Hidden Depths

by Ally Rose

  Kruger smiled. ‘Well, I didn’t think they were going skinny dipping in their cars.’

  Rutger ignored Kruger’s flippancy and didn’t take offence. ‘A blunt object was used on each of the victims’ heads and they were each hit more than once.’

  ‘What sort of object?’ Glockner asked.

  Hanne had some ideas of her own. ‘We believe the Muggelsee victims worked at Torgau in the 1980s and this would mean when they met their demise in 1992, Marine Boy was probably no older than about 20. Gwisdek and Plaumann were big, strong men, but not Gunther and to overpower someone you need a lot of force… or a gun?’

  Rutger concurred. ‘Yes, the blunt object could have been a gun, the back of a gun.’

  ‘But he didn’t fire it. It’s much easier to shoot someone than to go to all the trouble of kidnapping them and driving a car into a cold lake,’ Hanne mused.

  ‘Why do you think that is?’ Rutger asked.

  ‘It’s almost biblical: revenge, an eye for an eye. Marine Boy wanted to punish them, to make them to feel the same way he’d felt – controlled and humiliated. He tied them up, cut their hair and their ears, and stripped away all their defences as if he wanted his victims to atone for their sins,’ Hanne told them.

  ‘Then he killed them anyway,’ Glockner declared.

  Hanne nodded. ‘That’s right. Marine Boy couldn’t let them get away. Would you, in his place? Shooting his abusers would be too quick a death and I think he wanted them to suffer before they died.’

  ‘He had to kill them if they saw his face and knew his identity,’ Kruger stated.

  ‘Any news on the fingerprints?’ Glockner asked Rutger.

  ‘Yes and no. The stolen bike from Kopenick found in the bushes at Plaumanns’ gym had none, but fingerprints belonging to an unknown male were found on the Herbertz knife by Lotte Holler’s car. However, there’s no record of these fingerprints on our criminal register.’

  ‘Marine Boy seems to be a first time offender,’ Kruger ventured.

  Rutger nodded in agreement. ‘Maybe he’s just too clever to be caught.’

  Kruger was adamant. ‘Oh, we’ll catch him, Rutger, I usually get my man – not as quickly as I’d like, but Marine Boy will turn up sooner, rather than later.’

  ‘We’ve taken fingerprints and DNA samples from all three corpses,’ Rutger said, ‘but we weren’t able to retrieve any information from the saturated fibres in the cars pulled from Muggelsee. Unfortunately we couldn’t get any DNA from going over Lotte Holler’s car again either.’

  Glockner chipped in. ‘Drais and me got lucky on our trip to Leipzig. Horst’s motor home ended up in Zossen and there is another name that’s been brought into the frame. Gunther’s ex-colleague at the Leipzig library said he used to hang out with some guy called Witzig. So, maybe there was a Torgau four?’

  ‘I’m sure there’s more but we’re concentrating on the men found at Muggelsee for now,’ said Kruger. ‘The three Torgau wardens used to go away on trips together in the motor home so we need forensics there asap. Delving into their backgrounds will help us find not only their killer but Lotte Holler’s assailant, too: the elusive Marine Boy.’

  Hanne piped up. ‘I’ve an idea. Why not release details and photos of the Torgau wardens found at the lake? Say the police are looking for witnesses from Muggelsee in 1992 and would welcome anyone coming forward with previously held information. Some of the abused Torgau kids might recognise them and be brave enough to come forward again, like they did when you broke the paedophile ring. Knowing the police are on his trail, Marine Boy may just crack under the strain and give himself away.’

  ‘I like your idea, Drais,’ Kruger said, ‘but I’ll have to handle the fall-out for Plaumann’s wife and family. Let me think about it and I’ll let you know.’

  Glockner wound up the meeting. ‘So, Marine Boy’s around 30 to 35 years old, and if he’s still alive, someone must know him and suspect him.’

  His words were prophetic. Although she didn’t realise it, Hanne had already met Felix, the boy who went on to kill three of his Torgau tormentors and attempted to murder Lotte Holler. His photo, taken at the time of the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, was still on her wall at home. They had shared a brief encounter on an historic night – and they were destined to meet again.

  Kruger clapped his hands. ‘OK, listen up, team. In the next five days I’m expecting the following. I want Gwisdek’s motor home brushed for fingerprints. Drais, Lotte Holler is well enough to be interviewed again so get onto Dr Roth and arrange it. I want the old files from 1992 relating to sexual abuse, especially the Torgau cases, looked over again. Maybe one of the victims will be prepared to repeat their evidence, or maybe they’ll have an idea about our phantom killer. Let’s get to it!’

  ‘Yes sir,’ echoed the team.

  ‘Oh, one more thing… Make sure you’re free on the 15th next week to celebrate our colleague’s birthday.’ Kruger said looking directly at Hanne. ‘Drais, you’ll be the birthday girl and the drinks will be on you.’

  Chapter Thirty-one: Hospital Revelations

  HANNE’S SECOND MEETING WITH Lotte’s nurses Lena and Martin took place in Dr Roth’s office. Their first had been at police headquarters where Lena and Martin had given statements explaining the events of New Year’s Eve and how an innocuous playing of the Toreador song had precipitated Lotte Holler’s miraculous awakening.

  Lena and Martin were still in their white hospital uniforms. Lena had let down her long dark hair that she kept back when working on the wards. She had dark rings around her eyes and Martin’s shaved, bald head was shiny and a bit grubby. Both looked in need of a good night’s sleep.

  ‘Thank you for staying after your night shift, I’ll try not to keep you long,’ Hanne began. ‘I guess you’re wondering what further information you can offer me? Well, I want to know your views on the patient, what she’s like as a person, how she’s coping, etcetera. What you tell me will be strictly confidential.’

  ‘I made a gaff last week,’ Martin confessed. ‘I left a newspaper on a trolley, against Dr Roth’s orders, and Lotte read it. So, it’s my fault she knows about the Muggelsee killings.’

  ‘Jonas has forgiven you,’ said Lena. ‘Don’t worry, Martin, you can’t shelter her from these things. Lotte would have found out sooner or later, she’s quite a determined lady!’

  ‘That’s precisely the sort of information I need to help me build up Lotte’s profile,’ Hanne told them.

  ‘I thought you only profiled those who committed crimes?’ Martin asked.

  ‘Yes, but in profiling the victim as well you discover much more,’ Hanne explained. ‘When you find out who the victim is and what sort of person they are you find out the reasons why they were attacked – and how.’

  ‘I think Lotte’s a realist. She’s getting on with things as best she can and is determined to get fit and restart her life. It can’t be easy after so many missing years,’ Lena said.

  ‘And she’s making plans for the future,’ added Martin.

  ‘What sort of plans?’ asked Hanne.

  Martin loved a bit of gossip. ‘A move into a big house in Wannsee, you know, with an advance of her compensation money.’

  Hanne was intrigued. ‘I see. When will this take place?’

  ‘When Dr Roth discharges her – not that I’d want a million euros in exchange for losing 12 years of my life,’ Martin replied.

  Lena smiled. ‘Martin wants to go and work for her. He’s Lotte favourite.’

  ‘Lotte likes all the staff but she’s a man’s woman, more at ease with men,’ Martin replied. ‘Even camp men! Lotte knows I’m gay but it makes no difference.’

  ‘I think she’s competitive with women, except for her sister,’ Lena announced.

  ‘Lotte can be a cow to her sister!’ Martin exclaimed.

  ‘Please elaborate,’ Hanne asked.

  ‘Lotte dominates her sister, manipulates her and tries to be in control,’ Lena began. ‘I
find myself feeling sorry for Julia! Does that sound terrible? And I don’t mind patients asking for anything they need, but Lotte’s quite a prickly and demanding character.’

  ‘She likes her own way,’ Martin said bluntly. ‘If she doesn’t get it, she gets impatient and moody, then cross.’

  ‘You’re saying she’s quick-tempered?’ Hanne inquired.

  Lena rephrased her words. ‘Maybe we’re being judgmental but let’s just say Lotte’s intolerant and a bit spoilt. She gets frustrated easily and then huffs and puffs a bit.’

  Martin winked. ‘Don’t we all? Nothing wrong with some huffing and puffing!’

  ‘And most of us don’t like to hear the word “no”,’ Hanne suggested.

  Her thoughts drifted to Marine Boy, wondering how Lotte Holler behaved with him. If Lotte was manipulative with people to get her own way, including her sister, and used her temper as a means of control, that was the behaviour of a bully, she thought.

  ‘We don’t seem to be very tolerant or sympathetic to the patient, do we?’ Lena asked, jolting Hanne out of her thoughts.

  ‘You’re only expressing an opinion. Thank you both for your time,’ Hanne said.

  It was a crisp spring morning and there wasn’t a single cloud in the bright, azure sky. Julia and Lotte were waiting for Hanne in the gazebo in the hospital gardens. Lotte was in a wheelchair, wrapped in a blanket.

  ‘You are late, Frau Drais,’ Lotte said. ‘Good job it’s not too cold.’

  Julia was embarrassed. ‘Good morning, Hanne. Lotte, don’t fuss, it’s warm in here and the gazebo windows are double-glazed. Look at the garden, the daisies are flowering.’

  Hanne ignored Lotte’s comment. ‘I’m sorry I’m late,’ she said, sincerely. ‘I had to speak with Martin and Lena.’

  Lotte frowned. ‘What did they have to say?’

  ‘They told me how well you’re doing with your exercises and your rehab. Are you feeling better after your ‘flu?’

  ‘I’m fine. If you’re wondering why I’m being pushed in a wheelchair, well, I can walk but Julia needs the exercise!’ Lotte replied, laughing.

  Julia chuckled too. ‘Hanne, Dr Roth is hoping to discharge Lotte before the end of the month. You’ll have to come and see her in Wannsee.’

  ‘Yes, come and see us in Wannsee,’ Lotte echoed, looking at her sister.

  ‘Wannsee?’ Hanne said, pretending it was the first time she’d heard the news.

  Lotte gave Hanne a discerning look. ‘I’m going to be rich. Compensation for my 12 missing years, lost in a bed. Do you think it’s a fair exchange?’

  Hanne sounded serious. ‘I don’t think the loss of time has a price.’

  Lotte liked this answer but she didn’t trust the police psychologist and the way she was probing into the past. For perceived sins against the Torgau kids, Lotte believed her coma was punishment enough. ‘No. It doesn’t,’ she said flatly.

  Julia tried to lighten the conversation. ‘Where do you live?’ she asked Hanne.

  ‘I live with my daughter, in Neu Kolln.’

  Julia was pleasantly surprised. ‘You have a daughter? You never said.’

  ‘Audrey will be 16 at the end of the month.’

  ‘Must be nice to have a daughter,’ Julia said. ‘Not that I’d be without my boys.’

  Hanne nodded. ‘My daughter’s into role reversal and sometimes behaves like my mother at times.’

  Interrupting them, Lotte brought the spotlight back to herself. ‘I’m only 41, it’s not too late for me to have kids,’ she announced.

  ‘No, course not,’ Julia said. ‘You’ve still time to meet someone nice.’

  ‘Failing that, I could find a sperm donor,’ Lotte said, hoping to shock them.

  Again, Julia felt a little embarrassed and anxious that Lotte’s outspoken nature might cause offence to those who didn’t know her well. Julia knew Lotte said outrageous things, sometimes for a laugh and sometimes to shock people. Also, her comments could be quite barbed. She was different to her sibling: Julia usually wanted approval from others whilst Lotte didn’t give a damn what people thought of her. Julia often found herself wondering what the pleasant police psychologist thought of her sister and herself.

  Hanne also noticed how Lotte liked to provoke. She’d had enough of small talk by now and asked, ‘Lotte, can you tell me about the father of your child?’

  ‘He was married. It was a bit of fun for both of us and I hadn’t told him I was pregnant and was keeping the baby. Why? Is he a suspect?’

  ‘Not at all,’ Hanne replied.

  ‘Dr Roth advised me against reading or watching the news but I found out about the three bodies pulled from the lake anyway – my former colleagues Horst Gwisdek, Harald Plaumann and Gunther Schukrafft.’

  ‘It’s looking like we have three similar murders on our hands,’ Hanne announced.

  Lotte looked worried. ‘This Torgau boy who you suspect, he’ll be a man now. What if he’s been watching the news and has seen I’ve come out of my coma? Do you think he’ll come after me again?’

  ‘Please, try not to get too anxious. You have police protection for as long as necessary,’ Hanne told her. ‘Lotte, I believe if the Torgau boy wanted to kill you he would have done it while he had the chance.’

  Julia took umbrage on Lotte’s behalf. ‘He left my sister for dead!’

  Lotte intervened. ‘He would have killed me by driving me into the lake like the others but my car wouldn’t start! Psycho boy left me unconscious in the car to freeze to death in the middle of winter and hoped I’d be dead by morning. ‘

  ‘We’re looking into the backgrounds of the three dead men to try and find a link and a trail back to their killer – possibly the same man as the one who attacked you,’ Hanne explained. ‘Lotte, you said he was masked and wore a balaclava. Were there any parts of his face you could see: his skin colouring, his height, weight, the colour of his hair?’

  Lotte closed her eyes and her thoughts returned to that fateful night. Her face contorted and suddenly she opened her eyes.

  ‘He was about two metres tall. Oh my God, I remember! I saw his face in the headlights.’

  Hanne was intrigued. ‘What did you see?’

  Lotte was animated. ‘A wisp of fair hair, blue eyes and… Yes! Piercing blue eyes.’

  Hanne jotted this down. ‘Was there anything he did or said that reminds you of who it could be?’

  Lotte remembered quite a lot from 12 years ago but knew she had to be selective with any information she gave to the police. She wasn’t about to tell Hanne her attacker had said she was a cruel bully and a Nazi, nor that he’d accused her of assisting the Musketeers in their sordid, debauched activities. As for being pregnant, he’d quoted something in Latin – in loco parentis , whatever that meant. No, Lotte could never tell Julia or anyone else about the part she played at Torgau because she might never be forgiven.

  ‘I asked him why was he doing this to me? He said he wanted revenge. I think I told him he was in Torgau as a punishment and that he had to be disciplined and he replied that he was an orphan, not some delinquent. He felt the punishments at Torgau were too severe and the wardens deserved to be punished. I can’t remember any more.’

  ‘Well done, Lotte,’ Julia said and hugged her sister.

  Hanne repeated this new information. ‘He told you he was an orphan?’

  Lotte nodded. ‘He was probably lying.’

  Hanne asked Lotte a loaded question: ‘What kind of punishment do you think he was talking about?’

  Lotte and Hanne looked at one another. They both had incisive minds and neither was easily put off their stride or outsmarted.

  ‘Some of the wardens were quite rough with them, to control them. They used their fists, the back of their hands, that sort of thing,’ Lotte revealed.

  Hanne was careful not to be accusatory in her questioning or tone of voice. ‘Did you witness any of this?’

  ‘I know some of the wardens used to find it funny to take
some of the unruly kids, strip them and hose them down with ice cold water.’

  Julia held her hands over her face. ‘If anyone did that to my boys, I wouldn’t find it funny at all. It’s unforgivable.’

  Lotte continued with her story but began to lie to protect herself. ‘As for me, most of the kids were taller and stronger than me and I used to shout at them, I don’t deny it. I kept control by threatening to tell the male wardens and the kids knew if they didn’t behave with me, the men on duty would punish them.’

  Julia was hearing this for the first time. ‘No! What sort of punishments?’

  ‘The kids would spend the night in a dark cellar, knee deep in water,’ Lotte replied.

  ‘Lotte, you need to know that some Torgau kids made accusations of abuse against some of the wardens,’ said Hanne. ‘These cases came to court over the past decade and a number of ex-employees at Torgau were found guilty and were punished.’

  Lotte felt her blood boil but held her nerve and kept her temper in check. ‘But that boy, whoever he was, he was a sick psycho! I didn’t do anything to justify what he did to me.’

  Julia hugged her sister. ‘Course not, sweetie, it’s not your fault.’

  ‘Absolutely, you’re the victim,’ Hanne stated, without conveying her doubts.

  Lotte stared at her, steely-eyed. ‘That’s right, it’s not my fault. I am the victim in all of this.’

  ‘I’ve faith that the police will catch this madman and put him on trial,’ Julia added.

  Hanne challenged Lotte to answer one final question. ‘Was there, to your knowledge, any form of sexual abuse taking place at Torgau?’

  Lotte contorted her mouth, biting back barbed words. ‘Not to my knowledge.’ She shook her head. ‘If anyone was abusing the kids, they were doing it secretly and not broadcasting it. Anything like that must have all gone on behind closed doors.’

  ‘I think we’ll leave it there,’ Hanne said. ‘Lotte, thank you. Sorry if it’s been upsetting for you but you’ve given me quite an insight.’

  ‘Yes, Lotte, you’ve been very brave,’ Julia praised her sister. ‘And I’m sure Hanne will remember everything you’ve said and put it to good use.’