Visions in Death (In Death #19)(63)

Can you give us the nature of these mutilations?

"Due to the nature of the investigation, our desire to apprehend this individual with dispatch, and the necessity of building a strong case to bring said individual to justice, we can't reveal specifics as pertains to said investigation."

The public has a right to know.

Did they never tire of swinging that splintered bat? Eve wondered.

"The public has a right to be protected, and we're doing everything in our power to do so. The public has a right to be confident that its police force and city officials will work diligently to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the person responsible for the deaths of Elisa Maplewood and Lily Napier. The public does not have a right to all the salient and sensitive details of this case."

And you, she thought, don't have the right to clock up your ratings by slathering over the dead.

What connection is there between the two victims?

"Peabody," Eve murmured, and heard her partner gulp.

"They were both killed by the same method," Peabody stated.

"They were both female, in the same age group, the same racial group. They were both in public parks at the time of the attacks."

What other connections? What are your leads?

"We're not able to disclose or discuss specific details of the investigation for reasons already stated."

Do you consider him a sexual predator?

"Two women," Eve began with what she considered Herculean patience, "were brutalized, raped, and murdered. I think you can draw your own conclusions."

Do you believe he'll kill again?

Can you describe the murder weapon in more detail?

Do you have any suspects?

Do you expect to make an arrest soon?

Will you close more parks?

Was the mutilation sexual in nature?

"I wonder." Her eyes had been flat and cold, but now hints of temper glinted in them. Eve interrupted the barrage of questions, and this time there was an edge in her voice. "I sincerely wonder which part of 'we will not disclose or discuss specifics' you fail, as a group, to comprehend. I wonder why you insist on wasting your breath and our time asking questions we cannot and will not answer. So let me save us all the effort and tell you what I know."

They quieted, as if she were about to reveal a new set of commandments. "Two women, and let me repeat their names in case you've forgotten them. Because I haven't forgotten who they were, nor has my partner, nor has any member of this department forgotten them. Their names are Elisa Maplewood and Lily Napier. These women's lives were violently and unrightfully taken. They were taken near their own homes, in our city. It is their rights that were violated in the most heinous way. It is their rights we will seek to defend as we continue our investigation. We will continue this investigation, with all the resources available, until such time as the individual who violated them is identified, apprehended, and incarcerated. I work for Elisa Maplewood and Lily Napier, and now I'm going to get back to it."

She turned away, strode back into Central, and ignored the questions hurled at her back.

The moment she was back in, a handful of cops, drones, and civilian liaisons broke into applause.

"Shit," was all Eve said, and that was under her breath.

"I thought you were brilliant," Peabody said from behind her. "Sincerely."

"Doesn't do any good to get pissed off, or to preach."

"I think you're wrong. I think Maplewood's and Napier's friends and families will appreciate what you said, and how you said it. Aside from that, I think it sends a message to the killer. Loud and clear. We're hunting him, and we're not going to stop."

"Yeah. Well, there's that."

"And since I enjoy watching you tear a small strip off the more ass-holey reporters, I can forgive you for tossing me into the deep end of the pool, without so much as a 'Hold your breath.'"

"You did fine."

"I did," Peabody agreed. Then closed her mouth quickly when Tibble and Whitney entered.

"Lieutenant, Detective." Tibble nodded to both of them. "You had considerable to say this afternoon, Lieutenant. Not your usual taciturn self."

"No, sir."

"Well said. Commander!"

Whitney paused as Tibble strode off. "Mayor's closing it down. A moment of silence for the victims." Whitney glanced toward the doors, cynicism in every pore. "An inspired touch and a good visual for the evening reports. Chill down a little," he suggested, "and get back to work."

"I'm as chilly as I'm going to get," Eve decided after he'd moved off to join Tibble. She checked the time. "It's early for anyone who was on Napier's shift, but let's take a shot at O'Hara's."

Her pocket 'link signaled. "Hell," she muttered when the readout warned her it was Nadine.

"I've made my statement, answered the questions. I'm done, Nadine."

"I'm not calling as a reporter. Give me five minutes."

She'd sneak, Eve thought, she'd prevaricate, but she wouldn't lie.

"Heading down to the garage. Can you get in there?"

The smirk twisted her lips. "Please."

"Level One, Section Three. I don't have time to wait for you."