-
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
someone anticipating a long-awaited present. When the film credits began to roll, he
grabbed the remote control off the coffee table and quickly fast-forwarded the tape.
Abruptly, he froze the screen, matching the frozen look of shock on his face.
There it is. Do you see it Marti? The connection? Jake s hands were trembling
as he gently replaced the remote back onto the table.
Yes, I see, she responded with a throaty gasp. The lips. In this film, the killer
paints lips on his victims because his mother s red lips are a symbol of her. He s trying to
kill his mother by killing these women. Her eyes were bright with revelation, just before
they dulled with doubt. But, in the film, Steiger kills elderly women; women obviously
mother figures. Our guy kills young blondes. How does that tie in to this case?
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS - Ariana Overton
92
Jake stood up, ran a hand through his hair and moved into the center of the room.
He stared out of the bay window behind the couch while he spoke. I don t know. But,
my gut tells me it is related somehow. He shook his head, lifted his nose up and took a
deep whiff of the air. Coffee now?
Marti shook her head at him. You re addicted to caffeine& among other things,
she grumbled with disgust but went and got their coffee anyway, shutting the television
off as she made her way toward the kitchen.
When she returned, placed his mug in front of him and returned to her lotus
position in the big chair, her own mug clamped between her hands, Jake arched an
eyebrow at her. Look, let s shelf the brainstorming for the moment. I d like to ask you a
question instead. Okay?
Marti smiled, reflecting affection and tolerance for him. Sure, shoot.
Why didn t you go for the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI when you had a
chance Marti? If you really want to be a serious profiler, why didn t you go for it years
ago? I was there. I could ve helped you. So, why not? And, why the big change now?
That s more than one question Jake, she responded with a bantering tone,
obviously trying to make light of the questions. When Jake remained silent, waiting
patiently for her answer, Marti moved uncomfortably in her seat, cast her eyes down to
the cup of coffee now clenched in her fist, instead of just holding it, and nervously
chewed her lip.
He threw up a hand. Hey, kiddo, don t sweat it. I was just curious is all.
You re getting awfully personal all of a sudden. We ve been friends since we
were kids Jake and I always thought I could tell you anything but& . Marti stalled out.
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS - Ariana Overton
93
& Now, after the years you were away and married to Pat and all& I& oh hell, there are
just some things too personal. Some things I want to keep to myself. Okay?
He fidgeted on the couch, feeling like he d crossed some invisible barrier he
didn t see coming. He took a deep breath, jumped up and smiled, hoping to defuse
whatever faux pas he d committed. Look, I have to go now. Let s drop the personal
stuff. Fine with me. Just business. Okay? But I want to follow up on this idea about the
lips. It may just give us somewhere to look after all. If these killings really did start here,
in the city, then it may be connected to that film. He shrugged into his coat. Who
knows?
Marti began to unwind her legs while reaching out, as if to halt his abrupt
departure. Jake, I&
He paused, I want you to come and stay with me for a while, okay? Until this
guy is caught, I don t want you to be alone. Besides, I could use you closer than an hour s
drive away. He stroked his moustache. What do you say sport? Come and help an old
slob out for awhile? Jake deliberately tried to lighten the mood, aware that he d upset
her somehow. And, he was worried about the threat the killer had written on his door.
The stricken look on her face took him completely by surprise. She turned her
face away and stared out the bay window over the couch. No thanks. I don t need your
protection Jake. I m just fine on my own. Her voice was cold, remote and held a note of
pain that Jake didn t understand.
Knowing he d really done something wrong now but not knowing what it was,
Jake felt his gut twist with a feeling of sick dread. He opted for flight in the face of
female emotions he didn t want to deal with. Stiff and unsure, he quickly leaned down,
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS - Ariana Overton
94
pecked her on the forehead and opened the outside door. See ya, kid. I ll let you know if
anything comes of this. You& .you, call me if you think of anything else. Okay? Before
she could respond, he was out the door and heading down the hallway toward the exit.
Although Jake was unaware of it, the lowering sun glaring through the window before
him, making it hard for him to see his way down the stairs. The setting sun bathed his tall
body, outlining it with a blood red glow.
Damn! Marti swore under her breath.
***
5:00 P.M.
The Red Rib Café, next door to the Stumble Inn, was Jake s home away from
home. Close to the bar, two blocks from his apartment and serving the best barbecue
country ribs, mashed potatoes and redeye gravy in California made it a five star
restaurant in Jake s opinion. He shifted uncomfortably on a cracked red Naugahyde
bench seat and squinted through the bay window next to the street, trying hard to see
details in spite of the sun blinding his vision as it sank into the Pacific Ocean for the
night. Where the hell are they? he grumbled under his breath while he held a palm over
his eyes and tried to see down the darkening sidewalk outside. He swore under his breath,
gave up the search and reached for his cold cup of coffee.
A middle-aged waitress, wearing the unorthodox uniform of jeans and sweater,
tall and fit but with the unmistakable wear and tear of a woman who d seen some real
life, sauntered over to his booth with a full coffee pot in her hand. Her wide face was
scrubbed clean, plain but strong, and her smile was warm and open. More coffee Jake?
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS - Ariana Overton
95
She began to fill his mug before he could answer. Wonder what happened to the boys,
she rasped in her deep, throaty way.
Jake grinned up at her, winked in a familiar way and said, Ah, Sue, my pet, we
don t need them. Every time I come in here, your Janis Joplin voice and generous round [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] - zanotowane.pl
- doc.pisz.pl
- pdf.pisz.pl
- matkadziecka.xlx.pl