him a message?”

There was a pause on the phone. “Maybe this shouldn’t wait. I meant to tell him something . . . and, well, I guess I just forgot. He was in such a hurry. Is Mike available?”

“Sure. He’s in the conference room with Paddy, but I think they’re done. Let me check. Please hold.”

She knocked on the door and opened it. She stuck her head in the door. “Mike, I’m sorry to bother you, but Lisa Anderson is on the phone, and she wants to talk to you. It’s about something she forgot to mention to Scott, and she thinks it’s important.”

“Excuse me, Paddy.”

He followed Colleen to her desk. “Hi Lisa, this is Mike.”

“Mike, I’m sorry I forgot to mention this to Scott. I think it might be important.”

“Lisa, let me pick this up in the other room.” He put the phone on hold and went to his desk. “Go ahead, Lisa.”

She spoke quickly. “Jeremy’s roommate, Neil, told his girlfriend that someone in his National Guard unit, a woman, was asking questions about JJ a couple of weeks before he was kidnapped. He thinks there could be a connection.”

She continued. “He didn’t think much of it, until he learned about Jeremy’s kidnapping. Now Jeremy’s cousin JJ—Jason—has been kidnapped. He thinks differently about it now.”

“Lisa, I’m very glad you didn’t wait to tell us about this. I think there could be a definite connection, and we’re going to follow up with Neil. Is there anything else?”

She was slow to respond. “I would like to see more of Scott. He is spending all his time on the task force. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Its okay, Lisa. Scott is being a big help to us. He’s out right now checking on a couple of additional properties. I’ll let him know you called. Thanks again.”

Chapter 72

Mike went back in the conference room and found Paddy sitting right where he left him. “Paddy, we might have a break in the case.” He watched Paddy seem to come alive.

“Lisa’s call was about Jeremy’s roommate, Neil Collins. The shortened version is a woman in his National Guard unit was asking some questions about Jeremy several weeks before he was kidnapped.”

Paddy smiled. “Sounds like a very interesting piece of information.” He looked back at the board.

Mike continued. “She was referring to him as ‘JJ.’ Neil didn’t think anything of it until he learned about Jeremy’s ordeal with the women. With Jason being kidnapped he thinks the woman might have something to do with it.”

Paddy nodded. “The combat boots and Sunday afternoon arrival would make the pieces fit together, especially releasing Jeremy, realizing he was not the right guy.”

“Paddy, I think we need to talk to Neil on the phone to save some time. Hopefully, we will be able to reach him without too much difficulty.”

“Let’s do it.” Paddy stood to go with Mike. “Let’s use my office for this, Mike. We may need to make some additional calls.”

“I need to get my notebook for some information. I’ll be right with you.” Mike quickly went in the desk room and grabbed what he needed. He took the stairs two at a time.

Colleen saw him fly by. She thought to herself,
I think the red outfit would have been better today.

Mike gave Paddy Neil’s number at his dorm. Paddy dialed the number quickly. “Yes, I would like to speak with Neil Collins. Would you please get him for me? This is important.”

A few minutes went by. “Hello, this is Neil.”

“Neil, this is Patrick O’Brien with the Torso Task Force. I would like to talk to you about a person at your guard unit who was asking questions about your roommate Jeremy—JJ—to be more specific.”

“You know, Mr. O’Brien, it could have been nothing.”

“It’s Paddy, by the way. We think it could be a significant piece of information, actually. We understand it was a woman asking questions, and she referred to him as ‘JJ’? Is that correct?”

“That’s right. I told her he was my roommate. She asked if he was black.”

Mike gave a signal to Paddy that he wanted to ask something. “Neil, this is Detective Mike Miller. What unit do you belong to? Do you remember if you had a weekend drill the weekend of November seventh and eighth?”

“I belong to Headquarters’ Company, 101st Engineers. Our unit meets at the Medford armory. We do have drills the first full weekend of the month.”

Paddy asked him the next question. “What’s this woman’s name?”

“Sergeant Daniels, and I believe her first name is Carole.”

“Are you also an NCO?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Do you happen to have an emergency call list?”

“I do, but it’s only for those in my squad, the lieutenant, and captain.”

“Would you happen to have your captain’s number, or the armory number handy?”

“We wouldn’t be ‘ready’ soldiers if we were without it. Are you ready?”

“Go ahead.” Mike wrote the number down and confirmed it with Neil. “Is there anything else you can think of?”

“Yeah, be careful with Daniels. She knows her stuff, and she’s really into the military thing. She loves to dish it out to the males in our outfit. She’s maybe a little too gung ho.”

“Neil, you’ve been a big help. We’re going to talk with her in person. Thanks again. Just don’t tell her you talked with me.”

They hung up. Mike felt good about this possible lead. “Let’s make the next phone call. We need to get her address. I would like to get it from their guard office, rather than the phone book.”

Paddy dialed the number Neil gave him. The phone was answered on the first ring.

“Headquarters 101st Engineers, Sergeant Major McCue speaking. How can I help you?”

“Sergeant Major, this is Paddy O’Brien calling from the AG’s Torso Task Force. We need your help.”

“Yes, sir. How can I be of service?”

“Thank you. In the process of our investigation a Sergeant Daniel’s name was given to us. She might be an investigative lead, and we need to talk with her ASAP. Can you provide her home address and phone number?”

“I appreciate your situation, Mr. O’Brien, but I can’t provide that information without authorization from my commander. He’s due back here shortly, and I can tell him about your call and need.”

Mike could read Paddy’s mind about calling the AG to put some pressure on them. Calling the AG at this point wouldn’t do anyone much good.

“That’s fine, I understand. Time is of the essence, however. Here’s my number.”

It was still early afternoon, and they had some time to wait for the return call.

Mike offered, “Based on what Neil says about Daniels, she might be a good fit.”

Paddy didn’t have a chance to answer. The phone rang and quickly Colleen announced it was Captain Longo returning his call.

Paddy asked, “I’m sure the Sergeant Major explained what we were looking for?”

A deep voice responded. “He certainly did. I’m calling you with Sergeant Daniels’s home address and phone number.” He gave it to Paddy. “If we can assist in any manner, please don’t hesitate to call us. This communication is strictly confidential.”