Read Online Darker Than Night by John Lutz - Free Book Online

And there was a nearly full jar of the same stuff in the refrigerator.”
    Renz uncrossed his legs and crossed his arms, thinking about that. “Somebody else bought the groceries. Somebody who didn’t know the Elzners had plenty of jelly.”
    â€œJam.”
    â€œStill odd, though. Two jars…”
    â€œMaybe they were a gift from somebody who knew how much one or both of the Elzners liked that kind of jam.”
    â€œA gift.” Renz made a steeple of his fingers. He liked the idea of a gift, except for…“But why would somebody buy the Elzners a gift and then kill them?”
    â€œMaybe he hadn’t planned on killing them.”
    â€œMaybe.” Renz grinned. “And he just happened to be carrying a gun equipped with a silencer. The important thing is, if you’re right, it points to a third party for sure. A killer still on the loose.”
    â€œA third party who might’ve left before the Elzners were killed.”
    Renz sneered at Quinn. “Don’t send me up, then bring me down. You’re coming around to my way of thinking about this case; you know you are.”
    â€œI’ve moved in that direction,” Quinn admitted. He didn’t want Renz to think he’d moved almost all the way. “Also, it might be coincidental that the plastic grocery bags aren’t the kind that have the name of the store on them. Or it could be the killer deliberately bought groceries someplace where they couldn’t be traced by the bags and someone might remember him.”
    â€œVery good, Quinn. I was sure you’d have a different slant on this and come up with something new. You didn’t disappoint me.”
    â€œI’m flushed with pride. Are you here to tell me anything new?”
    â€œYeah. I’m afraid things have changed. Egan found out you’re on the case. I think from a uniform named Charlie Mercer.”
    â€œBig, square-shouldered guy, blue and brown?”
    â€œFits him.”
    â€œHe was coming out of the elevator in the Elzners’ building when I stepped in.”
    â€œHe get a good look at you?”
    â€œLike I got at him.”
    â€œThen there’s no mistaking it; the bastard must’ve told Egan.” Renz’s brow furrowed. “Mercer’s made a mistake. One he’ll pay dearly for, and sooner than he thinks. Egan’s probably already notified the chief’s office. Maybe somebody in the news media. That last won’t help him.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    Renz’s forehead relaxed, but the furrows didn’t fade away. “Because I’ve gone on the offensive. I’ve notified all my media contacts I’ve taken a chance on a good man—that’d be you. The safety of the community comes before NYPD politics and petty revenge, so I’ve asked Frank Quinn to look into the Elzner case because he’s the best. If the story’s not already on the news, it will be soon, before Egan’s. The department won’t move to take you off the case, because it’d be bad PR. There was never a criminal charge and a trial in the rape case. The public’ll see you as a hero, Quinn. A victim of unsubstantiated rumor who deserves a second chance. I’ve also assigned a team of detectives to work under your command.”
    Quinn was surprised. “Team?”
    â€œTwo detectives, but you’ll have additional temporary help, if and when you need it.” Renz leaned forward on the sofa. “You know how it works, Quinn. The killing of a typical Manhattan couple means media by the shit load. Media means pressure. Can you deal with it?”
    â€œI can deal. This team…are these good cops you’re giving me?”
    â€œSure, they are. Your old partner from your radio car years, Larry Fedderman, and his new partner, Pearl Kasner.”
    Fedderman. Quinn almost smiled. Other than the people who’d set him up, Fedderman was probably the only one