The Super Killer

Ch.9

Palmer saw the basement in his mind. The horror perfectly visualized to every twisted detail, as if he were looking at a photograph. That's exactly how his memories worked: they were photographs that he could view at any time. He could even examine the pictures and see little details, such as the chips in the kryptonite spikes that lined the iron maiden. How its door was framed to look like a regular door and open just enough to keep Supergirl alive and barely conscious. Anyone who found that door would've pushed on it and killed the helpless hero and siphoned her blood into the pipes leading to the shower in the adjacent room. Palmer saw it all and said, "Our killer's highly organized, that's for sure. He's clearly patient and process-oriented so expect more. I just don't understand where he got the time to do all this?"

Corporon stroked his chin. "Do you think Lady Death's responsible?"

"She possesses the power, but I have a hunch that she's sitting this one out."

"Still sulking after you broke her heart?"

Palmer smirked and said, "It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear only fucking death for the rest of his life."

"Palmer, you dog." Corporon stood and stared at the woman on the other side of the one-way mirror. "You know, Palmer, if you ever get lonely, I can introduce you to some friends."

Palmer smirked. "Maybe one day I'll shake their hands, but not today. I only want to meet one person, and she's on the other side of this mirror."

"How does she play into it?"

Palmer faced the tinted mirror as his reflection became the stoic woman on the other side of the one-way glass. "Her name is Heather Gein. She's married to Kevin Gein, who's the only son of Ronald Gein."

"Why does that name ring a bell?"

"Remember that Hammond moron who committed treason?"

"How could I forget. Whatever happened to the little twerp?"

"He spent some time in jail, and now he's running for president."

Corporon let out a soft chuckle. "He'll probably win."

"They always do. But our friend Ronald Gein, he bought Hammond Industry and rebranded it. Turned it into a legitimate player up in Washington."

"One of many. Why else should I know that name?"

"Because Ronald Gein just bought the weapons portion of Stark Industries. Now they're the biggest weapons dealer in Washington."

"And this woman's husband, Kevin Gein?"

"Will be the company's next CEO, which gives him motive. Weapons sell when supers are in trouble."

Corporon sat back into his chair as if in deep reflection. "No, I remember that name for a different reason. Heather Gein. Didn't I read it in yesterday's memo?" Corporon pulled his phone out from his breast pocket and searched for the document. "I was right. That's the reporter who broke the story about the supers. Wait, that means she works for—"

"Amber-fucking-Stone."

"The real Lady Death. Do you think she's the killer?" Corporon asked, licking his lips. "Do you think we can finally get some payback."

"As much as I would love to put Amber Stone away for life, our killer is male."

"How do you know?"

"Are you fucking serious right now? Lady Death couldn't even kill Wolverine or Deadpool, how is she going to kill Superman and Batman in the same night? Come on, Corporon. We've all read the studies; it takes a super man to kill super men."

Corporon sat, furious, but didn't respond.

Palmer appreciated the obedience. "I do agree with you, though. This woman is incidental but not inconsequential. I did say there might be two killers. Amber may be involved, so we'll release Heather and keep an eye on her. Knowing Amber like I do, I wouldn't be surprised if the killer is close to her."