Riverside's Perfect Murder

Nick's Letter

There was little conversation while driving over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Nearing the end of the twenty-four-mile bridge, Ollie asked, "Any idea what's in the locker?"

"No. I have been thinking about that while I fondled this damn key."

"Do you think he knew he was being watched and took off?"

"Maybe, but then the call from Isabelle, if that is really her name."

"Well, suppose you wanted to get a certain police detective alone in a strange city. Would it matter if you truly had her brother, or she just thought you had him?"

Rita looked over at Ollie. "It wouldn't matter. I would still come."

"That is my point. If he ran, then they call you anyway. I don't know how they would know you and Nick have not spoken in years, but maybe they do."

"But they didn't know about you."

"Correct. They would have no idea about me, or that you would call me for help."

Rita was thinking as the car exited the bridge and past a little sign that read, "You have just exited the longest bridge over a lake."

They continued on route one-ninety towards Covington, Louisiana.

"All right. Assume you are correct, what's their next move?" Rita asked.

Ollie shouted, "Down," as he swerved the car hard to the right and then back to the left. The windshield imploded before he got halfway through his first swerve. Before the car came to a rocking halt, Ollie already had Rita's seatbelt undone and opened her door and pushed.

Rita hit the shoulder of the road and rolled with Ollie right behind her. Ollie pulled Rita into the drainage ditch and said, "Keep your head down."

Rita had no intention of lifting her head; she could hear the bullets thumping into the car. The shooter appeared to be on the other side of the road and hopefully had not seen them exit.

The firing ceased. "What was that?" Rita asked.

"Apparently, their next move. I saw a muzzle flash up on the ridge."

"You saw the muzzle flash?" Rita sounded astonished.

Ollie only shrugged. He was busy looking behind them, but it was all marshy. No cover and it would be slow going.

On the opposite side of the road was a small woods, but if the shooter were any good, they would never make it across.

Rita reached for her cell but quickly realized it was back in the car. She had her gun and one extra clip with her. "Damn. My cell's in the car."

Ollie nodded. "This way."

"Are..." Rita started to speak, but Ollie was already crawling in the direction of the gunmen.

Rita followed behind, keeping her body flat in the mud, water, and guck in the ditch. They had gone about a hundred yards when Rita saw it. It was a large culvert under the road.

"Listen. I want you to stay hidden in here. Someone will be down in a minute to check out the car. If they find you, use that," pointing to her gun, "Make damn sure you fire first and do not miss. If they do not find you, no matter what, stay put until I come back."

"No. I am going with you."

"No, you are not," Ollie said as he quickly made his way through the culvert. Rita could see him exit on the other side but nothing else. She pressed her back up against the pipe and held her gun in front of her.