Chapter 24

Sunday evening was slow, slower than normal for an early fall night, I was told by the departing day shift. They had had only a couple of minor problems all day. Since it was still daylight I walked the perimeter of the college, trying to get a better mental picture of the layout.

I had made it my goal in life to catch, maybe kill the son of a bitch that was raping the girls from the college. I also wondered how it was being kept so quiet from the media. Someone associated with the college at a very high level has some damn big clout with the media or were involved with the rapist.

That might be another project for Jen. Search for sex offenders in the area or those in jail that may be getting some kind of temporary release or furlough the first of every month.

Exercise is good for the soul so I not only walked around the whole college I crisscrossed and scoped out every possible entrance. I made notes on my smart phone about places that needed more lighting or bushes removed. I also was going to ask about window stickers that went on the inside of the windshield for all students and personal. That had to be changed every month instead of yearly.

I went to the auditorium to check it out and made a mental plan for the rape prevention class I was going to have. Yes, it would work perfectly; it had the latest audio visual systems. Plus, mats could be put across the front for some rough and tumble. I just had to get Jen up to speed quickly and do some practice runs.

I went back to the office and sent my night partner on patrol around the roads and the parking lots that were next to the college. I wanted the tag numbers of every car that was on the property without a parking permit.

While he was gone I pulled up the folder and reviewed the rape reports again, then cross-referenced the three that were still students here. I looked at their current pictures and the pictures from last year. I memorized those pictures, their information, and their dorm room numbers. I wanted to talk to them, interview them and to see if they would be willing to do a reenactment of their capture, individually and as a group. I was hoping but doubtful.

At 10 PM my partner came back from his rounds with the list of tag numbers. I entered them into a spreadsheet and also emailed them to Jen with a note that I would explain later what I wanted.

I started my rounds, this time I did the walk-thru of the dorms first to mix things up. I had completed the first floor and had made my way about halfway thru the second floor when I came upon a young woman with short dark hair, setting on a bench crying; she was nearly sobbing.

"Miss, what's wrong, can I help you?" I asked.

I got no response, only more crying. I put my arm around her and pulled her to me.

"Miss, what's wrong, let me help, are you in pain, do you need a doctor?" I asked again.

She turned, looked at me and said "I'll be OK in a few minutes - the doctors haven't helped me. It just keeps coming back. That's all."

I immediately recognized her as Lorrie Smithfield, victim number 3. I pulled her close.

"It's OK, it's OK, I' will hold you. I'm here," I told her.

I held her close for a few minutes as she settled down.

I called Russ and told him to lock the office and finish the patrol. I would meet him back at the office in a short while.

I pulled a tissue from my pocket and wiped her face; she smiled a little smile at me. I kissed her on the forehead and hugged her again.