CHAPTER NINE
Ella waited in the car for around thirty minutes while Paige collected Larry’s information inside the house. A little responsibility for her would go a long way to reassuring her, heightening her dedication and passion for the case. Ripley pulled the same technique back when they first teamed up.
Since Larry had mentioned the attic, Ella had been transported to a different world. The perpetrator in her previous case had been waiting for Ella in her own attic back in D.C., and the man turned out to be not only a disciple of Tobias Campbell, but also an FBI employee. The similar modus operandi was a cause for concern, and the details had demanded a sudden reassurance of Mia Ripley’s well-being.
Ella debated whether or not to call her partner. The last thing an injured person needed was constant check-ins, especially someone as stubborn as Mia.
But Ella called her regardless. If she didn’t, she’d be plagued with worry until she spoke to her.
“Hey Dark” came Mia’s voice, surprisingly calm and upbeat. A heavy wave of relief.
“Ripley. Are you feeling alright?”
“Jesus, Dark, you only spoke to me a few hours ago. I’m fine. Where are you?”
“Pennsylvania. Director’s got me working.”
“Good. You need to stay away from D.C. What’s the case?”
“Looks like a serial. Two young girls. Both 25 years old. Killed in their apartments. Each had one leg severed.”
“Curious. The same leg both times?”
“Yeah. The left one. But he planted the first victim’s leg at the second crime scene.”
“Wow. That’s bold. Or stupid. I’ve never even heard of anything like that before. Were there any indications of sexual sadism?”
“No,” Ella said. “He strangled his victims then cut their legs off. Very contrasting M.O. I’m not really sure what we’re dealing with right now but we’ve got a few leads.”
“Look into Vietnam vets. The youngest would be in their sixties now. Maybe former soldiers who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan. Military doctors too.”
Ella didn’t make the connection. “Soldiers?”
“Yeah. When soldiers stepped on field mines, it was usually their legs that got blown off. Ask any soldier and they’ll have a story about finding a severed leg on the battlefield. Some used to take them as trophies or leave them outside enemy camps as intimidation. Could be related, or might be someone trying to redeem themselves for setting a mine off. PTSD can do wild things to a person.”
Ella smiled, despite the circumstances. It was incredible what difference a fresh perspective could make.
“Thanks for the insight. I hadn’t considered anything like that. I was working on a cannibalism theory. One of the severed legs had a portion of flesh missing.”
“Cannibalism? I wouldn’t jump to that just yet. Seems a little conflicting, doesn’t it?”
“You think?”
“Yeah. I don’t know all the details of your guy, obviously, but he sounds ritualistic and theatrical. Cannibalism is the opposite. Cannibals tend to be reckless and psychotic, not stealthy and organized. I’d keep that idea on the back burner for now.”
Mia had a point. Jeffrey Dahmer, Richard Chase, Albert Fish, Ed Gein. All cannibals, all opportunistic psychotics. Ella cast her cannibalism theory to one side. Maybe there was another reason he’d removed a chunk of flesh.
“Thanks Ripley. I appreciate the fresh eyes.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Are you out there alone?”
“No, they’ve partnered me with a rookie. Paige Ellis, if you know her.”
“Nope. Never heard that name before. Ella and Ellis. It’s got a ring to it.”
“No!” Ella said. “I’m doing this as a one-off. I’m not partnering with this woman again. I’m just here to teach her the ropes, then I’m out.”
“I said the same thing about you,” Ripley laughed. Ella wasn’t sure if she was being serious or not.