Branded for Murder (6 page)

Chapter 15

He watched as the two lovers kissed and said goodbye. They looked so innocent, so happy. He could reach out and kill them both. It would be so easy. However, that was not his style. He was not into killing fast. He would want to take his time and enjoy his time with her. Doing him in would be quick and easy, but maybe he could use her love for him to his advantage.

All in due time my sweet, all in due time. I have other priorities,
he thought to himself.

*.*.*

He had killed twice this past week. Both of them were young and beautiful. Their skin was smooth and soft to his touch. He closed his eyes, remembering his time with them. He had taken his time, playing out his many fantasies. They were such good puppets. He needed to feel the nylon panties against his skin again. He was quickly lost in his thoughts.

Later, his wife arrived home, asking why he wasn’t working today. He made an acceptable excuse, wishing she could be like the others. She changed after the birth of their first child several years ago. However, it had never been the heated sex he longed for. It was always rushed and one-sided. He knew he could excite women, some of them even told him.

He decided to leave and not deal with his wife for the rest of the day. Many times he was gone almost all day, but she never really concerned herself with where he was. If she asked, he just said, ‘the job took longer than I planned – honey, it’s not like I’m out there enjoying myself.’

He smiled, just thinking what a fallacy that was. He really enjoyed his special talents. He recalled his wife always wanting the lights off when she finally relented to make love. He used the darkness to recall the memory of the others. Many had performed the way he wanted his wife to.

He left them all arranged for the authorities. It was totally opposite of what his wife would do. She would not let even him see her. And especially not the way he posed them. He wondered if he would have ever married her, but she announced she was pregnant. He had barely remembered them ever making love. Their families knew each other, so it was just easier to marry her.

The authorities were reporting twelve strangling victims. He only let one woman live. She had played his little game—she played it very well. He told her if she told the authorities about her attack he would know who told them, and would come back to finish her off like the others.

He had given some thought to going back to see her, but never did. There were so many new ones, why have something already tainted.

While he sat in his vehicle watching all the people go by, he had decided he was not going to kill any elderly women again. He knew he was somewhat vulnerable there, since the older they were the less they had to look forward to. The young ones had so much to look forward to.

He had killed the one last weekend because he knew she was stronger than the rest. She played his little games, but he knew she was just trying desperately to save her life. He could tell she would go to the authorities to help catch him. He could almost smell the ones who would stop at nothing to help catch him. They all promised they would not report anything, but he could sense their lies, just in how they uttered the words.

He looked up at the billboard, viewing the female’s sexy pose. He couldn’t even read the advertising with it; all he could see was the young and long-legged model. She was posing just for him.

Chapter 16

It was a long drive to Maine, giving me time to think about things. I couldn’t get the time with Lisa out of my head. She was even more special than I expected. The fact that she wanted to meet me as well, was wonderful. All those times I saw her in the library, she was just waiting for me to introduce myself.
Why am I so shy?

Jackie told me things would change when I met the right person. All I could think about was being with Lisa again. I really have to become comfortable with myself.
She
will let me know if I’m not doing something right. During the times we weren’t kissing, we shared more about ourselves. I told her more about attending Harvard, but didn’t share being on the task force with her.
Why didn’t I share that, maybe it was because we were pressed against each other?

She will be graduating the same year as me. Judy, who was with her when we met, is her roommate and best friend. They have been together at Chase since they were freshmen. Lisa grew up in Derry, a small town in New Hampshire near the Massachusetts border. She told me she really hasn’t had any boyfriends, since she was so focused on her school work. Her mother wanted her to go to
University
of New Hampshire
, her Mom’s Alma Mater, but Lisa said she didn’t want to live at home while going to college.

I thought about how we fit together. We were almost the same height; maybe I was just a bit taller. Yes, that’s right, remembering I had to bend over to kiss her. I remembered our kisses. I learned quickly. Lisa’s lips were so soft. It was no wonder my body reacted to her. I’m glad she didn’t make a big deal about my erection, as I would have been so embarrassed. She even smiled, moving closer when I mentioned how my body reacted to her.

I was no longer dwelling on Jackie’s murder, my school work, or my participation on the task force. All I could think about was our next time together.

*.*.*

About half way to my parents’ farm I managed to get my mind on other things. I had made a promise to help catch Jackie’s killer.

I listened at the task force meeting about possible means of entry to Jackie’s apartment. I thought about utility workers, appliance or other service personnel, firemen, police officers, delivery men, salesmen, fellow residents, friends, clergy, charity collections.
Who else am I forgetting?
Think. Who would these older and younger women actually let inside their apartments?

Okay then, how about; Indian chiefs, bankers, postmen, special delivery, bakers, talent agents, where did I ever come up with that one? I continued; photographers, travel agents, census takers, beggars, hair dressers, FBI, IRS, accountants. And as far as the utility workers are concerned; gas, electricity, water, and telephone…and I might as well include; plumbers, carpenters, window cleaners, house cleaning, charities, and locksmiths.

Locksmiths could gain entry without any sign of a break in. However, they would have to carry tools. Someone would have noticed them or their vehicles. What if they worked out of their own vehicle, rather than a company truck, or something like that. No these people had chains on their doors; and they wouldn’t have opened the chains to a stranger.

What about a female, not a male? Could someone, dressed like a woman, be allowed into their apartments? So which one of these could have been a woman? Thinking about each of them, all could have had a woman working in those fields. What about someone who would not be in a uniform, and stick out like a fireman, policeman, etc? The task force also mentioned the person brought things with him, like the ropes. Okay, so which ones would be carrying a bag or tote and still not attract attention?

Let me think, which ones would carry a bag or briefcase and still not attract attention; special delivery people, yes that could work, talent agent – no, photographer – yes, travel agent – maybe, census taker – yes, hair dresser – maybe, house cleaners or maids – possibly, charities – yes, solicitors – maybe. All of these could be a woman not in uniform, but which would make the women open their doors?

The Census taker, maids, charities and solicitors might be someone they would let in. I think elderly women would not want to have a maid, having cleaned their own places for years. Young women most likely couldn’t afford maid service. The older women would have a hairdresser they liked for years as well.

What about a police detective? He would be in plain clothes, only needing to display a badge. How about a female police detective, or someone dressed like one? A discussion in the hall with the door partly open might have made the victim uncomfortable, especially if it was related to an investigation or something she didn’t want the neighbors to hear or to witness. Regardless, this person would have had to make the victim comfortable in order to be invited into the apartment.

What about either a female census taker or a Nun, taking a collection for the church, charity or research – like Polio? Would she actually let someone of the cloth into her home? It depended on what they looked like. An elderly woman, or man made out to look like one, would not be a threat, especially a Nun.

How would a man hide his identity? Would his hands give him away? Do Nuns wear gloves? If they did, their hands would be hidden. This has some possibilities along with a female census taker. However, a Nun would have been remembered in the area or apartment building– right?

Let me think like Jackie. There were no struggles at any of these scenes. No one saw or heard anything out of the ordinary. I’m in my apartment alone, and there’s a knock on the door. I look through the peephole. Wait, I’ll have to check that to see if she had one. Then I open the door to the limit of the chain, making me comfortable opening the door to let the person in? Wait a minute. Jackie must have been pre-targeted, because the killer would not have wanted to go into an apartment with a man living there. How did he know where she lived? He must have known her address or she was expecting the visit. What kind of visit would she have been expecting?

A mailman would know which apartments had single women in them, and he would definitely carry a bag with him. However, how would he cover his route time? The victims were kept for hours. If the killings were at night it might fit, but not during the day. He would have been seen as well.

What am I missing?

Chapter 17

Mike was in the task force office early. He was there before Paddy, who was usually the first to arrive and unlock the office. He started the coffee, trying to ignore the three dozen doughnuts. When the coffee is ready, maybe there will be a large one with his name on it.

Mike studied the material Colleen typed and they had organized. The session the other day was the first chance to put all of these cases on the table and organize what they had. It was obvious the killer’s MO was the same in all the cases, even the ones from another state. The killer had to be on the road. Maybe he’s a salesman. However, he must have selected and studied the victims enough to know they lived alone.

He read what Chris had said about the potential personality of the person involved in these crimes. What could have set him on this killing spree? Maybe his wife had another child, being colder in the sex department than usual. That would correlate with the eighteen month span of killings. The other noticeable thing was that he wasn’t interested in intercourse, but focused on control of the victims and carrying out fantasies. Semen on the body and other signs of molestation confirmed that.

He heard the front door open, turning to see Paddy enter. “Good morning, Paddy. A little late, aren’t you?” he said, pulling his leg.

Paddy smiled, hanging his coat on the rack. “It’s very rare that anyone beats me into the office, especially you. What brings you in so early? I can smell the coffee, so you’ve been here more than a few minutes.” He came over, and sat down at Mike’s desk.

“I’ve been consumed by these cases. I spent some time over the weekend going through them again to see if we are missing something, but my head is just spinning. We’re missing something basic. I just can’t figure it out.”

Paddy looked at the pile of folders stacked on Mike’s desk. “I also came in over the weekend trying to come up with something as well. We obviously missed each other…and we’re both missing a common thread as well.” He continued, “I looked at the canvassing reports. It’s amazing that nobody saw anything out of the ordinary. That’s strange in itself, as there always seems to be something strange happening no matter where you are. But, there’s
nothing
.”

“Paddy, we’ve been working together for years. I think this is the first time I feel under whelmed as far as leads go. There’s nothing. However, Chris’ insight into the killer’s character is very interesting and believable. I wish I could dig into the fishbowl, pick all of those guys out and check them out.” He shook his head recognizing how impossible that would be.

“Someday Mike, there will be a capability like that. Right now it’s mostly leg work and luck. Hopefully, somebody will give us a lead. I think we should assign some resources to review any reported rapes. Maybe we’ll get lucky with the guy having his fun but not killing the woman. I doubt we’ll be lucky, but it’s worth a shot. Maybe we can use Scott to assist with that? If we just stayed within Boston we might just have some luck. The majority of the killings are local.”

“I like that idea Paddy. I also like the idea of getting Scott involved. What were your thoughts on his participation at the meeting the other day?”

“As I mentioned following the meeting, he looked like he might just pass out. However, now that I think about my earlier career, many of those early cases shocked the hell out of me. It’s hard to think back that far, thinking you can just get used to these crimes. I guess I’ve become desensitized. That’s kind of scary in itself. I did think Scott got very interested in the details. It would be interesting to see what he thinks when he arrives this morning…if he arrives.” Paddy’s comment forced a chuckle from both of them.

Chapter 18

The funeral and family gathering in Maine would have made Jackie proud. I really enjoyed sitting around at Jackie’s parents’ house, reminiscing about the past. I knew she was into sports, but I hadn’t heard the funny stories about how much grief she caused trying to get on the boys’ teams.
Maybe she was with us—listening.

Dad and I shared glances when the conversation centered on the serial killer. I listened to the comments and opinions and kept what I knew to myself. Someone announced the food was ready and that was the last mention of the strangler. Unfortunately, I couldn’t ignore what the women endured in their last hours. It was hard to control my rage. I spent considerable time over the weekend reminiscing. I promised myself I would not let my life be a waste and
I promised again that I would find her killer.

*.*.*

Earlier, driving back to my apartment, I had hours to think about everything. I had finally accepted the fact that Jackie was no longer with us. I had a serious task ahead of me, helping to find her killer. I wish I had spent more time with her, but I have the memories of the time we did share.

Seeing my Uncle Jack and Aunt Frances accepting what happened, talking about forgiveness…well, I don’t know if I can actually do that. I have never hurt anyone on purpose, but I think I would have a tough time holding back my rage if I met this killer face to face. I would have to forgive myself later. He deserves some pain.

The time with my extended family also took my mind off Lisa. Well, it took my mind off her when I was with them, but not now. I remember how soft she felt, how warm she felt, how nice she kissed, and how my body reacted to her. Seeing Jackie looking like a princess with that rose, I knew she was telling me what she was talking about—finding the right person would change my outlook on things.
I know she knows what I am feeling. Thank you Jackie for preparing me, I promise I won’t let you down!

*.*.*

I was a little late arriving at the task force office. When I opened the door to the office, Colleen’s face lit up, acknowledging my entry. “Well good morning sunshine. I was hoping you were coming in. I thought maybe the conference room session was too much for you.”

I knew she was partially kidding, but I also knew there was a ring of truth in what she said. “Thanks Colleen, and a good morning to you. I was a little late since I drove down from Maine this morning.” I noticed her bright orange sweater and she had changed her hair style. “You look very nice this morning. I like it.” I hung up my coat and noticed the coat rack was already loaded with jackets.

I looked at her as she fluffed her hair with her palm. “Do you really like it?”

I wanted to say I was talking about her sweater, but thought better of it. “I like what you did with it.” We smiled at each other for a couple of seconds. “Where can I find Mike?”

She pointed upstairs. “He’s upstairs with Paddy. He asked me to give you the typed records of the conference room session last week.” She hesitated. “I typed them up, but that’s why I said what I said about your not coming in. I shouldn’t have made fun about your involvement.”

I smiled at her. “It’s okay Colleen, we are both the youngest members, and its okay for us to share our thoughts. It’s okay, really.” I went over and whispered, “As a matter of fact I was talking about how nice the sweater looked on you.”

She had a surprised look on her face, looked down and started to blush. “Okay, so now you got even. Thanks, I guess.”

I turned and went to my assigned desk near Mike’s, noticing some new faces in the room. Some heads looked up, but no one said good morning. I adjusted the swivel chair which was set too low, and started to read the material Colleen provided.

*.*.*

It was not like the school material I was familiar with. It was blunt and to the point. It was not how sensitively it was discussed when we covered the material. It was almost shocking in its detail. Reading about what was found at crime scenes was more than I really wanted to know. I’m not sure if when I read the folders the first time, I had seen that detail, or whether I had suppressed it. It was good in a way to have it, but I had no desire to look at the material again. I knew I had to this time, but I was very uncomfortable. I was glad Mike wasn’t here to see my reaction.

The summary was just what we talked about at the end of the meeting. This was a little easier to stomach. Chris’ input labeled a
‘Profile of the Killer’
was very interesting. I read it more than once. I could almost picture the guy, but knew that was ridiculous. I had burned the theorized killer’s description into my mind and, again, went through the various scenarios I had considered on my ride up to Maine.

Mike came around the corner. “Good morning Scott. I’m sorry I missed you when you came in, but I’ve been with Paddy for some time.”

“Good morning Mike. I was late coming in this morning myself. I drove down from Maine,” I said, knowing that needed more of an explanation. “We had an important family gathering I had to attend.”

“Thanks for being honest with me Scott, I like that. Family gatherings are important and we never seem to do as many as we should. Detective work keeps me pretty busy, but I enjoy the time with my family.”

Now I felt guilty about not sharing Jackie’s association with the cases. I thought about how much more difficult it is going to be in the future to tell him. I know I’m going to have to tell him, but I need the right time to do it. It’s too soon. Mike looked at me expectantly, realizing I hadn’t responded to him. “I have a small family, so our family gatherings are not that large.” I added, “Did you have a nice weekend?” I could tell he was studying me.

“Yes and no. It was nice to have the time with my wife and kids, but my mind was really thinking about what we covered when you were here last. The material you’re looking at there.”

“Mike, I have a confession to make,” I offered, and he stopped walking to his desk. “I had a long drive to Maine. My mind was reeling about how this predator got into my…their apartments.” I realized I barely caught myself.

“That’s the same thing I have been considering. It’s hard to believe every one of these women let the killer in with no sign of struggle or screaming. Something gave them a comfort level. For the life of me, I can’t think what it could have been.”

I wondered if I should share my thoughts with him. “Mike, what about someone dressed up like a woman, or a police detective, or better yet, a female police detective?”

Mike sat down, motioning me over to his side chair. “I need another coffee, but I’ll get it in a minute,” he responded, and then added, “Those are very interesting thoughts. I hadn’t really given any thought to a man dressed like a woman. That aspect would give them more comfort than a man at their door. However, we know the killer brought some things with him. I’m thinking about what a detective could bring with him, or her, that wouldn’t look out of place?”

I gave that some thought, not immediately answering.

“Scott, I’m getting another coffee.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“Scott, do you have plans after work today?” he asked.

“What did you have in mind?”

“There is a pub around the corner that I enjoy. It’s a good place to think, and the draft beer is also good.”

“That sounds good to me. Thanks for the invite.”

“I like your thoughts about a man dressed like a female detective. He could be carrying a pocketbook and wouldn’t necessarily be noticed and would have room for the things he brings with him.” Mike opened his notebook and made some notes. “Scott, we’re having several detectives research and pull some recent rape reports in the Boston area. Paul is over at headquarters and will be bringing the first of those reports back. I would like you to look them over and see if you can spot anything in the reports that resemble any of the strangler cases. Paul might be able to help, but he has a couple of other things besides this.”

“Thanks Mike. I hope it helps. I’ll look the material over when it comes.”

“Good. Have you finished looking at all of the existing strangler case material?”

“Well, I have several that I haven’t looked at yet.”

“Okay. When Paul comes in tell him I asked you to look at those rape cases. I think it’s important you’re familiar with all of the strangler cases…you might even spot something we missed. Okay?” He looked at me. “You okay?”

I tried to respond quickly, “Yeah, it’s no problem. I’m okay.” I knew which cases I had not finished reviewing. I could tell he was studying me.
I really have to tell him about my cousin Jackie, and maybe tonight will be the perfect opportunity to do that.

*.*.*

“Good morning Scott. It’s nice to see you still with us. I’m sure Colleen enjoys someone her age in the office. The rest of us are old turkeys,” Paul said as he put some folders on the corner of my desk.

I looked at him, knowing he couldn’t be more than ten years older than me. He was friendly to me and I appreciated knowing I wasn’t considered in the way. “Scott, unfortunately there are a lot more of these, but these are the ones I could put my hands on quickly. I’ll pick up the balance later today and get those to you. Enjoy the reading.”

I thought about checking these new files out, but knew I had to finish the other two including my cousin’s.

About a half hour later I was down to the last remaining strangling case – Russell. I refilled my coffee and came back to my desk. I decided to go over to the file area and open her folder there. I was familiar with the content of the folders and read the first page. I paid no attention to the photographs and skipped to the autopsy report.

The autopsy report had front and back diagrams with arrows and comments about what was noted. I made some sense out of the technical terms. She was found with nylon panties in her mouth and electrical tape across her mouth, which was wound completely around her head. Two nylon stockings were knotted and had been pulled tightly around her neck. Cause of death, which was identical to the other cases, strangulation. Her wrists were tied with rope to each headboard. There were noted abrasions on both wrists, and both ankles.

I needed to get control of my breathing, focusing on my coffee. I went back to reading the report. Her ankles had been tied to the bed, but were both untied when she was found. She had been displayed in a similar manner to the other victims. I was familiar enough with the other cases, knowing what to expect. I finished reading the autopsy report. There was nothing unusual compared to the other cases. She had been similarly molested. There was no semen found in the vaginal canal.

I read the investigating officer report, noting nothing different than the others – nobody saw or heard anything. I had to finish the folder material. I went to the pictures, knowing what I was going to observe. As I looked at the pictures my hands started shaking. I looked around to see if anybody in the office was watching me, and they were not. I noticed my breathing was more rapid. I could feel anger building. I tried to put each of the pictures back down without hitting the table, but I had to consciously watch myself.

I tried to control my gag reflex. I closed my eyes, letting the feeling pass. I could hear my own breathing. I knew right then that I could kill this monster if he was standing in front of me. I reassembled the folder the way I had found it, and looked up taking a deep breath.

“Had enough Scott?” Mike asked, standing in front of me at the table. “You’re white as a ghost. Are you okay?”

I didn’t say a word. I rushed from the table, heading to the restroom covering my mouth. I opened one of the stall doors, dropping to my knees. For about what seemed like an eternity, my insides came out. I tried not to make any noise but I couldn’t really tell. I flushed the toilet without looking and went to the sink to wash up. I wiped my face and tried to rinse my mouth. I fortunately didn’t have any company, but I knew Mike realized what had just happened.

I went back to the office area, gathering up the folders and putting them back in the order I found them. Mike was busy at his desk, but I knew he was just giving me time to gather myself. I brought the folders back and placed them on his desk. I was a brilliant red, and knew it.

He was feigning being busy and didn’t look at me. I’m glad he gave me time to get my dignity back. I went over to my desk and started reading the new rape case material. I felt embarrassed about how I reacted, but also realized that nothing would ever affect me the same way again.
I had to force myself to remember how she looked at the wake. Jackie I will help find whoever did this to you…I promise. I’m so sorry.