Page 40 of Cooper’s Passion

“And what areas to avoid,” Vanessa added with a sideways glance. She winked. “And I’m sure Cooper is happy to show you the city in his spare time.”

“I don’t want to take up all his time.”

Cooper put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer, while they continued walking. “I’m happy to show you anything you want,” he murmured into her ear. “As for my spare time: I’m sure we can find a way for you to compensate me for it.”

She felt her cheeks heat despite the cool night air, at a loss of how to respond. “Not here,” she whispered back.

Cooper chuckled, and they caught up with Vanessa and the two prostitutes a moment later. Vanessa was already showing them Janet’s photo, and got the same answer as before. They hadn’t seen Janet.

“Any strange guys lurking around looking for women like Janet?” Vanessa asked.

“No, sorry,” one of them said.

The other one furrowed her forehead.

“Ginger? Did you see somebody?” Vanessa asked again.

“Hmm.” Ginger seemed to contemplate something. “A couple of days ago, I saw something.”

“Tell us, please. I’m Anita, and I think the man who killed Janet, killed lots of other women looking similar to her.”

Ginger looked straight at her. “I saw some guy follow a woman who came out of a bank.”

“Was it dark yet?” Cooper asked.

“Yes, it was late, and it was already dark. I think the blonde woman I saw worked late at the bank. She was dressed in a suit, you know. And she was walking along the sidewalk. I was just getting out of a client’s car, and I wanted to walk back to my corner, but then I saw a guy follow that woman.” She motioned to her friend Candy. “You know, that was the night you weren’t feeling well.”

Candy nodded.

“I was a little worried about that woman from the bank, because the guy was creepy. You know, I couldn’t even hear his footsteps. I don’t think she knew she was being followed. So I waited where I was, because they were both walking in my general direction. Then a car suddenly stopped next to the woman, and the driver opened the window and waved at her. She looked surprised, but happy. She got into the car with the guy, and they drove off.”

“What happened to the man who was following her?”

“He was pissed off. I think he wanted to snatch her, but that woman’s friend got there just in time.”

“Did you see his face?” Anita asked.

Ginger nodded. “Yes, just for a moment when he stepped into the light of a streetlamp. He scared the hell out of me. I hightailed it out of there.”

“Do you think you can describe him well enough for a sketch?” Cooper asked.

“Yeah, I think so. He was as tall as you, short dark hair like yours.”

“I’ll get a sketch artist to sit down with you.” He looked at his watch. “I don’t think I can get anybody until tomorrow morning.”

“I can coordinate it with Ginger,” Vanessa offered. “Is that okay with you, Ginger?”

“Sure.”

“The sooner the better, while your memory is still fresh,” Cooper said.

“Trust me, that’s not a guy I’d forget very quickly. The sooner he’s caught, the better for everybody.”

Anita could only agree.

Finally, they had a tangible lead: a man who was following a woman matching the victim profile. And the fact that he was looking for a new victim after having disposed of Janet, meant that they were in a unique position to catch him.