From the Dark

by K. A. Richardson

  The lights grew closer and eventually he and Donaghue walked into a cavernous room. The hum of the generator echoed loudly and Mark found himself raising his voice to be heard above it.

  ‘What’ve we got, lads?’

  Paula Kitchener gave him a hard stare – she carried a manly appearance, her comb-over fringe a testament to the look she aimed for. She also had an attitude towards all cops that showed she thought she was better than them. Paula was known for speaking down to anyone she thought needed it, and had more than one warning on her file. It wasn’t an excuse, and he should know better than to stoop to her level, but calling her ‘lads’ when knowing she was female was one of the few come-backs he knew he could get away with.

  He knew it wasn’t professional. He was also aware she wouldn’t pull him up on it – he’d had plenty of cause to put complaints in against her over the years and never had. She called cops names under her breath, had done to him just a couple of weeks back. Annie also had plenty of cause to complain but hadn’t, despite several run-ins with her nemesis. The pair now worked opposite shifts on request of the supervision to avoid any confrontation and so they spent as little time together as possible.

  ‘Sorry, Paula, thought you were someone else,’ he smiled smugly. Annie will piss herself when I tell her about this.

  She glared at him again then spoke. ‘Male deceased, haven’t checked for ID as yet as the pathologist just got here. You’ve met Charles before, haven’t you? Fairly obvious cause of death I’d say. Exsanguination from a deep laceration to his throat. No knife found at scene. There is a partial footwear mark under the stepping plate to my rear. And the killer left something for us to find.’

  Paula motioned to the dead man’s chest and Mark homed in on the postcard, the image of Burke and Hare facing upwards. When he looked closer, he picked up other similarities. The blond hair and age seemed to indicate the killer had a type at least. He didn’t doubt that Paula’s explanation of cause of death would prove to be true when it came to the post-mortem too, though the pathologist had remained silent during Paula’s speech.

  As much as it pained him to admit it, Paula was a good CSI. Whether her attitude sucked or not, she got the job done.

  He wasn’t sure that Charles agreed, though, as the older man straightened and addressed him directly. ‘My colleague may well be correct but I wouldn’t be able to say for sure that exsanguination is the cause of death until we’ve had him on the table. He looks very similar to the one from the other day. Potentially linked I’d say. The postcard is a nice touch. Presumably when this one has finished doing my job for me, she’ll seize that as evidence.’

  Mark hid a smile. Looks like it’s not just cops Paula talks down to. He sobered, though, as he realised how unprofessional it must look that he’d essentially called her a man in front of the pathologist. He knew then he wouldn’t do it again. When he thought about it, maybe Paula was often a bitch because of how she was treated. She probably used it as a defence mechanism. Resolving to talk to her back at the office, and apologise properly, he turned his attention back to the conversation now flowing between Charles and Paula about checking for ID.

  He moved forward and lifted his foot to step inside the stone circle that the victim lay inside of. Mark froze, one foot in the air, as he was overcome with a feeling of apprehension. Toni’s warning sounded in his brain again, and he knew suddenly, that this was the darkness she’d been on about. He quelled the feeling. He wasn’t superstitious and didn’t really know what he believed about heaven and hell, but he drew a cross over his chest, just in case.

  Taking a steadying breath, he stepped over the stones and into the circle, taking care not to put his feet anywhere other than the stepping plates put down by Paula.

  20th December, 1200 hours – vaults under South Bridge, Edinburgh

  He was on his stomach deep in a crevice that overlooked the entrance to the room with the stone circle inside. The crevice was in the room directly opposite and peeking over the edge kept him invisible to all, but provided a sliver of a view of what was happening in the stone circle.

  He loved this feeling – he was hiding not twenty metres from the body he’d killed and no one even had a clue he was there. He was brighter than the police. He’d always known it to be the case. But this just proved it.

  He saw the detective’s bruising, distinctive against his pale skin in the artificial glow of the lamps the CSI woman had put up, and he smiled widely.

  It was him. Mark McKay. The one from outside the flat.

  Well if that ain’t just the cherry on the cake.

  He shifted position slightly – the movement dislodging a small stone which clattered off the crevice edge, sounding insanely loud in the silence of the vaults.

  Seeing the detective freeze and start to turn to face him, he huddled further into the crevice and disappeared from view. His boots landed with a soft thud, but he knew the detective wouldn’t be able to hear anything. The wall of stone between this vault and the next was feet thick – he could shout at the top of his lungs and only a whisper would be heard through the gap at the top of the wall.

  What a rush! So close and yet so far.

  He touched the button on his watch to illuminate the digits, and knew it was time to leave. He was enjoying watching the show, but he still had work to do today.

  Picking up the rug he’d discarded on the floor, he headed away from the vaults towards his van. It had taken years of exploration to know the vaults like he did – lots of climbing rock faces and searching for hidden crevices. Sketching them all onto makeshift maps which he kept locked away in his safe. He could disappear indefinitely if he ever needed to.

  Not that he would – today had proved again that he was way smarter than any cop.

  20th December, 1705 hours – Toni’s flat, Harrison Gardens

  Duke had been waiting in Toni’s flat for her to get back.

  It was time for a discussion about how she still owed him and how she would come back into the fold. He’d hopped into the building when another resident had come out of the communal door. He’d picked the lock to get into her flat: he deserved to wait in comfort, and she hadn’t been very welcoming the last time he’d visited. He would restrain her if he had to, but she would listen to him.

  And she would do what he wanted because he deserved it and she was his.

  She was betrothed to him and that meant they were meant to be together. The rest of his family would come around – his mum would help get Toni accepted again. She would do anything for him, he just had to ask. It didn’t matter whether his mum agreed or not.

  It was how it was.

  Romani women listened to the men.

  Toni’s key sounded in the lock and he got to his feet and stood beside the bookcase which obscured him from her view as she entered. It wasn’t until she turned to lock the door behind her that she realised he was there.

  She opened her mouth to let out a loud scream and he pounced, putting his hand over her mouth tightly. ‘Shhh, I’m here to talk. That’s it. Don’t scream. Or I’ll have to shut you up. Understand?’

  He felt Toni try to nod against the force of his hand and stepped back, releasing her.

  ‘Shall we sit?’ He motioned towards the couch, ignoring Toni’s look of fear as she pushed past him and sat down. ‘Actually, a cuppa might be nice. Put kettle on.’

  ‘I need the loo – I’ve come home straight from town.’

  ‘Okay. No running off mind.’ Duke knew he could see the bathroom door from the living room so wasn’t too worried. He also knew the bathroom window was a two-floor drop to the ground so she wouldn’t try and jump. He remembered that from when he’d thrown the brick.

  Before she’d got home he’d familiarised himself with the layout.

  She grabbed her handbag and practically ran to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. He heard the lock slip into place, and belatedly realised that Toni’s mobile phone would be in the handbag.

&
nbsp; He was on his feet like a shot, and banged loudly on the bathroom door. ‘Open this door now. I know you’ve got your phone in there. If you don’t open the door I will put it through.’ His voice had been purposely low, but now he raised it a couple of octaves and banged again. ‘Toni,’ he warned.

  Duke smiled as he heard the lock slip back and the door open.

  ‘Bag. Now.’ A tear fell down Toni’s face as she handed her bag through the gap and closed the door again.

  Idiot woman – reminds me of Bette that way. Thinking she could fool me.

  He glanced inside the bag, making sure the phone was still there, and returned to his seat on the couch.

  20th December, 1710 hours – Edinburgh City Police Station

  Mark heard his phone go off and was tempted to check it despite McPhee blethering at him. Some days, his boss was like an annoying fly he just couldn’t swat away. Others, like today, he was actually feigning interest in an ongoing case. Anything to make you look good, boss.

  ‘The FBI describe a serial killer as “The unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s) in separate events”. I’d say that’s what we have here, Mark. We need to get this guy behind bars ASAP. It’s not a good image for the force to have a serial killer on the loose this close to Christmas.’

  Mark groaned inwardly. What a cockwomble. Only a classroom-based UK detective inspector would know an American serial killer definition off by heart and spout it during a murder investigation.

  ‘I would say it’s never a good image, boss. We’re on it. The team have some good leads they’re following up. The PM on the latest victim, Benjamin Rowell, is tomorrow morning – I’ll be in attendance at that one. CSI are hopeful they might have a partial footwear mark from the dust on one of the rocks. Paula said they used ESLA to gel lift it and apparently, it shows good tread detail that they can use for comparison if we get a shoe to compare it to. There were visible red fibres recovered from the clothing of the victim – possibly a match to the red fibres obtained at the previous murder, but we won’t know for sure until they’re analysed at the lab. There may or may not be evidence on the vic’s body but we’ll find that out during the PM tomorrow too. The scene is still secure – I’ll think about releasing it once we’re sure there’s no other evidence inside.’

  ‘Do we have any idea how and where the Cave Killer is getting in?’

  ‘Cave Killer, boss? Is that the name you’re thinking of associating? It’s not a cave – the vaults were streets and dwellings under the old town. Maybe a different name would be more apt if you’re intent on naming, though why any killer needs a name is beyond me. It just adds notoriety if you ask me.’

  ‘Hmmm. I was testing the water. Cave killer rolls off the tongue easily, I think. I’ll see what the super says. He loves a good name tag. Right, sounds like you’ve got everything on track. I’m off home to the Mrs, check in with me in the morning before you head out to the PM.’

  And just like that Mark was dismissed. He’d barely even opened the office door when McPhee all but pushed past him and headed for the stairwell determinedly. Mark made his way back into the office – he still had a mountain of paperwork to get to before he could go home.

  Remembering his phone had buzzed at the start of the meeting, he pulled it from his pocket and used his thumb to unlock the screen.

  He smiled realising the text was from Toni, but his smile froze in place when he realised what it said.

  ‘Duke’s in my flat. Help.’

  Mark grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair and practically flew down the stairs to the car. He waited a moment while his radio connected to the in-car system and let the control room know he was en route to a possible domestic, passing the details even as he turned on the lights and waited an eternity for the heavy metal gates to open.

  Chapter 14

  20th December, 1745 hours – Toni’s flat, Harrison Gardens

  Toni was terrified. She’d always had a bad vibe off Duke and when her gran had sent her away, she’d had affirmation of her fears. If her gran agreed, her feelings definitely weren’t wrong. All she could do was try and appease him while waiting for Mark to arrive.

  And she knew he would come. As long as the vault murder doesn’t keep his attention from checking his phone, anyway.

  Duke had insisted she made him a cup of coffee, his temper rising when she hadn’t realised how he took it. ‘A woman should know how her man takes his coffee,’ he’d said through gritted teeth. The look in his eyes made her fear for her life.

  How long has it been since I sent the bloody text? Mark should be here by now surely.

  Toni glanced sideways at the clock on the mantle, ignoring the loud slurp that Duke took from his coffee cup. He’d barely said anything other than to order her around so far. Underneath the fear, her anger simmered gently.

  Who the hell does he think he is, breaking into my flat like this? More to the point, if Mark hasn’t read the text, how can I get him to leave?

  She’d never seen Duke be openly violent but she didn’t doubt for one second that he could be if things didn’t go his way. He’d made sure the front door was locked with her own keys, turning the key part-way in the lock to prevent anyone else coming inside. Not that anyone had a key to her place other than her, but Duke didn’t know that.

  ‘You should probably know I’m seeing someone. He’ll be here any second – said he was coming straight from work.’

  Anger spread across Duke’s face. She could practically see the cogs turning as his face turned purple.

  ‘I told you the other day you’re betrothed to me. Now you having sex with people is disgusting, but I can get that sorted. You will be purified and we’ll go from there. But whoever this fella is you’re dating, you’re getting rid of him. That’s non-negotiable. You either get rid of him, or I will. And my way will be much more painful than a broken heart. Understand?’

  ‘No. I’m not betrothed to you, Duke. You need to get it through your thick skull I’m not coming back to the community – I’m happy with my life here and this life doesn’t involve you or any other drama from the people I used to call family. It’s ridiculous that you’re stuck in the past like this. Surely you must see how unreasonable you sound?’

  Duke got to his feet and sauntered over until he stood in front of her. He was tall – she’d never realised how tall until he loomed over her while she was sitting on the sofa staring up. Toni went to stand – no matter how scared she was she couldn’t let him intimidate her like that.

  His hands were on her shoulders instantly, pushing her back down onto the sofa forcefully. She felt his fingers dig into the flesh on her shoulder as he leaned closer to her face. So close she could smell stale coffee on his breath. Toni glared at him, trying to show him she wasn’t scared.

  When he released one hand from his vice-like grip on her shoulder, she thought he was getting up. She didn’t anticipate the fist swinging round and connecting with the side of her jaw. Her head jolted to the side and she cried out, tasting fresh blood inside her mouth.

  Now Duke stepped back, glaring at her. ‘Who the hell do you think you’re talking to like that? You’ll learn your place, you stupid bitch.’

  ‘Me? Who the hell do you think you are? You break into my home and spout historic nonsense at me, and then you have the gall to punch me? Get the fuck out of my flat, Duke. I’m calling the police.’ Toni scrambled for her bag, managing to snag the handle as Duke grabbed her shoulders and threw her to the floor.

  The force was enough to wind her and she gasped, trying to draw a breath.

  His foot connected with her ribs and she groaned. Jesus – that hurts.

  She saw his foot draw back – he was going to kick her again. Instinctively, she curled into a ball, trying to protect herself.

  A sudden banging on the front door made him rethink and his foot paused mid-air. Reacting quickly, Toni grabbed his foot and shoved it upwards, unbalancing him enough that Duke fell backwa
rds. He landed on her coffee table, the glass shattering beneath him.

  Toni ran for the door grasping at the key and trying to turn it. In her panic, though, it wouldn’t turn.

  ‘Toni – let me in, it’s Mark.’

  ‘Mark – I’m trying – the key…’ she cried out as Duke grabbed her hair and flung her backwards. Toni shuddered as she stared up at him – the glass from the table had cut his face, and she’d never seen such rage. He raised his fist to punch her again, and she winced, her eyes closing as she anticipated the blow.

  A loud crash sounded and a blur sped straight into Duke, knocking him from his feet. Toni opened her eyes and saw Mark drawing his fist back and slamming it into Duke’s face. Duke pushed Mark off, kicking out hard and catching the side of Mark’s knee. As Mark fell, Duke ran out of the flat without looking back.

  Toni offered Mark a hand to help pull him up. ‘You okay? I’m sorry – I didn’t know what else to do. I only had seconds with my phone in the bathroom so sending you a text was all I could think of.’

  ‘It’s fine. Don’t apologise. You’re hurt.’ His gentle touch on her face where she’d been punched surprised her. His thumb softly ran down the bruised area and she shuddered, for a reason other than fear this time.

  ‘He punched me. Before you got here. God, this is so messed up. I haven’t seen him since we were young. I’m still having trouble believing he’s living in the past like he is. It’s ridiculous. I’m so sorry I dragged you into all this.’ Tears filled her eyes as the adrenaline started wearing off.

  Mark didn’t say anything – he pulled her head to his chest and held her there for a minute, only pulling away when he heard the sound of boots coming up the stairs.

  ‘Mark,’ acknowledged PC Chris Able as he glanced round the room. ‘Offender?’

  ‘Gone,’ said Mark. ‘Broke into the house and waited for Toni to arrive. Hit her at least once – I got here a couple of minutes ago and kicked the door in. We fought – he ran a couple of minutes ago now but Toni was hurt so I stayed with her. She can give you his details. We’ll catch up with him.’