| Copyright © 2006, Laura
Marie Henion Reviews For JUST LOVE ME by Laura Marie Henion This is a great romantic suspense, with shady political undertones, emotional struggles and lots of action. The author weaves both the main and secondary characters into the plot with skill, and brings the story to a thrilling, nail-biting conclusion. As always, I tried to guess whodunit, and have to say I didn’t realise what was coming. The research of the law enforcement field is successfully added to the storyline without making it a heavy fact-filled read. For romance fans the love between Christen and Keono is spot on, and sizzling. What makes this romantic suspense so compelling is that it has the right mixture of action and romance for me. And it's a debut book, too. Laura Marie Henion definitely deserves five flags for this neatly crafted, intense story that I couldn't stop reading, not even for a cup of tea! The
author weaves both the main and secondary characters into the plot with
skill, and brings the story to a thrilling, nail-biting conclusion.
As always, I tried to guess whodunit, and have to say I didn’t
realise what was coming. The research of the law enforcement field is
successfully added to the storyline without making it a heavy fact-filled
read. For romance fans the love between Christen and Keono is spot on,
and sizzling. What makes this romantic suspense so compelling is that
it has the right mixture of action and romance for me. The romance between Keono and Christen is explosive and powerful. They must overcome many obstacles to be together. Christen must overcome her abusive past and realize Keono is a different caliber of man. Keona is a great hero--handsome, intelligent, and protective. I found the fact that Keono had foot-in-mouth disease, because he was so attracted to Christen very endearing. JUST LOVE ME is a very suspenseful romance
with an engaging mystery. The identity of the serial killer alluded
me until almost the end of the book. Just
Love Me is a journey into the lives of many different characters. The
plot was well thought out, the places defined with complete fullness.
The beginning and flash backs are hard, but the ending is an explosive
surprise and gives the reader a chance to root for the hero and feel
proud of the heroine. I loved the suspense in Just Love Me by Laura M. Henion. The story comes alive with each chapter. You will feel as if you are in Hawaii, but the sadistic killings will chill you to the bone as it did this reviewer. The suspense is great, but there is also the action of trying to get the killer before he kills again paired with Keono’s desire to protect Christen at every turn. There are characters that are memorable, begging for a story of their own. Readers who enjoy suspense and action will love this suspense available from Whiskey Creek Press. Great job to Laura Henion for an action-packed, roller coaster story that will make you want more once you reach the end. Rich in three-dimensional characters with a logically laid out mystery, there are no threads left dangling. The prose is smooth, and the scenery descriptions are so lush that one can almost smell the flowers and feel the breeze. I was surprised at the killer's identity as there are many red herrings littering the path to complete discovery of the ghastly perpetrator. JUST LOVE ME deserves a place on one's keeper shelf. Vi Janaway, Romance Reviews Today Read this amazing fast paste suspense romance to find out. Laura Marie Henion is a wonderful writer. She will have you on the edge of your seat with all the suspense, with all the Danger, Hot Heat, and Love. This was my first Laura Henion book that I have ever read. She has made me a fan. Please read, “Just Love Me” You will see just what I mean. Read this amazing fast paste suspense romance to find out. Laura Marie Henion is a wonderful writer. She will have you on the edge of your seat with all the suspense, with all the Danger, Hot Heat, and Love. This was my first Laura Henion book that I have ever read. She has made me a fan. Please read, “Just Love Me” You will see just what I mean. "True to its romantic suspense tag, this story will grab you from the beginning pages. Full of twists and turns, I found that I suspected a different person after each chapter, yet I was never really sure who the killer was and the ending was nothing if not shocking… Ms. Henion’s characters were real and believable. Christen and her friends are women much like ones I know in my own life. Christen is a strong and independent woman who can support herself and is looking for a partner in life, not a man to make her complete or fulfilled, but to compliment her already stable life… The book was well-plotted and the crimes well-researched. Ms. Henion was quite descriptive and I was I envisioning not only the crimes, but all the environments through out the story. Anyone looking for a realistic romantic suspense has to look no further then JUST LOVE ME." - Jenn L, Romance Junkies Reviewer Sample Chapter For JUST LOVE
ME by Laura Marie Henion
Christen Mathews stood in front of her Uncle Victor’s casket. It was covered with beautiful bright colored hibiscus, gardenias and an assortment of other flowers native to the Hawaiian Islands. The weather was playing tricks today, never darkening as if a storm would come through; instead the sky stayed bright. A brilliant sun cast a warm pleasant light, accompanied by a gentle mist of rain visiting like tear drops from a distant dark cloud. The people of Hawaii call it pineapple rain and it was both beautiful and embracing. The cemetery was filled with men and women in uniform as well as civilians who came to pay their respects to Christen’s uncle. A procession of cars filled the horizon, starting at the winding blacktopped road just outside the gates to the cemetery. Her uncle was well known and the act of bravery, which resulted in his death, was public knowledge. Many people attended the ceremony, despite the attempts by some higher-up who tried to minimize what happened to Christen’s uncle. The glorious sounds of “Amazing Grace” performed by a single bagpipe, filled the air. It was his wish to be laid to rest with the distinct sound of this particular instrument. The sound was unique and powerful. It echoed through the air. Christen began to sob uncontrollably; her heart ached with such intense sadness the thought of her dying from the pain entered her mind. Although the funeral wasn’t the traditional funeral given to an officer who died in the line of duty, it was special and memorable. More friends and family approached the casket placing leis and other flowers upon it and Christen continued to cry, becoming weaker and weaker with sorrow. She wondered how she would go on, continue her life and dreams without her uncle’s support and love. * * * * Two Years Later Captain Dave Nichols entered his office, tossing a black leather briefcase onto his chair. He quickly glanced at the pile of mail on his desk along with the rest of yesterday’s work. He then pulled up the metal blinds to open the window a crack. As he glanced back toward the desk, he noticed the blue envelope. He instantly felt a lump forming in his throat. He opened the envelope and dreadful feelings consumed him as he read the words. DO YOU FEEL DEATH ALL AROUND YOU? He quickly stuffed the letter back in the envelope and put it in his briefcase. His hands were shaking as the nausea set in and he tried to pull himself together. Dave Nichols walked toward the window and took a breath of fresh air as the words from the letter repeated continuously in his head. * * * * Christen Mathews put the finishing touches of makeup on her face and slipped into the designer dress she was sure she paid too much for. “Today’s the day you land the account of your life,” Christen commented as she took one last look in the mirror. Four and a half months of hard work had finally paid off. Christen was about to close a million dollar advertising contract with one of Honolulu’s biggest electronic companies. Her boss John Kulani had been so impressed with Christen’s performance that he told her if she could get this contract she would be given a higher paying, more flexible position in the firm. Christen had taken this as incentive to get the job done quickly and to perfection. Her office staff was as overworked and as tense as she was. She hoped all would go well as she headed out to the kitchen. “Okay. How do I look?” Christen asked her roommate Sue who was in the kitchen fixing herself a cup of Kona coffee. “You look stunning and sophisticated as usual. I wish I had your figure,” Sue said. Christen smoothed out the bottom of her dress as she sat down on the bar stool by the island in the kitchen. “Like you don’t have a date every Friday night with a different guy.” “What can I say but I’m good in bed and I love the men of Hawaii,” Sue responded. “You better be careful just how many people you love, Susie-Q. There are a lot of crazy people out there.” Christen knew how much Sue liked it when Christen called her that. She started it while they were in college at the University of Hawaii and the name stuck. “You could have your choice of men but you’re so damn picky. Women would kill for your looks and that body. Damn, girl, you know you have the best pair of breasts on you.” “Sue!” Christen was a lot more modest when it came to such things as sex and her female attributes. Sue, on the other hand, was open, straightforward and unafraid to use her looks or body to get whatever she wanted. “On that note, I’m outta here.” Christen practically ran for the door. Christen drove her classic 1965, red convertible Mustang, out of the garage. It was her college graduation present from Uncle Victor. As she drove her prize possession down the long driveway, she was still thinking about her friend Sue and their conversation. On the commute to her office, Christen thought how spoiled Sue was. Sue came from a long line of wealthy people. In addition to money, she was a seductive, sexy red head with exquisite taste in everything. At six foot one with green eyes to go with her copper colored hair, most men became speechless around her. She seemed destined for the wild life she led. At night, Sue would get all dressed up in the most up to date, model runway outfit and some handsome rich bachelor would whisk her away for the night to some exotic restaurant or some exquisite four-star hotel. Christen’s other roommate, Liz, was so very different from Sue, yet they had all remained such good friends after college. They had decided to buy a house together. Each of them had great jobs and together could afford to live in comfort and style. There was no better place to live than in “Paradise”. The tropical breezes are caressing and the sweet fragrant smell of flowers fills the air. Oahu is such a diverse island with its cosmopolitan conveniences as well as its beautiful scenery, white beaches and turquoise water. The land is covered with tropical gardens, lush rainforests and an assortment of activities. Christen thought about all the different activities there were to experience on the island. She could swim with dolphins and tropical fish, kayak in the bays, learn how to surf or hula? It’s an awesome place to live and Christen and her roommates felt they made the best decision in staying there instead of returning to the mainland. Hawaii was now their home. And of course there was the nightlife. At night the place was rocking and Christen and her friends loved every part of it. There were various assortments of clubs playing every kind of music, catering to whatever mood or state of mind they might be in. Life was different here. It was better, brighter and full of opportunity. If Christen were successful at this morning’s meeting, she would leave her office later today, promoted and more than comfortable financially. Christen arrived at her office with moments to spare and hoped the meeting would go smoothly. * * * * Lilly Spencer arrived at her apartment after working the late shift at Bob’s Bar and Grill. Her feet were killing her and she smelled of sweat and chiliburgers. If she didn’t reek so badly she would skip the shower and just collapse into bed. She dragged herself toward the bathroom and began to unbutton her red waitress uniform when she heard a knock at the door. Lilly cursed at the interruption, re buttoned her uniform and headed through the living room. She opened the door and instantly a man she recognized swiftly pushed her inside. “What are you doing?” Lilly demanded as the intruder closed the door and grabbed her by the arms. “What do you want from me? I told you at the bar I’m not interested,” Lilly yelled at him. He had the most evil look in his eyes and Lilly instantly realized she was in trouble. Lilly tried to break free from his grasp but he was way too strong for her. In a flash she wished she had taken those self-defense courses her friends had taken. She wished she didn’t work the night shift. She wished she wasn’t a waitress working like a dog just to pay for college. So many thoughts went through her mind especially what she would do differently if she survived this attack. * * * * “Stop it! Please, stop it,” she yelled at him. He didn’t respond with words but with a backhand across the cheek. Lilly fell to the floor only to be pulled up by the hair and dragged to the bedroom. “You’ve been a bad girl, Lilly. Daddy’s not going to be happy with you.” Lilly struggled to get free, but it was no use. Her attacker was too strong. He took out a large knife, letting the tip of the blade glide softly across her chest. She tried to breathe, but he was on top of her now, and so heavy. She could smell his cologne, the sweat from his skin and the scent of beer on his breath. He began to methodically cut the buttons off her blouse as she tried to fight him again and then he cut her. She was so scared she wasn’t sure of the sudden pain and she struggled again only to be punched in the face. Lilly was hit so hard that she passed out and as she regained consciousness she was aware of the fact she was being raped and hoped and prayed he wouldn’t kill her. Lilly didn’t want to die, not this way. She thought of her father and their differences. She called to him for help and the attacker laughed. Did he know who her father was? Lilly was tortured for what seemed like hours. She couldn’t breathe anymore; he was choking her, strangling her. All Lilly could do was look into those evil, evil eyes. Now she was praying to die and finally…she got her wish. * * * * Commander of the Homicide Detail, Keono Kuai, and Detective Dan Phillips entered the apartment complex. They passed under the yellow tape and headed toward the door where a patrolman stood guarding the entrance. “Good morning, Commander Kuai, Detective Phillips.” The two men acknowledged the officer with slight nods. Both Keono and Dan noticed the woman crying and giving her statement to another detective as they entered the apartment. The apartment was intact, which made the men think there wasn’t an immediate sign of a struggle. Their first thought was perhaps the victim knew her attacker. There was no sign of forced entry, no overturned furniture, nothing broken. But as they headed toward the bedroom and panned the room with their eyes, their thoughts changed. The victim’s clothing appeared to have been ripped and torn from the body. That clothing now lay scattered around the room on the light beige rug. There was blood everywhere, the walls, the bed and floor, which led the seasoned detectives to believe that the victim had suffered. A white ceramic lamp that once decorated the bedside table was knocked over onto the rug and broken into many jagged edged pieces. There was a bloodied imprint of the victim’s head on the wall above the headboard. Visions of the young, tortured victim being thrown against that wall numerous times now entered the Detectives’ minds. Upon Keono’s initial evaluation at the scene, he believed that the victim had been raped and tortured. This would be confirmed later by the medical examiner. “Holy Christ, Keono. Who the fuck would do something like this?” Dan pulled on his rubber gloves and bent down near the body. There were other officers around dusting for fingerprints and collecting evidence. The officers were finishing up taking video as well as both black and white and colored pictures. Others were completing a full search of the apartment for any forensic materials or other evidence that might provide a clue to the identity of the killer. Keono glanced around the room. All the pictures had been taken as the technicians completed their job. The first responding officer was continuously filling out the crime scene log and noting everyone who entered the crime scene. Homicide investigation was difficult and everyone involved in a crime scene needed to do their part professionally and without error. As the Commander of the Homicide detail, Keono always told his detectives that when they enter a crime scene to be sure to follow all the procedures and to not take any shortcuts. “Do it right the first time, you only get one chance,” is what he told them. It was something he learned from a well- known retired Homicide Detective from New York who now traveled around the country better educating and training law enforcement personnel in homicide investigation. Keono was upset and, by the look on his partner’s face, Dan obviously was, too. “I don’t like this, Dan. Not one bit. I have a bad feeling,” Keono said as he looked at the body of what appeared to be a young woman. He looked at the badly beaten body: the swollen shut eyes, blood covered lips and cut cheeks. “Possible cause of death may be strangulation.” Keono also noted the heavy bruises around her neck. Keono carefully pushed open her eyelids to see the broken blood vessels around the white of her eyes. Further examination of the body revealed the multiple stab wounds and Keono realized either of the injuries could have been what finally ended her life. “Sick son of a bitch,” Dan said as the men rose and the coroner arrived. * * * * Christen left her office feeling excited and overjoyed. The meeting was successful and she had gotten the promotion. It was a night to celebrate and she couldn’t wait to call her friend Pops. He was her support, her rock. The best friend and closest thing to a father figure she had. She met Pops about six years ago at a Community Day celebration for orphaned kids. He was a big supporter and a close friend to her Uncle Victor. They were detectives together in the Honolulu Police Department for years until they retired about five years ago. Christen would visit her uncle whenever she had a chance and Pops would join them for dinner or Sunday barbecues. Her uncle was a very kind man. He was tall and handsome and tried to see the good in people. He had gained the comradeship of many men and had often been referred to as the gentle lion. Uncle Victor was generous and helpful. He always offered the benefit of the doubt but if someone tried to pull one over on him, aggressively confront him or falsely accuse him then he would attack. Just like a fierce lion, quick and furious. Christen had never seen that fierce side of him but was told many stories from some of his long time friends as well as Pops. Christen could sense the deep feelings of loss and regret form in the pit of her stomach. She knew the feelings all too well. They grew stronger as she recalled the circumstances that led to her uncle’s death. Uncle Victor, who was always there to help someone in need, had been killed during a convenience store robbery gone badly about two years ago. Victor had walked a couple of blocks down the street from his house in Waikiki, to the local mini shopping store. It was a cute little place right on the corner next to the dry cleaners and a small Chinese food take-out joint. Christen knew exactly what it looked like with its large yellow canvas awning covering the front entrance. The storeowner had set up a couple of old red booths that stood out of place. They looked like they belonged inside of a pizza parlor instead of outside a convenient store. She now knew every detail of the place. She had been there, walked by it many times and had even sat on one of the white wooden benches across the street just watching the storefront and the people who would come and go. Christen had visions of the night her uncle was shot; she imagined what took place and how it all went down. Christen wished he were still alive. The store was called Marty’s. It was quick to get to from Victor’s house and opened twenty-four hours. Her uncle had run out of vanilla ice cream and had headed out to the store to purchase some. Christen recalled what had happened next, from the detailed description Pops had given her after seeing the video surveillance tape. Uncle Victor had entered the store around nine fifty at night. He walked toward the back of the store where the freezer section was located to get the ice cream. A minute later two men entered the store and approached the register. Then a young woman in her twenties walked up one of the aisles and headed to the counter to purchase groceries. Suddenly the two men pulled out their guns and demanded all the money in the register. The young man did as he was told and the girl was approached by one of the robbers. He was taunting her, pointing the gun at her and touching her hair. Uncle Victor approached just as the guys took possession of a small bag of money. One of the robbers grabbed the girl and told her that she was going for a ride with them. Uncle Victor asked them to please leave the girl alone and he exchanged words back and forth with the robbers. At nine fifty-two, the one robber was ready to walk out the door holding the girl, while the other one was pointing the gun at the man behind the register. Apparently, the man behind the register was afraid the robber was going to shoot him so he had quickly ducked down behind the counter. Then the robber holding the money by the counter, let off one shot from his gun, and Uncle Victor quickly pulled out his off-duty 38 Caliber revolver and shot the robber who had fired his weapon. The other robber retaliated by pushing the girl at Victor and firing his gun. Instinctively, Victor shoved the girl to the side, putting her out of harm’s way. Victor was shot twice in the chest, but somehow managed to shoot the robber, instantly killing him and at nine fifty-three it was all over. Christen’s uncle died shortly after, on his way to the hospital. Uncle Victor was honored as a hero among his friends for his courageous and selfless act. Christen would never forget that day as long as she lived. Her life was in ruins; she was a walking disaster following her uncle’s death. She was having trouble at work, losing her momentum to keep focused and determined and had failed to get the promotion she wanted. She had begun a relationship with a cop, hoping he would be just like her uncle. Unfortunately, he turned out to be nothing but a batterer. The combination of negative experiences was destroying Christen and in the hopes of surviving, she started seeing a therapist at the Community Center where she volunteered. Instead of a large police department funeral that was usually given to officers killed in the line of duty, her Uncle was given a simple funeral. Many of his fellow officers were annoyed at this and Christen remembered there was some higher up who made the decision to minimize what had happened to her uncle. This person said her uncle was retired, off the job and that his actions during the robbery were questionable. No one knew why this higher up felt this way about her uncle, but she didn’t care. Christen was having trouble bearing it all alone. She loved her uncle dearly and still missed him. Christen missed the relationship they had; he was so easy to talk to and he listened attentively while she vented or complained about work and her social life. He offered such great insight, always bringing up the pros and cons to each situation or just saying the right words to help her to make the right decision. Christen inhaled deeply and tried to ignore the pain in her chest. The wounds were still very raw. “Oh, Uncle Victor…I miss you so much,” Christen whispered, then wiped the tear away from her eye. Christen needed Uncle Victor in her life and wanted him to be proud of her and her achievements. Everything she did in life was dedicated to him, was in honor of him and she hoped he was proud of her. Christen no longer took life for granted. In an instant, a quick trip to the local convenience store to obtain a quart of ice cream—as so many people do without a second thought—stole Uncle Victor away from her, destroying their future and all the special moments she dreamed of sharing with him as time went on. Christen hoped to fall in love someday with a man who had a lot of the same qualities as Uncle Victor. Whenever she thought of the future, Uncle Victor was right there with her every step of the way. He continued to be with her in spirit and that was what she tried to focus on. Whenever she was in doubt, feeling down or unsure of herself, she prayed to him for support and strength. The day her Uncle Victor passed away, Paul Miller, otherwise known as Pops, took over her uncle’s role. She had him to thank for so much of her success. Without his continued support after her uncle’s death and in her everyday life, Christen may have never survived the dangerous relationship she had gotten herself into with Johnny. But she wasn’t going to think about all those bad memories today. She had too much to be grateful for and wanted to celebrate. Plus, because of the past, she had her rule to stand by: Never date cops. She wouldn’t make that mistake ever again. Christen dialed her cell phone and called Pops’ bar, The Five-O. When Chris, the bartender, answered, she told him to let Pops know she would meet him at the bar tonight. “What’s up, Christen? You sound so excited,” the bartender asked. “I have some great news, Chris. I finally got that promotion I’ve been waiting for,” she told him. “You’ve been working really hard Christen, You deserve it.” Chris had gotten to know Christen pretty well over the past year. She would come to the bar often to meet Pops for lunch or just stop by to update him on her hectic career and personal life. “Thanks, Chris; will I see you later?” Christen asked. “You sure will, babe. I’ll buy you your first celebration drink,” he told her. “Thanks, Chris; I appreciate it. Listen, let Pops know I’ll be there later with Liz and Sue, okay?” Then she hung up the phone and continued to drive down the highway. At this very moment, Christen was more excited and happier than she could remember. Finally, after years of physical and emotional barriers, her life was coming together. She was succeeding professionally and becoming stronger emotionally, building up her self confidence, her ability to handle things on her own again. She was at the point where she was happy with herself, proud of her hard work and accomplishments. Still, deep down inside she felt there was something missing, a space needing to be filled. She just couldn’t put her finger on it. Christen tried to process her thoughts. Was it the loss of her Uncle? Was there more that she was meant to do with her life? She didn’t know the answer, but something told her that in time that space would be filled and she would feel more than satisfied, happy and complete. As she continued driving, allowing her face, her neck, her arms to absorb the warm sun, her senses absorbed the fresh, clean, fragrant, tropical air. She felt like she was on top of the world, like she had it all. Having it all in Hawaii was more than she could ever have wished for. * * * * Christen headed home to change. She knew her friends would soon be gathering at Five-O. Her friend Liz was a nurse practitioner and was dating Detective Dan Phillips. Liz had said no to Dan so many times just because she was afraid that what happened to Christen would happen to her as well. But Sue and Christen could see how much Liz liked Dan and they talked her into going on a date with him. That was two months ago. As Christen pulled her convertible onto the side street, she waved hello to her neighbor, Mrs. Sherington. A short, round Polynesian-Japanese woman, Mrs. Sherington lived with her husband who owned a nearby deli, convenience store just two blocks over. It was a nice little place with a small wooden porch out front that overlooked the busy side street. It sat across the street from the local post office and drug store. The food there was delicious and all prepared on site by Mr. Sherington. Christen and the girls ate there all the time. The girls often ordered a delicious pineapple grilled chicken he called Waikiki chicken. Christen noticed all the flowers that lined the driveway to her house were blooming beautifully. There were various colors of orchids: red, purple, and pink, so many others. Christen inhaled deeply as she passed the Magnolia trees, which were her favorites. The Birds of Paradise were scattered between native greenery and palm trees. She smiled, enjoying the warm rays of the Hawaiian sun kissing her face as she passed the yellow oha ali i bushes, and yellow and red hibiscus. The landscaping was magnificent. Even from the front of the house she could hear the roar of the ocean that sat just beyond her backyard. God, how I love this house. She parked the car and went inside to shower and change. As Christen gently removed the red sleeveless tank dress from its satin hanger and placed it on the bed, she knew she was ready to celebrate her promotion tonight with her friends. * * * * Detective Dan Phillips went downstairs to the lab to check on the latest DNA results from hair and blood left at another crime scene. The obvious conclusion was that these items belonged to Daryl, the boyfriend of the deceased. The Fontana case was a cut and dry one, and Keono wanted to make sure every step was followed precisely—the evidence was collected, transported and analyzed using the proper procedures. Dan recalled the training he received from a Practical Homicide Training Course and something the well-known instructor Geberth had instilled in all those who attended the class. He told them, “Do it right the first time; you only get one chance.” The Detectives working the case didn’t want Daryl to get off from some minor error in procedure. Keono didn’t want the perpetrators’ defense attorney to uncover or blow out of proportion that minor error, causing the whole case to be thrown out of court, allowing such a criminal as Daryl to walk the streets freely. Dan was still annoyed at how easily a jury could be manipulated by the typical defense attorney and their immoral, irrational twisting of evidence and police procedure. Putting their spin on whatever they could to get their client off. Especially after the prosecutor presents a load of evidence and the jurors have seen for themselves the actual crime scene photos. This particular case was a classic violence interpersonal dispute involving sexual assault. That’s why Geberth classifies DV homicides as sex-related. You can’t separate the sexual component in the dynamics of domestic violence. Dan remembered that from the training course he had taken. The young twenty-three year old woman was found bound and murdered in the trunk of her car, which was abandoned near Sand Island State Park. She had been raped, beaten and stabbed over a dozen times. The victim had tried to fight off her attacker and in doing so had pulled out some hairs from his head and scratched his chest with her fingernails. The autopsy revealed the evidence of blood, skin and hair, located under the victim’s fingernails. When they were tested, they did not match the victim’s DNA. They immediately knew the blood and hair that was found must belong to the killer. As Dan and the other Detectives continued to question co-workers and family members, they found out about Daryl. The young woman had broken off a long-term relationship with Daryl and had become interested in another guy. Daryl had been harassing his ex-girlfriend and she had obtained an order of protection against Daryl only three days prior to her murder. The Detectives felt that Daryl was their main and only suspect. When they brought him in for questioning, they noticed some scratch marks appearing through his white button-down shirt. They also noticed some dry blood located on his scalp, near the front of Daryl’s head. This evidence, of the hair and blood found on the victim’s body, would be the final, most conclusive evidence in the case. The detectives had been waiting weeks for the results. “Aloha, Detective, I’ve got some good news for you,” the lab technician Fred told Dan as he entered the room. “Tell me what you found out, Fred,” Dan said. “The DNA matches perfectly; he’s your killer.” Fred smiled; he was enjoying the success of a meticulous job well done and aiding in the capture of a vicious killer. Fred enjoyed working in the crime lab, dissecting and evaluating evidence, figuring out clues to help uncover hidden evidence that only forensic science could uncover. Dan was relieved to find out that the testing proved Daryl was the killer. All DNA matched exactly and now Daryl’s defense attorney would try to lessen his client’s time behind bars instead of wasting time destroying the credibility of the detectives and the obvious and solid evidence of the case. Dan headed upstairs to inform Keono and the other detectives working the Fontana case. * * * * Christen got out of the shower and put on her red sleeveless dress and red-heeled sandals. She looked into the mirror and smiled. Christen was petite with long blonde hair that fell to the center of her back. Many people would compliment her for her bright jade green eyes. She had a voluptuous body, her friends would tell her many-a-time, but she just didn’t want to see herself as sexy. She felt that was why Johnny had acted the way he had; he was so overprotective and obsessed over her. Christen gently glided her hands across
her waist, taking one last look in the mirror. Christen headed toward the kitchen where she found Sue all ‘decked out’, looking ready to have a good time. Sue wore a short red miniskirt and a sheer Hawaiian floral see-through blouse. The red garnet pendant fell just short of her cleavage, which drew a person’s eyes exactly where she wanted them to go. Sue looked beautiful and sexy and she knew it. “I look so good tonight I may just have to handcuff me a detective, just like Liz.” Sue twirled around with her hands on her hips, performing a little dance. She suddenly stopped as she gave Christen the once-over. “Girl, I have got to take you shopping. Is that the sexiest thing you’ve got to wear?” She was always trying to get Christen to wear some of her clothes, but they just were not Christen’s style. “What’s wrong with this outfit?” Christen asked as she looked down at the red dress. “Honey if you want to get a man, you’ve got to show a little of what you’ve got. Unbutton that top button and show off that black lacy camisole you’ve got hiding under there.” Sue reached over and began unbuttoning Christen’s blouse. Christen stopped her from unbuttoning another button and stepped back, giggling. “Who said I was looking for a man? I’m too busy for a relationship right now. I have finally received the promotion I have been wanting, and my free time I’ll spend at the Community Center. There’s no room in my life for the complications of a relationship right now.” Christen stole a quick glance at the mirror. Sue was right about unbuttoning the top button. It made a huge difference. Sue knew how much the Community Center meant to Christen but she also knew how scared Christen was about dating. She feared meeting another guy like Johnny Finn so she gave up on relationships and dating altogether because of him. “I’m sure it has been hard, Chris…but over a year has passed since…” Sue didn’t want to say his name. Even just the sound of it would upset Christen. She had gone through hell and Sue hated to bring up bad memories. Sue took her friend’s hand. “I just want you to be happy and to be loved. You are so beautiful and have so much to offer. You hide it all the time and that’s not good. I know there’s a great guy out there for you but if you stay this closed up, absorbed in your work at the Community Center and never focus on yourself, your life is going to pass you by. Liz and I will always be here for you, honey, but there is nothing on this earth like falling in love. I know how much those kids at the Community Center mean to you, but I know even more how much you want a family of your own. Take a chance will you? Maybe you will meet some potential prospects tonight.” Sue gave her a quick hug. Both women stood there a moment with tears in their eyes. Christen didn’t respond to Sue, but she did hear everything Sue said. Christen had been feeling that way for a long time, but still her fear of being hurt again overpowered her ability to say yes to dating. Many men had asked her out many times, but she always looked at them as potential abusers and stalkers instead of potential boyfriends. Damn Johnny for what he did to her and damn her for losing all that self-confidence and trust in men she used to have. Christen remembered what her therapist Marie used to tell her. Marie said she needed to take a chance. If she was attracted to someone and he asked her out on a date then she needed to say yes. Not every man out there would be over possessive or abusive as Johnny was. Christen was feeling stronger and more willing to accept an invitation for a date, but she wouldn’t let Sue know that. Sue would line up guy after guy for Christen and she didn’t want to force the issue. She hoped to meet someone naturally and let fate take control. “Hey, Sue, what ever happened between you and Charlie? I thought things were getting kind of serious?” Christen asked. “I thought so, too, until I caught him cheating on me with his friend Jerry’s wife. Can you believe that shit? He actually had the nerve to say it was no big deal. He even told me that I was better in bed and that he wanted to make sure he wasn’t missing anything,” Sue said. “Oh my God. What a jerk! What did you do?” Christen knew her friend would not stand for such a thing. “I called Jerry and told him everything and I called Jerry’s wife and told her what Charlie said. Now I’m sitting back watching Charlie’s world fall apart. I heard that Jerry’s wife went into the office to confront her husband, then Charlie. Apparently, Jerry went after Charlie and they began to fight. Security had to come and take them outside; even the police were called,” Sue said. “I’m hoping he loses that perfect little job of his. Now I’m hearing he slept with a few other wives of co-workers. He’ll get his, I’m sure of it.” Sue winked at Christen and took out her lipstick, to re apply the light strawberry red color to her lips. “Remind me to never piss you off. You handled that great. I think I would have wanted to do what you did but would have opted for just walking away. You know what goes around, comes around.” * * * * Dan entered Keono’s office wearing a new shirt and new pair of pants. Keono had done the same a half hour ago. Many detectives stored at least one extra change of clothes in the trunks of their cars. The homicide of the young woman in the apartment complex had been particularly brutal and the detectives could not wait to discard their clothes. This was the third victim in two months. They knew the cases were connected and feared the media would begin using the words ‘serial killer’, which gave the homicide investigators a constant, horrible wrenching in their bellies that would continue until the killer was caught. Keono noticed that the killer was becoming more brutal with each victim. They had to stop him soon. “Hey, partner, I just got back from the lab. Looks like Daryl’s our man in the Fontana case. DNA testing is never wrong,” said Dan. “That’s great. Everything was done correctly, all T’s crossed, all I’s dotted? No surprises up the Defense Attorney’s sleeve?” Keono inquired. He wanted to see this guy put behind bars. Keono felt that anyone who was capable of such violence and terror deserved to be locked up. “We can rest assured that another scumbag has been taken off the street,” Dan said. Keono gave him a smile. “Are you going to stay here all night again or take a break, and resume in the morning?” Dan asked. He knew Keono was trying to find some connection, a link, or some clue they may have missed that could catch the killer faster. But they had been over it a hundred times. This guy was good, real good, and they hoped he would make a mistake real soon. All they needed was one little piece of evidence, a partial print, a hair, something, and they would take one huge step forward instead of just sitting at a standstill. “I was just going over the coroner’s report again. This guy is killing for a reason, Dan. Like he’s making a point. I think there may be a connection to the victims somewhere. Maybe not with him personally, but maybe someone they both knew. I can’t put my finger on it, but tomorrow we’re going to start checking into the victim’s past more deeply. I think there may be something there.” Keono closed the file, leaned back in his chair and looked at Dan. “I also received the medical examiner’s preliminary report which indicated that the victim was raped and tortured. This killer is bad news, Dan.” Keono stood up and stretched. “There’s no doubt that this killer is very intelligent. He’s an organized offender who’s staying in control, making sure that there are no mistakes and no clues left behind. I’m sure you’re right about the victims. There has to be some connection there. We’ll start with it in the morning. Right now, I’m headed to meet Liz,” Dan said. “Do you want to go with me to Five-O? A few of the guys are going and Liz and her friends are going to be there as well. One of her roommates got a promotion and they’re celebrating.” Dan paused with his hand on the doorknob and glanced expectantly at Keono. “I don’t know, man. I’m not in such a great mood. Especially for a party or whatever.” Keono stood next to his desk debating about joining his partner. Dan knew his friend always took work home and never stopped thinking about his cases. That’s what made Keono so good at his job. He was determined to catch the killers and bring justice to the victims and their families. He would keep in close contact with the families that reached out to him. Keono never disregarded their feelings or phone calls even if he was in the middle of another case. Those families were his momentum, his incentive to solve the cases he investigated. And he was really good at his job. Keono was considered one of the best detectives in the Honolulu Police Department. “Ah…come on, Keono. Just come for a drink or two and say hello to Liz. Hang out with the guys; relax a little. It’s not good to absorb yourself completely in this case, man. I know how you torture yourself and don’t get enough sleep. Take a break, buddy. Come on.” Dan held the door open and tipped his head in invitation. Keono knew Dan was right; he could use a little break and distraction. God knows he could use some sleep. He debated with himself another minute while Dan waited. “Come on man and maybe you will meet some sexy blonde and indulge in some wild sex. There’s nothing like a one night stand to release major tension.” Dan smiled at his friend and gave him a wink. “Ahhh...I’m not in the mood... I’m not even motivated to try and seduce some piece of ass tonight. But a drink or two sounds perfect. I’ll go for a little while.” * * * * Captain Dave Nichols sat on his back deck, watching the stars in the beautiful clear night sky. His wife Diane had gone upstairs to take a jacuzzi bath and read one of her raunchy romance novels. He didn’t mind, though, because when she was finished she would smell like jasmine and be in the mood for some love and attention. She was a good and faithful wife, a beautiful woman with a huge loving and caring heart. Over the years, she had engulfed herself in volunteer work and charity events trying to fulfill what was missing in her heart. They were both very busy these days, between careers and social events, never having much time to spend alone with one another. Lately, he’d been feeling concerned, as if something bad was about to happen in his life. Things had been going too smoothly. His partners and he had been very successful in their business ventures and were beginning to truly reap the benefits of all their hard work. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get the letters he had been receiving out of his mind. He had received at least a dozen and he wasn’t sure who to share this concern with. He wasn’t sure if the letters were connected to the business venture or to his current police position. His gut told him something bad would come of the letters. Captain Dave Nichols picked up the phone and called his friend, Senator John Coleman. “Hey, John, it’s Dave...how are you?” He wondered if his old military buddy was receiving the same disturbing mail that he was considering John was involved with the new business as well. “Hey, Dave, it’s great to hear from you. I’m doing fine. A little busy with the upcoming elections and all but feeling well. How’s Diana? Carrie said she hasn’t seen her at the club in a couple of weeks. Everything okay?” The concern in John’s voice was evident. “Oh yeah, she’s just got herself involved with another charity organization. Takes up a lot more of her time than her usual schedule does. Something to do with orphaned kids and Community Day. I’m sure in a few weeks she’ll be back to the club and her old routine again. Hey, John... I was wondering if you’ve heard from any of our old military buddies? You know, maybe someone we haven’t heard from in a while... anything coming up?” Dave decided on the indirect approach. If John wasn’t receiving the same kind of threats maybe there wasn’t a connection. Maybe someone was just trying to scare Dave from his position. After all he had managed to get the promotion to Captain with help from John and other politicians, not from his own minimal law enforcement experiences. God knew he wasn’t a very good patrol officer or a detective, a position he held for a very short two months. He had taken the position away from a few better, more deserving and qualified men. Dave’s friends wanted him in the position so they could control him, have him be another one of their personal puppets. At least he made a lot more money and his wife and he were invited to all the upscale parties, were part of the in crowd and spent lots of money. His wife Diana had become very good at that. They were expanding their home and redecorating every inch of it. He was not sure how to interpret the letters he’d received, but obviously his friend John had not been receiving similar ones. He would have told him right now. “No, Dave, I haven’t heard from anyone except Ralphy Farrow. He and his wife Charlotte and their daughters Lisa and Carly just moved into a new house in Waikiki. Carrie and I are supposed to have dinner with them tomorrow night. Why don’t you and Diane come with us?” “Oh, no, we can’t tomorrow night. Diane has some formal charity dinner at the Radisson. Then Friday night we have the Police Awards Ceremony at the Hilton. I can expect the honor of your presence there, correct, Senator Coleman?” he teased his old friend. “Of course I will be there. The media will be covering it heavily and we will have to pose for a bunch of pictures. I need your support to help wrap up the election. You’re going to come through for me again right, old buddy?” the Senator added and Dave knew he was nothing without John. If the Senator went down, he would take his old military buddy with him. “Of course, John; when have I ever failed you?” He hung up the phone feeling a little better about the letters and thinking possibly they were just hate mail, someone trying to intimidate him. Something was still telling him it was more, but he wouldn’t deal with it tonight. He just wanted to go upstairs and be with his wife Diane and not think about it any more. |