Branded for Murder (Scott Tucker Series) Read online

  I was happy I had the conference room, at least for now.

  Chapter 36

  Mike purposely left Scott in the conference room working on the leads. He asked Paul and Phil to join him over at the table in front of the file cabinets. He had Colleen make copies of the five leads he was giving them to follow up.

  Mike noticed Paul talking with Colleen at her reception desk. “Paul, we’re going to go over those leads, can you join us?”

  Colleen turned bright red. Paul smiled, whispered something to Colleen, turning to join Mike.

  Mike had five call sheets spread out in two piles when Paul and Phil sat down at the table. “We have five calls, pointing to two different men. I would like both of you to talk to the people who reported these two men. One is a butcher at a corner deli, which was reported by two different people.” He pointed to the two call sheets. “The other three sheets mention a vacuum cleaner salesman, resembling the man in the sketch.” Paul picked up one set and Phil the other. Mike gave them a few minutes to read and share the different call sheets.

  “Mike, the butcher guy sounds a little far fetched, since he had to travel all over New England to commit these crimes. The salesman could be a more significant lead, where he would be knocking on doors, possibly getting into the women’s apartments,” Paul stated, offering his thoughts.

  Mike responded, “I had the same impression, but why don’t you check out both anyway. I don’t want you to contact either of the two men at this time. If you can, make contact with the women who reported these two guys. Let’s talk about what they had to say when you return. Find out as much as you can about the salesman, including the company he represents.”

  Phil offered, “I like what Scott did with these call sheets. It helps to have everything consolidated like this.” He added, “We did the same thing before, but it seems like he was able to identify them faster than we could have. He doesn’t say much to us you know. He just seems to be on a mission. Do we pay him anything?”

  Mike smiled, knowing why Scott was so driven. “I know what you mean, but he’s doing this just to help find the strangler.”

  Paul offered his observation, “I saw him looking at the strangler case files and the other rape case files. He looked shocked by what he saw. It’s amazing to me that he would put himself into such an uncomfortable position, but I’m glad he’s helping us.”

  “I’ll let him know you guys appreciate his effort. As a matter of fact, don’t be afraid to talk to him, I’m sure he would like to know he’s valued. I’ve had a beer or two with him and I really like him. He’s really going to be something down the line. I’m also happy he’s with us.”

  *.*.*

  Late in the afternoon, Mike called a meeting with Paul and Phil, asking me to join them. Mike wanted to hear what the two detectives had learned from talking with the women who had made the calls.

  Mike offered, “I asked Scott to join us to see how these leads panned out. I think it might help him as he reviews the other call sheets. What did you learn?”

  The two men welcomed me, immediately sharing their interviews. Paul started first. “The two calls about the butcher were interesting. What I mean is that the two ladies who reported him were very suspect of everything. Both had multiple locks on their doors. We had to show our IDs multiple times before they would let us inside their respective apartments. They both live on the same block. After talking to them we went by the butcher shop and looked at the guy. The butcher doesn’t even resemble the sketch. It turns out both women know each other, got to talking about the strangling cases, and decided the butcher could be the guy. There’s nothing more to be said about the leads there.”

  Phil immediately jumped in after Paul finished. “However, the three reports of the vacuum salesman were the other end of the spectrum. All three women failed to let the guy into their apartment. Two women were middle age, in their forties, and the other was in her late twenties. One did get a phone number, which she gave me. Here it is.” He handed the number to Mike continuing, “He looks like he’s an independent salesman. He was trying to set up appointments and wasn’t carrying any equipment other than a briefcase.”

  Paul added, “That was the main reason the women didn’t let him in. One of the women was interested in a new vacuum, but when he wasn’t able to show her something right then, she told him she wasn’t interested. When they saw the sketch in the paper, each of them decided he closely resembled it. The phone number is an ‘Oliver’ exchange, which puts him located in the Roxbury section of Boston.”

  Mike weighed the input and then offered, “I think this guy might be a good lead. I want to cover this and the sheets with Paddy. Do you have your notes on the call sheets?”

  Paul answered, “We made our notes on the back of each sheet. If you want my opinion, we should bring this guy in for questioning.”

  Mike immediately responded, “Yeah, but once we do that, if he’s the guy, it would change his approach, possibly forcing him to move from this area. I’ll see what Paddy suggests we do. Thanks guys for your effort.”

  As they got up to leave, Phil addressed me. “Scott, we appreciate what you’re doing. It looks like you might have come up with at least one good lead. Thanks.” They stood and shook my hand. “We both think you’re crazy to be involved in this, but I guess that’s your business.”

  “Thanks guys. I’m glad I’m helping. Your comment will keep me going for a couple more days,” I responded.

  The two detectives left and Mike touched me on the shoulder. “Do you have plans for tonight, or are you going to see Lisa?”

  “Oh shit. I’m sorry. I forgot to call her and it’s already late. I appreciate the offer, but I really need to see her. Do you mind if I use the office phone?”

  Mike smiled. “No, go ahead. I understand. I need to talk with Paddy about what we learned. Have a good night. I’m glad the guys value what you’re doing. You are helping, you know.” He paused, adding, “How are you making out with the rest of these call sheets?”

  “I’m pretty far along. I think I have one more lead for you to check out. It’s in reference to a police detective.”

  *.*.*

  Mike noticed Colleen on the phone, filling out one of the call sheets. He knew Paddy was still in the office, so he climbed the stairs to his office. He was glad the guys mentioned they appreciated what Scott is doing. He wondered if Scott realized that he might just prevent some woman from being killed. He thought about Scott telling him about his cousin being one of the victims. I really don’t think Paddy needs to know about that. If he were to kick Scott off the task force it wouldn’t help our efforts at all. He decided to keep that secret.

  Paddy looked up from his paperwork and acknowledged Mike. “Mike, how’s it going downstairs?” Paddy motioned him to have a seat.

  Mike responded, “Well, that’s what I wanted to see you about. Scott found three call sheets, all talking about a vacuum salesman matching the sketch in the paper. I had Paul and Phil check with the callers. They all had similar experiences. None of them let him in, but when he knocked on their doors he wasn’t carrying any equipment, just a briefcase. I wanted to talk to you about whether we should bring this guy in for questioning. We have his phone number, but no actual address.” Mike handed the number and call sheets to Paddy.

  Paddy looked at the call sheets and the detectives’ comments on the back. After a few minutes reading the sheets, he responded, “These are impressive. It looks like they may point to a good lead. Where did these call sheet forms come from…I don’t remember seeing them.”

  “Scott worked up the form, and the process to review them. He actually pulled two different sets out, which Phil and Paul checked out. The other was a corner butcher, but the guys checked him out and felt he is not worth any follow up effort.”

  Paddy put his glasses down on his desk, and asked, “What do you think about Scott working with us?”

  Mike looked at the serious look on Paddy’s face. “W
e wouldn’t be where we are if Scott wasn’t helping us.”

  Paddy turned his chair to look out the window. “I had the same feeling.” He paused, staring out the window for a few seconds. He turned, looking at the three call sheets again. “The AG is on my case to drop Scott from the task force. He’s not in favor of a non-law enforcement person having access to the strangler case material, and the other rape cases. He says there’s too much of a legal issue involved. If something happened to Scott, it wouldn’t look good.”

  He studied Paddy for a few seconds, offering, “You are kidding me. You can’t drop Scott from the team. The guys appreciate his effort and have even told him so. You know how hard it is for our guys to give anyone else credit. They just told him that. Paddy, you have to support Scott being involved with us.” He thought about what Scott had shared with him and was glad Paddy didn’t know about their secret. “Paddy, look at what Scott has done.”

  Chapter 37

  When Mike went up to see Paddy, I decided to move all of my stuff back to my desk. I was organized enough now that I could work with it there.

  “Hi Scott,” Colleen said, as I was passing. “I like the new call sheets. It seems like they could be helping us find the guy in the sketch.” She smiled, looking like she wanted to add something.

  “Thanks Colleen. I feel good that I can work with them. It does seem to be helping the guys in the office.”

  “Paul told me he liked what you were doing.”

  She looked like she hadn’t planned on telling me that, and turned red. I tried to calm her. “It’s okay Colleen. Thanks for sharing that with me, but I heard it from him myself.” She immediately looked relieved.

  “Scott, I don’t know whether I will ever be totally comfortable working with detectives. It seems like you guys have a sense and can pick up things, I mean, things not said…I think you know what I’m trying to say.”

  “I know what you mean. I have the same feeling when I’m with Mike. He seems to pick up on things before I say them.” I smiled and she looked like she was more comfortable.

  “Are you going to be working tonight?”

  “Why? Did you want to take me out?” I smiled, and she immediately knew why I asked it.

  “I was just curious and you need to work on that ‘sense’ a little. You’re not quite picking up the right feelings.”

  “Colleen, I was just pulling your leg about a date…I know you and Paul have something going.”

  No sooner had she heard the words, she turned red immediately, and hastily started to straighten out her desk. “Maybe you have developed that sense.” She smiled at me, and continued putting her stuff away.

  “Have a nice evening Colleen. Thanks for all of your help.” She smiled again, and I walked back to my desk.

  *.*.*

  I looked around the office. It was a good time to call Lisa. The sound of dialing her number resonated loudly in the quiet office area. I didn’t like using the office phone for personal business, but I had to.

  Shortly, there was a soft voice on the other end. “Chase school dorm. How can I help you?”

  “This is Scott Tucker. Can I please talk with Lisa Anderson?”

  “Sure Scott, I’ll get her.” I usually hear a different response along with the phone hitting the wall, but this time it was a more pleasant experience.

  Just a minute or two later, “Hi Scott, this is Lisa. How are you?”

  “Hello Lisa. I’m okay. Do you have any plans for tonight? I’m sorry to be calling this late in the day, but I’ve been busy.”

  She answered quickly, “I’m sorry Scott I already made plans.”

  I didn’t respond immediately, crushed that she had other plans.

  “Scott, I’m kidding. I was hoping you would call. What did you have in mind?”

  “Okay Lisa, you got me. I was thinking I called too late. I’m glad you’re available. Would you like dinner and a movie?”

  She didn’t immediately respond, softly whispering into the phone, “How about a quick dinner and we put on a show?”

  “Are you pulling my leg again?” I asked, feeling awkward after the words left my mouth.

  “Only if you want me to,” she said, making her voice sexy like Mae West’s.

  I could tell she was feeling what I was. “Can I pick you up in fifteen minutes? I won’t bother to go get cleaned up. I’ll leave straight from the office.”

  “That sounds fine with me, but why don’t you make it a half hour, then I’ll be in the reception area waiting for you. Anything special I should wear?”

  I didn’t immediately respond, wondering if she was continuing to toy with me. After a long pause, I heard the click on the other end. I could tell we were going to pick up right where we left off the other morning. I quickly wrote a note for Mike indicating I was gone for the evening.

  *.*.*

  My hands were shaking on the steering wheel just thinking of being with Lisa in a few minutes. Everything else which had been filling my mind all day was long gone. All I wanted to do was to see her again. I know I was driving but I didn’t remember any of the turns along the way.

  I felt my chin, realizing I needed a shave. Maybe we should pick up a pizza and go back to my place, where I could clean up. Was that just a little forward of me, or did I sense she was telling me that. Colleen said we were developing a sense for things unsaid; maybe I was developing that sense. There was no doubt about what I wanted, and I didn’t want to waste any time.

  I couldn’t find any parking space near the dorm entrance, having to park a block away. The air was cold on my face, walking to her dorm. I spotted several couples walking arm in arm and they looked so comfortable with each other. I remember our reflection in the dorm door when I picked her up the last time; we were like those couples, made for each other.

  I was on time, bounding up the steps to the entry door to the dorm. I could see her standing on the far side of the reception area talking with Judy. There was a different guard on duty. I gave him my name and who I wanted to see. He pointed to her, standing in the reception area.

  “Hi Lisa, Hi Judy, how have you been?”

  “I’ve been fine. It’s nice to see you.” She smiled, giving Lisa a peck on the cheek. “You two have a nice evening.”

  I looked at Lisa who was wearing a white fur coat with matching beret, contrasted with black ski pants and black fur boots. All that was missing was the skis and she would be ready for the slopes. “You seem like you’re lost in thought Scott. Are you okay? Do you like what you’re looking at? Hello by the way.”

  I knew I was now attracting attention of the other coeds in the room, and my face was turning red. “I’m sorry Lisa…I guess you just took my breath away. You look great. Are you ready?”

  She smiled, giving me a quick kiss on the lips. “You bet I am.”

  Once we were outside on the sidewalk, I turned her to me and gave her the kiss I really wanted to.

  She held her beret, leaning back in my arms, “You almost have that greeting down pat, but I think you still need a little practice.” She put her arms around my neck, trying a much deeper kiss.

  I could see coeds clapping their hands in the dorm window. “I think we’ve attracted some attention.”

  Lisa looked over at the dorm window, and waved. “I guess we better go, or we will waste the night.”

  “Can we give it a few seconds? I need a moment to calm down.”

  She smiled while moving her hips. “I guess I don’t have to ask if you’re ready now. Right?”

  *.*.*

  We walked to my car, but it didn’t seem that far at all. We were now like the other couples I had seen earlier. She fit so nice at my side, like two skaters dancing together.

  I unlocked the car door and she slid in. When I got around to the other side, she was already facing me. We kissed again, and it felt so right. I was so happy. She broke the kiss and the embrace, pushing on my shoulders. “How do you feel about picking up a pizza on the way over to
your place?”

  I smiled, then laughed out loud. “Yeah, it’s a shame the pizza will take twenty minutes. I don’t know if I can wait that long.”

  She looked into my eyes and then said, “I can’t believe how much I’ve missed you. All I think about is being with you again. Can we skip the pizza and just go to your place?”

  “No. Let’s get the pizza. I want you to think some more about being with me.”

  I started the car, pulling out onto the road, but out of the corner of my eye, I could see what she was doing.

  Chapter 38

  She loved to excite Scott. She could feel the cold bucket seat against her naked back. She had taken off her coat and turtle neck sweater and was about to reach around to unhook her bra, when Scott finally broke the silence.

  “Okay Lisa you can stop there. I get the point; we’ll just stop at the McDonald’s drive-thru and pick up hamburgers. Are you going to put your clothes back on, or give the clerk a show?”

  “Scott I’ve never felt like this before. I don’t care what I do if it will excite you. Do you want me dressed or undressed?”

  “That’s a trick question. I want you undressed, but dressed for the drive-thru.” I looked over again at her and she had unhooked her bra and taken it off. She started twirling it over her head. I looked around to see who was watching. “Why don’t you just put your coat on and we’ll keep it our secret when we pull through the drive-thru. Is that okay?”

  She didn’t answer, but put her arms into her fur jacket. She didn’t zip it up and turned for my benefit.

  “I like already, I like. What have I done? I think I’ve created a monster.”

  “Scott, I’ve just waited so long to feel like this. I want you excited when we get to your place.”

  “I’m excited, and will be when we get there. We’re at McDonalds, why don’t you zip up?”