Crime Time

"This is Agnes Delanco. With whom am I speaking?"

"I'd rather not say but I have some important information for you and I need a favor."

There was silence on the line for a half minute. "Information first, favor second."

"The man responsible for the abduction and murder of Marcia Stonehurst in Delaware, Jennifer Morley and Deputy Sheriff Baxton in Alabama was wounded in Ohio recently," I blurted out.

"And how do you know this?"

"That's immaterial. Now for the favor. I'd like you or your people to check every medical facility in and around Cleveland. You're looking for someone treated Saturday night or Sunday morning for a gunshot wound to the leg."

"Did you shoot him?"

Her question startled me with its frankness. "No. I had nothing to do with it."

"I can see that. After all, you're miles away in Keene, New Hampshire." When I said nothing, she continued, "We have state of the art stuff."

Oh, shit, I thought! Now I've blown it for good! I tried frantically to slip out of my blunder. "It's a cell phone number area code; not where I'm calling from."

"Whatever. I'm not harassing you; I'm just curious. And yes, I'll have this alleged killer checked out. That's what we do. But I've got other questions. Are you this tipster guy?"

I was torn between hanging up and telling the truth. Something about her voice gave me enough confidence to continue.

"Brenda Washington who handled tip line calls in Omaha was murdered by this person. He apparently tortured her for information on the tipster before he killed her. Are you sure you want me to answer your question?"

"I think you already have," she said slowly.

"No; not exactly. I'm not that person but I'm close enough to know a few things about her."

"Let's leave it this way; I'll not pry if you're forthcoming. What else do you know about this guy, and maybe others we're trying to chase down?"

"This killer left the scene of an aborted breaking where he was seeking more information on the tipster after he was wounded. He made his escape on an electric bicycle, brand name, Volt-Wheel. There can't be too many of those sold."

"I'll check into that too. Anything else you can give me?"

"Not for now. I have to think this business through. Just remember, this guy is extremely dangerous. He wants to stop this so-called Psychic Tipster who'd nearly caught him several times. He's sought out anyone he thinks might lead him in the right direction. Watch yourself; you're public and he might very well target you or your people."