Part One - Evil Times 3 - Chapter Twelve

Wednesday – May 20th

News Conference – 7:31 a.m.

Captain Todd was about to address a television camera while standing behind a podium, and in his hands, he held three sheets of paper with a hastily written speech.

The News Director pointed to the cameraman, then to the captain for the go-ahead signal. This would be taped, and then replayed throughout the day.

“This morning, at 5:52 a.m., two police officers were found dead while on duty during a routine stakeout.

“As of this moment, we are certain in the manner of each officer’s death. It is believed the killer was known, or believed to be known by either one, or both officers.

“At this time, their names are being withheld pending notification of their families.

“We are working diligently, and we will not rest until we have apprehended this person, or persons.

“We have very little to go on right now. The suspect is 5’8” to 5’10”, 175 to 190 pounds, right-hsnded.and possibly dark hair. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous. He uses a Bowie knife to kill his victims with.

“If you have any information, you feel may help us in this killer’s arrest, please call the toll-free number flashing at the bottom of your television screen. There is a $100,000 reward for information that will lead to this person’s arrest, and prosecution.

“And if you suspect you may know this person, do not confront him. As you already know from the media, this person has killed over half a dozen people. So, I repeat, do not confront this person. Just call the toll-free number at the bottom of your screen. Thank you.”

What the Captain didn’t mention was the other murder. As before, throat slashed, chest with the X cut. The dead-pan sightless stare of Mosher. The missing body parts.

He didn’t mention the second message found on Baker’s office phone, or the note attached to Mosher.

The note to Baker was the most disturbing of all.

Wear your badge and gun proudly, sweet Janis. But you will have nowhere to run. Just like good old Fredrick, sweetJanis you will be dead.

Meeting in the Captain’s Office – 8:04 a.m.

“Look, Captain. I’m not scared of this creep. I don’t need protection. If I need help, I’ll call for back up, and I certainly don’t need to be placed on administrative leave, either. What I need is to be allowed to do my job and continue this investigation like I have been. This has been my case since day one. I’m asking that you not pull this out from under me.”

Ed spoke up.

“Sorry, I don’t mean to barge in on this conversation without an invitation, but she’s right, Captain. You know it just like the rest of us do.

“Hell, walk in the squad room. Look at every man and woman there. You’ll see it in their eyes and on their faces. They believe in her and would follow her to hell if she yelled charge.”

Ed looked at Baker.

“And if you don’t want or need protection; too bad. As long as we are around, if we have to, we’ll take a hit, if necessary. That’s what cops do. Serve, protect, and defend. So just live with it, Baker.

“Speaking about the crew, we have a meeting with them, and a job to do, so let’s get it done.”

Captain Todd put his hand on Baker’s right shoulder, and looked at her, nodding his head. “You need anything. Ask. It’s there.

”

Nothing more was said.

The Squad Room – 8:21 a.m.

“Listen up, people. We all know what went down. We lost a brother and a sister to a madman. Roz Capri and Sallie Vechellio; with a combined twenty-two-year record of service. Some of you knew them a long time. And regardless of the other murders, I’m going to move heaven and hell for all the assistance I can get us. This just got personal for all of us.

“You all know the unwritten rule. Do not try to apprehend this son-of-a-bitch on your own, excuse my French; but if you do happen to come across this fucked-up-bastard … terminate with prejudice.

“End of story. Now go out there, stay safe and keep our streets safe.”

Someone from the back of the room asked, “How long before the viewing and funeral procession?”

“When Captain Todd finds out, we all find out. Now get out there and find out anything you can, where and when you can.”

“Stay safe.”

Please, Baker silently asked. Please. Stay. Safe.

The Twenty-Second Precinct – 9:25 a.m.

“Twenty-Second Precinct, Sargent McDaley speaking.”

“This is Bishop Ekerson, calling. I found something very disturbing next to the confessional booth’s door.”

“What would that be, Father?”

“A tape recorder with a cassette tape, and a small box, with, with, a finger inside it, wrapped in gauze.”

“Father, I’ll have one of our units dispatched there immediately. I will also notify Lieutenant Baker.”

St. Peter’s Rectory – 9:36 a.m.

Both Baker and Ed listened to the tape. The voice sounded different, yet you could tell it was the same person that had purposely destroyed so many lives and that of their families.

Baker knew that no matter how sleazy some of those dead people were, they didn’t deserve to die, especially the way they did.

“I am assuming by now, you may have confirmed the finger belongs to that hypocritical lying oaf, Mosher. Now that we are clear on that point, I can move on.

“sweet Janis.” Baker was stunned to hear this vicious sick person use her name. She looked at Ed and he just shrugged his shoulders as if to say, no big deal.

This part is for you. You won’t know when, where, or how I will be the one standing over your dead body; such a pleasure that will be for me. You know, well, you will now; I masturbate in my mind as to how all this will come together and will do so many times over after you bleed out your life.

Only then, I will really masturbate and hold onto the memory of that final look on your face.

But, sweet Janis, you will never find me, better people than you have tried and failed. But I promise you, I will find you. I see you even now.

A slight pause, followed by laughter.

You looked around, didn’t you? Admit it. Of course, you did.

But this is to let you know I am taking a rest from all my activity. My most insincere condolences to those poor police people.

But, sweet Janis, are you listening? If you hadn’t ordered them to be there, they would still be alive. You are responsible for their blood this time, not me.

When I am ready to hunt you down, that sorry excuse for a man of God, who wouldn’t forgive his own mother to hell or heaven, yet alone me; will let you know when I come back.

Until then, watch your back. For I’ll be watching yours.

Baker did look to see if he was watching, as did Ed.

Benny’s Pub – 11:39 a.m.

“Where do we go from here, Ed? He says he’s quitting. For what? A week? A month? A year, maybe; then what? It’s only been a week since the first murder, and we aren’t any closer to him than when we started. No evidence, no nothing! No fingerprints, hair samples, sweat; this guy makes no mistakes!”

“Easy, Baker, easy. My thinking is that he’s getting scared now. Cop killers never fully get away. I know it and you know it, too. He’s quitting because he knows he’s a dead man. If he disappears, at least the killing stops.”

“Until the next time. It just pisses me off that this might go unsolved.”

“Won’t be the first time, or the last. Deal with it, drink your drink. You deserve it.”

Silence.

A few minutes later, the rest of Baker’s team showed up, and a round of scotch and whiskey sours were ordered. They all stood around the table; some raised their drinks held high.

The memory shot.

Six other police officers were in Benny’s, including Stan. When Roz first joined the force, she was his partner before he retired.

They all knew the drill.

“We won’t forget,” Baker said.

Every drink was downed, and each shot glass was hurled against a special wall covered in stainless steel.

Benny didn’t mind.

One of the shot glasses was his own.

Roz was his daughter.