Once Shadows Fall by Robert Daniels Read Free Book Online Page A

checked Penelope Fancher’s office to see if the lieutenant was in. She was there, studying something on her computer screen.
    A few detectives had drifted into the squad room and were already at their desks working the phones; one or two were typing or reviewing reports. Beth walked past the row of cubicles. Each one was reserved for a set of partners. Their desks faced each other.
    At Fancher’s door, she tapped and waited for her to look up.
    “Come in, Beth,” Fancher said. “You’re here nice and early.”
    “Thought I’d get a jump on the day, LT.”
    Fancher smiled. “Nothing makes the boss happier than seeing people who work for her busy. What’s up?”
    “I’m about to head back to Jordan. The sheriff just called and said they found a tunnel in the barn.”
    “Why is that important?”
    “I don’t know yet,” Beth said. “But I think it will be. Yesterday I spoke with a former FBI agent who worked the original Scarecrow case. It was his idea. He thinks there’s a second crime scene nearby. This could be it.”
    “You’re making another trip to Jordan because this man thought there could be another scene?”
    “I am,” Beth said. “It merits another look. I’ll want forensics again, too.”
    Lieutenant Fancher leaned back in her seat and considered this. She then informed Beth, “Our unit has a major backlog of uncleareds. We’re also understaffed. Are you certain this trip is necessary?”
    “Tell me you’re kidding.”
    “I’m not. I was just going over the numbers, and we’re way behind where we should be. It doesn’t help that the city council cut our budget by thirteen percent, Detective.”
    “I still have to work the case.”
    Fancher drew a long breath. “This is an interdepartmental referral. That means we’re assisting as a courtesy, not taking it over. Can’t you get by with one of their people?”
    Penelope Fancher was a number cruncher, and the bottom line mattered to her because it was scrutinized by the bosses. Add to that the fact that the crime happened outside the city limits and the town of Jordan was getting the short end of the stick.
    “I’ll try,” Beth said evenly. “The problem is they’re not equipped to handle what we’re dealing with here.”
    “And what’s that? Yesterday you told me the killer’s a copycat.”
    “I still feel that way,” Beth said. “My partner thinks there’s bad mojo in the air on this one.”
    “How so?”
    “The way that man was killed, the missing finger, the lack of blood, the locket around his neck, the missing women, and now we find a tunnel. Take your pick. Whoever did this is following the Scarecrow’s playbook.”
    “Tell me about the locket,” Fancher said.
    “According to the sheriff, there are two missing women in Jordan. The man I spoke with yesterday, Jack Kale, thinks the killer’s sending us a message he has one of them. That means we can expect another victim. If there’s any chance of preventing it, we need to move and move quickly.”
    Penny Fancher reached forward and nudged her computer mouse. She studied the screen for several seconds, then said, “Dusty Shelton’s tied up on the south side until later this afternoon. Head up there and see what you can do with one of the locals. I’ll have a uniform meet you in the garage as backup. If you think you’ll need more help, I’ll spring Shelton loose as soon as he’s done and send him your way.”
    She’d been with Robbery-Homicide a whole three months and had a single week-long course in forensic training. Hopefully her five years’ experience working environmental crimes would do. Every detective knew the rudiments of investigative techniques. She hoped Max Blaylock wouldn’t realize he was getting shortchanged.
    *
    On the way back to her desk, she ran into Dan Pappas. He was a no-nonsense cop with fifteen years in Homicide.
    “Enjoy your talk with Penny Pincher?” he said, using the lieutenant’s nickname around the squad.
    “The