She turned away and lowered her eyes. The attraction wasn’t there for her like it was for him. What did he know? He never had a serious relationship in his life. Just like his two brothers, Duke and Big Jay, they waited for that special someone to love and share together. As others around them found it, they remained alone. This situation shouldn’t be misconstrued by him to mean anything other than his professional responsibility. Snap out of it, Sandman. You’re a man made of stone.
Sandman’s hand fell back to his side. “It’s going to be all right, Grace. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
Chapter 4
Sandman was talking to Roger and Donald. They now had a copy of the letter that was sent to Grace. As Sandman absorbed the words, he had a combination of a reaction. Initially, he was angry that something like this was happening to such a beautiful woman who had experienced personal tragedy in her life. Then came his professional response. Every part of his instincts told him that the person responsible knew Grace and her family and what happened to her sister. He had a suspicion that this same person was the one who killed Clara. It was as if this individual wanted to punish her and put fear into Grace. As far as he was concerned, it was working.
Sandman checked out the letter. He read it line for line and wondered what it all meant. Was there a clue in here somewhere?
My treasure has returned to me,
Thousands and thousands of miles across the sea.
I’ve yearned for you so very long,
Through every lover, through every love song.
I’m watching every move you make, every place you go and see,
Knowing when the time to take and capture you, make love to thee.
Grace, my love, you cannot hide,
I take her now, thoughts of you inside.
Sandman finished reading the letter and handed it back to Donald. He felt that the detective was sincere in his concern over Grace and her family. From what Jim had explained earlier, Donald was the lead investigator in Grace’s sister’s disappearance and murder almost three years ago. He felt responsible and was personally affected by this. He looked at him.
“So this guy has been leaving these letters only after the recent killings? How do you know he’s connected to the others?” Donald asked. He was angry. Sandman could tell.
“He does the same things to each of his victims. He uses the same equipment and restraints. Even though the letters only recently started, we feel it’s the same person. The killer is trying to spice things up now. He needs more excitement. Grace’s picture and name have only recently entered the crime scenes,” Detective Jim Warner stated.
“Why Grace? She’s been away for nearly three years. This letter sounds like he’s known that and has been waiting for her. Why didn’t he follow her to Europe?” Donald asked.
“There could be many reasons for that. It’s a whole different ball game to commit a crime in another country, out of his familiar surroundings. It would be more likely for him to get caught. Or he could have liked the idea of waiting for her like an award, a goal to achieve. You have to remember, Donald, we’re talking about a real psycho here. He’s ruthless, daring, and violent and believes no one is capable of stopping him. He’s gotten away with so much for so long,” Sandman stated.
“Grace needs your protection, Investigator Sandstone. She needs to be kept hidden and safe. She won’t be able to handle the emotional effects of this. She needs to be safe or he could catch her and kill her at any time.” Donald stood up from the chair, a look of concern evident on his face.
“I know, Donald, that’s what I want to talk to you about. She’s already feeling responsible for these women getting murdered. That’s this guy’s sick plan. He’ll break her down, make Grace feel powerless. We need to take her out of the equation while Jim and my other investigators track this piece of shit down.”
“Other investigators?”
“Yes, I’ll explain it to you and also my idea,” Sandman said as they walked out of the house and onto the driveway.
* * * *
An hour later Grace sat in Lieutenant Donald Friedman’s office at the Houston Police Department.
“Grace, honey, I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m going to do my best to protect you and your family,” he said as he sat across from Grace.
“I just don’t understand who would want to do something like this? I’ve been over this a thousand times in my mind. I didn’t know any of the other women who were murdered. I only knew Cheryl and of course my sister. Everything was fine in Europe. I should have stayed there. My poor mother must be going through hell right now.”
“Personally, I think that you’re better off here in the United States, at home where we can protect you. Eric is with Sarah and I’ve stationed an officer at her house at all times,” Donald replied but Grace still felt so unsure and on edge.
“I appreciate that, Donald. I want to help in this investigation as much as I can. Can you tell me more about the other murders this person has committed? I mean, Sandman and Jim haven’t really filled me in on anything.”
“I’ve been kept out of the loop since the shooting at your mom’s house. This is their investigation. I kind of feel responsible for not catching this asshole, and I have the feeling that these investigators and detectives don’t think I’m seasoned enough to handle it.”
“That’s not right. You were there when Clara went missing and you did your best to solve the crime. Nothing like that had ever occurred in our town. Sure you don’t have the same training as an investigator in the city but you did what you could.”