“I agree with you on that,” Dan said. “How tough would it be for the cops to have the security people at the bus and train stations collect these kids that scrape together enough to get a ticket into town. They already know the kids will eventually commit crimes to survive, end up junkies, or dead. Pimps protect their meal tickets, so how would I fit in? I’d scare off the Ripper.”
“We have studied the victims,” John said. “After his first attacks, it forced the prostitutes who were plying their trade on their own to seek out a pimp. The Ripper stepped up his game. Although they don’t get the same treatment either by the Ripper or the news media, three of the pimps had their throats slashed. No one cares about a pimp, and because the pimps weren’t eviscerated like the women, the cops can’t say for sure it’s the Ripper doing it. Nick predicted the less than compassionate populace’s reaction. Regular folks read about prostitutes and pimps getting killed, and they shrug their shoulders. The fourteen year old runaway changed that perspective, hence the police round up of indigent girls.”
“I don’t want to make this seem like a crusade,” Nick added. “I realize this guy is taking not so innocent lives. I’ve seen and met pimps and prostitutes in our big cities, and in many places around the world. The prostitutes don’t have hearts of gold, and their pimps aren’t knights in shining armor protecting them. We’re going after the Ripper because I’m slightly nuts, and I liked the idea of going after him as El Muerto. That said, we did El Muerto and the Unholy Trio here on a large scale. I may be satisfied with taking on the Ripper in a different guise.”
Gus chuckled. “Believe me, Nick. We didn’t think you were going after him out of the goodness of your heart. You made that clear when you told us about what you said to the Marshals. Admit it. You love screwing around with the task forces with their text books and profiles like a… wait a minute! Oh no… you are not doing the ‘Mentalist’ in the Ripper case. If you try that all seeing oracle crap, you’ll get everyone but the Unholy Trio in trouble.”
“You mean like he did in Charleston? I thought that was funny when you told me about his doing the Mentalist in the middle of a police station,” John said.
“Yeah, but this is an FBI task force,” Gus replied. “Muerto already pissed off the FBI in our hometown.”
“I did not. I called both those FBI/HS guys, and let them know the Rashidis and the fake FBI dupes I killed in front of my house were indeed connected, but it was an ongoing investigation taken over by DC authorities. I’ll have you know Agents Rogers and Agnew were very appreciative. When I arrive in league with my US Marshal pals, this FBI task force leader, Kaitlin Anderson, will be pissed as hell. Grace hates her, so I’ll be able to play those two off against each other like in Charleston with Grace and the police lieutenant. When she tries to screw up our plan, I’ll get a recommendation from Rogers and Agnew.”
“I have to hand it to you, Nick,” Dan said. “That is the most convoluted caper I’ve ever heard of. Carol and I used to watch that ‘Mentalist’ show until it ended. You’ve really decided to bring in this Ripper guy alive?”
“I would have to if my scenario works out the way I plan. That’s the only downside, but it shelves El Muerto while we’re doing the book signings in the same city, and still appeases my refined, compassionate, criminologist side.”
Nick’s three companions began making gagging noises all at the same time.
*
Rachel examined the smiling Nick closely. “I don’t know, Jean. He’s awfully good at hiding whether he’s tanked or not. I definitely smell booze though.”
“I didn’t go to Grizzly Rob’s for orange juice, Dear. We accomplished quite a bit at our business meeting too. I revealed my plan to catch the ‘Seattle Ripper’.”
“He sounds sober to me, Mom. Get on your bathing suit, Dad. I have to say, Mom looks pretty cute in her Princess Bump suit.”
Rachel jetted her right hand with thumb and forefinger in a pinched position only a centimeter apart in front of Jean’s face. “You’re this close to not reaching double digit age!”
“I want you two in neutral corners until I get my suit on. You come with me Princess Bump.”
“No,” Jean said, pushing Nick toward the bedroom. “If you two go in there alone, I’ll never get to the water park.”
“Brat!”
“Momster!”
Nick was out with bathing suit, sandals, and t-shirt in only a few minutes. He found Rachel and Jean having a staring contest with Deke refereeing. “Who’s winning, Deke?”
“It’s a tie so far, but I have her on the ropes,” Jean said.
Rachel then crossed her eyes, and vanquished the Daughter of Darkness in a split second of devastating eyeball comedy.
“No fair!”
“Oh waaaahhhh…” Rachel intoned, with fists up in victory. “Let that be a lesson to you young muffin.”
“Let’s go, I have the beach bag. Watch the room, Deke. I’ll walk you when we get back if I survive the clash of the titans at the water park. Luckily, it’s right by Grizzly Rob’s.”