He follows you, p.1
He Follows You, page 1
HE FOLLOWS YOU
by
JACK PARKER
Copyright © 2019 by Jack Parker
Cover and internal design © 2019 by Jack Parker
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this book may be used or reproduced, in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events or locations is entirely coincidental.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER ONE
As Alessandra got closer, police lights flashed a brilliant blue and red against the darkening sky. Alessandra ran now; her neon orange tennis shoes crunched over the loose gravel. The bright yellow crime scene tape stood out against the lights once she got to the scene.
Alessandra's grip on the handle of her kit tightened as she surveyed the scene before her. She blew out a breath as she fingered her mom's pearl necklace-a nervous habit. She didn't want to interrupt as she saw everyone doing their tasks but needed to get to the body.
You'd think I'd know how to approach a scene by now. Alessandra stood and watched everyone bustle around. They clustered around the body like a swarm of flies.
Finally she called out to the nearest officer. "Excuse me, I'm Alessandra Robillard. I'm with the state police Division of Forensic Sciences, here to collect evidence." She lifted up her badge.
"Who?" An older male officer walked over.
"DFS."
"Why didn't you just say so?"
"Shut up Mays!" A tall woman shouted as she ran over. "When she says that you guys don't know what she means either. You see the badge! You think she's going to steal the body?" She took off the hat that covered her cropped, dark hair. "Sorry about that. You know how some of these guys get." The slender female lifted the tape. "The M.E. just left. Better hurry though. Her assistant's on his way to collect the body." A hand got thrust in her direction. "I'm Officer Healey."
Alessandra shook it as she walked under. "Thanks for helping me out."
"No problem. I was in the background the last time I saw you but I'm heading up this investigation. I remember what it was like to be fresh meat. Being a woman doesn't help. I'm old school and think we need to help each other out." She led Alessandra over to the body.
Large, gray storm clouds loomed overhead and the scent of rain hung thick in the air around them as Alessandra got closer. She had one hour at best. An industrial strength lamp shined enough light for her to see the victim face up on the ground.
The first thing she saw were the pair of lifeless blue eyes that stared up at her. Her blonde hair was matted from the caked blood that had dried hours ago. A large, brown splotch stood out on her gray yoga pants. As for the light blue shirt, it was dark red, soaked through with blood. Her hands were still tightly clamped over her bulging stomach.
"The M.E. eyeballed it and thinks she's about seven months," Officer Healey remarked. "She says she'll have a better estimate once she's on the table. Nice shoes by the way. You have any questions I'm over there." She pointed over by the chain-link fence.
"Thanks."Who would do something like this?Alessandra rapidly blinked to clear her moist eyes and took a deep breath. With a firm nod she opened her kit and slid on her gloves. She collected the red-stained rocks and dirt around the body. She double and triple checked the items before placing them in the cardboard box. She found scraps of torn cloth, a hair scrunchie and pieces of rope and duct tape.
"The clothes will have to stay with her until the coroner shows up," a deep voice spoke up from behind her.
Alessandra stopped mid sample and quickly turned around. She could see the distinct outline of firm muscle along the man's six foot frame. The smile he gave her reached his warm, hazel eyes. She turned back to her task.
I like how she stays so focused on her task. He looked at her shoes. She sure knows how to stand out. "You're with the M.E?"
Alessandra sighed. "All of you keep asking that. I'm with the Illinois State Police. It's completely different."
"This is my jurisdiction." Dylan's brow furrowed as he got out his phone.
Alessandra sighed. "I'm collecting evidence. Jurisdiction has nothing to do with it. You want to whip it out and have a measuring contest?" Alessandra pointed by the fence. "Good luck. The lead is that woman over there. I'm a forensic science student. If all goes well I'll have my doctorate in a couple more months."
"Ah, I see now." Dylan put his phone away. A feisty one. "So a student? I'm Dylan Jameson, a special agent with the FBI," he added. Most women could appreciate that.
FBI? Alessandra collected a torn piece of clothing. "I'm sorry but I really need to collect this and I don't have anymore time to chat." A clap of thunder sounded overhead to emphasize her point.
"Ok I get it." Dylan stood quietly and watched her collect her items.
Fifteen minutes later Alessandra stood up. "All done." She dared a look at him. "I'm sorry for earlier. I don't like to be bothered when I'm working. Good luck with your case Mr. Jameson." She gathered her things, waved good-bye to Officer Healey who kept her eyes on Dylan and started walking.
"We've barely met and you're already leaving. Don't you want to know who the victim is?" Dylan asked in an effort to keep her there. She piqued his interest; he just wanted to keep watching her.
"If I need to know they'll tell me. Right now this is my concern." She held up the box.
Unfazed Dylan continued, "Elizabeth Stewart. She resides in Virginia. This murder has crossed state lines." He ran a hand through his brown hair."So here I am," he finished as his full lips curved up into a smile.
Keep walking Alessandra. Against her better judgment she stopped. "How did she get all the way to Chicago?"
"That's what I'm here to find out. I have a couple now who have to bury both their daughter and grandson. You better believe I won't rest 'til I find the killer." Dylan clenched his fists at his sides.
Alessandra could already tell by looking at him he enjoyed what he did. She didn't know what kind of person killed an innocent woman and her unborn child. She did know this man would find him. Just then the coroner's van pulled up.
"I really better get going. It was nice meeting you," Alessandra said.
"I didn't catch your name."
Her green eyes looked at him. "Alessandra." Then she resumed her walking.
"It was nice meeting you!" Dylan called out to her retreating figure. "Nice shoes!"
* * *
Dylan walked inside the lab as the door slammed closed behind him.
"You have something for me?" Other than that beautiful body. He looked at Alessandra. At least he would have liked to if she didn't happen to be digging in the lab's large closet. Instead he hung back and admired the view of her that he could see.
"Just give me a sec. I have to find the results." She rifled around some more. "Got it!" With a smile she produced the document then narrowed her eyes at him. "Wait. I just remembered you already got this."
"Did I?"
"Yes! I even added your name to the e-mail myself. What did you really call me for? I thought you hadn't received it." You should have known that Alessandra! Don't let this man cut off the functioning of your brain.
"Guilty." Dylan raised his hands in surrender. "I was actually on my way downtown to watch Healey take a crack at Gardener again. He won't be ready for another hour."
"Okay."
"Okay?" Dylan repeated. "Not exactly the response I'd expected."
"Is that because I didn't trip all over myself to try to be close to you?" Alessandra asked. She was proud of herself and hoped her resolve had been believable.
Dylan peered at her again. "If you're hungry we can run down to the café and grab a quick bite."
Alessandra bit her lip. Why is he asking me? "What happened to the woman joined at your hip?"
Dylan almost laughed. "Her? Just an over eager newbie. She has to tag along to get a feel for the 'position.' The only reason she got it to start is because of her 'connection' with Assistant Director Banning."
Alessandra laughed now. "If I didn't know better I'd say you were jealous."
"No. Just annoyed. She's okay but she's not gonna cut it out in the field. You'd run miles around her," Dylan offered with an easy grin.
"Is that a your way of giving me a compliment?" Alessandra took the pencil holding up her hair.
Dylan sighed. How do I always manage to say the wrong thing around her? She's always throwing me off. Though he wasn't quite ready to admit it."I did mean it as one. I'd much rather be with you than her." His eyes now focused on the cascade of black curls that fell loosely over her shoulders.
Did he have to say it like that? Out loud Alessandra said, "I see."
"So how about lunch?"
Ale
Alessandra didn't see the crestfallen look on Dylan's face as he spoke up. "Thanks for the report by the way."
"You're welcome. Good luck with Gardener." Alessandra was back in the cabinet.
Dylan frowned as he shut the door behind him. Whatever it takes to get closer to her I plan to to do it.
* * *
Alessandra stood nervously waiting as she saw Dylan pacing on the phone. Her apprehension built and she wanted to be anywhere but looking at him.
I think he looks even better when he's angry. It's the way his mouth gets tight that brings out his hard jaw. Before she knew it she pictured herself kissing the area and then him.
"Alessandra," Dylan's voice cut into her thoughts. "What are you doing here?"
"Well the M.E. was coming to bring you the information on Elizabeth Stewart. But I had info from the clothing samples and she seemed busy so I..." Shut up Alessandra!
Dylan smiled, showing off his left dimple as he took the folder. Alessandra moved her gaze and focused in on his dark suit.
"Thanks but you do realize I don't need this. It's supposed to go to the Chicago PD." He moved closer. "But I'm flattered you came all the way here to see me."
"I knew," Alessandra started defensively. "I just thought you might need a copy to stay up to speed without bothering Officer Healey."
"I stand corrected. Thanks for this. Traffic's a bitch trying to get downtown." Dylan looked at her. "Since you're here can I honor that rain check?"
It's been nearly a month. I suppose I can indulge him. Alessandra smiled now. "What did you have in mind? "
Dylan returned it. "I promise you're going to love it. "
* * *
The short, cold days gave way to longer, warm ones. On June 25, five months after the discovery of Elizabeth Stewart's body, the trial against Liam Gardener officially got underway. With the weather unseasonably warm-in the warm nineties-hundreds of people attempted to find their way inside of the air conditioned courtroom.
Gardener, a former college linebacker stood at six feet four inches and weighed 260 pounds. He preferred his numerous women to be half his size. The larger the weight difference the better. Since he could bench press twice his weight manhandling these women was all too easy.
Elizabeth Stewart, a former college cheerleader had heard everything about him when they first met at a sports bar. Still she thought she was different. One year later after yet another beating, Liam bought her flowers and asked her to marry him. Despite her friends and her parents saying that it was a bad idea, Elizabeth agreed to the engagement. She knew one thing they didn't.~~~
* * *
"But mother, he loves me and I love him and," She began as she looked at them and rubbed her stomach, "we're going to be starting a family together. They say a baby changes everything."
"Honey. I wish you'd think about yourself and the baby. He's had no problem hitting you before."
"Honestly Mom, it was my fault. I just have to make sure not to say or do anything that'll set him off."
"Lizzie please," David Stewart jumped in. "All you have to do is breathe the wrong way and he'll put his hands on you. I've worked with those types and even defended them. Use the sense God gave you, get out of there and get a restraining order."
"Just stay here. It will make us feel better. Dad can take you to you to your appointments and I won't have to worry," Lonie Stewart insisted.
"Mom I'm an adult and so is he. We'll figure things out. For the baby."~~~
* * *
Even though Elizabeth had always been smart her one weakness had been men, especially the muscular, athletic type. Throw in his accent and being six years older and she found herself smitten with him.
All of this and more came out during the trial. Alessandra made it a point to be there even as she worked on her final dissertation. She would be called to the stand to interpret forensic evidence. A healthy fear of public speaking also made the task a daunting one. Watching how other expert witnesses carried themselves put her at ease.
It was now July ninth and also day nine of the trial. Dylan was sworn in as the last witness on the stand for the prosecution.
Thirty minutes later, Carson Fowler got ready to turn Dylan Jameson-his final witness-over to the defense. He just had one more question. Striding purposefully in front of the courtroom he continued speaking.
"Mr. Jameson would you say that Liam Gardener knew what he was doing when he set out to kill Miss Stewart?" Fowler questioned
"Absolutely," came Dylan's sure answer. "As Detective Scott said earlier it's on record that he was abusive to all of his girlfriends, Miss Stewart included. The most recent incident was reported to the police when she was five months pregnant."
As he finished a cry broke the silence in the courtroom as Lonie Stewart broke down in her husband David's arms.
"Your witness." Carson Fowler walked back to his seat.
"Thank you." Defense attorney Michael Mason stood up and met each juror's eyes as he addressed the court. "Mr. Jameson you're on record saying that you felt Miss Stewart's murder was premeditated."
"Yes," Dylan answered. "He lived with the victim and so he had motive. She also happened to be pregnant with his child. His own mother testified that he told her he didn't want to be 'saddled' with child support."
"Surely you're not trying to say he would kill a person over something as trivial as money. Mr. Gardener had to turn over his financial records. The court knows he has numerous avenues of income."
"In my line of work, people have killed for much less," Dylan replied matter of factly.
Jury members five, seven and nine all nodded and smiled as they looked on.
"That may be true Mr. Jameson but a man's life is at stake here? What would Liam Gardener have to gain from 'getting rid' of his fiancée? He loved her and his unborn child dearly."
"Men who abuse always think it's out of love. That's why they have gifts and apologies. It's so that the woman stays. They also make it seem as though she's at fault. Miss Stewart said as much to her friends as well as her father. It's also why she refused to take out an order of protection against him.
"So in your 'expert' opinion Mr. Jameson, why do you think he did it?"
"Because he could. If Miss Stewart believed it was something she did it was certainly Liam Gardener who put the idea in her head."
"Are you an expert on the human mind?" Mason asked.
"No," Dylan replied.
"Do you claim to know what goes on in a committed relationship? How about the kind of life they had? Miss Stewart was taken to every prenatal appointment and didn't have to work a single day she was with my client," he said and then turned to face the jury. "I think Mr. Jameson has spent too much time in his line of work. It's clouded his judgment of my client. I mean it's not like he's been in an actual relationship."
"Objection your Honor!" Carson Fowler yelled, red-faced.
"Sustained. I'm instructing the jury to disregard that last statement."
* * *
Five days later, the case against Liam Gardener went to the jury for deliberation. The prosecution should have had a pretty easy case but the defense had a couple more tricks up their sleeve. They started by introducing a surprise witness that showed an expert witness for the prosecution had not fully disclosed all of their relationships and the "help" they received from a certain well-known businessman. Next they brought in another witness who called the defendant's mental health into question.
"This is really unbelievable," Carson Fowler fumed as he walked to yet another meeting in the honorable judge's chambers.
Unfortunately for Gardener and his lawyers, the bodies and the state's meticulous attention to detail exposed his defense for what it was: a flimsy tactic to try and gain sympathy. Ten nerve-racking hours later the lawyers got the message that the jury had reached a unanimous decision.
An hour later everyone gathered in the courtroom as the proceedings streamed live over the internet and on TV.
"All rise," the bailiff said in a booming voice.
"I understand you've reached a verdict," Judge Jaqueline Crawford remarked once everyone had been seated.
"Yes your honor," Claudia Martin, juror number one, responded with a nod.
