by Geri Fitzsimmons & Andy Stephenson 1
2
Joseph Farley pulled into a parking lot behind the remodeled Brownstone. The first floor held the sedate offices where Neil Harris catered to his private patients. Trimmed in maple, the subdued tones of greenish-whites and marble provided an affluent but tranquil environment for those who could afford thousands of dollars to indulge their passion for hedonism. Joe liked to tease Neil about this pampered clientele. Still, he respected the psychiatrist who took time from his lucrative practice, to volunteer in clinics in the poorer sections of the city—even a few hours weekly at Belleview. 3
The second and third floors of the Brownstone were remodeled into a single-family living space. The bottom floor of the arrangement had lost all the individual rooms, except for several toilet areas, and become one gigantic Great room. It harbored a restaurant size kitchen and dinning space for thirty that flowed unbroken into varying size conversation clusters. 4
Neil had turned the top floor into more personal quarters. There were two guest suites but the rest of floor plan catered to him. Often a guest here, Joe punched in the code that gave him access first to the garage and then the elevator to the third floor.5
Joe Farley stood at the entrance and watched Neil hurry across the room still clothed in pajamas and robe. Quite unlike him, as Doctor Harris was as predictable as a Swiss watch and normally would be dressed and getting ready to leave for the evening. This unexpected break in schedule was like the phone call Joe received from Neil an hour ago. The same call that brought Joe to his friend’s home at this hour on a Monday night.6
The normally composed psychiatrist was obviously agitated by something. He swung and tossed his laptop so it landed on an overstuffed leather lounge. Then he grabbed it up again and held it against his chest as if in apology for the abuse. He stared at Joe over the top of the machine and his eyes showed red streaks—he blinked. He mumbled, “nearly impossible to catch.”7
“Got something for me, Doc?” asked Joe as he continued to monitor his friend’s unusual behavior. “Maybe I should brew some coffee?”8
“Pour me a scotch—you can join me.” Neil set his laptop on the coffee table and flipped it open to a screen he’d been working on. He slumped heavily into the chair. He waited as Joe made their drinks at the wet bar and returned to sit in the marching sofa across from him.9
Neil rarely indulged in alcohol before going to the studio, a beer perhaps but that was it, so the request for scotch made Joe remark, “You’re not on tonight?”10
“They’re splicing together some older sessions and putting together a show. It’s radio so my missing face won’t be noticed.” He took a swig of the White Label nearly emptying the glass. “I just couldn’t…” His voice cracked slightly.11
He turned the computer screen towards Joe. “Take your time,” he said. Empting his glass, he got up and went to the wet bar, and returned with the Durr’s bottle. He filled the ‘on the rocks’ tumbler with only whiskey. His stare made Joe edgy.12
Reading down from the top of the first page, Joe could see that the Doc had provided a list of supposedly accepted facts about serial killers such as: 85% male—8% female—7% undetermined sex because the killers are still at large.13
Age range is from twenty-two to fifty with 87% loners while app. 10% hunt in pairs or packs.14
Detective Farley already knew a lot of this or had his own access to such info, so he scanned through to second full page of text and came to a subtitle, ‘Goal Oriented’.15
Beneath it Neil had typed his opinions almost in journal form for apparently he’d been motivated to get as much down as he could in a short time. 16
The Goal Oriented Serial killer has an obsessive-compulsive mind-set that could be rooted in psychosexual problems, but he is neither delusional nor insane. The crime scenes, the method used will differ but the victim’s resemblance in some way will be the same. He normally commits the murder and abandons the body at the same location. He is proud of his act and doesn’t attempt to hide it. In fact he likely thinks of himself as a hero. 17
This killer wants to achieve a certain result from his murders. For some reason he has deemed his victims worthless. It is his desire to rid the world of a certain type of person—normally it is females he determines to be guilty of sexual misconduct. If a woman were to simply dress or act provocatively, she could become his victim. Of course, that is not to say he couldn’t be incensed by something non-sexual.
“Sounds like he believes he’s out to rid society of a disease?” Joe remarked. He picked up his own drink and sampled it as Neil finished off his second and started to pour a third.18
Joe sat patiently, lit a Salem in the one indoor place where Joe could enjoy a smoke, and waited.19
Neil was obviously framing his answer with care. Not in the habit of impressing people, especially his friends, he said, “This guy's a piece of work. He chooses young women of similar age, size, and hair color. This suggests to me that there was a traumatic experience with a woman of a similar description. Whatever occurred was likely in the past and over time grew into a passion where he began to victimize young women. ” 20
“His mother?”21
“Could be, but not always. Mommy Dearest often gets and deserves the rap. But remember young males are not only easily stimulated sexually but also emotionally motivated—it is what makes them pliable. Excellent fodder for training; often insecure, even the most athletic and popular, hasn’t yet developed a strong sense of self worth. Young ladies they are sexually attracted to, they believe they are in love with. So they can be hurt. Society, however, has convinced them they shouldn’t allow themselves to show it.”22
“So our killer got dumped and decided any girl that resembled that broad should be done away with?”23
“Nothing is ever that simple with a human being, Joe.”24
“Jesus! I hope not or New York is going to have a shortage of Brunettes.”25
“He may not be our problem much longer. If we don’t uncover him soon—he’ll be gone.”26
Joe reached for the Durr’s and refilled his now empty glass. Then thought better of it and set it on the coffee table with the contents untouched. He asked, “Bastard isn’t new at this?”27
“I’d estimate this is at least his second or third hunting ground. Could have been even more. The type of killer you’re after isn’t interested in gaining fame or even tormenting police, and will usually do his deed in remote areas. When he begins to feel threatened in one place he will leave and take up his task in another area. Sometimes his victims aren’t located for years.28
"For some reason this particular killer is drawn to city life. Perhaps it’s just New York’s glamour? Could be employment. Something has relocated him and is keeping him here but it won’t hold him forever. Every kill puts him one step closer to departure.”29
“I want this son of a bitch!” Joe punched the couch. “You have to help me get him before he makes that last kill.”30
Neil massaged the right side of his temple with his fingertips and admitted, “He may already have done it.”31
“What makes you say that?”32
“This morning a young woman matching the killer’s victim’s profile was found knifed in her apartment--Renee Weinberg.”33
“Knifed? Sounds more like a rage killing—our perp’s a smooth operator.”34
“Not necessarily, Joe. Do you remember a Pamela Murray’s death in February? You’re the one who included the information on her with the other cases. Of course you didn’t provide a name, so I went into the News online files. The News of course hasn’t gone into details about Renee’s death as yet; but since Pamela’s death is old news we know she was literally ripped apart from groin to throat." 35
“One of the detectives found several links—besides age and appearance, Pamela fit some of the other criteria. Like placing a call to your show.”36
“And so I believe did Renee Weinberg.”37
“You’re certain about that?”38
“Joe. So certain I’m sitting here getting drunk. A Renee called the show a few weeks ago—shortly after Michelle Baine was killed. I took the call. I’ll never forget her words. ‘New York is so stifling, so many people but I’m invisible to them. I’m alone.’” Neil gagged slightly as if Renee’s words coming from his throat choked him. He took another long drink of scotch before he continued. “Joe, damn it I told her I’d listen. But I didn’t. Mark switched the call to the Crises line—now she’d dead.“39
“Don’t start beating yourself up.” Joe said. “I’ll check into the Weinberg case. I’m going to check further on that prick Gheil—something you just said. “ He stood and tapped Neil on the forehead. “Something brought our killer to New York. A job—maybe? Gheil came from LA a year ago. Your show first aired in December, the traceable murders started a month after that.”40
Joe’s cell phone, with the ringer off, began to vibrate in his pocket. He retrieved it and glanced at the incoming number then cursed, “Shit,” under his breath. “Nearly eleven? What hell does she want?”41
“You might better find out,” Neil shrugged. “Something could be wrong with Becca.”42
“Shit,” Joe hissed. “Yah,” he said into the phone preparing himself for his ex-wife’s whine. 43
Instead, “Hi Daddy,” came the excited voice of his daughter as she bubbled over. “Mommy wants me to come up on Sunday. She says I can stay longer.”44
Surprised, Joe didn't immediately respond.45
“Daddy?”46
“What are you doing up this late?”47
“I was watching a movie with Gramps. I’m out of school yah know. When Mommy came home we started planning and then decided…it's okay, isn't it?” Disappointed began to creep into her tone.48
“It’s great!” he said, trying to put the appropriate enthusiasm in his voice. “Yes, Honeybunch, I can't wait” This development had taken him by surprise. He was deeply involved in this case and he wasn't quite prepared for an early arrival.49
“I'll be so glad to get there. I'll get to see all my friends again.”50
“What about me?” asked Joe pretending hurt.51
“You know I've been dying to be back with you. Everybody's so strict here.”52
“You'll have to follow the rules here, too. You'll be spending a lot of time with your aunts, you'll have to do what they ask.”53
“Yes, Daddy,” said Becca with exaggerated contriteness. 54
“Do you know when your flight will arrive?”55
“Mommy will tell you. Here she is—I have ta go to bed,” came the sulky complaint.56
“Let me speak with your mother. Love you, Pumpkin.”57
“Love you, Daddy.”58
There was an exchange of words on the other end of the phone line that he couldn't make out; and then Rose came on the line with the announcement, “She's gone into her room.”59
“So what's up?”60
“I got to thinking, and I felt that it wouldn't hurt if she spent a little more time with you,” said Rose.61
“I don't buy that for a minute,” said Joe.62
“It's the truth. Or maybe you don’t want her? “ she sneered, “That would figure.”63
“Of course I want her,” said Joe, angry now that she was trying to hit him with a guilt trip.64
“Then you ought to be happy about the change,” said Rose with false cheerfulness. “I was thinking that she might stay until school starts.”65
“Why? Has she become an inconvenience all of the sudden?” asked Joe, suspiciously. 66
“You know better than that. I just want her to spend as much time as she can with you—so she wont be sniffling about missing her daddy.”67
“You're full of shit,” said Joe. He took a stab in the dark. “I'll bet you've got yourself a new guy? What? He doesn't want your kid in the way?” Silence greeted him. “So you have got a guy?”68
“Is there a reason I shouldn't?” she snapped then laughed. “Why would you care anyway? We are taking a cruise and I need to settle Becca before we leave.”69
“Fine. What time will her flight be in?”70
He flipped his phone shut as soon as she finished. “My kid will be here for six to eight weeks instead of four. Her arrival time at JFK is 1pm Sunday.” 71
“Whatever,” Neil’s mood suddenly lightened. “Maybe our girl won’t want to go back to Rose.” 72
Joe shrugged and slumped back in his seat. “I could go for another drink but I have to drive home.”73
“Stay the night. You can use the desktop—we can work a few more hours. I’ve been scanning news stories in other parts of New York and the surrounding states for similar murder cases or missing women in the past five years…found a match right next door. South Jersey’s got two young ladies missing who fit the description and one dead-- that one was only sixteen.”74
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