Page 40 of So Savage

“When was the last time you spoke to Mr.Cooper?”

Dr.Hayes shook his head.“Not since I fired him.He was very disheartened when I told him his services would no longer be required.”

“What do you mean when you say disheartened?”

“Sad.Not violent.He was never violent with me.He was just very sad.He believed it was his calling to help animals.He pleaded with me to keep him, but I was firm.I couldn’t have him assaulting clients.”

“Do you have an address for him?”Faith asked.

“Possibly, but not here.I have the records of my private practice in storage.I would have to look through them.I’m willing to do that, but it might take a while.”

“That’s all right,” Faith replied.“I can probably find the info I need faster by looking him up through the DMV.Can I have a description please?”

“Sure.He was tall, perhaps six-foot-three.Two hundred pounds or so, in decent shape.Blonde hair that he kept spiked and gray eyes.A real mellow voice so long as he wasn’t angry.”

Faith noted all of that, then said, “All right.This is good information, thank you.”

Dr.Hayes offered a dejected smile.“I’m very sorry for the victims.No one should have to die like that.I disagree with the military’s treatment of K-9s, but I wouldn’t wish this fate on my worst enemies.I truly do hope you find your killer, whether it’s James or not.”

Faith returned a smile of her own.“Thank you for your time, Doctor.”

She and Turk left the building.As soon as they left the building.Her smile vanished.She understood Dr.Hayes’ reticence, but she didn’t know James.She didn’t have any special connection to him, and she didn’t feel any guilt for hoping that James Cooper was their killer.If they could catch him, then they could put an end to this mystery and prevent any more innocent people from getting killed.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Faith called Marcus on the way back to the station.“Marcus, how’s it coming?”

"Not so good," Marcus said irritably."I feel like I'm spinning my wheels.You'd think after twenty-four years on the force, I'd get used to it."

“Well, I’m only half that deep into the FBI, but I hate it too.So no sign of Delgado?”

“It’s incredible.It’s like she vanished into thin air.Do you remember when we speculated that the killer might use some sort of scent masking?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“I think he is.He has to be.The dogs found some darts that match the other crime scenes, but there are no fingerprints, so that won’t help us either.”

“You’re using K9s?”

“We’re using everything right now.We’re turning up nothing.I hate to say it, but I’m beginning to think the killer headed to the airport and took off with her.”

“How?There’s no way he dragged an unconscious and possibly bloody woman through airport security.”

Marcus paused for a moment.“Yeah, you’re right.Damn it.”

“Keep looking.Don’t give up yet.I actually might have stopped spinning my wheels too.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.Dr.Hayes isn’t our guy.Alibi clears him, not to mention he looks like he’d lose in a fight to a particularly determined toddler.But he had an assistant in private practice by the name of James Cooper.Apparently, Hayes had to let him go because he got in a K9 handler’s face after the handler brought the dog in severely injured.”

“Ah.So he had a problem with the handlers.”

“Yes.He believes that the use of dogs in military and police work is unethical.”

“Well, that sounds an awful lot like motive,” Marcus said.

“Sure does, doesn’t it?”

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