Chapter 14- Twenty six years old- part 1
"Thanks for coming in. We really need you for this case." Agent Perkins told me
I was in Washington DC sitting in a conference room. The building is what's known as FBI Headquarters. Agent Perkins had called me in to discuss and important case that he was unable to discuss over the phone. I looked through the file that was set before me on the table. The suspect was thought to be the serial killer of nine women in the Northwest. His victims were found all over Oregon and Washington.
"You want me to check the profile? See if other suspects may fit?" I asked
"We want you to talk to him. We believe there may still be victims out there. Dead or alive we would like to find the bodies. We have him in custody in Portland, Oregon." Agent Perkins explained "That file is still a work in progress. We've only had him in custody for twenty-four hours."
"And you would also like me to get him to confess." I guessed
"Well, if anyone can do it I know you can." he looked at me intently.
"What makes you think I can do it?" I questioned him
"You have a way of making people talk." he shrugged "People trust you. You set people at ease and make them want to talk."
"How many others before me?" I asked
The agent hesitated.
"You were my first choice but..." he began
"How many?" I prodded
"Three." he answered
"So three agents have tried and gotten nothing out of him and now you want me to perform miracles?" I asked
"I know you can do it." he nodded
"Let me go home and go over the case and I will call you tomorrow morning with my decision." I told him
We both rose to our feet and he extended his hand.
"Thank you. I can't begin to tell you how important this case is." he told me
I pulled into the underground garage of the Rangeman building just before five o'clock. I had already decided that I would take the case during my drive home. I needed to at least try. I wanted to locate any other victims that may be out there and I wanted this guy's confession. Carlos had been a bit over protective lately. Johnny Ortega had recently broken out of jail and he had a couple of skips that made threats against me. As far as I was concerned it came along with the job, but Carlos was having more of an issue with it. Anytime a case came up that required a distraction he tried to think of any other option before agreeing to it. I had already texted him to meet me for dinner in the penthouse as soon as he was available. Thank God I didn't have to rely on frozen food or take-out anymore. They used to be my only choices for dinner if Carlos or Lester were too busy to cook. Now I had Ella.
Carlos' uncle had recently been forced into early retirement and he was miserable having nothing to do. After much discussion we decided to hire him as the handyman for the building. Tank, Bobby and Lester all had apartments on the sixth floor so we moved Carlos' Aunt Ella and Uncle Louis into the last available apartment on that floor. His aunt never had children but had a strong desire to take care of others. We gave her the responsibility of taking care of the men. She was to provide meals in the break room every day and perform cooking and cleaning for our penthouse. We gave both of them a salary as well as free room and board.
Ella lit up with the idea of having so many to take care of. Every day her face was bright with a big smile and the men appreciated her. I couldn't be happier. Her cooking was incredible and it was so nice to not have to worry about laundry. Abuela was living in an assisted care facility. I picked her up on weekends whenever I could and we would cook together like the old days. Carlos and I met up with my dad and Anna once a month or so for dinner. We had dinner with his parents mainly during holiday times. My brother Sal was in Nigeria working with doctors without borders.
I took the elevator straight to the seventh floor. As soon as I opened the door the wonderful smell hit me. Fettuccine Alfredo with sausage. My favorite meal. Carlos was at the kitchen counter drinking a glass of wine. He smiled when he saw me and poured another glass. I reached the counter and he pulled me tightly against him.
"Glad you're home." he told me
"Me too" I smiled
I planted a sweet kiss on his lips and then gathered up my wine glass. As soon as I took a drink I knew it was my favorite type. He gestured for me to sit at the table where our dinner awaited us.
"My favorite meal. My favorite wine. Something I should know? I asked as I took my seat
"I wanted to talk to you about something important Babe." he explained
"Hmm, should I be worried?" I asked him
"I don't think so." he shrugged
"So what is it?" I asked
"Well, I was thinking." he began
"Uh oh." I teased
"Eat your dinner." he laughed
I ate a spoonful of Fettuccine and moaned. It was delicious. Carlos chuckled at me and leaned back in his chair.
"How was your drive?" he asked me
"Fine. You know I have absolutely no patience. Tell me what's going on." I pleaded
"I can't make small talk with my wife?" he smiled
"Carlos, you don't do small talk." I couldn't help but smile.
"The company is doing very well." he reminded me
"Yes, it is. Sales are up. We have hired more men. The Miami branch is going strong and Bobby has been training the manager of the new Boston branch. I'd say we're doing better than any of us could have imagined." I agreed
"I think it's time to expand once again." he informed me
"Where?" I asked
"Our family." he quickly answered
"Expand our family?" I was confused.
"Babe"
"You want to have children?" I asked
"Do you?" he returned my question
"I never really envisioned having children. Then again I never really envisioned getting married until I met you." I admitted
"So we can try?" he was excited
"How about this? Let's leave it up to fate." I suggested "I will stop taking my birth control and when it happens it happens."
"Perfect." his bright smile lit up the room
"What brought this on?" I asked
"I was sitting in my office going over financials. As you said the company is doing great. Then I glanced at the picture of you on my desk and we are doing great. I realized the only thing missing for me was a child. I want to see you pregnant." his pupils dilated
"Is this a caveman thing?" I giggled
"I am sure I will feel very proud to watch your belly grow with our child." he hid a smile
I laughed "So a little bit of a caveman thing?"
"Babe"
"I would love to have a baby with you." I admitted
He pushed his chair back and got to his feet. He pulled me from my chair into a tight embrace.
"Thank you" he said quietly
"I think as soon as we finish dinner we should start practicing." I suggested
"That's a very good idea Babe." Carlos whispered in my ear.
When I woke up Carlos was still in bed with me. I had dragged him to the bed to make love to him as soon as I finished my last bite of dessert. Then we made love in the shower. Then we made love again when he woke me in the middle of the night. Carlos and I were very good at this baby making practice. He felt that I was awake and began rubbing my arm. My head was laying on his chest and my leg was curled across his.
"Good morning gorgeous." he kissed the top of my head
"Good morning sexy." I purred
"What's on your schedule today?" he asked me
"I need to do some major research on this case for the feds." I explained
"I'm sorry. I completely forgot to ask about it last night." he chuckled
"You had other things on your mind." I smiled
"So, tell me all about it." he suggested
"They need me to go to Portland to talk to a suspected serial killer." I cut to the chase.
"No way." he growled
"Excuse me?" I pulled away and met his eyes
"No." he stated
"No? You're kidding me right?" he shook his head as I spoke. "This is my job Carlos."
"No. Running our company is your job. Making sales is your job. Maintaining clients is your job. Consulting with the PD is your job." he sat up
"Working with the FBI is also my job." I was on my feet.
"This is too dangerous." he was on his feet
"Are you kidding me? I will be talking to a man in custody." I rolled my eyes
"What if he's not the one? What if the killer is still loose in that area?" he asked
"Carlos" I crossed my arms across my chest
"What if he is the killer and he manages to get free during a conversation? What if he gets fixated on you and then escapes?" he stalked towards me.
I raised both hands to stop him.
"Do you realize how irrational you sound?" I asked
"You are not going." he commanded
"I can't believe you're serious. I am a grown woman, I don't need another daddy." My voice was rising
"I can't let you do this." he stood in front of me
"Let me?" I took a deep breath "I am going to take a shower."
"Babe"
"No. Don't talk to me right now and don't you dare try to join me in the shower. I don't want to talk to you right now." I glared at him.
"I love you." he offered through gritted teeth.
"I love you too. I just don't like you very much right now." I huffed
I still didn't understand his whole 'I love you' when we argued. No matter how mad or upset he was he always told me he loved me. He explained to me once that it was a military thing. That if something happened he wanted that to be the last phrase we exchanged to each other and not words of anger. I was a runner by nature and always needed to walk away and sometimes run and escape. Each time he would make sure he said 'I love you' before I walked away from the situation. It always made it very hard to stay furious with him.
I tried to calm myself as the hot water poured over me. I was no longer furious, but I will still angry. What the hell was his problem? Many times at work I had to prove I was just one of the guys and didn't need special treatment. It was infuriating at times when Carlos or Hector tried to forbid me from doing something they deemed too dangerous. I took a long hot shower and tried to get myself together. I knew he had valid concerns, but this was something I was going to do.
When I got out of the shower I stayed in the bathroom. I did all of my deodorant and lotion stuff. I did my hair and put on some light make-up including several layers of mascara. I was avoiding leaving the bathroom. I knew Carlos would be waiting for me. He never allowed an argument to brew too long between us if it could be avoided. He was one who never wanted to go to bed angry as well. We didn't often argue or disagree but when we did it was something fierce. We were both very stubborn.
I came out of the bathroom wrapped in my towel and saw him waiting on the bed. He was fully clothed with his hands folded behind his head and his legs crossed at the ankle. He watched me as I crossed the room and went into the walk-in closet. I looked for my black skirt and my white silky top. I had a client meeting this afternoon. I located my clothes and grabbed a white bra and panty set. As soon as I dropped my towel Carlos appeared in the doorway.
"So beautiful." he said softly as he approached me.
I felt the blush rise in my cheeks. I pulled on the panties and leaned into my bra. Before I knew it Carlos was at my back clasping the bra for me. He pulled my shirt from the hanger and held it out for me. I slid my arms in and he pulled it on to me. He turned me and buttoned up the front slowly. He grabbed my skirt and got down onto his knees to allow me to step into it. Once again he spun me around and tucked in my shirt before he zippered up the skirt. He slid his arms around my waist and pulled me tight against him. My back to his front. I put my hands on his arms and leaned back against him. When I turned my head he kissed me. The kiss was slow and full of love and I felt myself relax into him.
"I hate to fight with you." he told me when we came up for air.
"Me too." I agreed
"What are we going to do?' he asked
"I need to go to Portland. There is a chance there are more victims out there dead or alive. I need to see if they have the right guy and try to get some information from him. Nine women Carlos. They have found nine women they believe were all murdered by this man." I explained
"What does this have to do with you?" he asked me
"It's important." I was becoming frustrated
"Of course it's important. The FBI came to you?" he asked
"You sound surprised that they would come to me?" the anger was rising again
"That's not what I meant." he explained
"The higher ups didn't consider me. They sent three other agents or profilers and none of them got anything. Agent Perkins wanted me from the beginning. They finally allowed him to reach out to me." I admitted
"How long do you think it will take?" he asked me
I shrugged "Not sure. Hopefully not more than a couple of days."
"What is your plan?" he spun me around
"I will take Hector with me." I assured him
"That will give me some comfort I guess." he kissed my nose
"Why are you so worried?" I asked
"I always worry about you." he sighed "I don't really have any say in this do I?"
"Thank you Carlos." I melted against him. "Thank you so much for understanding."
"I'm still not happy about it. If it takes more than two days I will be flying out there to check on you. I need to make a...request." he paused
"Yes?" I was curious
"Hector needs to be at the facilities. I want him somewhere that will allow him to see you at all times whenever you are with the suspect. Can you make that happen?" he asked
"I'll tell agent Perkins when I call this morning to accept the job." I nodded "I can't guarantee it."
"You haven't accepted?" he was surprised
"I had to talk to my husband first." I stated
"Good to know." he nodded
Hector and I landed in Portland at ten o'clock at night. We checked into our hotel. Carlos had booked us a two bedroom suite. I sighed to myself. Sometimes I had a hard time accepting his concern. At times it made me feel like he had no faith in me. I know he was just worried about me, but still he had to know that I was capable of taking care of myself. His need to protect me was sometimes smothering.
"It's because he loves you." Hector told me as we entered the suite
"Hector." I shook my head "I'm trained to be an FBI agent. I went through all of the physical training. I am intelligent enough to do my best to avoid dangerous situations. I brought you here with me as back up. And still he doesn't trust me to have my own room."
"Angelita, he trusts you. It's just easier like this. We can meet in the living room and have meals together. Watch TV together." he smiled
I sighed "Yeah, I understand. Just...well...we argued about me doing this."
"But when he drove us to the airport he was fine." Hector looked confused
"We came to a compromise." I explained
"Me?" he raised his eyebrows as I nodded
"Estephania, your husband loves you with his whole heart. Neither of you have ever been with anyone else because you were brought together at such a young age. You were meant to be together. Always around to protect each other." Hector explained to me
"I understand. I know he loves me and I love him more than anything else in the world. I just wish he would have more faith in me." I admitted
"You will feel better in the morning." he assured me
Hector set down the suitcases and pulled me into his arms. I let my cheek fall against his chest and he kissed me on the top of my head. I heaved out a big sigh and tried to just let it go. I was tired and cranky. I had stopped taking my birth control pills and immediately got my period so I knew that wasn't helping my mood either. Hector released me and picked up my suitcase. He went into my bedroom and set it on the suitcase holder. He pulled me to him once more and kissed my forehead.
"Clear your mind and sleep Angelita. You will need your strength tomorrow." he warned before he left the room
The next morning I was at the Portland field office. I was in a conference room sitting across from a very nervous looking agent. He had hastily made the introductions. His name was Stan Rutherford. He seemed very nervous about my presence and anxious for me to meet the potential serial killer. He passed an open file to me.
"You are looking at Clarence Vaughn. Thirty years old. High School Graduate. Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He always returned to the scene of the crime. That's how we finally caught up to him. He was arrested when he stood with a group of bystanders as we pulled Sabrina King out of the house. He has been silent here for the last twenty-four hours. He is under arrest for the suspected murder of nine women." Agent Rutherford told me
"Born in New Brunswick?" I asked
He nodded "Seems he lived there until he was twenty-five. The first victim we suspect is Alison Barkley, sixteen year old waitress here in Portland."
"It didn't mention New Jersey in the file I was given." I told him
"It's new information. At that time he went by the name Sam Vaughn. He attended Princeton University." he explained
"When did this information come in?" I asked
"This morning." he answered
I blew out a breath and was silent for a moment. I had memorized his file but now this new information changed things for me. Had I met him before? Is that why I was drawn to this case?
"And he hasn't spoken to anyone?" I asked
"Not a word. Not even a groan when he accidentally slammed into a wall." the agent smirked
"Were the agents who tried to speak to him strictly male?" I asked
"No. We had one female agent attempt to speak to him. She didn't look like you." he noted
"How so?" I asked him
"You don't exactly look like an FBI agent." he tried to explain
"I guess I should take that as a compliment." I assumed
"Yes" he nodded
"So what information do we want?" I inquired
"Are we right about the first victim? How many victims? Are any alive?" he blew out a breath
"So basically everything and anything?" I asked
"Yeah." he nodded "We are at our wit's end."
"I can't guarantee anything." I told him
"Any information would be more than we have." he reminded me
I shrugged "I don't know if I can get any information but I will try my best."
"They're bringing him out. Where do you want to see him?" Agent Rutherford asked
"What are my options?" I asked
"Small conference room with him handcuffed to table and shackled to the floor." he offered
"What else?" I asked
"Clear plastic in between you with him unsecured." he offered
"How about small conference room with him shackled to the floor hands free?" I tried
"And someone in there with you?" he assumed
"No." I stated
"Are you sure that's safe? Can you keep your distance? I can't promise we can get in fast enough if he gets his hands on you." the agent was worried
"We will start off all shackled and then I will call someone back in to release his hands to establish compassion." I explained
"Estephania?" Hector questioned
"I know what I'm doing." I assured them both
I skimmed through the file I had already ready more than ten times as I tried to take in the new information. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get Clarence Vaughn to talk. I was worried it would be a wasted trip. I didn't want to let down the families of these women. I couldn't help but wonder if he was in a class of mine. Did I know him? I was worried that Carlos had no faith in me. But most of all I was worried there may be a woman out there who was alive and she would never be found because of me.
I entered the small room with empty hands. I didn't want to carry a notepad or a pen. I didn't want to risk having something that could be used as a weapon. Vaughn was already seated at the small desk with his hands cuffed to the top. I pulled out the chair and sat down across from him. He was looking down at his own hands. I sat back in my chair and blew out a breath. I was channeling my inner Carlos by not speaking right away.
He had sandy blonde hair that was wavy and hung just above his shoulders. I waited until he looked up. As soon as we made eye contact it was as if he were frozen in place. His eyes were green and piercing. His eyes seemed to tell me he was studying me. It was as if he was trying to figure out who I was or why I was here. I turned my head slightly to the side as I studied him in return. I waited five minutes. He had nothing to say so I got up and left.
I went into the viewing room and sat down beside Hector.
"What are you doing?" Agent Rutherford asked me
"Giving him a reason to talk to me" I explained
"Are you going back in there?" the agent asked
"No. Not today." I stated
"Should we bring him back to his cell?" Rutherford asked me
"Not yet." I stalled him "Wait thirty minutes please."
The agent waited thirty minutes like I asked before bringing Vaughn back to his cell. Hector and I left with the promise I would return tomorrow morning. We went together for lunch and then we went back to the hotel. I spent a few hours on my laptop doing research. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I remember was Hector gently shaking my shoulder. He woke me up to tell me to go to bed. I woke up at six o'clock in the morning with my stomach growling for food. I smelled coffee and came out of my room to find Hector making scrambled eggs and bacon in the kitchenette.
"Did you speak to Carlos?" he asked me
"Oops. I fell asleep. Did he call you?" I asked
"Si" he nodded
I waited for him to say more but of course he didn't I sighed and went to grab my cell phone. No missed calls. One text message from Lester telling me to text him that I was okay. I shot him off a text telling him not to worry about me. I hit speed dial one for Carlos.
"Yo" he answered
"Yo yourself." I teased
"Babe"
"Yeah, it's me." I said in answer
"Are you okay?" he asked
"Yeah" I bit my lower lip
I don't know what possessed me, but I wanted him to talk first. I wanted him to tell me what was on his mind. Why didn't he call or text me? He called Hector but not me?
"What's wrong?" he pushed
I sighed. How do I tell him that I didn't really know what was wrong. I just felt like there was something going on between my husband and I but I couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe he was bored with me. We had only been with each other and maybe he wanted to see what was out there. I knew he wasn't cheating on me. Carlos would never do something like that.
"I don't know." I admitted
"Babe"
"Carlos, I just..." I didn't know what to say
"Something is wrong? Are you okay?" he asked
"I just don't feel right. Something is off between us." I let out another deep sigh
"Do you want me to come to Oregon?" he asked
"No, I'll figure it out." I told him
"Is this about me wanting to have a child with you?" Carlos asked
"No" I answered honestly
"Babe"
"Why didn't you call me?" I asked
"I didn't think you wanted to talk to me. You didn't call me when you got there." he explained
"I guess I wanted you to call me. I'm just out of it. Trying to focus on this case." Hector set a mug of coffee in front of me.
"Stephanie, don't get lost in this case." he warned
"I'm not. I won't. Just I need to focus." Hector set down my plate next
"I need to go." I told him
"Love you Babe" he told me
"Love you too." I said before disconnecting
"We brought him into the room about an hour ago like you asked." Agent Rutherford told me as Hector and I entered the viewing room.
"Thank you." I nodded
I watched Clarence Vaughn. He kept his head down staring at his hands. His breathing was slow and deep. He was in complete control of himself. I needed to break that control. He needed to trust me. Something yesterday made him look up at me. I needed to keep that focus. I needed to find a way to set him at ease. I heaved in a big breath and left the viewing room. With one hand on the door to the small room I closed my eyes. You can do this. Use your training. Use your instincts. Let your spidey sense lead you. I tried to pump myself up.
I opened the door and Vaughn didn't look up. I sat in the chair across from him and again I remained silent. After a couple of minutes he slowly lifted his head. Again his eyes settled on mine as I watched him study me. I sat for five minutes and he said nothing. I got up and went for the door. As soon as I put my hand on the knob he spoke.
"Stay." he pleaded
I turned around and looked at him. I held his eyes for a minute before I released the door knob. I slowly moved back to the chair and sat down. I leaned back in my seat and watched him. There was some kind of inner struggle going on with him. I suspected he wanted to talk to me but had promised himself not to talk to anyone. I lifted my eyebrows encouraging him to talk.
"Your eyes." he spoke in a near whisper
"Sorry?" I leaned forward
Vaughn cleared his throat and spoke louder.
"Your eyes." he said
I waited. I wasn't sure how to respond. I didn't want to ask what he meant. I wanted him to elaborate on his own. He linked his fingers together and his thumbs slowly rubbed against each other. He seemed nervous now.
"Why are you here?" he asked
"To talk to you." I admitted
"Why?" he asked
"I need answers." I informed him
"What if I don't have them?" he asked
"Then I leave." I tried to keep a calm voice.
"Stay" he begged
"Talk" I countered
He nodded.
"Tell me about Sabrina King." I commanded
"She was pretty but not beautiful like you." he answered quickly
"Why?" I prompted
"I saved her." he relaxed back in his chair
"Saved her?" I was confused "She was 16 years old."
He nodded but didn't speak. He moved his hands around. When I looked down at them I saw pink marks around his wrists. I got up and went to the door.
"Don't" he begged
"I'll be right back." I assured him
Three minutes later his cuffs were off. I nodded to the agent who held the cuffs in his hand. He hesitated but finally left the room. Vaughn rolled his hands in circles as he eased the pain on his wrists. He smiled at me and gave me a quick nod.
"You're not afraid?" he asked
"No" I was a little
"Her English teacher raped her. She confided in the counselor at school who did nothing to help her. She was in pain. She considered suicide. By taking her life I saved her. She didn't have to worry about losing her soul with suicide and I took the pain away." he finally spoke
"How did you know?" I asked
"I was dating the counselor." he quickly answered
"Slitting her throat relieved her of her pain?" I questioned
He shrugged "It was quick."
"Are there any others still out there?" I asked
He nodded
"Can you tell me about them?" I asked
He shook his head no. I got up to leave. Before I got to the door knob he spoke.
"You won't find them." he sounded smug
"Them?" I asked
"Alive." he nodded
"Where?" I asked
"Sit down." he ordered
I turned and gave him a glare. I walked slowly to the wall across from him. I leaned back and crossed my arms over my chest. I waited.
"You're married." It was a statement.
I nodded.
"Do you love him?" he asked
I nodded
"But right now you doubt his love." he stated
I didn't make a move. I had been trained to keep my emotions in check. This was a subject I didn't want to discuss with him.
"You worry there are other women." he stated
Again I kept a blank face.
"You are right. Your worries are valid." he smirked
I moved across the room and took a seat in my chair again. I leaned back and relaxed. I wasn't feeling relaxed but I wanted to give him that appearance.
"Was Allison Barkley your first?" I asked
He shook his head no.
"Tell me about your first." I prompted
"Tell me about yours." he countered
"This isn't about me." I corrected him
"You show me yours and I'll show you mine." he shrugged
Damn it. He said they were two alive. Okay, I could give him information. I would lie when needed but this answer was easy.
"My husband." I answered
"And you were his. That explains his desire to see what else is out there. Did he come here with you?" he asked me
"No." I paused "Tell me who was your first.
"Daisy Cline" he stated
"Where?" I asked
"New Jersey" Vaughn answered quickly
"Where is she?" I asked
"Buried." he stated
"Where?" I pushed
"Pine Barrens" he told me
"Exact location." I demanded
"Near the fire tower at the summit of Apple Pie Hill." he was quick to answer.
"Why?" I asked
"She was a friend in college. She was date raped by some frat boy. She was so ashamed and devastated. She felt so guilty. I relieved her of her pain and guilt." he stated
"I'll be right back." I told him
He sat back with a smile and I left the room. I pulled the door closed and then leaned against it. I let out a deep breath and then Hector was in front of me. He pulled me into his arms and hugged me against him. We didn't speak. I waited for word from the state police in New Jersey. Agent Rutherford had called in the location we received from Vaughn.
I went into the viewing room and watched him. He remained laid back in his seat. He looked up at the ceiling. I needed to get back in there. I needed to keep him talking. There were two victims alive out there. I could feel it was true and I needed him to tell me where they were. I ordered two turkey sandwiches and Hector carried them into the room with me along with chips and cokes. He set them down on the table and glared at Vaughn. I nodded to him and he left the room.
I ate my lunch in silence waiting for him to talk. He seemed pleased with the food I had arranged for him. He had finished his sandwich before he spoke.
"That man loves you." he was speaking about Hector.
"Yes" I nodded
"You love him." he stated
"Yes" I nodded
"He is like a brother." Vaughn suggested
"He is a brother." I corrected him
"Yet he hides things from you." Vaughn dug into the bag of chips
"We all have secrets." I shrugged
"He hides things from you to protect your husband." Vaughn sneered
"Protecting people is what he does." I shrugged
"He thinks he is protecting you, but his secrets would break you." he stated
I didn't reply. He's trying to screw with my mind. I know this. I understand this. At the same time my curious nature has me questioning everything. He's getting to me. He studied me. He turned his head from side to side. He was thinking. I was counting to ten I was trying to take deep breaths without him noticing.
"Tell me where the last two victims are. The ones who are alive." I changed the subject.
"Do you remember Professor McGregor?" he asked
I nodded. He was a professor at Princeton. He taught a criminal justice course.
"He had a student Lydia Byrd. She was failing. She went to him for extra credit work and help understanding the tests she had failed. He helped himself to her. He raped her. He didn't even use protection. She got an STD. I was working at the campus clinic. We became friends. I put her out of her misery. I saved her." he spoke with a strong steady voice.
I shook my head. He clearly had no true grip on reality. These girls needed counseling and friendship. They didn't have to die. How could he think he was 'saving' these women by killing them?
"Where is she?" I asked
"You're so easy to talk to. You aren't a liar by nature. You are a very compassionate person. Very selfless." he noted
"Thank you." I replied
"Lydia is buried next to the main building at the Fenimore Landfill in Ledgewood, New Jersey." he stated
"So you started when you were still in New Jersey?" I asked
He nodded
"You attended Princeton University?" I asked
He nodded.
I gulped "Did you know me?"
He nodded.
I excused myself to go to the bathroom. Once I got into the hall I pushed past Hector's out stretched arms and went straight to the bathroom. I was rattled and Vaughn knew it. I wanted to run from the building and go escape to a beach. I needed to get myself together. He refused to speak to anyone else and now he was speaking to me. Those two damn victims were out there. I needed him to tell me where they were. I couldn't get over the fact that he knew me.
I splashed water in my face and went to the observation room. Agent Rutherford was on the phone. Hector stood against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. He looked at me with concern in his eyes, but he understood I wanted him to stay away from me right now. Rutherford disconnected from his call.
"They found the body of Daisy Cline. She was exactly where he said she would be. We never even anticipated any victims in New Jersey." he rubbed both hands across his face. "I can't believe you got him talking."
"I only want to find out about the last two victims that are still alive." I could hear my monotone voice.
"Finding Daisy has given that family closure. All of the information he is giving you is useful. Don't doubt that. You have no idea how amazing this is. The information you are gathering is invaluable. You are doing a great job." he confirmed
"At a cost." Hector spoke
"She's being paid well." Rutherford was confused.
"Not that kind of cost." Hector corrected him
Rutherford glanced back and forth between the two of us.
"Is there something I need to know?" he asked Hector
Hector shook his head no. I left the room and went back to Vaughn. What cost was Hector talking about? What the hell was Vaughn talking about with Hector keeping secrets and Carlos? I needed to push that all aside. I would deal with all of that later.
"You came back? I was worried you were gone for the day. Can I have a restroom break?" Vaughn asked before I even sat down.
"Sure" I nodded
I stepped outside and called over the officers that were stationed in the hallway. They came in and I explained Vaughn's need for the bathroom.
"Can I hug you?" Vaughn asked me
"No" I answered quickly
"Are you afraid?" he asked
"I am disappointed. You are telling me what you want to tell me rather than what I need to know." I explained
"And if I tell you the things you need to know?" he asked
"Then I would consider the hug." I agreed
The officers had his handcuffs back on and were fixing his leg shackles to each other rather than the floor. They pulled him to his feet and led him towards the door. He stopped directly in front of me. I was out of his reach. He leaned towards me and inhaled.
"You smell like vanilla and cherries just like you did in College." He smiled
I felt a shiver run down my spine. The guards pulled him out of the room and down the hall. I turned my head up to the ceiling and ran both hands along my face and into my hair. I felt something cold on my forehead and whipped my eyes towards Hector. He was holding a bottle of water against me. I took the water and chugged half of it before I took a breath.
"We found the body of Lydia Byrd." Agent Rutherford confirmed
He charged into the room full of excitement. I nodded and gave him a small smile. So both things Vaughn had confessed to so far were true. He didn't lie. This renewed my hope that I could get the location of the women who were alive. For whatever reason he trusted me and I had to allow it. I had to tolerate the conversation with him no matter how uncomfortable. I could do this. I could push through this.
"Don't Steph." Hector pleaded
"Don't what?" I asked
"Don't listen to what he says about Carlos. Don't let him in your head. Don't let him put his hands on you." he cautioned
"Easy for you to say." I shook my head "He has only spoken to me. There are two victims out there."
"Just keep your head straight. Don't let him in." Hector begged
"Are you afraid of something? Do you have something to hide?" I asked
"Angelita." he looked hurt
"I know you're trying to help. Just leave me alone right now please. I don't need any extra pressure." I warned him
"You know how I feel about you Angelita." Hector reminded me
I nodded. A throat cleared and we all looked to the doorway to see Vaughn. He smirked as the guards brought him back in and secured him at the table.
"Tell them to go Steph." Vaughn ordered
"Vete a la verga culero" Hector told him (Fuck you asshole)
"No me jodas" Vaughn answered him (Don't fuck with me)
Hector's eyes grew wide. It wasn't in the file that Vaughn could speak Spanish.
"Estas pero si bien pendejo" Hector told him (You're a fucking idiot)
"Dejame con la mujer." Vaughn smiled at Hector (Leave me with the woman)
"Dejar de joder con su mente." Hector glared at him (Quit fucking with her mind)
Rutherford and I were watching the men like a tennis match. Neither one of us had any clue what they are saying to each other.
"Cuando haya terminado ella te odiara." Vaughn had a full smile now (When I am done she will hate you)
"No la subestimes." Hector cautioned (Don't underestimate her)
"Okay that's enough." I interrupted
I held a hand up to each man. Once they were both silent I motioned for Hector and Agent Rutherford to leave the room. I finished the water and handed Hector the bottle before he left. I sat back down in my chair across from Vaughn and exhaled a deep breath.
"I appreciate you telling me about Lydia and Daisy." I told him
"I won't lie to you." he assured me
"Clarence, I am going to leave if you don't give me information on the victims that are still alive." I informed him
"And if I give you one you will stay here with me? Through the night? As long as it takes for me to tell you my story?" he asked
"Yes" I quickly answered without fully thinking it through
"Martha Romero. Don't call her father. He was the one abusing her. Forest Park. On a boat on at the dock on Willamette River. The boat's name is Stephanie." he recited
I fought the gasp I wanted to release. I got to my feet and headed towards the door.
"Stephanie?" Vaughn called
"Yes?" I turned around
"Ask your Carlos about Emily Gaines." he smirked
I nodded "I'll be right back."
I went to the observation room and plopped down into a soft desk chair. I rested my elbows on my knees and buried my face in my hands. I sat for what seemed like hours. I didn't look up. I didn't talk to Hector though I could feel his presence in the room. Rutherford was on the phone. He was sending agents to Forest Park. He had contacted the park rangers as well. The room was silent as we waited for word. My phone vibrated in my back pocket. I pulled it out and glanced at the screen. Carlos. I hit ignore. This wasn't the time to think about him, Emily Gaines or anything else he may be hiding from me. This was the time to focus on Martha Romero.
The phone rang and Rutherford answered.
"You got her?"
"How is she?"
"Call her mother. Explain about the father. Keep me posted."
He hung up the phone.
"Damn Stephanie he told you the truth. They have the girl and she is fine. She was scared and hungry but overall she was fine." he shook his head "I can't believe it."
"That means there is one more." I told him
"Yes. I hate to send you back in there..." he hesitated
"It's my job." I confirmed
My phone vibrated again. Carlos. I hit ignore and tossed my phone to Hector.
"I'm going back in." I told the men.