Chapter 20
“We have to release him. I know the knife matches the homicides, but forensics says this suspect can’t be our murderer.”
Officers Lee and Jenkins groaned along with the rest of the team on the Drainer case.
“Detective Glass, I don’t see how that’s possible.” Jenkins asked. “Forensics confirmed that it is THE knife used in the killings. Lester Arnold has a history of disputes with at least one of the victims, no alibi for any of the murders; how can the forensics clear him?”
Glass squeezed the bridge of his nose. The vein on his forehead protruded as he grumbled an answer.
“Because, rookie, the lab rats say the angles and shoe imprints point to a person between five foot two and five foot five, of average to meager build, and roughly one hundred and thirty-five pounds. Mr. Arnold is six feet tall, lean but strong—as our arresting officers can attest—and he weighs over one hundred eighty pounds.”
“And he doesn’t fit our profile.” Interrupted Dr. Phelps.
The half dozen uniformed officers stared blankly. Detective Glass motioned for them to take a seat. Metal chairs shifted. McGill snuck into the back of the room. The lead detective started the update.
“Alright people, here is the newest info. Our killer either committed these crimes with Mr. Arnold—which our profile says is about as likely as a dog discovering time travel—or the murderer set up this man to throw us off their trail.
Agent Wales and Dr. Phelps feel that our killer is most likely either a short lean man or a petite to average woman. Our murderer is clever enough to have figured out we were closing in and framed the homeless man we just released. The anonymous call was made by a female so that is the lead we’re currently following. While we are releasing Mr. Arnold, he will remain a person of interest.”
***
Jenny changed into her jeans and searched for her bag. The killer slid her new pocketknife into one of the pockets between her tampons. She scratched Figment’s head as she hustled out the door to meet Eric and his coworkers at the bowling alley.
When she arrived for karaoke, drinking, and bowling with a room full of cops Jenny found herself growing nervous. The murderer stretched her neck and breathed deep.
“Keep it cool, Jenny. They are just people. Lester is in jail with the murder weapon; you are safe. Just an amoretto sour, a song, and rolling a few balls and you can go home with Eric.” She told herself.
Jenny spotted Officers Lee and Jenkins near the entrance. Lee waved to her. The killer smiled and joined the pair.
“Hi Jenny. McGill is running behind, but he said he’ll be here in ten minutes.” Jenkins greeted.
“Hi guys. I guess we should grab a lane then.” Jenny replied.
The trio walked inside with a flurry of small talk. Within minutes of getting a lane, the murderer had ordered a round of drinks. When Eric found them a half hour later, the small table was littered in empty glasses.
***
“You know; your friends are really nice.” Jenny slurred as Eric half-carried her into her apartment. “I didn’t think Jenkins and I would be so good at karaoke-ing together. And seriously, when did Lee learn how to dance to NSYNC?”
Eric dropped the keys on the counter and set his girlfriend down on the couch.
“I think he figured it out after that ninth Heineken. Of course, you two sang it well. Up until the puking part.”
Jenny curled up on the sofa while McGill locked up and poured a glass of ice water.
“Yeah, that part sucked. Thanks for catching me when I slipped in it.”
Eric brushed the hair from her forehead and gave it a kiss. He held out the chilly glass.
“Here sweetie; take a few sips of water.”
As soon as the water was low, Eric carried Jenny to her bed and tucked her in. He stripped off his shirt and slid in beside her. McGill watched his girlfriend drift off to sleep with a smile and a gentle snore. Eric let his mind wander over the night and thought about Jenny. No good would come of telling her about the murderer still being loose. She would only worry.