The Other Killer

by Noelle Holten

  She leaned in and scrutinized the snapshots of the garden on the evidence board. When she had been at the property, she recalled looking out the back and an odd feeling coming over her. Initially she had put that down to the adrenaline and fear that had been racing through her veins the moment before they discovered the secret door. Now that she looked more intently at the pictures, just beyond the fence, there seemed to be bare patches that looked completely out of place. The grass surrounding had grown long and wild.

  ‘What are you looking at?’ Nathan had come into the room without her even realizing it.

  She pointed at the photograph of the back garden. ‘Look at those patches of bare earth. Isn’t that weird?’

  Nathan leaned forward, but before he could reply DI Rutherford and the rest of the team entered the room. DI Rutherford motioned for them both to sit.

  ‘Right, folks. Let’s not waste any time here. Forensics are back and there’s a definite link with Sasha Thompson and the property. Not only were her fingerprints all over the house and the knife, but hair strands were discovered on the blanket that covered Francine Xander. A partial print was also found on a circular saw located in a storage bin in the cellar. Finally, more prints were on the plastic sheeting which had been laid out on the floor. We can assume that was going to be used to wrap Francine. What appears to be the same brand of plastic sheeting was used to dispose of Lorraine Rugman’s, Yvonne Greene’s, and Veronica Chapel’s body parts. So as far as I am concerned, we have Sasha for those crimes.’

  ‘Christ. She obviously didn’t think she would be caught if she left that much forensic evidence around.’ Maggie shook her head.

  ‘The forensic report does say that it looks like other things in the property had been wiped down, so I suspect she just hadn’t got around to doing it. More than likely she would have been waiting until after she got rid of Francine’s body.’ DI Rutherford took a sip of her coffee. ‘They also found cement bags that had Adrian Harrison’s partial fingerprints on them. These were uncovered out back, leaning up against the house with a cement mixer and covered over in a black plastic sheeting. Based on this, we’ve been given the go-ahead for the divers to go out to some of the crime scenes to trawl the canals and any surrounding rivers or waterways. It may be that the remaining body parts were encased in concrete and disposed of in the rivers or canals.’

  Bethany interrupted. ‘I’ve looked at the CCTV for surrounding DIY stores and, on two occasions, Sasha had been seen in the shops thirty miles from the house purchasing plastic sheeting, heavy-duty bin bags, cement, gaffer tape and a large garden lopper. Interestingly, Sasha had been driving a white van which was not registered to her. We missed it because we were looking for a male and focusing on the wrong area.’

  ‘Christ.’ Maggie muttered.

  ‘We have a lot of evidence to link Sasha to the murders and we can assume that Adrian was at least involved in concealing the bodies. It seems that the witness who provided us with Sasha’s whereabouts had warned her beforehand, which is how she knew we were on to her and probably the reason she killed Harrison. Tying up loose ends and trying to frame him for the murders.’ The DI rubbed her forehead.

  ‘So now we know the role Sasha and, perhaps, Adrian played, how can we tie this to Bill Raven?’ Maggie wasn’t going to let the connection go.

  ‘Hopefully, some of the answers to that will be forthcoming in your interview with Sasha. Let’s be clever and make her think that if she gives up Raven, she’ll have mitigating circumstances and the court might consider reducing her sentence. What I can tell you is that when Francine was spoken to at the hospital this morning, she told us about meeting Raven at a house party just prior to waking up in the cellar. She claims that she went back to a flat with him and he provided her with more drugs. She also remembers having a drink but that’s when everything went blank. The next thing she remembers is waking up blindfolded and tied to the bed.’

  Maggie rubbed her temples. ‘So, do we know an approximate date for this? I mean, could it be that all the women were chosen at this party, kidnapped and held hostage?’

  Nathan jumped in. ‘That’s a possibility. What we don’t know is why Raven then confessed. What was the plan?’

  ‘Dr Moloney had previously mentioned in her profile notoriety and grandiose beliefs. I wonder if Raven actually believed he was committing the perfect crime. Perhaps he was living out a fantasy of killing his mother? Some of these women had children who were taken into care because of their lifestyle choices. He must have planned this all with Sasha. He would confess, get all the attention he desired and then when the body parts started showing up, his solicitors would have enough to launch an appeal. He’d go free, get compensated financially, huge media attention and continue the killing with Sasha. Could that have been it?’ Maggie looked around the room.

  ‘Well, there’s one way to find out. You’ll be interviewing Sasha in about half an hour, so get your thoughts together, talk it over with Nathan and make sure you get a confession.’

  ‘No pressure then, guv.’ Maggie smiled.

  ‘Oh, and Maggie, one more thing. The DNA tests also showed a familial link.’

  ‘What the fuck?’

  ‘Sasha Thompson is Bill Raven’s sister.’

  CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX

  After the bombshell that DI Rutherford had just dropped, Maggie’s head was spinning. The motive was still unclear, especially in relation to Sasha. And now that they knew Sasha was Raven’s biological sister, it was even more confusing.

  Does Raven know that Sasha is his sister? Was she a new pawn in this game of chess they were playing?

  Dr Kate Moloney suggested that their childhood and substance misuse was what drew them together. Perhaps they both had a shared interest in harming individuals who they felt were just as worthless as those who were meant to protect them. Kate advised that when Maggie and Nathan interviewed Sasha, they didn’t try and empathize with her. It was clear that Sasha was intelligent and cunning and wouldn’t appreciate the police trying to get her onside. Kate conjectured that her loyalties lay with Raven. But if they could convince Sasha that Raven didn’t share that same loyalty, they might be able to get her to turn on him.

  ‘Are you set?’ DI Rutherford looked at Maggie. Her face gave little away, but Maggie suspected she was concerned about the implications should Sasha decide to go ‘no comment’ in interview.

  ‘I heard from the custody sergeant this morning on my way in that Sasha has not been the easiest prisoner overnight. She’ll be tired and although I’ve no doubt she’s clever, her defences may be down. The duty solicitor is in with her now.’

  ‘How do you know that?’ DI Rutherford frowned.

  ‘I asked to be kept informed and a text came through a little over half an hour ago. They’ll call up when Sasha is ready to be interviewed.’

  As if on cue, the phone in the incident room rang and Bethany answered.

  ‘OK, folks. Let’s do this!’ Rutherford thanked them all and made her way back to her office.

  ‘I’m just going to grab the file and we can go down together.’ Nathan stood and walked to his office. Maggie finished the remainder of her coffee and threw the cup in the recycle bin. She waited for Nathan in the corridor.

  Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that in her haste she had forgotten to eat something this morning. She would need to make sure she had plenty of water to hand or risk becoming dizzy while in the interview room. There was no way she was going to mess this up. After the whole fiasco with Raven, Maggie felt as if she had something to prove to the team. Deep down, she knew her colleagues didn’t feel the same way, but she couldn’t help the self-doubt at times.

  Ten minutes later, Nathan headed down the hall towards her. ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘My nerves are shot, and my head is pounding, but I know we have at least one part of the puzzle down in the cells.’

  His face twisted in a cheeky grin. ‘Seriously though, if anyone can break Sasha, i
t’ll be you.’

  CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN

  Maggie massaged her head to avoid the headache she felt creeping up on her. It was stress-related, and she needed to be on point. She shook her legs out and before they headed to the interview room, she walked to the kitchenette, grabbing a glass from the cupboard. She filled the glass and returned to her desk, placing it down while she rummaged through her bag for some ibuprofen.

  ‘Are you looking for these?’ Nathan held out some tablets, with two missing.

  ‘Ah. You have a headache too?’

  ‘Not yet, but definitely feels like it is not far off. Is it show time?’

  ‘Nearly, but the nerves have kicked in.’

  ‘Hey, don’t doubt yourself. We’ll get them. Both of them, OK?’

  ‘I wish I had your confidence. Let’s just get this over with.’ Maggie picked up her notes and smiled at Nathan. He had proven to be not only a great friend but a good boss. She hoped he decided to apply for a permanent DS post, as he definitely was made for the job.

  ‘Why are you looking at me like that?’ His head cocked slightly to the left as he spoke.

  ‘In case I forget to tell you, thanks for everything you’ve done for me with this case. Your support has meant a lot.’

  ‘Christ, Maggie. Are you going soft on me?’

  ‘Ha!’ She couldn’t help but laugh. ‘It will be the last compliment I pay you for a while, so you’d better remember it.’

  The tension in the room was broken and Maggie felt much better about the task ahead. Nathan led the way down to the custody suite. The desk sergeant informed that Interview Room Three was ready for them. The room was empty. Sasha was still speaking with her solicitor next door, so Maggie and Nathan got settled and briefly discussed the main points they would raise when Sasha arrived. Maggie laid the crime scene photos out on the desk, facing where Sasha would be sitting. They wanted to see her reaction when she sat down. As Maggie placed the last photo of Francine, the only surviving victim, on the table, Sasha and her solicitor walked in.

  The accused fingered the desk as she walked around and sat down opposite Nathan. She flashed him a smile, which made Maggie feel sick. She noticed the change in Sasha’s appearance immediately. Her muscles were evident through the T-shirt and leggings she wore. Gone was the haunted look of a drug addict, and Maggie guessed the bruise she had been sporting was probably self-inflicted.

  ‘We’re not going to beat around the bush. My colleague, DS Wright, has just explained the charges and cautioned you, and you see all the evidence before you. Would it surprise you to know that forensics links you to the scene? What do you have to say for yourself?’

  Sasha leaned across the desk and stared Maggie in the eye. ‘DC Jamieson. It’s lovely to meet you again. Were you expecting me to come in and confess, beg for mercy and maybe shed a few fucking tears?’ Sasha mimicked crying, rubbing her hands across her eyes. ‘Well you can fuck-right-off. I don’t know anything about any of this shit.’ She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms.

  ‘Are we seriously going to play that game?’ Maggie opened the folder before her and took out the report from forensics. She was curious why Sasha’s solicitor hadn’t spoken since entering the room, but she guessed that they’d learn soon enough. ‘What I have here is a forensic report. The report highlights a few things that you might find interesting. Let’s start with the obvious. You’ve been charged with GBH – that’s grievous bodily harm with intent after stabbing my colleague here in the leg, along with AOABH – Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm – on the two officers you knocked out. Not only was I witness to it all, but your fingerprints are on the knife. Would you care to explain?’

  Sasha’s solicitor was about to speak, when she raised her hand to hush him. ‘Your colleagues frightened me, I was defending myself. You all barged into a property that I had just started to stay in, and I’d only just discovered that poor woman down there. I got the knife to cut her loose when I heard you all. You didn’t identify yourself as police. I thought you were hurting that woman and I attacked him to stop anything bad happening. The other two officers were coming at me; I hit them to escape.’ Sasha smiled like a Cheshire cat and Maggie noticed even her own solicitor rolled his eyes.

  ‘Well that is some story. The only problem is, Francine Xander has identified you as the person who imprisoned her. Do you want to try that answer again?’

  ‘Clearly she’s confused. I mean, fuck sake, what an ordeal she has been through. To be locked away like that. She must have me mistaken for someone else.’

  ‘How do you explain your DNA in the cellar, on the blanket that was covering the victim, on the weapons in the room that had been used to dismember Lorraine Rugman, Yvonne Greene, Veronica Chapel and—’

  Sasha started coughing uncontrollably.

  ‘We’re going to have to take a break now, officers. Can’t you see my client needs medical attention?’

  Nathan left the interview room to get the duty doctor. Another delay tactic. Maggie ended the interview and glared at Sasha as she continued with her coughing fit.

  ‘Could you leave me to speak with my client, please. This is all too much for her to take in.’

  ‘Fine,’ Maggie grumbled. ‘But we’re not delaying this interview. Once the doctor confirms she is OK, and let’s be frank, we all know she is OK, we’ll be back, and this interview will proceed exactly where we left off.’

  CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT

  Sasha’s dramatics didn’t last long, and after screaming at the doctor, she was deemed fit to continue. Maggie was determined to keep the pressure on but made sure she didn’t give Sasha any excuse to back out of the questions.

  ‘So, whose vehicle did you use to dump the bodies?’ Maggie tilted her head in expectation.

  ‘I’ve no idea what you’re fucking talking about.’ There was no emotion behind Sasha’s eyes.

  Maggie leaned in closer and maintained eye contact. ‘Ah, that’s right. You’re not actually clever enough to have pulled this off on your own. This took planning. It was calculated …’ Maggie leaned back in her chair and nearly missed the twitch of annoyance that displayed on Sasha’s upper lip.

  ‘Oh, I’m clever enough … off-i-cer.’ Sasha shrugged. ‘We almost done here? I’m tired.’ She stretched her arms above her head and yawned. Personality wise, Maggie could now see a lot of Raven in Sasha. She wouldn’t let her get under her skin though.

  Maggie could see that they were getting nowhere. They needed to up the ante, and with the current charges, she wasn’t going to be released on bail any time or soon. How could they catch her out in her own lies? Maggie tapped her finger on the table.

  She looked over at Nathan with wide eyes and hoped he would follow her meaning. ‘Why don’t we take a fifteen-minute break now?’ She looked at her watch. ‘I’m expecting a call from your boyfriend shortly. This is an ideal time to stop.’ Maggie noted the twitch again on Sasha’s face. She gathered her notes and stood. ‘DS Wright and I will be back shortly. Maybe you want to rethink your plans on cooperating with us. We’d hate for your boyfriend to get in there first.’

  She held the door for Nathan, and as soon as he heard the click to confirm the door was closed, he raised his eyebrows and opened his mouth to speak but then seemed to change his mind. He turned on his heels and gestured for Maggie to follow him. She noticed him looking in the windows of the interview rooms and once he found a free one, he motioned her inside.

  ‘Do you mind telling me what was that all about?’

  Maggie couldn’t help grinning as she relayed her thoughts to Nathan. For once he gave nothing away in what he was thinking. He just nodded as she spoke.

  ‘We just need her to bite and we’ll have both her and Raven ready to serve up to the CPS on a plate!’

  CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE

  ‘After you.’ Nathan pointed at the door and followed Maggie back to the interview room. They peered through the plexiglass window and knocked on the door. Whate
ver heated conversation Sasha was having with her solicitor ended abruptly and he waved at them to enter.

  ‘Do you need a few more minutes? It looks like we’re interrupting.’ Maggie directed her question to the solicitor, but it was Sasha who answered.

  ‘Ask your questions before I start throwing around the no comments.’

  Maggie reminded Sasha she was still under caution and that the interview was being recorded. After noting who was in the room and the time, she began her questioning.

  ‘I’ve just had an interesting conversation—’

  ‘I find that hard to believe. It’s not as if Bill has a mobile and can just ring you as he pleases. Where did you get the ridiculous notion that he’s my boyfriend?’

  ‘Did I mention Bill Raven? Perhaps you just want to get it all off your chest, before someone else points the finger at you?’

  Sasha held her hands up, mocking defeat.

  ‘OK, detectives. I’ll be honest with you. Adrian Harrison was responsible for everything. Why do you think he killed himself? I didn’t connect the dots myself until it was too late.’ Sasha leaned back in the chair and crossed her arms.

  ‘I’m glad you brought that up, Sasha,’ Nathan chimed in. ‘I’d like to point out that we know Mr Harrison didn’t kill himself. You see, someone either coerced him into taking heroin or injected him against his will.’ Nathan pulled out the crime scene photos of Harrison’s flat and laid them in front of Sasha and her solicitor. ‘You see here.’ He tapped on the photo which showed Harrison hanging; Maggie could almost see a sparkle in Sasha’s eye. Like she was proud. ‘There’s no chair. Nothing that he could have stood on to hang himself with and then kick away. Rookie mistake in my opinion. Do you have anything to say about that?’

  ‘Why would I have anything to say?’ Even though Sasha looked like she wasn’t bothered, the twitch on her upper lip once again gave her away.