Re-Runners First Life: A Time Travel Suspense Series (4 page)

1984

Los Angeles Police Department

Homicide detectives Patrick Brodie and Ian Rogers sat facing one another, their two desks butted up against each other. Both had coffees and matching frowns.

‘Ah shit.’ Rogers threw the newspaper down in disgust. ‘First they crap all over our department and then they give him a cute nickname.
Le Segador
.’

‘
Le Segador
?’ Brodie questioned.

‘Yea.’ Rogers shook his head in frustration. ‘It’s Spanish for reaper or harvester.’

‘At least we’re getting more help now the body count is rising.’

Rogers and Brodie had been friends since joining the Academy as young and eager recruits. They’d always worked well together and their career paths had followed the same course, but it was their differing personalities that melded them into a resourceful and successful team.

Rogers was the extrovert, the mouthpiece. Brodie was the introspective thinker and his partner was happy to acknowledge he was a genius at puzzling out the most unsolvable crimes. Their felony solving record was outstanding, except in the case of the serial killer the papers were now calling
le Segador
.

Pat Brodie was both frustrated and intrigued by this killer who was obviously highly intelligent. They hadn’t been able to get a single print at the crime scenes, always in the homes of the victims. No signs of break and enter, no signs of a struggle. It was clear he was known to the women he had murdered, but there was no connection between any of the fatalities. So Pat knew
le Segador
planned with precision and that he formed a relationship with his victims before killing them; yet none of the women’s friends or family were aware of a new man in the life of their deceased loved one.

Brodie would sit in thought for hours, putting himself in the head of his quarry. Rogers recognized the glazed stare and knew when to leave his partner alone. He did his best work like this, but for the last four years and with one kill per year with
le Segador’s
MO they were no closer to apprehending him. The left hand ring finger of each victim was always removed from the severed hands and placed within the heart carved into the soft stomach tissue. On the severed finger was a colorful plastic ring – a referral to marriage? Brodie couldn’t work it out. They’d had no luck locating a source for the rings. They were cheap, popular and sold everywhere.

LAPD knew this was the work of the same murderer or murderers. Brodie’s gut was telling him this was one man; one very clever, very sick man. And this one was starting to invade his sleeping and waking thoughts like no other had before.

This one was becoming personal.

Chapter 5

1986

San Francisco

The weather was mild and sunny as Christian held onto the rail of the cable car and let the breeze blow through his hair, a wide smile beneath his closed eyes.
Ah, life is good. I feel... I feel
. He laughed out loud.

He couldn’t put into words the feeling of elation that had coursed through his body since last night. It just kept on going, like an orgasm that wouldn’t end. Christian ran through the events of the previous evening, just as he had done continuously since murdering and arranging the bodies of Suzy and Juanita on the twin beds in Suzy’s apartment.

How he had laughed quietly to himself at the look of jealously that crossed Juanita’s face when he invited Suzy into the bedroom, leaving her alone and wondering why he wasn’t interested in her. After all, she was prettier and more vivacious. Then her confusion when he returned within a few minutes; Juanita not knowing Suzy was already tied to a bed with tape over her mouth.

When both girls had been trussed and taped to his satisfaction, he gained enormous pleasure from their terror as he calmly explained what he would do to them. He held up two gaudy plastic rings, one pink and one blue. ‘I give you each a ring, with my gratitude. You have no idea how happy you are about to make me.’

Juanita had screamed beneath the tape, fought at her restraints and thrashed her body from side to side. Suzy just stared wide-eyed at Christian, terror freezing her into immobility.

The memory caused a euphoric wave to wash over Christian again as he jumped from the slowly moving cable car. It was interesting that the police had kept the rings a secret; which reminded him, he needed to purchase another supply. The girls had used his last two and he needed a stock for his move to Italy in the New Year. He’d grown quite attached to this bit of symbolism and wanted to continue the trend in his new home. The tacky pieces of plastic may be unavailable in Europe, so he needed to be prepared.

Christian entered the large toy store and wandered to the girl’s dress-up section. As far as trends go, this one had lasted several years, but it couldn’t go on forever. Perhaps he should buy in bulk.

He collected around thirty rings in various colors and dropped them into the small plastic bag provided, before moving to the checkout, paying the pretty young cashier and leaving the store. His thoughts had returned again to the previous night, his elation coming to a sickening halt when he heard his name being called, ‘Christian? Christian.’ Sally’s happy voice followed him.

She held out her arms to give him a quick hug. ‘I
thought
it was you, but a toy store? It’s so out of character. I thought I’d made a mistake.’

‘A favor for the hotel concierge,’ Christian replied calmly. ‘What are you doing in San Francisco Sally?’ He noted her flushed cheeks and her obvious happiness at this unexpected meeting.

She rolled her eyes. ‘Only the stalest university conference I’ve ever attended. I’m bored speechless.’

His mind ticked over quickly.
Why not
, he thought.
It’s been six months
.

‘This is perfect Sally,’ he smiled and linked her arm in his. ‘Can you play hooky and join me for dinner?’ He knew her answer before she uttered it.

‘That would be wonderful.’ She gazed up at him adoringly. ‘And perhaps we could discuss Italy?’

‘An involved subject,’ he replied. ‘You may have to stay the night.’ His pale eyes watched her intently as a blush of pleasure stained her skin again.

‘I would like that.’

They entered the foyer of the plush hotel Christian had booked for this important San Francisco visit. It was the first time he had taken two kills together and the powerful feeling it had given him made him positive he would try that again another time. Last year when he had killed his first Lovely in San Francisco, he had chosen another hotel. Usually he made an effort not to stand out. He was always quietly pleasant to staff; not too generous, but not disagreeable either. His ability to blend in had helped in the success of his career of murder; however hotels of quality also hired excellent staff that were trained to remember and look after their customers. It was a risk he was prepared to take. Christian’s sensibilities didn’t extend to inferior accommodation.

As Sally and Christian made their way to the elevator, a bellhop nodded. ‘Good afternoon, Mr Sorrento.’

Sally looked at him. ‘Mr Sorrento?’

‘A small amusement on my part,’ Christian shrugged. ‘Call it
Dreaming of Italy
. Shall we order in?’

Chapter 6

19
83

Fair Heights High School

Brisbane

Kate and her friend Melanie left the Science building together. It was the last class of the week and they were planning to meet later at Queen Street mall in the city for a movie and something to eat.

‘When are you doing your driving test?’ Mel asked as they walked across the compound in the direction of the bus shelters.

‘Next week.’ Kate couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice. ‘The best news is my car is almost roadworthy.’

Kate had worked part-time jobs since she was fifteen and had saved enough to buy an old but reliable car. Her parents had agreed to pay for a couple of routine replacements and ‘Bertha’ the Ford Cortina was almost ready to go. ‘Bertha’ was a little rough around the edges and her body paint was a bit patchy and faded, but she was all Kate’s and she couldn’t wait to drive her.

Kate looked at her watch as she saw a bus rounding the bend ahead. ‘Hurry.’ The girls took off at a run, Kate’s long legs easily outpacing Mel as they both waved arms to grab the driver’s attention. Out of breath and giggling, they climbed on board.

‘Shhhh… Shhhh...’ Old Henry their regular driver put a finger to his lips and pointed at the speaker system.

Henry was popular with the students and he usually greeted everyone with a smile and a joke. Today he was frowning.

The news broadcast ended and the radio station returned to its usual music format.

‘What’s up, Henry?’ Kate’s voice was concerned.

‘Ah missy, they was talkin’ about a killer in America. Nasty piece of goods, by the sound of it. Poor little lass.’ Henry shook his head sadly. ‘I just don’t know what the world’s coming to.’

Chapter 7

1992

Brisbane

Melanie waited quietly beside Kate until she had completed her study of the slide under the microscope.

Leaning back and stretching, Kate removed her wire-framed glasses with one hand and rubbed her eyes with the other. ‘Tired?’ Melanie asked.

Kate glanced sideways at her friend. ‘No, but I think I need to get this prescription checked.’

‘Well if you’re going to do that, will you get some frames that flatter your face more?’ Melanie wrinkled her nose. ‘You look like my grandmother in those.’

‘Oh no,’ Kate rolled her eyes and rubbed absently at her lower back, ‘please don’t tell me you’re on a makeover crusade again?’

Melanie’s hands rested on slim hips encased in flattering and classically cut dark slacks. A silk blouse of soft green complimented her olive skin and dark brown hair, cut in a chic bob. ‘I’ve given up on you,’ she answered. ‘So many people would kill for your skin, not to mention your hair, but,’ she shrugged, looking at Kate’s thick blond waves pulled up in an unflattering hair tie. ‘You’ve made it very clear you’re not interested.’

As she turned to leave she stopped and tapped the side of her head, ‘I nearly forgot. I didn’t come just to deliver paperwork. The administration and reception girls are going for a drink after work.’

Kate stated to shake her head. ‘Before you refuse ... again,’ Melanie held up her hand, ‘its Ashley’s birthday and she asked me to make sure you come along.’ Before Kate could respond, Melanie left the room. ‘I’ll be back at 5pm to pick you up.’

Kate chuckled to herself and turned back to her work. She loved working in the laboratory and having her school friend working in the same hospital was a bonus. Stylish Melanie had always pushed Kate to make the most of her natural attributes, but she wasn’t interested.
It’s not that I’m boring
, thought Kate with resolve and then her shoulders slumped. ‘
But I could never be as glamorous as Mel.’

Kate swiveled on the tall stool, pulled the tie from her hair and studied her hazy reflection in the glass panel that divided the lab from the entrance to the room. Thick blond and caramel waves fell to her shoulders. She began a critical critique of her features. Nice blue eyes. Hair a bit unmanageable but OK. Clear skin. She shrugged. Mel was right. She had potential, but she didn’t have the confidence to pull it off ... and bottom line? She just wasn’t interested in trying.

Kate turned back to her desk and flipped open the manila folder, but her thoughts were elsewhere.
I’m not a complete geek. I’ve had a couple of boyfriends
, she justified to herself.
I love my job and my house ... and my cats
. Two of them at last count and she was contemplating a third. She sighed, ‘Mel is right. I’m turning into the stereotype, a single lady with cats. Maybe I should listen to her.’

ooooo

Just before 5pm Melanie swept into the rear office where Kate was finishing up the day’s paperwork. She carried two large bags; one sporting the logo of a local boutique and another with makeup, a hairdryer and an assortment of sprays and brushes.

‘I made a quick trip home at lunchtime for a couple of my things I know will look fabulous on you,’ Melanie took charge. ‘We’re going to ditch the glasses, add a bit of makeup and snazzy up of your hair,’ she stated with a flourish, ‘and you’ll be ready for the party.’

‘OK,’ answered Kate, ‘Do your worst ... or best, as the case may be.’

‘Huh?’ Kate’s ready agreement stopped Melanie in her tracks. ‘Really? I can let my head go and do a..,’ she whispered the next word, ‘makeover?’

Kate nodded and laughed at the stunned look on her friend’s face.

‘OK,’ Melanie recovered quickly, ‘We are doing this before you change your mind.’ She pointed to a tall lab stool. ‘Sit.’

ooooo

The two young women entered the bar together, drawing several admiring glances. Blonde and brunette; both tall and slender. One in a classic silk blouse and slacks; one in a simple black dress that stopped just above the knee, but hinted at long and shapely legs. The dress was complimented by a short tangerine jacket. Both wore heels that accentuated their height and presence.

As they made their way to the group of young women who had taken over a large round table in the back, heads turned. One male in particular, who looked out of place in the crowd of office workers.

Eric Barns’ eyes were feasting on the blonde woman who had walked past him and he continued to watch her as the evening progressed. Eric hadn’t wanted to meet his old school friend in the city bar. He felt out of place in his laborer’s clothes and boots, but long after his friend had left, Eric huddled in the corner of the bar that gave him the best vantage point of the table of women and the blonde who had grabbed his attention. Despite his attire, Eric was an attractive guy. Dark hair and olive skin gave away his Mediterranean background. His focus on Kate was absolute. His eyes never left her as he asked the barman where the women worked.

Kate didn’t notice the attention from the stranger at the bar. She was still feeling skeptical and a little embarrassed by the flattering comments she had received from her co-workers. Her transformation had been met with wide-eyed stares and open mouths. Melanie was grinning like a Cheshire cat and accepted the accolades for her part in transforming Kate from shy lab rat to stunning temptress. A couple of wines later and Kate was really enjoying herself and wondering why she didn’t do this more often.

Drinks needed refilling when Kate stood and offered, ‘My shout.’

Mel looked at her with a grin, ‘Do you want me to come with you?’

‘No, thank you Mama Mel,’ Kate giggled, as she headed in the direction of the bar.

‘Go girl,’ shouted one of the typists with her fist in the air.

‘You may have created a monster, Mel,’ said another.

‘Naw,’ Melanie waved at her. ‘She’ll be back to normal tomorrow, but it was nice while it lasted.’ She shook her head as she watched her friend, ‘Such potential.’

As Kate waited to be served, Eric made his way over to her. ‘Hi, I’m Eric.’

Kate smiled briefly and turned away without taking his offered hand. He tried again. ‘You look as though you’re having a good time. Someone’s birthday?’

Kate turned to him and was captured by compelling, dark eyes. He was nice looking in a rough kind of way. Certainly nothing like the couple of men she had dated. Twenty-seven years old and only three safe and serious types to her dating repertoire. The stranger continued to speak to her and hold her attention. It was proving difficult to break his penetrating gaze and after a couple of minutes, she realized she didn’t want to.

The drinks arrived on two trays and without asking, Eric lifted the larger one and carried it over to the table of women. He smiled and nodded at the group before turning to Kate and taking her hand, ‘It was nice to meet you, Kate.’

She blushed, ‘You too, Eric.’ His thumb stoked her hand as he slowly let her go and retreated back to his seat.

Only the tittering of the girls dragged her gaze from him. ‘Ohhhh, Kate,’ Linda whispered, ‘a bit rough around the edges, but nice.’

The other girls joined in, only Melanie was silent. She looked over her shoulder at Eric and was captured by the intensity of that gaze as he moved his attention from Kate to her. An involuntary shiver caught her unawares. There was something about the man that put her on edge. She quickly turned her back to him and joined the conversation.