Chapter 23: Killer News

*****J & E Investigations*****

Nick looked grim as he hung up the phone. It seemed that another co-ed at Hearst had disappeared. Sheriff Mars was requesting a meeting. He called Jason and Eli into his office.

"Boys, we have a situation. Sheriff Mars just called and told me that the girl that went missing on Valentine's was found," he shared.

"Is she okay?" Eli asked. The news of a disappearance on campus had only begun to make the rounds the past two days. The Sheriff's department had actually managed to keep a lid on it for well over a week. However, the girl's boyfriend shared the news with a friend, who shared it with another. Then the word had spread.

"No. The poor girl is dead. Her body was found in a closet in the lower level of the library—an area that no one ever went in, so it wasn't found until it was time for the monthly carpet scrub," Nick said grimly.

"How did she die?" Jason asked.

"She was strangled," Nick said. "Keith says that his deputies have questioned everyone. But now that there's another girl missing, he wants to hire us to do some extra digging. I'm going to head over there to get some face time with him and discuss it further. He wants us on this, though. When people know a killer is around, they either give you so much information it's hard to dig through, or they get sketchy."

"Was she…?" Eli asked, not able to say the word.

"No, the body wasn't molested," Nick said with a grimace. "I don't know if that's a comfort to the family right now, but rape didn't occur."

"It's a relief," Eli said grimly.

Joseph came into the office. "There you guys are. Why are you hiding in here?" he asked.

"New case," Jason explained. "Killer on campus. Sherriff Mars wants us to do some digging."

"We don't know that the newest disappearance is related. Keith is checking out all the angles," Nick said. "However, he wants us to operate under the assumption that it is. His department can't do that just in case the two aren't connected."

"Makes sense," Eli said. "If they aren't and it's something else like a kidnapping, he could lose valuable time pursuing the wrong avenue."

"But if they are, he doesn't want to lose the same ground," Jason said, nodding his head in understanding.

"So what are we going to do?" Eli asked.

"The first victim was in a sorority. The second is not. The newest girl to disappear lives in the dorms on campus," Nick said.

"So the school is definitely one link," Jason pointed out.

"Yes," Nick said. "First, we need to make sure the girl isn't just somewhere in a snit. Mad at or boyfriend or parents. Find out everything you can about her life."

"What's her name?" Joseph wondered.

"Lexie Jordan," Nick said. He got on his computer and checked his email. "Keith said he was going to send me the report with her photo." He typed a few things. "Here it is."

All three guys crowded around the computer and looked at the pretty strawberry blonde girl. "This is the girl who is now missing," Nick said. He typed in something. "This is the one they found dead the other day. Haylee Alexander." This girl was prettier with long blonde hair. "She has a twin sister who goes to San Diego State. One of you should go talk to her."

They planned out their tasks, and each headed in a different direction.

Jason, though, went straight to Daisy's. Hearing that a woman from the dorms might be a victim of a killer instantly made him afraid for Daisy. Her house had been broken in once by one psycho. It was only a mile from campus. He knocked on the door.

Daisy smiled when she saw her boyfriend. She knew he had to work, so his visit was unexpected. "What are you doing here? I thought you had to work?" she asked.

Instead of answering, Jason stepped in and kicked the door shut. Then he pulled her tight against him. Relief that she was safe coursed through him. What would he do if something happened to her? The thought made him sick to his stomach.

"Jason, what's going on?" Daisy asked, pulling back and looking at him in concern.

"A girl from one of the dorms on campus has disappeared. The Sheriff has hired us to do some investigation. It may be connected to the one that was found dead a few days ago," Jason shared.

Daisy paled. "Seriously?" she asked. "There's a killer on campus?"

"Maybe," Jason said. "I don't like you living here so close to campus. Do you think you'd consider coming and staying at my place until they catch the guy?"

Daisy thought about it. "Well, my stuff is here. Not to mention I don't live alone. I'm not in the dorms anymore. I'm perfectly safe. We have the alarm now, too," she reminded him.

"I know you're right, but all I'll do is worry about you," he said unhappily.

"Why don't we wait and see what happens?" Daisy suggested. "We don't know for sure the missing girl has been killed. If it turns out she has, I'll come stay at your place."

Jason didn't like that, but he knew it was a compromise. "Please be careful. Don't let anyone lure you any place. Even if it's someone you know. We didn't know David was a rapist and wanna-be killer, so don't trust anyone unless it's one of our closest friends. Not even any of your brother's fraternity brothers, okay?"

Daisy bit back a grin. The idea of one of her brother's dumb frat brothers having the brains or guts to kill made her want to laugh. However, she knew that a little caution never hurt anyone. "I'll be careful. I promise," she said.

"I need to get some work done, but I'll call you later," Jason said. He bent down to kiss her. Her arms went around his neck. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Don't worry. I'll be fine," Daisy assured him. Although she knew she was perfectly safe, it warmed her to know he was so protective of her.

Jason reluctantly left. Hopefully, this new missing girl would turn up safe and sound. It was awful that one girl had been killed. It would be worse, though, if there was another. A serial killer on campus would be the worst thing that could possibly happen. He didn't even want to think about how his dad would react.

*****The Beach House*****

Veronica opened the door and welcomed in her friends. She'd been surprised when they'd rung the bell.

"What's with the bell ringing?" she asked Mac and Dick. Although Dick had a hand full of food bags, Mac didn't.

"Mackie says that since your married, we have to be polite," Dick said with a grin as he stepped through the door.

"It's called good manners!" Mac called after him.

"I appreciate it, but since Trina lives here, we don't do any naked activities in the front rooms!" Veronica said with a wink.

"Speak for yourself!" Logan said. "I am naked all the time."

"In the shower," Veronica said dryly.

Dick snickered. "I told her that you knew we were comin', but Miss Manners rang the bell anyway," he said handing off one of the food bags to Logan.

"I will not apologize for being polite," Mac said firmly.

Veronica put her arm around her shoulder. "Hey, I appreciate the good manners you have. More importantly, human kind appreciates the manners you are attempting to instill in Dick!" she remarked.

Logan laughed. "Ain't that the truth!" he said. "Did you bring extra egg rolls?"

"Of course!" Dick said happily. "And extra dumplings as ordered."

The four of them hadn't had dinner with just them in a while, so Veronica had invited them over. In truth, she was a bit shaken by the news her dad told her earlier. When everyone had their plates full and spent a bit of time eating and catching up, she brought it up.

"So my dad told me earlier that there's another girl missing from school," she announced.

All eating stilled as they all looked at her. Logan already knew, of course, so he wasn't surprised. However, he wasn't sure it was a good dinner topic. "Can't this wait until we're done eating at least, hon?" he suggested.

"Wait, what do you mean by another?" Dick asked with a frown. "Who else is missing?"

"They found the body of a student who was a senior. Haylee Alexander," Mac said. "Didn't you hear the news? It was in the papers the past two days."

"I don't read the papers," Dick said.

"It was on the radio," Logan said with a wink.

"I have satellite radio. No commercials," Dick replied.

"Do you live in a cave? Everyone's talking about!" Veronica exclaimed. "It's on the news."

"Which is depressing and a total drag, so I don't watch it!" Dick said smugly. "But normally, if it's important Mackie tells me."

"Looks like she dropped the ball," Logan said with a sigh. He gave Mac a reproachful look.

Mac held up her hands. "So the one time I don't tell him something I assumed he knew since it's been all everyone was talking about today and yesterday. Excuse me!" she said, trying not to laugh. Dick wasn't the most aware. At times, it was endearing. Other times, it was frustrating.

"Well, when word gets out that another female student has disappeared, it's going to be all anyone is talking about," Veronica said. "Dad told me he hired J & E to help do some investigating. The department has to treat it as a missing person unless a body turns up."

"So there's a chance that this second girl could be dead?" Mac asked, looking upset.

"Yes," Veronica said. "Maybe not, of course. The first girl was strangled, which is often a crime of passion. It doesn't mean this second girl was killed."

"I hope not!" Mac said. "Do any of you know her?"

"What's her name?" Dick asked.

"Lexie Jordan. She's non-Greek, but she lives on campus," Veronica said.

Dick looked shaken as he recognized the name. "I know her! She is one of my business classes," Dick said. "In fact, I think she used to date one of my guys at the house."

Veronica looked interested. "Really? Who?" she asked.

"I think it was Jake," Dick said with a frown. "I'd have to ask to be sure."

"Well, Jason and Eli are going to be asking questions for Dad, so let them know what you find out. It's important to find out who knew her well and if she had problems with anyone. Exes are always a person of interest."

Dick got an angry look on his face. "None of my brothers is a murderer!" he exclaimed defensively.

"I never said they were," Veronica replied carefully.

"Yes, but you sure did imply it!" Dick fumed.

"You're the one who suggested one of your brothers dated her," Veronica said.

Dick looked stricken. He was the most loyal person any of them knew. To think he'd inadvertently hung a brother out to dry made him feel sick. "I was not suggesting anyone I knew hurt her!"

"We don't even know if she's been hurt," Logan said reasonably. "Let's not start pointing fingers until we discover if a crime has taken place."

"That's true," Veronica acknowledged. "Let's hope that she turns up."

"Midterm projects are in full swing, so maybe the girl just went somewhere to focus," Mac said. She looked at Dick. "Don't you have a big project in your business class?"

Dick looked relieved as he nodded "Yes! We do. She's probably lying low and has her phone and stuff turned off to focus," he said.

"If not, we could be looking at a serial killer," Veronica said with distaste.

"Let's not jump the gun," Logan cautioned.

"Yes, please, stop!" Dick ordered, disgruntled.

"Why don't we change the subject?" Mac suggested.

"Good idea!" Dick said, grateful.

"So Dick and I have been talking, and we really want to go on a mission trip with Doctor's over spring break. Thea gave me her dad's email, so I emailed him yesterday to find out about the cost," Mac shared.

"Dad says that it's free PR," Dick said, rolling his eyes. "I told him I wanted to go 'cause I've never helped anyone like that before and thought it'd be cool."

"My mom cried when I told her," Mac said. "She just knows something bad will happen. She's so dramatic!"

"What did your dad say?" Veronica asked.

"He was very proud. He thought it was a great idea," Mac said smiling. Her parents were so different in their personalities. Like she and Dick, they were polar opposites in many ways.

"I bet Marilyn won't be worried," Logan said knowingly. "She'll probably tell you to take Maddie with you. Teach her some humility."

Mac looked alarmed. "I hope not!" she exclaimed, shuddering at the thought. She knew Madison would be at her worse in any situation that made her live at all rustic even if it was just for a few days.

"I can't picture Maddie roughin' it!" Dick said with a grin. "I'd pay good money to see that. We should totally invite her!"

Mac gave him a dark look. "I will kill you if you do! She will completely ruin the trip with her whining and complaining," Mac said.

"Then Thea's dad may decide none of us can go this summer!" Veronica said. "Logan and I would like to go this summer."

"If she's not knocked up," Logan said, grinning.

Mac looked surprised and Dick excited. "You're going to have a baby?" Dick asked eagerly.

"I'm not pregnant," Veronica clarified. "We've decided that whatever happens, happens."

"So you're not going to use birth control?" Mac asked.

Veronica shrugged. "I'm not getting back on birth control because it takes too long to leave the system," she said. "But we're going to use condoms."

"Most of the time," Logan said with a glint. "We thought we'd play the odds. It'll be more fun that way!"

"Logan wants to play the odds," Veronica said. "I just don't want to rush things. But if it happens, I'll be ready. I'll be anxious and scared probably, but I'll be happy."

"Good," Mac said, smiling. "I think going to school and being a parent would be a challenge, but since you plan on going to graduate school anyway and don't want to wait years, you may as well get pregnant now!"

"My thoughts exactly!" a smug Logan declared.

They all laughed, glad that to leave the disturbing topic of murder.

Later, Dick gave Mac an enthusiastic kiss goodbye before she went into her house. He had too much homework to do, so he couldn't stay.

She went in and found both her roommates working on their laptops in the living room. Music was playing softly in the background. "What a nice scene this is to come home to!" she said happily.

Her roommates looked up. Parker smiled from the couch. Daisy was stretched out on the recliner. She shut her computer. "I'm ready for a break, so I'm glad you're home!" Daisy said.

"Me, too," Parker said. "Do we have any ice cream left?"

Daisy's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect!" she agreed.

The trio went to the kitchen. Parker was glad to find a tub of cookies and cream still half full.

"I'm going to have to get some sherbet," Mac said.

"How was dinner?" Parker asked as she moved to the kitchen table.

"It was good. Things got a bit tense, though, when Veronica brought up the missing girl," Mac shared.

"Yeah, Jason came by earlier all freaked out," Daisy said. "He thinks we live too close to campus and wanted me to stay with him until they catch the guy."

"We have an alarm, and he's only like a half a mile further away," Mac pointed out.

Daisy grinned. "Yeah, I know," she said. "I told him that if the poor girl ended up dead, I'd stay with him until they catch the killer."

"You might call Piz before he hears a version of it and freaks out," Mac told Parker.

Parker frowned. She hadn't told anyone that they had broken up. She didn't want gossip to get back to Duncan or for Duncan to think it was just about him. Parker knew Duncan was right. He deserved so much more than what she'd given him before. Until she felt healed and over Piz, she hadn't wanted word to get out. "I don't think he'll worry too much," she said matter-of-factly.

"Why not?" Mac asked.

"We broke up," Parker shared. "I don't want it spread around yet, so please don't say anything. That means don't tell Dick."

"I can keep things from him, you know," Mac said, a bit offended.

Parker reached out and touch her hand. "I know you can. I just don't want it getting back to Duncan just yet," she said. She knew that Piz would eventually tell Wallace, and it'd get around that way. However, she figured it take another week or so.

Daisy's eyebrow rose. "Did Duncan have something to do with your break up?" she inquired.

"Not directly. I just realized that if I was as in love with Piz as some of you are with your boyfriends the miles between us would be killing me. It wasn't. When I talked to him about how he felt, he admitted that he felt the same thing," Parker shared. "If I loved Piz as much as I thought I did, I wouldn't have ever kissed Duncan last spring or at New Year's."

"You kissed Duncan at New Year's?" Daisy asked with a grin.

Parker blushed. "Did I forget to tell you that?"

"You totally didn't say anything to me!" Daisy said with a huff.

"It was when midnight came and the ball dropped. Duncan and I were chatting. It was just a friendly kiss," Parker said defensively.

"That's not the way I heard it," Mac teased.

Parker groaned. "Seriously, I don't want this to be about Duncan. It is somewhat. I realize that I still have feelings for him, but I don't want to go there until I know for sure I've moved on from Piz," she said, downplaying her feelings for Duncan.

"That's a good idea," Mac said.

"So I can't post an announcement on Facebook?" Daisy teased.

"I'd rather you didn't," Parker said with a smile.

"But you're okay?" Mac asked in concern.

"I am. Thanks," she said. Knowing that she was okay and not nearly as upset as the first time they'd broken up was evidence that she'd done the right thing. It was good to finally know what the right thing was and be okay with the choice she made.

******Chapter End******