Free Fit to Kill by James Heneghan Page A

31
    â€œAccording to Ozeroff, serial killers think they’re smarter than the police,” said Casey.
    â€œPerhaps they are,” said Emma.
    â€œSo they leave deliberate clues. The killer’s letters to the papers, for example. Or revealing that he kills every thirteen days, mocking police efforts to catch him.”
    Emma said, “So other than the letters to the police, what other clues has he been leaving?”
    â€œNo others as far as I know. The police don’t tell us. Knowing that the killings occur every thirteen days hasn’t helped either, even with extra police everywhere on the night.”
    They walked. She was very aware of him beside her. His bulk and height. The dark tracksuit, the canvas gym bag in his hand. The tweed cap, the red hair curling at the neck. And his blue eyes looking calmly down at her.
    She pulled his head down and kissed him.
    They didn’t go to Devlin’s. They went to her place instead. Emma made Irish tea, sent by her mother.
    Emma said, “When’s the next one—the thirteenth day, I mean?”
    â€œJanuary tenth, a Wednesday.”
    â€œThat’s my Parents’ Night. Seven to nine.”
    â€œI’ll walk you there and pick you up— wait—Wednesday’s bad for me too. I have a parks board meeting. It’s my job. The Stanley Park Zoo is on the agenda. They’ll be discussing the whale pool. Big issue.” He shrugged. “Can’t miss that.”
    â€œThat’s okay. I’m only a couple of blocks from the school. What can happen in two blocks?” She smiled. “I’ll be quite all right.”
    â€œYou could have a taxicab take you there and pick you up.”
    â€œI will do no such thing. Two blocks? That’s ridiculous.”
    â€œIt’s not ridiculous, Emma. Look, this maniac targets his victims, I’m certain of it. You’re a regular at the gym. He’s sure to have seen you there. What if you’re on his list?”
    â€œHoly Mother of God! Don’t say that! Why would I be on his list?”
    â€œI’m not saying you are. But think of those letters he sends the police and the newspapers about harlots. About the way they dress. You’ve got to admit you look… pretty stunning in those tights and things!”
    â€œThings, is it? All I wear is exercise clothing! Usually a very unrevealing extra-large T-shirt over my leotards. What about the men in their skimpy tight shorts? It’s all right for them to be parading around showing off their family jewels, is it?”
    â€œOch, all I’m saying—”
    â€œI’ve finished my tea. You can kiss me now if you like.”
    â€œWell, I haven’t, so you’ll just have to wait.”
    A little while later, he had kissed her several times. Then he made his way home.

CHAPTER TWELVE
    WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10
    T he thirteenth day.
    Wexler called Casey at home and reported that the West End was wall-to-wall cops, most of them in plainclothes.
    Casey telephoned Emma at six thirty, on his way out, and she promised him, for the second time, she would take a taxi.
    â€œI’ll not be able to concentrate on a thing they say at the parks board meeting unless I know you’re safe.”
    â€œCasey, I promise. I’ve already ordered Yellow Cab. It’ll be here in ten minutes.”
    â€œWhat about when you get through at nine?”
    â€œThe same Yellow will pick me up.”
    She wore her jungle outfit, which was what she called her green-yellow-black camouflage-design cotton skirt and matching jacket. It was smart and stylish, yet not too stylish that it would bother the moms and dads. She pushed her stocking feet into a pair of comfortable black pumps and hung a warm ski jacket with hood over her shoulders against the cold rain. She felt ridiculous riding two blocks, but the driver didn’t seem to mind.
    â€œI am hating to say it, miss, but West End killer very good