Fatal Decree Read Online Free Page A

island as it is.”
    “J.D.,” Jock said, “I know Gene Alexander.” He explained the relationship to his agency and told her that they’d worked together a number of times over the years. “I’d like to go with you to make the notification.”
    “I don’t see why not,” J.D. said. “He and Les are due into Sarasota-Bradenton at ten thirty tonight.”
    “Do you know any more than you did this morning?” I asked.
    “Not much. Other than the identification. The autopsy confirmed that she died from a gunshot to the head. The bullet was still there, a twenty-two-caliber, light load. It was meant to kill, but not exit the body. Theballistics guy called me a few minutes ago. Said the bullet came from the same gun that killed the three women in Miami twelve years ago.”
    “Are you thinking the same killer?” I asked.
    “I don’t know. The killings in Miami had a ritual feel to them. This one looks more like a crime of opportunity. Same gun, same signature, but it’s the only one in twelve years. It might be a copycat, but I can’t explain the initials on the back of Nell’s neck.”
    “What does Miami-Dade think?” I asked.
    “Not much. They’re stumped. The twelve-year gap is the puzzler. They’re going back through cases and trying to see if anybody we looked at then might have been in prison for the past twelve years and just got out. They’re also checking on people I put away for other crimes. See if anybody who might hold a grudge is out now.”
    “But you don’t think it’s the same guy,” I said.
    “Who knows? But, this killing fits the pattern of the ones in Miami. The victim’s appearance generally matched the whale tail victims. Lots of circular thinking here.”
    “Maybe you just don’t want to see the pattern.” I said. “If it’s the same murderer, why place a body where you were sure to be involved in the investigation?”
    She just looked at me. Like I’d said what she’d been thinking, but didn’t want to acknowledge.
    “Were you involved in those cases in Miami?” I asked.
    “Mostly on the periphery of the investigation. I was a rookie detective and did some of the legwork, but that was all.”
    Jock said, “Could there be a connection to you?”
    “Maybe. We finally found the other end of the rope tied to a tree on Sister Key.”
    “So the body didn’t drift up from Emerald Harbor,” I said.
    “No. She’d been tied to a tree right across from my condo. If the rope hadn’t broken, I would have been able to see the body from my place.”
    “You worked the case in Miami,” said Jock, “even if you were only involved a little. What if Nell’s murder was a signal to you? The killer would have known that the ballistics lab would connect the gun to the killings in Miami.”
    “I guess that’s a possibility, but it seems a little far-fetched,” she said.
    “Even so,” said Jock, “if the body today was meant for you for some reason, I’d think the people you ought to be looking at are ones you put away.”
    “Do you think it’s a coincidence that the body was left near your condo?” I asked.
    “That’d be one hell of a coincidence,” said Jock.
    “I agree with Jock,” said J.D., “but why now? It’s been a long time. I don’t think the killer’s been asleep for the past dozen years.”
    “Have you had anything unusual happen in the past few days?” Jock asked.
    “Not really. If this was meant for me somehow, the murderer must have gone to some length to find out where I live. Cops aren’t listed in your usual databases.”
    “Matt,” Barb called from behind the bar, “do you guys want to eat?”
    I nodded and she brought three menus to the table. We gave her our order, and she disappeared into the kitchen.
    Jock said, “I’ve got to make a call,” and stepped out onto the lanai that overlooked the bay.
    “Where do you go from here?” I asked J.D.
    “I’ll talk to the victim’s husband. See if he knows something that can give us a