Branded for Murder (20 page)

Chapter 48

Checking into the hotel, it was already after 1 AM. We could hear music coming from one of the several lounges, but I went with Neil and Jeremy to get our luggage from the vehicles. The girls went off to check out the hotel amenities, even though it was early in the morning.

I could now feel how tired I was, but when the ice-cold air hit me it woke me right up. I thought of my visit to my parents over Christmas. My dad read in the local newspapers about the task force role in capturing the New England Strangler. When we were alone he told me how proud he was that I had helped capture Jackie’s killer. He told me she would be proud also. Mom on the other hand, still didn’t know about my participation. I told Dad to keep it between us, as I was staying on to help capture the new strangler.

It was difficult moving the luggage carrier in the snow, taking all three of us to get it to the entrance. Neil fell down and we laughed. He started throwing snow balls at us. We were like kids again. Anyone noticing us must have thought we had already started celebrating the New Year. We were now covered in snow, looking like snowmen.

Our rooms were close to each other, but were not right next door. Since mine was the last in the line, I wanted to help Neil and Jeremy move their luggage into their rooms. Judy opened the door for Neil, but was undressed expecting to surprise Neil. It took her a second to realize we were standing behind him. She took off running. Neil turned and smiled. “I guess that was meant for me.”

We left their bags for him to bring in. I anticipated the same thing at Jeremy’s door, so I just left their luggage at the door. I made two trips for our luggage, knocking on the door when I had everything at the door way.

Lisa opened the door, displaying a belated and unwrapped Christmas present. I hurried to bring in the three suitcases, closing the door quickly behind me fearing someone walking by. Once inside, Lisa hastily took off my snow covered coat. She smiled, putting it on, but not zipping it. It was quite the picture. She immediately started working the buttons and zippers, faster than a child opening presents at Christmas time.

It was obvious that I was more than ready, thanks mostly to the very attentive ride and warm reception. The snow started melting off the coat onto me and the bedcovers. She was more than glad to finally have me where she wanted me.

*.*.*

I can remember some sleep last night, but not much. It was nice to think about being together this way. At breakfast, nobody said much until Lisa and Judy looked at each other and started laughing. We were soon all laughing, drawing attention to our table. Conversation flowed from that point on.

The buffet breakfast was memorable. The dining room, which was very large and elegant, had about twenty tables with white table cloths, and people were dressed in ski attire. The placard on the table indicated the date in bold letters. Tuesday, December 31, 1963. The menu was listed, followed by, ‘We look forward to you being with us at tonight’s festivities. Please join us in the ballroom starting at 7 pm for our New Year’s Eve celebration. Please take part in our many activities today, and enjoy your stay.

*.*.*

In the early afternoon, the skiing was unbelievable. I can’t remember the number of trips we took down the mountain. Lisa and I got separated from the others after lunch, enjoying just being with each other. The wind was blowing quite hard, making the chair lift ride less than enjoyable as far as the cold wind was concerned. It gave us time to talk and laugh about trying to make our lips meet given the ski garments we were wearing.

“So Scott, have you thought about my surprise?”

I had, but I answered, “What surprise are you talking about?”

She pushed at me. I almost dropped one of my ski poles. “You know damned well what I’m talking about,” she said, knowing I was pulling her leg.

“Lisa, I was just kidding. I said I would get even…you know I keep my promises.”

She beamed at me. “Scott thanks for making me feel extra special last night.” She paused then added, “I know you were tired from driving, but our time together last night was worth the long ride.”

I had to chuckle at that. “It was a long ride and a long drive, too.”

She brushed the snow off my ski parka, putting her head against my side. I put my arm around her. The remaining rides up the mountain didn’t feel as cold as they had earlier. At one point on our way down the mountain, we stopped to be close to each other, winding up making snow angels. On one of our subsequent rides we spotted the undisturbed angels we made. “Lisa, that’s us eighty years from now when we’re together in heaven.”

“Scott thanks for coming into my life. I’m sorry I can be difficult at times. I just want to be with you all the time. I miss you so much when you’re not with me. I really can’t picture a future without you,” she said wiping at the wet snow on her cheek.

*.*.*

The New Year’s festivities were great. The champagne was flowing and we had more than we needed. It was too bad we were both so tired from the fresh air and made our excuses to head to our room. I caught the wink from Judy at Lisa, but did my best not to react.

Once in our room Lisa told me what she wanted me to do, then went in the bathroom. I complied, getting undressed and under the covers. She came out wearing a sheer teddy. I never saw what she was carrying. She told me to close my eyes, tying a kerchief around them. She proceeded to kiss me, my ears and then my neck. She slid the sheet down. I could feel the cool air on my body. She told me to hold onto the headboard and not to let go, or she would stop.

She left for several minutes. I wondered what she was up to. When she returned to the bed, the next thing I felt was warm liquid on my chest. Then I felt her tongue lick it off. She kissed me, and I could taste chocolate. A few more minutes passed, and then I felt the warm chocolate dripping on my erection. I was more than ready even before all of this, but I couldn’t be happier with her surprise. Much to my pleasure, she more than made sure she licked up every drop.

“Okay Scott. That was the surprise. In answer to your question about doing this in public…I would say I don’t think so. Is it my turn, or did you forget our wager?”

“No Lisa, I didn’t forget. I want you to place yourself in my position.” She moved quickly, tying the kerchief around her eyes. It was an awful time to think about all of those rape cases and those women. I was having a negative reaction to my thoughts until I looked closely at Lisa. She was excited already, and I hadn’t even done anything.

I unbuttoned the blouse portion of her teddy. I watched her body react to the cool air in the room. Finally, I undid the snaps on her teddy. She was naked like I had been.

She held onto the headboard, but I didn’t move. I could tell her mind was racing judging from how she was reacting. I hadn’t done anything. Finally, I opened the window, taking some snow and shaping it into a medium sized snowball. I went over to the bed, dripping the melted snow on her face and then her breasts. Her nipples reacted immediately to the cold drops. She was jumping in beat to the drops. I placed the remaining snowball on her belly, watching her reaction. She jumped at first, and then she maneuvered the snowball between her thighs. I kissed her passionately, and she let out a loud moan.

She commented, “That was incredible.”

“I’m not done with my
surprise
yet.”

I went over to the window, opened it wide and the cold air rushed in. I then reached for an icicle feeling the ice cold air. The loud crack of the icicle caused her to move her head from side to side. Her eyes were still closed, but she was smiling.

I knew the drips must have been exciting judging from her reaction. There was a small pool of water left in her navel from the snow ball, but what was left went flying when I moved the icicle between her legs.

Soon the contrasting temperatures were more than we both could stand.

Chapter 49

He was reading the morning paper, announcing the second in a new series of stranglings. He thought about the recent arrest of Arnold Vincenti, who confessed to being the New England Strangler.

He managed to deal with his own ordeal for years. He thought he might be able to have his revenge attributed to the New England Strangler. However, now that Vincenti confessed, and he had killed Karen, it was too late to stop. His fate was sealed. He had to carry out his plan.

Reading the description in the paper was a polite way of saying what really happened to Phyllis. He tried to duplicate the scene at Karen’s, but Phyllis needed more persuasion and he had to hit her. He hadn’t planned anything like that, but she was stronger than he anticipated. He wanted her to remember the history between them, but he had to wait until she recovered. It just gave him a few extra minutes to enjoy her privately, so to speak.

The hangman knots were a nice touch, adding a remembrance of the past. He made her share what she thought when she read about Karen’s murder. She just thought it was a random killing.
I wonder what her remaining cohort is going to think when she learns Phyllis was also strangled. Two friends murdered in the same manner is going to be too much of a coincidence, isn’t it? However, I’m saving the best surprise for last.

*.*.*

He had a very tough job. It was hard to concentrate on the work at hand. He was like a disguised wolf, guarding the flock. It was hard for him to clear his mind of his other activities, focusing on what he had to do for hours on end. He made the commitment to himself a long time ago, that he would be the best soldier he could be.

However, he could never have gone into the military, not in his condition. This was his assignment. He was enjoying it, committed to carrying it out. He no longer cared about the future. When he was finished, his fate with the devil was sealed.

Last night with Phyllis, he had to admit, he came very close to letting her live. She was adept at giving him things to consider. The more she talked to him, the harder it was to carry out his objective. He needed to be more careful in the future, not to be put in that position. He needed to believe that what he was doing was justified. An eye for an eye, he kept reminding himself, and telling them. The branding was indeed warranted. He remembered his own pain.

“Sir, are you okay? Do you need me to call for help?” A lovely girl interrupted his thoughts.

He put the paper down, putting his fist to his chest. “No I’m fine. Thanks for asking. I’ll be okay. It must have been something that didn’t agree with me.”

Chapter 50

Paddy called Mike early this morning about another strangling victim. Mike picked up Paul on his way to the scene. They all watched as the locals processed the scene.

Later, at the office, Paul asked, “Mike, what do you make of what’s happening?”

He put the newspaper down, shaking his head, but not immediately responding. “We definitely have a new killer on our hands. If there was any question about whether the Kellerman case could be attributed to Vincenti, that has been put to bed now. This killer is just mimicking some of what was public knowledge about the prior killings, adding his own particulars. The hangman knots, the oil, burn marks and actual rape are unfortunately tied to a new killer. What scares me Paul is how many more will he kill before we catch him?”

Paul picked up the discarded newspaper, looking at the headline announcing a second strangling. “Mike, this is a hell of a way to start the New Year.” He read part of the article again. “Do you think where Phyllis Horton lived only one town away from Kellerman, they might have known each other?”

He thought about that for a moment. “Well, the killer obviously chose them for some reason. It could have been just a random killing, but you might have a valid point. We should question the families, to see if we can find something linking them. They were very close in age and might have been friends when they were younger.”

*.*.*

“Colleen, Paul and I are going to Burlington to meet with the Horton family. I know Paddy is tied up with the AG, but please let him know where we went. I like your outfit.”

Colleen smiled, and blushed. “Thanks Mike, I’ll tell him when he comes in, or calls. Thanks also for the compliment on my outfit. Do you think it’s appropriate for the office?”

The white scooped neckline showed more of her assets than he was accustomed to, but he thought it really looked nice. “Colleen, I’m sure its fine. We just have our usual team members here. I’m sure those guys will not mind at all. It might be hard to get them out of here today. The color looks nice on you.” He could see she was blushing more now. “Colleen it’s really okay…I really wouldn’t worry about it.”

When Paul winked at her, she smiled and bent her head. “I agree with Mike. I’ll see you later.”

The ride to Burlington took them half an hour, but the traffic was light, given the holiday. The locals had given him the address where Phyllis’ husband was staying, since he was not allowed at the murder scene.

*.*.*

After meeting with Mr. Horton for an hour, they had a good understanding of Mrs. Horton’s background and normal routine. Mr. Horton could only provide a minimal amount about his wife’s early life, suggesting they talk with her parents.

Her parents lived nearby. Although still in shock about their daughter’s murder, they indicated on the phone they would help in any way they could.

After the customary introductions, Mike asked, “We’re trying to find a link between Karen Kellerman and your daughter. Did you know Karen, or did your daughter know her or ever mention her?”

Without any hesitation, Mrs. Cosgrove answered, “Oh yes, they were friends growing up, staying in touch with Christmas cards.”

Her fast response somewhat surprised him. “What can you tell me about that friendship?”

“Well Mr. Miller, they didn’t go to the same high school, but they first met at a summer camp growing up. They later became camp counselors at the same camp during their late teens. Then they went to different colleges, taking them in separate directions, but like I said, they still talked once in a while, and sent cards and such. Do you think her killer, I mean their killer, knew them?”

“He might have. What can you tell us about the summer camp, Mrs. Cosgrove?”

“Honey, what was the name of that camp Phyllis attended?” When she started to cry, her husband handed her a box of tissues.

“Yeah, let me think a minute,” he responded. After a few seconds, he added, “It was in New Hampshire—it was Pine Knoll or something like that…no wait it was Knotty Pine Camp. That’s it. It was quite a number of years ago you know.”

“That’s excellent. Can you tell me anything else that might have tied them together?” He thought about his choice of words, but neither of them reacted to it.

Mrs. Cosgrove responded, “No, that was the only thing they did together, since they were in different towns, but during the summers they were inseparable.” She took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Her husband came over, sat on the edge of her chair, putting his arm around her shoulder.

“I know this is difficult for both of you, but this is very helpful. May I continue?” Mike asked.

“Yes certainly,” both responded in unison.

“Thank you. Without going into too much detail, is there anyone else who was friendly with both of them…possibly another camp counselor?”

Mrs. Cosgrove put her hand to her forehead, and answered, “You know I remember Phyllis talking about their group. I know there were several others, possibly more. Mr. Miller, let me get her address book, to see if I can remember anyone else.” She started to get up but Mr. Cosgrove had to steady her.

When they left the room, Paul asked him, “Mike, this sounds like an important link. I wonder if there is something symbolic about the hangman nooses. What do you think?”

“Maybe. It does sound like the connection goes back to their late teens, since they really haven’t socialized since they were married.” He stopped talking when they came back in the room.

“Mr. Miller, I found this early address book in her old room. Our granddaughter uses that room when she comes to visit. I’m sure her husband would have a more up to date one if you need it.” She got the words out, immediately breaking down. Mr. Cosgrove passed the address book over to him.

He started reading the names in the register, spotting three names with references to Knotty Pine Camp. Opening his notebook to a new page, he wrote the names and early phone numbers down. Karen Beauchamp was listed, along with Helen Reynolds and Charlotte Williams. He looked over at the Cosgrove’s, wondering
how he would handle losing one of his children.

“We won’t take any more of your time. I truly want to thank you for taking the time to meet with us. This might just make a difference. I’m also sorry for your loss.” As he stood up to leave, he put the address book down on the end table.

Paul echoed Mike’s words, “I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for meeting with us.” He noticed Mrs. Cosgrove was still bent over, with her husband holding her.

Mr. Cosgrove raised his hand, pleading, “Mr. Miller, please find the man who did this. Please…before anyone else has to go through this same thing.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrove, thank you again. I promise you we will do everything in our power to catch this guy. You have been an enormous help. Thank you. We can find our way out.”

He looked over at Paul, before starting the car. “Paul I need you to call Phyllis’ husband. We have to check if he can relate these early names with their current names and phone numbers. I suspect Karen Beauchamp is now Kellerman. The other women may be married now also and have different names. Regardless, we need to locate these other two women, and visit with them. They could be in danger. I also think we need to attend the family funeral, to see who shows up.”