First Time Killer by Alan Orloff

Author:Alan Orloff [Orloff, Alan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Thriller
Publisher: Odin
Published: 2012-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Dr. Harrison Caldwell entered the studio like he was boarding his yacht and all the brass fittings hadn’t been polished brightly enough. He was tall and slim, with prominent cheekbones and a poorly executed comb-over. Dressed in an Armani suit and gleaming Italian shoes, he didn’t look like many of the other college professors Rick had known. Rick rose and smiled, sticking out his hand. “Good to see you again. Thank you for accommodating us on such short notice.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Caldwell said. He looked around the studio. “Cozy place here.”

Rick sensed disdain in the man’s voice. “Well, it’s like just about any radio studio. We like it.” He smiled at Caldwell, trying to put him at ease, just like he did with all of his guests. Caldwell simply nodded, expression blank.

“Shall I sit?” Caldwell asked, pointing at a chair.

“Please. Have a seat.”

With an economy of motion, Caldwell took his seat and shot his cuffs. Gold cufflinks in the shape of the letter “C” peeked out. “I’ve done quite a bit of the media, you know. Radio, TV, even started a blog not too long ago.” The corners of his mouth crept upward, the first sign of emotion Rick had seen. “Enjoy it immensely.” Caldwell glanced around, searching for something. “Mind if I have some tea? Green, if you have it.”

Rick flipped the intercom switch, relayed Caldwell’s request to J.T. in master control.

“Green tea? I’ll get one of the interns to check the vending machine,” J.T. said. Through the glass, Rick saw him puff out his cheeks like a chipmunk.

Three minutes to air. Rick quickly explained the set-up to Caldwell. “Okay. Any questions? I’m sure we’ll have a fine show.”

“All set,” Caldwell said. “And there’s no need to be nervous. We’ll do fine.”

A few drops of perspiration had formed on Rick’s brow. He wiped them away. “I’m not nervous. Not really. Just my normal reaction before I go on air.”

The tip of Caldwell’s tongue appeared for an instant then vanished. “Yes, of course.”

Rick took a sip of water, watched the big clock on the wall tick the remaining five seconds toward go-time. “Good afternoon. This is Rick Jennings on the Afternoon Circus. Today, we are joined by Dr. Harrison Caldwell, a psychology professor from George Mason University. In addition to his research in the world of academia, he consults, from time to time, on criminal investigations for several of the local police jurisdictions. I’m sure he’ll have some very insightful comments and observations.” He pointed at Caldwell, mouthed say hello.

“Thanks, Rick. It’s great to be here.” His voice darkened. “But I’m so sorry it has to be under these circumstances. Horrifying, simply horrifying.”

Rick explained. “For those of you who don’t know…Dr. Caldwell is referring to what happened during our live remote from Major Francis Park.” Rick choked up. “Excuse me.” He took a sip of water, then placed the water bottle down on the table, top off. “Yesterday evening, I received a small package while I was on-air. In the package was the ear of a colleague.

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