Zilhouette Murders, page 6
“What about the same person being responsible for all three murders?” Frank asked.
“According to the forensic teams early findings, they think the person who did the first two is not the same person who murdered Paula Monarch. Whilst the MO is similar the detail shows a completely different outcome and condition of the victim after the attack. They do think this third case is different enough to discount any connection with the first two.”
“Have you found any connection between the first two victims yet?”
“To be honest Sir, I have only just come into this following the murder of Paula Monarch, I honestly don’t know the details of the other two. DS Wicker has been handling this.”
“OK, look, I have to leave for a meeting but this is what I want you to do.
Firstly, release Monarch and put a detail on watching him, particularly during his curfew just in case he has found a way to beat the Tag.
Next, sit down with DS Wicker and get yourself up to speed with the first two murders and, for the time being handle both cases.
Finally, with regard to this mistake, we all make mistakes David, the secret is to hold our hands up and learn from them. Keep me updated please. Thanks for coming.”
David Cummings saw this as a ‘goodbye’ and rose from his seat and left his boss’s office with the dreadful thought he has to find a way of apologising to DS Wicker without compromising the chain of command.
CHAPTER 11
In a lay-by on the A3 a car was parked in darkness with the radio tuned to the news with the murderer hoping to hear Steven Monarch had been formally charged with the murder of Paula Monarch but so far, no such announcement had been made.
The killer thought Steven Monarch’s plan to murder his ex-wife the same way the ‘Zilhouette’ victims had been killed might lead the police to think Paula Monarch had also been killed by the same hand. So far, the meticulous planning had succeeded in allowing time to complete the work without hindrance or suspicion and all indications suggest this will continue.
Then came a new flash on his radio.
“We have just heard that Mr. Steven Monarch has been released from Guildford police station without charge in connection with the murder of his ex-wife last night. A spokesman for the police said the search for Paula Monarch’s killer will continue.”
The murderer fell back into the seat, closing lips tight.
“Sod it, now the police will think Monarch’s ex-wife was another victim of mine and re-double their efforts to try to find me,” the killer said out loud.
Taking a deep intake of breath and keeping both hands on the steering wheel, the engine was fired into life and the car pulled slowly and carefully out of the lay-by and re-joined the A3.
The killer headed back toward Weybridge knowing there was an appointment with the blonde late night shopper; and the supermarket worker who had been watched these last few days. The preparations had been finalised and the killer was confident the plan will work and so remain undetected.
CHAPTER 12
DS Peter Wicker was annoyed following his meeting with DI David Cummings, who more or less told him it was his fault investigation into Steven Monarch’s whereabouts last night and this morning were a matter of record because he had an electronic tag fitted.
Peter Wicker’s analysis was it had to be his governors responsibility to drive the investigation forward and direct staff under his command to carry out certain tasks – not his. Therefore he did not consider this oversight to have been his fault.
Shortly after getting back to his desk he decided to leave the station and go home. He hadn’t seen his wife or young daughter for forty-eight hours and this might be a good time to make a brief visit home. He just made it to the car park when his phone rang – it was his boss David Cummings.
“Hello?”
“Peter, it’s David Cummings.”
“Yes Sir?”
“Look, I wanted to apologise for what I said earlier. You were quite right, it was my responsibility and not yours to drive forward this investigation and I want to apologise for what I said to you earlier.” This took Peter Wicker completely by surprise and off-guard.
“Are you there, Peter?”
“Er, yes Sir. An apology isn’t necessary. We are a team and you are leading this investigation and we need to get heads down and get the sick bastard who killed Honey Bates and the other victim. In my opinion the same person also killed Paula Monarch in an attempt to deflect our investigation.”
“You think Paula Monarch was murdered to throw us off and perhaps assume Steven Monarch was responsible for the other two as well?” “Yes, just like before when he was convicted of the murder of four other women on purely circumstantial evidence after being found guilty of one murder carried out in a similar manner to other unsolved murders.”
“When did you come to this conclusion?”
“As soon as it became clear that whilst Steven Monarch could not have killed his ex-wife, he was the obvious suspect because the MO of the murder was similar to his previous killings and of course, he would have had a perceived motive. It was all too simple and murders like this are never simple. They are planned meticulously by a very intelligent but obviously insane killer and Steven Monarch, I would suggest, is incapable of planning such an event.”
David Cummings listened carefully to Peter Wicker and eventually said. “I think you’re right Peter but, if you are, we can expect more victims of whoever is planning these murders.”
“I agree Sir. Until we have identified the first two victims we can’t begin to find any connection between them. We need a break and the identity of the victims is going to help us.”
“Where are you now Peter?”
“To be honest Sir, I was just going to pop home and see my wife and daughter. They haven’t seen me for a couple of days and I thought this might be an ideal time. I think we are going to be tied up for long periods trying to piece this case together and find out who is killing these women and why.”
“OK Peter. You take the rest of the day and I will see you back in the office tomorrow.”
“Is it OK to give the same time to DC Warrington who also hasn’t seen his family?”
“Of course Peter. See you both tomorrow.”
The line was cleared but David Cummings held onto his phone whilst deep in thought. He realised Peter Wicker had made a very important point which needed a great deal of serious thought because he too believed, whoever killed these three women hadn’t finished.
Peter Wicker called Steven Warrington and told him to drop everything and go home and report back tomorrow morning bright and early; but prepared to spend a long time on this case to find the murderer.
CHAPTER 13
Anton Schwartz returned to his lab together with Pauline and Brian and the went back to the initial find in Honey Bates bedroom and the second victim discovered by the river. He called his colleague Julia Potter to see whether any progress had been made at the murder scene they were dealing with.
“Hi Julia.”
“Anton, how can I help?”
“I want to have a few minutes discussing the victim you found by the river to try to determine what the connection with the victim I have here.”
“OK. Well, the torso we found with Honey Bates’ bag was found on the towpath by the river. The car park closest to the location has no CCTV but there is a camera down the road, about two hundred yards. We have the recording and one of my people is checking through it.”
“Because the body was left by the towpath, do you think the murderer wanted her to be found quickly?”
“I hadn’t though of that Anton but, well, yes, I think it is possible she was placed there for early discovery.”
“I only ask because we both think these two are connected in some way and for maximum impact the killer seems to want us to have both victims early.”
Julia thought for a moment.
“Does Honey Bates have any female relatives?”
“Don’t know Julia but it’s worth finding out. What about the DNA, do you have anything?”
“No, not yet Anton. I expect the results later today – you?”
“Same, but we think we know the identity of your victim or at least the connection between your victim and Honey Bates because of the bag and identity you found at the scene,” Anton replied
“There must be a connection. The killer isn’t randomly murdering women and then going to the trouble of dressing and presenting them like this. The killer wanted us to find the two victims and he is telling us a story. He is telling us why he is doing this, but we just can’t see it yet. I think having the identity of both victims will help.”
“I agree Julia. Let’s hope we get lucky with the DNA results.”
“OK Anton, let’s talk later when you have DNA results and I can be sure I have Honey Bates here when her DNA has been confirmed.”
They both cleared the line and Anton proceeded to his laboratory after calling Brian and Pauline in to assist. Brian removed the body from the chiller and with the help of the general assistant moved it onto the examination table ready for Anton to perform the autopsy.
Samples of tissue had already been taken and sent off for DNA profiling and because of the absence of arms, legs or head, it wasn’t difficult to determine how this victim died; nevertheless Anton wanted to look further to see if toxicology could show any evidence of drugs. Samples from the stomach and liver were taken and sent for testing.
The autopsy process took just over one hour and after he finished Anton left the lab to return to his office to see whether the DNA results were ready and to finish dictating his findings for the report. Pauline completed the photography. Brian closed the chest of the victim and with help placed the body back into the freezer.
Back in his office Anton reviewed his findings and shook his head. ‘ This is going to be very difficult’ he though to himself.
His thoughts were interrupted by his phone ringing.
“Hello.”
“Anton?”
“Yes.”
“It’s Julia.”
She sounded upset.
“Are you OK Julia?”
“Anton, we have a match for the victim I have here.”
“Honey Bates right?”
“No Anton, it’s not Honey Bates.”
“Are you sure? well if it isn’t her, who is it?”
The line went quiet.
“Julia, are you still there?”
“Yes Anton, I’m still here.”
“Anton, I’ve checked this five times and had one of my senior people re-check my findings.”
“For God’s sake Julia spit it out!”
“This victim is related to you.”
“Me? No this is a mistake, she can’t be related to me. It would have to be my sister or my daughter to have my DNA profile.”
“I know Anton, that’s why I have checked it some many times. The computer search came back with a 99% match to you within minutes of the test being started. All police DNA profiles are recorded as you know to detect any contamination on a crime scene. I’m so sorry Anton.”
Anton sat with the phone held against his ear His eyes moving side to side in their sockets and he looked up to the ceiling for an answer which made sense. He knew Julia would not make a mistake.
“I’ll have to make some phone calls Julia. I’ll come back to you.”
He cleared the line, took out his mobile phone and dialled his daughter’s number. His hands were shaking as the phone rang and rang “Please, please,” he whispered.
“Hi Dad. What’s up?”
He burst into tears, completely lost in the moment of dread and happiness and then dread again.
“Hi darling, just called to see you are OK.”
“I’m fine, but you don’t sound fine. Are you sure you are OK? Mum’s alright?”
“Everything’s OK, honest,” replied Anton trying desperately to sound normal and calm and hurry along the conversation so he could make the second call.
“Look, Josie, I just wanted to make your you are alright. We’ll talk soon. Gotta go, love you.”
Before Josie had chance to reply he cleared the line and called his sister.
The number rang and rang and eventually went to voicemail. “Margaret, it’s Anton, give me a call when you get this please.” He cleared the line, checked his watch and got out of his chair and headed for the exit. His sister lived near Basingstoke, about twenty-five miles away. He climbed in his car and sped off.
His phone rang. Hoping it was Margaret he looked at the screen to see it was his wife.
“Hi darling, how are you?”
“I’m fine Anton but I have just had a strange call from Josie. She said you called her and she was worried about you. Is everything alright.”
He decided this was not the time nor the place to tell his wife about the possible murder of his sister before he had clarified the information.
“Honestly, I’m fine. Just have to pick up a couple of files. I’ll be a little late. Better go I’m driving.”
He cleared the line and concentrated on his driving along the M3 to Basingstoke where he was hoping to find his sister alive and well.
CHAPTER 14
Anton’s sister Margaret was unmarried and lived on her own in a small cottage in the village called Newfound, about five miles outside Basingstoke. She had moved there over ten years after a teaching job she had wanted came through. Her cottage was located off the beaten track and was accessed off the main road, down a long winding unmade road. The small property stood on its own and Anton had expressed his concern about her security after he looked at the property; but Margaret was insistent she would be OK and moved in.
They didn’t see a great deal of each other, there was always a good reason why the two of them saw little of each other – well, it seemed like a good reason but now, as Anton turned off the main road and along the track towards Margaret’s cottage he started to regret now not seeing his sister more often.
It was getting dark as he pulled to a halt outside a rickety old picket fence which surrounded the property which stood in darkness. The only sound was a slight wind blowing through the trees and the birds tweeting loudly. He got out of his car. His heart was beating fast as he opened the garden gate and walked up to the house. He took a sharp intake of breath as he noticed the front door was slightly ajar. Instinctively, he walked back to the car and put on some examination gloves and returned to the door, gently pushing it open. Inside it was quiet.
“Margaret,” he shouted “it’s Anton. Are you here?”
No sound. No response.
He felt the wall for the light switch but felt something which made him pull away quickly and take step back.
Again, he reached for the switch and ignored a protruding nail which blocked the path of his hand and he found the switch.
He turned on the light and gasped, covering his mouth with his hand.
Before him was a scene which he would remember all his life.
The furniture was in disarray and there was blood everywhere. His natural reaction was to tread carefully because his training and experience told him this was a crime scene – but he hoped, oh how he hoped there was an innocent explanation and he would find Margaret safe and well in the kitchen.
He slowly opened the kitchen door to find more blood – pools on the floor and on the worktop next to the sink.
He felt sick and staggered back to the front door and threw up in the front garden.
He wiped his mouth and sobbing, got out his phone and phoned Julia.
“Anton, are you alright.”
He was sobbing down the phone.
“Julia, please call the police and get your team down to Margaret’s house” - he took a gasp of air. “I think she’s been murdered.”
“OK, Anton, we’re on our way. I’ll call DS Wicker and tell his what’s happened. Oh, Anton, I’m so sorry,”
He composed himself. “Thanks Julia. I’ll wait here for you but can you make sure you have an extra suit for me please?”
“Of course, see you soon.”
For the next forty-five minutes Anton sat against the bonnet of his car deciding whether to call his wife and let her know what had happened.
Another deep breath and he made the call.
“Anton, what’s happened?”
He breathed deeply, holding his breath in to try to stop the sobbing. “Anton, you’re scaring me, what’s happened?”
“I’m at Margaret’s, Stella. I think she has been murdered.”
As the last syllable left his mouth, he burst into tears.
“No, Anton! No, this cannot be true.” Stella shouted down the phone hysterically.
Just then Anton heard the sound of a police Siren which got louder and louder as it got closer.
“I’m going to have to go darling. I’m sorry to leave you like this but I really have to deal with this. I love you and I will call you as soon as the preliminary investigation has been completed – no longer than one hour.”
“You promise?” queried Stella.
“I promise. Now I really have to go.”
He cleared the line, wiped the tears from his face with his sleeve and composed himself as the first of three cars and a van came to a stop in front of his sister’s cottage.
In the first car he recognised Peter Wicker and his Detective constable. They both got out and hurried towards Anton. Peter threw his arms around Anton which was unexpected – but welcomed by Anton who burst into tears again resting his head on Peter’s shoulder. He pulled away, wiped his face and looked beyond Peter to see Julia, dressed in a white all in one carrying her bag and another suit.
He put his right hand on Peter’s shoulder, smiled weakly and said, “Thanks Peter, I appreciate you coming so quickly.”
