Serial Separation by Dick C. Waters Read Free Book Online Page A

pushups, which he always thought looked like a spider on a mirror.
    “Do you think it’s too far fetched for someone in that league to have a vendetta against these men . . . maybe trying to throw us off, giving the impression the killings were sexually motivated?” Paddy questioned.
    He didn’t answer Paddy but wondered what would anyone have against hockey players serious enough to kill them? Would Scott also be in danger? Having Scott close by might be beneficial for them and Scott.
    “It’s so unusual to have male victims. I’ve never seen something like this. If a guy is going to kill another guy, he’s going to beat him to death, shoot him, or knife him. He’s not going to mutilate and save body parts. It could happen, but it seems so unlikely.”
    Paddy put his glasses back on the end of his nose, and he looked like Santa Claus in the argyle sweater. “Mike, the task force kickoff meeting has been moved to tomorrow morning. The AG will be present along with the other dignitaries, and the press. Colleen is making calls now to extend the invitations. I don’t want to bring up the connection to that earlier hockey league, at this time . . . not with the press present. We’ll cover that in our team meeting.”
    “I understand.”
    Paddy continued. “I’ve considered your appeal to bring Scott on board. If you can reach Scott, see if he can come in for the task force meeting in the morning. Caution him about keeping the hockey connection to himself. In addition, see if he can return later at twelve thirty for an interview with the other Harvard student I mentioned, Mercedes Strong.”
    “Great. I think he can be a help again. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome, but I’m counting on you to guide his efforts. The kickoff session is eight thirty in the conference room. I think it would be beneficial for Scott to hear what we have learned so far. It might help him to recollect something we might think is unrelated.”
    “Okay.”
    “You better let him know he’s not going to be alone in that interview, but don’t specifically mention who is going to be in the interview with him.”
    “Thanks, Paddy. I appreciate your letting Scott help.”
    “You know, I have my reservations, but my gut is telling me something different. Just tell him to keep a low profile, and his assistance could be temporary.”

Chapter 14
     
    I was reviewing some preparation material for one of my new courses. The phone made me jump. I thought Lisa had beaten me to the punch.
    “Hello there.”
    “Hello there yourself.”
    “Hello . . . is that you . . . Mike?”
    “Yes, who were you expecting?”
    “I thought it was Lisa calling me. And I’m glad I still have an opportunity to beat her to the punch. What’s up? Some good news, I hope?”
    “Yes, you could say that. Paddy has consented to let you join the task team, on a temporary basis, and wanted me to call you to alert you to a couple of things.”
    “Great . I know you had your hands full convincing him, and thank you for it.”
    “He’s concerned with your participation, as you know, but he thinks you might be able to shed some light on the connection to the hockey league. We can talk about that when I see you. The task force kickoff meeting is tomorrow at eight thirty, and he wants you to be here, but he wants you to keep a low profile. Okay?”
    “Okay, sure.”
    “He also wants you not to mention the hockey league at that session.”
    That comment caught me off guard. “Okay.”
    “Paddy also has an interview scheduled for you and someone else at twelve thirty tomorrow in his office. So, after the task force meeting, you’ll have time to do your thing and then come back for the other meeting with Paddy.”
    I tried not to sound too concerned. “An interview?”
    “Well, that’s what Paddy called it, so I’m just passing it along. I also want to see if you have time tomorrow night to have a beer, or whatever, with me?”
    “I’d love to.”
    “Then we’ll