“Have you been here all evening?”
"Yeah. I was just lying on the couch, watching a movie, when I heard a scream from across the hall. The next thing I knew, Whitney was banging on my door. I let her in. She was totally freaked out. Told me Polly was dead. I deadbolted the door, and she called 911. The county showed up a few minutes later. You guys are quick.”
"Have you seen anyone lingering around the apartment complex over the last few days?”
Talia thought about it for a moment. "You know, there has been this guy loitering around. He's been hitting people up for money in the parking lot. It's not hard to get past the security gate. I complained to the property manager, but you know, what can they do?”
"Call the county and report him for trespassing.”
"He's gone by the time a patrol unit gets here.”
"Can you give me a description?”
"Mid-30s, medium build, curly dark hair, bushy beard. Smelled.”
I thanked her for the info, took her contact information, and gave her a card. I told her we might be in touch, then we stepped back inside and rejoined the sheriff.
Forensic investigators dusted for prints. Brenda and her crew bagged the body. They transferred the remains to a gurney and wheeled the victim out of the apartment.
Paris Delaney and her crew got their money shot.
I asked Whitney if she needed a ride somewhere.
"No, thanks. I called a friend. I'm gonna stay with her."
"Just keep in touch, be aware of your surroundings, and let me know when you get to your friend's house.”
She nodded. "I will. Thank you. Do you need anything else? Can I go now?"
I nodded, and she moved into her bedroom and packed a small bag. She was more than ready to get the hell out of there, and I didn't blame her.
The camera closed in as we left, and Paris asked her usual questions. I made a call for witnesses to come forward.
“Is this related to the Sydney Hollister case?”
“It’s too soon to tell.”
“If there’s a serial predator on the island, the public has a right to know.”
I gave her a look. I didn’t need her instilling panic. But maybe people should be afraid. "I think everyone should stay vigilant, keep aware of their surroundings, and be extra cautious at night."
We left the scene, headed back to the station, and filled out after-action reports. It was pretty late by that time, and I was more than ready for bed.
The party had died down aboard theAvventura, but I had no doubt the action continued below deck.
I climbed to my stateroom and settled in for bed. My mind went over the details of the crime, trying to put all the pieces together. When I finally did get to sleep, it was half-ass. And it didn’t last long enough.
My phone rang bright and early in the morning with a call from Denise. I snatched the phone from the nightstand, glanced at the screen, and put it to my ear. In a scratchy voice, I said, "What's up?"
"Rough night?"
"About average," I replied, peeling open sleepy eyes.
“I heard about what happened to Polly Madison. I narrowed that list of sex offenders down. I think I've got a suspect for you."
18
"Jesse Doyle," Denise said. "Did 15 years for sexual assault. His profile matches. He tased a woman as she was entering her apartment, forced his way in, and, well, I don't need to state the rest. Apparently, back then, he wasn't killing his victims or dousing them in bleach. Maybe he figures this is a more effective way of covering his tracks. He was released 18 months ago. Jesse was checking in and staying out of trouble up until a few months ago. No known address. The last check in with the sheriff's office had him living in the area of the Mega Mart.”
