“Yes, but limited phone calls are important. Jim will set up a secure line for you here at the department. I’m good at what I do, Frank. I’ll take care of your sister. I promise you,” Sandman stated as John came down the hallway.
“I’m going to go check on a few things and get ready to leave. You guys should take a few minutes with your sister. Have her ready at the time we discussed,” Sandman said as Grace opened the door.
All four men looked at her and made similar comments simultaneously.
Grace held up her hand up to stop them from continuing.
“Stop, guys. I know. I look like some call girl stripper on her way to a bachelor party,” she said and they laughed.
“I think you fill that uniform out nicely.” Sandman winked at her and told the guys to have her ready to leave as they had discussed earlier.
“Keep your hair tucked in, and your hat down low, Grace. Don’t make any eye contact with anyone,” Frank told her as he fixed the police cap on her head and softly tucked a loose strand of hair back under it. “I love you, baby sister. Be safe.” He kissed her on the cheek and hugged her.
“The guy who’s driving the car is named Justin. Stay close to him and follow his lead. You’ll only have to go by one or two real cops and possibly a reporter. Keep your hat down and walk like a cop not a sex symbol,” John teased as he kissed her on the cheek and hugged her as well.
Grace looked at Donald.
“What are your words of advice?” she asked Donald.
“Keep asking questions and stay by Sandman’s side. You can trust him. He really cares about you, Grace. You have that instant effect on people.” Donald kissed her cheek.
Grace touched the bandage on his forehead and told the men to keep an eye on her mom.
Justin met them by the door and the three men watched as Grace disappeared down the stairwell.
Chapter 5
“Everything’s happening right on schedule,” the killer said out loud as the news reporters outside the Houston Police Department reported an explosion that occurred inside.
He listened as the fire alarms wailed and echoed through the television set and police scattered everywhere.
The package arrived on time and detonated precisely as planned.
He was feeling good as he watched the media coverage and saw Grace’s face.
She looked so sad those three years ago. He remembered it so clearly. Especially the way the detectives arrested the wrong man. It was so easy to plant the evidence in the crazy guy’s house. He often thought about doing the same thing in other murders he committed. It would be funny for some poor fool or enemy he wanted revenge against to be blamed for one of his killings. So
easily he could set them up. He couldn’t believe the media attention he was getting for the homicides. The stupid cops had no idea what this was all about. Shit, even he had changed the game plan along the way. Life was looking promising. He just needed to keep his cool. He wanted everyone to know it was the same serial killer. “Serial killer.” He loved the sound of it. He was famous now. But that also served an additional purpose. One that led to getting away literally, with murder.
He was impressed with his ability to evade capture and warrant the attention of a special investigator.
He felt a little challenged by that one investigator, Sandman. Even his name was intimidating and intense. That was one huge-ass man. But as long as he kept his wits about him, then he could continue to kill and evade capture.
Sandman intrigued him, too, and the man had arrogance about him, like he was so strong and skillful. The killer would enjoy messing with him.
It was difficult to get information on the investigator. Everything kept coming up classified. Even with his small connections he was unsuccessful and he feared if he pushed too much, then he would look suspicious. Right now no one had a clue who he was. He was in complete control and would be sure to keep it that way until the time was right.
The killer was impressed with himself for getting away with his special hobby for so long. Who would have thought his ability, his talent and gift for killing, would come in handy even in his career and daily life.
“This is going to be fun.” He continued to watch the media coverage.
* * * *
The police car slowly rolled into a vacant air hangar located inside a private airport.
“So far so good. Where’s Sandman?” Grace asked as she got out of the patrol car.
No one had noticed who she was when she left the precinct. She fit in perfectly. She thought she was busted when a reporter bumped into her on the way out the door, but the stuck-up snob hardly acknowledged Grace as she brushed by her without saying sorry. Grace laughed to herself.