Zilhouette Murders, page 23
Nothing we investigate includes more than any two of the victims.”
“Are you sure you have tried everything?” asked a doubtful Inspector.
“We have explored their school and education histories, employment records, family ties, social media, club memberships, political memberships, police records, common friends, health records in case they were connected by illness and Sir, there is nothing. We are no farther forward than when we started. Could it not be these are simply unfortunate people being in the wrong place at the wrong time; just abducted and murdered?”
David Cunningham listened and remained quiet, allowing his DC to finish before he stood up behind his desk and turned to Alison Black. “Of course it’s possible they were randomly selected Alison but, if this was the case, why dress and swap them. Why present them the same way but with another person’s hair? No, these people are connected and all of us have to make a more-concentrated effort to find out why. The murderer is telling us why he has killed them in the way he has, but we haven’t figured it out yet. Until we figure it out there is no chance of us catching him.”
“OK Sir, look, we are not saying we have given up, merely that all of us have practically exhausted our enquiries – we just don’t know where to go next,” DC Black explained.
David Cunningham thought for a moment. “Why not speak with Anton Schwartz because his sister was one of the victims and maybe he might remember something about her possible relationship with the others?”
“Good idea Sir, I’ll get right on it,” replied Alison.
“Oh, and while you are doing that, why not have a conversation on the same subject with Paul Bates, maybe he knows one of the other victims. Maybe Honey Bates’ relationship with one of these people will shine a light on the others.”
There was a knock on his door and his secretary walked in and over to David. She leaned over him as he sat in his chair and whispered in his ear.
“Chief Inspector Adams wants a word Sir, as soon as you can.”
“Thank you,” he replied, “I’ll have to close this for now detectives. Please follow up on this as we discussed and let me know if anything comes to light.”
Both detectives rose from their chairs and left the office, followed soon after by David Cunningham who was on his way upstairs to see what his boss wanted.
He walked into Frank Adams office having been shown in by his secretary. Frank Adams was sat behind his desk finishing off a telephone call. He pointed to the chair in front of his desk indicating David should take a seat. A minute later the office door opened and Frank Adams’ secretary brought in a pot of tea. “Thank you.” David said to the secretary as she turned and left the room.
Frank Adams finished his phone call, walked around to the front of his desk and sat in the other visitor chair facing David Cunningham. “Now then David, I understand your people have tracked down Anne Morris?”
“Yes Sir, DS Wicker found her in the Midlands and has interviewed her.”
“You know it was her testimony which provided that bastard Monarch with his alibi for The Sweetie Murders?” DCI Adams said. “Yes Sir.”
“And you also know it was his barrister’s argument about the jury’s disregarding of the alibi which secured his early release?”
“Yes, I did know that Sir.”
“So, what has happened now?”
“I was about to come and see you Sir and let you know, but I was side-tracked momentarily by a call from the ‘Zilhouette’ murderer.”
“He actually telephoned you?”
“Yes Sir, he called to tell me he didn’t kill Paula Monarch and named her husband Steven as the killer.”
“What else did he say?”
“Not much Sir. He is clearly a nutter. He claimed his murders were ‘justified’ but Monarch’s murder of his wife was not justified.”
“Justified?” DCI Adams repeated, “a very dangerous nutter I think!”
“Quite so Sir. He also gave me the impression whatever it was which caused him to murder all these women is finished and I don’t think we will find any more victims.”
“But you can’t be sure?”
“No Sir, but we are having difficulty discovering the link between the victims.”
“Link, what link?”
“Well Sir, we believe the murderer has killed these women for a reason, it’s like revenge for something he thinks they have done to him, or his family which has caused him to, well I suppose lose his mind and embark on this sick quest to make them and their family pay for their actions. But, for this theory to be proved there has to be a connection between them. It makes no sense to randomly kill women, exchange their body parts then places them in different locations. A killer usually just kills and runs away – unless there is a connection.”
“Well David, I can see the sense in your reasoning but there is still a possibility the murderer needed to go through all this theatre just because he was acting out some kind of fantasy, which would mean these unfortunate victims just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?” suggested DCI Adams.
“Returning to Anne Morris, David what actually happened?” “Simple Sir, she retracted her statement. Confessed she had lied because her sister – Paula Monarch- who had asked her to provide an alibi for Steven because he had been caught doing some low-level burglaries and if found guilty would serve a disproportionate sentence because of his history.”
“Anne Morris was Paula Monarch’s sister?” a seemingly shocked DCI Adams asked.
“Yes Sir. I’m sorry Sir but it was missed by the investigating team because she had retained her married name ‘Morris’ and no-one had bothered to check.”
“Well I’ll be damned! All these years I’d accepted all the praise for catching him and getting his conviction only to find out ten years later what an absolute fool I had been by missing this.”
David Cunningham watched his boss staring down at his hands playing with the spoon on the saucer.
“It’s just a mistake Sir, and we are about to re-arrest Steven Monarch and speak with the CPS about re-opening the case on the other four murders which we now believe Steven Monarch did commit.”
“That’s great work David, you and your team should be proud.”
“Yes Sir we are, but we still need to find the ‘Zilhouette’ murderer and bring him in.”
“I’m sure you will David, I’m sure you will.”
Peter Wicker and Steven Warrington parked in the police station car park just after four-thirty in the afternoon. Steven has driven, leaving his boss time to make some calls about the two names Anne Morris had provided as possible associates of Steven Monarch who were capable of disabling the ankle tag he was wearing.
When they both walked into the detective’s area there was a message from a colleague that both men had been picked up and were in holding cells in the basement.
Peter called his associate. “John, got your message, thanks for helping with the collection of these two guys.”
“No problem Peter. I collected Harry Jones and Josh and his DC collected Michael Willows.”
“Did you tell them why they had been brought in?”
“Only that they were needed to clarify some information which had come to light in connection with an ongoing case. They were initially reluctant but when I said we would wait outside and call for a marked police car to come with a warrant and take them away, they soon decided a quiet ride in an unmarked car might be a better option. Oh, and as you asked, Willows doesn’t know Jones is here.”
“Thanks John.” Peter finished the call and turned to Steven.
“Steven, I’m going in to see DI Cunningham to update him on our trip. Can you please prepare the questions for these two for when I get back?”
“Yes Sarge.”
Peter Wicker headed for his boss’s office and was greeted by his secretary.
“Go straight in DS Wicker, he’s been waiting for you.”
Peter thanked the secretary, knocked on the door and walked into David Cunningham’s office.
“Peter, good to have you back, take a seat.”
“Thank-you Sir.”
“Well, looks like you and DC Warrington have been busy!”
“Yes Sir.”
Both men smiled as DCI Cunningham took the seat facing his DS. “So, what have you got then?”
Peter Wicker went onto describe how he and his DC had gone to Birmingham to interview Anne Morris and then how cooperative she had been.
“As soon as she found out her sister had been killed she just wanted to provide another statement about Steven Monarch and the false alibi she provided for him at the first trial more than ten years ago.”
“There was nothing on the file that I can remember referred to Anne Morris as Paula Monarch’s sister.”
“Nothing Sir. It was a big surprise but, as I said, she just wanted to tell us what really happened and she has also given us names of Monarch’s associates who she thinks might well have the knowledge and ability to interfere with the tag ... Monarch probably did kill his wife.”
“I had a very interesting telephone call from the ‘Zilhouette’ killer who told me he was calling to set the record straight about the murder of Paula Monarch and confirm it wasn’t him and that it was Steven Monarch.”
“Wow!”
“Wow indeed Peter.”
“Anyway Sir, if it’s alright with you I’d like to get down and start the interview of these two guys held downstairs.”
“Sure, why don’t I take one with one of the other detectives and you and DC Warrington take the other?”
“Good idea Sir.”
Both men left the office and headed for the detectives’ area where Peter Wicker met up with Steven Warrington. DI Cunningham talked again with DC Menton and then all four men walked down to the ground floor where the interview rooms were located and uniformed officers brought up both detainees.
CHAPTER 46
Inside the first interview room sat Harry Jones, a local married man in his early fifties. He owned a small electrical repair shop in Walton-on-Thames which he had bought using a small inheritance he received from his parents. He found it impossible to get a job because of his criminal record having spent the greater part of his adult life in prison -mostly for burglary-so buying the shop gave him regular work and he was doing reasonably-well, specialising in repairing electronic equipment and mobile phones.
He sat behind a small desk in the corner of the Interview room with a police constable standing by the exit. When he was asked to come to the police station by a detective who knocked at his door he went willingly, because he knew he hadn’t been involved in anything criminal for a number of years.
His thoughts were interrupted by the entrance of two detectives who sat down in the chairs opposite him. One of the detectives leaned over to a tape machine and pressed the start button then spoke.
“ For the tape, DI Cunningham and DC Mention interviewing Mr. Harry Jones at eighteen fifteen on the 19th May 2019.
David Cunningham turned his attention to Harry Jones.
“Thank you for coming in Mr. Jones, for the tape can you please confirm your full name, date of birth and address. In a strong voice Harry Jones did as he was asked and turned back to David Cunningham.
“I didn’t have much choice about coming in, your detective made it clear if I didn’t I would be arrested and brought in under blue lights which my missus would not have liked.”
“Quite! Well, as I said thank you for coming in today. I have a couple of questions relating to a known associate of yours a Mr. Steven Monarch, I believe you do know Mr. Monarch?”
“Yes, I know Stephen Monarch, so what?”
“When was the last time you saw Mr. Monarch?” David asked, not looking at Mr. Jones but turning pages on the file in front of him. “Er, well I’m not sure.”
“David looked up from the file and stared straight at Harry Jones. “Have you seen Mr. Steven Monarch in the last three months?”
“Three months? Well I er, yes, I think I had a beer with him shortly after he was released.”
“And when exactly was this?” queried David Cunningham.
The confidence seemed to drain from Harry Jones expression. He looked slightly flushed and nervous,
“I repeat, when exactly did you last meet with Mr. Steven Monarch?”
“Look, what’s this about.”
“Mr. Jones, just answer the question.”
Harry Jones took a deep breath. “No comment and I want a solicitor.”
“To confirm, you won’t continue with this interview without a solicitor?”
“No Comment, I want a solicitor.”
“Very well Mr. Jones, do you have a solicitor or shall I arrange for one for you?”
“I have a solicitor, I have his card.”
David turned toward the tape machine. “Interview terminated at eighteen thirty-five.”
He reached over to the machine and switched it off. Both he and DC Menton rose out of their chairs and walked toward the door.
He turned back toward Harry Jones. “Mr. Jones, I will contact your solicitor and come back to continue this interview after you have spoken with him.
Both detectives left the room and the constable remained inside.
“What do you think?” asked DC Menton as they walked back to DI Cunningham’s office.
“Not sure Stuart but I’m surprised he carries his solicitor’s card. Anyway, can I leave you to contact the brief and get him in tonight. I want to wrap this up this evening and hopefully get Monarch later this evening or tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll get straight on it Sir.” replied Stuart Menton who headed back to his desk to make the call.
David Cunningham sat behind his desk, checked his messages and hoped Stuart Menton could get Harry Jones’ brief in so the interview could continue.
Along the corridor in the Interview room adjacent to the one recently vacated by David Cunningham and DC Menton, Peter Wicker and Steven Warrington were sitting opposite Michael Willows who was looking very nervous about being brought in. He wasn’t told why he was asked to come in except to answer some questions but decided it was better for him to come as a volunteer rather than be arrested.
Peter Wicker reached across to the tape machine and pressed the record button.
Detective sergeant Wicker and Detective constable Warrington interviewing Mr. Michael Willows at eighteen seventeen on May 19th 2019. The machine was recording as Peter Wicker turned to the man sitting opposite.
“For the tape please confirm your name, date of birth and address.” Mr. Willows did as he was asked and when he finished he turned to the detective sitting opposite. “What’s this about detective?”
“Well Mr. Willows, thank you for coming in to help us with our enquiries. Please, can you tell me when you last saw Steven Monarch?”
The colour drained from Michael Willows face and he sat back in his chair.
“That mad bastard, I haven’t seen him for years. He called me recently wanted me to go and see him but I made an excuse about going away. What’s he done now?”
“For clarity Mr. Willows, you are saying you haven’t met with Steven Monarch in the last three months but you have spoken with him. Is that correct?”
“Yes, he called me shortly after he got out but I didn’t want to see him. He’s a mad bastard, can’t be trusted and you lot let him out! I’m not surprised you are looking for him, he’s insane and capable of anything.
“I can assure you Mr. Willows that I didn’t let him out as you put it. Why did he want to see you?”
Michael Willows shuffled in his seat and leaned forward.
“Are you gonna lock him up again? Have you got him here now?”
“I can’t answer that Mr. Willows.”
“Well Detective, if he’s still out there I ain’t saying anything.”
“What are you worried about Mr. Willows?”
Michael Willows took a deep breath, leaned back in his chair and said “No comment.”
“So you won’t tell us why Steven Monarch wanted to see you?”
“No comment.”
“Do you think it had anything to do with your electronic knowledge?”
“No comment.”
“Have you ever assisted Mr. Monarch using your skills?”
“No comment.”
Peter Wicker turned to his DC who shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.
“Mr. Willows, there seems little point in continuing with this interview which I will now terminate and advise you I am arresting you on suspicion you are assisting another who we are pursuing in a murder case. You have the right to remain silent but anything you say might be used in evidence against you. If you want a solicitor to be present and you do not have a legal representative one will be appointed for you Do you understand?”
“Murder? You’re interviewing me about a murder? I know nothing about any murder?” replied a now very shaken Michael Willows. “Do you have a solicitor Mr. Willows or would you like us to appoint one for you?”
“No, wait, I’ll answer your questions. What do you want to know?” For clarity and the tape Mr. Willows you do not want a solicitor present for the rest of this interview?”
“No, I’ve nothing to hide but Steven Monarch is a nutter and I am worried for my family if he learns I am here answering questions about him.”
Peter Wicker could tell this man in front of him was genuinely scared. He turned to Steven Warrington.
“DC Warrington, please go and arrange for an unmarked car and officers to be stationed outside Mr. Willows’ home.”
“Yes sergeant.”
“For the tape, DC Warrington is leaving the room.”
“Now Mr. Willows, will you answer my questions?”
“What do you want to know?”
“When did Steven Monarch contact you?”
“Just after he got out of prison. He asked if I wanted to go for a beer ‘for old times sake’, but I made an excuse and told him I couldn’t make it that afternoon.”
“Then what happened?”
