Branded for Murder (Scott Tucker Series) Read online

  Paddy looked at Mike. “Please share what you have with the team.”

  Mike stood and went to the side blackboard. “As background, we have pulled some Boston area rape cases, which Scott reviewed and brought one to our attention. That one resembled closely the strangler cases. The victim in that case was a Patricia Stevens, who lives near here in Cambridge. I met with her yesterday. She described in more detail what happened to her. It sounds like our guy.”

  He continued. “She survived because she was smart enough to play along with this guy. This was almost two years ago, when he probably hadn’t started killing his victims yet. However, everything she related to us sounds like the guy. She gave us a description. We had one of our artists develop a sketch with Stevens’ help. This is what he looks like.” He passed a pile of copies around both sides of the room, hanging up an enlarged sketch on the blackboard.

  “Please take one of these for your own use. We are considering putting this sketch in the newspapers, indicating he is wanted for questioning in a Cambridge rape case. Paddy is also going to be meeting with Attorney General, Victor Young, to see if he wants to publicize that this guy is wanted for questioning in the strangler cases. The sketch does not match what I had pictured, based on Chris’ profile of the killer. However, there are enough similarities with the Stevens case to consider this a significant lead.”

  “More specifically, similar to Maria Gomez, last night’s victim, Patricia Stevens had not been penetrated. I’ll repeat that in a different manner. Our strangling victims, including the latest victim Ms. Gomez, and the woman who survived her attack, Mrs. Stevens, did not have sexual intercourse…there was no penile penetration. This is a key fact that separates our killer from all the others. We need to keep that fact to ourselves and not let that hit the papers, or it might alter the MO of the killer.”

  Paddy added, “We have someone at police headquarters looking through mug shots to see if there are any matches. We do not think this guy has a criminal record and we’re more likely to find him if we ask the public for help. This killer isn’t waiting months to attack. He is now in frenzy mode. We can expect another strangling soon if we don’t find him.”

  I was happy to be mentioned to the others for helping to identify the Stevens case, but anyone would have come up with the same result if they reviewed the files like I had. Wouldn’t they?

  Chapter 26

  Lisa entered her dorm room expecting to see Judy. However, Judy wasn’t in the room and her bed was made. She thought it was a little too early in the morning for Judy to be out and about, wondering if Judy had been out all night. She also wanted to see if there were any lights on in the building across the alley. She went to the window and looked, but there were no lights on in the apartment she was interested in.

  She went to her bed, picking up her favorite teddy bear, holding it while staring at the ceiling. What a wonderful night. She wished she could tell Judy what happened. Where would she start? She closed her eyes, wanting to relive every exciting detail. She felt like a woman now. She was glad she had not had sex until last night. She remembered the slight pain she felt, but that was easily put aside because of all the pleasure she felt. She closed her eyes, envisioning Scott as if he was there.

  *.*.*

  It was dark in the room. The only light coming in was from the bedroom window. She looked over at Judy’s bed and saw Scott tied to the bed naked. She tried to move but couldn’t and realized when she looked down she was also naked as well and tied to her bed. She saw another figure move in the room. When the figure sat down next to Scott, she saw the glint of a knife.

  “Lisa, I’m going to kill him now, and you are going to be held responsible,” he said, holding the knife to Scott’s throat. Scott did not react. He must be unconscious, she thought.

  She couldn’t respond because she was gagged. So she shook her head frantically. She could feel the tears running down her cheeks.

  He spoke again, “Only you can save him. Do you want to save him?”

  She nodded frantically. But he turned to Scott, ignoring her. She could see the knife move. She bounced herself on the bed, shook her head and tried to scream. He must have heard what she did, and he stopped.

  The man rose from the bed and came over to her. He was naked, so she closed her eyes. She felt his hand on her body and she jumped. “Do you want to save him?” he asked.

  Her breathing was erratic. Her heart was beating in her ears. She nodded again, unable to hold back her sobs. He was touching her roughly, not gently like Scott did. She realized what he wanted. If she was going to save them, she had to ignore what he was doing. She had her eyes tightly closed He was on top of her. I love you Scott, its okay. We’ll be together and this will be history.

  He wasn’t moving or touching her any longer. She opened her eyes, letting out a muffled scream. It was the guard who undressed her when he looked at her. She is not going to be rescued. She cried out so one of the other dorm members would hear her and investigate. She felt him at her breast. She cried, “Help me.” But she knew it wasn’t loud enough. She wiped her chin against her shoulder and moved the gag. She knew she had to yell louder, “HELP ME.”

  “Lisa, wake up. You’re having a nightmare. Lisa, wake up.” Judy’s voice rang in her ears. She was being shaken. “Lisa, please…please wake up.”

  She opened her eyes, seeing Judy sitting on her bed with her hand on her shoulder. It took a moment to register. She must have been having a nightmare. “Judy, oh thank God. Thank God it’s you.”

  Judy studied her before speaking, “Lisa, I was coming in the room and heard what sounded like you calling for help. You scared the hell out of me.”

  She was soaking wet and sweating. “Judy it was so real. The guard was here, and Scott was in your bed tied up, and I was here the same way. All three of us were naked…he was going to kill Scott unless I…”

  Judy held her finger to Lisa’s lips. “It’s okay Lisa. It was just a dream. You’re going to be okay.” Judy wiped at Lisa’s forehead. “You’re going to be okay. Why don’t you take a shower and then tell me about your date with Scott.”

  Lisa was glad it was just a dream, but it was so real. The guard gave her the creeps. She would certainly not be able to look at him after this. “I think that’s a good idea Judy. My date was incredible.” Judy moved off the bed. Lisa went to her drawer to get clean underwear. When she opened her drawer, the contents shocked her and she jumped back, crying out “Oh my God.”

  Chapter 27

  I studied the sketch Mike had given everyone at the task force meeting. I was surprised by the looks of this guy who was thought to have attacked Mrs. Stevens and possibly others. He was not only handsome, but looked so innocent. I could understand how the victims might have let him in. He certainly wasn’t what I expected a serial killer to look like.

  Jackie if you’re here with me…is this the guy who killed you? I wish you could give me a sign, or something, to tell me if this is the guy.

  I put the sketch down on the top of the rape case files, reaching for my notebook. The sketch slid off the pile and onto my blotter. I stared at it, trying to understand what just happened. No one had come by. The heating system was a radiator type system. I quickly tore a sheet of paper from my notebook, placing it on top of the pile, watching for several minutes to see if it would move.

  “You look like you’re in a trance,” Mike said, as he came into the room. “Are you okay?”

  I looked at the sketch, the sheet of blank paper and then at Mike. “I guess I was looking for some confirmation that this guy could have committed these murders.” I knew it was a strange response, feeling my face flush.

  Mike sat down at my side chair, looking at the artist’s sketch, and then at me. “Scott, I know it’s hard to believe anyone could do these things, and even harder to believe he could look like this guy, but we do have a killer out there.” He paused, pointed at the sketch and added, “This guy might just have the looks to get h
im inside the women’s apartments.”

  I thought about Jackie and responded, “I know you’re right, but he would need more than looks to get into all of those women’s apartments. He would need something more than that.” I thought about talking with Mike about my cousin.

  “Mike, I need to talk with you about something personal. Can we talk now, or would you like to talk later?”

  He studied me. “This sounds serious. I have to leave with Paddy to meet with the AG. Can it wait until later?”

  “Yes, that’s not a problem.”

  “Why don’t we hit the pub later, when we can talk. I want to talk with Maggie anyway about the dancer who was killed. If she knew her, she’s probably quite upset. I’m also glad it wasn’t Maggie who was killed.”

  Paddy came down the stairs wearing his coat. Mike immediately got up to join him.

  “Mike thanks. That will work for me.”

  Paddy came over to my desk, offering his hand. “Thanks for helping us Scott, the Stevens case is a good lead. We’re off to see the AG to agree on how to proceed.”

  We shook hands. I was glad I hadn’t mentioned my cousin Jackie to Mike. “I’m glad I helped, but anyone would have made the connection.”

  Paddy looked at the many folders on my desk and responded, “You might be right, but things can be overlooked. Regardless Scott, you made the connection and deserve to be recognized for it. Thanks again.” He smiled and turned to head out with Mike. It really felt good to have helped.

  I thought of my commitment to Jackie – I’m trying Jackie, I really am. Did you send me a signal about this guy?

  Mike and Paddy exited the front door. I heard the church bells chiming the hour.

  *.*.*

  I had wanted to see Lisa, but had made plans to talk with Mike. I thought all afternoon about whether I was making the right move telling him about my cousin, reaching the decision that it would be a mistake.

  I looked at the final set of rape case files Phil dropped off, reviewing my notes from the other rape case files. It was strange that none of these were similar to the Stevens case. I thought why wouldn’t he have continued to attack other women? Maybe he did, but instead of letting them live, he had killed them. Maybe he’s going to realize his mistake, and go back and kill Patricia Stevens. If his sketch is made public, and she’s the only one he didn’t kill, he will know who provided his description to the police. She’s going to be in danger.

  I needed to get away from all of these rape cases, and my fear for Stevens. I wanted to talk with Lisa, even if it was just for a few minutes. I used the office phone to save some time, and dialed her dorm number.

  “Hello Chase dorm,” a soft voice answered the phone.

  “Can I please speak with Lisa Anderson? This is Scott Tucker.”

  “I think she’s out right now, but I’ll check for you. Can you hold?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  A couple of minutes later, I heard her voice again. “I’m sorry Scott, she’s not in her room and there’s no answer. Do you want me to tell her you called?”

  “Yes please. Thank you. She has my apartment phone number, but I’m not sure when I will be there. If I don’t hear from her I’ll try to call later tonight if it’s not too late. Thanks again.”

  “I’ll leave her the message,” the girl replied and hung up.

  *.*.*

  Mike and I entered the pub, finding one of the tall tables to sit at. “So Scott, what did you want to tell me?”

  Before I could answer, a coaster flew onto the table and hit my hand, followed by another sliding over to Mike. “Hi guys, you’re back for more. I thought I would have at least scared Scott away. It’s Scott, right?” Maggie said, resting her chest against the table.

  I answered since she was really addressing me, “Yes it was memorable, but we’re back for more.” It was hard not to talk to her ample cleavage.

  She smiled, watching me for a few seconds. “Can I get you a couple of drafts? I still think he’s adorable,” she said, facing Mike.

  Mike responded, “Maggie it’s really good to see you. We were worried it might have been you who was killed the other day. Did you know Maria Gomez?”

  She bowed her head, pushing away from the table. “I knew Vixen, which was her stage name, but not very well. We danced at the same club, but she didn’t talk to the other dancers much,” she responded, looking like she wanted to leave.

  Mike must have sensed it. “Maggie, it’s really good to see you. We will take those drafts. When you have a chance, I would like to show you a sketch of someone we want to talk to as part of our investigation. Maybe you have seen him at the club, or in here.”

  She was already moving away. “Okay, fine…I’ll get those beers.”

  I sensed her reaction. “Mike it looks like her whole demeanor changed when you mentioned Ms. Gomez.”

  Mike looked over at Maggie and around the room before answering. “She must be a little uncomfortable thinking about Maria working at the same club. She might also be considering whether it could have been her. I’m sure the police have already talked to the women at the club, but maybe nobody has talked to anyone here.”

  I nodded, looking over at Maggie as she tended the other tables and ordered our beer. My mind jumped to all of those rape cases I had reviewed. Because of her dancing gig, Maggie would be at increased risk because of the men frequenting the club. She looks like she could be very vulnerable because of her small stature. I watched her approach our table. She didn’t seem to be moving her body like she did when we were last here.

  She smiled, putting our beer on the coasters. “Would you like anything else?”

  She was not resting her chest on the table like she had earlier.

  Mike stared at her and asked softly, “Maggie, are you okay?”

  She looked at Mike, and then at me, and then back at Mike before answering. “Mike, I know you’re working on the strangler cases, but…” She looked like she was searching for the right words, “well things aren’t the same anymore. The strangling victims were all strangers, and now someone I know has been killed, so I kind of look at everyone a little differently now. Does that make any sense?”

  We both nodded. “Maggie, I understand exactly what you’re saying. You’re right to be more careful. I’m glad you’re okay,” Mike said.

  She bowed her head, scanning the pub quickly. “Did you have something you wanted to show me?”

  Mike unfolded the sketch, handing it to her. “Have you seen this guy in your travels?”

  She took the sketch, trying to hold it nearer the light to study it. “He’s nice looking, but I don’t recognize him. I think I would remember him if I had seen him. He’s not as good looking as you or Scott here, but he’s someone you would look at more than once.” She smiled at Mike briefly, and then at me. Her hand brushed my knee and I jumped slightly.

  Mike added, “Maggie this guy is wanted for questioning in a rape case from several years ago. If you ever see him, please call us right away. You can keep the picture; maybe show it to the other women at the club.”

  Maggie looked more comfortable now, resting against the table again. She looked at Mike, but her hand was still on my knee. “So Mike, when are you and Scott going to come over to see me dance.” She looked over, giving me a wink and a squeeze.

  “Well Maggie, I’ve been holding off doing that as I like to see you here at the pub. However, maybe we should come over and talk to the other dancers about this sketch now that we have it.”

  “Well Mike…seeing me here is not the same as seeing me at the club. I would really enjoy dancing for you two if you did come in. You could combine business with pleasure. Please give it some thought.” She moved her hand just slightly and I jumped again. Then she removed it and smiled at both of us before moving away quickly to wait on her other customers.

  Mike looked over at me and asked, “Well do you have anything you want to say?”

  I thought about what Maggie had
said and her touch, and looked over to her. I didn’t know Mike knew what she was doing, and I sensed I was turning red.

  “Scott I’m not talking about Maggie…you said you wanted to talk to me about something personal.” He brought his glass up and added, “Cheers.”

  *.*.*

  I tried to calm myself and not look embarrassed any longer. I quickly looked over at Maggie who now looked like the Maggie I met. She was now greeting customers in her normal manner. I couldn’t hold back the smile. “I’m glad the old Maggie is back. She seemed so different after we mentioned whether she knew Gomez.”

  Mike turned to look at Maggie, then back at me. “So Scott, she evidently touched your knee is that what you’re saying?”

  I choked on the beer I had just swallowed, taking a few seconds to clear my throat. “Was it that obvious?”

  “Well you were bright red and judging from her behavior I figured what she was doing. You know I’m a detective. Besides, she also got my attention in the past the same way. So what are you hiding from me?” Mike asked, smiling and taking a sip of his beer.

  I drank some of my own beer realizing I needed to be careful with Mike. I announced, “I’ve met someone special.”

  Chapter 28

  He stared at a sketch of him in today’s newspaper. The article talked about him being wanted for questioning in a rape case, and possibly in connection with the New England Strangler cases.

  “Son of a bitch,” he said, out loud. Then he looked around to see if anyone noticed. He was sitting on a park bench, but no one was close enough to hear him. He was going to have to be careful near people for the next few days while this sketch was fresh in their memory. He was glad they don’t get the paper at home. If his wife saw the sketch there was enough of a resemblance to prompt some discussion.