Zilhouette Murders, page 27
“Right. Er, look, could you pop up and see me for a few minutes? It’s important. I’m sure Pauline can hold the fort for a little while.”
“You want me to come and see you now?”
“Yes please Anton. Is Pauline there to hold the fort?”
“Yes she is but look I’m very busy can’t this wait?”
“No Anton, I need to see you now.”
“Very well, I’m on my way.”
“See you soon.”
David turned to Peter. “She is in the Lab so you and your colleagues wait for Anton to get here and then go down and arrest her. Put her in an Interview room and wait for my further instructions. Under no circumstances allow Anton to see what you are doing. Clear?”
“Clear, Sir.”
Peter went back to the detective area and asked DC’s Warrington, Menton and Black to join with him to go and arrest Pauline Fellows in the lab. He explained they had to wait until Anton was in DI Cunningham’s office before proceeding.
CHAPTER 53
Anton exited the lift and walked towards David Cunningham’s office. His secretary was not at her desk, so he knocked on the door and went inside after hearing ‘Come in.’
He walked up to David and shook his hand but looked a little puzzled by David’s expression. “Are you alright David, you look a little flushed?”
“Please sit down Anton,” David said.
Anton felt a little unsteady because of the way his friend was acting. “What’s wrong David?”
“Anton, we have uncovered the identity of the ‘Zilhouette’ murderer.”
“That’s great news! How did you do it?”
David described how the detectives had worked hard on piecing together historical details of all the recent murder victims and then of the four victims of the Sweetie murders from years ago.
“It was felt there was a connection between the two groups and after many hours of investigating we discovered what the connection was, which led us to identify the murderer.”
Anton sensed there was something here which wasn’t quite right because of David’s lack of enthusiasm and candour.
“What aren’t you telling me David?” said Anton who was now leaning forward in his chair.
“Look Anton, finding the killer means we know who brutally murdered Margaret.”
“I realise that David.” Anton thought for a moment, then looked at David, “I know the killer don’t I?”
“Yes Anton, we all do. It’s Pauline, Pauline Fellows is the ‘Zilhouette’ murderer.”
Anton fell back into his chair.
“That’s nonsense David, you’re wrong. I’ve known Pauline for such a long time she wouldn’t do something like that. What’s your proof?”
“She is the mother of Alison Watson, the first victim of Steven Monarch in the ‘Sweetie’ murder case. When you questioned the evidence used to convict Monarch, it contributed to his early release – and she blamed you and she thought the best way of punishing you was to make you feel the pain she felt after the person who killed her daughter was released.”
“Pauline had a daughter? I thought she was married to Simon Fellows?” said Anton.
“She is now but back in the day she was married to Albert Watson and she had Alison by him. They divorced and later she married Simon Fellows and joined you. It gets a bit more complicated Anton.”
“Complicated? How can it possibly be more complicated than this?”
“Pauline Fellows is Detective Superintendent Frank Adams daughter and I think he has been keeping her safe by feeding her information about the investigation.”
“My God David, this is terrible. What are you going to do?”
“Please don’t get annoyed Anton, but I asked you up here to get you out of the lab whilst Peter Wicker and some others went down to arrest Pauline. I didn’t want this to be more of a shock that it needed to be. I wanted to explain it all first because I know you would have rushed to Pauline’s defence and possibly got emotional when you found out what she had done.”
Anton thought for a moment. “Thank you, David that was thoughtful.”
“I have also been in touch with The Chief Constable’s Office and told them about Frank Adams and they are going to deal with his arrest. Now, I suggest you leave this to us and just go home and be with Stella. It’s better she hears about this from you than the Nine O’clock News.”
“I agree David, I’ll see you tomorrow. Bye”
David walked around his desk and wrapped his arms around Anton. “I’m so sorry Anton. Give my best to Stella and we’ll see you tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 54
In Pauline’s office Juliet was enjoying a fresh cup of Mint tea brewed for her by Pauline who had retreated to the Ladies room. Out of the corner of her eye she saw three men and a young woman walk towards the office. As they got closer she recognised Peter Wicker so she waved at him but he seemed to ignore her. Two of the officers continued walking past Pauline’s office whilst Peter Wicker and DC Warrington opened the office door.
“Hello Peter, can I help you?” asked Juliet.
Peter Wicker smiled. “Is Pauline around?”
“She’s just popped to the Ladies; anything I can help with?”
Peter walked over and gently helped Juliet out of her chair and whispered into her ear. “Juliet, don’t panic, I want you to walk slowly out of the office and join my colleague Alison. Would you please do that for me?”
Juliet was undecided whether to panic or laugh. “Is this a joke Peter?”
From the look on Peter’s face she realised this was not a joke so she did as he asked and quietly left the office and walked over the where Alison Black was standing by the exit.
“Juliet is it?” asked Alison.
Juliet nodded.
“Please listen carefully and remain quiet. Walk to the exit and wait outside please. Do it now please.”
Juliet did as she was told and quietly closed the door behind her as she stood outside not knowing what was happening but she realised whatever it was involved Pauline.
Moments later the door to the Ladies room was opened and Pauline walked briskly back to her office. She noticed Juliet wasn’t in the office so she called her name, “Juliet, are you here?”
From the next room Peter Wicker and DC Menton walked slowly towards Pauline’s office. Peter opened the door quietly and calmly walked inside followed by his colleague.
“Peter, how nice to see you, can I help?” Pauline sounded calm but she sensed this was the end of her freedom but she wasn’t going to make it easy for the officers.
Peter walked over to where she was sitting and took hold of her wrist.
“What are you doing?”
“Pauline Fellows I am arresting you for the murder of Margaret Schwartz and others. Anything you say may be taken down and used in evidence against you. If you do not have a solicitor one can be appointed for you. Do you have anything to say?”
“Well Peter, this is a real feather in your cap isn’t it.” Pauline stood up and offered her other wrist to Peter Wicker who fastened the handcuffs securely then led her out of the office to the lift and back up to the Duty Sergeant.
Through a part opened door Juliet witnessed in disbelief her friend being led away. When the two officers had left with Pauline she walked back into her office area and burst into tears. She watched as the remaining officers searched through Pauline’s office and removed and tagged Pauline’s brief case and personal-belongings, including her phone.
She walked towards the female officer she had spoken with earlier. “Can you tell me what’s happening please?”
Alison Black turned to face Juliet.
“You will find out later so I might as well tell you. Your friend Pauline is being arrested for murder, not just of one person but ten.” “You think Pauline is the ‘Zilhouette’ murderer? Seriously? Pauline. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
Alison Black carried on with her search and Juliet returned to her desk, collected her personal things and coat and walked toward the exit.
CHAPTER 55
Pauline Fellows stood in front of the Duty sergeant who entered her details into the record book.
“Pauline Fellows you are charged with the murder of Margaret Schwartz and others. Do you have anything to say?” “Nope, nothing.”
“Do you have a solicitor?”
“Yes, but I don’t want you to call him. I want an appointed representative please.”
“Very well.” the Duty sergeant nodded to the uniformed officers who guided Pauline Fellows through the door to the cells and Pauline walked into the cell, not looking back and the door was closed behind her and locked.
Upstairs David Cunningham was on the phone with his superior talking about the case against Chief Superintendent Frank Adams. “The evidence we have against Frank Adams is overwhelming Sir. The fact his daughter is now in a cell downstairs charged with ten murders only adds to his crimes.”
He continued for another couple of minutes before ending the call. “Very well Sir, I look forward to hearing from you.”
Just as he finished the call there was a knock on his door and Peter Wicker and DC Menton walked into the office both smiling.
“We have her in the cells downstairs Sir. She has asked for a duty solicitor.”
“Well done all of you.” replied David Cunningham.
He reached into his case and handed Peter wicker an envelope. “This is a search warrant for Pauline Fellows’ home. I don’t know whether her husband will be home if he is, please have uniforms bring him in for questioning. If he isn’t, enter the property by whatever means you can. I would start with searching for Pauline Fellow’s handbag. This warrant give you permission to examine and remove anything belonging to her to process this case.
“Very well Sir, we will leave now. I think I will ask Joe South and a couple of his people to come along and secure the property just in case Mr. Fellows is uncooperative,” Peter said.
He then turned around and headed for the door with DC Menton following him. Once outside he turned to the DC “Stuart, I know you have done a fantastic job on this case but I am going to take Steven Warrington with me. He has been with me from the start and I think he would be very disappointed to be left out now.”
“I understand but can I come along anyway?”
“Stuart, I would prefer it if you stayed and helped Alison. There is a lot to do downstairs and I am sure she will welcome your help.” Stuart thought for a moment and realised the sergeant was right. “Yes, of course I will help Alison.”
“Very well Stuart, we’ll see you back here later. Maybe we can all go for a celebratory drink round the corner?”
“Yes, great idea. I’ll let the troops know you’re buying.” before Peter could respond Stuart was already walking away with a smile on his face.
Peter went back to his desk and called Joe South who was delighted to hear about the ‘Zilhouette’ murder case but was devastated to hear about Pauline and then Frank Adams involvement. “Can you come with my and Steven to Pauline’s house to execute the search warrant, just in case her husband refuses to cooperate. He needs to be brought in for questioning Joe.”
“Of course Peter, give me ten minutes to organise the troops. What’s the address?”
Peter gave him the address and then telephoned his contact in Birmingham who had helped him with Anne Morris to let him know an arrest had been made after Anne Morris had supplied the new information.
He then called Julia Potter.
“Julia, it’s Peter Wicker.”
“Oh Peter, I’ve spoken with Anton. He called me expecting you to need me on this very unexpected investigation.”
Peter Wicker was relieved he didn’t have to explain what had happened. “Thank you, Julia. Can you meet me at the house, I’ll text you the address. I think you’ll need at least one assistant.”
“OK Peter, I’ll leave in five minutes and see you there.” said Julia. He finished the call, found Steve Warrington and then they both headed for the car park. Waiting for them was Joe South and three beefy uniformed constables.
“Thanks for this. Joe.”
Peter and Steven got into one car and followed the marked police car driven by Joe South. It only took fifteen minutes to get to Pauline’s address. When they arrived there was already a car on the drive, so Peter walked to Joe’s car and opened the door.
“Joe, it looks like Mr. Fellows is home. Steven will go initially and I would like you and your men to wait at the bottom of the drive. Hopefully he won’t cause any trouble but if he does, I’ll shout.” Joe nodded and got out of the car, then watched the two detectives walk up to the front door and ring the bell.
Moments later the door was opened by a tall man wearing an open-necked shirt and dark blue trousers.
“Can I help you?”
Peter Wicker opened his wallet and showed Mr. Fellows his Warrant Card.
“My name is Detective sergeant Wicker and this is my colleague Detective constable Warrington. I have a warrant to search this property and I would like to come inside.”
“The man stood with his mouth agape as he tried to process what the police officer had said.
“A Search Warrant? What are you searching for?”
“I also have to inform you Sir that your wife has been arrested and is currently in custody at Guildford Police Station.”
“Arrested for what?” replied Mr. Fellows whose voice had increased in volume.
“Murder Sir.”
“That’s preposterous? Pauline? Murder? You’ve made a mistake and I’m calling my solicitor!”
“Mr. Fellows, I want you to come down to the station to answer some questions. It might be appropriate to contact your solicitor not, to have him meet you there.”
“Me? What do you want with me?”
“Like I said Sir, this is a murder inquiry and I would respectfully suggest you do as I ask. Please get your coat and one of my colleagues here will accompany you.”
“And if I say no?”
Peter Wicker took a deep breath. “If you say no Sir I will arrest you and handcuff you. I’m sure you would prefer your neighbours didn’t witness that.”
Pauline’s husband thought for a second then said, “I’ll get my coat. Please ensure you lock-up when you leave.”
“We’ll be awhile Mr. Fellows, but I assure you your home will be secure while you are away.”
Peter Wicker watched as one of the uniformed officers led him to the police car and once inside, they drove off just as Julia and her team pulled up outside the house.
Peter walked down the drive to meet her and explained what was required.
“Thanks for coming so quickly Julia. I’m hoping we can find things belonging to the victims which she kept, just to seal the case.”
“Are you as surprised as me over this Peter?”
“Shocked and surprised Julia. I have gone over the encounters I had with Pauline on the various murder scenes and there was absolutely nothing she said or did which caused me any concern about who she was and her professionalism on site,” explained Peter.
“Poor Anton. Bad enough to discover he’d been working with her but, dealing with the fact the women who killed his sister so brutally was assisting him with the case.”
“You heard about who her father is?”
“No.”
“Chief Inspector Adams.”
“Seriously?” My God, I will never be surprised about anything again.”
Peter raised his eyebrows and started to walk with Julia toward the house.
“So Julia, we have three uniformed – shortly it will be four officers – and me and Steven at your disposal. Where do you want to look first?”
“Let’s do the main bedroom first Peter and then work around the house,” said Julia.
The marked police car pulled up outside the house and the uniformed constable who took Mr. Fellows to the station got out the car and walked towards Peter Wicker.
“I dropped him of Sarge and I think DI Cunningham is going to interview him. He asked me to ask you to call him when you have finished here.”
“Thank you constable.”
By now the local residents had turned up to see what was going on and Peter realised it wouldn’t be long before the Press would arrive. “Constable?”
“Harris Sarge.”
“Thanks, would you tape off the entrance to the drive and up to next doors’ driveway on each side please.”
The constable went back to the car and returned with a couple of steel poles and a roll of tape and started to enclose the area as instructed.
“What are we doing Sarge?” asked Steven Warrington.
“Let’s get inside Steven, Julia is upstairs. This isn’t a crime scene so we don’t need suits but I would recommend gloves, especially going through drawers. You start in the living room, while I’ll do the kitchen and we’ll move on from there.”
Both detectives took gloves from one of Julia’s open bags and entered the property which was a typical four-bedroom detached property built in the early nineties, with a kitchen-diner and lounge on the ground floor and four bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.
“What are we looking for?”
“Jewellery, personal effects, diaries or address books. Sometimes killers keep trophies so it’s possible Pauline kept items taken from her victims after she killed them. Also see if there is a camera or spare phone.”
After about twenty minutes Julia called from upstairs.
“Detective Wicker, can you please come upstairs.”
Peter Wicker put down a small box he was sorting through and headed upstairs.
Julia was not in the master bedroom but he could hear her moving around in an adjacent room. He walked into what looked like a dressing room with a dressing table with large mirror on one wall and a set of four mirrored-doors on the opposite wall.
“Julia, what have you found?”
She handed him a photo album opened at a double page which showed a younger Pauline Fellows and a much younger woman. “Is this her daughter?”
“From the description in the file I would say so.”
