Post on 30-May-2018
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
1/55
PURGE THE EVIL
a novel by Bill Dunn
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
2/55
Chapter 17
Friday, November 12th, 10:45 a.m.
Victor Strasser sat in the dimly lit living room of his sisters home. All the blinds
were closed tightly so it was impossible to tell if it was night or day outside. Victor gazed
lustfully at flickering images on a computer screen. If the authorities knew what he was
doing at that moment, he would be back in the state prison by nightfall. Victor was well
aware if this, but he didnt care. He could not help himself. He was drawn to child
pornography websites like a moth to a flame.
Victor often wondered why so many people hated him so much. Yes, he had done
something very bad many years ago, when he got carried away one night and molested a
10-year-old girl. But he had pled guilty to that crime and spent 22 years behind bars. He
paid his price to society. Since then the only so-called nasty behavior he engaged in
occurred mostly in his mind or in solitude behind closed doors. Why couldnt everyone
just leave him alone, he often thought.
When Victor finished serving out his sentence about a year ago, he was amazed at
the uproar. His sister had reluctantly agreed to let him live with her in an upscale
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
3/55
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
4/55
by the probation arrangement, and as her resentment grew, she had as little interaction as
possible with her pariah brother.
Although Victors secret was safe from his sister, he knew a computer expert
could examine the computers hard drive and easily uncover his activity. However, he
decided it was worth the risk, and hoped that he never gave law enforcement officials any
reason to become suspicious and seize the computer.
As Victor clicked from image to image, trying to find something that would
arouse him, his train of thought was interrupted by a loud knock on the kitchen door at
the back of the house. Flustered, Victor scrambled to turn off the computers monitor. He
sat still in the dark room hoping the visitor would go away. But the knocking continued.
Finally, Victor got up, closed up the front of his dingy bathrobe around his ample belly,
and went to answer the door. As he walked into the kitchen, the daylight made him
squint. He moved a small curtain with his hand and peered through one of the window
panes in the top half of the kitchen door. Standing on the doorstep was a man wearing a
blue jumpsuit with a Comcast patch on the left breast. A photo I.D. was clipped
sideways to the pocket below the patch. The man had a baseball cap on his head, a small
tool box in one hand, and a clipboard in the other.
Victor unlocked the kitchen door and pulled it open about six inches, leaving the
screen door closed and locked. What do you want? he said nervously.
Im with the cable company, sir, Tom Wilkins said. Im here to do the
upgrade. Is Ms. Strasser in?
No, shes at work, Victor replied. What upgrade are you talking about?
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
5/55
Ms. Strasser ordered our special upgrade package, on sale this month, Wilkins
said, easily slipping into his salesman tone and cadence. We offer cable, phones, and
high-speed Internet, all for one low price. I have an eleven oclock appointment.
Well, shes not here, Victor said. Come back some other time.
Are you sure? Wilkins asked. When she called the other day to make the
appointment, she sounded in a hurry.
Thats Marlene all right, Victor thought.Always wants everything right now. He
hesitated, then said, I dunno. I mean, she didnt say anything to me about it. I dont
know if I can let you in.
OK, but if I cant do it now, we wont be able to reschedule the appointment for
at least another two weeks. I dont know if shell be very happy about that.
No, she sure wont, Victor mumbled under his breath. Shes never happy. He
slowly pulled the wooden door open and reached out and unlocked the screen door.
How long will this take? he asked.
Oh, itll be quick. Just a few minutes, Wilkins said as he entered the house.
Thanks for letting me in. So where is the main cable box?
In the living room. This way, Victor said. He walked through the kitchen
toward the hallway, and then into the living room. Wilkins followed. Entering the dark
living room, Victor fumbled with a lamp on an end table, and finally turned it on. Wilkins
glanced around the room and noted approvingly that all the blinds were shut.
Victor motioned toward a large flat-screen television sitting on top of a low book
shelf. The cable stuff should be right behind it, I think, he said.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
6/55
OK, good, Wilkins said. He placed the clipboard on the shelf next to the TV
and then put the tool box down on top of the clipboard. He flipped the latch on the tool
box. I just need my Philips screwdriver, he said as he reached in with his right hand.
A moment later, Tom Wilkins pulled his hand out of the tool box and pivoted his
entire body to the right, facing Victor. He raised his arm and pointed a blue steel .38
caliber, short-barrel revolver directly at the bridge of Victors nose. Victor stood
motionless, his mind unable to comprehend the unexpected image before him. His
surprised eyes were slightly crossed, trying to focus on the gun barrel no more than six
inches away. The last thought Victor Strasser had on earth was, Thats not a Philips
screwdriver
A deafening roar spewed from the gun as Wilkins pulled the trigger. The slug tore
a perfectly round hole in Victors pudgy forehead, slightly above eyebrow level. He fell
backward onto the carpeted floor with a thump. His eyes remained surprised and slightly
crossed, and now pointed up at the ceiling.
Wilkins lowered his right arm and took a deep breath. Whoa, he said softly as
the boom of the gun echoed in his ears. After a momentary pause, he turned back toward
the tool box and set the revolver inside. He pulled two rubber gloves out of the box and
quickly put them on. Then he took a small hammer and a razor knife out of the box and
hurried into the kitchen. At the back door, Wilkins opened the wooden door and swung it
out of the way. He exposed the blade of the razor knife and sliced a hole in the screen
near the door latch. Then he reached in the pocket of his blue jumpsuit and pulled out a
small rag. He opened the screen door, reached around, and used the rag to wipe down the
handle, the only surface on which he might have left a fingerprint.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
7/55
Wilkins stepped back into the kitchen and turned toward the open wooden door.
He used the hammer to smash a hole in one of the small panes of glass. He closed the
door and used his foot to slide the broken pieces of glass closer to the door, where they
presumably wouldve landed if the glass had been smashed from the back steps.
Wilkins hurried back into the living room and placed the hammer and razor knife
into the tool box. In a matter of a few minutes, he scampered from room to room
throughout the house, yanking out bureau drawers and generally making a mess of things.
He stuffed a handful of costume jewelry and spare change into his pocket.
Satisfied the house now appeared as if it had been targeted by robbers, Tom
Wilkins gathered up the tool box and clipboard, took one last look at Victorwhose
surprised eyes still were fixed upward, looking out between rivulets of blood trickling
down his faceturned off the lamp on the end table, and silently slipped out the back
door.
Wilkins walked around to the side of the house. He paused to see if any people or
cars were in the area. The wooded, secluded street was as silent as it had been when he
arrived 20 minutes earlier. He continued walking and turned right when he reached the
end of the driveway. A Comcast van was parked about 200 feet down the road, in front of
a neighboring house, a house which Capt. Bradford knew was unoccupied. Wilkins
opened the sliding door on the right side of the van and climbed in. He quickly peeled off
the blue jumpsuit and shoved it into a black trash bag. He slid the door closed from the
inside, then squeezed into the drivers seat. Firing up the engine, he carefully drove away
and headed back toward his car dealership.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
8/55
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
9/55
Oh, pretty good, Mr. Wilkins, the young man replied. A real busy day today,
he added shaking his head, indicating it would be a scramble to get everything done by 5
p.m.
Well, keep up the good work, Wilkins said encouragingly. By the way, Duane,
when you get a chance, call the Comcast office. Tell them the brake job is done. They can
pick up their van anytime.
OK sure, boss, Duane said. He watched his boss exit the service area and head
for the offices. Duane Waller admired Tom Wilkins and felt extremely grateful toward
him. Four years earlier Duane met his future employer at the Faith Cathedral. At the time
both men were struggling with inner demons: Tom with booze and prostitutes and
gambling; Duane with drugs and a crushing lack of self-esteem. With the encouragement
of Rev. Morton and other members of the congregation, both men were able to conquer
their addictions, and with a renewed and vibrant faith in God, each man turned his life
around.
About six months after attending the same weekly 12-step recovery meetings at
the Cathedral, Tom offered Duane a job in the service department. At first Duane was
just a minimum wage flunky, running errands and assisting the mechanics. But soon
afterward, his high intelligence combined with a new-found work ethic, made Duane a
very dependable and valuable employee. He quickly moved up the ladder of
responsibility and income, and less than two years after coming to work at Wilkins Ford-
Nissan, at the ripe old age of 31, Tom proudly selected Duane to be the new service
manager.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
10/55
At first, the other employees resented Duane Waller. They thought he was too
young and inexperienced to be the service manager, and grumbled that he got the job
only because he was one of Tom Wilkins fellow Jesus freaks. But within a few months
Duanes energy and attention to detail finally won over most of his critics. Everyone
except a few resentful coworkers agreed he was doing a great job. In addition to the long
hours he put in at the dealership, Duane also found time to volunteer at the Faith
Cathedral. He often joined in with groups that periodically protested in front of abortion
clinics or adult bookstores. And having taken his cue from Tom Wilkins and Wilkins
friend Pit Bull Peterson, Duane wasnt shy about expressing his distain for the lax
criminal justice system and the many lawbreakers who walked the streets with impunity.
Tom Wilkins entered his office and shut the door behind him. He plopped into the
large chair behind his desk and let out an audible sigh. Man, that was awesome, he
whispered, envisioning Victor Strassers lifeless body staring up at the ceiling. I cant
wait for my turn to do it again. He could feel the adrenaline surging through his body.
Unlike Rev. Morton, it was not a fearful, panicky, sweat-inducing adrenaline surge. For
Tom Wilkins, his surge was filled with feelings of power and purpose. He had carried out
his mission flawlessly, and now he basked in his victory.
The phone on Toms desk indicated he had nine voice messages waiting. He
didnt care about any of those calls at the moment. Instead, he grabbed the phone and
dialed Capt. Bradfords cell number.
Yeah, its me, Wilkins said. All set. Its done. No problem.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
11/55
He listened for a moment, then said, Yeah, I told you, no problem. I did
everything exactly as we planned, and there wasnt a soul around. Nope, nobody saw me.
OK, Ill see you tonight.
Capt. Bradford knew there would be no instantaneous 9-1-1 call, as was the case
with Jitterbug Rivera. If everything went as planned, the emergency call would not come
in until around 6 p.m., when Marlene Strasser arrived home to find her brothers dead
body. Most likely, after getting over the initial shock, Marlene would conclude that
someone had just done her a huge favor.
Wilkins hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. A wave of satisfaction
and pride swept over him. We are really doing something good, he thought. We are
ridding the community of vermin, of immoral parasites. We are slowly but surely making
this town safe again for normal, law-abiding citizens. Yeah, ol G.W. was right, if the
legal system wont do its job, then we have to it for them. We have to purge the evil from
among us.
Tom Wilkins jumped up from his chair and clapped his hands joyfully. What to
do now, he wondered. Get some coffee? No, he was too wired for that right now. He
wished it were already evening so he could celebrate his victory with the other three men.
For a moment, he felt a strong urge to have a celebratory drink, but instantly the scolding
face of Rev. Morton popped into his head. He murmured with a chuckle, Dont worry,
G.W., Im not gonna start drinking again.
Finally he decided the only useful thing he could do for the time being was go
back to running his car dealership. He sat down and began to listen to his voice messages.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
12/55
Chapter 19
Friday, November 12th, 6:05 p.m.
Marlene Strasser steered her Audi into the driveway of her home. It had been a
stressful day at the office, and all she wanted to do at this point was take the shoes off her
aching feet, pour herself a large glass of wine, and think about what she might do for fun
on Saturday. Anything would be fun, she thought, as long as it was something far away
from her house and far away from her sex-offending pervert of a brother.
As she walked in the dark toward the back door, she noticed that no lights were
on in the house.Hes probably sleeping, she thought with disgust, enviously wishing she
had the luxury to nap whenever she felt like it. Or else hes locked himself in the
bathroom again with his dirty magazines, doing She couldnt even bring herself to
complete the thought, as the mental image of her lustful brother made her nauseous. For
the millionth time she thought, What was I thinking when I agreed to let such a monster
brother or no brotherlive under my roof?
Marlene pulled open the screen door. In the darkness she did not notice the slice
in the screen. She fumbled with her keys, then was surprised that the wooden door was
not locked. She pushed it open and heard an odd noise, as if the door bumped against
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
13/55
pieces of a broken plate or coffee mug. She stepped across the threshold carefully and
reach against the wall, searching for the light switch. When she flipped the switch, the
entire kitchen was instantly bathed in bright light, which caused her to squint for a few
moments as her eyes adjusted. Finally she was able to focus, and she saw the broken
glass on the floor and the jagged hole in the small pane on the door. A wave of fear swept
over her.A burglar! her mind screamed. What if hes still in the house?!
Fear urged her to run back to her car and drive away. Fear also paralyzed her. She
stood motionless and listened for any sound that would indicate an intruder might still be
in the house. The only thing she heard was her heart pounding in her chest. After a few
minutes, which seemed like an eternity, Marlenes fear subsided a bit.If someone broke
into my house, he wouldnt do it at this time of day, she thought.Hed do it when I was
still at work.
Gradually anger and curiosity replaced fear, and Marlene finally took a tentative
step forward. As she completed the slow and careful journey across the kitchen, she
called out in a stage whisper, Victor? Victor? Where are you?
She stepped into the hallway that separated the kitchen from the living room. The
light from the kitchen did not reach far enough to reveal what was in the living room.
Marlene again reached out, her hand searching for the hall light switch. She flipped this
switch, and now could clearly see the chaotic scene that was her living room. Her
brothers body lay motionless in the center of the floor, with dried streaks of blood on his
head and face, originating from a single spot in the center of his forehead. Items from the
bookshelves were scattered on the floor, and a couple of drawers were hanging open,
their contents noticeably disheveled.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
14/55
Marlene let out an involuntary scream. Oh my God! Oh my God! she yelled, as
she scanned the horrific sight. She immediately turned to her left and ran down the hall
and then up the stairs toward her bedroom. My jewelry! My jewelry! Please, God, no!
Its not insured!!!
#
It was almost midnight when two state troopers and a senior official from the
coroners office zipped up a body bag and wheeled Victor Stassers corpse out the front
door to a waiting van. Because of Victors infamous and high profile status, reporters and
camera crews from the local TV stations swarmed the street in front of Marlene Strassers
home, their floodlights illuminating the neighborhood as if it were high noon. At the sight
of a body on a stretcher, a dozen cameramen scrambled forward for better angles while
two dozen reporters hurriedly thrust microphones toward the cops demanding a comment.
Is that Victor Strasser?! Was he murdered?! Who killed him?! Do you have a
suspect in custody?!
Yellow crime scene tape was ignored and trampled underfoot in the chaotic rush.
Damn leeches! Capt. Ray Bradford muttered as he looked out the open front
door from the living room. We should arrest every last one of them, he said to no one
in particular.
At Bradfords words, Marlene Strasser strode across the living room and peered
over his shoulder. Oh hell! she yelled. Theyre ruining my front yard. Cant you do
anything? she said to Bradford.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
15/55
Capt. Bradford swore under his breath, then replied, Yes, maam. He spied two
West Hartford cops walking from the hallway toward the kitchen. Wilson! McGee! he
called out, Get over here. The two young officers hustled to their captain. Get those
reporters off the property and back onto the street, he ordered. Bradford and Marlene
stepped aside so the cops could pass by. As they were about to exit, Bradford held up his
hand; the cops paused. Even though they deserve to be cracked over the head, Bradford
said quietly, be gentle. There will be 20 cameras recording your every move. Thats the
last thing we need, understand? The cops nodded, then left the house.
Exhausted and exasperated, Marlene swore out loud. Capt. Bradford said, Im
very sorry, maam. I know youre tired of answering all our questions, and Im sure the
death of your brother is devastating for you.
Marlene stared at the police captain. Thats the only good thing to come of this!
she thought to herself. That, and the fact the jerks didnt even find my good jewelry. After
a lengthy pause, she realized glee would not be a good emotion to display at that moment,
so she cleared her throat and said, Well, uh, of course. Devastating. I feel so violated.
Criminals breaking into my house, for Gods sake. Um, when will you be through? When
will all these people get out of my home?
Were just about finished, Bradford answered. Let me check with my
detectives. I think we have everything we need.
For the better part of five hours, beginning soon after Marlene made the 9-1-1
call, more than 40 public safety officials examined every square inch of the premises.
Every surface that might contain a fingerprint was dusted; hundreds of bits of evidence
were carefully tagged, bagged, and sealed; and thousands of photographs were snapped.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
16/55
Capt. Bradford walked into the kitchen, where Det. Mike Cavanaugh had just
finished giving instructions to three cops. Cavanaugh, Bradford said gruffly, We done
yet?
Yeah, I think so, Mike said. Were starting to pack up our stuff now.
Good. Tomorrow morning, first thing, Bradford said, I want on my desk a list
of all known B&E perps in the area, convicted or suspected.
OK, Captain, Mike said. But just breaking and entering? I mean, its probably
nothing more than a robbery gone bad. You know, they didnt know he was here and then
he startled them, and then they panicked and shot him, et cetera, et cetera. But
But what? Bradford said, obviously agitated.
But Captain, this guy was real high-profile. You saw all those TV trucks out
there, didnt you? A lot of people wanted him dead. And many of those wouldve gladly
volunteered to pull the trigger. Dont you think we should widen the scope of our
investigation, at least at first, until we rule out that it was nothing more than a random
break-in gone bad?
Look, Cavanaugh, the captain growled through clenched teeth, his nose now
mere inches from Mikes nose, Im getting sick and tired of your insubordination crap! I
give the orders around here, understand?!
Mike nodded.
And your job is to obey my orders, nothing more, nothing less. This is obviously
a break-in gone bad. And thats the waythe only waywere gonna investigate it. Do I
make myself clear?
Mike nodded again. He weakly added, Yes sir.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
17/55
Good, Bradford said. He turned and began to walk away. First thing! On my
desk! he shouted without turning back.
Oh my God, Mike whispered, shaking his head. That man is truly nuts. He
looked up and noticed five young, suddenly self-conscious cops. Each quickly turned
away in an attempt not to make eye-contact. They were embarrassed about what they had
just witnessed. The combination of humiliation and bewilderment, mixed with a fair
amount of exhaustion, caused Mike to do what he usually did in tense situations. He
laughed out loud.
The five cops turned their heads back toward him and smiled. Mike shrugged his
shoulders, smiled at them, and said, Welcome to the funny farm, fellas.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
18/55
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
19/55
Finally it was agreed the official statement would emphasize that law enforcement
was fairly certain the crime had been a botched break-in, with the victims notoriety a
coincidence, but all avenues and all possibilities were still being investigated. The
statement would emphatically declare there was no evidence a so-called vigilante was
operating in West Hartford. Also included would be a request that the media cease
encouraging such irresponsible talk.
Det. Mike sat down at his messy desk in his messy cubical. Personally, he agreed
with Capt. Bradford: all this talk about vigilantes was bunk. The town has merely
experienced an unexpected streak of violent crime. Improbable, but unfortunately
nowadays, not impossible. But he was convinced the official statement would not have
the desired effect. It would instead fan wild speculation. The way the media blends news
and entertainment these days, he thought, this is just too juicy. He made a bet with
himself that one of the local news stations would include a clip from a Charles Bronson
movie before the day was over.
Although Mike agreed with Bradford, he was puzzled by the captains behavior.
Not his rude and intimidating manner, of course. That was normal for the captain. It was
instead his heavy-handed insistence that only the botched burglary theory was to be
investigated. That was not like Bradford. If nothing else, he had always been a thorough
law enforcement professional, chasing down every lead, analyzing every clue, not
drawing any conclusions until all other possibilities were systematically exhausted.
Speaking of exhausted, Mike thought, maybe thats whats going on. Maybe the Captain
is as dog-tired as I am. Maybe he just wants to get this thing over with as soon as
possible, and so he decided to focus on the most likely scenario.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
20/55
Mike heard odd noises coming from outside the building, muffled by the sealed
plate glass windows. He stood up and looked over his cubicle wall. Through the window
he saw a herd of media people swarming toward the front entrance of the building. He
could only see part of the crowd, but by the way they were jostling for position and
pointing their cameras, Mike knew the state police spokesman was about to read the
official statement while standing at the top of the front steps.
State Police Lieutenant Van Paulson was a regular on the local news broadcasts.
His face was on TV more often, it seemed, than the President of the United States.
Whenever there was any type of crime or accident anywhere in Connecticut, from a car
crash on Interstate-84 in Vernon to a shooting in Bridgeport, from a vandalized school
bus in Torrington to a missing boater on Long Island Sound, Lt. Paulson was the man
who presented the official statement to the media. Sometimes he would simply read from
a prepared text, then add, I cannot say anything further at this time due to the ongoing
investigation, and walk away. Other times he would answer questions from the
reporters. Mike hoped he would not answer questions. He knew most of the questions
would be about vigilantes, and he knew the more Lt. Paulson denied it, the more the
media would talk about.
Det. Mike sat back down and looked at the piles of paperwork on his desk. Where
to start? he thought glumly. After a few minutes he heard a muffled roar of shouting
voices from outside. Uh oh, theyre asking questions now. There was silence, then
another roar. Silence, then a roar. Mike shook his head.He didnt walk away. I bet hes
denying theres a vigilante, and the more he denies it, the more they ask about it. That
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
21/55
Charlie Bronson clip will be on the air before noon! he thought, revising the terms of the
wager with himself.
Mike leaned back in his chair and took a deep breath. Suddenly he paused, then
laughed out loud. That wouldve been perfect! he thought.Instead of Paulson, we
shouldve sent Capt. Bradford out to give the statement. He wouldve growled at those
reporters and said, The next person who asks about a vigilante gets shot,
understand?! Mike smiled, then added to himself,And he wouldve meant it, too.
The exhausted detective cleared some space in the middle of his desk. He opened
a folder that had been placed there by an officer an hour earlier. It was a list of all people
in the region who had been either suspected of breaking into homes or convicted of that
particular crime. The list did not include anyone currently incarcerated. Wow, Mike
said out loud. Look at the size of this list. Every single one of these bums is walking the
streets free right now. No wonder the world is such a mess.
Mike was certain there was no vigilantes at work in his community, but if there
had been, a part of him would have sympathized. He often dwelled on how conditions
had changed so drastically in the years since he first became a cop. We are fighting a
losing battle, he thought to himself on more than one occasion, especially after he had
had a few beers and was feeling sorry for himself.
Mike had lost count of the number of times he and his fellow officers had worked
their butts off to make sure the police department had an ironclad case against a truly
violent and anti-social criminal, only to see some slick lawyer either get the defendant off
on a technicality or plea-bargain down to time served. The few times low-life creeps
actually laughed in Mikes face while waltzing out of the courtroom infuriated him the
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
22/55
most. At those moments his Irish temper caused his face to turn bright red, and no doubt
caused his blood pressure to sky-rocket. Mike remembers one time glancing down at the
weapon in the holster on his belt, and feeling his right hand flinch with the urge to grab
the pistol and take justice into his own hands.
The detective shook his head at the mere remembrance of that fleeting but
powerful urge.I can understand why someone might be tempted, he thought.But as
Danny taught me, thats nothing more than playing God, and that is always bad news in
the long run. Mike picked up a pencil and started marking the names on the list into
groups of ten. After a few moments, he looked up and stared off in the distance.But it
sure would feel good in the short run, he added, concluding his train of thought. Then he
whispered to himself, OK, concentrate, pal. Looking at the list again, Mike realized he
would need at least six of his own officers, plus a lot help from neighboring departments,
to track down all the names.
He leaned back and turned slightly, reaching with his left hand to turn on a small
radio on top of a short filing cabinet. The first voice he heard was that of Pit Bull
Peterson, who was concluding his Saturday morning broadcast. Well, its been a wild
morning, hasnt it, folks? Weve had a lively discussion during these past four hours, and
the only thing youve wanted to talk about is the sensational murder in West Hartford. It
seems many of you are convinced this is the work of a vigilante. Hmm, very interesting,
very interesting indeed.
Detective Mike looked at the radio and shook his head. Oh great, I knew this
would happen.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
23/55
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
24/55
Chapter 21
Monday, November 15th, 9:45 a.m.
The desk of Det. Mike Cavanaugh had become even messier than he could have
imagined possible. He sat behind the piles of clutter and listened as a rookie patrolman
reviewed a list of breaking and entering suspects. Eight of the 10 names on the
patrolmans list were accounted for: two had been in custody in neighboring towns on
unrelated charges at the time of Victor Strassers murder, while six had reasonable alibis,
in the form of witnesses who vouched for their whereabouts during the hours when
Victor most likely was shot. Only two still needed to be tracked down, and Mike
encouraged the young officer to keep at it.
As the officer turned to leave, Mike said, Tell Vibbs to come see me. Mike
rubbed his temples and noted the double dose of Tylenol and black coffee were having no
effect on his pounding headache. What I need, he thought, is to go on vacation and sleep
for a week, then immediately go on another vacation so I can take a real vacation. But he
knew there would be no vacation anytime soon, not as long as people were getting shot in
the head in his town. He had worked every single day since Jitterbug Rivera was gunned
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
25/55
down, and virtually around-the-clock since Marlene Strasser made her 9-1-1 call sixty-
three hours earlier.
A few minutes later Sergeant Rich Vibberts poked his head through the doorway
of Mikes cubicle. You wanted to see me, sir? he said.
Yeah Vibbs, come in. Vibberts was one of the few officers not given a list of
breaking and entering suspects to track down. He had been assigned to interview Marlene
Strassers neighbors, to determine if anyone had seen or heard anything that might help
the investigation. Det. Cavanaugh was getting frustrated, and not just because of his acute
sleep deprivation and headache. Three stunning murders in a span of three weeks, and the
West Hartford PD had not a single suspect yet. A couple of local punks, known to be low
level cocaine dealers, at first were thought to be prime suspects in the shooting of Eddie
Dykes. But it quickly became clear they were nowhere near the crime scene that
particular evening. Since then the PD had come up empty. Not surprisingly, pressure
from the public, the media, and grandstanding politicians continued to mount, making it
even more difficult for the cops to do their job. The swirling rumors about mysterious
vigilantes didnt help either.
So whatd you find out? Mike asked. Anything interesting?
Not really, Vibberts answered. Thats a really quiet neighborhood. Most of the
people were at work all day. And because the houses are so spread out from one another,
and set back from the road, the ones who were home didnt really see anything.
The sergeant read from a notebook, reciting the names of people he interviewed
so far, and summarized his findings after each name with quick phrases, such as, Saw
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
26/55
nothing, Sleeping all day, Was in the basement doing laundry, Elderly and deaf
wouldntve heard anything if a bomb went off next door, etc.
Towards the end of his list, Vibberts reported, Mrs. Benedictsaw and heard
nothingtold me she took her dog for a walk before lunch and saw a cable company van
parked in front of the Feinberg house, Strassers next door neighbor.
Really? Det. Mike said, looking up. Did you check it out? Maybe the cable
guy saw something.
Yeah, I got a call into Comcast. Havent heard back yet.
OK, Mike said. Next.
Vibberts continued. Mr. Aronsonreally old guysaw nothingwatched TV
all day, with the sound turned up as loud as possible. Vibberts smiled and shook his
head.
Just then Capt. Bradford walked into Det. Cavanaughs cubicle. Where do we
stand? he asked gruffly. Any of the B&E scum look promising?
Um, nothing yet, sir, Mike said, as he sat up straight in his chair, trying to
appear more alert and focused than he really felt. We still have a few more on our list to
track down. The men are really working hard to get through the whole list.
All right, keep me posted, Bradford said.
Vibbs here has been checking out the neighborhood, Mike added without being
asked. Nothing so far, except one neighbor saw a cable TV truck parked near the
Strasser house. Were gonna check to see if
Nah, dont bother, Bradford interrupted. The other two cops stared at the
captain, their furrowed brows silently asking the question, Why not?
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
27/55
Bradford paused. His lips were pursed. Then he said, Um, no need to. McGee
already talked to the guy. Saw nothing. Wasnt any help to us.
Oh, good, Mike said with relief. One less guy to track down.
Keep me posted, understand? Bradford said. Then he turned and walked out.
Yes sir, Mike said a bit flippantly, knowing the captain was already far out of
earshot, We will keep you posted. Sir. He looked at the sergeant, shook his head, and
said, OK Vibbs, let me know if anything turns up.
The sergeant exited the cubicle, and Det. Cavanaugh began organizing small, neat
stacks of file folders and other papers, trying to bring some order to the chaos. Theyre
gonna come in one morning and find me dead in here , he thought, crushed to death
under a mountain of file folders that fell on top of me.
About ten minutes later, Sergeant Vibberts returned. Sir, you got a minute? he
said quietly as he entered the cubicle again.
Sure, whats up?
Well, uh, the sergeant began, Comcast returned my call. The service
dispatcher. Said they were never at the Feinberg house on Friday. They didnt have any
appointments scheduled anywhere on that street.
Really? Mike said, rubbing his hand on his chin. Do they keep separate
records? You know, service calls versus new installations? he asked.
I asked him, came the reply. The guy checked all the jobs they did on Friday.
Nothing.
Then who did McGee talk to? Mike asked the wall quietly, knowing the
sergeant had no answer. Weird.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
28/55
He accounted for all his vehicles, Vibberts continued. They were all busy on
Fridaybut not at the Feinbergs house. I dunno, maybe a truck stopped there but the
guy just forgot to fill out his paperwork. Oh, all the trucks were busy except for one, he
corrected himself. One van was in the shop for service, he told me.
Mike continued to gaze at the wall, trying to think. Thanks, Vibbs, he said
finally.
Sure, Vibberts said as he turned. Then he stopped and looked back. Oh, one
other thing. The Feinbergs are in Europe. I checked. Theyve been gone three weeks now,
and arent due home till Thanksgiving.
Mike turned and looked at him, even more puzzled. The sergeant asked, Who
has the cable guy come to your house, with or without paperwork, when youre not even
home?
Mike shrugged. Weird, he said again. Really weird.
Brake job, the sergeant offered.
Huh? Mike grunted.
Im trying to remember everything the Comcast guy just told me, Vibberts said,
somewhat defensively. Um, the van that was in for service had a brake job. Wilkins
Ford. Thats everything he told me, sir.
Mike nodded, signaling that the sergeant was dismissed. As he nodded, his eyes
grew wide. Damn! he muttered under his breath. Damn, damn, damn! The dealer
plate! he scolded himself silently in his head. My buddy at DMV! Wilkins Ford! I totally
forgot to check it out! Damn! he muttered one more time.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
29/55
Quickly he began to sort through file folders, looking for one thin file that
contained exactly one sheet of paper. On that sheet of paper was written information
provided by his friend at the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with the number of a
dealer plate that may or may not have beenaccording to some anonymous kid who
spoke to his brother, the priestaffixed to the back bumper of the car driven by the
person who gunned down Jitterbug Rivera.
Damn, Mike muttered again, this time a bit louder. This always happens, he
grumbled. When my office is a pig sty, I know where everything is. As soon as I clean
up a little, I cant find anything! He methodically deconstructed the neat piles of folders
he had just built, frantically looking in the thin ones and ignoring the thick ones.
Finally he exclaimed, Ah ha! He closed the manila folder he held tightly in his
hands, after scanning the single piece of yellow lined paper it contained. He clutched the
folder to his chest with his right hand and reached for the jacket on a hook with his left.
He quickly exited the cubicle, hop-scotching past file folders scattered on the floor. Mike
Cavanaughs cubicle now truly looked like an explosion in a Staples store.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
30/55
Chapter 22
Monday, November 15th, 11:15 a.m.
The unmarked Ford Crown Victoria pulled around the back of the Service
Department of Wilkins Ford and parked in front of one of the four closed roll-up doors.
Det. Mike Cavanaugh left the keys in the car and walked into the building through the
customer entrance door. Duane Waller stood behind the service counter talking on the
phone. Two lines blinked on-hold waiting for Duane to pick up, while two customers
stood at the counter rather impatiently, waiting to speak to the young service manager.
Mike stood off to the side, quietly waiting his turn to speak to Duane and find out
whether the busy shop might be able to squeeze him in for an overdue oil change. Tom
Wilkins not only sold most of the vehicles owned by the West Hartford P.D., he also had
an exclusive service contract with the department. Mike had been here many times before
over the years with his various department-issued Crown Vics for oil changes, brakes,
tune ups, tires, etc.
While he waited, he scanned the bustling service area. He wasnt looking for
anything in particular, he was just looking around observantly, the way he was trained
many years earlier to look around, the way he and most other cops instinctively scanned a
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
31/55
room, whether on duty or not. Mike looked at peoplewhat were they doing, who was
talking to whom, and could he see their hands or not? He looked at the various objects
within viewwas anything dangerous or a potential weapon? He looked at sight lines,
exit paths, lighting, barriers, doorways, and all the other things most civilians would
never even notice. Over the years Mike had developed a pretty good cops instinct. He
could sense when a person was suspicious, even when that person wasnt overtly acting
suspicious. Of course, once in a while his sixth sense caused him to slap handcuffs on a
completely innocent person, but more often than not he was able to pluck a perpetrator
out of a crowd after observing something barely detectable, a glance, a grimace, a
clenched fist, or hands thrust into pockets a little too quickly.
Mike wasnt scanning the service area in the hopes of plucking a perp. Frankly, he
didnt know what he was hoping to do. But the name Wilkins Ford has surfaced twice
now, and his sixth sense told him it was unusual enough that it needed to be checked
out. Duane was making slow but steady headway with his waiting customers. There was
only one phone line blinking and only one person standing at the counter. Mike decided
to say hi to Pepe Colon, a longtime mechanic at Wilkins, who was in the middle of
installing a new starter motor in a red pickup truck.
Pepe! Mike called out, as he walked past a sign that read, Authorized
personnel only beyond this point.
Pepe looked up and immediately recognized Mike. Hey boss! he yelled back
with a big, crooked smile. Pepe didnt know Mikes name or rank, but he knew the man
in civilian clothes was one of West Hartfords finest. Pepe was familiar with many cops
in the greater Hartford area. He had been in and out of trouble as a teen. By the time he
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
32/55
reached his 30s he decided he was getting too old to be a street punk, so he went straight.
He enrolled in night school and learned automotive maintenance. He bounced around at a
few dealerships before settling in at Wilkins Ford ten years earlier, where he was now
known as an above average and dependable mechanic. In his mid-40s now, Pepe Colon
was wiry, with strong forearms, and a gapped-tooth smile that made him look closer to
60. Because of his connections from he prior way of lifeincluding many relatives and
former girlfriendsPepe often supplemented his income by providing useful information
to the cops.
Whats up, boss? Pepe asked when Mike came along side the red pick up truck.
You tryin to find someone, maybe? he added, hoping one of the many names or
addressed in his head might be worth a quick hundred bucks cash.
Nah, Im just here for an oil change, Mike said. Pepe shrugged. You guys do
the work on all our cars, you know, Mike offered.
Yeah, and you cops never bring em in on time! Pepe exclaimed. Half the time
were draining sludge out of the crankcase. You guys are killing those poor cars. You
drive em like you dont own em!
Now it was Mikes turn to shrug. Well, we dont own them, he thought. Then he
said, I guess youre right. But who has time nowadays for service appointments? He
paused and then changed the subject. So Pepe, you guys have a bunch of fleet
maintenance accounts, not just with the PD, right?
Pepe thought for a moment as he tightened one of the bolts on the starter motor.
Yeah, I guess, he said. But nothing real big, like you guys.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
33/55
Do you do maintenance for Comcast, you know, the cable TV company, their
service trucks? the detective asked.
Yeah, sometimes, Pepe replied. Not all the time. They spread out the work to a
few different shops.
Did you have one of their vans in for service last week?
Pepe stopped tightening the bolt and stood up straight. Um, good question,
lemme think. After a few moments he said, Yeah, I think youre right. I didnt work on
it, but Im pretty sure one of their vans was here for a few days last week.
When youre working on a vehicle, Mike asked, who has access to the keys?
Well, we do, Pepe answered, as if he had been asked the dumbest question in
the world. We need to start the engine to make sure we fixed it right. And then how we
spose to drive it outside to make room for the next car? he asked sarcastically.
Mike shook his head and smiled. I know, I know. Thats not what I meant. After
you finish working on a car, and after you drive it outside, then who has access to the
keys?
Oh, well then we bring the keys back in, and Brown Nose puts em on the big
board until the customer comes to pick up the car.
Brown Nose? Mike asked.
Him, over there, Pepe nodded his head toward the service counter. Doo-
wayne-nee, the teachers pet. I mean, the owners pet. Once were done with a job, hes
the only one who can get the keys.
Whats the matter, you dont like him? Mike asked.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
34/55
Ahh, I dunno, Pepe muttered. Hes OK, I guess. Its just that hes one of Mr.
Wilkins churchy boys. You know, you go to church with the boss and you get promoted,
even if youre too young or you dont know what the hell youre doing.
He doesnt know what hes doing? Mike said.
Ahh, I dunno, Pepe said with frustration. Hes not too badnow. Hes just a
little too goody-goody for my
Pepe stopped in mid sentence and stared past Mike. A concerned voice said,
Excuse me, sir. Youre not allowed over here.
Mike turned. It was Duane. Pepe spoke first. Hes OK, Duane. Hes a cop.
Duane looked at Pepe sternly, as if to say, So what?
Hey, Im sorry, Mike said very apologetically. I was just saying hi to my old
friend here. But Im glad youre off the phone. I was hoping you might be able to sneak
me in and do an oil change on my cruiser. Its way overdue.
See, whatd I tell you? Pepe said with a laugh. Sludge. It bets its completely
sludge. Then he added, Hey Duane, Ill work through lunch and do it, if you want.
Mike waved fondly at Pepe and walked back to the service counter with Duane.
Five minutes later, after determining the oil change could be done rather quickly
because of Pepes offerDuane got swamped with another wave of phone calls.
Mike drifted over to Pepes work area again. Hey, thanks, he said. I appreciate
you giving up your lunch.
Ill just eat at 12:30, man, Pepe said. No big deal.
Another question for you, Mike said.
Pepe shook his head and smiled. Lots of questions, amigo, but no dinero.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
35/55
Mike groaned and reached for his wallet. He pulled out two 20-dollar bills, which
left behind exactly four singles. Man, Im broke, Mike said. This is all I gotamigo.
Pepe quickly shoved the bills in his pocket. OK, shoot.
Well, I was wondering, Mike began. You guys have a lot of dealer plates
around here. I mean, up front, the sales guys, they have those dealer plates with magnets
they slap on a car so a customer can take a test drive, right?
Yeah, of course, Pepe said. They got lots of em up front.
OK, my question is, do you know if there are any Mike paused, trying to find
the right word, any secret plates? I mean, maybe an old dealer plate thats not
officially registered with the state anymore, so no one would know it came from this
business?
Pepe gazed hard at Mike. Why do you askamigo?
Hey, Im tapped out. I already gave you everything I have, man. So, have you
ever heard about anything like that or not?
Pepe glanced around to see if anyone was nearby. Duane was still juggling phone
calls. Well, he began slowly, Ive heard rumorsthats all, really. But Ive heard
there might be a couple of old dealer plates kicking around. Plates that would never show
up on any computer. Ive never seen one, but boy, I know a lot of people who would pay
a fortune to get their hands on one.
Im sure, Mike said.
If they exist, Pepe said, then only the owner, Mr. Wilkins, would know where
they are. Or the owners pet, he added with a sneer.
Well, thanks for the info, Mike said. Do me one more favor, please?
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
36/55
Oh man, Pepe said with a grin, I am such a cheap date.
Yeah, right, Mike groaned again. Do me a favor: keep you eyes open for a
particular plate. He fumbled for a small notebook in his shirt pocket. Heres the
number: 3-1-3-5-7. He tore the small sheet from the pad and handed it to the wiry
mechanic.
This sounds serious, man, Pepe said. Then he looked up with his big picket
fence smile, Is Duane in trouble? he asked hopefully.
No! Mike said emphatically. Its probably nothing. But just keep your eyes
open, and Ill make it worth your while, OK?
Now youre talking, boss, Pepe said.
And of course, Mike said, lowering his voice for emphasis, You dont say
anything to anyone about this, comprendo?
Its comprende, mi gringo amigo, Pepe corrected with a laugh. I got it, boss.
You know meI never talk.
Mike smiled. Then he turned and walked away. Yeah, right, he thought. You
never talk? You make more money each year than I do just by running your mouth, mi
amigo! He glanced at his watch and felt his stomach growl. Maybe he could get
something to eat from the vending machine in the customer waiting area. He waved to
Duane as he walked by. That Duane kid seems like hes doing a decent job, he thought as
he watched the beleaguered service manager juggle phone calls.Pepes just jealous, I
guess.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
37/55
Chapter 23
Tuesday, November 16th, 9:55 a.m.
Sergeant Rich Vibberts knocked on the edge of Det. Mike Cavanaughs cubicle.
Got a minute? he asked.
Sure, Vibbs. Whats up? Mike replied without looking up from his messy desk.
I ran a check on that Waller guy, like you asked. Got a few interesting items.
OK, Mike said as he leaned back in his chair. So whats interesting about Mr.
Doo-wayne-nee Waller?
The sergeant gave Mike a puzzled look at the way he pronounced the name. Then
he said, Well, seems he was pretty messed up as a kid. He pulled a notebook from his
pocket and began to read. Dropped out of high school, arrested a few times for drugs,
lived on the street for a while. But then in his mid-20s he turned it all around. Got clean
and sober, joined a church, steady employment, been working real hard ever since.
Hmm, thats a nice story, Mike said. I wish more kids would turn their lives
around like that. What makes it interesting?
In the past few years, Waller has been arrested three times, Vibberts answered.
For what? Mike asked, tilting his head with curiosity.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
38/55
Creating a disturbance. Harassment. Resisting an officer. Vibberts put the
notebook back in his pocket and said, It seems he is now one of those born-again
fanatics who protests at abortion clinics and porn shops and same-sex marriage rallies.
When the cops tell the protesters to move on, Waller digs in his heels, even if it means
getting busted.
Oh, I see, Mike said slowly, pondering what it could mean.
Also, Vibberts continued, he likes to post his views on a bunch of right-wing
blog sites. He was easy to track down. He doesnt use a false name. And I gotta tell you,
hes got some pretty strong opinions about the moral state of our nation.
Hmm, so do I, Mike grunted. What kind of opinions?
Well, hes convinced the deviants and criminals and godless hordes are now
running the countyand ruining the country in the process.
Mike grunted again. You and I kinda think that way too sometimes, dont we,
Vibbs?
The sergeant smiled, then continued. Anyway, Waller also wrote that our entire
American way of life is going down the toilet, and were destined to collapse in a heap
unless a whole lot of immoral people are taken off the streets in a hurry.
Taken off the streets? Mike asked. Did he say exactlyhow?
Well, he didnt come right out and threaten violence, if thats what you mean,
Vibberts said. But he did post long essaysyou might call them rantsabout the
coming chaos, and the 2nd Amendment, and the need for godly people to stockpile
canned food and guns. General stuff like that, but nothing real specific. A little wacked-
out, for sure, but no direct threats against anyone. What are you thinking, sir?
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
39/55
I dont know what Im thinking, Vibbs, Mike answered with a sigh. Im
thinking that maybe Ive been listening to the radio too much, and all that talk about
righteous vigilantes who gun down the bad guys. I think all those loudmouths on the
radio are making me lose my focus. I should be tracking down the thugs who shot other
thugs, but instead Im thinking about who might fit a so-called vigilante profile.
Are you thinking Waller might fit the profile? Vibberts asked quietly.
Mike slowly shook his head, then shrugged. I dont know what to think anymore,
Richie, he said. Well, I guess I have to pass this info up the chain-of-command. Is
Capt. Bradford in?
Yeah, he should be in his office now. I saw him come out of a meeting with the
State Police brass a few minutes ago, and he looked pretty steamed.
Oh good, Mike said with a mock smile as he stood up. Then hell be in his
typical cheery mood.
The sergeant laughed out loud, then stepped back to let the lieutenant exit the
cubicle. When Mike walked past, Vibberts grabbed him by the shoulder and as seriously
as possible said in a low, urgent voice, Good luck. And good-bye. Unable to hold his
serious expression for more than a second, he blurted out a chuckle.
In response, Mike laughed and scowled at the same time, then pantomimed
slapping Vibberts on the side of the head. Jeez, you young guys, he said, also trying to
be serious but failing. Show a little respect once in a while.
Cracking small jokes about Capt. Bradfords surly personality was one of the few
morale boosters for the rank-and-file members of the force. Mike was torn between being
one of the guys and being part of management. He knew it was helpful to let the young
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
40/55
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
41/55
cooperating with law enforcement to identify the lowlife creeps who were unraveling the
fabric of civilized society. The police captain was convinced half the problem was the
fact that honest citizens, although not law-breakers themselves, were too apathetic. (The
other half of the problem, in Bradfords view, was the army of bleeding-heart lawyers
and judges who coddled punks instead of cracking them over the head once in a while.)
Unlike bygone generations, people nowadays no longer felt it was their place to insist on
decent behavior by other citizens. If the killings could produce enough righteous anger in
the community, Bradford was certain the troublemakers would be forced to shape up or
leave town, improving the quality of life for everyone either way.
Bradford was very concerned the talk of vigilantes surfaced so quickly. That was
the last thing he wanted. He didnt mind arguing that the vigilante idea was ridiculous.
Most of the other cops he was working with agreed it was a very unlikely scenario, with
the murders most certainly committed by drug dealers or other career criminals. What
Bradford did mind, and what was fraying his nerves, was his task of squelching any
investigation of the vigilante angle. He adamantly refused to allocate any PD resources,
even though a senior official with the State Police offered assistance. Bradford had
insisted his men were overworked already and spread too thin for such a wild goose
chasethings he never seemed too concerned about in the past. He had even argued his
case from a budgetary and spending the tax-payers money wisely perspective. Some
of his arguments and excuses were beginning to sound ridiculous, even to himself. The
captain was starting to wonder if the secret group might have to suspend operations for a
while if the vigilante rumors persisted.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
42/55
Mike Cavanaugh briefed his captain on the current status of the three separate
murder investigations. It took over five minutes for Mike to summarize the activities and
findings of the various police officers working on the cases, but the bottom line was the
department was not any closer to an arrest. They didnt even have any suspects.
At the conclusion of Mikes summary, Capt. Bradford nodded and waved his
hand. Mike was dismissed. Before turning to leave the office, he paused. He really didnt
want to bring up the subject, but he thought he had to. He cleared his throat with a forced
cough, then said, Um, Captain, theres one other thing.
Bradford looked up and peered icily into Mikes eyes. What? he said in a tone
of voice that made Mike gulp involuntarily.
Well, sir, Mike began, I know you dont want to hear this, and I agree with
you one-hundred percent. But Im afraid all this talkall thisstupidtalkabout a, a
vigilante, is not gonna go away. So I know its a total waste of time Mike spoke
quickly, trying desperately to convince the captain that he agreed with his point of view,
but how about if I put together a preliminary outline of a vigilante profile?
Bradford face turned red as he clenched his teeth. He looked like he was about to
explode.
Mike kept talking before the captain could say anything. I mean, just a simple
little outline: young, male, loner, anti-government fanatic, you know, like a Timothy
McVeigh, or something. It wouldnt be anything official or very detailedand I wouldnt
divert any department resourcesbut just something so we could tell the Staties and
media and the politicians that were investigating every possibility.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
43/55
Bradford took a deep breath. His face regained its normal color. He pursed his
lips and leaned back slightly as he thought. Mike felt a strong urge to turn and run before
a geyser of anger spewed in his direction.
Bradford wasnt sure what a typical vigilante profile might look like. He had
never given that any thought. But the brief description offered by Cavanaugh did not in
any way describe him or his three other middle-aged co-conspirators. Finally he said
quietly, OK, maybe thats not a bad idea. Just a brief outline, the traits you just listed.
Maybe that will keep those jerks off our backs for a while. The captain waved his hand
again, and this time Mike took the cue and exited quickly. As he walked back to his
cubicle, Mike was delighted and stunned that Capt. Bradford had actually agree with him.
He didnt want to press his luck by mentioning Duane Waller, but he figured he could
bring that up later on.
While Mike walked down the hallway, Capt. Bradford sat at his desk, deep in
thought. Maybe we can use this to our advantage after all, he said to himself. Then what
passed for a smile spread across his lips.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
44/55
Chapter 24
Wednesday, November 17th, 8:40 a.m.
Fr. Dan Cavanaugh entered the St. Lawrence Rectory through the kitchen door.
He had just finished celebrating morning Mass, and the two cups of coffee he drank
before Mass didnt seem to wake him up much. He tossed his jacket onto a chair and
went over to the coffee maker on the counter by the sink. About a cup-and-a-half of old,
cold coffee sat in the glass pot. That stuff should be able to peel paint by now, he thought,
so if I heat it up in the microwave, it ought to wake me up just finealong with peeling
the lining of my stomach. The coffee probably wouldnt taste very good, but Fr. Dan
figured speed was more important than quality.
He poured the cold coffee into a ceramic mug, then put it in the microwave for 60
seconds. While he watched the mug rotate inside the microwave, he reached over to a
clock radio, turned it on and slid the little wheel until a station came in clearly. Thank
you, Jennifer, a voice intoned from the radio. Lets hope they clear that accident near
exit 48 as soon as possible. Its now seventeen minutes before nine oclock. The Channel
3 Pinpoint Weather forecast calls for partly cloudy skies today with a high only in the
upper 30s. I think winter is just around the corner, folks. OK, after these words from our
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
45/55
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
46/55
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
47/55
That would be fine, she said. I appreciate it.
As Fr. Dan paused, trying to think of something else to say, a voice from the radio
pierced the quiet kitchen. So, Pit Bull, the brash voice said, obviously on a phone line,
I dunno if its a vigilante or not, but I think its awesome! You got a drunk, Dykes,
dead! You got a druggie, Rivera, dead! You got a child molester, Strasser, dead! Its all
good news, if you ask me, man!
OK, Vern from Newington. Thanks for the call, the announcer said with a
chuckle. I tell you, folks, you people are fired up today. Youre making my head
explode!
The sound of an explosion came out of the small speaker. The announcer could be
heard laughing in the background. Fr. Dan looked at the clock radio with puzzlement.
What in the world is that all about? he wondered. Then he looked back toward the table
and saw that Anna was crying. Suddenly he got it. He turned back toward the radio.
Theyre talking about Jitterbug! Theyre laughing at the fact that he was murdered! He
lunged across the counter and shut the radio off.
Im so sorry, he said.
Oh Father, you dont know what its like, Anna sobbed. People who never
even met Luis, who dont know him at all, are laughing and joking and celebrating that
hes, hes dead! Oh Father.
She seemed to melt onto the kitchen table, with her head slumped forward onto
her crossed arms, her back and shoulders heaving with each sob.
Fr. Dan stepped toward her and leaned down. He tentatively put his right arm
around her shoulders and whispered, Its OK, Anna, let it out. Dont worry about those
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
48/55
people. Theyre ignorant. They never met Jitterbug. Theyll never know what a good and
kind boy he was, he continued. They dont understand; they never will. Please dont let
them bother you, Anna. Theyre justignorant. We really need to pray for them, because
they know not what they do.
Anna lifted her head off the table, and turned to look directly at Fr. Dan. Despite
the tears and the runny mascara, she still looked beautiful. Oh Dan, she hoarsely,
Youre so kind. Youre always thinking about the needs of others. Youre so unselfish.
Guess I fooled you, the priest thought, as all of his self-centered desires of the past
few weeks suddenly leapt to the front of his mind. He was still bent forward at the waist,
with his arm cradled around her shoulders. Without warning she pushed the chair away
from the table, stood up, and clutched Fr. Dan in a powerful bear hug. She embraced him
so suddenly and forcefully, he actually gasped as she squeezed the air our of him. But
once he caught his breath and returned her hug by gently wrapping his arms around her
back, he thought that this feeling must be what Heaven is like.
They stayed locked in their warm and tight embrace for almost two minutes. Fr.
Dans mind started to wander again, as it had on the night Jitterbug died. The more he
hugged Anna, the more he wanted her. And the more he wanted her the more a voice
screamed in his head, This is wrong, pal, wrong, wrong, wrong!
Fr. Dan now knew why the cartoonish figures of a devil on one shoulder and an
angel on the other was such a universal image. He truly felt a war raging within himself,
with one voice urging him, Go for it! while another voice pleaded, No, dont do it!
Just then the front door bell rang. Both of them flinched at the sound. I, uh, I
have to get that, Fr. Dan said, as he separated himself from Anna.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
49/55
Yes, yes, she said as she wiped her tear streaked face. I should go now. Thank
you again, Dan, uhFather.
They both walked to the front door as the bell rang again. Fr. Dan opened the door
and saw Mrs. Mullen standing on the top step. Im not interrupting anything am I? she
asked.
No, no, Fr. Dan said, Mrs. Rivera was just leaving. Anna slipped her jacket
on, gave a quick wave, and exited the Rectory. Mrs. Mullen stared at Anna with distain as
she hurried down the steps and walked away.
She then turned to Fr. Dan and muttered, Well!
Fr. Dan closed his eyes and shook his head slightly, then said as pleasantly as
possible, So, Mrs. M., what can I do for you?
Well, Father, the woman said as she strode into the building without being
invited, I know you dont want to hear it, but I have to speak to you about the music as
Mass last Sunday. It was simply unacceptable!
Fr. Dan smiled and shook his head again. Mrs. M., he thought to himself, Youll
never believe this, but I am actually glad you came here. I think you prevented me from
doing something I would regret for the rest of my life.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
50/55
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
51/55
was too hyper for that. He ignored Wilkins soothing advice and continued to speed-talk.
He talked about the weapon, how comfortable it felt when he fired it at the gun range. He
talked about the groups overall plan, how noble it was. He talked about his target and
how the world was soon to be much better off without him in it.
Archie Nathans name recently appeared on one on Det. Mike Cavanaughs lists
of breaking and entering suspects. He was well known to law enforcement officials in the
Hartford area. Nathan was a bold and daring smash and grab thief. He had been
arrested three times over the years, but convicted only once, which resulted in a nine-
month prison sentence. The cops knew he was responsible for upwards of a hundred
break-ins during the past eight years. There were probably another hundred they didnt
connect to him. Unfortunately, the cops had a tough time catching him red-handed. As
soon as Capt. Bradford saw his name on Det. Cavanaughs list, he made the decision that
Archie would be the guest of honor for the groups next mission.
Archie lived in unit D12 of Lowell Acres, often referred to as Low Life Acres.
The structures were first built in the early 1970s as apartments, then went condo in the
mid- 90s. The development was a step up from a low-income housing project, but not
much of a step up. The development probably needed security cameras more than most
condo complexes, but as Capt. Bradford knew very well, it had none.
The Ford Escape was backed into a parking space in the guest area of the lot. It
faced Building D, and was about 40 feet from an empty parking space, labeled D12 in
faded yellow paint on the pavement. The two men had been sitting there for about 25
minutes, and had seen four vehicles come and go.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
52/55
Pit Bull recapped for Wilkins the discussion from the previous evenings secret
meeting. After twice saying, I know, Pit Bull, I was there, Wilkins rolled his eyes and
gave up trying to remind his friend that he knew exactly what had been discussed at the
meeting.
It had been a fairly significant meeting of the four conspirators on Wednesday
evening. For the first time Captain Bradford eased up on his anger regarding the vigilante
rumors. He described the profile outlined by one of his detectives, and all four men
immediately recognized that they did not match that profile. A clergyman, a police
captain, a radio personality and a respected businessmanmiddle-aged family men all
were simply not the type of folks the authorities would search for, if they ever did decide
to investigate the vigilante angle.
The group had listed the pros and cons of having vigilante rumors swirl through
the community. The most obvious con, of course, was the fact they were in fact a
vigilante group. The primary pro, however, was very attractive. The notion of secret
vigilantes might scare criminals in a unique way. All law-breakers know the dangers
posed by the activities they engage in and the people with whom the associate. Most drug
dealers, for example, are more afraid of the violent tendencies of their customers and
suppliers than they are afraid of the police. But the idea of total strangers, avenging
angels as it were, swooping in suddenly and blowing away criminals without warning,
just might cause many undesirables in town either to move out or curtail their illegal
behaviors.
The secret group also had long-term hopes of someday seeing their mission
expand, possibly with the formation of separate independently operating groups engaged
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
53/55
in similar actions. The four men were convinced there were plenty of decent, law-abiding
citizens who were quite concerned about societys chaotic and lawless situation. The trick
would be to convince them to see the wisdom of engaging in extreme measures in order
to take back their community. If the missions continued to succeed, if criminals were
scared straight or fled town, causing a noticeable reduction in crime (not counting
vigilante murders, of course), then public opinion would be on their side. It would not
take much, they reasoned, to recruit new comrades in armscarefully screened and
thoroughly trustworthy new comrades.
The one part of the previous evenings meeting that Pit Bull neglected to recap
was Capt. Bradfords harsh warning. The vigilante topic was no longer taboo, but the
police captain had put his nose within inches of Pit Bulls nose and warned the radio host,
in no uncertain terms, not to say something stupid. Tom Wilkins worried that might not
be possible.
At 2:16 a.m. Tom Wilkins cell phone rang. It was Capt. Bradford, alerting the two
men in the Ford SUV that the subject was on the move. Wilkins closed the phone, and
said flatly, Hes on his way. The Ford became very quiet as the two men waited. Three
minutes later they noticed headlights turning into the parking lot. As the vehicle came
toward them, they could see from the shadowy outline that it was a Jeep. When it turned
into parking space D12, they could see by the dim glow of a distant street light that it was
a red Wrangler with black canvas top and oversized tires: Archie Nathans car.
Pit Bull watched the Jeep and quivered. Wilkins coolly looked to the left and right
to see if any other vehicles or people were around. Satisfied all was quiet, he put his right
hand on Pit Bulls left shoulder and said, Do it.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
54/55
Pit Bull slipped out of the Ford. His legs were stiff and achy from sitting in the car
for so long. He saw the drivers side door of the Jeep open. He walked quickly in the
darkness toward the rear of the Jeep, his tennis shoe-clad feet quiet on the pavement. The
driver of the Jeep got out and closed the door. As he took a step toward the front of the
vehicle, Pit Bull quickened his pace. When he was within five feet of the back of the
Jeep, he raised the gun and pulled the trigger twice. Two soft phut-phut sounds came
out of the pistol. Two hard slugs went into the targets back, causing him to lurch to the
right and lean against the hood of the Jeep. The stricken man turned and faced the source
of his distress. His eyes were as wide as saucers. Pit Bull took a large step forward and
fired two more rounds, one into the stomach, the other in the center of the chest.
The four slugs caused the figure to slide down the side of the Jeep and crumple to
the pavement next to the front left tire, lying flat on his back and softly groaning.
Mortally wounded, death from blood loss would occur within ten minutes. But Pit Bull
hastened the time-line by stepping forward again and firing the fifth and final round into
the victims throat, which shattered the spinal cord at the base of his skull.
Tom Wilkins started the Ford and moved it forward, slowly steering to the left. Pit
Bull turned and ran back, and clambered into the passenger seat. Wilkins drove away
quickly but carefully, so as not to squeal the tires. Pit Bull was chattering even quicker
and louder than usual, triumphantly describing the successful mission. Wilkins
congratulated his friend and tried to calm him down at the same time. Wilkins took the
weapon from Pit Bull and placed it under his seat. Capt. Bradford had asked him to hold
onto the SIG, as a pistol with a silencer could come in handy in the future.
8/14/2019 Purge the Evil Chaps 17 - 25
55/55