In fact, the knife had slid into her chest more easily than into Thomas Warren's neck.He didn't know if he had managed to miss all the bones, or if the adrenaline was pumping through him so fiercely that he could have plunged his knife through solid concrete.
"Collect yourself," he whispered.
He opened his eyes and took a moment before picking up some of the files before him.Not all the files were potential victims.All of the files pertained to Alison Payne, of course.She deserved to be made an example of, but not all of the files were her assessments.Some were case files in which she had not followed protocol or had mishandled the case.
She presented herself as some sort of deity, when she was as fallible as everyone else.That was a part of the needed change.Not only did they need to obtain early release in full, but they also had to be more careful in how they conducted the assessments.He was a far better choice than she was.Yet, no one saw him—they all saw Alison.
"No, it must be a death this time," he muttered."I imagine she’s trying to work out why Harold was threatened, and her great mind is trying to decipher the message behind the threat.The distraction has worked, and maybe someday, she will realize it’s only that.In the future, a distraction might be warranted, but not now.Now, it’s time for action.It’s the time to be decisive."
The man picked up the cup he had almost forgotten about and sipped the cold camomile tea, enjoying the taste but abhorring the temperature.Still, the cold sip was the shock to his system that he needed to focus his mind back on what was important.
He moved through the files like a computer hacker moves through a file system, knowing what they were looking for but not exactly where it was.Then, he narrowed down the potentials.He cross-referenced each of them with his schedule and theirs.He looked for the easiest target, the one he knew he could get alone soon, and who would be easy to kill.The original crime didn't matter, nor did the life they lived after they were released.It only mattered that they had been released early from a crime they had committed.
With each dead body, she is forced to confront her life’s work, and because she is regarded so highly, the ones who trust her are forced to confront the wrongs of the world and make some change.
The man picked up a file and laid it before him on the table.There was still some planning to do, but he would do very nicely.
"Michael Rodriguez," he whispered."Hello, Michael Rodriguez.Prepare to die."
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Detective Moore stopped the car outside the address they had been given for Linda Ashford.It was a small office on the outskirts of the city, and there was no home address on file, which was unusual.The detective took out her phone to check for any information the team had sent.
"Okay, so we have information back from the security team at the building where Philip Grayson lives," Moore told Alison."They can confirm that he mostly stays home, and it is known in the building that his wife is sick and receiving treatment, and that she doesn’t have long to live."
That part saddened Alison somewhat.As much as Philip had grated on her, he was still a person, and he was going through some trauma.Alison didn't want to think about being in the same position with Derek sick and dying.She wouldn’t be able to cope with real life if she were looking after Derek when he was sick and dying.She would want to spend every minute with him.
"The security team confirmed that Dr.Grayson goes out in the afternoon most days," Moore said."There is camera footage of Grayson going out on the afternoon before each killing, and returning later that afternoon.There is no evidence of his leaving the building after that on each occasion.He didn't pass the security gate, and he was not caught on any of the cameras, which means he didn't take his car, at the very least.It doesn’t look like he left his home after returning."
"I don't know if we want to have his wife come in and talk with us with her health concerns," Alison said."That doesn’t feel right."
"I agree," Moore said."She doesn’t need to be a part of this, and I don't think he does either, with what they’re saying back at the office.He’s not on our suspect list anymore."
"Okay," Alison admitted."How about Linda Ashford.Do we have anything on her?"
Alison looked at the modest building before her, a small brick building with no signage outside.The woman had no registered home address, and there was no telling what business was contained within the building.Who was she and what did she do?"
"She’s a victim rights advocate," Moore replied."Outspoken about those who have been victims of a crime but haven’t received the help they need after being targeted in some way.There’s a lot to go through, and I’m told a lot that’s also hidden, but she brands herself as anti-crime, which seems like something most people are, but is a nice buzzword to throw around."
"Okay, so she works with victims, and she recently hired Marcus Webb to follow Harold Jenkins," Alison said."How does that all fit together?"
"Let’s hope she wants to talk with us when we confront her," Moore said."I really have no idea what to expect."
"She’s creating a buffer if she’s the killer," Alison admitted."Marcus Webb was cagey when we spoke to him.Did that come from Linda?"
"Come on," Moore said as she got out of the car.
Alison followed.They reached the building and found a wooden door on the side of the brick building, with no number, no address, and no markings to indicate what was inside.Detective Moore moved her hand subtly to her belt, checking her gun was there, and then knocked on the door.
They had no idea what they would find within, but they needed to be ready.
"Yeah?"the shout came from the other side of the door.
"We’re looking for Linda Ashford," Moore stated.
"Who’s asking?"the female voice replied.
"I’m Detective Moore, and I’m here with Dr.Alison Payne," Moore replied.
