KILLER DOUBLE

REBA.

It was just after dinner. There was a roof-top terrace and the neighbors in our apartment decided to meet there for after dinner drinks. It was April and the weather was mild that evening. There were 8 apartments in our building. 4 married couples and 4 single tenants. I was one of the single tenants. I collected the drinks I would be contributing and headed up to the rooftop, blanket in tow. Sometimes it got a little chilly at night.

The banker and nurse couple, Bill and Jackie, were already there. Sam was also a single tenant in this apartment as I was, He was accompanied by his friend James, who didn't live in our apartment and no one liked. Sarah and her partner Kathy followed me up the stairs. Bradley and Carol wouldn't be coming. Carol was 8 months pregnant and lived on the second floor. Carol had no desire to walk up to the rooftop and she didn't drink anyway. Our apartment managers Betty and Bob wouldn't be coming either. They were seniors and only came up the steps if there was a problem. Renee and Frank arrived with cups and hard liquor. Soft music was playing from someone's phone. There was fruit, ice and mixes. We were a jovial group.

My name is Reba Carson, a forensic pathologist for the city of Eatontown in New Jersey . My position is being transferred to Phoenix Arizona in a few days. I hadn't shared this information with anyone but the apartment managers, so far. Developing close ties in our little apartment community hadn't been one of my strong suits. All they knew was that I worked in a morgue and they thought I was a morgue attendant. I never corrected them. The few friends I had would be missed, like Crystal and Jason who lived across the street. They usually came by and had drinks with us. I held my phone in my hands watching the security monitor so they could be buzzed in once they arrived. My phone vibrated in my hand. It was a text. Crystal and Jason were at the door. I buzzed them in.

We were seated in various chairs around a fire pit facing West so we could watch the sunset . James had monopolized the floor and demanded everyone's attention. I strongly disliked James and refused to look at him as he told his tale. I had listened to his fabrication until something he said caught my attention. James was talking about some dude that had dissed him before and how he got what was coming to him. The dude had been beaten, hobbled and shot 5 times. The information about him being hobbled hadn't been released, but I knew that information had a way of getting out and becoming common knowledge. I kept an ear out, listening to him anyway. He continued his tail saying the killer had stood over him and shot him 5 times. Again, possible common knowledge. I glanced at Sam. Sam saw me and made a motion with his eyes and mouthed silently, "He did it". My blood ran cold. Tiny pinpricks ran up my spine. I wanted to get out of there. I felt genuine fear that was almost panic, but played it cool and calm and continued to nurse my beer. I announced to everyone that my shift would be starting soon and then I have to run. James will still entertaining the group. I wrapped my blanket around my shoulders and headed for the roof door. James is parting words almost made me trip down the stairs. He said, " and the sandwich that dude made was good too". I pretended to giggle, wave my fingers in parting and continue down to the third floor and my apartment. I unlocked the door, went inside, locked and security locked my door and then went to my bedroom to call Detective People, who was handling the case, about the conversation that had taken place that evening.

"People speaking". His greeting always made me smile. I explained who I was and retold the conversation, the speaker and the people who had heard and witnessed James' story. Phone call completed but the unease was still with me. The fear. I could feel it down to my core.

I couldn't sit still, so I finished packing and emailed the movers. I booked a flight and a taxi. My flight or fight mode wouldn't turn off. The taxi to LaGuardia would be expensive, but I didn't care and the dispatcher had been more than happy to book my ride. I made my hotel reservations for New York and Phoenix. My apartment in Phoenix would be ready and available to me in two days. I could already picture myself by the pool with a cold drink and a good book (or someone who's read one). My taxi had arrived. I got my bags and hopped inside to cool leather seats. I didn't bother to say good-bye to anyone. I would call them in the morning. My flight was at 5:30am. Plenty of time for me to get checked in and catch my flight. Once I boarded the plane, my heart rate lowered and I could breathe normally. My shoulders ached from being so tense and I was so tired that I slept the entire 3 1/2 hours that it took to get to Sky Harbor. I was exhausted. I was now headed for my second hotel of the day. The short hour stay in NY hadn't been restful and sitting by the pool was not on the menu. I collected my room card key and let the porters deliver my luggage.

JAMES/JIMMY

He arrived at the hotel with his suitcases and purchases. The over-tired clerk checked the phone in reservation and handed him the card key with directions and ushered him out of the lobby, anxious to get back to his nap. No sign in, no ID? Could his life get any better? With luck, he would only be there a few hours. He took out a few plastic sacks he had bought, cut them open and lined the bathroom. He took off his clothes and cut off his beard and mustache. He permed and frosted the tips of his hair and shaped his eyebrows. After his shower, he applied makeup. He was an expert. He had been doing hair and makeup for strippers for years. They paid him big bucks and that's how he made his living.

He took apart his old cell phone and placed it in a bag with his shaved and cut hair. He used his burner phone to call a contact for a new set of ID for him. He took and forwarded his contact a new photo. His old clothes were placed in the mounting trash bag. He left the hotel wearing horned rim glasses, an expensive suit and Italian loafers. He left his old identity behind. He was now Mark Kennedy, entrepreneur. He would walk to the airport. It was 3 miles away. He planned to take a taxi from there to a luxury hotel in the City center where his contact would meet him with his new ID. He passed a service station on the way and placed his trash bag in their garbage dumpster and whispered goodbye to his old persona. His steps felt lighter as he continued his trek to the airport. Things were going his way, he could feel it in his bones. After the deed, he had gone to the strip club to work on a few of his clients. One of the girls would be driving up to NY after her set. He asked if he could catch a ride with her and she was happy for the company. He collected his money for the night, grabbed his cases that were in his storage locker. They were his makeup cases and his stash of cash. Yes, things were going his way. She had dropped him off close to the hotel where his transformation would continue. After his long trek, he finally arrived at the airport and walked into the terminal. He went to the washroom to check his appearance and wash his hands. Satisfied, he exited the washroom to go curbside to catch his taxi. He was striding along happily, exited the doors and almost lost his composure. Then he remembered the CCTV cameras and patted his pockets as if in search of his wallet. He pretended to heave a sigh of relief and continued to walk toward the curb. There, standing curbside was the missing bitch herself! His hands were twitching to end her but, he would have to save it for another day. His contact would be waiting for him. He calmly stood next to her. She glanced at him and didn't recognize him. He smiled to keep himself from laughing. He let her take the first taxi then followed her in the next one. She was headed for the hotel next to the airport. He told the driver he wanted another destination as that hotel wouldn't do for him. He would need more than a wheeled makeup case and a small duffel for his check-in. Plus, he knew where to find her now. His first stop was at an upscale thrift shop where he purchased clothing that didn't have to be washed, boots, shoes and two nondescript suitcases. His purchases were put in the suitcases which he placed in the waiting taxis' trunk. His final destination was the 'H' hotel. His contact was walking towards the hotel as he exited the taxi. They man-hugged like long lost friends and promised to do lunch soon. The documents and payment had been exchanged then. The taxi driver had packed the porters cart and Mark asked directions to the facilities. Mark would meet him at the desk. While in the stall he took the documents and transferred them to his wallet. Mark was born. His contact had supplied him with a drivers license, social security and library card. The extra cash he had included was well worth the efforts of their creator. Mark placed them in his wallet, shredded the envelope and flushed it down the toilet, washed his hands then met the porter at the check-in desk. At this hotel, ID and signature were required. He paid cash for the room, collected the card key and went to his room. After tipping the porter, Mark hung up his jacket and pants and laid across the bed to plan his next move.

REBA

It was too early for check-in, so after checking her bags she took her carry-on and went to the closest 3 star hotel to the airport. Two sleepless hours later she was back in a taxi for a return ride to the terminal for her flight to Phoenix.

JAMES/JIMMY/MARK

There was a dancer he had had a....sleepover with a couple of times. She had lived in a townhouse up until a few days ago. The last date had gone badly for her and she was in the Atlantic, somewhere. Mark knew where she kept the spare keys and as long as the rent was paid there would be no problems. He checked out of the 'H' hotel, then dropped his suitcases at his new townhouse. He changed into jeans, tee shirt & work boots. Cleaned her home and went to a near by Buy here Pay here auto dealership and bought an upscale vehicle suitable for a businessman. Mark went to a Marketplace next and bought food, cleaning supplies, house plants and toilet paper. He parked his older model Audi and unpacked his household goods. Ellie Longs' landlord was at the door looking for her. Mark explained that Ellie was out of town visiting an ill relative and he would be housesitting and paying the bills until her return. The landlord told him where to drop off the rent and left. Ellie didn't have any family that lived in town and her friends were dancers with names like Ginger or Cinnamon. He went to the bank and opened a checking account, came back to his new digs, ate dinner then went to bed. Tomorrow would be another long day.

REBA

The hours flew by as my mind, body and spirit caught up with each other. I awoke ravenous and exited about my new job and apartment. It was early morning in Phoenix. I grabbed my phone and headed for the closest waffle establishment. Breakfast done, I sat in my booth lingering over my coffee and took out my phone. I wanted to call Crystal and Jason to give them my new contact information, when my phone rang. It was Detective People with disturbing news. It seems that my friend and neighbor Crystal had called the station for a wellness check for me. When the officers arrived, all souls in my apartment had been extinguished. He was aware that I was in Phoenix from our phone contact last night. I suddenly hit me that everyone in my building was dead. I gave him my key code, permission to enter, contact information and location in Phoenix. He said that if I was needed for questioning, he would be in touch. I knew that would entail Officers arriving to escort me back to New Jersey. I ended the call then called Crystal. They had left the rooftop not five minutes after I left. I convinced her to go away until the killer was caught and to take Jason too. I reminded her to keep the police informed of their location. My next call was to book another flight. Back to New Jersey.

Upon arriving, I called a distant Aunt and took her offered spare room and called Det. People to up date him. I contacted my new job to let them know what was happening and was assured that my position would be held for me. I wasn't happy about putting my life on hold, but with a crime this big, answers had to be found and quickly. I watched the news with my Aunt then retired to my room to quietly mourn the loss of life and the joy of being on this side of terra firma. It was a double edged sword.

JAMES/JIMMY/MARK

He blamed her. That bitch that got away! It was her fault that the impromptu plan had collapsed. He needed her dead to feel...complete. He knew the police would be looking for him soon and he needed to disappear. He was at his apartment. He couldn't go to families homes nor could he call them. He sat at his kitchen table to think. A plan was forming. He packed a few items in his backpack, put on his black hoodie and hopped on his bike for his shopping trip. He rode to a dollar store, Walmart and a hardware store, then on to a deserted industrial area. He thought about the morgue attendant who had gotten away. His work was not done, but he had to keep it simple. He called the morgue and asked for her. He was told that she wouldn't be available until after 8pm when her shift started. How sweet was that? He felt warmth flow through him. He would end her and go have ribs at his favorite BBQ joint. No witnesses, no evidence, no worries. Smooth sailing.

It was still early so he rode his bike to a coffee shop. He sat in a corner and had coffee and cake. The news came on and an old arrest photo flashed across the screen. His appearance had changed in the three years since that photo had been taken an there was no one in the coffee shop who knew him. How did they get his identity so soon? He hoped that she wouldn't get picked up before he could find her. When he had been at her apartment, he knew that she had packed to move. He guessed that she was at her new place but he had no idea of it's location. His best bet was to wait for the movers and follow them to her new address. He left his bike and walked to the nearest parking lot. He needed to boost a car. It took him 20 minutes until he found a car that wasn't too flashy. He drove to the deserted industrial area to collect and arrange the items in the back seat. He then found a place to park on her block. He watched the parade of people go in and out of her building. He checked to see if anyone was watching him. So far, no one had given him a second look. He was almost asleep when the movers arrived but were denied entry. The entire building was a crime scene. This was disappointing. What now? He would wait at the morgue. He went through a drive thru, grabbed a bite to eat, then to a gas station for the toilet. He drove to the morgue and parked in the lot to wait for her to come to work.

REBA

She was at the police station with Det. People when the call came with information. He had been spotted in the stolen vehicle and thanks to CCTV cameras, had been followed to the drive thru, gas station and finally to the parking lot at the morgue. Det. People called the morgue and was given the same information. That her shift would start at 8pm. He looked at Reba and said he was thankful that her transfer information hadn't been included but maybe someone should suggest that shift schedules needed to be guarded foe employee safety. It was time to set the trap.

JAMES/JIMMY/MARK

He sat in the morgue lot and waited. It was almost 8pm. He spotted her walking with two other people in lab coats, must be morgue attendants too. They were laughing and it looked like Reba had just told a joke. He hope she enjoyed her last night on earth. His plans for her were extremely gruesome. She would be going from employee to client. He laughed out loud. She would have a drastic pay cut. He was itching with anticipation, but he didn't want to go in during shift change. 8:30pm. An ambulance arrives. This is the opportunity he has been waiting for to complete his plan. He gets out, grabs the items from the back seat, covers them with a small lap blanket. If asked, he would say it was the personal effects of the person that just arrived by ambulance. He walked through the doors and into the hall unimpeded. He arrived at the door marked MORGUE. He ducked around a corner as the EMT's exited for their ambulance. He stepped inside the room. The door softly "snicked" close behind him. The room was long to accommodate multiple gurneys. At the other end of this long room was another door with a clear panel window. He watched as she walked past that window in the door that separated them. He counted the distance as he approached her. 15 feet (It won't be long now!). 10 feet. Another gurney was entering the room accompanied by 2 EMT's. His back was to them and he pretended not to notice their approach until the clipboard was passed over his shoulder and shoved in his face. "Sign for the body please." He grinned. They thought he worked there. He laid his blanket covered bundle on the empty gurney next to him and turned to get the proffered pen and clipboard when the cuffs went on his wrists. He was in shock and surprise as they called him by name, told him he was under arrest and his Miranda rights were being read to him. He looked toward the glass window. Reba just looked and turned her back.

He was such a blowhard and happy to have a captive audience that he told the Detectives each and every crime he had committed down to the last detail.

REBA

He received so many consecutive life sentences at trial that I lost count. I was finally on my way back to Phoenix and looking forward to working in the desert and shopping for my apartment. Here I was at the airport again, when I saw a familiar face. He was checking in his luggage and collecting his boarding pass. I was in line waiting for my turn. He glanced in my direction, smiled then pantomimed drinking and headed towards the lounge. My curiosity was getting the better of me and I wanted to see who this was. After my check in was finished I headed for the lounge. He was sitting at a table leafing through a menu. His hair, curbside, taxi. I was almost at the table and he was holding the menu toward me. With his other hand he was signaling for the waiter. I stopped my forward motion and stared at his face. This couldn't be him! He was in prison, serving multiple life sentences with no possibility of parole. A prick of fear touched my neck and I flinched. How could this be? I looked around the room and my eyes met Det. Peoples'. I waited for the drama to unfold. A women at the table asked for the salt and he passed it to her. The lounge erupted with an orchestrated take down.

JAMES/JIMMY/MARK

Just like his twin brother he couldn't help but entertain his captive audience. He confessed to the crimes they had committed together. The police were aware that they were twins from the video feed at the apartment that the twins forgot to collect from the managers apartment. The police had lost track of him in New York and found him again thanks to the missing Ellie. Jimmy/Mark told them how they'd been born at home, poor and with no record of their birth. They lived as one individual. They took turns going to school, graduating and even girlfriends. While James had been upstairs talking, Jimmy had been getting the door codes from the managers and dispatching them. Jimmy had missed me, Crystal and Jason leaving out the front door. He wanted to make up for that oversight, but missed the chance with me in New York and had no idea where Crystal an Jason lived. He was in cuffs and still bragging and asking if he could get a "taste" before they took him away. The disgust made me retch. Det. People bought me juice and set me in a seat so I wouldn't collapse. I stayed in Eatontown long enough to testify and see him get consecutive life sentences too. I thanked the Officers for helping me and the City by getting these serial killers off the streets. The City picked up my tab for all my flights. Oh, by the way, you can no longer call to get schedule information for City or Government employees. Look out Phoenix, here I come!

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