Killer Love

CHAPTER 21

Talking to Cassidy about the press being informed made Wyatt more persistent that they should be. He walked to Chief's office as soon as he got to work the next morning.

"Wyatt. What can I do for you?" Chief asked, motioning for him to sit down.

"Chief. There's something I want to run by you," Wyatt started.

Chief put down the papers in his hand and gave Wyatt his undivided attention.

"I've been thinking. With everything we know so far, the possibility of the killer being Rose Monte increases. I think it's time we inform the press. Let them know she's a potential suspect and that we're trying to locate her. Either we locate her, and she confesses she's the murderer, or we learn she's not the murderer and we stop wasting resources on her and try to catch the real killer."

He had been practicing that little speech since last night. He wanted to state his purpose clearly. Chief leaned back into his chair and looked as though he was mulling over the idea.

"I will need to clear this before we have it. But I do think your reasoning is solid," Chief finally said.

Wyatt did his best to avoid punching the air in victory.

"Great. There's been a lot of speculation by the press lately that it's the work of a serial killer and they've even given the killer a name. So far all we've said is that we're investigating the crimes, but I think it's time the police take a more active role. By confirming their suspicions, more articles will be released, and it should put pressure on the killer," he speculated.

Chief just nodded.

"We just have to hope that the pressure doesn't make them speed up their timeline with their crimes," he mused.

"I don't think they will. The profile the Agents did says the suspect likes to stay on time. The crimes were all committed on the same day, all around the same time frame, between five and nine in the evening. The press conference should just put everyone on more alert. And it should inform the suspect on how close we are to catching them," Wyatt explained.

"Okay. I'll pass this up the chain of command and have an answer soon," Chief stated.

"Well, I'll get going now," Wyatt said as he was finished with everything he had wanted to speak about.

Before he could start to move, Chief spoke, making him freeze.

"Where were you yesterday morning?"

Wyatt looked back at him. Chief's eyes stated he knew exactly where Wyatt had been, but he wanted him to say it.

"With Cassidy," Wyatt answered, lowering his gaze.

He did not want to see the anger in Chief's gaze at the moment.

"Did I not tell you to put some distance between you and Miss Monte?" Chief asked, his voice clearly stating his displeasure at being disobeyed.

"Yes, you did."

Wyatt felt as though he was being chastised.

"And what's your reason for not listening to my orders?"

Wyatt looked up finally and met Chief's gaze. There wasn't disappointment in his eyes, which Wyatt was expecting. Instead there was curiosity.

"I'm sorry. I just thought she could use the extra help yesterday. She's had a lot to deal with recently and I just wanted to let her know someone is on her side."

"And is that what you are? On her side?"

"I am. I want to catch the person who's been sending her those notes and I want to catch the murderer. That may be Rose Monte. But I think having the killer off the streets would make Cassidy feel safe."