Copycat Read Online Free PDF

When I tried to put him on hold, he told me to stop playing games.”
    â€œYou called CRU—”
    â€œThe minute he hung up. Call came from a cell phone. I’m waiting to hear back on the owner’s name.”
    â€œThe caller, did he say anything else?”
    â€œHe gave me two rules. Said if I didn’t follow them, more little girls would die.”
    White stepped in before she could finish. “But he claims he didn’t kill Julie Entzel? How’s he so certain more girls will die?”
    â€œHe didn’t tell me, so I can only suppose.”
    â€œMaybe he knows who the copycat is?” White offered.
    â€œMaybe,” Riggio agreed. “ If we can believe anything he said.”
    Kitt cocked an eyebrow, growing annoyed with the other woman. “Would you like to hear the rest of what he said?”
    Riggio nodded tersely, and Kitt went on. “He gave me two rules. The first—he won’t talk to anyone but me.”
    â€œPlease.”
    That came from Riggio. Kitt ignored her.
    â€œAnd the second?” Sal asked.
    â€œThat nothing will be free. Or easy. The cost will be determined by him.”
    â€œHe wants money?” That came from White.
    Kitt looked at him. “I don’t think that’s the kind of ‘cost’ he was referring to. But he didn’t ask for anything.”
    â€œSure he did.” Sal moved his gaze between the three. “He asked that you work the case.” He picked up the phone and rang Nan Baker, the VCB secretary. “Nan, is Sergeant Haas back from lunch?” He paused. “Good. Get him in here.”
    Every bureau in the RPD had a senior officer. Sergeant Jonathan Haas was Violent Crime’s. He had been Brian’s partner before being promoted and was known around the bureau for being a solid cop.
    The tall, fair-haired sergeant arrived. He smelled of the burger and fries he must have had for lunch. It looked as if he had dribbled “secret sauce” on his tie. Though the differences between the two men’s personal styles was dramatic, Sal and Haas had a good relationship. In fact, early in both their careers, they had also been partners.
    As Sal began filling him in, Kitt’s cell rang. “Lundgren here.”
    â€œKitt, Brian. Bad news. The number belongs to a prepaid cell phone. I have the name of the outlet that sold it.”
    Smarter than the average bear, obviously. “That’ll have to do. Maybe we’ll get lucky.”
    She ended the call. The sergeant turned to her. She greeted him, then filled the group in.
    Haas nodded. “I want to initiate a trace on every call that comes in to you, here and at home. And I want them all recorded.” He turned to Riggio. “Is the autopsy in?”
    â€œYes, Sarge. I picked it up last night. No new information, unfortunately. She was smothered, just like the three original SAK victims. Nails were clean. No sign of sexual assault. No defense wounds. Only the hematoma to the forehead.”
    â€œAny help there?” Sal asked.
    â€œPathologist believes it’s a thumbprint.”
    White stepped in. “This guy’s like a cat. Neighborhood canvas turned up zip.”
    Riggio took over. “Realtor promised to get back to me this morning with a list of everyone who’s been through the house.”
    â€œFingerprints?”
    â€œID Bureau’s working on it. So far, everything’s consistent with the three original killings.”
    â€œExcept for the hands,” Kitt said. “Big inconsistency there.”
    The room went silent.
    Detective Riggio broke the silence first. “We have no proof this caller’s not just another crank. The Register Star ran the story front and center this morning. This guy may have been the first to call in with a wild claim, but I hardly think he’ll be the last.”
    â€œPoint noted, Detective Riggio. But I’m not willing to put my money on that.