Security - Keith R. A. DeCandido [19]
Corsi looked dubious. “C’mon.”
Throwing up her hands, Vale said, “I just call ’em like I see ’em.”
“I can’t believe there isn’t anything.”
Vale couldn’t blame her. She didn’t believe it, either. Before she could say anything, however, the computer beeped. The search came back to the front of her screen. “This is interesting.”
Corsi leaned forward to look at the screen. “What?”
Vale read off the results of her search. “Tarsas III four years ago. Three Vulcan women, all of whom had short brown hair, none of whom had anything else in common, all killed with type-one phasers set on burn. No trace evidence, never solved.
“Berengaria two years ago. Three Bolian women, all of whom had medium-length white hair, also nothing in common besides that and being killed by laser drills. No trace evidence, never solved.
“And Alpha Centauri six months ago. Three Trill women, all of whom had red hair of varying lengths.”
Corsi was also reading. “Killed by type-three phasers set on burn. I’m amazed there was anything left of their chests.”
Vale checked the autopsy reports. “There wasn’t much. And the same lack of evidence.” She leaned back and blew out a breath, running a hand through her hated auburn hair. “This is bad. We’ve got a major serial killer on our hands, one who’s good enough to leave no trace behind at eleven murders.”
Standing up, Corsi said, “I need to call the ship. Starfleet Command needs to be aware of this, and we need to get full information from Berengaria, Tarsas, and Centauri.”
Vale peered at the screen. “I think we’ve got it all, but sure, go ahead.” She looked up and pointed to the doorway out into the large squad room where the regular officers had their desks. “If you go out to the squad room, find Officer Giacoia. He can set you up with a comm link.”
“Thanks.” Corsi moved to the door, then stopped. “Listen, Officer Vale—we’re gonna get this guy. Starfleet’s got your back, and we don’t lose.”
Vale said, “Thank you, Lieutenant.” In her heart, though, she didn’t believe it. Eleven murders. This is insane. How the hell can anyone get away with this?
Corsi contacted Commander Znirka-Tul and filled her in on the situation. While they were talking, the commander reported that Vale had sent the resonance frequency along, and they’d start scanning.
Then, since she had a comm unit to herself anyhow—Officer Giacoia had taken her to a small room that had a comm unit and a large viewer—she decided to contact Dar.
“Hey there, gorgeous. Can’t get enough of me, huh?”
Corsi smiled. After last night, she never wanted to leave Dar’s side. Duty managed to get her away—his and hers, as he was in the midst of a major inventory—but she numbered their time together last night, from the glorious dinner at the Bolian restaurant to dessert at the Italian café to the entire night in his bed to falling asleep in his arms, as one of the best nights of her entire life.
“Maybe not, but I’m afraid I’m gonna have to beg off a repeat performance tonight.” She filled him in on what Vale told her, and what they found on the other three worlds.
Dar looked devastated. “God, I remember what happened on Berengaria—this is connected?”
“Looks like.”
“I thought this kind of thing didn’t—” He visibly shuddered.
“Anyhow, I need to stay on here until this guy’s caught. Vale’s way out of her depth here.”
“I would think anybody would be. This isn’t exactly run-of-the-mill.”
Corsi smiled. “I’m security. Not run-of-the-mill is our specialty. We’ll catch this bastard, don’t you worry. And then—I promise the biggest celebration of your life.”
Dar’s beautiful face broke into an incredibly goofy grin. “Sounds like something to look forward to. Hurry up and catch this guy.”
“I’ll do my best.” Then she hesitated, and said, “I love you, Dar.”
“Right back at you, Domenica.”
She signed off and leaned back in her chair.