The Sleeping Beauty Killer

66

Leo was deep in thought as he exited the lower Manhattan office building. He missed the excitement of police work, but did not want to jump back in full-time. The opportunity to work on this task force was perfect. It would be several evenings each month, and he could do a lot of his work from home. He could continue to look after Timmy and be around to help Laurie.

As he walked the three blocks to the subway, he spotted a cab discharging passengers and changed his mind. After they got out, he jumped in the back and gave the cabbie Laurie’s address. He reached for his cell phone to check for messages. He then remembered that he had turned it off to avoid interruptions during the meeting.

His heart raced as he saw Laurie’s text and then listened to her voice mail. The building Charlotte and Laurie were in was less than two miles away. “Change of plans,” he shouted to the cabbie. “Go to 101 Fulton Street in Brooklyn and step on it!”

He yanked open his wallet and held up his police credentials so the driver could see them in the rearview mirror. “I’m a cop. You won’t get a ticket. Move!”

His first call was to the police commissioner’s office. He was promised that squad cars would be immediately dispatched to the Brooklyn address.

•••

As the cabbie wove through the narrow streets causing loud horn blares from angry motorists, Leo called Laurie’s cell phone. His heart sank when it went to her voice mail.