Soul to Take

by Clare Revell

  “I need you to do a notification for me, sir. It looks like…” She paused and moved to one side as the alarm bells sounded. Firefighters rushed past her to the pole, sliding down one by one. “Her name was Kacie Ingalls, and she appears to be number ten.”

  “Kacie Ingalls?” Shock filled his voice. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. We have a positive ID, plus I’ve met her a few times.”

  DI Nemec gave a long, drawn out sigh. “Her parents live next door to us.”

  “I’ll send you more details when we have them. The autopsy is this afternoon, but it doesn’t appear to be a copycat.”

  “I thought the Slayer was in custody.”

  “So did everyone else, apart from me.” She huffed out a deep breath. “Long story. But if you or someone else could notify her parents before they hear it on the news that would be good. Could you also ask them about any necklaces she wore, or if she mentioned a boyfriend and so on?”

  “I’ll go and do it myself now. Thanks, Isabel. Can you keep me in the loop?”

  “Yes, sir. Bye.” She ended the call and headed back into the office.

  ~*~

  Zander sat on the bed in the infirmary swinging his legs. He was bored. And worried about Isabel.

  “Move.” The guard appeared from nowhere.

  “Now what?” Zander asked.

  “Get up. Pick up your books. Come with me.”

  Nothing more was forthcoming. Zander rose, grabbed his Bible and the book he was currently reading. He walked with the guard down several corridors until he reached a part of the prison he’d not been in before.

  The guard unlocked a door and almost pushed Zander inside. A pile of street clothes sat on the bench. “Change. When you’re done ring the bell by that door.”

  Confusion ran rampant through him. Zander frowned. “Where am I going?”

  “You’re being released. Change.”

  Zander did a double take as the guard closed and locked the door. He got dressed and then rang the bell as instructed. The door swung open and he exited into a bright sunny room with a desk and a door leading to the outside. He was given a belt, a pair of shoe laces and his other personal items. Then he was buzzed through to the main doors. Another guard met him and escorted him silently to the main gates.

  Adam and DI Holmes waited for him on the other side.

  Zander took several deep breaths. The sun and fresh air had never felt so good.

  Adam grinned. “Hello, Zander.”

  Zander turned from one to the other. “Adam, Guv. Why am I being released? What’s going on?”

  “We’ll talk in the car. Less chance of being overheard,” DI Holmes said brusquely. He headed the short distance to the car and opened the door for Zander. Adam climbed into the back as Zander settled in the front.

  DI Holmes rounded the car quickly and got in, starting the engine immediately. “There’s been another murder,” he said without preamble. “And it’s no longer safe for you inside.”

  Zander snorted. “Ya think? It never was, but I knew that when you suggested the undercover assignment in the first place.”

  “All the evidence was pointing at you. Isabel was the only one who didn’t believe it. She’s been in quite the snit with everyone since she got back, trying to prove you weren’t the Slayer.”

  “It was her who connected the dots and suggested it in the first place.” Zander rubbed the back of his neck. He gazed out of the window as the Guv drove through the prison gates and onto the main road.

  “There was another murder this morning. The post mortem will confirm it, but there isn’t much doubt it’s the Slayer.”

  “That’s ten,” Zander said quietly. “Was there a painting left with the body?”

  “Yes.”

  “I want to come back to work. Help with the investigation.”

  DI Holmes shook his head. “No. you will take a week off to recover properly. You’re in no fit state to be climbing over fences and chasing down bad guys.”

  “I need to help.” Zander could understand why Isabel was in a snit if this was what she’d had to contend with. “I have information that might help.”

  “No.” His boss’s tone couldn’t get much firmer if it tried. “Is this where Isabel gets her attitude from?”

  Zander hissed in annoyance. “Look, sir, I just spent the last three and a half weeks in jail and almost died in the process. I have information we can use and—”

  “And I said you’re off for a week. Then you’re on desk duty. We’ll take you home and you stay there. Is that understood?”

  Zander didn’t believe what he was hearing. “Don’t you even want to debrief me? Find out what I know?”

  “No.”

  Zander pulled down the sun visor and looked at Adam in the backseat. His friend and lawyer looked as amazed as he felt. “Well, do I at least get the work phone back? I don’t have another one. I didn’t get a chance to replace it after it was destroyed.”

  “Next week. You are having a week off. Adam, do you want me to drop you back at your office?”

  Adam shook his head. “No. Leave me at Zander’s. There are some things I need to go over with him. I’ll get a taxi back to work when I’m done.”

  DI Holmes nodded and pulled up outside Zander’s house. “I mean it. Come back a week from Monday. Longer if the doctor doesn’t clear you. Then you’re on desk duty. I’ll debrief you then.”

  Zander got out of the car, dejected. “See you in a week then. Thanks for the lift.”

  “Nine o’clock Monday week.” DI Holmes drove off quickly.

  Any joy at being released evaporated quickly. Zander gazed down at the pavement beneath his feet. “I wasn’t expecting a party, but this?”

  “We need to get you off the street so we can talk, but not here. I don’t know if Isabel got the message to you, but your house is bugged.” Adam sounded just as stressed as the Guv did.

  For one short moment, Zander wished he were back inside. “Yeah, she said.”

  A black sedan pulled up and parked. The window opened and Adam went over and spoke to the driver. Then he turned. “Zander? Fancy coffee?”

  He shrugged. “Why not? Not as if I have anything else to do.”

  “We won’t be long. We’ll go to the Three Sixteen.”

  Zander pulled a face. “I’d rather not. Brit worked there.”

  “You’re innocent, remember? You always were.”

  “Yeah, but no one knows that. I’d rather go elsewhere if you don’t mind. I also need a phone. If I’m to be stuck at home with no computer and no landline, I need some way of contacting the outside world should something happen.”

  ~*~

  The post mortem below the observation window had started. Isabel made rapid notes as Arend worked. Everything was frighteningly familiar. From the red, perfectly fitted lingerie, the handmade bath towel robe, to the spotlessly clean bare feet.

  “The duct tape is uncontaminated. The Slayer is back to being clean and methodical again,” Arend commented.

  “Of course. It’s not like he has to frame someone this time!” Isabel glanced as DS Painter. “What about the back of her neck? Is there a needle mark?”

  Arend checked. “Yes, it’s there. The tox screen will take—”

  “Go back to the duct tape,” Isabel interrupted him. “Is it possible the evidence got contaminated somehow?”

  “It’s not likely.” Arend sounded insulted.

  “But is it possible?”

  “Yeah, it’s possible. But only a few people handle the finished reports and the testing is done by one lab.”

  “Who gets the results? Other than you,” she persisted.

  “You, DI Holmes and Chief Superintendent Clydesdale.”

  Isabel exchanged a long glance with DS Painter. Then she turned back to the window. “I have a massive favour to ask.”

  “Go on. So long as it’s not illegal I’ll consider it.”

  “Just give me a copy this time. No on
e else.”

  DS Painter hissed. “Oh, the Guv won’t like that at all. You’re not even meant to be working this case. You’re here with me as a courtesy.”

  “Too bad. You know my theory and until I prove otherwise, I don’t want him seeing any reports until I’ve seen them first.”

  “Three words. Your head, platter.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Thanks for the support, partner. So, Arend, can you do that? One paper copy you hand deliver to me. Make sure the others can’t be accessed by anyone else.”

  Arend frowned but nodded. “OK.”

  “One other thing,” she began.

  Arend held up a hand. “Let me guess. You want me to go over all the previous nine cases. Retest everything myself.”

  “You read my mind. Again, I’m the only one to see the report.”

  “You mind telling me what I’m looking for?”

  Isabel shook her head. “I can’t. Someone has already died because they knew too much, and I don’t mean the ten women, either.”

  Arend frowned. “You have a name for this person?”

  She shrugged. “All I know is he died in HMP Headley Cross yesterday. Murdered.”

  “Ah, yes. He came in yesterday. You want the results for that one as well?”

  “Please.” She looked back at her notes. “So where were we?”

  Arend carried on working. “The back of her neck is bruised. It looks like the killer tugged the necklace off rather violently. The chain cut into her. She also has ligature marks under the duct tape. He was angry this time.”

  Isabel shivered. “He’s escalating. This isn’t over.”

  DS Painter frowned. “Maybe. But she’s victim ten and there are only Ten Commandments.”

  “I know.” Isabel held her ground. “We need to find out how she broke this one and what the killer is working towards. I have a feeling he’s making a statement with these ten, and his final act is still to come.”

  9

  Zander sat at a small table in a café in the centre of town. Patrick and Niamh sat with him, while Adam queued at the counter. “I still can’t get over the fact that the two of you are brother and sister.”

  Niamh Harkin grinned at him. “He can’t help not looking like me.”

  “I’d be a little worried if he did,” Zander said.

  Niamh laughed. “I’d be even more worried if my twin brother, Liam, did. Anyway, as far as the CPS is concerned, there never were any charges against you. Which is why I was more than a little confused when Isabel said you’d been arrested and banged up.”

  Zander took a deep breath. “Yeah, undercover.”

  Adam came over with a tray of the most amazing smelling coffee ever. “Here we go. And this, Zander, is for you. I’ll just add it to your bill.” He handed Zander a box. “It’s a pay-as-you-go phone. What the American cops refer to as a burner. But it’ll do until you can get a new one on your contract.”

  “Thank you.” Zander opened the box. “This is all I need. Something that calls, texts and takes photos.”

  Adam grinned. “It has Internet as well. There’s a preloaded sim with fifteen quid already on it. That’s six gig of data, a thousand minutes, and five thousand texts.”

  “That’s more than enough, thank you.”

  Patrick laughed. “That would last my daughter a week, if that.”

  Zander took his coffee and immediately drained the hot, scented liquid. It could have been nectar, it tasted so good. “I needed that.”

  Adam chuckled. “I’ll get you another while you set up the phone.”

  “Thank you. Actually, bring a pot of it. Do you have Isabel’s personal number?”

  Adam nodded. “Nice easy one to remember.” He recited it and then headed back to the counter for more coffee.

  Zander looked over at Patrick. “So tell me about my landline.” As the man explained, Zander turned from cold to furious. A swear word, despite the presence of a lady, almost slipped out, but he caught himself in time. “Bother.”

  Adam put a carafe of coffee on the table. “There you go. I take it Patrick explained.”

  Zander nodded. “He did.” He ran his fingers over his new mobile, then texted Isabel.

  hey is. this is zander. i’m Free now. new phone. speak later.

  The reply came before he’d finished pouring his second cup of coffee.

  yay. glad to hear it. it’ll be good to catch up.

  it will. having coffee and catch up with adam atm. will be home after. desperate for a decent meal. so don’t cook.

  so rude! at work so can’t chat. talk tonight. xx.

  Zander laughed. “She put kisses on the text. She must still be in girlfriend mode.”

  “Is that Isabel?” Adam asked.

  Zander put the phone away. “Yeah.”

  “Just be careful who you give that number to,” Patrick said.

  “I will. It’ll just be Is and Adam for now. Oh, and Gramps.”

  Patrick shook his head. “Unless he has a mobile that’s not a good idea. The landline is bugged. They can trace any call made on it.”

  “Good point. Just Is and Adam, then. Gramps can call Is if he needs me.” He finished his third cup of coffee. “They don’t make coffee like that where I’ve been.” He glanced at Niamh. “Thank you for sorting out the problem with Billy.”

  She smiled. “Welcome. It turns out he went to school with someone you know, a young artist.”

  Zander’s mind whirled. “Dominic?” he mouthed.

  Niamh inclined her head slightly. “Might be worth having a conversation with him.”

  “Oh?”

  “You know how client confidentiality goes. I can’t say anything, but he may be willing to chat with an old friend, if you get my drift.”

  “Could you set that up?”

  “Sure.” Niamh tapped her fingers on her cup, studying Zander over the top of it. “How about my office? It won’t look suspicious that way. It might not be until after the weekend.”

  “Sooner, if possible.”

  A tall man, with a small child of about four clinging to his hand, came over to them. “Hey, honey, sorry to bother you. The office said you were here.”

  Niamh stood and kissed him. “Hello, love. What’s up?”

  Zander finally placed him. Jared Harkin, the firefighter.

  “Red watch have been recalled. There’s a huge fire and we’re needed to cover until nine tomorrow morning.”

  Niamh smiled. “Not a problem.” She grinned at the little girl. “Going to come and help Mummy in the office?”

  The child nodded. “I got my colouring book. Daddy said I can have chips if I’m good.”

  “Did he?” Niamh shot her husband a grin. “That’s called bribery and corruption. Not the best idea in front of two lawyers and a police officer, darling.”

  Jared laughed and kissed her cheek. “Got to run. Be good, Siobhan.” Jared ran from the café.

  Patrick scooped the child up and settled her on his lap. “How about you stay with Uncle Patrick? I know Mummy’s in court at four.”

  “Is she locking up more bad peoples?”

  He nodded seriously. “And Zander over there has to go catch them.”

  Zander grinned, taking the hint, and finished his coffee. Not that he’d be doing that for a while if the Guv had anything to do with it. “Yes. I’d better go and check in on Gramps first. Prove I’m all right.”

  Adam rose. “I’ll give you a lift. Patrick, Sam is at home with the twins if you fancy a play date.”

  Siobhan grinned. “Can we take them to the park, Uncle Patrick?”

  Zander tuned them out. “Let me know when you’ve set up the meeting, Niamh. Adam, I won’t have a lift if you don’t mind. I want to walk. I’ve been cooped up inside for far too long.”

  ~*~

  Isabel and DS Painter arrived at the fire station to find SO Wilson getting into a fire brigade car.

  He got out and crossed over to them. “I’m on my way out. However, Red
Watch have been recalled. They’re all here with the exception of Watch Manager Renner and they will be here until nine tomorrow morning.”

  “Why were they recalled?”

  SO Wilson pointed to the almost empty appliance bay. “Major incident at Highgrove House. We have a backup vehicle just been delivered. I’m on my way to the incident. Is this to do with Kacie?”

  Isabel nodded. “We need to speak with Red Watch urgently before this hits the news tonight. It was the Slayer.”

  “I’ll take you up, and then I have to leave.” He trotted up the stairs and into the mess. “Can I have your attention?” The room quietened and the TV was muted. “This is DS Painter and DC York. They need to talk to you about Kacie. I’m off to the incident at Highgrove. Jared, you’re in charge until I get back.” He headed out.

  Isabel exchanged a look with DS Painter. That was strange. One would have thought the bloke would hang around for a few minutes.

  “Kacie turn up yet?” one of the firefighters asked. “I bet her boyfriend whisked her off somewhere romantic.”

  “I’m afraid not,” DS Painter said. “She was found murdered this morning. I’m really sorry.”

  Shocked silence filled the room.

  “Are you sure it’s her?” Jared asked.

  Isabel nodded. “Yes. Her ID was found with her, plus I’ve met her a couple of times. We wanted to speak to you all before it hits the news tonight.”

  “She was a good kid,” someone said. “A real talent.”

  “What we need to learn from all of you is about the last time you saw her. What mood was she in? Her friends, whether she was in any trouble, that kind of thing.”

  One bloke shrugged. “She left early with her boyfriend. She took half a shift off for a date when this bloke surprised her. He turns up here with a hamper of food and tickets to some show or other in London. The Guv wasn’t happy, but this boyfriend wouldn’t take no for an answer. He insisted she go with him.”

  “Do you know which show they went to see?” Isabel glanced up from taking notes.

  He shook his head. “No, sorry.”

  “How long has she been seeing him?”

  “A couple of weeks,” Jared said. “She said his name was Clive or Clyde or something like that. He was older than her, a lot older. And a cop. He had dark hair and a beard.”