Quinn - Iris Johansen [46]
“Yet he was so reckless about leaving evidence at those crime sites.”
“Maybe he’s recognizing that it’s not the same ball game. He’s willing to play, but he knows the rules may be different.” He opened the passenger door and put the note in the glove box. “You’ve taught him that, Eve.”
“Have I?” Eve got into the car. “That supersize ego was one of our best weapons against him. I just hope that he won’t become cautious and take off. That would ruin everything.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Joe said grimly as he started the car. “You’ve seen to it that Zeus is wholeheartedly committed to do at least one more kill before he goes to a different hunting ground.”
* * *
TWO PATROL CARS AND SLINDAK’S gray Honda were parked in the lot of the convenience store when Joe arrived.
Slindak strolled over to the car as Joe opened the door. “Pretty much a waste of time. The store manager said someone used the outside phone booth to make a call, but he was busy and only got a quick glimpse of him.”
“Model of his car?”
“He was parked down the street, and the manager didn’t notice the model. You’re sure it was Zeus?”
“I’m sure. Did you dust the phone booth for fingerprints?”
“We’ve taped off the booth, and the forensic team will be here soon.” He glanced at Eve. “Hello, Ms. Duncan. You don’t look too well. Could I have someone see you home?”
“I’m fine.” She got out of the car. “It’s … been a difficult night.”
“I can imagine,” Slindak said dryly. “I’m sorry, but you brought it on yourself.”
“I know that.” She watched another patrol car pull into the parking lot. “Forensics?”
“Yes, and I had them roust a sketch artist we use occasionally out of his bed. Kim isn’t going to be pleased.”
“Artist?” Eve nodded. “I’ve heard that you can sometimes get an accurate facsimile from a description.”
“Sometimes. In this case it’s important that we try to do it right away since the manager said he only got a fleeting glimpse. Memory tends to fade quickly, and we need him fresh.”
“May I go and watch him?”
Slindak shrugged. “Why not?”
“And I sketch a little myself. Could I have a pad and see what I can do?”
“I’ll ask Kim Chen.” He gestured to the small, spare man of Asian descent who had gotten out of the patrol car. “As long as you don’t get in his way, I don’t think he’d object.”
“Thank you. I’ll ask him myself.”
Joe and Slindak watched her walk over to the artist.
“I thought she was close to fainting when you pulled in,” Slindak said. “She bounced back pretty quickly. Is she always like that?”
“When she has a purpose. I’m glad she found one right now.” He was watching the play of intense emotion across Eve’s face as she spoke to Kim Chen. “And I’ll be interested to see what she does with that sketch. I saw a sketch she’d done of her daughter in her house. It was remarkable.”
“It’s not the same thing.”
Joe knew that, but Eve had a talent that he’d never seen in a police artist. “Her sketch came alive. It was as if Bonnie’s personality was leaping from the page. Let’s see if she can do the same thing with a description.”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
As Eve and Kim entered the convenience store, Joe turned toward the phone booth. Three techs were already brushing it down for prints. “I have a note that may have Zeus’s prints on it that you may be able to match. He left a calling card on my windshield at the cottage.” He reached into his car and retrieved the note from the glove box. “Or maybe not. He guessed we were tracing the call and setting him up. He may have worn gloves.”
Slindak carefully took the note and handed it to one of the forensic