Ian listened to the detective’s newest theory. Javier explained that the only one who broke the pattern was Cassie—she survived. “We sent out another VICAP search, pulling Cassie’s crime from the batch. According to the dates of death, two women were killed before Cassie’s attack.”
“One more difference, she conceived. DNA results should be back in ninety hours,” Ian said.
Andy Blake joined them. “Looks like we have another one. Homicide is running down her identity. She was strangled and covered in bites. Same pattern.”
Andy, Javier, and Ian moved to the lieutenant’s office. “We’ll have more privacy in here. How did it go with the baby?” Andy asked.
“A little issue, but we got what we needed, and he’s home with Cassie’s family.”
Andy sighed. “Good. I hope it brings her some peace. If anyone deserves that, it’s her.”
“Cassie said Ames told her she would fetch a good price. Do you think they were selling them for something?”
“But for what? We found the other victims dead,” Javier said.
“Unless, if there’s trafficking involved, maybe Cassie isn’t the only survivor.”
Ian’s cell buzzed. “Yeah, Martin. You’re supposed to be in bed. All right, I’m sitting with Ruiz and Blake. I’m putting you on speaker. Go.”
“Boss, I have Franny Penn with me in your office with Esther. She’s transcribing her statement, plus I have a video statement. I can tell you with certainty that it was not Cassie at the restaurant. The girl at the restaurant was wearing, according to Franny, black patent leather ballet shoes and a boring black dress.”
“I will check with Cassie, but unless she changed, she was wearing a beautiful dress in shades of blue and navy heels. When you’re done, take Ms. Penn wherever she needs to go. Put eyes on her.”
“Roger. Uh, Boss, we need to stop at a shoe store. I sorta promised her a pair of Valentino pumps, and I was advised that they are more than petty cash.”
“There’s always a learning curve. Ask Esther for the black card. And, Martin, nice job. Go back to bed."
“Well, if it wasn’t Cassie, then the Whitmans have a lot of explaining to do,” Javier said. “And this gives us more legs to stand on.”
“Chase, let me bring you up to date with what we have, and then maybe we can figure this out. Joe Maddox. Preliminary says it’s a suicide. No evidence of forced entry. There were his debt and career loss, but he just had a new grandchild. No note. Scheduled for a golf game this morning. His attorney said he planned to fight the charges, and he and his wife just remortgaged their home, which was effective in removing the acute shortfall. Luggage was packed and ready in the master bedroom. His wife said they were leaving on a long-planned trip to Costa Rica. It doesn’t make sense. We’re sorting through his papers, but it’s going slow.” Andy scanned through his notes.
“I agree. The math isn’t adding up. If you agree, I’ll send you two of my analysts to help. Off the record.”
Andy handed Ian two pictures. “Ames was confirmed as one of Cassie’s attackers. We also received confirmation that he was involved in the attacks on two of the other women so far. If we extrapolate from there, his closest friend is Robby Bynum Jr. That would be a real hot lead, but Bynum Jr. overdosed yesterday afternoon.”
Ian explained what happened in California. “Someone is cleaning up.”
“Cassie’s danger is growing,” Javier said.
“I won’t let anything happen to her. I’m gonna run this by my people. I’ll be in touch soon.” Ian thanked both men and headed to the door.
Chapter Thirty-Three
In the car, Ian put his thoughts together. He still had no idea what the Russian connection was, but Mark Devereaux was his next stop. A beep indicated an incoming call. “Chase.”
“Hey, man. It’s Terry.”
“You’re fast.”
“What are you working on? These two are guns for hire—big guns. They’re on everyone’s list. No one had any idea they were in country.”
“Not good.”
“Damn straight. What were they going after?”
“A dead infant.”
“Start talking, man. I set off every bell and whistle when those prints went through.”
