doesn’t fit the prototype,” Sam remarked.
“You’re right. Except she wasn’t just your everyday secretary. She went out on an errand for her boss, the renowned Tynan Wesley. He gave her the keys to his Jag, and kaboom,” Morgan explained.
“Another right-wing media type,” Sam said. “Isn’t Wesley the publisher of the conservative magazine, the American Standard? And I know he hosts a weekly television program, Truth and Anarchy.”
“That’s right, Sam. He’s debated many an environmentalist on his program. He’s been especially critical of the Yosemite Club.”
“That’s interesting, Captain,” Sam said. The mention of Wesley’s name lit a spark inside of Sam. Wesley was one man he wanted to meet. Sam was always impressed by his glib responses to controversial questions.
“And I don’t have to fill you in on the most recent victim,” Morgan said. “I’m certain you’re well acquainted with the facts surrounding the Moreau case.”
“Eleanor Moreau most certainly doesn’t fit the pattern of being an anti-environmentalist. She was the former wife of the Canadian Prime Minister. They’ve been divorced for some time. No, Captain, indeed this crime doesn’t jive with the others. In fact, she was a member of Green Peace and a whale rider at that. You couldn’t think of a more vocal supporter of environmental causes,” Sam pointed out.
“Sam, maybe you can help us out here. We’re still at a loss regarding the obscure references to Moreau in the last crossword puzzle,” Morgan added.
“I must say that the references to Moreau and to her murder made by the killer in the crossword puzzle were ingenious.” Sam had it all figured out. “For example, her birthday was March 15, and one of the clues was the _____ of March. Her initials were one of the clues, em___, for emcee. Then there were the ski locations that she often frequented, St. Moritz, and Aspen. Her favorite watering holes, The China Club, and Bedouins were also part of the solution. And LSU was where she went to college. Then there were other biographical facts that only someone close to her could have known.”
Morgan nodded. “Thirty across was sort of funny,” he said. “Drucilla gorilla, I still don’t know what the hell it means. The clue was Licentious simian.”
“Well, Captain, if I remember my classical history, Drucilla was the daughter of Augustus Caesar and was said to have slept with every member of the Senate,” Sam replied.
“Perhaps this is an example of sexual pollution. Did she have one of those sexually transmitted diseases?”
“I don’t think so,” Sam said cracking a smile. “But she did have a reputation.”
“I also like 49 down,” Morgan said.
“Polly Adler Rattler,” Sam rejoined.
“And 53 across,” Ward said.
“Irma la Duce Goose,” Sam said unable to contain his laughter. “The murderer was obviously drawing parallels between Moreau and famous harlots.”
“The location of the murder crisscrossed with the murder weapon,” Morgan said. “Here Sam, take a look.” Morgan pointed to the upper right hand corner of the grid.
“What about the explosive device itself?” Sam asked.
“Well as you know, gribiline is the most common chemical used in constructing letter bombs. At a low temperature the physical structure of gribilene can be changed without any instability. But above fifty degrees any lesion detonates an explosion. A gribilene seal that runs along the top inside fold of the envelope and another along the glue tracks almost always results in a successful detonation when the unfortunate victim unseals the envelope,” Morgan replied.
“Have you investigated the consignments of gribilene from its manufacturers?” Sam asked.
“Yes, of course, Sam. There are only two companies that make it. However, contractors use it in commercial demolition, and a shipment could have easily been diverted. The FBI is checking every shipment, but the truth is, the stuff can easily be made from common chemicals.”
“You know, Captain, I was denied access to the crime scene. As a result I couldn’t check Moreau’s computer files. Did you check the e-mail on the victim’s computers?”
“Yes, but we didn’t turn up anything consequential,” Morgan replied.
“You don’t mind if I have a look?”
“Of course not, be my guest.”
“You know, it’s possible that the killer picked his victims randomly. From out of the newspaper or even the Internet. But there’s also the distinct possibility that the killer knew each of them,” Sam observed.
“In order for him to have known all these people, he would have had to travel in select circles. And he would have had to have been in the center of the lens rather than on the fringe,” Morgan said.
“I’d like to read the background files on the victims.”
“I’ve already made copies of them for you,” Captain Morgan said pointing to a cardboard box next to his desk. “Anything else you need, Sam?”
“Yes. I’d like to inspect the physical evidence in the Moreau case,” Sam said.
Captain Morgan called down to the evidence room. A young uniformed officer came running up with a plastic baggy containing the remnants of the letter bomb. Morgan handed it over to Sam.
Sam looked it over. “I have to admit that I’m fascinated by this case, but Esther and I were supposed to leave for Monte Carlo tonight for a long weekend.”
“Take my advice. Forget the crossword murders. Have a nice trip. I guarantee you the case won’t be solved before you come back.”
“But it’s possible that we can prevent the next murder. From past experience, the killer always moves within one month after sending in the puzzle. We’re running out of time.”
“Sam, you’re really doing us a big favor meeting with the press. It takes the heat off the department. But we both know that the only way we’re going to get this guy is when someone comes forward with a lead. The reward money is up to a cool million. Let me give you some advice. You’re young for about fifteen minutes. If I were you, I wouldn’t waste a single one of those precious minutes. If you’re really having pangs of conscience, take this crap with you and read it on the plane,” Morgan said pointing to the box of files on the floor next to his desk.
Sam stood shaking his head in agreement. “I’ll take your advice and take the files with me.” Sam turned toward Detective Ward. “Tim, perhaps there’s something we can do about the e-mail as well. I’ll send an e-mail message to you tonight. If I remember correctly, your address is [email protected].”
“Yes, Sam,” Ward replied.
“Attached to the e-mail will be a utility program. Download it. It’ll forward all of the e-mail stored on any computer to my e-mail address. All you need to do is run it on Explorer 8.04 or higher. It’s a java applet. I’ll check my e-mail while I’m away. I’m packing my iPad next to my tennis racket.”
“No problem, Sam,” Ward said before leaving the office.
“If I stumble on anything important I’ll be in touch,” Sam said.
“Try to squeeze in a little romance, Sam,” Morgan said.
“I’ll try,” Sam said with a grin. He picked up the box of folders and walked out of Morgan’s office. He was halfway down the long stone staircase of the precinct house when he remembered Lentz. Sam wanted to review the fully solved puzzle. He reversed his steps, backtracking to Ward’s office. Sam stood in the doorway.
Lentz