Captive Justice: A Private Investigator Mystery Series (A Jake & Annie Lincoln Thriller Book 4) by Rayven T. Hill Page A

justice.
    Hank looked up as a young intern approached his desk and handed him an envelope. “This is from the Medical Examiner’s Office.”
    Hank thanked him, took the envelope and dumped its contents onto his desk as the intern left. The note was in a small plastic bag. He removed it, unfolded it carefully and examined it. The message was hand-written in block letters on what appeared to be newsprint, probably the corner of a page of a newspaper.
    The writing was stilted and unnatural, written in black ink.
    “I SAID NO POLICE.”
    Hank examined it thoughtfully a moment, then dropped it back into the bag and tucked it into his pocket. He wasn’t sure if it could lead him anywhere; it wasn’t much.
     
    ~~*~~
     
    WHEN HANK stepped from the precinct doors, flanked by the captain on his left and King on his right, he saw a crowd of expectant newspeople gathered.
    Lisa Krunk’s newscast had roused up the press from all over the province. Vans with familiar logos clogged the thoroughfare. Traffic was rerouted past the street and the curious onlookers held back by a handful of police officers.
    The reporters moved in, cameras and recorders poised and ready, as the entourage came down the steps and approached the podium. Lisa had claimed the spot front and center, Don at her side, and Hank caught her eye briefly as he stepped in front of the podium and scanned the crowd.
    He leaned into the mike. The crowd hushed.
    “Thank you all for coming. My name is Detective Hank Corning and I’m the lead detective on this case.”
    They waited.
    “We’ve called this press conference in response to a news story, broadcast earlier today, and the subsequent deluge of questions by reporters.” Hank looked at Lisa and a hint of a frown appeared on his face. “As this is an ongoing investigation, I’ll keep this brief.”
    Hank paused and looked down at his notes before continuing.
    “As you know by now, a woman was kidnapped on Tuesday and held for ransom. The ransom was paid as instructed, however the victim’s body was found early this morning.
    “I want the public to know we have all available officers following leads and we expect to make an arrest shortly. This murderer will not go unpunished. We’re not taking this threat lightly, and his proclamation will not deter us from tracking him down.
    “I would also like to state for the record, Jake Lincoln is not a suspect in any way. He was merely chosen by the perpetrator to deliver the ransom, which he did, and neither he nor Lincoln Investigations has had further involvement in this case to date.
    “I’ll take any questions now.”
    The newspeople buzzed, their questions cued up and waiting, and they all spoke at once. Hank pointed to a news reporter in the second row.
    “Detective, the murderer has stated specifically the police are not to be involved in the future. In fact, he has declared any future victims will be killed if you’re involved. How do you intend to approach that, knowing your involvement could lead to the death of another innocent victim?”
    Hank thought a moment. “I can’t make any statement on possible future victims. At present, we have a dead woman, a distraught husband and we’re already involved and he knows we’re involved.”
    Hank avoided Lisa’s upraised hand and pointed to another reporter.
    “Detective, this killer called himself the Merchant of Life and he has stated there’ll be more kidnappings. What’re you doing to prevent that?”
    Hank cleared his throat.
    “This vicious killer would be more aptly named, the Merchant of Death. He has promised to take life, not give it, and I object to the self-proclaimed title he has given himself.” Hank paused a moment, then, “As I said, we’re tracking leads and we’re going all out in a concerted effort to bring him to justice.”
    Another question. “Can you give us some information on what leads you’re following?”
    “Not at this point. We have a number of leads and certain