10:25 am
Nikki’s Townhouse
Nikki tossed and turned most of the night and woke with dark circles under her puffy eyes. How could it be, she thought, she hadn’t heard from the Panty Snatcher, a vulgar name the media had dubbed the highly prolific sexual sadist that was responsible for the death of 14 young women, in years. 14 that the FBI knew about, Nikki suspected there were many more. They dubbed him the Panty Snatcher because he not only took the victims undergarments that they were wearing as a trophy, he went back to their homes and took ALL their undergarments. Each murder had been more horrific and graphic than the next and then, 4 years ago, all communication stopped and no more bodies were found. Prior to his disappearance, PS as Nikki called him because she hated that name, broke into her home and not only stole her undergarments but her photo album as well. Over the years, PS had sent Nikki several of the photos that he had altered, all with threats of what he was going to do to Nikki. Nikki had already checked in with the head of the old PS task force and confirmed they haven’t heard a peep from him either. She updated the SAC on the letter, which contained no prints or trace, but they were both in agreement that it was PS since the photo was genuine and one Nikki confirmed was in the stolen album. They also agreed that more than likely, PS was either incarcerated over the last 4 years or had been out of the country, there is no way someone as prolific as he would just stop unless they couldn’t kill or were dead. Unfortunately, it looked like the former and not the latter.
Nikki had tried to distract herself all morning but it was no use. She really wished Simon was here because as twisted as it sounds, he somehow makes her feel safe. What a world she lives in she thought. She pulled out her laptop and resolved not to let PS have any more of her focus, she hit reply to Simon’s email.
“Dear Simon,
I miss you too and I know that sounds weird since we have never actually met, but I know you are traveling and it’s like I can feel the distance between us. I know that isn’t possible, but it’s what I feel like.
I love children and for a good part of my life I always thought they would be part of my life but I have seen too many things since joining the bureau that I don’t want to bring an innocent child into this world. That’s probably unfair because I see way more of the darkness than everyone else but I have seen it and it has seen me. I just got a very stark reminder of that fact. I would be putting a child in jeopardy just by being mine. I’m pretty sure you agree with the sentiment, but I also know how much you wanted a child and the devastation losing your chance to have one has done to you and your life.
As for Bernard, I agree that I think he has killed someone. I also suspect that we will be hearing from him about it soon, there is no way he won’t want to show you, or show you up, by his exploits. We found out what vehicle he is more than likely driving now and I have attached it to the email. There is a nationwide BOLO but we are fairly certain he would have changed out the plates by now. Until he makes contact in some way, that’s all we have to go on.
Take care of yourself Simon.
Yours,
Nikki”
Nikki paused with her finger over the enter button, imagining for a moment a little Simon and a little Nikki running around her townhouse. She smiled a wistful smile and hit enter. Now she had to figure out how to occupy the rest of her day. It might be time for another trip to the firing range.