The kitchen absorbed the warmth from the sun as the slither of light appeared from the open curtain. The side unit was now in view for the prepping of his snack. He planned the sequence in his mind, throwing some pros and cons into the mix. He didn’t want to break its neck……he wanted to take its life with his teeth. But to eat the meat he would need to skin it. The small white animal wriggled as he came to a conclusion. The deep pot was pulled from the cupboard and place on the unit. He moved the thick wooden chopping board into view and pulled a knife free from its home.
He turned the creature to face him and he looked deep into its eyes. He felt the fear from within its small body; its heart imitated a small drum…boom baboom baboom baboom….
His teeth sunk into the thin layer of skin, the fur tickling his lips, the warm life flowing down his throat. The rabbit pulled wildly, attempting to free itself from the torture. He held it tight, forcing its neck against his mouth. He bit down harder, the throat ripped like Velcro being pulled apart. His rows of teeth touched as the neck was crushed, a slight whimper of pain came from the red bubbles as the air escaped. He breathed it in…..he swallowed its blood….he welcomed the sensation of fulfilment. The body was lowered to the unit; his teeth had performed as he had hoped. His tongue danced over the smooth surfaces, the cumulated blood licked free from his teeth. He closed his eyes and felt the fresh source pulse through him. Time to flay the carcass…..time to eat.
***
The briefing had ended and Jack spoke with Nathan about the new find. Though it was a small factor, it helped in understanding the killer. The fact that he collected something from each scene meant there was a purpose to the killing, a reason or faint explanation to why he did it. Nathan pondered these facts, coming up with many possible reasons, too many to pin point one to the Wolf. One thing he was sure of is that the heart is key to his murdering rampage. The photos, DVDs and places of kill were irrelevant to the meaning of the organ collection. He considered the chance of a multiple personality or Schizophrenia effected killer. It would explain the reason he believes he is a wolf and collects the hearts of the victims. But still, it was one of many reasons he conjured up.
‘What are you thinking?’ asked Jack as he sat next to him
‘The hearts, there’s a reason he takes them Jack’
‘Okay……..any ideas?’
‘Huh’ he sighed, ‘I wish I could pin point one but there are several, My brain’s racking the choices mate’.
Lime strolled over, his grubby shoes scraping the floor.
‘Is there anything you would care to share?’ his lisp irritating Nathan.
‘Not at the moment….but we’ll keep you informed’ Jacks words spoken as an order to leave the room.
‘I see, well, make sure you do…….you wouldn’t want a in house problem because of withholding vital information’ he turned and exited sharply.
‘What a wanker’ Nathan hissed.
‘Do you have an idea Nathan?’ he pushed.
‘It would be worth checking into previous history and similarities. There could be something with the heart….not sure what exactly, but if we focus on that, we may dig up something of importance’ he had ended as Jacks phone began to ring.
‘I’ll get onto it mate’ he assured as he stood to take the call.
William Lime entered his office. It was peaceful and tranquil, just how he liked it. There was a light stabbing sensation somewhere within his head, the feeling brought on by the ignorance of Jack and Nathan. He felt, as a professional, that he should be included with any progress or discussions involving the case. He was feeling left out. The large leather swivel chair comforted his body, he spun himself slowly with the kick of his leg. He knew how to get the information he desired, it was a risky move; but it was one that could be very rewarding. He pulled the chair towards his desk and reached for the phone. The numbers were pressed and the call was in progress. The female voice answered and asked the relevant details, none of which included the means of his call. The beeping sound told him that he was on hold, he waited patiently.
‘Good morning Doctor Lime, what can I do for you?’ the assertive voice asked.
‘Good morning Director. I don’t mean to intrude on your day but I was wandering if it was possible to complete a full staff psychological assessment……it is a necessary task whilst the investigation is in motion, just to ensure all of your staff are on track and fit to carry on with the job given to them’ his education aiding the lie.
‘I see, how long are we talking here Doctor?’
‘Well, it would depend on the support I receive with accessing the files in archive. If I am able to look up the relevant information from my personal terminal then it should take….several minutes…a day or two Sir’
‘Is there any particular files you wish to view?’
‘No Sir…..Jack Crawford’s to be precise….I will be viewing firstly the individuals assigned to the task force catching the Wolf, if things are fine in that area then there should be no issues with the rest of the department…………obviously, it would be bad for publicity if a member of the task force was found to be suffering from any mental or personal issues whilst working on the case……once captured, the Wolf may have a difficult conviction if these issues are brought to the surface!’ he admired is ability to blag, resting back into his chair and predicting the outcome of the call, the smile stretched from ear to ear.
‘I agree Doctor Lime, can I suggest that the internal investigation is kept quiet for now……unless, obviously, something may arise…..in which case I advise you contact me in that situation’.
William knew he had the Director wrapped around his finger now, the simple call brought to life several issues the Metropolitan Police would hate to face.
‘Director……you have my word’.
***
The Wolf laid himself down upon the chair, his belly grumbled with satisfaction. The meal was one of the tastiest he had eaten to date, he could still feel the animals life swirling around in his veins. The carcass had been stripped and poached. He ate the meat alone and felt tempted to delve into another. He decided to wait, to allow time to pass. The days were few until his day of abduction; he juggled the idea of an early pick-up and cancelling any more night views. He had five nights remaining, two of which were scheduled for reconnaissance. I could take her early…..keep her here for several days…..play a little longer. He decided to close his eyes and let the guest within him decide upon the best result.
There he was, the room was larger than the bedsit and cleaner. His uncle provided for him and the temporary jobs he took paid quite well, a lawn or two mowed once every weekend; window cleaning the next. He saved the payment and aimed to improve his education. He studied English, particularly Shakespeare and read copious amounts of literature, his favourite being the Brothers Grimm. He would still endure the dreams, his new friend speaking to him as he slept. He toyed with the creature that hid within the darkest areas, its eyes only visible. He became accustomed to the freezing temperatures where his naked body would wake, he never felt shame. One dream appeared more satisfying than the previous. He was alone in the wood, him and his invisible guest. The snow fell steadily, as always. The scream was new; he was intrigued by it and ventured towards the source. The woman, mid-twenties, lay naked upon the brilliant white carpet; her body was open to the moon. He approached her from the head first, gradually circling her. He wasn’t used to having a real guest, especially not a woman. He never talked to women or flirted with them, he was still a virgin and pushing twenty years old. She cried to him pitifully for help, she seemed in pain. Russell stood and watched, he starred upon her body….unsure of what to do. He approached her slowly, her arm reaching out. He lowered to one knee and placed a hand upon her chest, her skin began to freeze and her heart beat bellowed in his palm.
The commands were spoken softly from behind him, the words hypnotising him. He turned her head to face him, her neck displayed. He lowered hi
s mouth to her and sunk his teeth into her throat, she kicked as he ripped the soft flesh. He felt the warming liquid slide down his throat, her pale body now coated in a bright red colour. She kept fighting as his teeth tore her jugular, the arterial spray painted the ground around them.
He awoke suddenly, the taste still in his throat. He gathered his bearings and headed for the bathroom, needing a drink of water to remove the taste. The moon was full and its light shone through the window. He gazed at the reflection in the mirror, his eyes appeared darker than usual…..different, as if they weren’t his. The cool water refreshed his face, the taste cleared from his mouth as he gulped it down. He was unsure as to what the dream had meant….unsure as to who the woman was.
***
Nathan pinned the new photos up upon his wall. He found it difficult to find a free space and had to jumble several items to slot them in. He thought about the hotel room he had booked for him, about the first night he arrived and slept there. He hadn’t slept in a bed for several days now and his back began to ache. He tried to picture how he had left the room, what kind of state it was in…..he couldn’t. He soaked in the evidence before him, blocking any previous wandering thoughts. The puzzle in his mind was still missing several vital pieces, he needed to create the picture; he needed to know why.
He left the office to find Jack, he needed specific information and his friend was the man to ask. He spotted him through the glass partition, the phone wedged against his ear. Their eyes met and Jack gave the signal to wait, the call being the priority.
‘Thank you Sir, I’ll get on with the search right away’ the handset placed back in its home.
‘Nathan, the warrant is in…..we have the green light for searching Mr Breen’s place. I need you to help organise the hit…..I want it done today!’ the excitement showed in his voice.
‘I’m with you, tell me what you need done and I’ll do it Jack’
William Lime smiled as the password given to him had worked, the locked personal profiles now filling his screen. He scrolled with the wireless mouse, moving the page up until he located Jack Dawson’s file. The cursor was placed upon it and with a double click, the folder unveiled all of its hidden secrets. The tip of his tongue protruded from his lips as he concentrated. His head was filled with the sound of his humming, followed by the words of his chosen song
‘I’ve got you…hum hum hummmm…under my skin’.
He opened all the individual documents held in the folder. He noticed that the folder was larger than most. He flicked through the information as he searched for the thing he was interested in…..Nathan Crawley.
Jack called the team together and informed them of the news, the warrant being the highlight of the past few days. Nathan was absent from the briefing, he scurried around the building searching for the relevant people that Jack needed on the task. He worked down the list given to him, marking off each name as he spoke to them. Jack prepared the team, informing them of the procedure they will undergo. The briefing room door opened and one by one the people on the list began to enter. Nathan closed the door behind him and found a place to sit.
‘Listen in. I’ll make this brief, time is short. Sargent Logan and myself are the command positions on this search, I don’t want a cluster of voices on the net when it’s going down. Our words of command are gospel, you listen….you do’ he paused for a slight intake of air.
‘The surveillance team are still in position, they will report any changes on the approach. I want a cordon to seal the area for a one hundred metre radius, no one comes in and no one goes out. Cordon control will be task team one, you know who you are. Under your command will be a twenty man patrol unit, use them at the barriers as a block, your team will not be required at the scene’ task team one nodded their confirmation on the instruction.
‘Team two will act as the Quick Reaction Force. You have a small team of five PC’s attached and will be the outer security for the building of interest. We are unsure of the current occupants state, if there are any people in the building they may be armed. Team three, you are assigned to assist Sargent Logan and the Armed Response Unit. We will be first into the building, stay behind Logan’s men whilst they secure the location, once satisfied we will begin the thorough search. You find anything at all that you may deem as evidence, then bag it and tag it for collection. Myself and Nathan will be on scene so no fuck ups. Ladies and gentlemen this is a huge break for the case, we could nail the bastard as long as things go to plan’ he scanned the room, no questions were fired back.
‘Grab your equipment and head to the relevant teams vehicles. Radio channels will be on seven, ensure you check your equipment before leaving this location…..we leave in thirty minutes’ still no questions.
‘Good…..get ready to move’ the class erupted with noise as the teams separated and moved to their assigned locations. Pete Logan met with Jack at the front of the room, Nathan joined them as the last of the teams left.
‘Good luck Jack’
‘Thanks Pete. I’ll ride with you in the truck, once my surveillance team have confirmed the status and we are in position, we’ll hit the place hard and fast. If you can, and there are personnel inside the building, try to keep them alive for questioning’
‘No problem, I’ll see you outside’ they shook hands and Pete departed to control his unit.
‘This is it mate’ Nathan braced his friends shoulder. Jack exhaled sharply, the nerves beginning to get the better of him.
‘Just another day mate……just another day!’
Lime read through the details before him. His eyes leapt from side to side as he absorbed the information. Firstly, Nathan’s personal file had appeared, hidden within one of Jack’s folders. It offered specific criteria and his current place of lodging. He scrolled down, bored by what he was seeing.
‘Where are you…..come on….’ He stopped suddenly as the details he wanted had appeared. The page was titled as Patient Psychological Assessment.
‘Bingo’ he smiled.
Chapter Sixteen
The static bellowed from the vehicle fit radio. Jack held the handset in a sweaty palm. The police van had been parked out of sight from the house, they sat patiently as the cordon team emplaced themselves. He began to fidget, tapping his thigh rapidly as he waited for the call. Nathan observed the Armed Response team as they sat in the rear. Their helmets pulled tight, the visors moved down to cover the face. They appeared larger with the bullet proof vests strapped to their torsos. Nathan tapped his vest with his knuckles; he felt the dull thud deep in the pit of his stomach.
‘Team One……Cordon in place, over’ the voice cackled from the speaker. Jack sat forward as the news alerted him.
‘Roger that Team One, out to you, Team Two send your sitrep, over’ silence…..
Seconds passed and the out of breathe voice whispered through the radio.
‘Team Two in position. I have eyes on to the perimeter, looks all clear, over’
‘Roger, wait out’
Jack removed the mobile phone from his pocket and searched the address book for the surveillance team. He selected call as their number was highlighted. It was answered quickly and the team confirmed no change to the situation. Jack prepared himself mentally.
‘All teams….stand by, stand by’ he turned to Logan who sat directly behind him. He was met by a slow nod of the head.
‘Okay boys, last checks’ Logan ordered and the team shuffled as they checked their personal equipment. Armed with MP5’s and Glock pistols, they confirmed their weapons were at the ready. Safety catches were applied and fitted magazines were removed to confirm they were loaded with the 9mm rounds. Nathan watched the men prepare for the battle, he felt as though they were going to war….he felt naked holding no weapon. The last man gave a thumb up and Logan tapped Jack’s shoulder, confirming their readiness. Heavy breathing filled the van, the sweat ran down their faces and accumulated around the neck. Nathan felt the drips snaking their way down his ch
est from his arm pits. The weather was mild and the snow still held its cool texture, but the heat in the van was unbearable; each man was eager to disembark the mobile oven.
‘All teams stand by….stand by…….GO GO GO, GO GO GO’ he had barely finished issuing the order when the man dismounted the van and ran along the brick wall that hand railed the house. They stopped and knelt in line by the iron gates. Jack and Nathan pushed up to the front where Pete had held the team. Pete pointed at the first four men and signalled them to move to the house and head around the back. They floated silently like ghosts, making sure to stay out of sight. The last man approached the wall and turned giving a thumb up.
‘Okay, Jack…..you ready?’ he asked from behind the transparent visor.
‘Let’s go’
They moved quickly to the front door, the last man held a large metal tool.
‘Hooligan in place’
The crowbar type object known as the Hooligan was inserted where the door meets the frame, he placed the large teeth just above the door handle. Pete Logan raised three fingers to the man holding the tool, his grip clamped tighter like a vice. He began the countdown, from three fingers to two…..to one…..he nodded. The crack shook the frame and wood splintered in all directions, the words GO, GO, GO rang in Nathans ears once again as they entered. The team at the rear of the house smashed their way into the kitchen, the hooligan destroyed the door. One by one the rooms were cleared and Jack stood with Nathan by the front door. They watched and admired the fluidity of the strike, the rooms checked and cleared in a smooth professional motion. The adrenalin surged through every man, the sweat pouring from their brows.
Little Red Page 14
