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“As soon as they say we can, which could be in a day or two.”
“Good. That gives me time to read about his trial. I want to know as much as I can before we go in there.”
Gary nodded. “And in the meantime, I’ll draw up that list of Cheryl’s contacts.”
They’d be going over ground already well-trodden, but now they had Dan’s gift, an ace up their sleeve, and one that could be a game changer.
He hoped.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
FMC Devens
GARY ANDDan sat at the bare table in the equally bare interview room. There was one window high up that let in a little natural light, but stark white tubes flooded the room, illuminating every corner.
The door opened, and a guy dressed in a khaki shirt and pants was escorted in. Frank Wyler was in his fifties, with cool blue eyes and hair peppered with gray. He was lean, and his sleeves clung to muscled upper arms. The guard with him closed the door, then stood beside it.
Wyler stared at Gary and Dan. “I haven’t met either of you, have I? I’ve got a good memory for faces.” He pulled the empty chair out and sat facing them, leaning back. “I don’t get many visitors.” His eyes twinkled. “Actually, I don’t getanyvisitors. Only reason I agreed to see you. To break the monotony. So….” He folded his arms. “You’re a detective, right?” Gary gave a nod. “Why are you here? What is it about me that could possibly interest you?”
Gary leaned forward, his hands clasped on the table. “You went down for six murders.”
Wyler rolled his eyes. “Duh. I know that. I was there when they sentenced me to life imprisonment.”
“We’re investigating a cold case. A headless body that came to light when part of the ceiling of the Fort Point Channel Tunnel collapsed.”
“Seriously?” Wyler snorted. “They tried to pin that one on me in 2007. Sorry to disappoint you, but it wasn’t me.” He twisted his lips into a thin smile. “Maybe I have a copycat.”
“I read the trial transcripts,” Dan announced. “I’ll admit, I’m a little confused. You committed six murders. Five of your victims died as the result of strangulation. But the sixth, Kevin Donaldson, was the only one where you removed the head. Why?”
Wyler gave a shrug. “Maybe I didn’t know my own strength.” There was that twinkle again. “Maybe I squeezed so hard, his head popped right off.”
Gary pushed his chair back and stood. “Then we have nothing more to discuss.” He glanced at the guard. “You can take him—”
“Wait!” Wyler leaned forward, his eyes wide. “Don’t be hasty.” Gary didn’t move, and Wyler sighed. “Like I said, I don’t get visitors.”
Dan placed his hand on Gary’s arm. “We might still learn something.”
Gary pretended to assess Dan’s words and retook his seat.
Wyler relaxed. “Look, if you wanted information, you should’ve come prepared. You know, with an offer to sweeten the deal?” He grinned. “You could always smuggle in a woman. That would sure break up the monotony.”
“Who says we didn’t?” Dan reached into his jacket pocket, removed a packet of cigarettes, and pushed them across the table.
Wyler let out another derisive snort. “If there’s a woman in there, she ain’t gonna be good for much.” He smirked. “You’ve been watching too many detective movies. One lousy pack of cigarettes? What decade do you think we’re in—the fifties?” Another shrug. “Still, it’s better than nothing.” He grabbed them, but the guard intervened.
“You know the rules. No tobacco products allowed in prison.” He gestured toward Dan. “Give them back to him.”
Wyler held the packet to his chest. “Aw, come on. You could turn a blind eye just this once.”
The guard’s steady gaze told Gary that wasn’t about to happen.
Wyler slid the packet across the table with a show of extreme reluctance. He scowled at Dan. “You’re a regular tease, aren’t you? No way am I gonna tell you anything now.” Then he glared at the guard. “And you? You could’ve let me haveone. It’s not as if I’m worried about getting lung cancer—I’m gonna die in here.”
Dan picked up the packet, holding it in both hands. He closed his eyes, and Gary held his breath. He knew Dan’s gift didn’t always come through, and sometimes it took its sweet time getting there, but….
Please, Lord. Let him see something.
Wyler chuckled. “Is he praying? I didn’t realize you guys were gonna bethisentertaining.” Another glance at the guard. “You should’ve told me. I’d have brought popcorn and a soda.”
