Branded for Murder (Scott Tucker Series) Page 8

  “So Lisa, are you going to get dressed at all today?”

  “I guess I better get moving.” She got off the bed, going to her dresser and studied her underwear. Should I dress as usual, or should I dress just in case I’m with Scott tonight?

  She looked at her black bra and panties, keeping them for special occasions. Being with Scott would be special, but he probably won’t call. She took out her usual and headed to the bathroom.

  She started the shower and stripped off her nightgown. She got a chill, waiting for the hot water to come. She looked out the small bathroom window to the building behind hers, and then covered her breasts.

  Moments later she stood motionless in the shower and felt the spray. She quickly forgot about her discomfort and thought – I wonder what it would be like to be in a shower with Scott. She closed her eyes, enjoying her moment alone.

  Chapter 20

  I spent the rest of the afternoon studying the rape cases Paul had delivered. There was one in particular that caught my attention.

  “How about it Scott, have you had enough for one day?” Mike came into the desk area, putting his hand on my shoulder. The chill went right down my spine. All of these rapes and strangulations just have me on edge.

  “I’ve had enough. It’s hard to believe there are so many crazy people out there, especially these rapists and killers. A break would be nice.”

  “Okay, let’s get out of here. Did Paul bring over any additional rape cases?”

  “No, he only brought the original ones. I haven’t seen Paul since this morning.”

  “He must be tied up with those additional interviews I sent him and Phil on. Not a problem, I’m sure you had enough to keep you busy today.”

  I put the folders neatly back on his desk, except for the new rape cases. I hadn’t totally finished with those. When I reached the clothes rack, Mike already had his coat and gloves on. Colleen’s area was organized. I was sure she left already. I noticed we were not the last ones to leave.

  Mike was quiet as we walked the two blocks. “Here we are Scott, the watering hole.”

  I looked at the small pub which was wedged between a tailor shop and a jewelry store. The entrance had a single door with a window that took up the remaining brick façade. There was a sign over both that read The Harvard Pub. It wasn’t a very large sign. I wondered what the pub could actually be like if it was so small on the outside.

  When we entered, I realized the inside dwarfed the entrance area. About twenty feet into the building the room doubled in width, looking like it covered the back of both of those other two businesses. There was a smell of peanuts and old wood. I could see the red and white tablecloths being moved gently by fans overhead.

  Mike headed to one of the high-round tables set near the back of the pub. Mike slid himself easily into one of the seats and I climbed up on another. “This is very nice Mike. It fools you from the outside.”

  “Yes it does. Kind of like the killer. It looks like it’s so innocent, but fools you when you’re inside, or when he’s inside the apartment.”

  I got it, and the image of the killer was trying to come into view. “Mike thanks for inviting me. I’m glad I’m part of the task team.”

  “Are you sure? Are you okay with being on the task force?” Mike said it with a serious look on his face.

  Before I could answer something shot across the table and hit my arm. It was a coaster, and another slid across the table to Mike.

  “Good evening Mike. I haven’t seen you for a day or two.” I looked over to the long-haired brunette waitress who had her elbows on the table cradling her head. Her ample breasts were also resting on the table, her cleavage was quite impressive. “Who’s your friend?”

  I knew I was blushing again. Damn it.

  She added, “He also must be Irish with a red face like that.” Then she slipped her fingers into her top and adjusted it.

  Mike responded, laughing quietly, “Maggie, this is Scott Tucker. He’s attending Harvard. In his spare time, he’s helping us with our investigation. Scott, this is Maggie. She’s the best cocktail waitress this side of the Charles River. She also has a real talent.”

  She offered her hand and I shook it, but I wondered what Mike was referring to. “It’s nice to meet you Maggie.” I was still feeling the heat on my face.

  “Scott, it’s a real pleasure to meet you. I hope my entry didn’t overwhelm you?”

  I looked at her breasts in reaction to her comment.

  “No Scott. Those are impressive as well, but I’m talking about my ability to throw the coasters from ten feet away.” She laughed. “You’ll get used to me after a few years. I think they keep me around for my assets, and not my ability.” She paused. “Well I can see I’m not making you any more comfortable. What’ll you guys have, Mike the usual?”

  “Yes, thanks Maggie. It’s nice to see you again too.”

  “Scott, there’s enough here for you too.” She knew she had me again. “I’m talking about the draft beer. Can I get you the same?” She didn’t even wait for my answer, “Thanks Mike, he’s cute. You can bring him with you anytime.” She took a deep breath, winked and turned trying to hide her smile.

  “She’s a devil and she knows it. You can see why coming here takes your mind off other things. She does the same thing to everyone who hasn’t been here before. She gets a kick out of it. She’s got a different line when someone brings a lady friend in here. God knows she’s not self-conscious. If she was an inch or two taller or shorter she couldn’t get away with…well putting them on the table, and I’m not talking about the coasters.”

  The laugh made me feel better. I did feel like the joke was on me. Maggie came to the table and made a point of reaching across to put our beers down, and then twisted her head to look me in the eyes. “Can I get you anything else, Scott?”

  “No. This is enough.”

  She smiled. “I know it is.” She turned and left.

  Mike came to the rescue. “Glad you came?”

  “To be honest, my heart is thumping.”

  “Yeah, it shows on your face. Cheers.” He offered his glass and we hit glasses. “I’ll let you get your wits about you.”

  “Is there something in the water here in Harvard Square?”

  He looked like he didn’t understand.

  “Well both Colleen and Maggie work in Harvard Square and they are both extremely well endowed.” I smiled at myself, hoping I wasn’t out of line.

  “Well, Scott that shows the kind of detective you are. No detail escapes your observation.”

  “There’s more than a little detail there. You know Mike, I wonder if something like Maggie’s view might set our killer off.”

  “Something sets him off for sure. Obviously he focuses some of his attention to the breasts of the victims. Biting them might have something to do with his childhood. Maybe he was neglected by his mother. The fact that he doesn’t have intercourse with the victims is also strange and might be similarly related.”

  Maggie came over. “Wow, you downed those pretty quickly. You must have been thirsty. Would you like another?”

  I was beginning to think everything had a double meaning. Mike answered for both of us, asking for another round…at least one more.

  “Mike one of the rape cases you had me look at today had something very interesting. It kind of followed along the same lines as the strangler cases.” I took a big sip of my beer. “Listen to this. The woman was in her late sixties. Someone had a special delivery package for her and she needed to sign for it. It was too big to fit inside the chain opening, so she unlocked the chain and in the process of putting the package down and signing the delivery slip the man closed the door. He had his hand over her mouth before she knew it.”

  I could tell Mike was listening intently, studying me over his beer. “She was taken to the bedroom and forced to strip her clothes off. She was gagged with two sanitary napkins and her mouth was taped. He tied her to the bed. She was forced
to watch him remove his clothes and masturbate on her. He then fondled her and played with her body for hours, several times doing the same thing with his body. Those are my words, not hers.”

  “There’s more. He then blindfolded her and tormented, or tortured her with other items. He cut the end of an extension cord and shocked her when he didn’t like the response to one of his questions.”

  Mike interrupted me. “When and where did this rape occur?”

  “It was almost two years ago, in Cambridge. She reported the case to the police but they never found the guy. This is the real eye-catcher – she said she believes she survived her attack because she played along with her attacker. He even untied her, but she was too scared to make a run for it. The attack lasted for over three hours. He never actually raped her, but got off many times. He left her apartment after she was forced to shower with him.”

  “Scott we have to interview her right away. Great work.”

  “Anyone reading that folder would make the same observation. One last thing he said to her. He knows where she lives and if she ever tells the police about the incident he will find her and kill her before anyone can save her.”

  “You said he blindfolded her, but she wasn’t blindfolded at the beginning, right?”

  “Right, she knows exactly what her attacker looks like.” I saw Mike’s smile but it wasn’t because of what I said. Maggie had returned and was now leaning against me, stroking her fingers along my neck.

  “Can I take him home Mike?” She paused still playing with my neck. She added, “Damn I’ve got a cute one at home already, but he’s really cute. Do you guys want another one, or have you had enough for one night? Would you guys like something to eat?”

  I couldn’t say anything. Mike answered for both of us again, “One last round and some onion rings with house dressing would be nice.”

  Her fingers left my neck and she went over to Mike and whispered in his ear. Then she smiled at me and then at Mike and wiggled away. “I’ll get those onion rings right up.”

  “Mike, do I dare ask what she whispered?”

  He leaned across the table and whispered, “How about the house undressing?” What I didn’t tell you is that she’s a stripper at a local club. The pub likes her working here as she brings in customers who know she works there part time. I think she’s harmless, but she does manage to stir the pot, if you get my drift.”

  I thought about calling Lisa when we were done. “Mike I get your drift. Maybe she stirs the killer’s pot as well. Do you think he comes in here?”

  Chapter 21

  It was still early evening. He sat alone in his car. He looked at the shiny object in his hand and marveled at its power. He wiped it against his sport coat and it shined even more. He put it away for later.

  He went into the lounge. The music was so loud, it hurt his ears. It was dark and smoky inside. He had to let his eyes adjust. Everyone at the bar was looking at the stage watching the long-haired girl dancing there. Men at the tables around the raised stage were all focused on the barely covered dark-skinned girl holding onto the pole. As his eyes focused, he could see she wasn’t black, but maybe Hispanic. He went to the table in the furthest corner, which had become his favorite.

  The scantily clad waitress came over and took his order. He wondered if she worked any of the customers after they left here. He watched the dancer as she teased off her remaining clothes. He thought of all the others he had killed. He already knew he would be unable to control his urges tonight. He let the girl wind him up. He knew he was going to have another young girl tonight, or maybe tomorrow, or maybe both.

  The waitress bumped him mischievously when she brought his beer, and he noticed she smiled at him. Maybe she wants me.

  The dancer was fully naked and simulating making love to the pole. He closed his eyes to his thoughts.

  Chapter 22

  The next morning I was back at my desk. There were two piles of rape case files awaiting me. I immediately thought of that other case I mentioned to Mike, wondering if there were going to be any similar cases in this group.

  I wanted to call Lisa after we left the pub last night, but it was too late. I wanted to see her, but I knew it wouldn’t work out. I thought about Maggie and what a tease she was. She was cute and looked so innocent, but she knew how to get your attention. I went to bed after taking a cold shower, and contemplated what it would be like to have Lisa there for an entire night.

  Mike wasn’t at his desk when I came in, and Colleen wasn’t at the reception desk either. I had managed to get in before 8 AM, proud of myself. That’s what a good night’s sleep will do for you.

  I had learned quickly how to scan the rape case files, looking for similarities in the strangler cases. I had looked at three of the files when Mike came into the office area.

  “Good morning Scott. Did you have pleasant dreams last night?”

  “Let’s just say it was too lonely in my apartment last night. I had lasting visions of Maggie. She’s quite the tease, but she looked so innocent at first sight. I got a good night sleep, and didn’t even watch TV last night.”

  “I thought you would like the pub and glad you enjoyed yourself. Some of the guys have seen Maggie’s routine at the club. From what they related, she does a great routine. I can’t bring myself to see her routine…she wouldn’t be the same at the pub after seeing her. She would also have something to tease me about.” He paused and looked at the case folder he was carrying. “Scott, I talked to Paddy about this case you mentioned yesterday. He wants Paul and me to track her down and see what she remembers about her ordeal.”

  “That’s great. I’m looking at these new cases trying to find any that match what happened to Patricia Stevens.”

  “That’s what I wanted you to do, but you’re already doing it. Paddy wanted me to tell you that you did a good job noting the similarities. This could give us the break we were looking for. We didn’t have much to go on before this. It might be nothing of course, but the timing could be right for our strangler. He might have started killing his victims following this one. We’ll have to see. Good work, Scott.”

  I felt elated to have possibly contributed to the team. I looked at my notes about the rape cases from yesterday and the ones I’m looking at now. I was trying to summarize and so far none were like the Stevens case. I thought to myself, Jackie, I hope we’re coming closer to finding your killer.

  *.*.*

  I was several hours into reviewing the case material, making quite a few notes. Nothing was similar to what I was looking for. However, it was disconcerting to see so many women subjected to the things I read in these files. I found it hard to believe the women could actually report what happened to them, realizing there were many others who wouldn’t have come forward for obvious reasons.

  I was so engrossed in my review that I failed to come up for air or coffee. There were detectives coming and going, but they were busy, letting me do my thing. Mike and Paul left to see if they could interview the detectives on the Stevens case and talk to her as well. I realized I hadn’t eaten breakfast, wondering if there were any doughnuts left.

  On my way to the coffee area I noticed Colleen. She had a white turtleneck sweater on and she looked very nice. I thought immediately of Maggie, realizing why.

  “Good morning Scott. I saw you busy working on some folders and didn’t want to disturb you. How are you?”

  “Good morning Colleen. I’m doing fine. Mike introduced me to the Harvard pub last night and I enjoyed it. You look very nice this morning.”

  She fluffed up her hair. “Thanks Scott. Thanks for noticing. I wonder some times about the guys in the office. They never really say much, just a good morning and hello. You and Paul are the only ones here who say anything else. Well, Paddy and Mike talk to me, but you…well you give me a better idea that I look okay. It’s nice to get the feedback. My mirror doesn’t give me the same input. I’m sorry; I guess I’ve said too much.”

  “No Colle
en, it’s nice to hear you like the compliments. I imagine the other guys are much too involved with what they’re doing to stop and talk. They really don’t talk with me either.”

  “Thanks Scott. That makes me feel better.” She smiled, getting up to follow my progress to the coffee area. “I want to make sure there’s always coffee available. These guys certainly drink a lot, but I wish they didn’t smoke as much. The office area at times looks like a cloud is hovering over the entire area. I don’t notice you smoking. Do you?”

  “No. I haven’t developed that bad habit. Hopefully I will never start. I haven’t paid much attention to the smoke in the office area, but maybe I’m better off sitting near the entry way.”

  Colleen took my cup, filling it from the remnants in the large pot. I could see her hand shaking when she handed it back to me. She was close enough that I was able to smell the fragrance of her perfume. She smelled like roses. She was about three inches shorter than I. I also noticed she turns red like I do. I paid attention and learned how to make a pot of coffee.

  When I went back to the office area I followed her down the hall past her desk, and noticed her black skirt with a slit up the side, which showed a very slight amount of leg above the back of the knee when she walked. I don’t know why I thought about it, but I thought the skirt would have looked nicer if it was a little shorter.

  The front door opened and in stepped Phil Connor with an armful of case files. He spoke up saying, “I’ve got some more homework for you sport. This should keep you busy for a few more hours.” He smiled at Colleen, and looked for an indication of where to put them.

  “Just put them there. Thanks Phil. Are there going to be more?”