Girl, Hunted by Blake Pierce

Author:Blake Pierce [Pierce, Blake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery & Suspense, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, Thrillers
ISBN: 9781094372686
Google: nB0JEAAAQBAJ
Publisher: Blake Pierce
Published: 2021-08-31T09:03:37.568503+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ella was astounded to find that not only had the newspaper offices received a letter from the killer, but it had been published online immediately. Ella glanced at her phone and read the news piece again. Minimal copywriting, just a picture of the bloody clothing, letter, and a full transcript.

“Are they expecting us?” Ella asked from the passenger seat.

“No, but that’s not going to stop us,” said Mia.

Dear Editor, this is the Gemini speaking. Thank you for printing my previous message in full, and now I trust we have a mutual understanding. Every time you receive a letter from me, you will publish the contents immediately. Failure to do so will result in excessive bodies for the blue meanies to clean up. My nightly bloodlust now overflows into my days and stopping myself is now impossible. No longer a sport for me, the act of killing is now a compulsion I cannot control. I will take more lives tonight, although I don’t yet know who or where.

Below was another cipher, using many of the same symbols but a few additional ones, Ella noticed. At just after 10am, they pulled into a parking bay opposite the San Diego Union Tribune offices. A towering crystal skyscraper deep in the heart of San Diego, or the heart of darkness as Mia had called it multiple times on the drive over. Before stepping out, Mia withdrew her pistol, unclipped the magazine and placed it in her pocket.

“The hell are you doing?” Ella asked. Mia’s face had fury written all over it.

“Two things I hate, rookie. California and journalists. One of the fucks inside that building has just given a serial killer a nationwide platform to peddle his shit, without consulting us first. When I meet him, I’ll be tempted to put a bullet in him.”

Ella nodded a gesture of understanding. “Makes sense. He’s calling himself the Gemini. Another reference to the Zodiac. First, it’s a-,”

“Forget that for now. We need to find the shithead who approved this for publication,” Mia interrupted. They crossed the busy street and entered the newspaper offices through a gigantic revolving door. The foyer consisted of blinding white marble walls and floors, polished to gleaming perfection. “Jesus, looks like the sun is only the second brightest thing in the universe,” Mia said as they approached the reception desk.

Under any other circumstances, Ella might have laughed. A blonde-haired receptionist rushed from polishing a glass cabinet and took her position behind the desk. “Yes, how can I help you?”

“FBI. We need to speak to the editor right now.” Mia flashed her badge and Ella followed suit.

The receptionist checked something on her computer. “Sorry, Mr. Carter’s in a meeting until midday. Would you like to come back-,”

“No, I wouldn’t like to come back later. I’m sorry, sweetheart, but we’re with the FBI. This is more important than anything your editor has to concern himself with.”

The receptionist held Mia’s stare for a moment. “Okay. Let me check. He’s just in a side office down here.

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