[Kitt Hartley 05] - A Witch Hunt in Whitby

by Helen Cox

  ‘What did he say?’ asked Grace.

  ‘Well, that was the scariest thing about it all, really,’ said Ruby. ‘That’s the reason I haven’t been able to forget him. If you delivered news like that to most people, they’d be shocked or worried about it. At the very least they’d seem concerned.’

  ‘But Justin Palmer didn’t?’ said Kitt.

  ‘Ruby shook her head. ‘Quite the opposite. He just smiled as if he already knew what I was talking about and as if that was exactly what he wanted to hear. We argued about what he should do next. He wanted to see the path through wherever it led. I told him it could only lead to pain for all concerned, but he didn’t listen.’

  ‘Did you see him again after that?’ asked Halloran.

  ‘No, I told him that there was no point in us continuing the readings if he wasn’t going to take on board the advice that came with them. He left and I never saw him again. I wondered from time to time what had become of him. It’s not much of a surprise that his next step was to become a cult leader.’

  ‘Why didn’t you mention this sooner?’ said Banks.

  ‘I didn’t know you were looking for Justin Palmer. You asked about the Children of Silvanus – who I’d never heard of. Same for Jamelia Park. But nobody asked me about Justin Palmer.’

  ‘Redmond did the questioning on that score, sir,’ said Banks, ‘and he has been a bit on edge around Ms Barnett.’

  Halloran shook his head, exasperated.

  ‘An unfortunate oversight but, Mal,’ said Kitt, ‘if Fairclough did come into contact with the Children of Silvanus and Ruby came into contact with Palmer, that does heighten the odds that the Vampire Killer is selecting his victims based on their association with the Children of Silvanus. I am wondering now if we go back through the victims’ personal histories if we’ll find a link somewhere in the last twenty or even forty years to the Children of Silvanus. If that’s the key it might help us understand who the real killer is.’

  ‘If Ruby did that reading forty years ago and the killer has waited all this time to act on their vengeful tendencies, we can assume that Cyril is much more likely to be a victim than an accomplice,’ said Halloran.

  ‘How can you be sure?’ said Grace.

  ‘Cyril said he was brought up in a religious household and that he’s had long-running desires to hurt or kill people of occult belief systems. But he also said that he had never heard of the Children of Silvanus and the sheer number of links back to this group are too many to ignore. Whoever is behind this either lived the history of the Children of Silvanus for themselves or has done a lot of research. Given that all of the documents relating to the Children of Silvanus were destroyed, I’m assuming it’s the former.’

  ‘But remember Bramley mentioned that he thought Palmer had a journal that was passed onto his son,’ said Kitt. ‘Has anything like that turned up at Tucker’s house?’

  ‘Not that I’ve heard,’ said Banks.

  ‘Maybe the killer has it. And that’s what they’re using to select victims. And there’s a chance the killer started the fire at the archive and library too. Making sure they had accumulated all the information they needed first before destroying it so that nobody else could follow in their footsteps. It’s not like the Children of Silvanus are a branch of the local council – given the strange and antisocial nature of their organization, people would just have assumed that there wasn’t any record of them.’

  ‘If the fire at the library was started by the killer,’ said Halloran, ‘there’s also a good chance that the fire at the camp and at Ayleen’s house was started by the killer. What if Ayleen’s parents had some strange connection to the Children of Silvanus that we haven’t yet understood?’

  ‘I’m already way ahead of you on that one,’ said Grace, staring wide-eyed at her phone. ‘It was what Banks said, about going further back into people’s pasts. Ayleen’s parents used to run an estate agency. It operated in Sandersdale and they specialized in selling farmland. Justin Palmer had to have bought that land he used for the commune from someone. What are we betting it was through the Parks’ estate agency?’

  ‘But a fire doesn’t fit the Vampire Killer’s MO,’ said Evie.

  ‘Not as we currently know it,’ said Banks. ‘But killers can evolve in their methods. If for some reason some extremist took against the cult, they might have started with arson.’

  ‘Killing people who they felt were responsible for the Children of Silvanus,’ said Kitt. ‘First the people who sold him the land, then the leader himself, and any followers still with them in the fire that brought their collective to an end. Then the library that offered insight into who they were. And there may be more instances. We don’t know. We don’t have a list of people who were affiliated with the group.’

  ‘That’ll be in Palmer’s journal which, I have to agree with Kitt, is probably in the hands of the killer,’ said Banks. ‘Otherwise, how would they know who to target? How would they know about a tarot reading Ruby did for him forty years ago? That’s the kind of information you don’t find in a newspaper. The other victims must have links to Justin Palmer or the Children of Silvanus.’

  ‘All right, here’s the plan,’ said Halloran. ‘Tomorrow, at midday, we’re going to make a press announcement that we’ve released Ruby from police protection now that we’ve caught the accomplice and are close to cracking the case. It’s important that the killer knows we’ve abided by his request so that we have a chance of drawing him out on our terms. We know the killer strikes at midnight, so they’re likely to want to get their hands on her late afternoon, early evening. We’ll wait until just before dusk. Ruby, you can wander casually around the old town. And perhaps down to the seafront where it’s more open and you’re more likely to be spotted. We’ll all be trailing you from different angles and I’ll make sure I put a tracking device in your bag just in case. When the killer makes his move, we’ll close in.’ Halloran paused, looking at Ruby. ‘What do you think? Are you sure you want to go through with this?’

  Ruby was quiet for a moment before speaking. ‘Aye, I would. You see, I’m not afraid to die, truly I’m not. But I just got new knees six months ago. The doctor said they’d last me twenty years. It’d be a real shame if we just sat back and hoped for the best and then the killer got to me anyway after I’ve only ’ad ’em a few months. It’d seem like such a waste.’

  ‘Oh, Ruby,’ Kitt said with a chuckle, though there were tears in her eyes. ‘The world really wouldn’t be the same without you in it, would it?’

  Ruby, somewhat surprised by how emotional Kitt had become, smiled and patted her shoulder.

  Remembering that there was no time to waste on sentimentality, Kitt cleared her throat and sat up a little straighter. ‘Yes, well, come on, Grace. Now that’s all settled we’d best get back to our research on links to the Children of Silvanus. We need to be as prepared as we possibly can be tomorrow. Ruby’s life depends on it.’

  Twenty-Seven

  ‘Ta-da,’ said Evie, as she dragged a reluctant Kitt out of the en-suite bathroom the following afternoon.

  Grace, who was taking a sip of a gin and tonic she’d bought downstairs in the hotel bar, spat her mouthful of drink back out again as she took in the cut of her boss.

  ‘Right, that’s it. I don’t care what you say, Evie, I’m looking in the mirror,’ Kitt said. If Grace’s reaction was anything to go by, she would stand out rather than blend in to the crowds milling through Whitby’s backstreets for the goth weekend.

  Kitt strode over to the full-length mirror hanging by the door and jumped back a step when she caught her reflection. No wonder Evie wouldn’t let her look in the bathroom mirror whilst the makeover was in progress.

  Evie had almost completely emptied the white powder compact in order to get Kitt’s usually rosy complexion looking deathly pale. She’d applied a thick layer of emerald-green eye shadow and the
lipstick she had picked out was decidedly blood red. As if all this wasn’t bad enough, the black lace dress she was wearing was a bit tight and thus Kitt’s ample curves bulged out in places where she was fairly sure they shouldn’t. The only thing that didn’t distress her was the black collar she wore. She had a feeling Mal might quite like that bit, behind closed doors. Everything else, however, was a literal horror show.

  ‘I look like I’ve had a makeover from Alice Cooper, for goodness’ sake,’ she said, turning back to face Grace. In the time she’d been eyeing her reflection, Grace had whipped her phone out of her pocket and begun taking photographs.

  ‘Stop that,’ Kitt said, snatching the phone out of Grace’s hands. ‘If even one of those photographs turns up on social media you can find yourself another job.’

  ‘All right, all right,’ Grace said with a chuckle, raising her hands in mock submission. ‘Let’s finalize the plan, shall we?’

  ‘For the best, I think,’ said Kitt. ‘Evie, I know you and Ruby went for a potter around Whitby in disguise yesterday afternoon but the announcement was made about her release about thirty minutes ago so you’ll need to mind her until dusk while Grace and I get any further briefing from Mal and Banks. Keep all of the doors and windows locked and, no matter what, don’t let anyone in. In the meantime, we’ll continue looking into any links Anna Hayes and Alix Yang might have had with the Children of Silvanus.’

  ‘Got it,’ said Evie. ‘There’s still a couple of hours till then. If you don’t mind, we’ll stream a movie on your tab to keep our minds off everything.’

  ‘Yes, yes, yes, that’s fine,’ said Kitt, and then after a moment added, ‘Nothing lewd though, Evie – that’s going on my credit card.’

  Evie held her palm against her chest, pretending to be outraged. ‘Would I?’

  Kitt shook her head at her friend, she didn’t need her to answer that question.

  ‘At dusk, we’ll make sure the tracking device is securely on Ruby’s person, and Mal and Banks will meet us here,’ said Kitt. ‘From there, he’ll instruct Ruby on which streets will afford her maximum visibility – not that I’m really expecting her to follow instructions to the letter, you know what she’s like. We’ll all split up and follow her from different angles and directions while making sure we have regular check-ins over coms. We’ll keep each other appraised of our location and Ruby’s at all times.’

  ‘If anything happens, Halloran and Banks will call for backup,’ said Grace.

  ‘Although I’m a bit scared about what might happen this afternoon, I must admit I’ll be glad when it’s all over,’ said Evie. ‘Charley has been out of her mind with worry about this case. She’s used to having more to go on than this.’

  ‘Mal’s been in a spin about it too, even before someone threw a hunk of rock at me with the word “die” carved into it,’ Kitt conceded. ‘Whatever we do, we need to keep Ruby safe.’

  ‘I will. I’ll go and give her a knock now. Hopefully she’s finished whatever religious ritual she wanted her privacy for,’ said Evie, walking towards the door. Before she closed it behind her she added, ‘Kitt, be careful, won’t you, old chum?’

  Kitt offered her a reassuring smile. ‘Always, but less of the “old” if you don’t mind.’

  Chuckling, Evie closed the door behind her.

  ‘Right, Grace, I know we’ve cracked some pretty tricky cases before but nothing quite like this. For both our safety, I don’t want any of your distracting and dangerous antics tonight. Clear?’

  ‘Distracting and dangerous? Is that how you see me? Probably the best compliment I’ve ever had.’

  ‘Grace . . .’

  ‘Oh all right. I’ll be on my best behaviour,’ she said, teaming her words with a cheeky little salute.

  ‘If you could aim for a cut above your idea of best behaviour, I’d be even more grateful,’ said Kitt.

  ‘Doesn’t sound like much fun,’ Grace said with a smile. Kitt joined in but then her smile fell away. ‘Any word from Halloran about the files at Sandersdale station?’ Grace added, likely noticing Kitt’s solemn demeanour.

  ‘Nothing specific yet. He said there was too much to sum up in a text message so he’ll brief us about it when we meet him. He’s on his way here from York now so he should be back in good time to brief us and then carry out the plan. He says he’s making sure the surveillance of Ayleen and Bramley steps up a notch tonight. Just in case it’s one of the two of them. And he’s got eyes on Tremble. Just a precaution. Meanwhile, he and Banks will be following Ruby, with our support, in the hope of drawing the killer out.’

  ‘Just so long as you and Halloran don’t engage in any mushy talk over coms. Or any sexy talk for that matter.’

  ‘And provide you with yet more ammunition to facilitate your non-stop stream of cheek? I don’t think so,’ said Kitt.

  Grace looked as though she was just about to offer a sassy retort when the door to their room flew open and Evie stood breathless in the frame.

  ‘Something’s wrong,’ she said. ‘The door of our suite is locked from the inside and I can’t get Ruby to answer.’

  ‘What?’ said Kitt. ‘She’s probably deeply involved with some alternate psychic plane and just not heard you knocking.’

  Evie shook her head. ‘Ruby’s a lot of things but hard of hearing isn’t one of them. I was braying the door in like there’s no tomorrow and there wasn’t a sound from the other side.’

  Kitt shot Grace a concerned look. All three of them rushed out of the room and hurried down the stairs to the back of the property where the deluxe suite was located.

  ‘I’ve already told reception we’re worried about her,’ said Evie. ‘They’re just looking to see if they’ve got something they can use to jimmy the inside lock now.’

  ‘Ruby,’ Kitt called, knocking hard on the door. ‘Ruby!’ she called again when nothing stirred. She tried the handle just to be sure but as Evie had already said, it was locked from the inside.

  ‘Still nothing?’ the receptionist said, with a sympathetic grimace.

  Evie shook her head. ‘If she was in the bathroom or something I’m sure she’d have heard us by now.’

  ‘I’ve been at the desk downstairs most of the afternoon and haven’t seen her leave through the main doors,’ said the receptionist. ‘The owner of the guest house usually takes care of any handiwork and would probably be able to jimmy the lock but he’s out for the afternoon and won’t be back for another couple of hours. Have you tried the patio doors at the back?’

  ‘No – I didn’t think of that!’ Evie said, dashing towards the hotel entrance, closely followed by Kitt, Grace and the receptionist.

  When they arrived at the back of the building a feeling of dread settled in the pit of Kitt’s stomach as she looked at the patio doors. They were ajar and one of the windows had been broken. Someone had forced entrance.

  ‘Oh no,’ Evie said, tears forming in her eyes. ‘I was only gone half an hour, if that. I shouldn’t have left her.’

  ‘Sssh,’ Kitt soothed Evie. ‘Wait on a moment. The intruder might still be in there.’

  Kitt walked towards the door. The receptionist stood close behind her. Kitt pushed the door open. ‘Ruby?’ she called.

  ‘Ms Barnett?’ the receptionist echoed. When no response came the pair looked at each other and stepped over the threshold into the room.

  ‘Oh my God,’ said the receptionist, as she stared into Ruby’s hotel room. Her mouth hanging open. Her eyes wide.

  Twenty-Eight

  ‘What the bloody hell’s been going on in here?’ said the receptionist, finally finding the wherewithal to speak.

  It seemed in the short space of time Ruby had been resident in the hotel room she had decided to redecorate in her own unique style. Fake cobwebs hung from almost every available surface. A thick black rug printed with a giant pentacle covered most o
f the carpet. And an assortment of candles, crystals, wind chimes and feathers had been strewn everywhere.

  ‘Yes, I’m sort of with the receptionist on this one, Evie,’ said Kitt. ‘What has been going on in here?’

  ‘Don’t get at me!’ said Evie. ‘All I’ve heard from Ruby since last night is that today could be her last day alive and I am not in a position to argue with that, am I? When somebody might be nearing their final hours you let them decorate the room however they want.’

  ‘Last day alive?’ said the receptionist. ‘I’m sorry, is your friend ill?’

  ‘No,’ said Kitt. ‘Someone wishes her harm. And by the looks of things they’ve got to her.’

  ‘She’s not in the bathroom,’ said Grace.

  ‘Oh God, she’s been taken. I was supposed to look after her,’ said Evie, while starting to pace. ‘But how would the killer have known to look for her here? They’ve only just made the announcement that she’s been released.’

  ‘Do you have CCTV cameras in the car park out back?’ Kitt asked the receptionist.

  ‘Yes, we’ve got a couple of cameras in case anyone tries to park there when they’re not a guest with us.’

  ‘Can you please check it for the last hour and call the police about the break-in? Let them know a woman is missing. Whoever has taken her, it’s broad daylight so it’s not like they could drag her somewhere against her will. The odds are that she’s been taken away in a vehicle.’

  ‘I’ll check right away and report all this,’ said the receptionist, unlocking the front door to the room and hurrying out.

  Quickly, Kitt whipped out her phone and sent Halloran a text message updating him on Ruby’s disappearance and letting him know they may yet have CCTV footage on their side.