Tolerance Book III

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Three: A Victim Lost

Nashua

Miles away for Jay the Pilots' safety had been paramount as soon as the light aircraft had landed and the engine had been turned off.  As the whirring blades overhead began to slow he had been prepared to intervene if the Killer beside him tried anything but was pleasantly surprised to find himself accompanying Billings into the small terminal of the private airport with the Pilot very much alive doing post flight checks as they departed.

"When will I meet the acquaintance you mentioned?" the  auburn haired man queried once the pair were alone.
"Anxious to get things moving huh?"
"Just curious," Jay candidly admitted, he sensed his companion wanted him to be eager for details so decided to play along for the time being as they entered the small building.
"Perhaps ...," whatever Billings intended to say was interrupted by his cell ringing, "what?!"

Jay eyed the different expressions pass across the mans' features as he listened to the Caller. Whatever information was being imparted was clearly unwelcome as surprise, disgust  and fury fought for dominance.   Curious as to what evoked such strong emotions from the cold hearted man he wondered if the new acquaintance he had alluded to was involved. His curiosity was quickly appeased as Billings took a deep breath to control himself and ended the call abruptly.

"There's been an .... unexpected  ... change in plans."
"So we're not meeting the acquaintance?"
"No. It seems someone else dealt with her before I could," Billings noted in clear disdain.
"Who was she?" the young Detective was surprised the Killer had revealed anything at all so decided to try to glean as much information as possible.
"No one of consequence I assure you."
"Everyone is of consequence," Jay countered evenly, it always rankled him when anyones' worth was dismissed.
"She wasn't wealthy or famous. She didn't have a lot of friends ....,"
"Those don't measure a persons' true value!"
"Of course they do.  A person with money and fame is somebody. A person without is a .... nobody," Billings surmised condescendingly as he eyed their surroundings assessingly, "we can't stay here so let's get moving."
"Where do you want to go?" Jay chose his words specifically, implying he would not just obey the mans' directive now the 'acquaintance' was obviously out of the picture.
"It's time for lunch," the older man declared, ignoring the reticence and heading towards the glass revolving doors without a backward glance.

Jay knew the Killer would replace the target with someone else. It was in his nature to deliver death and being denied that pleasure would only compel him rather than restrict him from choosing someone to quell his blood lust.
He gave one last look around the quiet terminal noting the cameras in operation and purposefully eyed the closest one while rubbing his right ear twice as if distractedly.  He knew his friends would eventually find him and hoped it would be sooner rather than later as he followed the Killer outside wondering what lay ahead.

Marcellos Diner

The Unit along with Parker had decided to delay returning to the station ostensibly to get some proper food but primarily to discuss the investigation.  As soon as the Waitresses had departed after delivering the ordered meals Adam, as ever impatient, got down to the important matters.

"We can't let Billings drag Jay all over New Hampshire ...,"
"Agreed," Antonio nodded as he sprinkled his omelette lightly with salt and pepper, "but Jay will call a halt as soon as he can."
"Are we all agreed Marsha Simmons' murder is unrelated to Billings?" Kevin checked around a bite of chicken from his Caesar Salad.
"Doc you satisfied?" Voight looked over at the New Yorker.
"Yes. As I stated the killing was clearly personal.  The amount of rage necessary for that level of assault could only have been generated by a strong connection with the Victim."
"But we can't say for sure Billings wasn't close to her," Kevin pointed out trying to play Devils' Advocate, they needed to consider all angles, just like the green eyed Detective would do.
"There's been no deep personal connection to date with any of the Victims," Mouse joined in quietly as he pushed his food around on the plate before him trying to encourage an appetite.
"Exactly," Parker concurred with a nod, "it's unlikely he's going to change his MO this late in the game."
"It's not a game!" Adam noted sternly.
"Ruzek you keep your temper in check," Voights' voice held a warning note, "we're all on the same side here. Act like it."
"Sorry Doc," the suitably  chagrined Detective apologised genuinely, he hadn't intended to attack the Psychologist his frustration just won out.
"No problem," Parker easily accepted the apology realizing his choice of words could have been better, they were all feeling the weariness of the long case.