by Ted Tayler
“Few serial killers work in tandem,” said Gus. “We have examples in recent history where couples acted together: Brady and Hindley, Fred, and Rose West spring to mind. There is always one dominant partner acting with a submissive. That relationship was changing, based on the murders this couple committed in 2015 and 2016. We can’t know what nature any murders in South East Asia took until checks are made. Maybe they took a gap year. If the trend from 2016 continued then in the past two years, Caitlyn would now be dominant. She will kill for Dominic. That’s the nature of the beast.”
“It’s a horrid thought, guv,” said Lydia.
“Bendick and Hurley have no sense of right and wrong. Ursula spotted that. They only have a tenuous grasp on human emotions. Dominic realised that Caitlyn would do anything he asked of her. That feeling of power over someone is addictive. That was another reason I didn’t chase after Caitlyn Bendick the second we identified her. Dominic Hurley has a taste for power now. He would want the thrill of finding a new accomplice. Someone he could dominate in the way he dominated Caitlyn.”
“I can see the ad in the paper now, guv,” said Neil: “Help wanted. Masks supplied. No previous experience necessary.”
“He’s a monster, Neil,” said Lydia. “How can you be so flippant?”
“It takes practice, Lydia. It’s a release mechanism. Without it, I’d never leave here and act normally when I got home to Melody. My Dad drank to forget. I opted for gallows humour. I never had the benefits of university education, but like you, I had a loving family. Bendick and Hurley had wealthy parents who sent them away to the best schools. All that privilege, and what did they do? They took exception to Ursula Wakeley’s comments and taught her a lesson. If they possessed a shred of humanity, they would have compared their start in life with hers and realised how lucky they were. Her strict, spartan upbringing was light-years from the cosseted childhood those two enjoyed. Ursula used to talk about the risks of sparing the rod. Her and her brother, Arthur, had to cut the switches themselves from the trees behind the bungalow for their father Gideon to punish them.”
“Do you think Bendick and Hurley would have turned out better if they had suffered physical abuse as they did, Neil?” asked Gus.
“I’ve no idea, guv,” said Neil. “But it might make me feel better if they suffered when someone catches up with them. Those crime scene photos on the board will stay with me for ages.”
“Think yourself lucky you haven’t seen Maisie Fletcher’s then, Neil,” said Alex.
“What a week,” said Gus. “Get off home. I’ll talk to DS Mercer and the ACC. They need to decide who should carry this case forward. If it’s still on their desk on Monday morning, they’ll do the necessary. I don’t have a warrant card, so someone who has one will go to arrest Bendick and Hurley wherever they are. Their reign of silent terror is coming to a close.”
EPILOGUE
“Right then, Alex,” said Gus. “What else do you have for me now the others have gone?”
“The broad description I’m using for our suspect on the Hub’s data is throwing up dozens of recorded sightings. I’ll need more time to confirm which ones are relevant. But I have a hunch our red-headed sniper links to several incidents in the past.”
“I suspected as much,” said Gus, “and it’s no surprise you’re getting alternatives. We’re guessing at an age range.”
“I’ll keep digging next week, guv. One sighting looks promising. In September 2012, a Nigerian cultural attaché died in suspicious circumstances. His name was Solomon Okonkwo, and he lived at a penthouse apartment in Marylebone. Okonkwo fell from a window, and his naked body landed on the street below. Fortunately, nobody got in his way. The police couldn’t find evidence of foul play, and at first, they believed it was a tragic accident. However, despite the attempts of the Nigerian High commission to sweep the matter under the diplomatic carpet, investigative reporters uncovered another story. A young domestic servant who worked for Okonkwo committed suicide by swallowing bleach earlier in the year. Olabisi Promise Chukwu was just twelve years old when she got trafficked to Britain. Behind closed doors, she got raped and beaten. When aged fourteen, Okonkwo threatened to throw her into the street after she asked for a day’s holiday. Olabisi returned to household duties and submitted whenever he wanted her. Migrant domestic workers are in a uniquely vulnerable position. Thousands of miles from home, they rely on that single employer for their accommodation, work, and immigration status. An older woman employee came forward after the attaché’s death to tell Olabisi’s story.”
“How did the police connect the red-headed man to this case?” asked Gus.
“When they were asking residents of the apartments if they’d seen anyone that day, a Post Office employee overheard a conversation. She described a man with a high-viz waistcoat and a clipboard, claiming to be from the local council. He said there had been complaints from residents on the top floor about pigeon’s in the loft space.”
“A likely tale,” said Gus, “but it got him into the building.”
“Okonkwo returned to his apartment late in the afternoon. The man that the postwoman saw was in the apartment for several hours.”
“The method he used to get rid of a criminal who felt himself above the law differed greatly from the Burnside killing,” said Gus, “but I can’t argue with the sentiment. How can we be sure it’s the same man, Alex?”
“We can’t on the evidence I’ve gathered so far, guv. Our red-headed man acted alone on both occasions. Is that because he’s a loner? Or a gun for hire? Does he work within an organisation? I need to connect him to other people. I’ll get there, but it will take time.”
“Fair enough,” said Gus, “we’ll meet again same time next week.”
Alex left Gus in the office and chased after Lydia. They were in for a busy weekend.
Gus called Geoff Mercer and arranged to meet him at half-past ten in the morning at London Road.
It was six before he left the Old Police Station office and headed for Urchfont. Suzie arrived before him. She was inside preparing dinner.
“That smells lovely,” he said, “is this a special occasion?”
“Are you going to the allotment in the morning?” asked Suzie.
“I’m planning on working in the afternoon,” said Gus. “I’ve got an appointment with Geoff Mercer at half-past ten. I’m handing over everything we gathered on the Ursula Wakeley case.”
Gus explained the events of the past two days over dinner. As they went to the bedroom later that evening, he remembered her earlier question.
“Why did you want to know about my plans for the morning?” he asked.
“There are things I need to collect from home,” said Suzie.
“If they need two of us to fetch them, then tonight was a special occasion,” said Gus. “I’ll cancel my trip to the allotment. After I get back from London Road, I’m all yours.”
“That was the idea,” said Suzie.
Saturday 7th July 2018
Gus took Geoff Mercer through the details of the Wakeley case, and he agreed to set the wheels in motion straight away.
“The sooner they’re found, the better. I’ll get Bendick and Hurley under observation until we can grab both at the same time. What is it with you, Gus? We hand you a tricky murder case, and you unmask two serial killers.”
“It’s not deliberate, Geoff. Look, don’t lose sight of the Asian angle. Pass the details on to the authorities in the areas concerned. We know the specific time-frame. Let’s hope Bendick and Hurley went on holiday and nothing else.”
Gus and Suzie spent the afternoon moving the last of her things from Worton to Urchfont.
John and Jackie Ferris seemed upbeat.
They even reminded them of the invitation to Sunday lunch.
“Blessing’s parents are coming to inspect her lodgings,” said John.
“I see,” said Gus, “you want reinforcements.”
“Not us,” said Jackie, “It’s Blessing,
She’s petrified.”
Sunday 8th July 2018
Blessing Umeh was awake at dawn. After breakfast, she walked around the farm. It seemed so quiet. It would be a shame if her father thought it unsuitable.
Blessing’s mobile phone rang.
“Hello, Blessing? It’s Dave here, Dave Smith.”
It was the hunky PC with the cornflower blue eyes. Oh yes, Blessing remembered.
“Is it my car?” said Blessing. “Did the garage fail to fix it, and they asked you to break the news?”
“No, it will be ready on Thursday. What if I help my brother-in-law by delivering it to you? Perhaps we could go out for the evening, and then I can get a taxi back to Chippenham?”
“That sounds great,” said Blessing. “I’ll see you on Thursday evening.”
Well, that was an excellent start to the day, thought Blessing. Long may it continue.
Monday 9th July 2018
When Gus arrives at the office, he receives an update on the Wakeley case from Geoff Mercer.
“Good morning, Gus,” said Geoff. “I have news I’m sure you want to hear. The Metropolitan Police arrested Dominic Hurley and Caitlyn Bendick at an apartment in Chelsea Village on Sunday evening. Hurley’s first request was for his solicitor. He never once mentioned his parents.”
“Did he say anything more?” asked Gus.
“We constantly thought about getting caught,” said Geoff, “but the rush was worth the risk.”
“That’s a quote,” said Gus, “not Wardrip this time, but I’ve read it somewhere.”
“Caitlyn Bendick didn’t utter a word until the officers separated the couple and led them to the lift,” said Geoff. “Then she turned to the officers and with a broad smile she told them, you can never separate us from our memories.”
“They were as evil as one another,” said Gus. “if only we could have stopped them earlier.”
The ACC called later in the morning to add his congratulations and asked Gus to get to London Road for twelve o’clock. He had another cold case to hand over.
Gus had news of his own to tell the team.
Alex and Lydia will be keen to tell the others what they learned at the weekend.
Every week provides new challenges for Gus Freeman and the Crime Review Team.
Why would this week be any different?
You have just finished reading ‘Silent Terror.’
The eighth book in the series featuring ‘The Freeman Files’.
What can you look forward to in book 9 in this 16 book series?
‘Night Train’ the ninth book in the series will follow the Crime Review Team’s next investigation. It promises to be another jigsaw with a thousand pieces for Gus Freeman to conquer.
Feel free to Tweet about any of my books and please tell your friends about them. Every writer likes to receive a review; it’s our lifeblood. If you can, then please do.
About The Author
Ted Tayler is the international best-selling author of The Phoenix and Freeman Files series:
“The core message in my Phoenix novels is that justice is failing today. The Phoenix believes criminals should pay for their crimes; the current system fails to deliver the correct punishment. His fellow Olympus agents help redress the balance.”
“In Gus Freeman’s and cold case investigations, there will be bursts of frantic action, of course, but they will intersperse with romance, humour and country life. Life is all about balance. Good and evil, love and loss, laughter and tears.”
“I think of myself as a storyteller; with each successive book, I hope I get better at it. Readers tell me it feels as if we’re across the table from one another, and I’m chatting with them. There are more stories left to tell.”
Ted Tayler lives in West Wiltshire, England where many of his stories are based. Born in 1945, Ted’s been married to Lynne since 1971. They have three children and four grandchildren.
Acknowledgements
The love and support of my family; without them, this would have been impossible.
The Phoenix Club
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Thanks again for reading. Until the next time.
The Final Straw
An only child, unloved and unwanted by his parents, Colin Bailey, is a bitter, emotionally damaged young man. He’s hell-bent on exacting revenge on anyone who has stopped him becoming the person he believes was his destiny. What sets Colin apart is his intellect and meticulous planning. Detective Phil Hounsell pursues his man relentlessly while trying to avoid the small town in which he works sliding further and further into the grip of two rival gangs.
A devastating event in Colin’s life provides the final straw that herald’s a bloodbath. Can Phil prevent it happening, or will he too be a victim? This tale of revenge spans two decades, yet the police are chasing shadows; it builds in pace and tension to a thrilling climax against the backdrop of a quiet West Country town.
Unfinished Business
The sequel to the award-winning ‘The Final Straw’ sees Colin Bailey return to the UK after a decade abroad. With a new name and a new face, he still has scores to settle. His meticulous planning takes him ingeniously across Scotland and the North of England ticking names off his list with the police completely baffled.
DCI Phil Hounsell pitted his wits against Colin before, and so he is sent to Durham where he teams up with super intelligent young DS Zara Wheeler; together they track their man to Manchester and then eventually south to Bath. The final scenes take place on the streets of the Roman city; Phil Hounsell’s family gets threatened. In a dramatic conclusion reminiscent of Holmes and Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls, the two men struggle above the foaming waters of the historic Pulteney Weir.
A Sting In The Tale
A collection of twelve short stories, each with an unexpected twist at the end. Love stories, ghost stories, and tales of revenge sprinkled with a touch of humour.
There is something for everyone, young or old; from the elderly bookshop owner with an unusual talent and his summer of love with a young schoolteacher. To the haunting account of the journey on the last bus back to town from the heart of the countryside. Each story has characters and situations you will recognise. But will you identify the 'sting in the tale' before you turn that final page?
The Olympus Project
Rescued by strangers from a watery grave and given a new identity.
The Phoenix is a stone-cold killer.
An ideal fit for the Olympus Project, a secret organisation fighting injustice.
With hard, fast action and a cast of characters you can reach out and touch, this is the thriller series for which you’ve been searching.
Gold, Silver, and Bombs
The eyes of the world are on London 2012.
British security services anticipate an organised terror attack.
Safety is paramount. What if the real danger comes from a lone wolf?
You won’t want to miss the page-turning intensity of the second story in this gripping series.
Nothing Is Ever Forever
The action never slows. The tension never slackens.
The Phoenix stares death in the face once more.
Detectives Hounsell and Wheeler return.
The past threatens to catch up with Phoenix.
What will the future hold for the Project? What dramas lie ahead? After all, nothing is ever forever.
In The Lap Of The Gods
Olympus battle vicious gangsters on home soil. The body count rises.
Dimitar Marinov cements his reputation as the most brutal criminal to have set foot on UK soil.
Phoenix and Athena attend their first meeting with Zeus and the other Gods.
If you’re a fan of savage, underworld criminals, fast-paced action and intense characters, the
n you’ll enjoy following the Olympus Project and its fight against evil. Take a deep breath; once you start, you’ll want to keep turning pages until the end.
The Price Of Treachery
The Olympians and the Titans are in a power struggle.
A traitor inside Larcombe Manor must be uncovered.
There’s a new life to protect as Athena prepares to become a mother.
All these story threads in book five are woven together to produce a rich tapestry of good and evil. Life’s all about balance. Who will win the day to face ‘A New Dawn’ that awaits?
A New Dawn
A rogue cosmetic surgeon causes the deaths of several patients.
Drug dealers target even younger children. The school gates are the latest point-of-sale.
The Project’s leaders need to strengthen the organisation after the recent attempted coup.
The Titans may have been defeated, but a new era dawns. The nightmares are far from over.
Who is the mastermind behind this network? Can Olympus prevent it from gaining a stranglehold? Time will tell.
Something Wicked Draws Near
Newly-weds Phoenix and Athena battle The Grid and its leader Hugo Hanigan.
Olympus seeks fresh faces to join the Gods and provide finance for its missions.
