“No,” Tate said quietly.
That didn’t change the situation. “Lassiter is a genius with an IQ of about one-eighty,” Angus said. “That makes him unique among all humans. No doubt, he’s smart enough to fake his death to avoid prison. Think about it. It took me almost a year to hunt him down in the first place, and nobody else even came close to finding him.”
Scott leaned forward. “As such, my client wants to assist the police. He’s a valuable source.”
Buckle smiled, showing a slightly crooked bottom tooth that mellowed her somehow. “He’s not a source because he’s a suspect. Our prime suspect, actually.” She leaned toward Angus, her eyes softening. “How about you tell us the truth and we all go on from there? You were once a good guy, and the fact that you’ve killed has to be wearing on you. Please let me help you.”
Angus almost smiled. She was good. He turned to Tate. “You going to be bad cop?”
Tate just stared at him.
Scott sighed. “All right. I can see we’re not going to get along, and truth be told, that saddens me.” He twisted his wrist to read his Rolex. “I have lunch with the mayor, so let’s go ahead and hurry this along. Please provide me with all the evidence against my client.”’
Tate’s eyebrows rose. “We haven’t charged your client, thus you’re not entitled to any evidence, Counselor. Somehow, I think you know that.”
Angus fought the urge to yank the case file out of Tate’s hands. “Fine. Just read me the notes left with the last three victims. I can help you decipher them.”
Buckle leaned back and lost the charming smile. “What do we get?”
“What do you want?” Angus shot back.
“We want you to take a lie detector test,” Buckle said evenly. “With our tech.”
Scott held up a hand. “No. Lie detector tests are unreliable and not admissible in court. He refuses.”
“I accept,” Angus said. “You show me the notes and I’ll take a lie detector test anytime and anyplace.”
Scott turned toward him. “That is against advice of counsel.”
“Understood,” Angus said, not looking away from Detective Buckle. “Do we have a deal?”
“Yes,” Tate said, opening his file folder. “There was no note with the fourth victim. Or if there was one, we still haven’t found it. Here’s a copy of the note left with the fifth victim. The original is being tested at the lab right now.”
Angus took the copy of the piece of paper.
Scott leaned over and read out loud. “‘There once was a starry night upon which the darkness of lovers fell.’” He frowned. “What the hell does that mean?”
Angus shook his head, memorizing the script. “The notes are usually from an old poem or text, and the identity of the author is often more important than the actual words.” He handed the copy back to Tate. “And the last victim?”
Tate studied him for a moment and then handed over another copied note.
Angus flushed hot and then ice cold as he read it.
Dearest Angus,
This last week has been a bitter disappointment, truth be told. An opening move in any game should be as bold as the master’s. I’m afraid that each one of these offerings, all six of them, were merely false starts. Oh, their screams were music to my soul, and I made sure each of them said your name several times. I would never, truly never, forget to include you, my friend. Yet I am sure you are as disappointed as I. This week should’ve held more meaning for both of us. But, as you know, plans were made to be altered. I hope to find more meaning with originals rather than inelegant copies. I shall see you soon.
Your friend,
Henry
PS On first glance, the game can only be played according to the limitations on each piece, unless you’re the master of the game.
Angus needed to throw up. He swallowed, keeping his expression as stoic as possible. Finally, proof that he’d been right. He should feel vindicated, but all he felt was exhausted. The bastard was alive and Angus had known it the entire time. “Well. I guess this answers all questions.” He shoved the copy back to Tate.
Detective Buckle snorted. “Right. My guess is that you wrote this to throw us off. Or maybe there are two personalities in that alcoholic head of yours? It’d be a damn good defense tactic.”
“Excuse me?” Angus said, focusing on the woman.
