by Neal Davies
Max and Sebastian leisurely stroll through another wing of the gym that he has yet to see and Sebastian is enthralled by the latest edition of treadmills. “Tell me, Max, is it possible for someone like myself to purchase one of those?”
“No, not normally, Sebastian, but I could purchase one for you if you like.”
Sebastian turns to Max excitedly, “Let me think about it, Max. I would probably have to build a home gym first and before I can do that I will need to run it past my beautiful wife.”
Sebastian turns to look back at the treadmills. He crashes into the same woman he ran into on the way in and when he realises who it is, his face flushes red.
“Hello again! If you really want to get to know me, all you have to do is ask me for my number and I will give it to you,” she says with a sensual grin on her face.
Sebastian’s head quickly drops like a naughty child and he looks from one shoe to another in an effort to avoid eye contact, “Ah, no…that’s… uh… fine. I mean I’m fine…sorry” Sebastian slowly raises his apprehensive head until his reluctant eyes meet hers.
“Okay, ta, ta for now. But if you change your mind…”
Sebastian looks straight back down at his shoes. “Yes, yes, quite so but I don’t think so…but thank you, anyway.” He rubs the top of his bowed head with the fingertips of his left hand, making sure his wedding band is in view.
Max puts his hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. “Are you alright?”
“Um…yes, I’m fine. Has she gone yet?”
Max squints at him curiously, as he has yet to raise his head. “Yes, she’s gone; are you sure you are alright?”
Sebastian straightens and looks around in every possible direction. “Truly, I’m fine. Look, I really must get back to my partner.” Max stands there tugging his ear while peering through half-shut eyes as Sebastian scurries toward the exit.
++++
Sebastian puts his jacket on before leaving. He knows he is about to experience an extreme change of temperature and once outside the freezing cold air bites at his face. The one positive factor of these arctic gusts is, the relief it brings to the ruby red heat of his embarrassed cheeks. He shivers in the icy winds as he draws closer to the car and once he has crossed the road he can see Paul sipping on a hot brew. Sebastian desperately hopes Paul has been considerate enough to have bought one for him, as he couldn’t think of anything better to ease the uncomforting thoughts of the woman in the gym, than the sensation of sitting in the heated vehicle sipping on a warm coffee.
He quickly bundles himself into the waiting sedan with eager anticipation. “Bloody freezing out there!” he over emphasises and begins blowing into his cupped hands.
Paul takes another sip from his disposable cup. “I know, right? I’m really glad you give me fifteen minutes warning; it allowed me time to grab another cup of coffee. I always think it tastes better in this climate, don’t you?”
Sebastian glares disconcertingly. “I wouldn’t know, Paul, I haven’t got one; have I!”
Paul glances over at Sebastian in a nonchalant manner. “No but I’m sure you have experienced a warm coffee on a cold day; haven’t you?”
Sebastian sighs deeply, “whatever Paul can we get back to the office please!” he declares sternly and then turns to look out his window.
Paul grins. “A bit grumpy, are we?”
Still looking out the window Sebastian insists, “Paul, Can we just get back please!”
Paul opens his door and begins to get out of the car.
Sebastian’s first reaction is a semi-turn of the head, then a hard jerk around when the cold outside air hits him. “Where the hell are you going, Paul?”
Paul pokes his head back in. “Just getting my jacket, Seb, I’m still a little cold.”
Sebastian’s eyes bulge from his head. “Well you wouldn’t be if you kept the bloody car door shut!” Paul just smiles, pulls his head back out and goes to the rear door. “For goodness sake, how much more can a mere mortal bear?”
“Aha! That’s where you’re hiding, you sneaky little devil!” Sebastian swings his body around to berate Paul but he smiles from the back seat and holds another cup of coffee toward him. “There you go, Seb. You didn’t really think I would let you go without one, did you?”
Sebastian smiles, as he swings his head from side to side. “Thank you, my friend. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness, even if it does come with a price.”
Paul settles back into the driver’s seat, starts the motor and moves out into traffic
Sebastian takes a sip and makes a clicking noise with his mouth like a dog licking water, “Where did you have it hidden?”
Paul glances over, “under my jacket Seb.”
Sebastian frowns and begins poking his tongue out over his lips while pulling a strange face, “that’s unhealthy you know. I don’t think I can drink this!”
Paul has his eyes fixed on the slippery road ahead but a large frown appears on his forehead when he hears the passenger window going down, “What the hell!” He swings his head rapidly toward Sebastian; only to find him with a childish grin on his face. “You bastard Seb, I honestly thought you were going to throw it out the window! Sebastian’s smile broadens further.
“Why would I do that?” Anyway, you should know by now I’m not one who likes to play mind games,” he jokes and then follows up with a long sip of his coffee.
Paul sets his eyes back on the road but can’t stop from smiling all the way back to the office.
++++
Sebastian likes to keep some parts of investigations to himself. He believes others mayjump to conclusions before he has had the opportunity to follow all his own suspicions.
Soon as they arrive back at the Station he heads for the Dust Pit and rings Cynthia while Paul goes to the shooting range to get some practice in while things are quiet.
“Hi, it’s me. I’m wondering if you can do me a favour.”
Cynthia is busily setting out invitations for a charity function she and Clarissa will be hosting in a few weeks. “What’s the problem, Seb? Is everything alright?” She knows full well Sebastian can get himself into trouble at the drop of a hat.
“No problem at all, my love. I was hoping you can make some calls for me regarding a fellow by the name of Jamie Hanigan. His parole officer is a fellow by the name of Samuel James. Apparently Jamie did some time a good while back and I am hoping you can find out why.”
Cynthia makes her way to her office so she can jot down Jamie’s name. “Okay, I have that. By the way, where are you now?”
Sebastian hesitates. “I’m in my office, my love, “he grimaces and as he awaits her reply.
A moment’s silence.
“Sorry, Seb? I thought I heard you say you are at your office at the station?”
“That is where I am but there is a reason…”
Before he can finish his explanation, Cynthia responds angrily, “So let me get this straight… you just rang me from your office at the station and interrupted what I was doing so I can ring the station to find out about some fellow’s jail term. Now tell me, Seb how many officers could have…”
“You haven’t given me the opportunity to explain, Cynthia,” he jumps in. “I know there are dozens of people down here who can help me, and I also know that when I gave over too much information on the last case, everyone jumped to the conclusion that an innocent man had committed a murder. So there are certain aspects of this case I would like to find out about discreetly. Now, with all due respect, do you know anyone who can get me the information I need without broadcasting it to the world?”
Cynthia tightens her lips so hard her eyes squint and her nose wrinkles. “Sorry Seb I have fallen a bit behind today but that’s no excuse for not hearing you out. Anyway, I have an attorney friend who will be able to get the information you need, so I will ring you back after I have spoken to him.”
“Thankyou, my love, and perhaps if I had explained my reasons from the beginning, you ma
y not have misunderstood my motives.”
An hour passes and Sebastian receives a call back.
“Hi Seb, here’s what I have for you. Hanigan was found guilty of attempted murder when he was twenty-one, received a fifteen-year sentence and was released on good behaviour after twelve. Apparently a barman had refused to serve him any more drinks because he was intoxicated and Hanigan lashed out with a broken glass, slicing into his neck and just missing the carotid artery. The judge went light on him because he had no previous record and it was proven that his system had a low tolerance for alcohol. Since then he has had no further issues with the law.”
There’s a slight pause on Sebastian’s end of the phone. “So it wasn’t premeditated?”
“Exactly, Seb. Hard to say without further investigation but he doesn’t seem to fit the serial profile.”
“I have to agree my dear a serial killer is normally much more cautious and rarely acts impulsively in front of a gathering of people. Well thank you, my love; as usual, you have made my job so much easier.”
“Oh before you go… that parole officer you asked me to do a follow up on, Samuel Peters? He’s recently retired but I have his number and address. Would you like them?”
Sebastian is quick to reply. “Most definitely Cynthia, this is much more than I expected.”
Cynthia relates her findings to Sebastian and then leaves him to his afternoon.
Paul arrives back from the range to pick up Sebastian and on the drive home they discuss their plans for the following day.
“So, your big day at the gym tomorrow, Paul. Have you thought out how you are going to approach it?”
Keeping his eyes on the road, Paul replies, “I’ve worked out at a few gyms, Seb, and patrons normally don’t mind you asking a question or two if they think you are new and trying to fit in. I’ll just browse around like I’m looking for something and ask where it is and then strike up a conversation.”
“I’m impressed, Paul!”
“We were trained in these types of approaches in the Service, where we had to intermingle with town folk incognito,” he says proudly.
As usual Sebastian’s thoughts are jumping ahead. “If you get a chance, turn your focus to Kate Kensington at some point; her name keeps popping up in conversations and I am curious to know what kind of person she is.”
Paul pulls into Sebastian’s driveway, where they finish their conversation. “What about you; what are you going to do?”
“I’m going to stay home in the morning to finish up some paperwork then meet you in the office when you have finished at the gym.”
They say their farewells and Paul heads out through the gates. Sebastian has a relaxing evening after dinner by the open fire with Cynthia.
8. PAUL’S FIRST MEETING WITH KATE–SATURDAY
Paul arrives at the gym early and begins working his way around the different equipment, while casually chatting with patrons. Halfway through his workout he decides to get himself an energy drink from Kate’s Cool It Bar. When he enters he notices the left side of the shop is set out like a saloon and to the right, glass fridges filled with juices. As he looks over all the different flavours in the glass fridges, he doesn’t notice Kate slip out from behind the counter but he soon cranks his head around with a start when she says, “Hi I’m Kate, can I help you with anything?”
Paul’s taken aback by her glowing blonde hair, striking smile and soft spoken voice. Her face is round without a blemish and she’s built more like a small ballroom-dancer than a gym junkie. Kate has no tattoos or even much makeup, and there’s nothing novel about her white sweat shirt or faded blue jeans, yet somehow, something about her is pleasant. She could fit in anywhere. There is only one flaw he can see and that is her eyes are lifeless; when she stops smiling, her expression seems stark.
“I’m sorry. Did I startle you?”
“No, not at all… okay, maybe a little.” Paul moves quickly to change the subject, so he has time to consider his approach. “Did you develop these drinks yourself?” he asks, suavely.
She beams a smile as she admires his physique, good looks and vivid blue eyes. “Yes. I was a chemist before realizing most things we eat and drink aren’t good for us; so this is my way of saying you don’t require processed sugar and chemicals to be healthy.” She goes to a fridge beneath the long counter which is cleverly shaped like a saloon bar. “What flavour would you like? I give a free sample to first time customers. So, as they say in the movies, what’s your poison?”
Paul chuckles and rubs his chin in thought. “Well, let’s have a go at the pineapple, plum and gooseberry.”
Kate pushes a glass across the counter to him. He looks the concoction up and down with some doubt then takes a long slow gulp. Paul’s head springs back sharply and his eyes blink rapidly. “Wow! That has one heck of a kick but it is so refreshing. I’ll definitely have a bottle of that. Thanks.”
Kate grins with his acknowledgement and then looks at him inquisitively. “Are you new to the gym?”
“Sorry, I should have introduced myself. My name’s Paul and yes I am.”
Kate washes out the glass in a small sink. “So what brings you to this gym, Paul?” She glances over her shoulder at him.
“Well I have a few months business here in town and I’m a bit of a gym junkie. Listen… I know I’m going to sound a little cheeky. I’m, um, a bit short on time today but I’d like to get to know you better, Kate. The only people I know in town are my business associates and they can be a little boring; so I was wondering if you would, ah, like to join me for a coffee sometime?”
Kate grins nervously, “How do you know you won’t find me even more boring?”
Paul opens the palms of his hands, smiles and tilts his head. “There’s only one way to find out; how about it?”
Kate sighs, “I can’t today,” she says. “I have a delivery coming in. How about early tomorrow morning, will that fit in with your schedule?”
“I’ll make it fit in!” They make arrangements for the following morning. Paul heads back in to work out for another hour and then showers before leaving for the station.
++++
Sebastian is methodically reading and scanning through the Coroner’s reports and photos of the murders prior to Mike Cohen’s when Paul enters the Dust Pit. “I’ve set up a meeting with Kate for tomorrow like you asked. How do you want me to handle it, Seb?”
Sebastian’s brow folds as he peers upward while barely moving his head. “And a good afternoon to you too Paul.” He puts down the photo he’s holding and leans back in his chair. “It’s not for me to tell you how to do your job, my friend but I am happy to explain to you how I would approach such a situation. Keep the conversation as general and casual as possible. Use probing questions sparingly but when probing, watch her body gestures like an insect under a microscope. Carry a pen and notebook to make notes immediately after meeting with her.” He ticks the points off on his fingers.
Paul takes a seat across the desk. “Wouldn’t it be easier to memorise my observations and wait until I get back here so I can tell you verbally? I mean really, Seb. My memory’s not that bad!”
Sebastian leans forward in his chair while crossing his arms on the desk and Paul prepares himself for a lecture. “Paul, I understand you don’t have a degree in psychology, nor are you a psychoanalyst but I thought you would be trained well enough to know memory not only distorts past events but small important facts can be lost while focusing on major developments. If you really want to do it my way, it is imperative to be two people at once.”
“On one hand you maintain a friendly enquiring personality, while on the other, you are a blank canvas. In other words, put aside your detective role and observe all you see and hear. Inhale the information as you would inhale air and keep it as pure as you possibly can, without adding your own interpretation. Above all observe her body movements and gestures for they may indicate more than her actual words.”
This is all new to P
aul but he knows that Sebastian’s methods work and he’s keen to learn from him. “Okay, point taken. I’ll take notes straight after the meeting with her.”
Sebastian sinks back into his chair and looks at Paul as he would at his ex-students. “I understand my methods seem a little complicated at times and I would like to simplify it for you by explaining how I worked in my practice.”
“The first visit with a client, I called my observation session. I would simply ask relevant questions while observing the client’s reactions. There would be no assessments made during the interview. I would then take notes immediately afterwards: whether the client swallows, blushes, pulls at the collar of their shirt, crosses their arms or just maintains silence.”
“The following visit I called the probing session; this would be like a gentle interrogation of those things that made them uncomfortable during the previous interview. Does that make sense to you, Paul?”
Paul nods and begins taking notes.
As investigators we may only get one interview, so we combine the two while always remaining aware to ease up if the interviewee is getting uncomfortable with the questioning, thus preventing withdrawal of other information.
Paul continues to jot down his notes while Sebastian decides to focus on Kate as well and rings Cynthia for some help.
“Hello, my love. How has your day been?”
“Hi Seb, it has been unusually quiet. I had plans to see Clarissa for lunch but she’s come down with a nasty bug.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that,” Sebastian says as he musters a little sympathy. “Well, hopefully, I can fill in some of your day with a small chore.”
“Yes Sebastian, what is it?” she hisses while paying umbrage to his lack of empathy for her friend.
“Oh good, I’m glad I can help do something about your boredom. I wonder if you can run a background on Kate Kensington. She runs her own sports energy drink store at the gym.”
“My goodness, Sebastian, do you ever listen to your own words before you make a statement?”
