“Good,” Stryker replied from the rear of the building. “Here comes Meyers.”
“I’m here,” said a gruff voice. Ralph Meyers stepped into the room and Dakota’s blood ran cold. Staring into the eyes of a cold-blooded serial killer filled him with hate.
“I’ll be outside, Mr. Meyers.” The guard left the room.
“Let’s do business.” Dakota adjusted the headlamp toward the ceiling. “Sit.”
Meyers folded into the second chair. “I got word you need my help.”
Dakota slid the photo across the rusty, metal table. “This is my wife.” If Meyers recognized Beth as one of his victims, Dakota and his team would move fast.
“Pretty lady. Why off her?”
“You recognize her?”
“Nope. Should I?”
“This job needs to happen in the next two days. She’s going on a business trip, only she’s not. She’s meeting up with her pig boyfriend.”
“You got the money?”
“I need assurance her body won’t be found.”
“Do you know who I am?” Meyers asked.
“I only know you can help me.”
“I’ve been around, kid.”
“I’m not going to prison because some guy tells me he’s been around,” Dakota bit out. “I need proof you’re going to take care of this with no loose ends.”
“Karen Barberry, Missy Lynn James, Mary Watson, Becky Martin, Flo Patricks. You want more names?”
“I have no fuckin’ idea what that means. Is that code?”
“Those girls will never be found because they were cut to pieces. But not before I had my fun with them. And there were dozens more just like them. At some point, I lost count, but I’d say sixty-two or sixty-three. Is that sufficient?”
Jesus.
“Now, where’s my payment?” Meyers bit out.
Dakota shone his headlamp into the backpack. “Five now. Another five after.”
Meyers pulled out a banded wad of cash and smelled it. “Mother of God, this gives me a rush.”
“I’ll need confirmation she’s dead.”
“Does she wear a wedding ring?”
“She has one, but I have no idea if she wears it when she’s whoring around.” Dakota needed to wrap this up. Beneath the table, he slid on the leather gloves. “What do you normally do?”
“I keep everything from photos to jewelry. I can take a picture of her severed head if you want absolute confirmation.”
Oh, my God.
“So, you’ll kill her?” Dakota confirmed.
“Jesus H. Christ, yes, I’ll kill her and anyone else you want me to.” Meyers leaned forward. “Taking your wife’s last breath is what I live for.”
