John chuckled. “That is very compassionate, Muerto.”
“I saw the Seattle PD badge and ID he had with him,” Gus commented while watching Kensky begin to shudder while making unconscious yipping noises. “He would very likely have enticed that girl into his car. The ID was as good as I’ve ever seen. It would explain how he nailed many of his earlier victims. I wondered why in the hell any woman would let this maniac approach them.”
“He went old school with the gun as he did with Dan and Sarah when there were simply too many cops on the prowl,” Nick added. “The police ID became too big of a gamble so he worked his recon more carefully.”
“Until you blew his hand and foot off. Here he comes. Gerald doesn’t seem very happy, Muerto.”
Nick smiled at the gasping, wide eyed Kensky, so pain shocked as to be nearly incoherent. “Hello, Gerald. Welcome back. Do you understand your situation now?”
Kensky tried his audio output, failed, and switched to a virulent head nod.
“Good. Let’s begin with a simple one.” Nick showed him the picture of Claudia Jannasy. “Do you recognize this girl? She disappeared at a time just prior to the beginning of your killing rampage where you left your victims to be found. It would mean you also have a burial ground. There is no penalty for the truth, but as you have experienced, there is a penalty for lies. I am very adept at knowing when I’m being lied to. If you are not real convincing, I might make an oops and cut a bit more of an opening for the bleach.”
“I…I killed her. I’ll show you where I buried her.”
“No, you won’t. You will tell us in excruciating detail where the burial grounds are that you’ve made use of, including the Spokane one.”
“How do you know about Spokane?”
“Let’s put it this way, Gerald. We’ve cross-referenced your life with disappearances. We know you have been a busy boy. If you make us get the facts the hard way, we’ll obtain the facts the hard way from then on, even if you scream and beg to tell us. Start with where you buried Claudia, and how many more are in the same spot. El Kabong will show you a tablet with map coordinates. Be specific, Gerald.”
*
“There are four bodies buried where he told you, Nick,” Robyn MacEachern confirmed. “The cadaver dogs found them right away. Claudia still wore a necklace I recognized. Thank you for finding out, Nick. Kensky didn’t go quickly did he?”
“He hasn’t gone anywhere yet, Robyn. I believe when you see how he passes his last moments on video, you will be somewhat mollified.”
“Oh… you guys are doing the ‘Unholy Trio’ ending, huh? I love those clips. Yes, that will do nicely. Bye, Nick.”
“Bye, Robyn.” Nick disconnected, returning to the room where Kensky awaited confirmation of the burial site. “Your info on Claudia was accurate, Gerald. That’s a good thing. Let’s get all the rest of what you know down to the last detail, buddy.”
*
A day later, Nick received the last confirmation in Spokane, and one vagrant in Yakima, Kensky had done when still living with his grandmother. “That’s a wrap, guys.”
“Paul really came through,” Gus replied. “I figured at least a week before we received final word. I know I claimed to have had enough of your endings, but after listening to the details of all those people this piece of shit mutilated and murdered, I believe Payaso will stay for the finish.”
“El Kabong is in to the last,” John said, slipping his mask and hat on. “We have an excellent video I will edit slightly later. Are we going to tell him who we are first?”
“Nope,” Nick answered. “Let’s go get ‘er done. I’ll carve, you wash, Kabong. Before anyone moves out of this room, you all know the ending. Kensky won’t be getting any reprieves in there. We bleach his insides until his black heart gives out or a circuit blows in his head.”
“Understood,” Gus stated.
“I have his surprise replay ready to play, Muerto,” John added.
Nick grinned. “Good. We don’t want him to think we went back on the agreement.”
Kensky looked anxiously with pain filled eyes at the three masked figures approaching. “This… this is murder. You could still turn me over to the FBI. I don’t know who you are. They’ll convict me for sure. I’ll confess! Just dump me near the nearest precinct!”
“That is so sweet. Thank you for your kind offer,” Nick said. “I’ll put it to a vote. Payaso, El Kabong… what do you think of Gerald’s cool offer to confess and never turn us in? Please raise your hand if you think we should take Gerald to the nearest police station.”
No hands moved.
“Gee, I’m awful sorry, Gerald. That will not be one of your options. Actually, you’re out of options. This ending we have planned for you will be quite painful. I know your belly hurts and I’m afraid it will get much more painful. Shall we begin? Show of hands please for Gerald’s benefit.”