Chapter 21

Jenny spent the next week reveling in the knowledge that she was free from suspicion with Lester properly framed for her murders. However, she deeply regretted having to give up her favorite knife. That small blade had become a part of her.

The killer stood scrubbing congealed pizza cheese off a plate and reminiscing about the gleam of light as the tip split the flesh of her victims. Thin shafts of light would reflect off the polished blade as the veins opened to release seas of crimson. Jenny’s eyes relaxed as she remembered the control she’d felt every time she watched the life blink out of another person.

She shuddered and shook off the memories. Jenny glanced at her cat lounging in a rectangle of sunlight on the table.

“Figment, mommy is having a really hard time quitting her newest hobby. Do you have any ideas?”

The feline opened his eyes and promptly ignored his human. With a prolonged yawn and stretch, he strolled over to the table and patted at the bowl of fruit.

“Well, you’re a lot of help. I guess I will just have to be more discreet.” Jenny scolded.

For the rest of the day, the murderess formulated several plans in her mind. By the time Eric picked her up for dinner, she was certain she had found a good option.

***

Officer McGill ran his fingers through his hair before escorting Jenny into the restaurant. His nerves were on edge as he prepared to tell her the truth about the homeless man she believed a killer. He returned her radiant smile as the host sat them in a secluded booth.

“What’s the occasion, Eric? This place is gorgeous. You know I don’t need you to take me to ritzy eateries.”

“I know, but you deserve it. Besides, I do have something to talk with you about.” He replied.

The server brought out a basket of bread and took their order. Jenny squirmed as she waited for her boyfriend to get the words out. Eric fiddled with his fork. She took his hand and bought his eyes to hers.

“Eric, whatever it is, just tell me.” She said.

“I didn’t want you to worry, but we’ve got evidence clearing Mr. Arnold. It looks like he was set up by the actual murderer.”

Jenny felt her mouth open but the only sounds she heard were the quiet conversations of other couples eating pasta, the cranking of cheese graters, and the stacking of soiled plates.

“Are…are you sure?” Jenny asked.

McGill caressed her hand as he answered.

“Yes, we are sure. The labs worked out the killer’s height and weight and the shrinks say he doesn’t match their profile either. I’m sorry, I know I told you we had the guy.”

“But you said Lester had the weapon.”

Jenny stared at the crème-colored linen. Her mind whirred with the implications. She hoped Eric and his friends weren’t looking at her as a suspect; she’d really grown to like Lee and Jenkins. And her feelings for Eric went far beyond what she’d ever felt for anyone.

“He did have the knife.” Eric sighed. “It looks like the weapon was planted on him and the anonymous call was most likely the real killer. Jenkins, Lee, and the rest of the team are already following that lead, but for now this prick is still loose.”

McGill pulled the killer’s hands close and kissed her knuckles.

“I want you to know that I’ll keep you safe. There is no indication that the murderer has any interest in harming you or anyone else from any of the crime scenes. Lee and Jenkins are on the case and they’re keeping me in the loop.”

Jenny forced a grin and gave Eric a soft kiss. Their hands separated as their dishes arrived.

“I know you will. I love you, Eric. And your buddies are wonderful. Let’s put this case out of mind and have a nice evening.” She said.

“Of course, sweetheart. I love you too. I shouldn’t have brought it up, but I wanted you to be aware.”

The couple ate and chatted with the case simmering on the back burner of each of their minds. Eric hoped they would catch the murderer soon so they could put the entire scenario behind them. Jenny ran the events through her head searching for any mistakes. The server just hoped for a good tip and for his last table to leave soon so he could catch his favorite television show.