Power of Will, a SAW Fanfiction

Ch. 24 Pre-SAW: The Heart Stealer

Peter Strahm

He looked down at the latest victim, another woman with her sternum broken, her ribs now spread like the doors of a bird cage. As with the M.O. of the killer, her heart was missing.

It had been the thirteenth victim in the past year. Erickson had given him the file as soon as he showed up that Monday, back from the Rosello case. No rest for the wicked, he thought to himself as he looked around him. They were in a tobacco field, the tall and thick leaves of the plants providing significant cover in the southern Virginia farmlands. The body was discovered by the farmer, the man hysterical and in need of immediate counseling and no help to them while he muttered to himself incoherently when questioned.

"All victims had traces of a bioluminescent algae on their skin, suggesting they had been in contact with a large body of salt water. The algae is often found in tropical climates. The coroner explained there was an indication that they were submerged for at least several hours before death, based on the state of their skin and the traces of algae found in various orifices of their body, except above the neck."

Strahm looked up at his supervisor, Dan Erickson, the man looking grim. "He follows his pattern religiously. Almost as if there's a ceremony behind the removal of the heart." Strahm stood up, looking around at the roving hills of red clay and leafy green crops. "Victims have all been found on the east coast. From New York to Miami. He must have a localized location within driving distance. The algae is native to South Australia, so he must have a tank."

"He?"

"No markers indicate a female serial killer. No accomplices. This man is a loner. A man who has a poor relationship with a woman that fits his victims' appearance. Early to mid twenties. Caucasian, and likely well educated. I'm assuming the suspect is around the same age and race. He's not rash, he's careful. He won't make mistakes, at least for the time being. He may develop a feeling of invincibility if he's not caught soon." Strahm grimaced. "If we're not fast enough."

"Tell me what you need to nail this sonofabitch."

"Perez. And any available agent." Strahm took out his pen, clicking it as he ran through the logistics. He needed some perspective. "We may need some outside help, too."

Erickson raised an eyebrow. "We've already coordinated with the Richmond PD."

"They'll do their best. But I know two cops who would be excellent in this case."

Erickson shook his head. "Best to keep this down low until we have a better sense of what this guy's about."

"Thirteen not enough, Dan?"

"We can't afford to throw the nation in a panic. See what you can do with what I can spare. If things get worse, I'll consider bringing in your hand picked choices." Erickson wiped sweat off his brow with a handkerchief, shaking his head. "There's been a recent uptick in violent crime this past year. The media's gone nuts with it. The higher ups are already on edge and out for blood. It'll not be a good look if the FBI needs help from some city cops. Otherwise, I'd give the go ahead."

"Politics," Strahm scoffed, anger rising up and out of him.

Erickson gave a sympathetic nod. "Always. For now, you've at least got Lindsey. You both are excellent at what you do. Have a little more faith in your own kind before running for help." Erickson walked away to talk to forensics.

Strahm looked back down at the victim, her eyes vacant and glazed. Flies were already buzzing in her mouth. He grit his teeth, wondering how the family would recover. They'd have to inform next of kin as soon as they were done at the crime scene, having identified her immediately. It was going to be a long day.