2020-01-28 - The Phone Call

Esme was sitting at her desk in the precinct, pouring over a list of support groups she'd put together that met in the area or just outside. She had found Jessica's business card again and was now calling it from her desk phone. If the line was picked up - Esme would start out by saying:

"This is Detective Wilkinson with the GHPD. Do you have a minute to chat?"

Jessica is at the newspaper, working on an important report about corruption in the hot dog vendor industry when her phone rings. She's not sure about the number but answers it anyway - all her informants use burner phones.

"Flores" she states quickly at answering the phone. A smile as she discovers who it is. "Detective Wilkinson. How wonderful of you to call. I always have time for the police. How can I help you?"

"Well, I believe it's safe to assume that you're still poking around this case right? The zoo murder?" Esme leads with. "I wondered if you might feel so inclined to share any information you've found and I'll share a little tidbit with you and potentially have an offer to make.

"That is a safe assumption, Detective" Jessica confirms. "Do you mind if I call you, Esme?" She could drag this out and tease Esme about why the police need to come to her for help, but she's much too professional for that. Jessica will trust Esme to reciprocate. "I will assume you know that this is one of many similar cases where a body part has been removed. And you know that they are all transplant receivers? Do you know that, though they had different surgeons, they all went to the same post-op support group? A group where their particular circumstances would have been known to all present...and the organisers."

"Esme is fine." The detective allows, for now and then listens. Bingo. Sometimes Reporters weren't all that bad. "Yes, a different body part each time. On the record - each victim had a different type of cancer. Off the record - I have a name and I was going to make the rounds to some local, related support groups to ask if people had seen or heard of or talked to them. Have you been to this particular support group yet?"

"I haven't. It's at a Methodist Church in town and I'm going to go visit them as soon as I can. What name do you have? Off the record" Jessica asks, quickly getting a pen and paper ready - she's old school. "Off the record, what do you think is happening with all these stolen organs? How much of a market is there in second-hand transplanted organs? You'd think it would be easier to steal the organ before it went in the recipient."

There's a low sigh that escapes Esme at Jessica's question. "I'll tell you the name when we go visit this group." That's her offer, apparently. Jessica gets to help her question people and will be privy to even more information! "Off the record...pretty sure they're getting eaten at this rate and you're going to think I'm crazy if I told you half the other stuff I've heard but I will also add that this has been happening every 15 years for...a while."

"Why would I think you're crazy? Remember they had fingerprints of an 'ape-like' hand at the crime scene?" Jessica replies before silence for a few moments. "I'm born and raised in this town, Esme. I've seen a lot of things myself. Things I won't talk about over the phone but that this is happening every fifteen years...not a shock. Understanding it is another thing entirely. When do you want to visit the Church?"

"We're...still researching the how's and the why's." Esme gave an exasperated little chuckle. "I was born and raised here too Jessica. And this is the first time I've ever been privy to these happenings." So says the woman since she hasn't yet had her recollection of memory from an incident during her childhood. "As soon as you want. I think I have all the information I'll need that pertains to the asking. So you just tell me what works for you and we'll make it happen."

"Really? The first time?" Silence from Jessica for a long moment. "Sorry your luck ran out." She sounds sincere. "Working together means I get an exclusive, right? The Church is going to get back to me when they're able to talk. Is that sinister? Do they need to get their stories straight before they talk? Perhaps, but I'd like to think this is a solo killer rather than the whole support group being behind it. I'm an optimist, obviously. I'll call you when I get the go ahead to head on over there. If it takes too long, then I'll attend undercover...or break into their offices." A beat. "Did I say that out loud?"

"Yeah, me too." Esme mused, nodding as she made her own notes on a pad. "It's a little suspicious, but then again - maybe they're just figuring out the next time the group will meet? If they were all part of the same group, people are probably terrified they're-" She paused, like she just had an epiphany. "Oh shit. Do you have a list of people who are part of that group at all besides the victims? Or know when the next meeting is technically supposed to be?" Going into detective mode now. "No breaking into offices but I might let you play undercover."

"They're a bit protective of who goes along. It's a transplant support group, not alcoholics anonymous or something like that, so you'd think they shouldn't really need to hide the names but...they do. I'll see if I can get any information on who is going.. Without breaking in." A beat. "Promise. The next meeting isn't too far away. I was hoping to talk with the leader slash head counsellor before that but playing undercover sounds way more fun. Might have to fake some medical records if we want to go real deep." Jessica's brow furrows as she thinks on this. "You will make sure I have protection if the killer decides I'm the next target. Right?"

"I've got a feeling our killer might know we're fakes if he's there, but yes." Esme assured the reporter. "I'll make sure no one and nothing touches a hair on your head." She shifted a bit, cradling her phone between her ear and shoulder as she typed something or other on her computer. "If the counselor reaches out before the meeting - definitely talk with him. And pass him my number saying I'd like to talk too." She explained. "Otherwise, let me know the date of the next meeting and we'll play dress up. I may be able to get us some doctored records too if it comes down to it but I'm not intending this to be the long con, you know? Anyway I need to go. Gotta get some stuff in while it's at the forefront of my mind. Stay in touch Flores." A beat of pause. "And stay safe."

"You too, Detec...Esme. Nice to meet a cop I have confidence in. I'll be in touch." Jessica hangs up and starts typing up her own notes. This will be fun!