Finding A Killer

By Nick J Mercorella

The trial was over. The jury found Troy not guilty of beating his girlfriend to death. But, Riley was not satisfied. Not guilty was not the same as innocent. There was still a cloud over her friend. Then there was Melissa's parents and fiance. The sad looks on there faces convinced Riley she had to do something
But, being the Chief Investigative reporter for Channel Nine News did not prepare Riley for what would be required. This time, she would not only get in trouble with her family, her boss, and her boyfriend, this time Riley would draw the wrath of the United States Justice Department.
Was Riley capable of this. Could she accomplish what the Broward Sheriff's Office couldn't? Could Riley Rafferty bring a brutal killer to justice?

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Nick J Mercorella
• Release date: May 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463609781

Nick J Mercorella

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I have had a very interesting if not profitable life. Married twice, divorced once, widowed once. Two wonderful children of my own and five more I inherited when I married for the second time.I worked in management most of my life when I wasn’t operating my own business. Had the opportunity to travel a great deal throughout our beautiful country, parts of Canada and Mexico and some of the islands of the Caribbean. I’ve visited 40 states and uncountable cities. Never been to Europe, Asia or Africa. Don’t feel like I’ve missed much. Might like to visit Australia, though.Coldest I’ve ever been was in Halifax, Nova Scotia in February. Hottest I’ve ever been was in Phoenix, Arizona in July. I’ve been in Salt Lake City in June when the sun didn’t set until after nine o’clock at night. I’ve seen the Sierra Mountains from the observation car of a train. Sailed aboard a United Sates Nuclear powered aircraft carrier, twice. Never been in the military, but I respect all those who serve. Flown hundreds and hundreds of thousands of miles. Love to fly, but poor eyesight prevents me from qualifying for a pilot’s license.Now, I sit in Fort Lauderdale Florida thinking about love and writing Romance Novels. Not a bad way to spend my retirement years!

Book preview

Finding A Killer

The Adventures of Riley

Book Two

Written by: Nick J. Mercorella

Creative Consultant: Deb Rhodes

Cover by: Gabrielle Mercorella

Author Photo Credit: Eileen Escarda

Editor: Bridget Hutchinson

ISBN: 978-0463609781

ASIN: BO7D7MX6JP

Copyright: 2016 – Nick J. Mercorella

All Rights Reserved

Acknowledgements

Murder One was to be one book, just to try my hand at mystery. Thanks to my daughter and my beta reader, I offer you Finding a Killer. This is the second book in the Riley Seriees. There will be more.

To my Texas Annie

I still miss you every day

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 – THE SUSPECT

CHAPTER 2 – LUCAS REMMING

CHAPTER 3 – THE UGLY TRUTH

CHAPTER 4 – WHAT NOW?

CHAPTER 5 – FIX IT

CHAPTER 6 – DAMAGE CONTROL

CHAPTER 7 – BACK TO BUSINESS

CHAPTER 8 – SUNDAY MORNING WITH MYRA

CHAPTER 9 – COMMITMENT

CHAPTER 10 – MY BIG MOUTH

CHAPTER 11 – A NEW BEGINNING

CHAPTER 12 – FLAKKA AND MURDER

CHAPTER 13 – MAKE YOUR CASE

CHAPTER 14 – INTERROGATION

CHAPTER 15 – WATCH AND LEARN

CHAPTER 16 – CONFESSION

CHAPTER 17 – DECISION TIME

CHAPTER 18 – THE MORNING AFTER

CHAPTER 19 – RECOVERYc19

CHAPTER 20 – THE MOLE

CHAPTER 21 – GETTING BETTER

BOOKS BY: Nick J Mercorella

FROM THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Finding

A

Killer

Chapter 1 – The Suspect

I watched the pavement slip away beneath us, as we lifted off runway 10 Right. We passed over the green tops of the woods that bordered the airport, a narrow road, and then a brown stretch of beach. As we continued east, away from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, the beach disappeared and was replaced by the emerald green of the Atlantic. Still climbing, we reached a deeper part of the ocean, and the water turned from green to blue. A left bank put us on a northerly course, and the South Florida coastline came into view through my little window. I was on my way to Washington D.C. to question a murder suspect.

Riley Rafferty, what the hell are you doing here?

The murder trial was over. My friend Troy had been found not guilty by the jury. I had played an essential part in Troy’s defense. That should have satisfied me, but the killer was still out there somewhere. Adrian Manners, the victim’s fiancée had begged me not to allow the police to forget Melissa. I looked into his eyes, and the faces of Mellissa’s parents and knew I couldn’t let this go. I had to do something

But, I was entirely unprepared for what I was trying to do. I was a reporter for Channel Nine News, in Fort Lauderdale Florida. I had no background in police investigations. My boyfriend, the chief investigator on the case, had promised me he would find the person who had beaten Mellissa Cummins to death. But, besides this case, he had recently been assigned the murder of a drug dealer. His time on this case would be limited.

Alone at last!

I turned away from the window to the very good-looking man sitting beside me.

What does that mean, Rick?

Because of my involvement with the trial, and your reports, it's been impossible to get you alone.

Why would you want to get me alone?

You must know I'm crazy about you, Riley!

And, you know exactly where I stand on that!

This had become an ongoing argument between us. Rick was one of the young lawyers on Troy’s defense team. Jay Webster, the lead attorney, had assigned him as my liaison with the team. Since I knew both the accused and the victim, and I also believed Troy was innocent, Jay thought I could be helpful. I was more than helpful. I had assisted Jay in the defense’s strategy. Since I also was the chief reporter on the case for Channel Nine News, we tried to keep my involvement quiet. I worked with Jay through Rick.

Come on, Riley. You can't believe you have a future with that cop? What can he possibly offer you? He doesn't even have the time to see you. You didn't even have a date for that big bash on Saturday!

Rick had taken an interest in me, and I was having a difficult time shutting him down. That was partly my own fault. Since Sam was so busy with the Cummins murder and the drug dealer’s killing, I had allowed Rick to take up some of my spare time. I had also asked him to take me to the Wounded Warriors Benefit after Sam called to tell me he had to work. That was a big mistake.

The Wounded Warriors Benefit was the biggest bash in Florida, and every news outlet sent a team to cover it. I was invited to the party because my brother-in-law purchased two tables for the party every year. One was for family, and the other for a few of Tony’s employees and clients. Each table cost Tony fifty thousand dollars. It was expensive, but if you were in business in South Florida, you dare not attend.

We've already talked about that. I thought I made it perfectly clear Saturday night.

Yeah, I know you were upset about what happened in front of the camera, but, you didn't stop it, and you didn't say anything until we got to your house. You had a good time with me, Saturday, admit it.

Because I had been close to the defense team, I had a number of exclusive reports during the trial. When Rick and I walked into the arena where the benefit was held, the Community Affairs Reporter for Channel Nine News pulled me in front of the camera for an interview. I asked Rick to wait for me while I talked to the reporter on camera. Instead, he moved behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist and acted as if we were in an intimate relationship. I couldn’t react in front of the camera, and because we were sitting with my family, I didn’t want to cause a fuss, so I didn’t scold Rick until he took me home. It seems, that too turned out to be a mistake.

I had a good time because I was with my family. I would have had a better time if Sam were with me.

Why, Riley?

Why, what, Rick?

Why are you trying so hard to keep a distance between us? Afraid if you let your guard down, you'll realize I'm better for you than that cop?

I sat up straight and looked around the cabin.

What are you looking for?

An empty seat.

Why, afraid I'm right? Afraid if we spend too much time together, you'll give in?

Not a chance, Rick. Not one chance in a million.

I had to get this straight. This couldn't go on. Sam would find out Billy wasn't my date Saturday night. Once he found out it was Rick, he wouldn’t be to be happy. Sam warned me about Rick coming on to me. I told him I could deal with it. I had to deal with this, and right now. I took three deep breaths.

Okay, Rick. Here's the bottom line. Sam is my guy. I've told you that before. Because of our schedules, our relationship is complicated. We are both aware of this and are willing to deal with it. We both know the possibility that one of us may find someone else before we have the time to cement our relationship with each other. We are willing to deal with that also.

I looked around to determine if our conversation was being overheard. No one seemed to be paying any attention to us.

But, until and unless that happens, Sam is my guy. Since I met him, no other man has captured my heart. No other man makes me feel the way he does. I am willing to put up with our limited time together, and if someone else comes along to change my feelings, I'll deal with that, and I'll deal with Sam. But, Rick, I can honestly say, without hesitation, you're not the one. You’re good looking and smooth, and I'm sure you have no trouble getting girls to go out with you. But you don't do it for me. Not even a little bit.

Maybe if you weren't so focused on that cop, you'd feel differently. You won't even give me a chance.

His name is Detective Sam Garner, and I’d wish you’d stop referring to him as That Cop. It’s offensive!

Okay, he’s a detective. But what can he possibly do for you? He doesn’t even have time to solve this murder case.

Rick, we’ve been through this. I know a relationship between Sam and me will be difficult. But, I’m willing to put up with it. Even if Sam wasn’t around, I’ve already told you, you don’t do it for me.

That’s because you won’t give us a chance. If you got to know me, I’m sure we could develop into something special.

I don’t want to get to know you, Rick. Being in a relationship means not looking around for something better. It means commitment, and I’m committed to Sam.

I know that Riley. That’s why you’re afraid to give me a chance. You’re afraid you’ll have second thoughts about that cop if you allow me in.

Now, you understand!

Rick looked confused.

That's what it's all about, Rick. I am so focused on that cop, as you insist on calling him, no one else has a chance. That's what a relationship is all about. You make a decision and stick with it. Once you've made that decision, you don't look for anything else. Sam's my guy, period!

And what happens if he decides he doesn't like your part time relationship? What if he wants more and you can't give it to him?

I'm hoping that never happens, but if it does, I'll have to make a decision between my career and my relationship. But, in the meantime, Sam is my guy, and if you don’t stop, I’ll fly right back to Florida, alone, as soon as we land.

Okay, okay! I’ll back off, but way down deep, you know I’m right.

It was quiet for a few minutes. Maybe he finally got it.

How do you want to handle Remming?

I haven’t the foggiest idea. This was all your idea, remember.

Give me a break, Riley. You want this as much as I do. You talked to Manners and Cummins’ parents. Do you really want to let Cummins’ murderer to go free? No one is looking for him.

Sam said they’d stay on the case until they found out the truth. The Broward Sheriff’s Office doesn’t like open cases on their books.

Maybe under normal circumstances, but your boyfriend is trying to make a name for himself with the drug dealer killing. How much time do you think he’s going to devote to this?

He’s not trying to make a name for himself, Rick. He’s doing his job.

Sure, sure! Whatever you say! But, you know this will not take precedence. That Flakka thing will be front and center. Probably earn him another promotion.

I knew Rick was partly right. Sam was so busy with the Flakka drug epidemic, he had very little time for us. How much time would he have to devote to a murder investigation that was months old now? He had told me the older a case is, the more difficult it was to solve. They had lost a lot of time because of Troy’s arrest. The prosecutor was convinced Troy was guilty, even after the case took an unusual turn. This entire situation was bizarre.

You want his guy or not?

I did want to get this guy, … If he was the guy who beat Melissa Cummins to death. But I wasn’t sure he was. He was the most likely suspect I could find, but I couldn’t think of a motive. Everything about this case sounded like a cheap mystery novel.

The prosecutor was sure she had Troy nailed to the cross. His live-in girlfriend had gotten pregnant while Troy was out of town on business. Troy didn’t find out until Paige had a miscarriage. Troy took her to the emergency room and stayed with her until she was released. He took her back to his apartment, and after she was settled, he walked out on her. The prosecutor’s theory was after brooding about Paige’s affair for a couple of days, Troy went back to the apartment and in a fit of rage, beat Paige to death. Open and shut.

Except, three days after Troy was arrested, Paige Reese turned up at NAS Headquarters, alive and well. Her story was the doctor instructed her to take a week off and rest. She had gone to a resort in the Keys for a week, while a friend of hers was using her apartment for the weekend. After a mad scramble, the victim was positively identified as Paige’s friend, Melissa Cummins. The misidentification would have been a black eye for Sam and BSO. I managed to withhold the news until BSO could report the name of the victim. That made me some points with Sam and me was sure would get Troy off the hook. He hardly knew the victim. But the prosecutor had other ideas. She rearrested Troy for the Cummins’ murder, citing mistaken identity.

The rest of the flight was quiet. I hoped Rick finally understood my position. When we started our descent into Washington, we talked about how I would get to speak to Remming. I was having second thoughts about this. I was a reporter, not a cop. Could I do this?

Just walk right up to him and introduce yourself. Tell him you're doing a piece on all the charity events held in the Fort Lauderdale area, and his name came up as a frequent guest. Flatter him. He's a womanizer. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to talk to you.

That’s fine, but how do I bring up Paige?

Paige is your friend. She told you about a man she met at one of these events. She said he attended a number of these parties, and you thought he would make an interesting subject.

That was partly true. When I had talked to Paige, said told me about the man she met at a charity party while Troy was out of town. He seduced her into bed, and she wound up pregnant. But, all she knew about him was he worked for the government, he attended these charity parties every time he was in Fort Lauderdale, and his name was Luke. My brother-in-law’s sister ran most of these events, and with her help, I found a man who fit Paige’s description. Lucas Remming worked for the Department of Justice in Washington. He comes to Florida often, and he always buys a ticket to a charity ball when he’s in town. Sidney told me he always went to the party alone, and always left with someone. A player! He fit the description.

But, the biggest reason he’s my number one suspect is because he had a ticket to an event on the night of the Cummins’ murder, but he was a no-show. I told Sam what I had found out, and he said he’d get around to looking into it. Rick had another comment.

I wish you had dressed better.

What’s wrong with the way I’m dressed?

You’re dressed for work. This guy likes hot, sexy women. You qualify, but not the way you're dressed.

These are my work clothes. I’m not looking for a date with the man.

When I did that first report in front of NAS headquarters, I was wearing a denim skirt, a man-tailored shirt, and a denim jacket. Since then, that outfit had sort of become my trademark, and that’s what I was wearing today. I was not about to change just to satisfy Rick.

You’ll just have to wing it.

Wing it how?

You’re a reporter. Tell Remming your station sent you to interview him because he attends so many charity balls in Fort Lauderdale. Tell him it’s a human-interest piece. Once you get him talking, you can slip in questions about his encounter with Reese.

If it’s so easy, why don’t you do it?

If I looked like you, Riley, I would. Let him think he’s impressing you. He’s a skirt chaser. Let him think he’s getting to you.

Not my style, Rick.

I was having second thoughts about this entire venture.

Rick, this is crazy. Maybe we should just let Sam look into Remming?

Big fat chance of that happening. He’s too focused on the Flakka thing. He doesn’t care about this any longer.

Stop it, Rick! Stop it right now! Sam’s doing the best he can under the circumstances. If Gloria Taylor hadn’t screwed everything up, Sam would have been looking for the killer from the day it happened.

It was true. Gloria Taylor, the prosecutor, had seen this as a career case. Girlfriend gets pregnant by another man. Boyfriend loses it and beats her to death. Taylor made the most of the publicity and held daily news conferences to boost her position. Brutal death. Beaten until she was dead. Beaten so severely, she was unrecognizable. What a horrible way to die. A man with no compassion.

When Paige showed up alive, there were no other viable suspects. Taylor decided to charge Troy with Cummins’ murder, claiming he was so enraged with Paige, he didn’t realize he was attacking the wrong woman. But, she had no real evidence. Taylor did manage to get Paige to testify she believed Troy was capable of doing it. It took the talents of a great criminal attorney, Jay Webster, with an assist from me, to get Troy acquitted. Acquitted, but not proven innocent. There’s a difference .

That’s one of the reasons I was on my way to Washington. I wanted the killer exposed and tried so Troy wouldn’t have that hanging over him. And, I also wanted peace for Melissa’s fiancé and parents.

Was I equipped for this?

A cab took us directly from the airport to the hotel restaurant where Rick’s source said Remming had lunch, alone, every day. On the ride to the restaurant, we talked about how I would approach Lucas Remming . We decided we'd wait in the bar for Remming. I would sit up front, close to the entrance to the restaurant, and Rick would be at the other end. We wouldn't acknowledge each other. We wanted Remming to think I was alone, but Rick would have a clear view of the entire restaurant. Rick also suggested I talk to the hostess and ask her to point Remming out when he arrived. That was a good idea, considering I had no idea what the man looked like. I took Rick’s suggestion, but the hostess’ answer didn't make me happy. I walked over to Rick.

Great idea you had Rick! Where did you get your information?

I got it from a reliable source here in Washington, why? What's wrong?

Lucas Remming has lunch here alone every weekday, except Tuesday. Tuesdays, he has a working lunch in his office with his staff.

I'm sorry, Riley. I didn't know. What now?

I guess we go home.

Our plane doesn't leave until later this afternoon. Why don't we have lunch and explore our options.

We don't have any other options!

Lunch would be better than sitting at the airport.

Rick was right. I gave in, and we asked to be seated. I was not happy. This was a stupid idea to start with, and it was all for nothing. Rick kept apologizing and trying to make the best of the situation. I knew he was happy. He had waylaid me here, and he used our flight time to woo me. Now, he would have this time and our flight home to continue his advances. I wanted to put a stop to this before he started. So, I brought up the issue.

Rick, I meant what I said on the plane. Sam's my guy, and that's the way I want it. I'm not looking for anyone else, and now that you know that, I'd wish you'd let it be.

Riley, I do understand what you're saying, but I'm not sure I believe it. I'm not sure you believe it.

What's that supposed to mean?

You try too hard, Riley. You try to put men off and not allow them to show you they're interested. You don't want to be pursued. You want the men to back off. I think it's because you're afraid you'll give in. It's easier if they stop chasing you. This way you don't have to make a decision.

Maybe, Rick. But that's the way it is between couples. My sister, Alex, does the same thing. Since Tony came into her life, she's had no interest in other men, and she avoids situations that could allow her to get interested. That's what fidelity means.

True, but Tony and Alex are married. You and Sam aren't even engaged. Technically, you're not even a couple. If you were, you wouldn't have asked me to go to that banquet with you.

It doesn't matter, Rick. As long as Sam is willing to deal with our situation, so am I.

I must have gotten through to him because the conversation returned to why we were in Washington. My disappointment was evident. I wouldn’t be interviewing Lucas Remming today. Just as well. I hadn’t the faintest idea how to go about it. I was not trained in police procedures, and I wasn’t sure I knew what questions to ask. But, I was disappointed. Rick had an idea.

As long as we're here, why waste the trip? We know Remming will be having lunch here alone tomorrow. Why don't we talk to him then?

You mean, stay here tonight?

Unless you're willing to let this whole thing go. Forget who killed that poor girl. We know BSO isn't investigating. Your cop seems to be too busy. If not us, ...who?

Before I had a chance to consider his idea, Rick left the table. Fifteen minutes later he was back.

We're all set. There wasn't much available. This place is full. The only thing they had left was a two-bedroom suite.

That wasn't going to happen.

I didn't agree to stay here, Rick, and I'm not sharing a suite with you if we do.

That's all they had, Riley. The bedrooms both have individual bathrooms, and both the bedroom doors and the bathroom doors have locks. It's two rooms separated by a central room instead of a hallway. I'm not going to force myself on you!

I'm not prepared for an overnight stay. I don't have any other clothes or anything.

We can stop in the boutique, right here in the hotel. You can pick up clean underwear and toiletries. I'm sure the room has an iron. you can press what you're wearing for tomorrow.

While I was contemplating his suggestion, he added, We're already here. Let's get this guy!

And what do we do until lunchtime tomorrow?

"We do what everybody does