Seconds to Live(64)
“Is there a serial killer loose in Scarlet Falls?” a reporter called out.
Horner shook his head. “No. Miss Green and Mrs. Miller were acquainted, so their cases are linked.”
“Should women be afraid, Chief?”
He gave the questioner a solemn nod. “Women should always be careful, but we don’t feel there’s any special danger because of these murders. Dena Miller and Missy Green did know each other. Their deaths weren’t random acts.”
“What are you doing to catch the killer?”
“We have several of our detectives working the case, including Detective Dane.” The chief gestured to Stella. “We would also like to ask the public for any help. We’re setting up a tip hotline. If anyone has any information regarding the murders of Missy Green or Dena Miller, they can call the number on the bottom of the screen. A one thousand dollar reward is being offered for any valid tip that results in an arrest.”
“Does this mean you aren’t close to solving the cases?”
The chief answered, “As always, we appreciate any help the public can provide, but we have several leads, including one person of interest, and we expect to solve these murders quickly.”
“Detective Dane, is it true that both victims were drug addicts?”
Chief Horner stepped aside so Stella could access the mic. His gestures were polite, but she caught the warning in his eyes.
She lowered the mic a few inches. “I can’t divulge details in an ongoing investigation, but this case is my number one priority.”
“But we heard both women died of heroin overdoses.”
“The medical examiner hasn’t issued a cause of death in either case,” Stella said, working hard to keep her voice level.
Horner brushed her aside. “As Detective Dane said, we can’t discuss the details of the investigation. Once again, the hotline number is at the bottom of the screen. I believe photos of both victims are being shown on the screen right now. If you know anything about the deaths of either of these women, please call the hotline. An officer will be standing by to receive your calls.”
Horner herded Stella away from the press. “You need to work on politics, Detective. Next time tell them less in more words, and try not to look angry.”
“Yes, sir.”
Horner scrutinized her face. “You look tired. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself and not letting the case exhaust you.”
“Yes, sir.” Stella followed Cecily’s example and schooled her face until she was out of Horner’s view. Did the chief ever tell Brody to make sure he got enough rest? No. But what could Stella complain about? Being promoted? Having a concerned boss? Her boss was superficial, but he’d made her a detective. And that was all Stella had ever wanted.
Wasn’t it?
Back at her desk, Stella checked her messages. Finally, Gianna had returned her call. Stella dialed her number. “Can I stop by and show you something?”
Gianna chuckled. “If it’s that hottie you brought the other day, sure thing.”
“Sorry. That’s not it.” Stella grabbed her briefcase and headed for the door.
“I guess you can still come.” Gianna sighed.
“I’ll bring ice cream.” Stella ended the call. A quick stop at the convenience store yielded a container of vanilla fudge swirl, Gianna’s favorite.
If the girl picked Spivak out of the photo lineup, Stella’s life would get much easier. He was a scumbag. He had a record that included assault. But she had her doubts about his ability to have dumped the body. If the ME was right, and Dena had been dead for no more than eighteen hours before she was found, then Spivak would have had to dump her body before sunset last night. Stella had arrested him at nine-thirty the previous night. Dena couldn’t have been dumped before six p.m.
If he’d also been outside the church the night Missy disappeared, Stella would feel better about building a case with him as her killer.
The sun was setting as Stella parked outside Gianna’s apartment. The girl must have been watching for her because she opened the door before Stella knocked. As usual, the apartment was hot as a sauna. Stella stripped off her jacket and tossed it over the back of a chair.
Gianna walked into the kitchen and took a bowl from the microwave. The aroma of warm fettuccine Alfredo drifted into the room. Stella’s appetite stirred to life, but Gianna needed every calorie.
“Do you want some? I’m not really hungry, but I have to eat.” Gianna put the bowl on the tiny table. Even though she’d clearly been crying, the girl’s color was pinker, her eyes brighter, and her step quicker. The TV was set to a local newscast. She picked up the remote control and muted the volume.