Calling the Dead, page 21
They walked downstairs together, and when they reached the street the beat cop about twenty feet away with his partner stopped and opened his arms to Keegan. Sept propped herself against the front of her building and watched what seemed to be a touching reunion. As Keegan hugged the guy she kept her eyes on Sept the entire time and smiled.
“Sept, this is my friend Tom from high school.” Keegan walked him over and put her arm around Sept’s waist.
“How’s it going?” Sept asked as she shook his hand. “And you?” She shook his partner’s hand next.
“Pretty good these days, Sept. This area’s so quiet now, I keep wishing for a bar fight or two,” Keegan’s friend said.
After a few more minutes of small talk with the two, Sept apologized for having to leave.
“We have to get going too, but it was good seeing you again, Keegan.” He tipped his hat and they started their patrol again.
“I’ll see you tonight at the house, right?” Keegan asked Sept.
Sept opened the door to Keegan’s coupe and helped her inside. “With any luck, I’ll be done way before that and can pick you up at the restaurant.”
“Are we towing my car home, then?”
“If you can walk from your house, I’m sure I can too.” Sept reached through the window and kissed her. “Drive safe, and keep your phone handy in case you have to call me.”
“You do the same, Seven, and I’ll see you tonight.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Nathan was waiting in front of the precinct when she drove up, and he appeared as wiped as she felt. But Sept wouldn’t have traded her morning for a month of sleep. “Anything new since the last time we talked?” The traffic had picked up and more shoppers were out carrying bags with Christmas-related things printed on the outside of them.
“You did get a call that didn’t make sense, but I took a message anyway.” He handed over the slip of paper when they stopped at a red light.
The name Dr. Glass didn’t sound familiar. “Did they say what they wanted?”
“He’s a vet and said your dog is ready to go home. Actually, he said he’s been trying you for days but you haven’t gotten back to him. You didn’t tell me you had a dog.”
“I don’t have one. Remember the night I walked Robin Burns’s crime scene and found her dog Mike? He was stabbed and left for dead, but I took him to the police vet.” When they arrived at the coroner’s office, Gavin was standing outside smoking a cigarette.
“What are you going to do with him?”
Sept drummed her thumbs on the steering wheel as she tried to find the right answer. “I checked with the service that places the animals, and she said he’d probably be retired, but that would be up to the vet. Besides, I don’t have room for a dog.”
“You’re not taking him to the pound, are you?”
“Even if I wanted to, I don’t think they’re operational yet after the building flooded. Let’s finish here and go pick Mike up. I’ll think of something.”
Gavin took the last drag off his smoke as they walked up and leisurely stubbed it out in the ashtray that looked like it had been there since the 1940s. “You two need more sleep,” he said.
“I’d love nothing better, and I’m sure Nathan isn’t used to staying up past nine,” Sept joked back. “What you got for us, Doc?”
“I found something but left it in place until you got here. If all this shit is eventually going to give me nightmares, I want to know I’m not alone as I sit up watching old reruns of Seinfeld.”
Frieda Hearn’s body was lying on the exam table when they entered, and Sept could see that even in death she displayed the terror she must have faced right before the killer made the savage gash up her middle. She handed Nathan another canister of mints but took one for herself before she let go of the can. Gavin had only slightly enlarged the cut they’d seen the night before, but after he clicked on the spotlight Sept could see why.
The killer might have ripped her heart out like he had Tameka’s, but in this case he’d inserted something. “What is that?” Nathan asked as he peered over Sept’s shoulder where Gavin was pointing.
“I might be wrong, but from my old churchgoing days, this looks like the bottom of one of those small plastic saint statues they sell in the religious gift shops around town,” Sept said as she studied the chest cavity to see if the killer had left anything else. “I’ll bet you lunch that it’s St. Theresa.”
“How in the hell can you talk about food right now?” Nathan asked, sounding queasy. “If you’re hungry, you’re not human.”
“I ate breakfast, don’t worry, but by noon I promise you won’t be thinking about this.” Sept scanned the room for a box of gloves and put some on. “Do you mind, Doc?”
“Be my guest. That’s why I waited.”
The small plastic statue had been shoved in and embedded in the soft tissue of Frieda’s chest, and it made a sucking noise when Sept pulled it loose. Nathan was working his mint in his mouth like it would stave off any embarrassing reaction he might have.
“Is that St. Theresa?” Gavin asked.
“You’re talking to a fallen Catholic, Doc, but our killer is nothing but considerate.” Sept turned the piece around so they could see the name engraved on the bottom, even though it was coated in blood. A piece of paper was wrapped around the statue and tied with a piece of the same twine that Frieda’s legs and arms had been bound with. “You think it’s a confession and a picture of him in the act?”
“I’d swear you were crazy, but this is the definition of crazy,” Gavin said, and laid out a section of sterile paper so Sept could put it down and preserve all the evidence.
Carefully, Sept lifted the twine off the top of the statue and unrolled the paper. The plastic image of the Carmelite nun was relatively clean, considering where it had been, with traces of blood only on the top and bottom. She had to hold the paper with her fingertips to keep it flat, and in large typed letters the note said,
I want a second chance.
I will serve until you see how worthy I am.
I want back what was stolen from me.
“If that doesn’t clear it up, then I don’t know what will,” Sept said. “Being cryptic must be something all these guys learn in serial-killer school.”
“You have no clue what it means?” Nathan asked.
“‘I want a second chance’ has to go with the last line of ‘I want back what was stolen from me.’ We need to figure that out, and I have a feeling we’ll be getting the chance real soon, because he needs to get a little more detailed.” She couldn’t see anything on the paper or about the print that could lead to their guy, but it would go to the lab anyway so they could check it for traces of prints or DNA.
“You’re right, I guess, if you take the second line to heart,” Nathan said.
“It means he’ll keep killing until he gets back what was stolen and gets his second chance,” Sept said. She bagged the note and the statue and initialed the outside before she handed it over to the lab technician Gavin had called. “Thanks, Doc, and if you find anything else, call us.”
“What’s next on our list?” Nathan asked.
“We find out who Frieda Hearn was and why this guy would’ve targeted her. After that, I have a dog to pick up and find a new home for.”
*
Novice stood naked in front of his mirror again and kept his eyes closed as he mentally intoned a chant he’d made up. In each hand he held something he’d kept from his sacrificial victims. They were significant to him, but he doubted his hunter had noticed anything missing from either scene. After each one was dead, Novice had tied a small lock of hair together and snipped it off. It would stay soft and remind him of the two women who had brought him closer to his goal.
His lips moved as he chanted Tameka and Frieda’s names, along with the name of the gods he’d gifted them to. When he opened his eyes he still didn’t see what he wanted reflected in the mirror, but he had come to accept one fact. Gods, no matter which you prayed to, needed the respect they were due, which meant numerous sacrifices.
“I know what you want now, but you have to realize I’m willing to give it to you, and I don’t give a damn who’s after me. Sept Savoie is a good hunter, but up to now her prey has been weak and easy to catch.” He ran the strands of Tameka’s hair along his jaw. “I’ll be anything but weak and easy. That means I’ll not only get what I want, but I’ll be free to enjoy it for as long as I want, while she runs around chasing the crumbs I’ve left her.”
“Before you start boasting like that, you should remember the lessons your Sunday school teacher taught you,” Teacher said.
“The truth isn’t bragging,” Novice said defensively.
“Only a man who humbles himself before God will know salvation. Sept has everything she wants, and she keeps it because she doesn’t run around yelling about how wonderful she is.”
“Sept will always be considered sick and perverted, so don’t preach to me about anything, especially about God. If He gave a fuck about me, my wife would be in that bed with her legs spread and waiting for me, and my child would be running through the yard playing and laughing. But they aren’t”—his voice had risen so much that his face and chest had gotten red and blotchy—“so don’t fucking talk to me about God and what the fuck He wants.” He punched the wall next to the mirror hard enough that the pain shot through his arm and he dropped the lock of hair.
“Calm down, you idiot. I look at you like this and wonder why I waste my time,” Teacher said, his voice stern enough in Novice’s head that he dropped to his knees to pick up the hair and stayed there. “You’re a maggot and will always be one until you please the gods who are willing to listen to you at all.”
“You’re right, Teacher, I’m sorry.”
“At least you figured out that what you have believed in all your life is wrong. God has abandoned you, and if you even think to show Him any kind of favor, such as acting disgusted at what I ask you to do, He can have you back.”
Novice held both locks of hair in one hand and rubbed them on his face for a little comfort, since Teacher offered none. “I promise I’ll listen only to you.”
“You have to start carrying me with you no matter what you’re doing. You’re strong enough to do what you have to as the man everyone expects you to be, but keep your eyes open to what I need from you.” Teacher’s voice had become so soft and seductive that Novice’s penis stirred to life. “Can you manage that?”
“I’ll do whatever you need me to,” Novice said. Beads of sweat were forming along his hairline, and his erection in the mirror appeared foreign to him, like it belonged to someone else. His grief had killed his sexual drive entirely.
“See what I can do for you.” Teacher’s voice became softer and morphed into something new but familiar. The stern voice of his instructor sounded feminine, but not like just any woman’s. “I know you miss me, my darling.”
“Oh, God,” Novice said, and choked on a sob that deflated him quicker than if someone had kneed him in the groin. “Please don’t go.”
“Close your eyes and listen to me,” Teacher said, sounding exactly like Novice’s wife. “Show me how much you missed me. Let me see that.”
When he looked at his reflection, his erection was back and he happily wrapped his hand around it. He wasn’t giving in to the pleasure for himself, but for his wife. “I’ve missed you so much,” he said as he stroked himself.
“I know, love, but I’m here now and you’re not alone.” The laugh Novice thought he’d never hear again filled his head as his hand sped up. “Let go for me.”
He wanted so much to please her that he leaned back on his feet and pumped his hips along with his hand. It was easy to imagine her straddling him as he gave her what she’d begged him for. From the time they’d met he’d taught her how to please him, and it didn’t matter if some lessons had been hard for her. She’d learned to beg even if she really didn’t want it.
The roar he let out as he climaxed was liberating, and he stilled his hand but didn’t let go of himself as he sat back on his feet. He’d forgotten about the calm that came after releasing all his tension, but now the release brought not only calmness but resolve. He needed to prepare another altar and leave another gift for not only the gods, but for Sept as well.
“We’re together again, my love, and with more sacrifices I’ll get to feel you as well as hear you,” Novice said out loud.
“I have every faith in you.”
Novice laughed in a way he hadn’t in the months since his wife and child had died. He was back in control, and no way would Teacher leave him now, no matter what he did, because as he had before her death, he owned her. His wife was his to do with as he pleased, no matter what name she went by, and now that she’d revealed herself, he’d continue to call her Teacher until the time came to show her who really was in charge. When that happened, he’d put her back in her place for all the misery he’d suffered since she’d left.
“If you want another sacrifice, you’ll have it.” He stood up, walked to the misshapen dresser, and opened the top drawer. The flood had swollen and warped the wood, so it had taken him a few hours to get the damn thing to work. The drawer pulled easily now, but the piece of furniture still appeared like a heap of trash.
“Even if someone stumbles in here, they’ll never find these,” Novice said as he took out the books Estella had been kind enough to leave in the store for him. He turned to the page with a sketch of St. Barbara at the top. “If we face a warrior and hunter, it’s time to honor the chase,” he said. St. Barbara stood almost arrogantly as she held her sword, but even though she was a woman, she embodied the most powerful of the Orishas. It was time to pay homage to Chango.
“This one will have to be something special, so I hope you’re ready, Sept, and you aren’t so caught up in chasing that girl’s ass you’re not worth the importance Teacher has placed on you.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“You’ve been over here so much, people will begin to talk,” Brandi said as she stepped into her home office to meet with Sept and Nathan. “And I can’t have anyone maligning the character of two of New Orleans’s best.” She laughed as she took her seat behind the traditional oak desk. “What can I do for you, Sept?”
“Are you familiar with a Frieda Hearn?” Sept had made Brandi her first stop in this part of the investigation to hopefully save some time walking the streets in search of the answers she needed.
“If it’s the Frieda I’m thinking of, she’s a decent person engaged in one of the world’s oldest professions. She just wasn’t in the league with my girls and our clientele. Why do you ask?”
“She was killed last night.” Sept watched Brandi’s face, which showed a fleeting stab of pain. “I wanted to confirm my speculation, so thank you.”
“Wait,” Brandi said when Sept put her hands on the arms of her chair to stand up. “Should the girls and I be worried about some maniac out there targeting us?”
“No matter what, you and yours should always be vigilant, you know that, but I haven’t figured this one out yet. We have a pattern, but three of my victims don’t make sense.”
“I know you won’t share the details, but you’re saying three of them weren’t prostitutes, but two of them are?” Brandi lifted one of her legs and folded it under her, making her jeans pull tight. “If that’s true, how do you know it’s the same guy?”
“I know, and I want you to be careful. He doesn’t seem to be targeting anyone per se, only someone who’s out and convenient. Tameka was one too many for you. Talk to everyone living here and tell them to keep their eyes open.”
“Thanks, Sept, and if anyone on the force will spend time figuring out who did this, you will.”
Brandi walked them to the door and Sept let Nathan go out first. “I can’t stress this enough, Brandi. If you hear of anything or anyone you think is hinky, let me know. I’m tired of this guy being so far ahead of me.”
“You’ll be my first call.” Brandi put her hand on Sept’s face and smiled. “You always are, but since you haven’t made a move to kiss me good-bye, I think I might be out of luck when it comes to wearing you down.”
“I make a better friend than a lover, but she thinks otherwise, so I’m willing to try and prove her right.” Sept took Brandi’s hand and kissed the back of it. “You’d like her.”
“If you’re willing to take the chance, I’m sure I would. Tell her for me that she’s a lucky girl.”
“Will do, and I’ll be in touch.”
Sept walked to the car without looking back and didn’t hear the red door close until she was about to open the car door. Her friendship with Brandi could’ve easily become something else, but knowing that Brandi still worked on occasion would’ve driven her crazy.
“Want to knock off a little early today and pick this up first thing in the morning?” she asked Nathan.
“Sure.” He rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Where do you want to start tomorrow?”
“Let’s review everything we have so far. Sometimes when you put all the information in front of you, something small pops out that makes you feel like an idiot for missing it in the first place.” Sept drove back to the precinct slowly, finding that she missed talking things out with a partner. What had started as a reluctant relationship had started to gel, and she was beginning to enjoy being around Nathan.
“I’ll call the team together.”
“Wait up on that. We’ll go through it first. All that chatter when we’re crammed in there makes it hard to think. And check if the lab has results from the note we found.”
“Will do, and don’t forget to call me if you hear anything before that.”
Sept nodded as she parked next to his car. “Have a good afternoon off and try to get some rest.”
She headed to the vet’s office next and took the opportunity to call Keegan. “How was lunch?”
