A/N: Thanks to my SOSF buddies for their continued support. Also thanks to a couple of new readers outside of the US for their messages. I really appreciate it!
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Steve and Connie pulled up to her driveway just after 11pm.
"Do you think your dad might be awake? I'd like to speak with him."
Connie grinned. "Oh…why?"
Steve chuckled. "It's not anything between us. I just want him to be aware of what's going on in the neighborhood. He's got you, your sister and his wife to think about."
"Really, Steve. You worry way too much."
"Babe, someone has been killed and a five year old is now an orphan."
"But it could have been her husband, you know. I mean it's sad no matter what, but it may not be at all random."
"He needs to know. And yeah, I can mention it to him that we're not definite. But if you were my wife," Steve paused, "or my daughter, I'd want to know."
"Okay. The light is on so he may be up. Let's go in."
Steve reached over and gave her a kiss. Then he looked down and whispered, "I love you, you know."
"Oh, Steve! I love you, too."
"If anything in this world were to happen to you, I would be devastated. And if anything were to happen and I could have done something to prevent it, then I would never be able to forgive myself. Letting your father know what's going on is the least I can do."
She reached over and hugged him. "How did I get so lucky to get you back into my life?"
Steve kissed her one more time before they went into the house.
King watched them from his mother's car.
I thought I recognized that police officer. He's the boyfriend of the hot doll that lives in the Mathers house. She's been on my target list since I first saw her. Her being with him will make it more of a challenge, but that's all a part of the game. To get to her, I may need to find out more about him.
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In the house, Steve did not relish the idea of having this talk with Professor Mathers, but he knew it was necessary. He waited in the front sitting room while Connie got him from his study.
"Young man, I'm not quite sure what this is about, but it takes a lot of nerve for you to come here at this late hour wanting to talk to me."
"Sir, what I have to say to you has nothing to do with Connie and me. I want you to be aware of something that occurred in your neighborhood here."
"Go on."
"Yes, sir. There was a murder a week ago not far away from here."
"Yes, we heard it was the husband and that he killed himself."
"Sir, that has not been the official ruling. There was simply no physical evidence to link the husband to her murder. And in his suicide note, there was no confession…just how much he loved his wife and child. Normally, in suicide notes, you would expect to see a confession of the truth. It's almost like a request for absolution. We interviewed Mr. Nelson the day after the murder, and quite frankly, I couldn't say that he exhibited what I would consider guilty behaviors. At least not guilty of murder."
"You wouldn't? What makes you so certain?"
"Frankly, I'm not, but I've been in this job three years now and have interviewed more than my share of suspects. This man spoke as if he had nothing to hide."
"But we had heard about his business dealings and the fact they were broke."
"A lot of people go broke or do illegal things. But most of them don't kill. Mr. Nelson had no record of violence, let alone a previous criminal history."
"So why are you telling me this?"
"I will stick to the facts, Professor. Someone in this neighborhood was convicted of murdering a young woman twenty years ago. That same individual was released from prison three weeks ago and returned here. There are three possibilities: One: he did it; Two: someone who knows him did it to make it look like he did it; or Three: he had nothing to do with it."
"I follow you. There is a possibility that the killer is on the loose still."
"If I were a father and a husband in this neighborhood, I would want to know what was going on and I would do what I could to keep the women I love safe. That's all."
Professor Mathers looked down at the floor and nodded his head.
"I care for Connie, sir. I care for her a lot. I don't know how things will end up with us, but beyond all possibilities, I want her to be safe. I want her sister to be safe. And while I am not high on her list of favorite people, I want your wife to remain safe."
With that Professor Mathers chuckled. "Thanks, Steve. I appreciate it. Please keep me informed."
"I will, sir. Please keep the doors and windows locked. I'd also make sure the place was well lit. And please make sure that the women aren't home alone - at least not individually. I don't mean to worry or frighten you."
"Have you mentioned this to Connie?"
"Yes, sir. She was not all together happy about me talking to you. She says I worry too much."
"Women. Can't please them no matter what we do," Professor Mathers responded with a smile. "Thanks, Steve."
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The next morning, Steve came into the station later than usual. After all, he didn't get home until after midnight and even with that, he had a hard time falling asleep. He couldn't get Connie out of his mind and he also couldn't stop worrying about her well being.
Still, that wasn't the reason for his tardiness. And so he lay in wait as he anticipated an opening remark from his boss.
"Nice of you to join me today, Buddy boy. A late night with sweet Connie?" Mike did not disappoint.
Steve ignored the bait. "I've been over to see the coroner this morning. I had this thought. You see, Mr. Nelson was a thin man. So I asked the coroner if the bruising around Mrs. Nelson's neck could have been caused by someone with smaller hands or if he could tell if it came from a larger man."
"And?" Mike was intrigued and once again, impressed by his junior partner.
"He's checking on it right now. It may not prove King committed the crime, but it may clear Mr. Nelson."
Mike nodded.
"Mike, I have to tell you that I'm worried. If King is really back to his old ways, the community won't be safe until we get him. But we can't get him unless we have proof."
"I'm with you 100% Buddy-boy. Good work."
"Oh yeah, and Connie says 'hello'," Steve said with a wink.
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Bernie King sat in his carriage house. He watched the neighborhood over the last few weeks without detection from other residents. From his observations, he created his target list of victims. He considered these women as his 'special projects'. He spent his time finding out about their habits and when they were alone. It was now his obsession.
The first one on his list was Cathy Nelson. The other four women he selected were of similar build and look. The last would be used as his special message to the world.
He catalogued these women's lives. In addition to his recordkeeping, he had taken pictures of the women, their cars and any spouses or children. He had their work addresses if they were employed and the names of any clubs or activities he noted as he followed them. He knew where they bought their groceries and had their hair done.
It was time to move on to victim number two.
