Bloodstain Read Online Free Page B

plaques. There were the two Walkers and a picture of Marcie. Also in the set, were two older photos of what looked to be grandparents.
    Jason turned his attention to the couple. “Folks, we appreciate you taking time to speak with us. I’m sure this is difficult.”
    Mrs. Walker gave a half smile. “We’re glad to do anything we can to help catch the man who did that to our Marcie. She was our only child, you know.”
    “I did not. I’m very sorry. Unfortunately, there’s been another death, and we believe it’s the same man who killed your daughter.”
    Mr. Walker was sitting straight up in his chair. He was a tall man, and despite being elderly, was still an imposing figure. The news clearly agitated him. “If I found that S.O.B., he’d wish he’d never been born.”
    “Jerry, watch your language .” Mrs. Walker chastised her husband.
    They must have had Marcie late in life because they both appeared to be in their sixties. Or maybe losing a daughter will just make you age more quickly.
    Jason let Vanessa take the lead. “I’m sure you answered these questions before but we would like to go over it once more.”
    The Walkers nodded.
    “When was the last time you spoke with your daughter?”
    “I talked to her on the phone just before she went to work that day. She called me almost every day ,” Mrs. Walker smiled as she said it. “She is…was…a good girl. I’m sorry, it’s still hard to believe she’s gone.”
    “No need to apologize. Did she sound okay when you spoke to her?”
    “Yes, fine.”
    “She didn’t mention anyone bothering her or being afraid of anyone?”
    “No. She was in good spirits, as usual.”
    “Did she have any enemies you’re aware of, either in Austin, or from high school?”
    Mr. Walker spoke up. “Our daughter was friendly and outgoing. We never saw where she had hurt anyone.”
    Jason knew parents didn’t always know the whole truth about their children, but they clearly weren’t aware of anybody he and Vanessa could look into. It was time to go.
    “Mr. and Mrs. Walker, thank you very much for your time ,” he put a card on the table. “Please don’t hesitate to call if anything comes to mind.”
    Mrs. Walker saw them out. “Goodbye. And detectives…” Jason and Vanessa turned. “…catch him, please…for Marcie.”
    Jason spoke for both of them. “We’ll do our best, ma’am. That’s a promise.”
    Mrs. Walker smiled a sad smile and closed the door.
     
    *******
     
    Back in the car, Jason noticed Vanessa was quieter than usual. She was turned away, staring out the passenger window.
    “You okay?”
    When she turned towards him, her eyes were red. “Their only child…so sad.”
    O ne of the things Jason liked best about his partner was she’s not afraid to be human. It was likely her pregnancy had a lot to do with how this was hitting her.
    “Your right, it’s very tough when there isn’t more family to help people get through tragedy.”
    “Did I tell you Rob has always wanted a big family?”
    “No, I don’t think you did.”
    “Yeah. He was an only child , and he said he didn’t want that for his kid.”
    “One baby or ten, you’ll be a great mom.”
    She smiled and then pointed a finger at him. “Not a word of this at the station.”
    Jason just laughed. He was accustomed to such warnings.
     
    *******
     
    Norman Lasiter turned his black pick-up onto South Presa Street. South Presa is his hunting ground. Here is the largest concentration of prostitutes in the city.
    He cruised slowly down the east side of the road, ignoring the calls from girls on his side but checking out the girls on the west side. He knew what he was looking for. He’d found her down here before and she was bound to be here again.
    He circled around at the end of the block and came back along the west side.
    There you are!
    A tall, thin, dark-haired girl watched him come along and stepped out to the curb. “You looking for some fun?”
    “Maybe. Are