Sixth Victim

by Kate Mitchell

  All those pretty words about how strong Cecelia felt about doing right meant nothing. When it came to it, she could easily hide away and forget about these sick crimes. And she would have if she didn’t have her house to pay for.

  Then the landline rang when Cecelia walked through the door just when she felt like crawling into bed and pulling the covers over her. It had to be Travis. She had her telephone number.

  ‘Hello, this is Cecelia Clark.’

  ‘Hello, Cecelia. It’s me, Mary Ann Leigh.’

  ‘Mary Ann?’ the question came as a snake on her tongue. When had she given Mary Ann her telephone number?

  ‘Yes, I’m ringing to find out how you got on with the police. You did go to the police, didn’t you? I know you said you would, but I felt you might be saying that just to get away from me…’

  ‘Yes, I went to the police.’

  A sigh of pleasure. ‘Oh, I am so glad. I wasn’t too sure because we hardly know each other. I thought by the way I behaved it would have been enough to put you off me. I’ve heard people say that I can be clingy. I must apologize for that. But if you’ve nearly been raped, you would understand…’

  ‘There’s no need to apologize; it must have been very frightening for you…’

  ‘I felt bad behaving like I did to the police—I know he didn’t rape me, but even so, when he touched me, I felt like a piece of meat. Did you tell the police how bad I was?’

  ‘I think they could see for themselves.’ How could she say that Detective Travis didn’t believe her?

  ‘Yes, I suppose so. It was hard to tell – I felt everyone was against me, you know how it is. Anyhow, it doesn’t matter anymore about me. But it does matter about the next victim; she might not be so lucky. What did the police say about the description? Were they pleased? They should be. At least my attack meant something.’

  And still in Cecelia’s head was, how did Mary Ann get her telephone number because she knew she hadn’t given it to her. ‘They were pleased. It gave them something to work on.’ Cecelia became thoughtful. ‘My question to you is why didn’t you tell them yourself?’

  ‘Well, I told you the first time that I am afraid of men especially after the attack.’

  ‘They offered you female police officer protection, but you refused, why did you do this?’

  ‘You sound like you’re angry at me, why have you changed? I thought you understood. As I explained, I was in a bad state, I was hysterical with fear—you would have been too. I can’t keep on being blamed when I was a victim. What do they intend to do about it?’

  ‘I don’t know, I’m not the police. I expect they will circulate the description…’

  ‘While I think about it, there is another thing I remember about him, he wore glasses, and the reason I know that was because there were red marks on the side of his nose as if he had only just taken them off when he saw me. I think he might be vain. What do you think?’

  ‘I shall relay this information to the police probably tomorrow.’

  ‘Very well, I suppose there is no haste about it,’ a couple of seconds of silence followed. ‘What are you doing now?’

  ‘I’m going to get myself something to eat and then have an early night.’ It was a small lie but a necessary one. Mulling through Cecelia’s mind grew doubts introduced by Detective Travis.

  ‘Why don’t you have something to eat with me? I have a roast chicken in the oven, I can smell it from here, it smells delicious. Roast potatoes and sugar beans with gravy and apple pie to finish. You must be hungry, and two make for good company. What do you say?’

  ‘I’m about to get into my bath I’ve just run,’ lied Cecelia proficiently feeling that the supposed independence she felt she had was being cleverly pulled from under her feet. ‘I intend on having a good soak to get rid of the day’s insults. I’ve got an early start tomorrow; so, I need to have an early night…’

  ‘Oh, please don’t abandon me, please. Don’t leave me on my own. When I said goodbye to you at the door, I saw a man outside—he looked just like the Slasher. He must have found out where I live and now he’s stalking me. I think he wants to finish the job off; you know, kill me because I got away from him.’

  ‘Are you sure it’s the same man? It could be just your fears.’ This was appalling. What did Mary Ann expect her to do?

  ‘Perhaps, yes perhaps. Perhaps you’re right,’ Mary Ann sounded scared.

  ‘Look, the best people equipped to deal with him is the police. Get in touch with the police and tell them what you thought you saw.’

  ‘Yes, you’re right. It’s probably my imagination. I’m scaring myself silly. Don’t worry, I’ll be all right.’

  Don’t worry; what a thing to say. It meant she didn’t care and that one day it could happen to her. Who will she turn to if the same thing happens to her?

  ‘You’ll be all right. I can’t imagine he’s tracked you down. You’re just scared.’

  ‘Yes, you are right. I’m being silly.’

  What was that? Someone was crying. Mary Ann was crying.

  ‘Okay, I’ll come over. I’ll be there in an hour.’

  ‘You will, oh Cecelia, I am so grateful.’

  Emotional blackmail, Cecelia left her house resentfully. One day, she will tell these manipulating people no. Already in a bad mood, the world had taken on a darker tint, instead of friendly faces, people turned ugly. She had just turned off from Verona Street cutting through Amalia Avenue when a man came running, screaming towards her.

  ‘Run,’ he shouted staring at Cecelia. ‘Run. She’s coming to get you—she’ll kill you.’ His eyes were flaring red and impassioned with madness, his vest dirty and sweaty while his face streamed rivulets of sweat. ‘You’ve got to run. Run,’ he had to make her understand because she was just standing and staring at him. Catching hold of her tight shoulders, he shook her. ‘You don’t want to die, do you?’

  ‘But who am I running away from. I don’t see anyone.’ She was struck by his wildness.

  ‘She’s the devil. If she catches you, she will eat you.’ He stopped, listened, and then stared, ahead he saw the devil running. Pushing Cecelia out of his way, the devil was chasing him. ‘She’s been killing people and eating them when they’ve done no wrong. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.’

  And then he ran leaving some of his fear behind. Mad, he couldn’t help it, while something of what he prophesized slipped into Cecelia’s wellbeing and unnerved her. What was that all about?

  4

  ‘Thank you, thank you so much for coming.’

  Vermillion lips spoke quickly, unreal almost as if they were unconnected to Mary Ann. She was already at the door before Cecelia knocked.

  ‘I feel so much better now you’re here.’

  Yes, thought Cecelia passing by the two red arcs and into the warm smell of cooking. If you’re going to do something, do it with a good heart, so stop being annoyed. But she was, and afraid now. Still, it was a relief to be where food was cooking and a house that was warm and homely. Time to relax and not mention the strange happenings. The air smelt balmy with home-cooked food, a golden chicken no doubt cooked steadily with vegetables.

  ‘Do you want to have a peek at the chicken? It’s nearly done. It’s a recipe I picked up when I was in England. They are very much into roast dinners with something called dumplings, they call it Yorkshire pudding. I do it for myself when I feel down the entire kit and caboodle.’ Mary Ann opened the door to her kitchen where a waft of hot pungent air came forcefully through.

  I did not come here for a meal; I came here because your emotional blackmail made me feel bad.

  ‘Have a look,’ said Mary Ann bending down to open the oven door. ‘Doesn’t it look great?’

  ‘Yes, it looks good.’ But I’m not hungry. I don’t intend to stay here for long, but to have a look around for the Slasher. He won’t be here of course, but I’m doing this to reassure you. These thoughts swelled around Cecelia’s mind.

  ‘I thought w
e could have a drink first.’

  ‘No, no drink for me.’

  ‘Why not?’ Mary Ann’s eyes were weapons of distress, now she had been insulted.

  ‘Because I’m not staying. As I tried to explain to you over the phone, I have an early start in the morning, and I need to get to bed early.’

  ‘Honestly, I won’t keep you for long.’ Cocking her head to one side, Mary Ann was trying to figure this one out. Cecelia needs a friend. ‘Okay, so just have a little drink with me. You will find it relaxes you.’

  One drink, and only one drink, and ten minutes at the most.

  ‘Tell me about yourself,’ demanded Mary Ann taking the seat opposite pulling it towards Cecelia to give her full attention.

  Resentfully sipping the wine, a bigger glass than Mary Ann had promised, Cecelia wondered again why she was here especially after having contact with the madman. Was this in the name of research so she could get that story she needed? Did she want the story or not? Yes, she did. Filtering another mouthful, this room was so neat and tidy.

  ‘There’s not much to tell,’ Cecelia frowned. There was a long evening ahead of her.

  Not much to tell, how amusing Cecelia could be, and all the while she was already making plans for the rest of their evening. Two people who lived on their own. Wasn’t it fortunate they had met? Cecelia could be the friend she never had. Didn’t Cecelia feel that also? No, Cecelia stared, she did not.

  ‘I’ll have a look around the area before I go,’ said Cecelia still holding her glass.

  ‘Oh, you don’t need to worry about that for now. I don’t feel as frightened as I did. I feel safe with you here.’

  ‘I will have a look before I go home,’ warned Cecelia.

  ‘Of course, but after you have eaten with me. You can’t possibly come and visit without having something to eat first. That would be ridiculous. I won’t allow it. Okay? So, no arguments. You are my guest and I look after my guests. I can’t bear to think of you returning home on an empty stomach; it’s very offensive. Otherwise, why are you here?’

  ‘Because you asked me to…’ exploded Cecelia.

  ‘Oh yes, you’re right,’ Mary Ann frowned looking down to the floor. ‘But now you are here, won’t you have something to eat? Just a little. I’m not being unkind, the fact is, you have no one to run home to, have you? You’re just like me, alone.’

  ‘I have, a cat,’ Cecelia lied.

  ‘A cat? Well.’ Pursing her lips, nothing more would be said about this obvious lie.

  A purge of embarrassment flushed Cecelia’s cheeks, but she was remaining stubborn.

  ‘Yes, a cat. A lonely person’s friend. I understand,’ a smile of disappointment. ‘I suppose, I shouldn’t try to keep you by offering you my friendship. I should let you go.’ A twist of bitterness that was sudden and ruthless. ‘But let me remind you that you came to me and not the other way around,’ bitter furrows crisscrossed her forehead. ‘It’s you who wants this story—that’s what you told me. You led me on to believe that this came with friendship. You came with flowers, what was that all about? So now you’re playing hot and cold. It’s unfair how people treat me. I thought you were different.’

  ‘I never led you on, I told you right from the beginning that I was here for a story.’ After being frightened by the madman, it felt wonderful to be angry. ‘How on earth did you get my telephone number. I never gave it to you.’

  ‘Yes, you did. Before you left last time. Don’t you remember?’

  ‘Yes, I remember, there is nothing wrong with my memory. And now I know you’re lying and cannot be trusted. And I am going.’

  Cecelia saw her flowers standing tall in a vase in pride of place on the varnished wooden bureau. It made her feel very strange.

  ‘No, please don’t go.’ Grasping hands, Mary Ann hadn’t anticipated this; they grabbed hold of Cecelia’s hands which was enough to spook Cecelia especially after the madman.

  ‘Will you please take your hands off me, otherwise…’ but Cecelia didn’t finish what she was saying. She didn’t need to because Mary Ann’s hands flew off her person.

  ‘I know, I know. I’m truly sorry. I should never have done that.’

  Repentant and sorry, she had been struck by Cecelia’s expression of anger and was now covered in desperation. Hands that wanted to touch Cecelia in reassurance didn’t but fluttered like embers of persecution.

  ‘I don’t know what came over me except perhaps that I’m frantic.’ From here to there, she was looking all about her seeking for something she needed. ‘I feel so trapped living in this house alone. You don’t know how difficult it has been since the rape even though he didn’t rape me, but the intent was still there. I know I am a laughingstock at the Alandra Police Department.’

  Suddenly, Mary Ann's shoulders hung pitifully down. A tall and attractive woman like that should not be reduced to this. Once the tatters of humiliation had hung around Cecelia’s shoulders, she knew painfully what it was like when others had laughed at her. Never had there been a worse moment than that. It was an experience she didn’t want to come across again. It should never happen to anyone not even to Mary Ann.

  ‘Please, don’t do this to yourself,’ Cecelia gently touched the side of Mary Ann’s arm. ‘Shall we say that we had a difference of opinion? You’ve been through a bad time and so have I in the past.’

  ‘You have?’ grateful for any kindness which Cecelia could feed her, Mary Ann’s hand fell quickly to Cecelia’s arm, her eyes distraught with pity.

  ‘Yes. It happened to me a few years ago. I have never quite forgiven myself for the depths of depravity I slipped into.’

  ‘I can’t believe that anything bad could ever have happened to you. You appear so sure of yourself and confident as though no one could touch you.’

  ‘Oh, I assure you,’ Cecelia laughed ironically slowly shaking her head. ‘I made a complete fool of myself with a man.’

  ‘With a man,’ Mary Ann’s eyes turned into daggers of hate. ‘I too have had my mistakes with men, but let’s not talk about that. I too have been humiliated.’

  ‘Then we’ve both suffered,’ Cecelia smiled.

  ‘Yes, we both have shared the feeling of what it is to be ashamed,’ she inhaled a deep breath of healing. ‘So, we are friends now?’ but Cecelia hesitated which caused Mary Ann distinctive pain. ‘I thought you cared. I don’t know why I can’t make friends. I don’t know what is wrong with me. There must be something about me that repels people. Look at you, you’re so anxious to go.’

  ‘Well,’ relented Cecelia, ‘I suppose I could stay for a while. But I can’t stay long…’

  ‘Of course, you can’t,’ Mary Ann’s eyes shined. ‘But for how long we have together, let’s make it a good time. There’s no harm in that, I’m sure,’ she stood. ‘I’m just going to check the dinner; I won’t be a moment. You know, it’s been ages since I had a meal with a friend. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.’

  While the evening carried along patiently, Cecelia discovered how Mary Ann got her telephone number. It was when she went to the bathroom that Mary Ann used this opportunity to do her own spying. A bag is an invitation, yes? Left on the floor was ready bait for the curious. Taking out Cecelia’s notebook she copied her telephone number. She didn’t see any harm in that. Hadn’t they both been clever? They had been curious about the other. Nothing should be said about impropriety. Better to forget about their behavior.

  Guilt sat with Cecelia while she sat in the candlelight eating chicken and drinking wine and smiling and nodding at Mary Ann. A nice and sophisticated evening Mary Ann kept reminding her. While in the distant background and noisily galloping towards her was the sound of manipulation roaring across the prairie; this was her punishment. You’ve been manipulated, do you hear me, manipulated…

  With a listening ear and an interested face, they chatted long into the evening touching on the Slasher. Cecelia tried hard to believe that the Slasher was in the area. But why would thi
s rapist remain in the area to finish Mary Ann off? An entirely puzzling idea. It was then that she noticed that the vermillion lips were gone, cleaned off by soap and water. The evening passed respectfully.

  ‘You are not going away without a hug,’ said Mary Ann. Her face was strangled by smiles. ‘I appreciate everything you did for me this evening. I needed a friend, and you were there for me. Now I’m going to hug you with a kiss on each side of your cheeks. I know you aren’t into demonstrations of affection, but it will do you good. It certainly does me. We Americans are not into feelings despite what they say. If everyone touched each other more, there would be less violence.’

  Mary Ann was correct in her assessments. Somethings have to be endured if only for the once. But would she have chosen this woman to be her friend? She thought smiling as she walked away. No, this was not a friend Cecelia would choose because in every way Mary Ann was alien to her.

  ‘Take care of yourself, Cecelia, and don’t be a stranger. Drop in anytime—and I mean what I say.’

  It was dark. She had stayed much later. At this time of night, the world took on a different face. Lights in the other houses started extinguishing, people were heading to bed. Just your usual suburban town. Every few meters lamp posts shone guiding lights, time for the nighttime creatures. A screech owl shot out a cry, the pellet of noise called for others to join him. Creepy.

  Was there a rapist behind these bushes? No, there wasn’t. Pushing up her head to see over, the panic button was ready now she must do what she was here for, investigate. Well-trimmed shrubs were offended by Cecelia’s probes. But the relief was great, there was no one hiding here waiting to pounce out and take his revenge. And why? Because there wasn’t any rapist after Mary Ann. Just like Detective Travis said, Mary Ann lacked attention and feeling herself, summoned up a demon. Again, Cecelia sighed. Time to go home and get that early night she had promised herself. She needed this story but wasting time with Mary Ann wasn’t going to get it. Yet, contrarily, it had been a nice evening, but if she offered to repeat it, she wouldn’t.