Branded for Murder (Scott Tucker Series) Page 2

  “It’s okay,” I replied automatically, my face reddening.

  Soon, the lecture hall echoed with conversations. A short time later, a suited figure walked to the podium. The hall went immediately silent. I looked at the wall clock and he was exactly on time. I had attended other lectures where Paddy was the guest speaker. This was surely Paddy, and the punctuality confirmed it.

  “Good morning,” his voice echoed slightly in the hall. “Can everyone in the back hear me okay?” He watched for some reaction in the back rows. “Good. I’m Patrick O’Brien. I prefer to be addressed as Paddy, rather than Patrick or Mr. O’Brien. Today I’m going to talk to you about the New England Strangler Task Force.”

  I listened intently, as Paddy conveyed details of the many separate investigations. However, my mind kept flipping to my last contact with Jackie and the fact she was gone.

  I wondered how the young women attending felt about the details Paddy was sharing. Paddy O’Brien was the consummate professional, expressing facts in a guarded way but getting the message across about the condition of the murder victims. Paddy emphasized the need for a task force to consolidate the investigations of the different states, cities and towns involved.

  My mouth felt like cotton, as his discussion was winding down. He would be opening it up for questions. I reconsidered the question I was going to ask. No matter how I tried to restate the question, I was not satisfied with it.

  “With those details out of the way, I would like to open it for any audience questions,” I heard him say, coming around the podium and standing right in front of me.

  “Yes, young man,” Paddy said, pointing at me.

  “Has any other area of the country implemented a task force such as this?”

  “Good question. I have not heard of any. The FBI is customarily called in when crimes extend beyond one state’s jurisdiction, and information needs to be shared. However, this is the first task force established in New England,” Paddy answered looking immediately for other hands.

  “Is the FBI involved in this task force, and why aren’t they leading it?” the redhead behind me asked. I noticed her voice was much more powerful than my own.

  “That is another good question young lady. They will be very much involved in the new task force. Several agents have been assigned to assist. There was a discussion held privately with the FBI, but I’m not privy to the details. However, the AG has made it clear to all the participants, that I will lead the task force.”

  O’Brien kept answering questions. I better ask my most important question soon, or I might miss the opportunity. Other hands went up in addition to mine. It surprised me when he called on me again. I was caught off guard.

  “Paddy,” it felt strange calling this man by a nickname, “does that mean the task force has adequate resources?” My voice sounded strange.

  “That’s a very interesting question young man. We have quite a few resources, but the operative word is adequate. I will need to add some clerical help, to deal with the considerable paperwork and logistics involved. Some cities and towns have stepped up but have only supplied detective resources.”

  Paddy looked over at the wall clock. “One more question.”

  Another young woman in the audience asked, “Are all the members of the task force men?”

  “Yes they are, but that is not my doing. That is just the way it turned out,” Paddy answered, smiling at her. “That’s it. Thank you all for your interest and good questions.” He raised both of his arms above his head and there wasn’t a sound in the room. “One final note to the young ladies in the audience, and I urge you to remember this more than anything else covered here this morning; please, please do not open your door to anyone, unless you know them. Thanks again!”

  Paddy quickly turned and made his exit through the door at the rear of the stage. Students were exiting at the top of the lecture hall, and unfortunately, I would be one of the last out of the hall.

  I regretted not asking my most important question. I studied the door where Paddy exited, and students still making their way out of the hall. I knew I needed to do something right now, or I might miss the opportunity to get on the task force. I jumped up on the stage and made a dash across the floor to the faculty exit door, which was strictly against the rules.

  Outside, I could not see Mr. O’Brien. The newspaper indicated the task force office was located on Brattle Street, which was only a couple of blocks away. Paddy would certainly head that way.

  I almost knocked several people down when I quickly changed direction. I could feel my heart pounding as I picked up speed, jogging more than walking. I thought I caught sight of Paddy waiting at the crosswalk.

  *.*.*

  “Mr. O’Brien, I mean Paddy,” my voice shaking from the jog and the excitement of catching him.

  Paddy turned to face me. “Yes, young man, what is it?”

  “I had another question to ask you.” I realized my voice sounded like someone else’s.

  “It must be important, but we’ve got the light, let’s walk and talk.” When we got to the other side of the street, I was surprised that Paddy continued walking.

  “Paddy, could you use a Harvard student on your task force?” After all my planning on how to ask him…how did I come up with that?

  “That’s an interesting question. What did you say your name was?”

  “Scott Tucker,” I said smiling and shaking Paddy’s hand. The size of his hand surprised me. “I would like to volunteer my time, if that’s possible. Someday, I want to be a District Attorney, and I feel this case could give me a world of experience. It might alter my future.” I realized I may have said too much.

  “That’s a very generous offer for someone who is heavily involved in his studies.”

  “Yes, I am, but I can make time for this.”

  “Here’s my card Scott. I would like you to call me at this number in the next day or so. Let’s get together to discuss how you might help.” He smiled, and shook my hand again.

  “Thank you, I’ll call. You will not regret it, that is, if I can get on the team.”

  “Team is a powerful word, son. My office is right on Brattle Street, but I think you already knew that, right?” Smiling, he didn’t wait for my answer, and turned and waved as he briskly walked away.

  Chapter 4

  I dropped off some class material while on campus and fought with myself as to where I wanted to study. It wasn’t as hard as I thought and wasn’t surprised when my car was headed toward the Chase library.

  Heading up the tree-lined path to the library entrance, I noticed many students lounging on blankets, obviously enjoying more than their studies and the cool but sunny day. I stopped and sat on one of the wooden benches and soon found myself staring at one particular couple. It looks like the girl I noticed in the library has more than a girlfriend.

  She was leaning on her elbow facing her classmate. Her hair hung down across the back of her sweater and I was certain it was her. Not only have I lost Jackie, but now my hopes to establish a relationship with the girl in the library have slipped away. Why hadn’t I gone over before and said hello to her and her friend? Scott you have just got to get with the program, life is so short and you never know when your time is going to be up.

  I closed my eyes and tried to recall more of my time with Jackie. Because I could hear the laughter of the students around me, I was having trouble recollecting those memories. I kept picturing Jackie trying desperately to escape her captor. The more I heard the sounds of joy around me, the more my rage was building. My breathing was more rapid and I started to worry about what I must have looked like.

  My inner battle was interrupted by two girls’ voices close by.

  Shortly I heard a soft voice ask, “Are you okay?”

  I had no idea she was addressing me. “I’m sorry to bother you, but are you okay?” Again the voice asked, but a little more insistent this time.

  When I opened my eyes, the two girls I
had noticed in the library were seated on my bench. No doubt, one of them had asked the question. “I’m sorry,” I responded, and then added, “I was just thinking about…a family problem. I’ll be okay. Thanks.” My wishful blonde friend was so close I could smell her perfume.

  “I’m glad. You looked so upset.” She gave what looked like a nervous smile, and I felt she wanted to say something more.

  “It’s been a tough day so far. Things will be okay, but thanks again for asking. I really need to get my studying done.” I knew I was turning red, so I just picked up my books and headed toward the library.

  Why did I do that? What a fool. You missed your perfect opportunity to introduce yourself. They had made it a point to sit on the same bench. She wasn’t the girl with the guy on the blanket after all. I wanted to turn to see if she was looking in my direction, but it would be so awkward now. I could still get a hint of the perfume and took it inside the library with me.

  *.*.*

  I took a seat at my usual table and spread my school work out. I could now look over to the door and the bench outside, but they were gone. I feigned studying, but realized I longed for them to come inside. I had worked up what I would say including apologizing for my impolite behavior and to introduce myself. Many minutes later, they still hadn’t entered. I checked the other tables, but they weren’t here. I felt like I had just lost my favorite cousin, and a new friend.

  An hour or so later, although I had tried my best to study, I realized I couldn’t remember anything about the material. I looked at my notebook to see my notes. What is her name? Around it I had printed a number of times, ‘Life is short.’ I knew why I had written that, but at least I had an image of her instead of trying to remember what she looked like. I closed my eyes and could now picture her, instead of the nude model with her face. I wondered what her name was.

  *.*.*

  “Hello.” Mom answered the phone on the third ring.

  “Hi Mom, it’s me. How’s everyone doing?”

  “I’m over the shock of Jackie’s…well…her leaving us. Frances and Jack are obviously still very upset, but Jackie’s wake and funeral are still up in the air. The medical examiner has more investigation to do, so they haven’t released her body yet. However, we have made the arrangements pending her release to the funeral home. Thanks for calling Scott, take care, here’s Dad.” Her voice was quivering.

  “Hello Scott. You can tell your mother is still quite upset. How are you doing?” he whispered.

  “Hi, Dad. I have to admit I’m having some real problems accepting what happened to Jackie. My mind is playing tricks on me.”

  “Scott, you’re going through what we are, I’m sure. No one expects something like this. It’s not like she was sick for weeks or anything like that. We’re all doubting, but realizing this has really happened. Jackie was an only child, and that’s what is also upsetting your mother, so are you. She unfortunately thinks about what if it was you who was killed,” he added, still whispering.

  “Dad…I have something to tell you, but maybe you need to keep it to yourself. I may be able to assist with the new strangler task force that is being set up down here. I spoke to someone heading it up. I hope to help some, but at least I will feel like I’m doing something.”

  There was no immediate response on the line. “Scott, in a way, I’m surprised, and in another way I’m not. Things like what happened to Jackie make you realize that life is precious and we don’t always take the time to appreciate what we have. I’ll keep this to myself until you give the word, but please be careful. You’re all we’ve got. We both love you very much.”

  “Thanks Dad. I love you and Mom too. Please let me know the details of the arrangements when they get firmed up.”

  He added, “Don’t lose sight of your school work.”

  “Okay, bye Dad.”

  Chapter 5

  Mike replayed his earlier conversation with Paddy. Paddy wants him to mentor a new member of the task force. He worked with Paddy for years, respecting his judgment. It’s going to be a challenge managing a new team of diverse police professionals, let alone a Harvard student. He wondered to himself, why would a Harvard student want to volunteer for the task force?

  *.*.*

  Although I left my apartment in Brookline Village with enough time to make the task force office and my meeting at 8 a.m. with Paddy, I was running close on time.

  After I parked my car I had five minutes to reach the office. I hurried quickly along the sidewalk watching for ‘fifty-five’ Brattle and I almost missed it. I wasn’t expecting an antique yellow clapboard building. I opened the picket gate, rushing the short distance down the brick walk to the front door. Church bells were starting to chime. I read the bright-brass plaque on the side of the building, ‘Task Force Office’ and quickly opened the door.

  It was obvious by the look on the receptionist’s face I had totally shocked her by my rushed entry. I blurted out, “I’m sorry. I’m Scott Tucker and I have an eight o’clock appointment with Paddy O’Brien.”

  Her expression changed. “Hello Mr. Tucker, I’m Colleen. I couldn’t miss that you were right on time. That’s good, but you startled me. I’ll let Paddy know you’re here.”

  “Thanks Colleen, I’m sorry I startled you. I was trying to make it on time.”

  She came around her reception desk, smiled again, and headed up the stairs opposite the front door.

  Shortly, she came back to the head of the stairs and announced, “Paddy will see you now Mr. Tucker.” She waited at the top of the stairs, and looked stunned when I took them two at a time.

  She winked and led me to Paddy’s office. Before she could announce me, Paddy greeted me. “Good morning Scott, glad you could make it, and I notice you arrived right on time. I like that.” He offered his hand and I shook it. His hand dwarfed mine, but his grip was considerate. He pointed to one of the chairs opposite his desk and sat down behind his desk. “So Scott, give me an idea of what brings you to want to assist with this investigation.”

  I took a deep breath and decided this was my only chance. “Thanks for this opportunity Paddy. I hope to be an attorney someday. I’m studying criminology, and feel any experience I gain with the task force will be well worth the time.”

  Paddy nodded, bouncing his fingers of both hands together. “You must have had to study very hard to be accepted. Your education at Harvard will be worth a fortune. How are your studies going?”

  “I’m holding my own. Paddy, I really want to assist on this investigation. I’m not totally sure how I can help, but I know I will work hard at anything you need me to do.” I knew I couldn’t mention my cousin Jackie.

  “Scott, I do have some reservations about your involvement. However, I’ve given some thought to your role, and believe if I teamed you up with one of my detectives, Mike Miller, he could help you learn the ropes.” He paused, staring right through me, and then continued. “My gut tells me there’s something driving you. I’m not quite sure what it is, but I think we need that energy on our team.”

  I tried to hold any reaction. He held up his hands. “However, I will leave it this way. You can help on the task force, but if either of us decides we need to end it, we can. Is that acceptable to you?”

  I tried to control my excitement. “Thanks Paddy. That’s perfectly fine with me. I hope I can make you proud of my participation.”

  He stood and offered his hand. We shook hands, and this time I think I may have squeezed his harder than when we met. However he just smiled.

  “Scott, I want you to meet Mike Miller, who will be your buddy for the time you’re with us. Mike is a long time associate, and friend. He’s an excellent detective and you should get some valuable experience working with him. Let’s go downstairs, he’s expecting us.”

  I was ready to jump for joy, but decided it was not appropriate. “Thank you Paddy.”

  *.*.*

  I followed Paddy down the stairs past Colleen. I noticed she was watching u
s, our eyes meeting. I couldn’t hold back the smile. She returned the smile, winking again at me. This is going to be more fun than I expected.

  Paddy led me into a room where many desks were lined up back to back along the walls. I could see the adjoining room with more desks and several men standing together. A series of file cabinets lined the far wall.

  We approached the first desk and Paddy introduced us. “Mike, this is Scott Tucker. Scott, Mike Miller.” We shook hands and I could tell I was going to like Mike right away because of his warm smile.

  Mike wasn’t what I expected. He looked like he was in his early forties, blonde hair with a crew cut. He was dressed in an off-white crew cut sweater with a light colored, camel-haired sport coat. He also looked like he could have been a football running back as he had broad shoulders.

  Paddy finished explaining things to Mike. “So Scott, why do you want to be part of this task force?”

  I thought about the two answers and decided on the safest. “Well my thoughts are to hopefully become a district attorney someday. This task force will give me some practical experience.”

  “Scott, I believe you’re making the right move. We have dealt with many cases which required district attorney involvement. There is a considerable amount of investigation required. I could go on and on about this, but you’re doing the right thing. I’ll try to help you as much as I can.” He offered his hand and a big smile. We shook and he grasped my shoulder with his other hand.

  Paddy had waited until our greetings were over. “Mike, we have our session in the conference room in a few minutes. I suggest you set up a time to meet with Scott tomorrow morning and bring him up to speed. Paddy shook my hand and headed back to his office.