The One That Got Away by Simon Wood Page B

night, they wouldn’t know. No one really took notice. No wonder killers could operate for so long with impunity.
    “You eaten?” he asked.
    “No.”
    “Me neither. I’m starving. Order whatever you like. This is on me.”
    She didn’t like the idea of a free meal from a cop. It would come with strings. “We can split the bill.”
    “It’s on me.” He smiled. “Actually, I should say it’s on the department.”
    She didn’t know much about police department expenses, but she doubted they covered dinners with persons of interest. “That’s OK. I’m not that hungry.”
    He frowned. “Suit yourself.”
    Their server introduced himself and set down a bottle of water. He asked if they wanted anything from the bar. Both of them said no, but Greening ordered a number of small plates.
    “Feel free to pick from my plates.”
    She wasn’t sure if this was an interrogation or a date. The latter was unlikely, but Greening was certainly buttering her up for some reason—and it couldn’t be good.
    “You said you have an update.”
    “I do.” He straightened in his seat and leaned forward. “There have been a few developments.”
    “Like what?”
    “We’ve identified the woman from last night. Her name was Laurie Hernandez. Did you know her?”
    Zoë shook her head.
    “Didn’t think so. It was a long shot,” he said. “I have a more serious question. Have you spoken to the press?”
    “No,” she lied. It was a white lie. The press had tried to talk to her. She hadn’t wanted to speak to them. As much as it would be gratifying to set Greening on Lara Finz, the potential backlash from an assault charge prevented her.
    “Have you? It’s important, Zoë.”
    “No. Why?”
    He removed a copy of the Chronicle from his pocket and put it on the table. “They’ve given him a name.”
    She looked the story over, and Lara Finz’s name was on the byline. Bitch , she thought.
    She scanned the rest of the article and stopped when she reached her killer’s public identity. He didn’t have a face, but he had a name—the Tally Man. She exhaled.
    “Yeah, not exactly original, but potentially accurate.”
    “How did this happen?”
    “You were caught on the TV news last night, flashing us your scar.”
    Reflexively, her hand went to the spot on her hip. She colored at the obvious tell.
    “But you guys came up with the theory about him numbering his victims.”
    Greening sighed. “The feeling is that someone within the department leaked that detail. It’s not unheard of for someone to sell information to the media. Rest assured, when the person is found there’ll be some serious butt kicking.”
    Rest assured? What a joke , she thought. What else has Greening’s department leaked? Was that the reason Lara Finz found me so easily?
    “My name can’t be released to the press. He might recognize me.”
    “Yes, I know. Inspector Ogawa is in contact with the Chronicle over this point. Please don’t worry.”
    “That’s easy for you to say.” She slammed her hand down on the table. Heads turned their way. She lowered her voice. “He doesn’t have unfinished business with you.”
    “Yes, I know. I’m sorry.”
    “Tell me one thing. Is it the same guy?”
    “Yes, we think it is. Laurie Hernandez was stripped, strung up by her wrists, and viciously whipped before this guy killed her. Obviously, we can’t do a handwriting comparison, but the scars look to have been cut by the same person.”
    It was somewhat of a relief to hear it. For so long, people had viewed her as some party girl who’d gotten so wasted she didn’t know fact from fiction. But she’d been victimized, and no one could deny it anymore. It just felt wrong that her vindication came at the price of another person’s life. It was a sad victory.
    It really was him . The Tally Man was in her city. It didn’t matter if her name appeared in the newspapers or on TV, she’d already drawn attention to herself at the crime scene. All he had to