Silent Fury

By Jason M. Winn

Officer Damon Darwin of the Houston Police Department is young and new to the police force, so hes surprised to find himself facing a brutal sniper using the nickname Silent Fury, who terrorizes the city of Houston, Texas. This vicious killer informs Darwin of the time, place, and body count every time that he contacts the officer. These body counts have escalated by a factor of five with each killing, and he tells Darwin he wont stop until they reach a total of fifty. And once the count reaches fifty, Silent Fury plans to destroy a maternity ward. He delights in taunting Darwin, informing him that only the officer holds the key to stopping this deadly crime spree.

It becomes personal when Silent Fury murders HPD Officer Norman Prescott, Darwins soonto- be-retired partner, right before Darwins eyes. Darwin must struggle with his own personal demons while desperately trying to stop the crazed murderer before he kills again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 27, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450243025

Jason M. Winn

Jason Winn lives in Houston, Texas. He has seen much of the United States and has traveled to a few other countries as well. Silent Fury is his second novel.

Book preview

Dedications

27 Psalm says it all.

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

AUTHORS WARNING

INTRODUCTION

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

God bless you, Jessie Mae Stewart. I’ll never forget you.

AUTHORS WARNING

This novel details the viciousness of a man with nothing to lose and the sorrows of so many to gain. Most of the content will, not might, disturb you. It is written for entertainment purposes only. Do read and enjoy.

INTRODUCTION

Officer Damon Darwin faces a challenge that threatens to wreck his very sanity. A deadly sniper, nicknamed Silent Fury, informs Officer Darwin of his future kills. These slayings occur on a consistent basis and will increase by a factor of five unless he is stopped. Silent Fury promises to destroy an entire hospital maternity ward when the body count reaches fifty. With time running out and suspicion mounting against him, can Darwin save the citizens of Houston from falling into the snipers crosshairs?

PROLOGUE

Dear Lord, thank you for this day and thank you for all that you have given me. utters a firmly voiced man while facing an opened window. You said in Jeremiah 1 and 5 that before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee. This means that you love each and every last one of us for we are your creation.

The early rays of sunlight raced through the tattered blinds. Uneven lines of black were splayed across this small and silent room. Paint could be seen in incomplete and dismal patterns on the cracked walls. Even the tiles on the floor were worn by use and time. No furniture adorned this squatter like dwelling. Only a worn to rags bed stood in the midst of this room: displaying its rusty springs and cotton clusters hanging from its bulk.

I never had much in my life, Lord. admitted the man as his voice slightly cracked with emotion. I never had a daddy, my momma wasn’t crazy about me, and I always said goodbye more than hello. One thing I do possess is this rifle and the mind to use it.

The praying man slapped a full magazine of 7.62 rounds into his M40A3. This rifle, re-known for its accuracy and stopping power, maintained a scope for added accuracy for long range. The praying man advanced a round into the chamber with a swift slide of the bolt to the rear. This ominous sound meant that the rifle was ready to perform.

The praying man wound his left arm tightly with the weapons sling and took aim.

May I speak to Officer Darwin, please? asked the man into his cell phone. It’s an emergency.

CHAPTER 1

January 12, 2009. Early morning in Houston is a sight to see. 610, a freeway that loops around the city, helps people get to the three primary highways that branch to other areas: I-45, I-10, and I-59. Most people use the highways to go to and from work. This means that traffic is a constant reminder to most Houstonians to either wake up earlier or invest in a helicopter.

This is straight up crazy, I swear! nags Officer Prescott to his rookie. They’re doing this to me for payback, you know? I get the shaft for telling it like it is! That’s the story of my life, Darwin!

Both men represent Houston’s finest. One is a seasoned veteran while the other is new to the force. Their contrasts are very evident in the way they walk, talk, and view the world: one danced to Clinton while the other was barely old enough to vote for Clinton.

Prescott, if I may, you’re going to retire soon! noted Darwin while checking his voice mail on his small cell phone. You won’t have to see me or Nelson or any of this rigmarole ever again! I’m the one that should be complaining!

Oh, don’t get me started on you! scowled Prescott.

Norm Prescott, 47, joined the police force in 1983. He did community college and earned his associates degree and never looked back. Pounding the beat was a thing that he honestly enjoyed for it kept him close to the public. His style of policing was very reminiscent of old times when the cop was seen as a friend and not an enemy. This made the bald Black man a favorite of anti drug campaigns for elementary and middle school programs in his area for more than 20 years.

Me? acknowledged Darwin. What did I do?

You really piss me off, Darwin! hissed Prescott while wiping the bridge of his nose. You with your one plus one equals two! You should’ve stayed in college and become a professor instead, but no! You want to make a difference: protect and serve!

Damon Darwin, 26, knew what he was giving up when he joined the force in 2008. The offspring of wealthy Black and Dominican parents Darwin, graduated from Donahue with a mathematics degree. He was supposed to enter law school at Harvard but, chose a different path to satisfy himself and not his family. Black listed by his father Damon, now serves and protects with his movie star good looks and velvety voice.

Well, you have to admit that I’ve got the best teacher! replied Darwin. Besides, the whole department says that you’re the best man for the job!

Oh, stop, Darwin! replied Prescott in his normal nagging way. Your sweet talking doesn’t clean the slate with us! You always get the girls, the right spin on the angle, you make me sick!

It could be worse, you know? advised Darwin in a hopeful tone. They could have put you with Yorktown!

That’s cute! continued Prescott in his nag. We’re stuck in I-45 morning traffic and you want to put me with Yorktown the Yankee from hell!

Baker 1-9, Baker 1-9, come in? announced a female voice from over the CB radio.

This is Baker 1-9, over! replied Darwin into the CB.

I’ve got a caller that says that he’s got to speak to you directly! replied the voice. He says that it’s urgent! Do you want me to patch him in?

Go ahead, dispatch! shot Darwin while shaking his head. I’ll take it here!

Officer Darwin? asked the voice over the CB. Is this Officer Darwin?

Yes, this is Darwin! acknowledged Damon Darwin. Go ahead!

Officer Darwin, I’m glad that I got in touch with you! spoke the voice articulately. I’m about to kill 5 people and only you can stop me!

Who is this loser: another wife chasing husband, white collar wannabe dating a stripper? sneered Prescott under his breath. He gonna give you the winning lottery ticket numbers?

Say again? questioned Darwin while giving his partner a sly grin. By the way, what’s your name?

My name is Silent Fury but, that isn’t important! noted Silent Fury. What is important is what I plan to do in the very foreseeable future!

What is this guy? questioned Prescott in biting sarcasm. Is he selling something stupid like luggage?

Shut up, Norm. spoke Darwin under his breath while covering the CB with his hand. What exactly are you talking about, Mr. Silent Fury?

Without warning did the head of Officer Norm Prescott explode. Blood and bits of brain covered every surface of the squad cars interior. Prescott’s lifeless body maintained its grip upon the steering wheel while blood pulsed from the neck.

Officer Darwin was now in a sea of panic. He had never before witnessed something so absolutely lethal. His partner had just taken a highly lethal blow to the head and was now dead. Prescott’s remains were now sickly draped over Darwin’s fright stricken body.

Jesus Christ! screamed Darwin while trying to take control of the wayward car. Oh, my God!

The squad car abruptly rammed into a pedestrians’ car in front of it. Darwin rolled with the motion and placed the car in the parking gear. This act was a monumental display of courage for Darwin. His frazzled nerves were doing their best to allow some degree of sanity in an insane situation.

Hey, asshole! roared the pedestrian in the rammed car as he got out of his auto. I’m really gonna sue the shit out of you now! You might’ve given me whiplash, motherfucker!

Darwin watched in horror as the man approached. Darwin could see the big man through the blood stained windshield. A single bullet hole was in the windshield as drops of blood fell from the squad cars ceiling. Thus far had the situation raced from bad to worse in nothing flat as the fear took hold.

Sir, go back to your car! ordered Darwin while using the police cars outer speaker. Please, go back to your car?

Fuck you! And get your ass out here! demanded the big man as he continued in his walk to Darwin’s patrol car.

The big man’s chest erupted in a storm of blood and bone while taking his next step.

Get back in your car! roared Darwin over the outside speaker.

The damage was done. The big man was now a large lump of bleeding flesh upon the freeway. The exit wound was about the size of a frozen pot pie as smoke caressed its area. The blood flowed from his body creating a pool on the freeway’s stone gray top. One car began to skid violently due to racing across the blood pool.

A long screeching of tires could be heard in the distance. This nerve shredding noise was soon followed by a resounding crash. The horrible symphony of crushing metal, fiberglass, and windshield were now the predominant sounds of the freeway. Cars that once inched along the freeway were now hopelessly gridlocked in traffic. The chaotic noise of honking horns, verbal cussing, and screeching tires could be heard nonstop.

Get back in your cars, get back in your cars! roared Darwin from inside the carnage strewn police car.

The young rookie cop could see the mounting traffic behind him. Nearly everyone on the freeway was angrily honking their horns. Most of the motorists were not privy to what had actually happened. They didn’t know the deal like Darwin. He was trying to compose himself and the growing crowd behind him from inside the car.

Officer Darwin? announced a voice over the CB radio. Come in, Officer Darwin?

This is Darwin, over! replied Darwin while holding the blood slippery receiver in his quivering hands.

It’s me, Silent Fury! announced the voice. Now that I have your complete and undivided attention, listen up? I’ve killed two people thus far! I’m going to kill three more to make it an even five just like I promised! Stay in your car! This won’t take long!

Is anybody in there? declared a young voice. Hello, is anybody in there?

Get away from that police car, Derek! shot a female voice. Can’t you see that blood all over the window?

Officer Darwin was trying to get out of the car. The seats were awash with gore as he fumbled about trying to maintain his composure. His slain partner was now leaning against the side window and his blood was still pulsing against the glass.

The dedication in Darwin to protect and serve came shining through. He knew that he was warned to stay in the car. He also knew that there were people concerned about him on the outside. Thus was it now his duty to try and save them from the sniper.

Derek, get away from the car! cried Darwin into the speaker. There’s a sniper loose and he’s trying to kill me!

A heavy dull thud knocked against the squad car’s hood.

Darwin did not see the action but, judging from the sound of it, a corpse had just been created. There was no sound of a gunshot, only the un-mistaking thud of a body falling onto and sliding off of the cars’ hood. This thud and sliding noise was followed by a loud scream.

Stay in your cars!cried Darwin like a mad man. Stay in your cars, God damn it!

Darwin was completely helpless in this situation. Staying put in the squad car, according to the sniper, would keep him alive. Staying inside of the squad car would also place innocent people in harms way. As an officer of the law, this was unacceptable to Darwin. He had to do something to warn the people in his area of the great danger they were in.

I’ve got one more to kill, Officer Darwin! warned the sniper from the radio. Will it be the girl that tried to warn Derek? Will it be that fat bitch trying to text and drive at the same time?

Why are you doing this? cried Darwin through a flood of tears into the radio. Those people did nothing to you! They don’t deserve this!

Darwin tried to get a response from the deadly sniper but, nothing. He was holding a receiver that was full of empty noise. Not even heavy breathing could be heard now. All Darwin could hear was the blaring flotsam of gridlocked traffic.

It took all the courage in the world for Damon Darwin to race from the squad car. His police uniform was awash with blood and brains as he raced into the highway. Never before had he seen such chaos. The freeway was a total disaster that would take hours to fix. There were blood trails and broken glass all over the road. An entire bumper from a compact car was strewn across the road.

Jesus! sighed Darwin as a car wedged past him. Oh, Jesus!

The scenes of death were taxing for Officer Darwin. He was now face to face with the sniper’s handiwork. The big man was face down on the deck with a large exit wound on his back, a male teenage boy, probably Derek, was splayed on the deck with half his head missing, and a woman was slumped over the freeways thick metallic railing.

So much had happened in such a short time that Darwin was hard pressed in taking it all in. The freeway was now a large grave yard. This was the type of cemetery that possessed multiple KIA’s (Killed In Action) on one of the busiest highways in Houston. Over 90% of the traffic was locked behind Darwin’s car. The 10% that decided to move on did so slowly to get a quick look at the fatalities.

What in the hell happened? asked Darwin trying to restore his grip on sanity. I swear to God that this was uncalled for! That madman killed five people and stopped traffic on 45! I need back up for this!

Support was most expeditious. Morning news choppers and pedestrians called 911 to help the fledgling police officer. The eyes that were watching Darwin weren’t going to let the young officer handle this emergency on his own. Within minutes did the freeway turn into a massive rescue operation. HPD and Sheriffs Dept. personnel imposed order to help the wrecker trucks and ambulances race to the scene. The transporting of the deceased was the top priority. The wrecker trucks were used to tow the vehicles of the deceased to the impound.

A full two hours had passed and the freeway was still locked in traffic. The dead were transported away. Slowly but, surely was order being restored to the once chaotic situation. People were no longer honking their horns and showing attitudes of anger. They were now displaying faces of concern and compassion.

A small gathering of police officers were talking about the recent event. Darwin could make out two of the five but, the remaining three were unknowns. Darwin did however, know that the unknown men were probably men of importance. They all possessed a swagger that said I have an office and we will talk about this soon.

Officer Darwin? I’m Lt. Frank Elias of Special Investigations! announced a very articulate voice of Lt. Elias. Jesus, I heard about what happened: how you holding up?

I’m still a mess, sir! quivered Darwin while trying to hold his small cup of coffee. I’ve never seen anything like this before in my life!

Here, use this! interjected Elias while placing a thermos in Darwin’s shivering hands. I heard the 911! I’m here to help you, Officer Darwin! What happened today is tragic and it reeks of terrorism! My people are on it and we will get to the bottom of this!

Yes, sir! replied Darwin as he continued to tremble.

Tomorrow morning we’ll start the investigation! determined Elias. There’s no use in trying to conference with you now: you’re a train wreck! I’ve already cleared it with your supervisor so get some sleep! That’s an order!

Darwin felt a little relief from the words of Lt. Elias. The day had placed him in a situation that forced his sanity to tilt on the insane side. Elias was a friendly face with even friendlier news concerning the future. This was good news for the rookie.

Darwin also felt the waves of uncertainty clash against his spirit like a tidal wave. He knew that it was not his fault that his partner was gone. And he knew that he was not to blame for the deaths of the innocent pedestrians. The guilt confronting him now was one of survival.

Why did I live and so many others die? questioned Darwin while taking a shower. These people were right next to me and they were killed just like that! Why did I survive and they died?

Damon Darwin left the shower and contemplated the grim reality in his living room. His apartment was a small one bedroom but, he still appreciated the space. Now was his apartment a type of dungeon that reminded him of the ghastly events of the morning: his academy graduation class picture, his picture with his partner, his picture next to his squad car.

Even the soft jazz couldn’t completely sway the guilt. He sat staring at the wall while listening to the soulful sway of the sax. There he sat, in his papa-san chair, watching the afternoon turn to dusk. He was desperately waiting for an answer that seemed ever out of reach.

I’ve got 13 hours to get some sleep for tomorrow morning! thought Darwin to himself. I’ll probably wake up screaming and hollering because trying to sleep will be like pulling teeth! I can’t get what happened today out of my head!

Seeing the tragic scenes of the morning played on and on in Darwin’s head. He saw the blood, heard the screaming, and felt the body falls like he was actually there once more. He kept trying to deny the fact that his partner died right before his eyes. Officer Prescott died without even the slightest clue that he was in grave danger.

It could be argued that Damon Darwin will never fully recover from the earlier events of today. He is after all and for the most part a civilian. He operates as a police officer but, he is predominantly a civilian. The closest he ever came to death was seeing a classmate die from leukemia in a hospital. Seeing this death was very tame and controlled: sterile environment, round the clock nurses, and scores of loving friends.

Saying that Damon Darwin will struggle desperately for his recovery is very accurate. He knew that he was not a soldier or a marine. These people are trained to kill or be killed in a combat environment. Damon Darwin is trained to enforce the law in an urban environment.

Finding the strength to fall asleep was like wrestling a giant. For what seemed like an eternity did Damon Darwin stare blankly at the ceiling fan. His unblinking eyes were transfixed on the rotating blades as they continued in their motion. Questions of why stormed within his head and struck his soul like hurricane winds. There just had to be an answer for this young and promising police officer.

Who am I kidding? whispered Darwin to himself. People like Silent Fury don’t go away. That crazy, sick, fucking bastard will enter my life again. There’s nothing stopping him and there’s nothing I can do to stop him. For the love of God, I don’t even know his connection to me. Finding him will be like trying to find a needle in a haystack and he knows it.

January 13, 2009 started like any other day to most Houstonians. The traffic was thick at its usual times, downtown hustle and bustle was fever pitched, and phones were ringing off the hook. Street life in this city is fast as business men and women do what it takes to get the job done.

One particular young man was prepared to embrace the day. He sought answers to a blinding number of questions that were swarming through his mind. These questions would no doubt be met with questions concerning the freeway shooting of yesterday. Damon was soon to meet with VIP’s about the shooting. This important meeting would present many questions but, hopefully, would present answers as well.

Good morning, Officer Darwin! announced Lt. Elias while approaching Darwin from behind. We’re in conference room 125! Now look,..we’re going in here to relay the facts: nothing more nothing less, okay?

Yes, sir. replied Darwin to the smart and savvy Elias.

The building was the HPD headquarters. The room, one of many, was soon to host a vital meeting of the minds. Opening the door to the conference room exposed uniformed officers seated around a large wooden desk. All of these men possessed faces of power and prestige. Darwin only recognized his unit supervisor but, did not feel intimidated by the unknowns.

Officer Darwin and Lt. Elias, please come in and have a seat? offered the man seated at the head of the table. I’m Captain Vernon Slater! I’m your supervisors’ boss, Officer Darwin! Would you like some coffee?

No, sir! grinned Darwin lightly while being seated.

I make the best coffee in the world, son! replied Slater openly. Don’t listen to what these other guys have to say about it!

We drew straws last time, you know? uttered Elias with a smirk.

Officer Darwin, we’ve called this meeting for the obvious reason: the freeway incident on 1/12/09! announced Slater while pouring himself a cup of coffee. Before we begin, please understand, we are here to help you! As devastating as yesterday was, it would be even more devastating for you to feel that our help is out of reach! And that is not true because we’re all here to help you!

Darwin could see the nods of acknowledgements occurring about those seated.

Officer Darwin, I’m Lt. Brice Tucker of SWAT! announced the wiry Caucasian to Darwin. I’m working with Lt. Elias on this! Our findings are leaning heavily towards terror! Forensics and ballistics did an analysis of the bullet that pierced your windshield and took your partners life! This is the bullet: a 7.62mm round fired from an assault rifle at a distance within 100yards!

Darwin received the small plastic bag holding the spent round. The bullet was heavily mushroomed at one end displaying its fateful impact. Faint grooves could be seen along the side of this round. This meant that the rifling was tightly set to give the round a straight and powerful course in flight.

We dug that round out of your squad cars left rear tire! added Tucker. There’s no doubt in my mind that that bullet came from a rifle: M-14, M-40A3!

Who could have done this? asked Darwin as he looked upon the bullet as if it were a ghost.

That’s the million dollar question! shot a portly Black man from the other end of the table. I’m Detective Norwood of Internal Affairs! My department is combing through this matter to find an officer with the training and or the motive to pull this off! Police departments get a lot of officers with prior military training so we’re leaving no stone unturned! Nothing has turned up so far but, we’re still looking!

Also, and this ties in to SWAT, the shot was fired from an elevated position! added Igor Breitling of forensics. From your position the bullet was fired from a 30 degree angle and within 100 yards! This means that the sniper was based in the abandoned Central Square Hotel!

Did you find anything that’ll help us catch him? asked Darwin plainly.

We obtained a search warrant at about 4 this morning, Officer Darwin! replied Lt. Elias. What we found was most troubling! The sniper called you from a cell phone that belonged to Anita Angelo! Her body was found on a mattress within the hotel! And the cell phone was still in her hand!

His fifth victim. uttered Darwin with a light nod of his head.

Excuse me? shot Slater.

Dispatch notified me of a caller that wanted to speak to me, sir! This man told me, right before the shooting started, that he would kill five people! spoke Darwin directly. And that’s what he did!

We have the conversation on tape! replied Slater thoughtfully. Once again, I’m sorry about your partner! Now is the time that we bring that man to justice! And we need your help!

My help, sir? asked Darwin in a puzzled way.

This killer knows you and probably knew your partner! He called you out by name that we know without question! noted Slater openly. The more we know about him the better our chances in finding him! We need for you to help us in our search! Was there anybody in your past that raised/still raises suspicion: radical college student, trouble maker, extremist?

Nobody comes to mind right off the bat, sir! replied Darwin. I will try extra hard to see if I can come up with somebody but, my mind draws a blank!

Do you think that it was someone you wrote a ticket for? asked Norwood. Do you think that it was a tough guy in a bar, gang leader, or street thug mouthing off?

There’s no way that this could be a garden variety street thug, Norwood! reminded Tucker. Using that type of shell? I’m seeing a former soldier turned mercenary or professional mechanic (hit-man)!

I agree! replied Elias. Let’s not forget that even a prior service can blend in with the urban environment just as well as any of us in this room!

Continue to look for a connection, Officer Darwin! urged Slater. We will keep a tight rein on this situation! Houston is the fourth largest city in the US! That means a lot of targets for one crazed gunman! That also means that we cannot afford a panic by mentioning this to anybody, understood? His skills are deadly enough to classify him as a true professional, maybe even a mercenary, but, we will find him! This meeting is adjourned!

Darwin was in the company of men wearing the same badge that he wore. He knew that there was no reason for him to feel awkward but, he couldn’t help it. The very air was thick with tension. All of those men were just as in the dark with the sniper as he was. Trying to pin an already mysterious man was going to take more than just brainstorming.

Officer Darwin! announced Lt. Elias to the troubled officer. Before you leave, I spoke to your unit supervisor! He’s agreed with me to give you the rest of the week off! I’ve got you scheduled for a 2 o’clock with Dr. Jones at the medical center!

The shrink? shot Darwin simply.

Correct! replied Elias while placing a comforting arm on Darwin’s shoulder. That puts us right on target for a quick lunch and a walk into the doctors’ office!

Okay, it’s your show! replied Darwin as he followed the wise and helpful Elias.

The two purposed filled officers made their way to the parking lot. Both entered an unmarked white patrol car. Nothing looked out of place as they entered this car for they were both officers on the clock. They were also officers armed with a will to solve a very tough problem.

That went better than expected! sighed Elias as he whipped the car into the street.

Better than expected? replied the bewildered Darwin. How do you figure, sir?

They wanted you to conference with them and you did! They wanted you to get some down time and you are! They want you to talk with the head shrinker and you will in a few minutes! explained Elias. I’d call that a well planned meeting for a young officers’ future!

So all of this was planned? replied Darwin in growing skepticism.

Darwin, we’re doing our job! admitted Elias. Police officers’ of the past used to lose their partners by either getting crippled or killed and the department would just say shake it off or deal with it! Nowadays, we’re taking a stand to help our officers’ in time of trial! This keeps the police force strong and our numbers high!

It makes sense, I guess? replied Darwin.

Think about it, Darwin? probed Elias. The police dept. is a business just like any other business in America! If the business treats its people well, then will the people, the employees, stay! That’s what we intend to do with you!

The negative press doesn’t help our reputation but, every little good deed helps! affirmed Darwin.

Exactly! shot Elias while stopping at a light. I’ve been keeping up with the news and it’s downright pathetic on how some departments treat their own officers’! No wonder those guys go crazy!

The unmarked cruiser smoothly motored through the 11 o’clock hustle of downtown. People could be seen walking from light to light and sidewalk to sidewalk. All denominations could be seen here: college students, business execs., delivery cyclists, food delivery guys. Some people were homeless and they did their daily routine of begging or working for some change. All of these people, regardless of status, had one thing in common. They were all involved in maintaining their lifestyles through hard work.

Darwin traveled along in silence. He was physically seated in the unmarked car but, his mind was light years away from the car. He was locked in thought about the future. The tragic events of Monday morning were still trying to force sanity away from his mind.

What’s on your mind? asked Elias while stopping at another traffic light.

Has something like this ever happened to you, sir? asked Darwin.

Back in 1981, Officer Darwin! replied Elias. I was graduating from high school in Atlanta! Back in those days there was a killer preying on little Black boys! I felt threatened because the victims were around my age, give or take a few years, you know?

The Atlanta Child murders! replied Darwin sharply. I read about that while going through the academy!

That’s right! replied Elias while merging onto the freeway. I know Jack Merritt told you about it a couple of times while you were getting yelled at during your academy days! We’re both from Atlanta, you know? Anyway, the killings didn’t stop for a long time! This guy was offing kids with total ambiguity and nobody could catch him! The feds got involved and did their profiler to shed some much needed light on the case! To make a long story short, the killer was caught, the killings stopped, and all was well!

You don’t believe they got the right man, do you? probed Darwin.

I didn’t say that, Officer Darwin! snapped Elias. I am saying that maybe we need to consider the feds for this particular case! The talent this man is pushing is definitely top notch and we may need some top notch help!

I hear you! replied Darwin earnestly.

Damon Darwin was now transfixed. His body was riding in the unmarked police car but, his mind was still in a distant corridor of reality. The car was smoothly cruising by the exact same spot where the shooting took place. A little more than 24 hours ago did his partner lose his life, along with several other people, to a vicious sniper.

Where are you? spoke Darwin in a detached whisper.

His eyes were scanning over the molded windows of the abandoned hotel. Scanning and scrolling over the neglected