Kindred Spirit by John Passarella

Author:John Passarella
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pocket Star Books
Published: 2006-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Hallie’s late lunch took her back to the Middle Falls Township public safety building. Returning to the Detective Unit office, she reached into her purse and took out the little bag containing Heather’s locket, as evidence from the crime scene—one year later. Darwin was incredulous, to say the least. “That’s impossible.”

“You think I’m lying about where I found it?”

“No,” he said, shaking his head as he peered at the gold locket through the plastic bag. “But it can’t be the same locket.”

“She only had one.”

“You’re sure it’s hers?”

“It has the picture of Shane and Tom in it.”

“The Crime Scene Unit combed every inch of that ground,” he said. “If this was there, no way they would miss it.”

“I don’t think it was there,” Hallie said. “Not then. And not for the past year.”

“Somebody planted it,” he said, nodding at the idea. “Recently.”

“That’s one explanation.”

“We assumed the killer took it as a souvenir,” he said. “Why would he bring it back?”

Hallie shrugged. “Maybe he dropped it,” she said. “When he returned to the scene.”

“How else?”

“I found this right after I had that vision.”

“Why didn’t you surrender this before?”

“At first, I forgot…and I figured by handling it, I smudged any of the killer’s fingerprints.”

“You’re probably right about that,” he said. “The surface area is minimal as is. But I’ll have the lab guys check it anyway. If they lift a print, we’ll take yours for comparison. If they don’t find anything, I’ll return it to you.”

“Thanks,” she said. “I’ll wait for your call.” Hallie turned to leave, but changed her mind and returned to his desk. “I assume you interviewed Heather’s customers and contacts.”

“Of course,” he said. “Back when we believed there was some connection or possible motive. After we ruled everyone out, we were left with the predatory psycho profile.”

Heather nodded. “That’s what I figured.” She thought a moment. “Can I ask your opinion about something?”

“Shoot.”

“I’ve been getting some threatening e-mails,” she said, and noticed he sat up straighter at the use of the word “threatening.” She continued, “Our computer guy says this jerk used some anonymous e-mail service.”

“Any specific threat?”

“No, just that I’d be better off dead. I realize not everybody is a fan of my segments, but this is a little extreme, even for a nonfan.” She flashed what she hoped was a self-deprecating smile. “Should I be concerned?”

“Always,” he said. “But not necessarily because of this asshole—pardon my language. E-mail is too easy for anybody with a screw loose to rant and rave to anyone with a known address. Is this the first time something like this has happened?”

“Well, after a segment, I sometimes get a flurry of e-mails telling me I’m clueless. This is a first for telling me to drop dead.”

“Well, be careful,” he said. “But don’t stress over it. He’ll get bored and vent his anger on another target.”

“Okay,” Hallie said. “I wanted a second opinion—a professional opinion. Thanks, Detective.”

He shook his index finger at her, chiding. “Peter. Or Darwin. Remember?”

“Peter, then. Thanks.”

“Always a pleasure.”

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