THE DUFFY EFFECT

By Fred Keihn

Our hero, Duffy, has returned to Philadelphia from his European vacation with Anne. No sooner does he sits at his desk at the Tribune when he is called up from the police reserves and is again knee-deep in the murders of the newest serial killer. When that killer is found dead, he thinks that is the end of his time in the PPD. But, it is no

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Mulberry Books
• Release date: Jan 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781951742263

Book preview

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This book takes place in a fictional Philadelphia. None of the characters are based on anyone living or dead. I have added buildings as needed for the story such as the Tribunes; the paper is not based on the Enquirer or the reporters on any real people. The boarding house where the characters live is based on one I stayed at while attending college. But, the location is fictional as is Mrs. Reap. The Philadelphia in the book lives up to the meaning of its name more so than now.

The book itself is written to be the second in a series and can be read as a standalone. There are things that are mentioned from the first book and for more on those, you can of course purchase Duffy’s Hundred Days. I hope my readers enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

The Duffy Effect

Copyright © 2019 by Fred Keihn.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher and author, except by reviewers, who may quote brief passages in a review.

This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed in the publication. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

ISBN: 978-1-951742-27-0 [Paperback Edition]

978-1-951742-26-3 [eBook Edition]

Printed and bound in The United States of America.

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THE DUFFY EFFECT

Fred Keihn

I had high expectations when I went to Europe to join Anne, my girlfriend, on her art-buying trip, and I think that was the problem. Oh, nothing went wrong with our relationship. But it was an art-buying trip and serious work for the love of my life. And, when you examine it I was a second thumb on the hand, useless. My idea of art is that picture of the dogs playing poker and modern art is totally beyond me. Anne, on the other hand, knew that I was a philistine, but is enough in love with me to ask what I thought; yet I stopped giving my opinion so as not to embarrass her.

After a few days of tagging along as her official purse holder to galleries, art exhibits, and artist’s studios I was getting antsy. That is when we decided together that I should play tourist when she went in search of the new thing in art.

I’m very proud of the fact that I didn’t cause any international incidents as I went from one ruin to another. I saw enough castles to last two lifetimes and listened to a host of guides telling me what I was looking at.

But, I did have Anne every evening for dinner and at cocktail parties and of course afterward in the hotel rooms. My tux and dinner jacket got quite a workout on the circuit of dinners and cocktail parties. I shopped for presents for my family, friends, which was fun, and even bought some clothes for myself. I even got to rent a few sports cars to drive around on the various autobahns. So, after all, I can say that the trip had been great. But I yearned for home and was glad to be leaving Europe. Anne had appointments and was unable to see me off, which I understood and made it easy to leave. She had a few more weeks to go on her trip and I’d miss her terribly.

As for souvenirs, I had bought plenty. I had sent home by international mail the ones for my family and a box to myself. I left Philadelphia with one suitcase and returned with two suitcases and a carry-all bag. I had a list of my purchases to take care of the customs forms and was going back to the states with half the money I had left with, considering the weak dollar that was an accomplishment in itself.

The best part of the trip was when we were in the south of France on the Riviera, the girl watching was out of this world and I worked on my tan with great results. The weather had been great during the whole trip and that made it all okay. I even got a couple of articles written for the paper; one on crime against tourists and another on the cons used on tourists. I had not been a victim of either but some other tourists I met had been.

So here I sat in the airport and waited for the call for 1st Class passengers to board the flight to Philadelphia. I wanted to be home being annoyed by tourists and not to be that annoying tourist.

My flight was called, I boarded and in due time was asked if I wanted a mimosa to start the journey. I was dressed in jeans, a green canvas shirt, and a thin, gray woolen tie with my leather bomber jacket. I dressed for comfort, yet I felt and looked cool!

I fell asleep during the movie and woke with a start when it ended and the stewardess asked if I’d like dinner, giving me two choices. I chose one of them and asked if they had Jamison, they did and she brought me a couple of miniatures and a glass with ice. With Jamison in hand, I now knew, Duffy was headed home.

Before landing the pilot gave the local time and I set it on the Rolex that Anne had insisted on buying me and which made me very self-conscious worrying I would break or lose the damn thing, but I had been determined to continue wearing it since Anne seemed very anxious that I did. But I wouldn’t let her buy me any custom made suits. I just couldn’t see myself in a bespoke suit chasing after stories for the paper.

The descent and landing were perfect and we taxied to the international terminal and unloaded in record time as far as I was concerned. I rented one of those carts they have at airports and was able to get my bags on them. I went through passport control and was told to go to the baggage check, which I did, and they made sure that I paid the tax to bring in my gifts. I ended up paying $975 to the government. There was some debate about the Rolex as a gift from my girlfriend until I mentioned her name - Keane. The Keane’s are well known in the Philadelphia area; they are very rich.

I wasn’t expecting anyone to pick me up. But then I saw one of the Keane drivers holding a sign up with my name, Duffy, on it. I headed over to him and he took the luggage and we went out to waiting car. Well, really a limousine, I noticed a few people staring at me as if I was some celebrity they couldn’t put a name to. I knew it had to be my cool outfit that did it. I had been told by a beautiful waitress once that it was cool. I could think of no other reason for their interest in me.

The driver relayed an invitation to dinner with Thomas Keane and his family on Wednesday at seven thirty. I accepted the invitation. Today was Monday and we had landed at six in the morning and my vacation was over. I would return to work today.

In a short almost traffic free ride we arrived at my boarding house and unloaded my bags. The driver asked if I’d need help with them, I said no and thanked him for meeting me. He drove away and I lugged the suitcases and carry all into the front of the house. I had to take two trips from the living room to my room for my suitcases. I opened up the French door in my bedroom and let the fresh air in. I put the suitcases up on my bed, got my notebook on top of my bureau and my pens, took off my leather jacket and tie, and changed into a lightweight tweed sports coat to go to work.

I live in Mrs. Reap’s boarding house along with three other people I work with. It’s a little piece of heaven in the city. It was good to be back.

I met Mrs. Reap on the way to the front door gave her a hug and a peck on the check and said I’ll see you tonight and headed out to my blue ’77 MGB in the garage. I opened the garage door and put down the top, jumped in and the beauty started right up. I backed out, turned around and headed off to work. Philadelphia I am back!

Monday, August 15th

There were no cheering crowds when I got to the office, but I did get a few hellos and welcome backs, and a few How was your vacation? I allowed that it had been great and headed to my desk. Louise was at her desk next to mine and was happy to see me. The feeling was mutual. The Boss saw me and waved me into his office, Well, are you ready to get back to work? I let him know I was. He told me to clear my messages and that I needed to follow up with Jenkens, the night shift crime reporter, to catch up on crime and to check with Louise to catch up on the city issues. And for Gawd’s sake get in touch with Detective Wojack he’s been burning up the phone lines trying to get you for the last few days. I told him okay and headed back to my desk. Wojack was the detective who I had worked with; together we had caught the serial killer, the Hangman.

Back at my desk Louise started to brief me on all that had been going on during my absence. It was a lot to take in and I didn’t really absorb much of it. I called Wojack and he said, Come down today to the coroner’s for an autopsy at ten, I’ll meet you there. Welcome back. I hung up and turned to Louise and asked if there had been a lot of murders lately, she said she wasn’t sure, she had been mostly trying to keep up with the city politics. The primaries were next spring and the race was starting to heat up.

I looked at my desk which had a lot on it, messages and notes from Jenkens including envelopes with Duffy’s Eyes Only in large letters on the outside. I was almost afraid to look at them. There were files from Al that were mostly photos and some clippings and among all this was a brand new, large magnifying glass with a bow around it. I looked at the time and it was getting close to the autopsy so I left to make the walk to the coroner’s office.

It was a great day for a walk in the city I stretched my legs and felt strangely free being back in town. The weather was very warm and I had worked up a sweat and it reminded me that for weeks I hadn’t needed to hurry anywhere. A walk this long would have meant a stop in a sidewalk café for a coffee, and I had to admit there had been some good cups of coffee in Europe. Well, as long as you deleted Germany’s coffee. I reached the coroner’s office with fifteen minutes to spare and waited for Wojack. He arrived shortly after me, and started right off with, Our guy has evolved since you were away, he’s gotten a lot messier and brutal, and he’s dumping the corpses in nice neighborhoods. The TV folks have given him a name The Knife, cute right? His victims are still prostitutes, but I have a feeling that will change in the future. Gown up, it’s a sight. He was talking about a serial killer that had been on the hunt for victims, all prostitutes, before I had scampered off to Europe after the capture of the Hangman, another serial killer. I had been instrumental in his capture with a trap I set up, in fact I had tackled him when he ran away. Wojack had been the detective on the case, and now it looked like I would be involved again with the police.

Wojack and I went into the autopsy theater and shook hands with the ME; his assistant was removing the clothes from the corpse and putting them in evidence bags for the forensic techs. The ME said welcome back and said they had missed me at autopsy. I told him I had been in Europe, not taking my eyes from the body. The ME said he was planning a trip to Europe and wondered how the dollar fared. I told him not well.

Then the ME started to do the visual exam; The subject has been killed with a stab to the heart, the knife then was pulled down to the intestines which have caused them to spill out. The left breast has been cut off using a knife and has resulted in a jagged cut. The genitals have been stabbed with a great deal of force exposing the pelvic bone itself. Long cuts to the legs have been deep to the bones and pulled down to the knees. All of the cuts have been done postmortem. Your boy is getting very angry with each kill.

Further examination showed that the kidneys were missing, but they were the only organs not with the corpse. Her face showed bruising and the left orbital bone had been broken. Samples were taken and it was impossible to tell if there had been any rape because of the woman’s work as a prostitute.

I had to fight at least three times to keep the bile down during the procedure. Wojack looked a little green himself. We thanked the ME and left the autopsy. Cause of death was a stab wound to the heart. Which had been the same method in all the other kills of the serial killer now called the Knife.

We threw away our gowns and went outside where I lit a Pall Mall. Wojack told me it was the worst one yet. The body had been dumped not far from the historic City Tavern. Luckily it had been found by a patrol car early, before a tourist found it. The higher ups were in an uproar and with them many of the citizens. The tourist industry was scared, and the public was right behind them.

You, my friend are off the reserve status and now are active. I looked at him like he was a madman, and I asked why. He said, Look it was your idea for the Hangman murders that caught him. Hell, you actually caught him. The brass is desperate and they need all the help they can get.

My reserve status in the police force had been given to me so that the Medal of Bravery could be awarded for an incident where I had killed some bad guys and saved the life of an officer. There had never been a thought on my part that it would be used to bring me on active duty.

I was taking it all in, and saw where I was trapped, but I was foremost a reporter, not a cop. Of course, to myself I thought this act would put me in a good position to report on the murders. I told Wojack that I was a reporter. He asked, Are you carrying your badge? I was it had gotten me entrance to crime scenes. Wojack said, You take the good with the bad. Wojack reached in his pocket and held out a regular badge and asked for the reserve one. We made the exchange, I was committed now.

Let’s go to the office. Oh, by the way this doesn’t come with any pay. And he laughed; I hadn’t thought about pay anyways, all it meant was that I had more to do. Wojack showed me how to wear the badge on my belt and said if I wanted I could have a gun now. I refused it.

I want to see the newest crime scene and then go to the one before that. Wojack said great and led the way to his car. As we got in Wojack said that he’d get me a placard for my car so I could park anywhere and not get towed. I said whoopee.

The crime scene by City Tavern was still active, but low keyed, the dump spot was in an empty lot next to the bar and the body could have been there longer before it was found. But, the victim wasn’t killed here; I really wanted to find the crime scene itself and asked Wojack if they knew where she had worked. He stated no one was sure and they didn’t have her name yet as the finger prints would have to be identified. I looked around and asked how did the officers on patrol see her?

Wojack went to his car and called in to have the officers report to the crime scene post haste. While we waited I was writing in my notebook, trying to work out the story itself. I wished that I could talk with Jenkens, the reporter who covered crime at night, but I’d catch him as he was starting his shift at four o’clock. Lunch time had come and gone by this time. And, I’d have to wait to talk to the officers who found the body. My stomach growled. I heard the siren and a car sped up to the site. The officers left their flashing lights on and got out quickly and seeing Wojack came towards us. Their lights were bringing attention from the tourists sitting on the outdoor patio of the City Tavern.

You guys know Duffy? Well he’s on active duty now as of this morning he wants to ask you some questions. Wojack turns towards me indicating I had the floor. How did you find the corpse? The senior one started to explain that they saw the body in a drive by. I stopped him, You couldn’t have. Now, how did you find the body? They hemmed and hawed, and then the junior said, We had pulled up by the tavern and I got out to take a piss and just about tripped over it.

I turned to Wojack and said, I don’t think he planned to dump the body here, I think he had to dump the body here. He probably had some demented plan for the body but was interrupted or scared off, more than likely by the patrol or some unknown citizen. We need to find the real crime scene and to find that we need her identity and where she worked.

Wojack said he’d work on that, dismissed the cops and then we both got in Wojack’s car. He dropped me off at the paper to write the story.

I got to my desk and sat down starting to write the story, it was factual and didn’t convey the horror in its totality but it still came out in the story. Once finished I went to the Boss’ office to hand it in and tell him about my change in status. The Boss wasn’t taken aback by the change as he had some sense of what was going to happen. He asked if they made me carry a gun, I said no I’d be too tempted to shoot someone.

I went back to my desk and started to look at the envelopes marked for ‘Duffy’s Eyes Only.’ I opened them and they were pictures of the scenes of brutal murders. They were in color and very graphic. I spread them out on my desk to get a look at the crime scenes. Louise gasped when she saw them. You’re working on them? You poor guy! Then she turned away from the pictures.

But I had to look and I knew I would have to again and again. This guy was around for a while and we needed to catch him as fast as we could. People were going to really take notice soon and then the pressure would be immense.

I put the pictures away and made an attempt to catch up on messages, but was only connecting to one out every three and would have to continue tomorrow. Now it was quitting time, the story was in, and it was time to visit Scotty’s. I could taste the steak sandwich and a Jamison.

I went over to Jenkens, who was starting his shift, thanked him for the pictures and wished him a quiet night. Jenkens shook my hand and said he had heard about the change in status. He’d keep his ears open for any info he could get. I told him don’t even get close to this case. Jenkens was only a few years from retirement and didn’t need to have this story haunting him.

I looked around and Louise was walking towards me and taking my arm said, Let’s go to Scotty’s. The warmth of the day had started to subside and the walk to Scotty’s was pleasant. Before I knew it I was seated again in the booth with my name on it and Tomi, the waitress, was bringing me a Jamison and Louise a gin and tonic. For dinner I chose the steak sandwich and Louise ordered a chicken salad sandwich both with fries. Frank, the owner and bartender, came over and welcomed me back and said, We needed you to set the tone of the place.

Then Louise said, Give, tell me what the vacation was like?

It was great except for all the art, I played tourist during the day and had some damn great runs with scenery. I did some shopping, and had a lot of dinners and cocktail parties to attend so the dinner jacket and tux got a workout. We went to Monaco and I tried my hand at gambling at a casino there, it was an expensive experience and I found I really wasn’t a gambler. I sent a lot of postcards from everyplace we went. But, the biggest thing was to be with Anne, waking up with her was great but there is a big difference between us. I don’t know if I embarrassed her, but I hadn’t tried to. Plus, I missed Philadelphia and was glad to be back. I did catch a lot of rays and had some great girl watching.

I smiled, I’ve got a whole suitcase full of gifts for everyone, Anne helped me pick them out for you guys. So, I’m sure you’ll like them. I didn’t get any gag gifts.

The drinks came and I gratefully took a long sip, I needed that after today.

Is it true you are on the search for the Knife, and you’re actually working with the police? Louise had concern in her eyes when she asked. I answered, They are desperate and I’m just another tool in the kit. But working for two masters is going to be hard.

The door on the bar opened and the sunlight outlined the Boss, the city editor, he saw us and headed over to the booth. He sat down and addressed me, The Publisher and I want you to know that the Knife comes first, you can write your stories when you can or not. But, take care of yourself. The idea is don’t overextend yourself.

Al, who ran the paper’s morgue, came over and said, Okay where are our goodies? We all laughed. Then Louise said show us your Rolex you got from Anne. I did and they were impressed, I told them my old watch keep better time. But it was from Anne so I’d keep it.

Homecoming wouldn’t be complete without a Keane at the table and Fred Keane entered and joined us. The Keane family is the wealthiest family in Philadelphia and had become my allies and friends. Questions were asked and answered and there was laughter, but I wasn’t all there, the Knife was on my mind.

Through the door walked Wojack, and by the look on his face he was too serious to be here for a drink. He said hello to the gang and then bent down to whisper in my ear, We found the crime scene. I knew I had to go and was glad I’d eaten my sandwich. I have to go. Then got up and walked out with Wojack. The gang looked at each other, and I heard the Boss say I’m afraid we’re going to lose him.

When we got to Wojack’s car he asked where my car was, I told him it in the paper’s garage. Wojack grunted, We’ll go there first, then you can follow me to the crime scene, here’s your police placard. It’s brand new.

Once I got the MGB I followed Wojack to the scene. The tech’s had set up lights and were clothed in coveralls as they went through the garbage from the nearby dumpster and others were taking pictures of the detritus of the alley. There were other detectives on the scene and they nodded or shook hands with both of us. When the officer stopped us to get our names Wojack introduced us both saying Commander Duffy for me which was my police reserve rank. No one seemed bent out of shape having me there.

I looked around and saw where she was killed, by the dumpster out of sight of the street. I walked out of the alley and looked up and down the street noting in my mind what establishments were there. There were two bars and outside on the street were a few women standing in a huddle watching the cops. One was bent over and talking to a john through his car window, the john looked nervous. Wojack came over and handed me a picture of the victim, a headshot of her dead. The john’s car left in a hurry when we both walked over to talk to the women. Wojack said softly, I’ve changed my mind I think you should carry a gun. There are too many circumstances that I’ll need you to cover my back.

The women started to walk away as we got closer, I called out, We only want to ask you some questions. Wojack added, We’re not vice. The women stopped and faced us still in a close group. I held out the picture for the women to see, Wojack took out a small flashlight to make the picture easier to see. One of them said that’s Sandy. The others nodded their heads in agreement. I asked when they had last seen her, they couldn’t remember, she came and went. Then the oldest one said, I know you guys, you’re the ones who caught the Hangman. You’re looking for the Knife now? We told her yes and the woman said it was about time they got the A team looking for him. I laughed and told them to be safe.

We both headed to the nearest bar, it was a dive, everyone turned to look at us when we entered, and someone said Pigs. We went over to the bar and showed the headshot to the bartender and he looked at it, I kick the bitches out, I don’t want the trouble they bring with them. Is she dead? Wojack told him yeah, right across the street. Then I asked Have you seen any stranger come in, probably dressed all in black and driving a van. He would have seemed nervous, definitely out of place and not a regular here. The bartender said he hadn’t but would keep his eye peeled, and, Hey, aren’t you the guys that caught the Hangman?

When we got outside I turned to Wojack and said, We’re famous?

Well, yeah, I was bumped up a pay step, our pictures were in the papers and everything. We even got put in for a medal. I shook my head, Wonders never cease do they? We went to the next bar and repeated the same procedure with the same results except we weren’t recognized.

As we crossed the street there was commotion by the dumpster, the tech’s had found the breast and the kidneys. The Knife wasn’t a cannibal yet. I told Wojack I had to get some sleep and bid him good night getting in my car. Before I drove off Wojack reminded me about getting a gun, and to come down to the station tomorrow. I waved goodbye and drove off in the direction of home.

Arriving home I went to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer and sat down in my chair on the balcony. I knew it would take a couple of beers to relax, looking at my new watch I was surprised it was only ten. There was a knock on the door and I called out to come in; it was all three of the gang; the Boss, Louise and Al. I offered them a beer and went and opened the suitcase with the gifts in it. I gave them their gifts, a beautiful silk sweater for the Boss, a silver and gold necklace for Louise and a sweater for Al. They were thrilled with the gifts and toasted me with their beers. Then they asked was there another murder, I said simply no we had found the crime scene. I told them that Wojack wanted me to carry a gun. The Boss nodded, If you have to, you have to, I’m sure you know how to handle one. After they drank their beers they left me alone to get some sleep, the Boss said come to work when you can, sleep in tomorrow. I had another beer and sat on the balcony. I didn’t want to think, I had really stepped in shit this time.

It was time to go to bed. I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Tuesday, August 16th

The sun shining through the French door woke me up at my regular time, 5AM, and I felt rested. I put it down to the fact I had slept just about the whole trip across the Atlantic. It meant I was waking up at the normal time resetting my internal clock.

So, as usual I got ready for a run on what looked like a sunny day. Going downstairs quietly I opened the door and started the run. I ran at a five minute mile for about 28 minutes and felt good at the end. I got back to the room and showered, got dressed and drove over to Tony’s diner, bringing the souvenir gifts for Tony, the cook, and Sally, the waitress. For Tony there was a rosary blessed by the Pope, compliments of Bishop Alex Keane and a Dior scarf for Sally. They were both delighted with the gifts. I ordered my normal breakfast and things seemed to slip into place. As I was eating the Boss, Louise and Al joined me at the booth. After the good mornings the Boss asked what was on the schedule for today police wise. I explained I had to meet Wojack at headquarters this morning but that was all if there were no murders. The Boss nodded and asked would I be available for other assignments. I told the Boss, I don’t see why not; just think of the Knife stuff as if I was on assignment there. Further, I’m not in a radio car so they’d have to call me at the paper.

With breakfast over I told them I had to drop off clothes at the dry cleaners and see you at the office and went out to the car. Driving over to the dry cleaners I was hoping that what I’d said to the gang was valid. I told the cleaners that I needed the dinner jacket tomorrow afternoon as I had a dinner to attend, they promised it would be available by four.

On the drive to work, with the top down, I was thinking that it actually felt safer with the raised rear bumper on my new ’77 MGB. The traffic was heavy and slow but driving with the top down made it seem more enjoyable just the same and it didn’t seem to take any longer getting to the paper. Once in the garage I had to go up two stories to get a parking spot, I snapped the tonneau cover in place and headed to the office.

Once at my desk I was looking through Jenkens’ notes from the night and saw with some pleasure that no new murders had happened. Wojack called and said, You need to get over to headquarters to sign for your pistol. I had hoped that the whole thing would be forgotten overnight but it hadn’t. I told him, I’ll be there in an hour. Wojack said to remember to use the new police placard and I could park in the police parking.

I made some calls to my tipsters and got some okay results for future stories, maybe, a lot of the stuff was rehashes of old info. I got up to get a cup of coffee as a pick me up. On my return with the coffee Louise sat down and asked if there was anything interesting going on from last night, I told her fortunately no.

I told Louise I was heading over to meet Wojack. I made good time to police headquarters and found a parking space, I placed the placard on the dash board and left with the hope it would be alright. When I got to Wojack’s desk he wasn’t there and I asked another detective if he knew where Wojack was. The detective told me he had gone to the armory and for me to head down there. He also gave directions.

The directions took me down to the basement of the building and I followed the signs to the armory and found Wojack. Wojack introduced me to a sergeant who signed me out a new Berretta 9mm, already cleaned, and showed me how to take it apart to clean it. Then Wojack asked, How good a shot are you with a pistol? I told him I qualified as an expert in the army but that was years ago. Wojack led the way to the pistol range.

Let’s see how far I need to be from you if you ever have to shoot around me. Wojack was serious. He continued, Here are two clips with six rounds each, one to get the pistol’s feel and one to check you out.

I loaded the first clip and fired slowly at a target, Wojack pulled the target back and all five rounds were to the upper left of center mass. Wojack hung a new target, I fired off six quick shots. Wojack started to get angry and brought the target back. All six rounds were in center mass with three hitting the bull’s eye. All Wojack said was, Show off. Slapped me on the back and said, Come on I’ll buy you a coffee.

Over a cup of coffee Wojack said he felt a little safer now, and his wife would be relieved as she put the bug in his ear about Duffy having a gun. Didn’t I tell you I was on an Army competition pistol team? I smiled at Wojack.

Wojack said he had a present for me and when we got to his desk he gave me a new leather shoulder holster and helped me in adjusting it and loading the clips, then helping to get it on. Wojack also gave me a set of handcuffs, I told Wojack he needed to come out to my car. I was very self-conscious wearing a gun. Reaching in car I gave Wojack his gifts; a tooled leather holder for a notebook, a Dior scarf for his wife and toys for his kids. Wojack said, Thank you and where the hell is your badge? I reached in the side pocket of my sports coat and brought it out. Wojack glared at me, Duffy from now on wear it on your belt.

Feeling very self-conscious I got in my car and drove back to the paper, waiting to be pulled over and arrested for impersonating a policeman. It didn’t happen and I arrived at my desk but didn’t take off my sports coat.

I decided to call one of my best tipsters and told him to be on the lookout for a guy all dressed in black, nervous or acting strangely between the ages of 25 to 35. The guy was curious as to the why but said he’d be on the lookout. Then I put a call into the court clerk I knew and asked what the agenda for the court looked like today. The clerk first said thanks for mentioning him in the paper and that the court had a full house for arraignments starting at 10:00.

Since everything else seemed slow I asked the Boss if it was alright to go to the court, the Boss said go for it. I decided to walk to the city hall because it was a nice day. I was going to the court on the chance I would see my mystery man telling some other defendant to plead guilty. I had met the mystery man before I left for Europe; the man had come into the courtroom and whispered into two burglar’s ears to change their pleas to guilty. They did so without a fuss. After the court was adjourned the mystery man had told me to get in his limo, he didn’t explain why he had spoken to the defendants but there had been an underlying threat implied. I was still trying to find out his identity.

On the walk to city hall I was stopped by a beat cop asking why I was carrying a gun. It happened to be an officer I didn’t know. I showed my credentials and that seemed to kind of shock the guy and he called over his radio to confirm it. The sergeant on the other end of the call told him the credentials were obviously real so why was he calling. After that, I continued on my way to the court.

When you get to the courts in the city hall it is an experience, there seems to be the entire population of the city and all the lawyers there. Everyone is concerned and they know that they can get lost in the system. I’m familiar with the scene, especially the arraignments process and it is crowded. I entered the court and the bailiff at the door stopped me and took me outside of the courtroom. He started to demand the gun and I pulled my sport coat aside and thus showing my badge. The bailiff told him, "You need to wear it on your breast pocket when in the court. I thanked him and switched the badge to the outside breast pocket. The gun was starting to be a liability in my job as a reporter.

Going back in the courtroom I watched the proceedings with some interest and noticed that I wasn’t the only man with a badge. After watching for an hour I left. I called Wojack on a pay phone in the hall and asked him to meet me at Scotty’s; my voice must have had some urgency because Wojack said he’d pick me up. I told him meet me at the south entrance of the city hall.

Fifteen minutes later Wojack picked me up and we drove in silence to Scotty’s. At the bar I led Wojack to the booth, in the crowded atmosphere he leaned close and I said, I can’t wear this shit every day! I’m self-conscious; I’ve been stopped by a beat cop and a bailiff. I’m not even sure I should be wearing it in a bar. Wojack smiled at me, I only want you to wear it when we are on the case together, we’ll be in some rough areas and it would be dangerous for both of us if I have to watch out for you as an unarmed citizen. As for the bar, don’t worry I have mine with me here unless I’m off duty. Wojack’s words calmed me down and Tomi came over for their orders, I ordered a Jamison and Wojack ordered a beer. Look, lock the stuff in the trunk of your car, just do it in private so no one sees you. And with that, the subject was relegated to the trash heap of my worries. Wojack told me that a notice would be read out at roll calls that I was on active status and that will stop a lot of BS.

While waiting for their drinks Wojack showed me his new notebook holder and how the official notebook fits perfectly and his wife said thank you for the scarf. Then he added, Tell me about your vacation.

The phone rang at the bar and after a bit the new bartender asked, Is there a Wojack here. Wojack got up to take the call and a few minutes later came back to the booth and said to me, We’ve got to go. We headed out the door. In the car, he told me that we are going to another Knife victim.

We arrived before the crime scene techs, the officers at the scene had taped off the area and kept the spectators moving on. About fifteen minutes later the ME arrived and stated the obvious that the corpse was dead. There were no jokes, Wojack and I saw the body and it was not as brutal as the last victim. We knew that the guy had been interrupted, and the body was still warm so it was only killed within the last eight hours according to the ME. No breast was severed and the legs had not been cut, in fact, the only damage was the knife wound to the heart and a foot-long gash going down the body. In both of our minds, Somebody must have seen something. A sergeant and a lieutenant arrived on the scene and we both decided to canvas the most likely places where someone could have seen something.

We entered a bar across the street from the scene and a patron of the bar fled by the back door. I gave chase immediately and tackled the guy in the alley behind the bar. I put the handcuffs on him as Wojack read him his rights. Two officers took him off our hands and put him in a patrol car. I said, I don’t think he’s our guy. Wojack agreed. We went back into the bar and sent one officer for reinforcements to block off the other bars and keep their customers corralled. By some quirk of nature my clothes didn’t get ripped during the takedown.

We started to question the customers of the bar and started to check ID’s. Anyone suspicious we had patrol call in for any wants or warrants. No one had blood on them and no one said they had seen anyone dressed in black. One woman, sitting at the bar, said that as she was coming into the bar a guy dressed in black did get into a car and backed out of the alley very quickly. I asked what kind of car it was, she answered, It was a dark blue Dart, with a dented driver’s side front fender and door. The bartender butted in, It’s a good thing you questioned her so fast. In a couple hours she’d be drunk and useless. The woman, Barbara, was insulted by the comment. She gave a finger to the bartender, but continued to drink her beer. We had the patrol officers get everybody’s name addresses; and asked them to verify the information. We went outside to put out an APB on the car. By this time, a Captain had arrived on the scene. He approached us and asked our names and rank, which put me in an odd predicament, I outranked the Captain. There was a frosty silence and the Captain said, This has got to be changed. I agreed.

Two FBI agents came on the scene and they introduced themselves to the Captain, who didn’t like them coming to the scene. He directed them to the ranking officer, Commander Duffy. I had to smile and gave the Captain a touché and a smile. I got a smile back from the Captain hopefully the ice was broken between us.

The FBI agents wanted to know if we had the new profile of the killer, I was surprised that they even had a new one as I hadn’t been told about the old one. But I listened to it and said, Thank you, but you need to liaise with the head of the investigation. Both FBI agents started to get the feeling they were being played and left in a huff. As they drove away the Captain laughed out loud, and then stopped as the press was coming down the street.

The officers were keeping the press far enough back, but when the press saw Wojack and me they started calling out questions and filming us. Wojack decided that it was best to take the bull by the horns and talk to them. I let Wojack answer the questions and he told them, In conjunction with the city wide effort the department has taken Duffy off reserve status. I answered some questions and was asked if my rank put me in charge. I gave them an emphatic no, saying, I would not presume I was able to command the men and women of the department.

A deputy chief arrived on the scene and made his way through the scrum of reporters and TV crews to Wojack and me. He said, Come with me! He led us over to the Captain. There addressing them all he said, Look Duffy’s rank is nonsense and is only given to him for some political reasons, he is on this case on active duty and can only hold an appointed rank because everything else is civil service. On this case he is Wojack’s partner and probably will be in the future for other crimes. He’s good, he’s effective and he’s connected so there will be no more bitching about rank. Is that understood? Good. Looking at Duffy he continued, Catch this bastard! And one more thing quit fucking with the FBI, we need all the help we can get. They’ll be coming back. I understand we have a lead on a car and a guy in black. Explain the black bit.

The Captain and the Deputy looked at me, I explained, No one ever saw a bloody man running anyplace, black clothes would show the least amount of blood to a casual observer.

See, that’s why he’s on this case. Wojack did you check him out on the range? Wojack nodded his head. Good now get back to work. Then he left. Everyone got back to work. The deputy did an about face and came back, Duffy I can live with the jeans but at least wear a tie. That parting shot saw the back of the deputy.

The Captain turned to me and exhaled, Sorry for all the fuss, but I wanted to get the rank thing straightened out. I told him, No sweat.

Look, see if this sounds right to you, both the Captain and Wojack looked at me. The Knife is trolling for a kill, but the victims are more cautious and sticking together for protection. So, it’s getting harder, but his need is driving him, he comes down the street and sees his target, she’s by herself. He talks her into the alley, says he doesn’t want to do it the car. That’s not unusual so he leads her from the car to the side of the dumpster. She’s just trying to earn her money, he gives it to her. Then wham, he coldcocks her and removing the knife he kills her. There’s blood, but not too much as he stabs the heart. He’s gotten better at that. Then something happens. The bar door is opened, or something else. But Barbara is one of their first customers and she sees him take off.

Then Wojack called over to the ME, Did you find any money in her bra? the ME says yes $30. That is what happens, Captain, agrees Wojack.

What does that tells me, I said, Is he is going to cross over to Jane Q Public. Also, he’s not satisfied, so there will be another kill today or tomorrow. I want to be proved wrong on this.

They checked when the bar opened and it was at 7:00, Barbara is one of the first customers nearly every day. Apparently she works at night.

After the body is taken to the morgue and the crime scene techs are done, we are released and we head back to headquarters, on the way a call comes over the radio that a dark blue Dart with dents has been found, we gave up on getting off, and head to the location.

When we get there we’re told that the car’s tags are expired. The car had been junked about four years ago according to the last owner. He didn’t know which junkyard it was, a friend who is now dead took it there for him. The owner was an older gentleman missing both legs and in a wheelchair. Not much of a suspect.

The patrol decided they had gotten everything, but I wanted to ask some more questions of the car’s owner. So I started, Do you live by yourself? Do you have any male relatives between 25 and 35? Was anybody interested in the car before you got rid of it? The friend who took it to the junkyard how well did you know him, how old was he?. I questioned the man for an hour coaxing the answers out of him. I got the names for all the males that the man knew. Where they worked and what they were like. Were there any fires where the person lived? And on and on, and back then forward I went in a circular fashion. Then I shook the man’s hand and said, You have been very helpful, I’m just going to leave these officers with you to make sure there are no phone calls made. The man was subdued and I thought that he knew his nephew was the one we wanted. I told Wojack, We need a search warrant for the house and property. And, one for the nephew’s rented house and his work place locker or any area he had sole use of. Wojack had been following the questioning of the man and he knew where I was headed. He told another detective that he needed to get the search warrants ASAP.

Wojack called for backup to make the arrest. The car met us two blocks from the suspect’s house. We waited for the search warrant and it didn’t take too long. I felt the wait worked to our advantage as the nephew in question worked on the night shift and would probably be getting ready when they got there, so no sirens or screeching brakes. Another car joined us and would make the entry from the back, we would go in the front, the new patrol car had a sledge hammer and a guy to use it.

We all drove the short distance to the nephew’s house, there we made entry and it was silent in the house. We found the suspect dead on the couch in the living room. He had shot himself with a derringer; the knife used to kill the prostitutes was on the cocktail table by him. He was dressed in black and on inspection, there was blood on his clothes. In the bedroom on a wall were a map and news clippings with a string attached and leading to the sites of the killings. There were pictures of both Wojack and Duffy which had been stabbed a couple of times each. He knew his hunters. It was all over except for the funerals and the paperwork. It was only the second day Wojack and I had been on the case together, we had been very lucky as far as I was concerned.

When the ME and the crime scene people came I told them to treat it as a suspicious death and to make damn sure it was really a suicide.

I left the paperwork to Wojack, and had a patrol car take me home. I took off the gun and made sure