Hunting A Spider- The Pain Of Unconditional Love 19

   While I pondered my mother’s fate, the authorities in Ohio moved with rapid speed. Since Early is a retired cop with a distinguished career, I let him handle the investigators in Ohio, who naturally were very skeptical of Early, despite his impeccable background. “They think I’m a mental case, but I probably would think the same thing if I were in their shoes.” Early said. “Are they taking you seriously?” I asked. “I suppose, but they seem more interested in me. We really stirred up the shit tank on this one, Drayton, and I fear that we’re both gonna be raked over the coals before they realize that we’re trying to help.” “It’s a big lead, Early, and one that they didn’t find.” Early gave me a wary look, tinged with frustration. “Drayton, when they discover you’re family history combined with the latest development involving your mother, things could get real dicey.” “I understand that, but they just need to follow the evidence.” “My family history is gonna get dug up too, Drayton.” “That wasn’t your fault, Early, and you know it. Let’s just simmer down and take it slow and easy.” “That’s not how it’s gonna be played out, Drayton.”

   The last thing I need is for Early to fall apart on me, but that’s what usually happens when he starts dwelling on his son, and because there’s no dealing with him when he gets into one of his spells, I would have to battle two fronts by myself, which would be overwhelming. For such a hard man, Early does have a soft spot for his family, who never adequately reciprocated his unconditional love for them. Sometimes I wonder if the world would be a better place minus unconditional love and forgiveness because there would be less pain and frustration to deal with. I know the Buckeye Strangler doesn’t concern himself with unconditional love.

   Nor does Mother.

Hunting A Spider- Where’s Mama 18

   I went out to my mother’s house in Sanford, and sure enough, she was gone. I walked around the house and discovered the back door open, but instead of walking in I called Gustafsson for guidance. “You gonna go in there and destroy evidence? The surly asshole said. “Should I call a cop to go in there with me or just walk in and see if she hauled ass like you claim?” I fired back. Before Gustafsson could give his nasty reply, a neighbor walked over the property line and asked me if everything was alright. I told the miserable detective to hold tight while I talked with my mother’s neighbor, an elderly woman with thick glasses. I asked her if she saw my mother leave or noticed anything suspicious. “She left out of here with her suitcase like a cat with its tail on fire.” The woman named Erma said. I told Gustafsson what Erma told me and got an earful of threats. “This doesn’t look good, Brookings, and I’m not one to play.” “Scare me why don’t ya, Gustafsson. I’m trying to help and you’re playing a half-assed Bogart.” “We’ll see about that Mr. Brookings.” The blowhard dingleberry said before hanging up.

   I called Early and advised him of the latest development. “Shit, Drayton, you don’t think it’s possible that your mama is mixed up with a serial killer, do ya?” “Why the hell not? It’s consistent with our family history.” “What are you going to do?” “I don’t know, but at the moment I’m more concerned about what that asshole Gustafsson is up to.” ”Drayton, it’s your mama we’re talking about here.” Early said. “I know who she is, Early, and I wish I could say that this is all one big misunderstanding, but my gut tells me differently.” “What do you mean?” “Just what I said.”

   The Hassey’s do have a penchant for murder.

Hunting A Spider- Killer Leads 17

   We went to Troy’s shop in Clifford, where he continued to decipher Donald’s laptop. Silhouette 666 resides somewhere in Raleigh, while Abel’s Avenger lives in Orlando, but since neither user seemed to have much web interaction with the other three dingbats, I wasn’t really interested in them at the moment. “The Unknown Traveler lives somewhere in Parkersburg, West Virginia.” Troy said. Early and I gave each other a smile. “Is that good?” Troy asked. “Depends how you define good in this situation.” Early replied.

   There’s no question that Parkersburg, West Virginia is in the killer’s geographical range, and since his most recent victim was found near Marietta, Ohio, which is right across the Ohio River, the theory that the Buckeye Strangler is a West Virginian is very plausible. “He kills in Ohio, but lives in West Virginia.” I said aloud while thinking. “What?” Troy asked. “We’re trying to catch a serial killer?” I said. “Damn, why didn’t you tell me that?” Troy said. “Slipped my mind. What else can you find out about this guy?” “For now, that’s about it, but it’s been my experience with guys like this that you won’t find him online with the same screen name or IP address after today.” “You’re probably right, but you never know.” “Most of the guys I know are either hacking or running some sort of internet scam, but if this code has anything to do with serial murders he isn’t going to want to get caught, so he’ll probably drop out of this group now that he knows you’re on to him.” Troy said. “We can’t sit on this information, Drayton.” Early said. “I know.”

   Early said he would call the investigators in Ohio, which would bring them to North Carolina and Virginia. I called the nuthouse and advised the staff there of the situation. I told them that they would be getting a call from investigators from Ohio in the near future.

   I took a moment to make sure that I had everything in order when my cell phone went off. It was Max Gustafsson. “Where’s your mother, Brookings?” He growled. “Probably out shopping somewhere, how the hell do I know.” “Bullshit, we went by Bryce Koosman’s place and watched it all last night only to learn that he hauled ass yesterday afternoon!” “I’ll see what I can do.” I replied. “Yeah, do that, but in the meantime, remind your mother that accessory to murder is a felony.” Gustafsson said before hanging up.”

   Mother could always make things difficult.

Hunting A Spider- Death Quotes 16

   “What’s this code mean, Donald?” “It’s just a game we play.” “What does it mean asshole!” Early barked. “It’s just a word game. the Anarchist Superman likes to quote philosophers.” “Why?” “Because he’s crazy.” “Then you’re as nutty as him.” I replied. “Drayton, what do you think this means?” Troy asked.

Anarchist Superman: Most people would rather die than think: many do.

Unknown Traveler: Death gives us sleep, eternal youth, and immortality.

Barley Molasses: The darkness of death is like the evening twilight; it makes all objects appear more lovely to the dying.

Unknown Traveler: But the peasants–how do the peasants die?

Anarchist Superman: The fear of death is worse than death.

Unknown Traveler: These have not the hope to die.

Barley Molasses: Shit, I’m thirsty.

   “Man, that’s deep Donald.” I said. “Your screen name is Barley Molasses?” Early said with disdain. “I didn’t give it much thought.” “We know what was on your mind when you came up with it.” I said. “Who’s the Unknown Traveler?” “Just another guy with a twisted sense of humor.” “Quotes about death are funny?” “Ya gotta understand, these people are kinda morbid, but that’s all they are.” “You know where this Unknown Traveler lives?” “No, we don’t care about that.” “Can you get an IP address on these guys?” I asked Troy. “Yeah, let’s see if they’re online.” Troy worked his magic again and found that the Anarchist Superman was surfing and within a few minutes the IP address came back to Bessville, Virginia. “That’s Doane.” “Of course, there’s two other screen names that might interest you: Silhouette 666 and Abel’s Avenger. They’re into the same kind of weird shit.” Troy said.

   Donald Jackson didn’t look or act the part of a computer geek, but it’s obvious that he’s notch above that. I couldn’t imagine what any of this meant and the more Early pressed him, the more evasive Donald became. “It’s just a game and you can’t prove otherwise.” he told Early with a growing defiance.

   A defiance that portended fear.

Hunting A Spider- The Anarchist Superman 15

   Man, Drayton, I thought you were alright.” Donald lamented, as I gave his laptop a test drive. “I am Donald, wasn’t it me that helped you and your gang through a particularly bad winter several years back.” “Yeah, you gave us a place to stay, but we had to work sixteen hours a day.” “It kept you out of trouble.” “Show me the rest of this house.” Early demanded. “This is really breaking and entering.” Donald said. “Shut up.”  As Donald gave Early the grand tour of his house I continued to go through Donald’s laptop, which was top of the line. It was also very clear that Donald Jackson has advanced computer skills that rival any geeks.

   About a half-hour later, Troy Hiller, a computer tech I occasionally do business with arrived at Donald’s house and immediately began to tear through the old drunk’s computer. “Wow, this guy is really something.” Troy remarked, as he looked through CD-ROM’s and various other computer accessories I didn’t recognize. “This guy has written code and is most likely a hacker.” Troy continued. “Damn, I wonder where that fool learned all that?” I asked. “Are you looking for anything in particular?”
“I want to know who he’s communicating with.” “Why don’t I just copy everything.” Troy said. “Do what you think is necessary, but I really would like to know if he’s talking to people he shouldn’t.” “Like who?” “My uncle.” Troy gave me a confused look and then began to type on the keyboard with incredible speed. “Looks like this guy’s big into news groups and pirating movies. “Do you have something comparable to this laptop at your shop?” I asked. “Yes.” Troy replied. “Just take this and I’ll get Donald a new one.”

   When I told Donald that I was taking his laptop he got almost defiant until I told him about what we could do to him for all his illegal activities. “You’re getting another computer, but we’re taking this one.” “Man, you guys are killing me.” “No, Donald, you didn’t want to play ball with me so now I have to make up new rules.” Who’s The Anarchist Superman?” Troy asked. “Holy shit, I bet that’s Doane.” I said. “Who’s the Anarchist Superman, dickhead?” Early asked Donald?” “I don’t know.” Donald replied timidly. “Really?” I said. “He’s just a whacko I chat online with from time to time.” “Superman is now fucking things up.” Troy said. “It’s a reference to Nietzsche, who Doane reads, which explains why he’s locked up.  “Whoa, there’s some really strange shit here, Drayton.”

   I’m sure there is.

Hunting A Spider- Watching Donald Jackson 14

Early and I set up surveillance on Donald Jackson’s residence, the person Doane said was the Buckeye Strangler. The dilapidated wood house, which desperately needed structural repairs and a fresh coat of paint looked like a drug den for Clifford’s unsavory element and it rammed home the point that my uncle could still pull strings from inside the rubber room. “This is ludicrous.” Early grumbled. “We could probably get lice just watching this shithole.” “Oh well, at least we can take a shower afterwards.” I replied, as Donald Jackson walked on the rickety porch looking like death warmed over. “Man, he looks like hell.” Early commented. “He’s lived a hard life.” “Yeah, he’s wasted it away drinking cheap wine and bad drugs.” Early added. “How well do you know him?” “Well enough to keep the hell away from him.” I replied. “Let’s go ask him a few questions.” Early said.

   As we approached the house, Donald Jackson gave us a wary look and then smiled when he recognized me. “Aren’t you Drayton Brookings?” “That’s me, Donald, how’s life been treating you?” “Like shit, but ya can’t complain too much ’cause no one listens anyway.” Wanting to get down to business, Early cut short the pleasantries and began asking questions. “Do you know a Doane Hassey?” Donald gave Early a stunned look and the shook his head, feigning confusion. “No man, never heard of him.” “Judging by the look on your face I’d say you were lying.” Early replied. “Nah, man, I ain’t never heard of no name like that.” “Then why did you look so surprised when I mentioned his name?” “Who are you?” Donald asked. Early flashed his badge and told the scruffy drunk that he could make his life a living hell if he didn’t cooperate. “I ain’t into no shit, man. I’m just an old country boy minding his own business.” “And I’m Mary Fuckin’ Poppins.” Early barked. “Now you come clean about this or I’ll make sure you out on the streets in a few days.” “I don’t know Doane Hassey.” Donald pleaded. “Then how does he know you?” Early pressed. “I don’t know.” Early walked past Donald and into the house. “Hey, you can’t do this.” Donald protested. I followed the bum into his house and found Early looking at a laptop on a cheap table littered with trash. “What do you know about computers, Drayton?” Early asked. “A little, but I know someone who knows a lot.” “Call him, I bet we’ll find all kinds of shit on this thing.” Early said with a wicked smile. “Won’t we Mr. Jackson?”

Hunting A Spider- A Daunting Task 13

   Early hated the idea of trying to lure the Buckeye Strangler with me as bait. “This guy’s been doing this shit for a long time now, so I’m sure they’ve already done that, and besides, you hardly fit the profile of his victims.” Early said. “Then what’s your plan Charlie Chan?” I asked. “To let the authorities in southern Ohio handle this, but I won’t go there now.” Early quipped. “The best thing we can do initially is cruise the roads and get an idea of the landscape and the surroundings. Since neither one of us are cops, Drayton, we’re gonna have to keep this low-key and then hope we don’t become suspects.” I was glad that Early shared my major concern, but I was equally dismayed at his vague  plan that basically had us driving around looking for anything suspicious. “That’s not real inventive, Sherlock.” “It may lack the drama of your plan, but it’s how police work is mostly done.” Early shot back. “This ain’t television, Drayton, this guy is really killing people and to assume that we’re just gonna go to Ohio and catch him a few days later is very unrealistic.” “I know that.” I replied. “Good, then will just take this whole thing slow because for all we know the killer has gone back into hiding and may not come out play for several years.”

   As Early did his best to make this whole operation a sight-seeing tour, I pondered his last comment, which certainly had validity. The Buckeye Strangler has been an elusive killer party because he’s so erratic, which I am certain is by design, and that makes the job of the investigators that much harder because they only have limited resources devoted to catching him. I pulled up a map of southern Ohio and noticed that the murders were spread out between southeastern and southwestern Ohio, with some of the driving distances approaching close to four hours in length, which meant the killer could live anywhere in between or even in West Virginia or Kentucky, and even though the murders are apparently contained to a region in the state, the logistics of coordinating the investigation is still a nightmare. “He could live anywhere in the region.” I said. “Exactly, and I assume that you noticed the neighboring states where he could also live.” Early said.

   I daunting task indeed.

Hunting A Spider- Sabotaged 12

   I was putting the finishing touches on my plan when I got a call from Max Gustafsson, a detective with the Swift County Sheriff’s Department in Minnesota, who wanted me to tell him everything I knew about Bryce Koosman. As I explained my relationship to the ex-con asshole, I did all I could to contain my anger at Early, who had set me up so he could get out of going to the Gopher State. Gustafsson allowed me to talk without interruption, but when I finished he hit me with a battery of questions, most of which I couldn’t answer. I really didn’t want to give the detective my Mother’s number, but I also didn’t want to be hauled to Minnesota for further questioning, so I gave Gustafsson all the information about my Mother that he requested. “Have you had any dealings with Bryce?” I asked. “We know who he is.” Gustafsson replied in a clipped tone. “I trust your Mother will be cooperative in this matter.” the sullen Swede said before hanging up. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of my Mother being interrogated, which would be priceless.

   After talking with the humorless detective, I immediately went looking for Early, who was conveniently unavailable for a couple hours while I simmered down. I should have known the cagey old bastard would pull a stunt like that because like a mean old mule, Early can be stubborn to the point of exasperation. I went out and got a bite to eat and when I arrived back at my retreat I found Early sitting at my kitchen table wearing a shit-eating grin. “Did you talk to that charmer Gustafsson?” He asked. “You asshole, did you really object to going to Minnesota that bad?” “Absolutely, but the thought of you playing quarry for a serial killer bothered me even more.” Early’s concern for me is genuine and beyond question, so I decided just to let it go. “I understand why you want to do these things, Drayton, and trust me, I admire it, but there are some things better left to the local authorities and the Swift County Killer is one of them. The Buckeye Strangler is probably another, but I won’t push ya on that.” Early said. “That’s might nice of you.” I replied. “I know, now let’s revise your plan.”

Hunting A Spider- Playing The Percentages 11

   Early felt compelled to give some of my Mother’s assertions a little credence, like the fact that just because Bryce Koosman is an ex-con doesn’t make him a serial killer or that just because most Hassey’s are nuts doesn’t mean all of them are and so on. I thanked him for his input and went about planning our next move. “I hope you your plans don’t include me going to Minnesota, because that just ain’t happening.” Early declared. I smiled, which immediately deflated his resolve. “Dammit, Drayton, it snows in June up there, and ya know how I feel about the cold.” “You’re breaking my heart, Early, but I need your expertise in dealing with rural folk, and from what I can tell, you might have to worry more about the wildlife than the people because there doesn’t seem to be too many of those critters in that neck of the woods.” “Great, if a serial killer don’t waste my ass a fucking bear will.” Early grumbled. “Look at it this way, you’ll be in the prairie so you should have a good view from all angles.” I replied. “You’re an asshole.” “Hurt me why don’t you.”

   As Early sulked, I pondered my mission, which had the potential to be extremely dangerous. In fact, I really should take Early with me, but if either one of us is going to get wasted I want it to be me. I never backed out of a challenge in my life and I wasn’t about to do it now. My plan was a longshot and stood of very good chance of being nothing more than a huge waste of time, but percentages are merely numbers that mean nothing if you achieve your goal–or die trying.

   “If my expertise is stranded in Minnesota, how can I help you in Ohio?” Early asked. “Different situation.” I replied. “How?” Early pressed. “I’m hoping to make contact with my quarry.” “What?” Early asked. “I don’t fit the profile of his victims, but he might want a friend.” “Absolutely not, Drayton.” Early said emphatically. “That’s just being foolish and you know it.” “I got it covered, Early.” “Bullshit, this is crazy, even by your standards.” “I’m not stupid, Early, I know what I’m doing.” “No you don’t, Drayton, you have no idea what you’re dealing with.”

   I’m just playing the percentages.

Hunting A Spider- Family Discord 10

   “I suppose you’re snooping into my life in the name of justice.” Mother sneered. “That’s such a crock of shit, especially coming from a man who let his father die in the freezing cold.” “That’s nonsense and you know it.” I replied. “The hell it is. I knew you hated the bastard, but I didn’t think you could watch him die.” Mother continued. “This coming from a woman who dreamed of killing him everyday, but that’s different.” “You actually think that just because Bryce has a criminal record and lives in southwest Minnesota, that he’s a serial killer? Damn, Drayton, I know your life is empty, but I didn’t know that you’ve resorted to twisted fantasies to fill your dreary days.” “There’s nothing twisted about it, and furthermore, your family history warrants such scrutiny.” “And when did your blood change that suddenly made you an outsider unrelated to all the crazy characters in my family?” Mother fired back. “I’m only half-Hassey, which makes me half as likely to be crazy.”Oh, that’s real good logic considering that the Brookings are hardly blue-bloods with a glorious past, in fact, it was crazy Grandpa Hassey that spawned that miserable London and Milan, so you got a double dose of insanity, boy.” “Are you going to tell me anything about Bryce?” I finally asked. “No, and I would like you to leave now, because I resent the implication that I’m somehow mixed up in those murders, but I shouldn’t be surprised since it came from such a cold-hearted bastard like you.”

   Early and I left my Mother’s house and headed back to Fayetteville knowing no more about Bryce Koosman than when we arrived in Sanford. “I don’t think we can count on her for much.” Early said casually. “Man, she’s really something.” I said, trying to imagine how the hell I was conceived by such miserable parents. “What’s your plan now?” Early asked. “I guess we’ll have to find out about Bryce Koosman on our own.” I replied. “Don’t you mean I will have to do that?” Early said. “You’re right, but I look at this as a team effort.” “Spare me, just fill me in on what you want to do and we’ll go from there.”

   Early is going to make a good gopher.