Murder My Love by Victor Keyloun Read Free Book Online

heard.
    The Mayor lowered head and cupped his eyes in his hands. The room was eerily quiet. The Chief went on to say that the victims had been brutally stabbed and shot. The Chief then told them that she had shared this information with them because of their status in the community, but that it was imperative the crime should not be discussed with anyone, not even their respective significant others. News of this heinous crime would cripple the community. Professor Judson echoed the Chief’s comments. In halting speech he said, “Any mention of this in the Press would materially affect recruitment at the college. And for the good of the community, this town desperately needs its college to thrive.” All eyes were now on Susan Angel. She hesitated for a moment before responding. She had laid out on the table a pencil and pad in anticipation of taking notes. She fumbled with her purse and returned them to it. She removed her glasses and said, “I can keep this out of the Gazette for just so long, maybe a day or two.”
    The Mayor was first to insist, “As long as you can. Please!”
    Susan looked at Abby directly, “The neighbors must suspect something. I mean I already know the entire police force was at the scene.”
    “God help us if the Hartford Telegraph gets wind of this,” the Mayor said.
    “Or channel 18,” Judson added. “They’ll descend on this town like a horde of locusts.”
    The Chief addressed Angel directly, “I can understand the pressure you’re under, but for the good of this town and our ability to conduct an effective investigation, please hold off.”
    Saying nothing, Susan nodded.
    All were ready to hear the Medical examiner’s presentation, but the Chief emphasized that much of it was strictly a police matter and not for everyone’s ears. Informing them politely that Kruger’s presentation would be disturbing, Abby turned to Dean Judson and Susan Angel and said their further presence was not warranted. Neither objected. They were relieved not to learn of any gruesome details. As an afterthought Wilson said the same to the Mayor but in his case, she promised to brief him personally later that day if there were further developments. The Chief dismissed everyone but the police. The three thanked the chief for her candor and filed out of the room.
    As they reached the sidewalk, the much taller Judson turned to Gallarino and, out of earshot of Angel, said, “You’d better ride that cop like a thoroughbred.”
    Gallarino drew back. “What exactly are you telling me?”
    “I’m saying you brought her here. I trust her investigation will not be a fiasco.”
    “Don’t worry. She owes me,” Gallarino shot back.
    “If she doesn’t solve this crime and solve it quickly, it’s on you. You’ll be a one term Mayor.”
    “Is your concern for the crime or the lady cop?”
    “We wouldn’t want the press to delve into our relationship, would we?”
    Judson glared at the mayor and walked briskly to his car.
    Meanwhile, Wilson tilted her head at Kruger indicating she wanted the presentation to proceed. He stood and announced that his presentation was a compilation of facts from his own investigation and information gleaned by the CSI. When the shades were fully drawn, Kruger began by showing photos of the crime scene followed by a description of the male victim. He itemized the contents of his wallet and held up the victim’s driver’s license. His name was Stanley Klopowitz and he resided in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. As soon as he had found his driver’s license while going through his belongings during the autopsy on Monday, he had notified Lt. Stanton. Chief Wilson interrupted him. “Jeff, what have you learned?” He replied, “The Wilkes-Barre Police went to his home and notified his family. Someone is coming here to claim the body.” Wilson bellowed to no one in particular, “If he drove here, where’s the car? If he took a bus, let’s find out when he got here. O.K. Doctor,