JIGSAW

By Craig Conrad

Paul is already involved with stopping an attempt on Matt Corbin’s life, so much so, that he almost loses his own in the process, when his services are sought out by other friends, Brother Saul and Brother Simon from the ancient Brotherhood of the Philo. It seems that a recent neophyte to their order is missing. They know very little about the boy other than they like him and are worried about him and believe he lives on the streets. Paul naturally helps them while the city is being plagued by two serial rapist-killers. Paul starts digging and finds strings not only leading back to the two killers, but to their victims and to Matt Corbin, which in turn, reveals a bizarre, puzzled, utter unbelievable theory that could be true.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798369412886

Craig Conrad

Author resides in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, has been hooked on mysteries and supernatural thrillers since reading his first H.P. Lovecraft novel. He has written twenty novels, fourteen of them are Paul Rice novels, his reluctant paranormal investigator, with cameo appearances in two others that feature two of his war buddies along with two Dutch Verlander stories, and a collection of short stories.

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Copyright © 2024 by Craig Conrad.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 01/15/2024

Xlibris

844-714-8691

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809570

Contents

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Epilogue: A Cat’s Tale

JIGSAW – something that is made of many interconnecting parts.

– Concise English Dictionary

WISCONSIN

Sometime in the 1980s

1

When Paul Rice opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the white ceiling of the room above him, then the bed he was in, and to his left, three beautiful women with worried faces starring at him with concern, whose serious expressions were turning into smiles now that his eyes were open. They sat in the gray plastic room-chairs that had been pulled close to his bed, Natalee Cruz, Taylor Rawls, and Dallas Starr.

Hello, sleepyhead, it’s about time that you came around, Natalee said.

You had us worried sick, Taylor said.

And then some, Dallas added.

Where am I? Paul asked looking around, guessing he was in a hospital room somewhere.

You’re at Froedtert Hospital, Taylor said. You and Matt Corbin were brought here right after the explosion.

Where is Matt? Paul said anxiously. Is he okay?

He’s in the next room, Natalee said. You both had some minor scrapes and burns and you both lost consciousness.

How long have I been out?

Since they brought you here, Taylor said, or so I’ve been told. That was about an hour ago, give or take, not counting the time spent picking you up and bringing you here.

The doctor said that the two of you had concussions from the blast, Dallas said. Matt hasn’t come out of it yet.

He hasn’t? Paul asked, concerned. What’s he in, a coma?

Yes, but the doctor wasn’t concerned, Taylor said. He said that you should both come out of it on your own. You just did. Matt is lagging a little behind.

Why weren’t we revived immediately?

You both were according to the doctors, but then you both lapsed into unconsciousness again, Natalee told him. So the lead doctor wanted to leave it alone until some tests were done, which they were and everything is okay. It’s just a waiting game now.

How long have the three of you been here? Paul said.

Natalee got here first, Dallas said. Then I did and then Taylor. As soon as I heard I came right over.

You’ve been unconscious since we got here, Natalee said, and we’ve been here for about thirty minutes. Kate called me at the office to let me know what happened and I called Taylor.

Paul nodded. As much as I would like to see each face, I hope everyone isn’t going to come down here. It would cause lots of undo attention that would be hard to explain.

Relax, I told everyone to stay put, Natalee said, but that doesn’t mean they will stay that way. Some might venture down here alone or with someone, unless you’re coming home today, which I doubt.

What happened? Taylor said. Do you remember anything? The building you were in was already gutted by fire.

Not much. Matt asked me to join him to take a look at a crime scene and we weren’t even in the room where the body was found when the explosion went off.

Maybe that was a good thing, otherwise, you might both be injured or dead, Taylor added.

That was the same deserted house that Ann Carroll was recently raped and murdered in, wasn’t it? Dallas asked.

Yes, it was an abandoned house that was already empty and boarded up, Paul said, like many of the houses in that area are.

If it’s the same guy, and it sounds like it is, Dallas said, "this is the second woman he has raped and murdered in a vacant house within the last two months before setting fire to the house. The media think it’s the same guy. They’re already calling him The Vacant House Killer."

That’s not a very catchy moniker, Paul said. The press might be jumping the gun, like they sometimes do. This guy is also a rapist.

What have we got a serial killer? Natalee said, not liking the thought that there might be one in the city.

It takes three murders for this guy to be called a serial killer, Taylor said and looked at Paul for confirmation. Doesn’t it?

Paul nodded. Unfortunately, that’s true. Three is the standard rule that everyone agrees on.

Oh great, then we’ve got a lot to look forward to, Natalee pointed out.

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, Dallas said. Maybe it won’t.

Why wasn’t Kate with Matt? Taylor asked, looking at Paul. They’re usually together. It’s odd that they weren’t.

Sometimes they’re not, Paul said. I think Matt told me that she needed to stay at the office for a police lineup, but he asked me to come along and take a look with him.

Did he say why? Dallas asked.

Not really. He wanted me to look at the recent murder scene and tell him what I thought, which wasn’t much. The explosion went off immediately, right after we got there, so nothing was discussed.

Maybe the killer was destroying evidence he thought was still there and had the place rigged, or else it was a set up to kill a cop, any cop that happened to come along, Dallas said.

That could be, Paul said. There’s always that, or maybe we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Right now everything is pure guesswork. He sat up in bed and pushed back his covers, swinging his legs to the side edge of the bed to rise and immediately felt light headed with the effort.

Where do you think you’re going? Taylor said, putting a hand on his shoulder, trying to stop him from getting out of bed. "You’re not supposed to get up. You look rather wobbly to me. As you’re so fond of saying, you don’t have your sea legs yet."

Sea legs or not, I want to look in on Matt, Paul said, patting her hand and trying to get his body to cooperate.

You’re supposed to stay in bed and not be walking around, Natalee repeated. Doctor’s orders. He told us that much when we got here.

How much trouble can I get into by just going next door? He said, standing at the side of his bed, and soon discovered, thanks to a sudden draft behind him, especially in the lower quarters, that he was dressed in a hospital-johnny. He felt behind him making sure and then took the top blanket off his bed and wrapped it around his body like an Indian. God, I hate these damn things. And I hate hospitals.

We know, Dallas said, looking at the others and then back at Paul.

I’m going to find the doctor, Taylor said, walking out as Paul left his room with Dallas and Natalee in tow behind him, and entered the room next door. Matt was lying on his back, eyes closed, motionless in bed, and Kate, his partner on and off the job, sat in a chair by his side.

Paul, what are you doing out of bed? Kate said, turning her head in his direction and quickly standing upright. You’re supposed to stay in bed.

That’s what we’ve been trying to tell him, Dallas said.

Yes, repeatedly, Paul confirmed.

Kate gave him a big hug. I’m glad you’re both all right, and especially glad that he was with you, otherwise, it might have been worse, she said, knowing that Paul had a knack for dodging bullets and was glad to see that covered explosions as well.

Just then Taylor returned with a small, gray-haired man with caring brown eyes, whose name tag, pinned to his white doctor’s smock, said he was Doctor Maddox. He was accompanied by two female nurses, one of which was rather tall and hefty and older and could probably hunt bear with a switch if called upon. She reminded Paul of a rough female Army sergeant he once met.

What are you doing out of bed? Maddox said to Paul, in a stern voice, looking him over carefully. You still have some recovering to do. You’re not out of the woods yet, you know. I want you to stay awake and not go to sleep again.

I’m awake and I’m all right, Doctor. How is Matt doing?

He has a concussion and is presently in a mild coma, which I expect him to come out of soon.

And if he doesn’t? Kate asked, concerned. What then?

Then it’s just a waiting game, Maddox said. But I don’t expect any complications along those lines and there is no cause for concern unless the coma is prolonged and I don’t believe it will be judging by the tests we took. He moved to the bed and checked Matt over and then turned back to Paul with concerned eyes. Mr. Rice, kindly return to your bed where you belong. Unless you want to stay here in the hospital longer than you have to, or before I have the nurses strap you in your bed.

That I would like to see, Taylor said, smiling at Paul.

Paul made an irritated face. I’m all right, he insisted.

That remains to be seen, Maddox said. I’ll let you know when you can go home or walk around. I’m the doctor and you’re the patient, remember?

I’m not going home until Matt does, Paul said, even if I have to push my bed in here.

Maddox looked Paul in the eye with a twinkle of humor in his own. I believe you would at that. Now go back to bed. Your friend will be all right and so will you if you do what I say.

Just then Keller Cooper, another good-looking female cop and another coven member, came in the room, saw the other women there and then settled her eyes on Paul and Matt lying in the bed. I just heard, she said, a little breathless, as if she’d been running. What’s going on? Kate moved to her friend and gave her a hug. I heard Paul and Matt were blown up, Keller said.

I’m okay, Paul told her, but I’m presently being evicted by a hostile hospital staff.

Keller frowned at him. Evicted to where?

They just want Paul to go back to his room and get back in bed, Taylor explained. He’s being difficult.

Not that that is anything new, Natalee piped in and got a narrowed eyed look from Paul.

Sara, Maddox said, addressing the larger nurse, will you please take Mr. Rice back to his room and his bed and see that he stays there.

Yes, Doctor, she said and turned to Paul in a voice that sounded like a drill sergeant, Come on, Tonto, you heard what the doctor said. Back to your room and back to bed.

Everyone laughed.

Another comedienne, Paul lamented and looked hopelessly at Kate. Let me know the minute Matt’s awake.

I will, Kate promised, now please go back to bed.

Paul’s eyes passed over everyone as he turned to leave. I seem to be surrounded by collaborators, he said. Then his eyes settled on Nurse Sara. Okay, Sarge, let’s go. You can bust my chops and escort me back to my jail cell.

Previously that morning, the man who called himself Severson at times watched Paul and Matt enter the old house, which had been boarded up for over a year, only used now by dopers or teenagers for sex and partying. He watched from across the street, standing in concealment from a narrow alleyway that separated two other old houses, another of which was also empty and boarded up. He didn’t know why he was there, or why it was important that he was. He would probably remember later, but right now he only remembered that it was important for him to be there and watch and wait for one of the men to return. At the moment, he couldn’t recall why this man was important to him, just a strong feeling that the man was, or why it was important to set off the timer-switch in his jacket pocket, which he did, pressing the red button and hearing the explosion go off. More marked police cars with police emblems painted on the doors came to the scene almost immediately after the explosion, as did first-responders with the fire department, and an ambulance. He watched as two men were put in the ambulance and drove off, away from the house with siren wailing. He waited a little longer and watched some more. Severson had seen one of the men before, probably a cop, and knew he would return, which he did today with the other man. The time lapse was important and gave him time to rig the explosion and put the pipe bomb together. He really didn’t think he knew anything about explosives, but a part of him did, or remembered from somewhere, and he didn’t have any trouble putting everything together. He stayed in the alley and watched some more until he couldn’t remember why he was even there, or what he was watching for. He left the scene.

About twenty minutes after all of Paul’s company left the hospital, Kate entered Paul’s room and announced, Matt’s awake now, thank God.

That’s good to hear, Paul said, throwing back the covers.

This time he paced himself getting out of bed, making his movements slow and easy, so he wouldn’t get a dizzy spell again. He made it without any trouble, getting out of bed and putting his feet into what passed for hospital slippers and looked and felt like they were made of paper. He was about to take his top bed blanket again for cover when Kate handed him a robe.

Here, wear this for now, so your slip doesn’t show, Kate said. I brought it for Matt, but he isn’t going to be doing any walking right now.

Paul took the robe and slipped into it. Thanks, I told Natalee to bring me a robe tomorrow to cover my southern exposure, if I’m still here tomorrow. Did the doctor see Matt yet?

Yes, he just finished checking him over and Matt’s going to be okay. No damage done, I’m glad to say, to either of you. They just want to keep the both of you here for a while for observation.

Paul didn’t like hospitals and made a sour face at the prospect of having to stay. And how long is that going to be?

Doctor Maddox didn’t say.

Paul’s sour face deepened. Naturally, he wouldn’t. Did you talk to Matt at all?

A little, but I didn’t ask him anything about the house, or why he wanted you to look at it. I thought maybe you could, being that you don’t seem to know either.

Paul nodded. Sure, I can do that. Let’s go see him before the help knows that I’m out of my room again.

They entered the next room. Matt was sitting up in bed and looked good except for being a little pale around the gills, but at least he had his eyes open, Paul thought. He gave Paul an appraising smile. You look good in my robe.

I thought so, Paul agreed. All do to extenuating emergency circumstances.

Those being?

Exposure.

Matt laughed and Paul got a smile out of Kate who pushed a plastic chair forward for him to sit on. Sit down, she instructed. You still look a little unsteady to me.

Paul gave her an irritated look, but sat down without further comment, but did complain to Matt, It’s about time you came around.

Well, you know how it is. I wanted to cop as many extra z’s as I could.

Paul nodded. Now the hospital staff has two of us to persecute.

Matt frowned. You’ve been persecuted? I don’t understand.

Paul came into your room to see you earlier and the doctor wouldn’t let me stay, Kate explained.

Matt nodded. Oh, so that’s what it’s about.

Yeah, they have a hostile hospital staff here.

Oh, they have not, Kate scolded. They were just concerned about your welfare.

Paul shot her a look. Whose side are you on, anyway?

Theirs, if it means getting the two of you back in one piece.

That reminds me, Matt said. Thanks, for what you did.

Paul gave him a blank stare. And what was that?

For pushing me away from the room entrance at the last moment.

Oh, that, Paul said, remembering. You’re welcome.

How did you know? Matt asked, curious.

Yes, I’d like to know that myself, Kate added.

Paul shrugged. I can’t explain it. I didn’t know really. I’ve just learned to trust my feelings and I had a hinky feeling about going into that room, that something wasn’t right.

Thank, God for hinky feelings, Kate said.

I had a feeling too, about that murder scene, Matt admitted.

Kate stared at him. You never said anything to me about it.

I know I didn’t. I didn’t have the words to express it. It was just a feeling that came to me the first time I saw the room that there was something there that was supposed to mean something to me.

What? Kate asked and glanced at Paul, who shook his head and leveled his eyes at Matt.

This guy has supposedly killed twice, Paul said. Did you have this feeling at the first murder scene?

I don’t think I did, Matt said, trying to recall how he felt.

What about now? Paul said. Can you put words to your feelings now?

Matt shook his head slightly. Not really. I don’t know why. It was just a strong feeling. That’s why I wanted you to see it, to see if you felt anything. You’re more perceptive than I am. Did you?

No, I’m sorry I didn’t, Paul said, meeting Matt’s eyes. There wasn’t time to look or feel anything except for what I did. The explosion happened too soon.

About that, Kate said. Don’t you think it’s odd for a killer to booby-trap his latest crime scene? I never heard nor experienced anything like that before. Have either of you?

I haven’t, but maybe you have, Paul suggested, looking at Matt. Maybe it’s some past case of yours and that’s why you were getting those vibes from the scene. There must be some similarity there.

No, it’s not that, Matt said. That doesn’t ring any bells. As far as I can remember nothing like that has happened to me before.

The bomb squad said that they found pieces of a pipe bomb at the scene, so this guy’s a bomber besides being a strangler, Kate said. Which begs the question, was he trying to destroy some evidence he thought he had left, or was he just trying to kill someone, like a cop?

That’s a good question, Paul said. His target could be either one of us

If that’s the case, then it’s more likely me, Matt said. I was at the scene before, so the killer must have seen me and expected that I would return. He looked at Paul. You never were at the house until today, so odds are that it has to be me.

But why you? Kate said, not liking what she was hearing. I don’t recall, or you ever mentioning anyone that has a grudge against you.

That doesn’t mean that there isn’t someone out there, Matt said and looked at Paul. You know that as well as I do. That’s just the way it is.

Paul nodded agreement. That’s always a possibility.

It could be that this guy just wanted to kill a cop, any cop, or someone else wanted to, Kate added.

Meaning what? Paul said. You think someone else is involved besides the killer and came along later and planted the bomb, hoping to kill someone from the police?

What not? Kate said. The way things are in the world today screwier things have happened.

Kate could be right, Paul said. I wouldn’t put it past some screwball to do just that. Place a bomb at a murder scene.

She could be, but I don’t think so, Matt said. It’s unlikely. I still think it’s the same man, the one that’s doing the killings also placed the bomb there.

2

When Natalee returned to the office, her sister, Ashleigh, was already inside anxiously waiting for her.

How is he? Ashleigh said the minute Natalee opened the door. Is he all right? Why didn’t you wait for me I could have gone with you?

You were out of your office and working a case when it happened, Natalee said. Besides, there were too many of us going down to the hospital the way it was, but at the time it couldn’t be helped. And Paul wouldn’t want all of us trooping down there. It would just raise lots of questions, and Paul doesn’t need that. We don’t need that either. People wouldn’t understand.

But he is all right, isn’t he? Ashleigh persisted.

Natalee closed the door behind her. He’s fine, no worse for wear that I can see. He’s just a little fringed in spots by the explosion, but otherwise okay. He’s in his usual hospital mood, irritated that he has to be there.

Ashleigh smiled. They all knew how Paul got when he was confined to a bed and hospital care. I wanted to go down there, but I heard you had told everyone to stay put. How many of us actually did go?

Dallas was there and so was Keller, but they’re both cops and probably heard about what happened before I did, so I couldn’t stop them and knew they would most likely be there. Kate called me about it and I called Taylor and told her, and that’s all. I knew that she would want to know and wouldn’t be talked out of going since she and Paul practically grew up together and had known each other from the time that they were in high school together. That was more than enough. Although Paul was glad to see us, all of us, and knew how we all felt, he hoped everyone would understand and wouldn’t come down to the hospital. He said it would look odd, and he’s right. It would, if we all came down there to see him. It would draw the wrong kind of attention to us.

Natalee took off her coat and hung it up in the small closet behind her desk. Who’s watching your office now, Judy? Judy Bishop was Ashleigh’s associate and girl-Friday. Or is it turning into a slow day for attorneys?

There’s nothing going on there that can’t wait, and this is more important. Besides, my office is only down the hall and if something comes up that needs my immediate attention, Judy is there and she can always come and get me. Ashleigh gestured toward the Mr. Coffee Machine. I made a pot of coffee, by the way while I was waiting for you. It sounds and smells like it’s ready.

It is, Natalee said. I could smell it the minute I opened the door. She moved to the machine resting on a utility table, also stationed behind her desk, put there to house the coffee machine and all the essentials, like honey and Coffee Mate, that went with a good cup of coffee, including cups and mugs. Would you like a cup?

Ashleigh moved to her. Of course, that’s why I made it.

Natalee poured two coffees into two white mugs, adding honey and the Coffee Mate’s French Vanilla to both, and handed a cup to her sister.

Thanks. Ashleigh took the mug and sipped some coffee and had to laugh.

Natalee drank from her own mug and gave Ashleigh an inquisitive look. What’s so funny?

Us, now we’re both drinking our coffee exactly the way Paul likes it, a la Paul. We didn’t do that before.

Well, it does taste better that way, although I’ve never thought about it like you have. He didn’t twist our arms to do it.

No, Paul didn’t twist our arms to do anything.

Natalee frowned at her. Is that a complaint I’m hearing? Is something wrong? You sound regretful.

Ashleigh looked slightly stricken at her accusation. No, never, nothing is wrong. I have no complaints about anything, nor am I feeling regretful. I have and never will. I was just saying.

Natalee nodded. Good, I’m glad you don’t. That was not always the case, or wasn’t in my life either.

How’s Matt, Ashleigh asked, changing the subject, not wanting to revisit the bad years before Paul came into their lives. I take it that he’s all right too, otherwise you would have said something. Is he?

He is as far as I know. Paul came out of it first. Matt was still unconscious when we left, but the doctor said he expected him to regain consciousness soon, like sometime today or tonight, and be as good as new.

Paul and Matt were both lucky, Ashleigh said, giving it some thought. It’s a good thing that Paul has us.

They both sampled more of their coffees.

I bet Kate was relieved to hear that, Ashleigh said.

She was, but knowing her she’ll worry until Matt opens his eyes and wakes up and she can take him home.

When do you think Paul will be able to come home? I hate this waiting and not being able to see him.

I know, Natalee sympathized, but everyone feels that way and is in the same boat. As for coming home, the doctor didn’t say when, although Paul was hoping for a tomorrow release, but that depends on how long they want to keep him for observation. But, we’ll see. He told me to bring him a robe just in case he has to stay longer. They have him in one of those hospital-johnnys.

Ashleigh had to smile. "I bet he just loves that too."

That was one of his complaints.

Do they have any theories about why a bomb was exploded at a murder scene?

Natalee drank more coffee. None that were openly discussed, although Dallas told me later that she thought it was either done by the killer, or by someone else who took advantage of the situation and just wanted to kill a cop.

"What does Paul think? I’m sure he has a theory.’

He didn’t say. If he has one, he’s keeping it to himself.

Ashleigh shook her head in disgust. She hated what was happening in the country, politically and otherwise with lack of gun control. There were too many shootings, too many people with twisted minds that had guns or deadly intentions running around loose, but thanks to Second Amendment Nuts and the NRA and payoffs to politicians, the flood of guns in to the wrong hands couldn’t be stopped, so the violence continued. What’s going on, another open season on the police, again? Two cops were shot and almost killed two weeks ago, ambushed while sitting in their squad car drinking coffee; and a week before that a police officer was shot while making a routine traffic stop. So planting a bomb to kill a cop doesn’t sound that unreasonable a stretch to me.

No, it doesn’t to me either, but it seems like it’s always open season on someone, especially the police. There are just some people who hate cops.

Don’t you think the police bring a lot of that stuff on themselves, by some of the shootings that they do and the way they treat people, especially people of color?

I think that might be part of it. There are cops out there that hate people, especially the people of color, and like the power that being a cop gives them. These people have to be weeded out. They have no business being a cop with a gun. The bad apples have to be removed and the quicker the better. Until the police do that and aren’t so quick on the trigger, they will not gain peoples’ respect. There will always be a trust issue there, and we need the police. At least that’s my two cents worth.

Ashleigh put her coffee down suddenly on the coffee utility table, lost in a sudden thought.

Natalee gave her a concerned look. What’s the matter did the coffee suddenly turn bad?

No, I just had a very bad thought.

Like what?

Like Paul’s been home a lot lately, and that’s been great. No new cases taking him away, and everything working smoothly.

Yeah, it has for months now, no pressing cases. It’s been nice, so?

What if this explosion situation is the start of a new case? Ashleigh said. And it screws everything up.

Natalee shrugged. We’ll just have to wait and see. As long as the case stays in the confines of the State of Wisconsin, and doesn’t take him too far from home, we should be all right. Anyway, this is a police case. Paul isn’t involved.

He isn’t involved yet, Ashleigh hated to point out. But what if Matt asks him to become involved, or that it turns out the bomb was meant for Matt? You know as well as I do that Paul will take up the case without hesitation and won’t have to be asked.

Natalee looked at her sister for a long moment, registering what she had said. No, you’re right. Matt and Paul go way back to Vietnam. If Matt’s in any kind of danger, no question Paul will be there for him.

Just then the office phone rang.

Natalee moved to her desk and put her coffee down on it before picking up the phone. Paul Rice, Special Investigations. How can I help you? she answered.

I’d like to talk to Paul Rice, a man’s voice said.

He isn’t in right now. Can I take a message? Do you want to make an appointment?

When do you expect him back?

Not for several days. He’s presently working a case, Natalee lied. She was reluctant to tell the caller Paul’s present whereabouts and had no idea how long he would be in the hospital. She had no idea who she was talking to. This might be a prospective client and it might not, maybe just someone looking for Paul to do him harm. It had happened before and she never wanted it to happen again. What is this about, can you tell me? Natalee went on, trying to get more information. Do you wish to hire his services for your home or property? Are you having problems?

The caller ignored most of her questions. Yes, I’m having a problem, he told her, a major problem that he no longer knew what to do with, but he didn’t tell her that.

Let me set up an appointment for you, Natalee persisted.

Maybe I’m calling the wrong person, the caller went on not sure he had reached the man he wanted. Is this the same Paul Rice that was in Vietnam in the ‘60s?

Natalee didn’t answer immediately, thinking that the caller might be another war-buddy. Yes, he was in Vietnam. Do you know him from the war?

Was he a major in Special Forces? the caller said. I want to make sure this is the right guy.

Natalee was beginning to wonder how many men in Vietnam had the same name. Yes, he was a major with the Rangers, and he was in Vietnam. Is that how you know him? Were you in the war too?

The caller didn’t answer, not sure what to do or say next.

Sir? What’s this about?

No answer. Maybe this was a mistake, he thought. He should probably think more on it before he committed to doing it.

Why don’t you at least leave me your name so I can tell him you had called? Natalee asked, trying again.

Still no response from the caller. He couldn’t make up his mind. And then the phone went dead and Natalee could hear the dial tone. She returned her phone to its cradle.

Who was that? Ashleigh asked, nursing her coffee. Someone from the war, from Paul’s past? At least that’s what it sounded like.

The caller never said, but he seemed to know Paul, or appeared to know of him. It sounded like he needed help of some kind. It could be a war buddy. Maybe someone from another unit that knew Paul.

Ashleigh made a face not liking how things were shaping up. Sounds like another case in the making.

I don’t know. It could be. Maybe it is. The man didn’t say why he wanted Paul.

I’m beginning to have a bad feeling, Ashleigh said, and it sounds like a new case is out there waiting. She paused in thought. Just in case, let me take Paul’s robe to him tomorrow. It will give me a chance to see him before something else happens.

Then you’d better stop at the house and get him a complete change of clothes, Natalee advised. If the hospital does release him tomorrow, he’ll need to wear something other than the clothing he had on during the explosion.

Are you out of bed again? Nurse Sara said addressing Paul as she entered Matt’s room to check on her patient. Maybe you should be strapped in.

Yes, I am, Paul said, and before you start giving me marching orders, I can rest just as well in this chair as I can in bed. And it will be less stressful.

Sara shook her head. I doubt that, but I don’t see the harm. The doctor let on that he would probably release you tomorrow.

That’s welcome news, Paul said. "I was beginning to get shack whacky in here."

Sara shook her head at him, but knew that there were just some people who hated to be in a hospital. She moved to the bed to check Matt’s vitals. When finished, she fluffed up his pillows and started to leave the room and said in parting. See that you two get more rest and less talk tonight.

Paul looked at Kate, studying her for a moment. She looked tired and nerve-stretched. Speaking of rest when were you home last sleeping in a bed?

I got some rest here.

Go home. Pour yourself a stiff drink and go to bed. I’ll stay with him for now. Get some good rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleeping in a bed is more restful than sleeping in one of these chairs. I know, I’ve slept in them too.

I might have to work and won’t get here until late, she said to Paul. I’ve been pulling strings to stay here as long as I have. Are you going to stay here that long? I thought I heard the nurse say that you were being released tomorrow.

Paul shrugged. Whatever. Even if they do release me, I won’t leave him until you get here.

Kate looked at Matt. Go on home, Matt told her. Get some sleep. Paul will be here. He’s a poor excuse for you, but it will be all right.

Paul shot Matt a look. Of all the nerve, he said in a display of mock outrage.

She gave Matt a steady look. Are you sure?

Matt nodded. I’m sure. Now go. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Kate moved to the bed and gave Matt a big hug and kiss. Okay, you’ve convinced me. She turned and moved to Paul, giving his shoulder an affectionate squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. Thanks, Paul.

Anytime, Paul said and patted her hand. Were Matt’s parents in to see him? Did I miss them? I don’t recall seeing them.

No, you didn’t miss them. They were never here. They’re out of town visiting Matt’s grandmother in Bayside, Wisconsin, Kate said, looking at Matt. He doesn’t want me to contact them.

Paul frowned at Matt. Why not? Don’t you think they’d want to know?

Yes, they would, but there’s no need to worry them or ruin their trip out of town, Matt said. I don’t want them bothered unless it’s serious.

Kate hitched up an eyebrow. And this isn’t serious?

No, it’s really not, Matt said. We both got knocked out. No big deal.

Funny, I thought it was, Kate said.

In other words you don’t want them notified unless you’re on your deathbed, is that it? Paul said.

Well, yeah, Matt agreed. Why worry them for this minor stuff?

Kate shook her head at him and tried not to roll her eyes. She turned to Paul. See if you can find out why that murder scene is so important that he wanted you to look at it. I haven’t the faintest idea why it would be, and so far he doesn’t remember anything.

I’ll do my best, Paul assured her. Now go and get some sleep. And don’t worry, if that’s possible.

Kate gave them both a parting look, reluctant to leave, but it comforted her to know with Paul there she knew she was leaving Matt in good hands. Still, she said, Paul, walk out with me for a minute.

Paul got up and walked out into the corridor with Kate. What’s the matter, he’ll be all right, Paul said. He’s gone through explosions before.

You mean in Vietnam?

Yes, we both have.

I know you’re right, but he’s been obsessing over this even before he asked you to come with him, and that’s not like him. I don’t want him to lapse into the funk he was in when I first met him. I had a hell of a time pulling him out of it.

That was different, Paul said. He was dealing with betrayal, trying to make sense out of it and cope with it. Betrayal is a big hurt. It takes time to overcome it while it works on you. He was going through a bad time thanks to that no good wife of his, and you were the medicine he needed to make him well again. This isn’t the same thing. I’ve seen him like this in Nam. It’s a puzzle he can’t find the pieces to. It’s not something that will set him back, so stop worrying. He’ll be fine. You’ll see.

You sound like you’re speaking from experience. Did anyone ever betray you?

I thought someone had, but I was wrong. Then again, we were all betrayed by our government and the American people when they decided to pull the rug out from under us in Nam.

She nodded and Paul managed to get a smile out of her. Okay, if you say so, she said. You’ve known him longer than I have. I just don’t want to lose what I’ve got.

And you won’t, Paul assured her. This isn’t a relapse. He squeezed her hand. Now go home and get some decent sleep. I’ll stay with him until you’re able to return.

Kate kept her smile and met his eyes. You’re a good man, Charlie Brown. I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.

Paul watched her walk to the bank of elevators, then turned and went back into the room.

What was that all about? Matt asked.

Paul sat back down in the room chair again. She’s worried about you. She said that you were obsessing about these murders. I told her not to worry that you were just had an obsession wart and couldn’t help it. It was part of your nature. You did it in Nam all the time.

Matt made a face at him. Thanks a lot. And I didn’t do it all the time in Nam.

Paul laughed a smile. Don’t mention it.

Matt shot Paul a look. Kate won’t rest, you know. She’ll toss and turn thinking about everything.

Well, at least she’ll do her tossing and turning in bed and not in a chair. If she has a drink, it might send her right off to sleep.

There’s that, and before you start, I haven’t any idea why that crime scene means something to me, or what I should know about it, which is nothing, and nothing comes to mind.

Maybe your mind still has to process it out.

Maybe it does, but I wish it would hurry up.

Sometimes it takes time, Paul said. You can’t rush the process. You know how that works as well as I do. Paul paused for a moment gathering his thoughts. The first similar murder was a month ago, wasn’t it?

It was and in the same area as this one, just four blocks away. Unfortunately, there are lots of boarded up houses in that whole area – ideal for drug users and teenage sex.

"Or for rape and murder. The city should do something about that. Sell those properties for a