The Maestro (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 3) (10 page)

CHAPTER 11

After putting Liam to bed, Myrna and Tom sat on the sofa and watched a movie. Myrna curled into Tom and covered them both up with a throw that had been slung over the back of the sofa.

Tom watched the screen but asked Myrna, “What was on that fax you handed my father tonight?”

She looked up at him and said, “It was the fingerprint and blood sample results. It also contained other information we had looked into regarding Reginald.”

“Was it conclusive?”

“Not entirely, but from what I could understand, it’s probable that Reginald is our guy.”

“Did you tell the chief?”

Myrna shook her head. “No, Maurice thinks it’s best to leave him in the dark. He states this is a family matter.”

Tom chuckled as he stretched out and wrapped Myrna in his arms. “He’ll handle things from here, then. I like the idea. For once, my soon-to-be wife gives me all her attention instead of getting involved in crimes.”

Myrna giggled. “I don’t do it on purpose, Tom. Maurice says I have an innate ability of sensing people’s intentions, evil or not.”

“Either way, we’re getting married, we’re on vacation, and you’re all mine.”

Myrna leaned up, kissed him tenderly, and whispered, “I sure am. Now, let’s pay attention to this movie, shall we?”

***

Fran returned to her chair at the table and calmly sipped her coffee as the two men examined and commented on the contents of the closet. There was a map of the United States hanging up on the wall, with pushpins entering it at murder sites across the country. They were connected by string. On a narrow wall were newspaper photos of female victims taken in each state. Some of the papers were aged, but it was evident Fran had tried to take good care of each article and photo.

Maurice and Adam returned to the table and stared at Fran. She placed her coffee mug down on the table and looked at them. “My daughter was four kills ago. The only reason I knew what the killer looked like was because my dear Lisbeth communicated with me each night, and she voiced fear of a man she had recently been dating. She felt she was being stalked. I told her to take a photo of him and try to report him to the police. She did as I asked, but the police couldn’t do a thing because he hadn’t broken into her apartment or assaulted her in any way.” Fran sighed. “She sent me the photo, and I’ve kept it on my cell phone for years.” Fran displayed her cell phone, found the picture, and showed the men. It was Reginald. “The cell phones are useless in this town because of the mountain peaks interfering with tower reception, but I keep it charged to remind myself not to give up.”

Maurice asked, “So the murderer of your dear Lisbeth will soon become a victim?”

Fran slammed her hand down onto the table and gave a final nod. “I’m going to do it for my daughter and all of the unfortunate women who died by his hands.”

Maurice pointed to the closet and dangled the fax in the air. “If we are assuming that he is responsible for all of these murders, that’s an impressive body count for one man.”

Fran sat still. “I know, but I can only attest to five of them.”

Adam cleared his throat. “Frannie, how did you track him so far from your original home?”

She snorted. “The dirty bugger showed up at my baby’s burial service. I guess he gets some sick thrill out of watching his victims get buried and the families’ mourning. I didn’t hesitate. I went to my car and started the engine, and I haven’t stopped tracking him since. Where he goes, I go. Where he stops, I stop. I didn’t even get to attend my daughter’s funeral reception.”

Maurice reached out and placed his hand over hers. “My dear, however did you survive in those towns without revealing yourself to him?”

“I had money from my husband’s life insurance policy. I hid from sight and lived on that. I recently ran out of cash, calculated where Reginald would go next, and, by the good grace of God, I wound up here ahead of him.”

Maurice glanced at Adam and back at Fran. “You do realize it was merely a stroke of luck that you chose the right town to land in.”

She shook her head. “He always travels through three states and lands in the fourth after a fresh kill, but in a small town where they are hiring and where no one would suspect him of anything. He gets a menial job and stays for one month, hightails it out of there, and goes stalking in a nearby city or town. It’s been the same cycle going on five years now.”

Maurice sat back, crossed his legs, and picked up his coffee. He sipped it as Adam consoled Fran. Adam grasped both her hands in his. “You saw him at the burial service for a reason, Frannie. I think you were meant to be the one to put an end to his killing spree. What I don’t get is why he hasn’t recognized you. I mean, you said he was at your daughter’s service.”

She smiled. “I wore a mourning veil. He didn’t see my face. But you’re right, I think I am meant to put an end to him and his ways.”

He leaned his forehead into hers. “Great minds tend to think alike.”

Maurice cleared his throat, interrupting them. “I do agree with this assessment. However, to end his killing spree means being decisive and swift of action, and Frances O’Connor must agree to take directions from me.”

Adam nodded as he looked at Fran. “Let him lead the way, Frannie. He’s the best.”

She turned to Maurice. “Why do you want him gone?”

Maurice clasped his hands atop his lap and answered, “Simply because he is an annoyance to my future daughter-in-law. She believes he had something to do with the death of someone named Tilly. I might also ask, why haven’t you notified the authorities of his whereabouts and actions?”

She grinned a sly grin. “I wanted to kill him once I had him all to myself. I never had the opportunity before, but I do now.”

Adam shoved back in his chair and laughed aloud. He pointed at her. “That does it. Frannie O’Connor, I’m gonna marry you someday!”

Maurice chuckled and nodded his head. “She is perfect for you, Adam. However, you know my rules about courting.”

Adam calmed down and replied, “I sure do, boss. I plan on wooing her like she’s never been wooed.”

Maurice’s eyes made their way to Fran. “I’m afraid he won’t listen to any objections from this point forward, Ms. O’Connor.”

She giggled and said, “He’s just a silly sot with a romantic side to him. I’ll let him court me, but he’s going to have to impress me.”

Adam leaned forward. “Is that a dare?”

She crunched up her face and answered, “Sure as the sun shines, it’s a dare. Are you up for it?”

Adam nodded as Maurice stood. After he correlated the fax information with the murders Fran was certain about, they said their good-byes. Fran promised to bolt and chain her door after they left and to keep up her usual ruse with Reginald.

When they left, she took her binoculars and placed them on the windowsill for the following morning.

***

Saturday evening, Delilah was in her bathroom at the Bed and Breakfast, primping her hair and blowing on her freshly polished fingernails. When the nails were dry, she took her new metal nail file, which she had purchased at the pharmacy when developing photos, and slipped it into the back pocket of her jeans. It was much heftier than her last one.

As she turned, she saw her father standing there, beaming at her. “Delilah, you look stunning. You’re becoming an aficionado at applying just the right amount of makeup.” He shook his head. “Not that you need it by any means, but you have great talent.”

She smiled. “Thank you, Father. Do you think my outfit is appropriate for tonight? We’re just doing a little hiking and then going to the pizza parlor.”

He nodded as she turned around to show him the outfit she had chosen. “The outfit is entirely appropriate.” He leaned to her and whispered, “I saw what you slid into your back pocket. Remember what I told you?”

She pulled back and looked up at him. “I am only to use it if I feel my life is threatened.”

“And where would you strike him with it?”

She pointed to both of her jugulars, her ears, and then her eyes. “Adam also taught me about other major arteries, but to only go there if I have a knife.”

“Correct. Now, this will be the first meal you’ll be eating without your special drink afterward. It’s a test of sorts. Do you think you can do it?”

“Yes, so long as it’s waiting for me when I get home tonight.” The phone in her room buzzed, and she rushed to get it. It was the main desk, stating there was a gentleman caller waiting to pick her up. She stated, “I’ll be right down.”

Maurice grinned. “Your special drink and I will be waiting for your return.” He leaned in, kissed her cheek again, and whispered, “Have a good time.”

“I will.” He watched her turn, leave her room, and go down the stairs. He checked his watch and noticed that Reginald was prompt as well. Gathering his suit coat, he left their floor and went out to take a brisk walk to the restaurant for the cake tasting. Adam was on a date with Fran, so Maurice was without a vehicle.

***

Myrna, Tom, and Liam sat in the banquet hall of Robert’s restaurant for the cake tasting. They had already eaten a light supper because Myrna was concerned about gaining too much weight before the wedding. She wanted to fit into her gown and not have to do any last-minute alterations.

“Where is your father, Tom?”

Tom leaned toward her. “My father is never late. If you told him five o’clock, then trust me, he’ll walk into this room at four fifty-nine.” He displayed his watch, and Myrna stared at it. Maurice still had five minutes.

Liam glanced at his children’s watch Delilah had gotten him and complained, “I want cake. I hope Grandpa hurries up.”

Myrna looked at him. “Do you still have room in your belly after the big supper you just ate?”

Liam smacked his lips and rubbed his stomach. “Mama, I always have room for cake.”

Myrna laughed and watched as the chief strolled into the room and took a seat. He was poised with a fork in his right hand. Myrna swore, if he began banging the table with it like a medieval soldier, she was going to swat him.

As predicted, Maurice entered at four fifty-nine and sat beside Liam. He took a cloth napkin and spread it out on his lap.

Tom asked him, “Where’s Delilah?”

Maurice grinned. “She’s on a date tonight with Reginald Denning.”

The chief held out his hand in introduction, and Maurice shook it. He asked, “Are you sure you want your daughter going out with him?”

Maurice displayed a sly grin. “I most assuredly do, Chief, but I thank you for your concern.”

The chief looked around the room. “Where is your companion?”

Maurice smiled. “I’m assuming you mean Adam. He is in the adjoining room, enjoying a candlelit supper with Ms. Frances O’Connor.”

The chief laughed. “I knew someone would come along and scoop that filly up. She’s a keeper. I swear, if I weren’t already married, I would have done the same.”

“I agree, Chief. She is perfect for our Adam.” He eyed Tom and watched as Tom just looked down and stared at his lap, fighting laughter. Myrna was poking him in the side, which wasn’t helping him.

Two seconds later, Sarah and Robert came in with five platters of thinly sliced cake to taste. Sarah described each variety and handed out plates to everyone. With a wedge server, she placed one of each variety on everyone’s plate while Robert filled their water glasses.

Sarah took a seat as Robert returned to the kitchen. She watched everyone taste each slice and waited patiently for comments.

Myrna took sips of water after each slice, and then she sat back and wiped her lips. She pointed at one and stated, “That has to be the most divine carrot cake I’ve ever eaten. The fresh spices, grated carrots, and raisins scream, ‘Pick me!’”

Sarah giggled. “I knew it was your favorite, and I can make the same frosting and decorate it wonderfully.”

Myrna held a hand up and replied, “Let’s wait to see what everyone else thinks. We have to take our guests and wedding party into consideration.”

The chief spoke with a mouthful as he inhaled another slice. “Hell you say—the wedding day is about the bride. If it were my choice, I’d have a slice of every damn one of these at the reception.”

Myrna laughed as Tom scolded the chief, “I don’t care if I’m on vacation or not, Chief. You will show up at the hospital on Monday morning at nine a.m. for a damn checkup with me and some blood work! I’m not going to watch you die from stubbornness!”

Myrna added, “Do it, or you can’t come to the wedding and eat from the delicious buffet Robert has planned.”

The chief slammed the fork down in frustration. “That’s nothing but blackmail, and both of you know it, Myrna!” He took a breath and mumbled, “It’s no never mind to me anyway because I’ll get the last laugh when Dr. Tom examines me and finds I don’t have a damn thing wrong with me. I just like good food, damn it!”

Liam was too busy delicately tasting each piece alongside Maurice. They were taking their time and savoring each bite.