“Except for this.” Maria had a find of her own, a photograph showing a younger Jenkins with a woman and a child of about ten years old. “What are the odds that Judy is the woman in the picture? Maybe they got divorced.”

  “Let’s find out.”

  Chapter Six

  “You’ve been awfully quiet since you left the lieutenant’s office,” Derek remarked. “Anything I should prepare for?”

  They were on their way to see Randy’s employer, the owner of a garage close by. Lisa, Todd’s girlfriend, wasn’t able to add much to the story. He had left to meet with Randy. She didn’t see him again until after the hospital called.

  “No, not really,” Jordan said, aware she was being evasive. Much of her conversation with Daniels still lingered on her mind, the subjects ranging from flattering to sobering. Carroll had backed her up, smoothed over what could have been a longer story with the ignorant parents of a serial killer’s victim. And of course Daniels was meticulous, so she had to bring up the other serial killer.

  Going down to that basement on a hunch, without back-up.

  “I don’t want to spend any more time on this than absolutely necessary, but it’s not a secret that we’ll all be under a lot of scrutiny for the time to come. I just want you to be aware of it. You could go far, in this department, or anywhere.” A few months ago, Jordan had been grateful to be alive, with her family, and to be able to go back to work. More than once, she had declined a job offer that her ex Dr. Bethany Roberts, a psychiatrist with the FBI, had brought to her. Daniels had given her a lot to think about.

  “That doesn’t sound very convincing.”

  “It’s true. We’re fine, for now. Basically she let me know that the higher-ups are watching her, and by proxy, us, so we better do everything by the letter of the book. No more making waves for a while.”

  “Right.” Derek laughed, incredulous. “I get where she is coming from, so I don’t blame her. I guess we have to ask the more notorious criminals to stay out of town. Just so everything goes smoothly.”

  “Worth a try, huh? I could do smooth for a while.”

  Ellie had hinted at what Daniels had told her, but they didn’t have a lot of time to discuss it. Jordan wondered if she’d received the same warnings/compliments about a bright future with the department. Then again, Ellie had nothing to worry about. Whenever she had gone above the job description, it was with the backing of a supervisor.

  “I wouldn’t mind it,” he agreed.

  “Exactly. She also complimented us on our record.”

  “I guess that’s a good thing. All right, we’re here. Let’s see if these folks have anything for us.”

  They entered the building through the reception area. The woman behind the counter got up from her chair.

  “How can I help you?” she asked.

  Jordan showed her badge. “Detective Carpenter, this is Detective Henderson. We’re here to see Mr. Quentin.”

  “Just a moment, please.” She never lost the pleasant smile as she turned away and went through a door in the back.

  A few minutes later, she returned with a man in his fifties. He was wearing jeans and a button down shirt.

  “Detectives. You’re here about Randy, I assume. Is he…?”

  Jordan and Derek shared a look. Aware of the receptionist and a couple of customers waiting, she said, “Could we go somewhere more private?”

  “Of course. Let’s take this to my office.”

  Once they’d closed the door behind themselves, he asked again, “So, Homicide, that’s serious. What happened to Randy?”

  “We were hoping you could help us,” Jordan said. “I assume people noticed he didn’t show up at work?”

  “Right. Sara, you just met her, she called his place. His grandmother was worried, and eventually, she filed a police report. That’s all I know.”

  “Did he ever have problems with any of the staff? Got into arguments or fights?”

  “Oh, no.” Mr. Quentin shook his head, looking as if she’d suggested something outrageous. He was—is a good guy. No. I can’t imagine…My staff is very dedicated, customer-oriented. They don’t get into arguments on the job.”

  “Okay. This might sound odd, but are you aware of anyone on your team being into dressing up? Specifically as clowns?”

  It was hard to ask this question with a straight face, but Jordan had a reason. She thought Quentin’s reaction was a bit delayed as he laughed.

  “If they do, I have no idea. Anyway, have you looked around outside? Halloween is coming.”

  “You’re right about that. Thanks, Mr. Quentin. If you can think of anything else, please let us know.”

  “Wait, you didn’t tell me…Randy, is he dead?”

  The detail of the severed hand hadn’t been released to the press yet, and they were still waiting for the test results.

  “We can’t say for sure yet,” Derek told him. “Thank you.”

  On the way back, they stopped for a quick coffee at a local chain.

  “What a waste of time,” Derek said as they sat down with their beverages.

  “Maybe not,” Jordan argued. “I counted four duffel bags in the corner of the office.”

  “Damn. Four clowns with duffel bags.”

  “Exactly, but don’t get too excited. There’s no chance we get a warrant based on that.”

  “So we take a closer look at the garage. And we have a lead.”

  “Yes to both.” She clinked her cup against his. “To leads and smooth sailing. And here’s the lab calling,” Jordan added when her cell phone started vibrating on the table. “Perfect timing.”

  * * * *

  Ellie and Maria had sought out Dr. Hoffman who confirmed that he saw Jenkins’ once a year for a check-up. He had no idea about the hoarding, though he revealed that Jenkins had mentioned going through difficult times after his divorce. They had found out that the woman in the picture was Victoria Haley, Ronald Jenkins’ ex-wife. Not Judy.

  While Maria finished up the interview with the doctor, Ellie stepped outside on the sidewalk to call the other number from Jenkins’ address book. The phone was answered after the second ring.

  “Hello, this is Judy,” an anxious voice said. She sounded oddly familiar. Ellie ignored the feeling, and continued.

  “This is Detective Ellie Harding. We found your name in the address book of a Mr. Ronald Jenkins. Could you tell me your last name?”

  “Wait, what? The police? Did something happen to Ronald?”

  “Would you please come to the station, so we could talk?”

  Silence.

  Did Ronald Jenkins have an affair? Did she know about his living conditions, or was that relationship a thing of the past as well?

  “I guess I can do that.” The woman didn’t sound very convinced. “You asked for my last name. It’s Lawrence.”

  “Ms. Lawrence. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize your voice right away. I could send someone over…no wait. How about I come get you, and I can drive you home once we’re done? I promise you it won’t take long.”

  “Okay, but you said…Ronald?”

  “I’m afraid he was found dead by a neighbor.” Judy Lawrence didn’t need to know details. “I’m sorry that I had to call you. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “Thank you, Detective Harding.”

  Ellie ended the call, stunned at what she’d learned. It’s a small world. Judy Lawrence, the woman who had survived a serial killer thanks to Jordan’s quick intervention. Said intervention had come at a great cost.

  Judy had briefly been on their radar again when a group admiring the man had targeted his surviving victims, but Ellie hadn’t heard anything from her since. Like Jenkins, Judy rarely left her home. It was a surprise that she had so quickly agreed to come to the station—or perhaps more had changed in her life than Ellie was aware of.

  “What happened?”

  Maria had joined her in front of the office. Her concerned tone shook her out of the trip down memory lane.

  “I found out who Judy is,” she said. “You won’t believe this. Judy Lawrence.”

  “That’s…interesting,” Maria responded. “To say the least.”

  “It is. I told her I’d pick her up and we talk at the station.”

  “You do that. We’ll meet back there.”

  “Okay.”

  Ellie called Ms. Lawrence back to tell her she was on her way. Another surprise greeted her when she made it to the address: Judy was waiting for her outside, on the stairs leading to her front door. Her reaction must have shown, because Judy shrugged.

  “I guess I know what you’re thinking, but I got tired of hiding inside…It didn’t do me any good.”

  Ellie gave her what she hoped was an encouraging smile. She was more than glad to stay on topic.

  “Again, I’m sorry for springing this on you. I can get you a coffee when we’re there…In fact, I could use one.”

  After being confronted with the smells and sights of the day, food had been farthest from her mind, though her empty stomach was making itself known now.

  “I won’t say no to that,” Judy returned politely.

  They arrived at the station minutes later, and Ellie found an empty briefing room where she got Judy settled in. She quickly went to get coffee and a snack, and returned to her witness.

  “There you go. So…How did you know Mr. Jenkins?”

  “I actually never met him in person,” Judy said. “I still considered him a friend, because we shared…some things.”

  That left a lot open to interpretation. Ellie thought back to her earlier theory.

  “Whatever’s on your mind, it’s probably not that. There was nothing weird going on. He was already divorced when we met online.” She shook her head. “It’s strange, right, that I would trust anyone online after everything…but that’s what happens when you spend most of your life inside, you seek a connection somewhere else. Anyway, there was nothing dangerous about him. I found him in a forum for trauma patients. The psychological kind.”

  “He’d been the victim of a crime?”

  Ellie remembered that Judy, and Lori Gleason, another woman who had escaped Darby’s torture chamber, had created and worked together in an advocacy group. Gleason had continued when Judy stepped away.

  “Not in the same way, no. His family home burned to the ground. He never got over it, and eventually, the strain on the relationship was too much.” Judy drank a sip of her coffee. “It’s not the same, of course, but we could kind of relate in a way. Being angry at the world.”

  “You both had reason to be.”

  “No kidding. It just wasn’t fair…random shit in his case, someone who didn’t like the way I lived, in mine. We talked on a fairly regular basis, even after I met Shawn. My boyfriend,” she clarified. “Before you go down that road, he knew all about Ronald, why I was talking to him and what about. He’s not the jealous type. I wouldn’t fall for that again.”

  Ellie wasn’t yet sure she’d take her word for it. She made a mental note, hoping that Judy was right. If she had found love, great.

  “Did you know Ronald was a hoarder?”

  “We touched on that briefly. He didn’t like to talk about it, as you can imagine. He was ashamed, but I guess he could open up to me a little bit, because I spent a lot of time inside with the curtains closed. He actually encouraged me to seek more help. I so wish he’d done the same.” She wiped a tear from her eye, but more followed. “Excuse me.”

  Ellie found a box of tissues on one of the filing cabinets and handed it to her.

  “There’s no need. I’m really sorry…but I have to ask. Are you aware of anyone who might have wanted to do him harm?”

  “Absolutely not. He was always polite, and kind.” She sniffed and swallowed. “Damn, I swore to myself I wouldn’t fall apart.”

  “You’re doing great, Judy,” Ellie told her softly. “Please, take your time.”

  “I wish I could help you. I just can’t imagine…After his divorce, he cut ties with his family and friends, and he’d been living like that for years. One of his neighbors brought over food for him sometimes, but he wasn’t close to them. I hate that things ended like this for him. He was a caring and intelligent man. He could talk numismatics for hours, and sometimes we did.”

  “Coins?” Ellie had to make sure she’d understood correctly. “He was a collector too?” They hadn’t found anything related to the subject in the house, but there were still a lot of papers and junk to go through.

  “For sure he wouldn’t go to any conventions, then again, neither did I. He did continue to grow his collection. There’s a lot you can find online.”

  Judy, however, hadn’t been suffocating in clutter. Still, Ellie was fairly certain this detail was important.

  “Do you know if he owned any rare coins?”

  “I’m not sure. It’s always been a hobby for me. He was more into it. In fact, his enthusiasm got me into collecting again. He did talk about a recent delivery, but I don’t know what exactly it entailed. You think…”

  “It’s too early to tell if it’s related, but we’ll look into it. This has been very helpful. Thank you, Judy. I know it wasn’t easy for you.”

  “I’m sad for Ronald,” she admitted. “I’m actually doing better these days. He had a lot to do with that.”

  “I’ll drive you home,” Ellie offered.

  “Thank you, but I don’t think that’s necessary. I’ll call Shawn. He’ll pick me up.”

  “If you prefer that, sure.”

  Two birds with one stone, so to speak, if she could get a glimpse at the boyfriend. Just in case.

  Chapter Seven

  On the surface, nothing suggested that Quentin had lied to them. He had started his business some seven years ago and currently employed six mechanics. Sara and an intern who worked with her, plus his secretary. Business seemed to be booming. Jordan was a little less enthusiastic about the prospects when A.D.A. Esposito confirmed what she already knew.

  “I’m really sorry, but I can’t get you a warrant on a hunch.”

  “Don’t be, I expected that,” she said with a sigh.

  “Any sign of the rest of the body?”

  “No. The area is still being turned upside down, nothing yet. But I wish I knew what was in those duffel bags.”

  Valerie’s eyes widened.

  “Come on, no. I didn’t think body parts. More like guns, rope, and duct tape?”

  “Well, if you have anything, you’ll know where to find me. I’m going to find my girlfriend and figure out if I have to eat dinner alone.”

  Jordan cast a look at Ellie’s empty desk. Neither she or Maria were anywhere to be seen.

  “I guess they’re still busy with the new case. Either way, have a good evening.”

  “Thanks.”

  Valerie Esposito left at the same time Lieutenant Daniels arrived. Jordan noticed that Derek hunched a bit behind his computer.

  “Detective Henderson,” Daniels said with a smile. “If you could come see me in my office? I believe there’s also some development regarding your case?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  The doors opened again, but it wasn’t Maria or Ellie, but Officer Libby Marshall, a man in his mid-forties with her.

  * * * *

  The boyfriend had made it easy on Ellie, texting Judy that he was going to meet her inside. She and Judy had just left the briefing room. Ellie saw Officer Marshall with a man she assumed to be Shawn. Judy walked towards him, but stopped in her tracks when she saw Jordan.

  “Detective Carpenter, hi. I was wondering if I might see you here.”

  “Judy, hi. How are you?”

  Jordan’s tone and smile were polite. Ellie didn’t think she was imagining the hint of reservation.

  “I’m good, thank you,” Judy answered, unaware. “And don’t worry. It looks like I could help the police with a bit of my questionable expertise. Oh. I want you to meet my boyfriend Shawn,” she said, before waving him over. “Shawn, this is Detective Carpenter.”

  Ellie stepped back a bit, watching as he shook hands with Jordan. Apparently he didn’t need more of an introduction.

  “You’re the one who saved Judy’s life! Thank you so much,” he said, seeming awe-struck.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Shawn.”

  “You too. When Judy asked me to pick her up, I had no idea it would be from a police station,” he said, a half-hearted attempt at a joke.

  Silence ensued, and before it could become too awkward, Ellie intervened. “Please, if you need anything, just call. Have a good evening.”

  Officer Marshall saw the couple out. Ellie noticed the thoughtful glance Jordan cast after them.

  “I think this is a situation that requires more coffee.”

  Turning to her, Jordan said, “No kidding. Let’s go.”

  * * * *

  In the break room, Jordan sat, leaning against the back of the chair. It wasn’t that she needed more caffeine so badly, but the warmth was a much needed comfort. Judy Lawrence, the coin collector. Her coins had been a killer’s trophy.

  “I know this was a surprise, but I don’t think you, or Judy, for that matter, have to worry about anything. She’s a hobby collector. My guy, Ronald Jenkins, was more serious about it. He likely owned more some more valuable coins, and someone found out about it.”

  Ellie sat across from her. “How’s it going on your side?”

  “Okay. Derek is inside with Daniels, and I don’t think it’s just about updating her. A vague lead so far. So, Judy has a boyfriend now.”

  “Yeah. According to what she says, it’s the real thing.”

  Jordan detected a hint of doubt in Ellie’s tone.

  “But?”

  “I wish there wasn’t one,” Ellie said with a sigh. “But I want to take a look at him, to be on the safe side. She spent a lot of time talking online to my victim…says Shawn wasn’t jealous, but I want to be sure. She deserves to have a life, and love after all this.”

  Jordan sensed there was a bit of a double meaning to those words.

  “Yeah, she does. Let’s make sure no one’s trying to take advantage. At least, you will,” she corrected herself. “I’ll have to figure out if my idea has some merit, or if those co-workers at Quentin’s were all best of friends.”

 

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