‘Mrs Summers maybe it would be better if I told you what I already know about this card, and why I am so keen to discover where you got it from.’
I nodded weakly, for it was getting very late and I was more exhausted than I had realised.
‘On December 28th a young lady, aged only 17 years old, was found dead in a small alley not too far from here. Over the following six weeks many other women have been murdered, all in a similar way. Our only clue that links one person to all of these murders is cards identical to this one. The murderer has left one behind with his victim’s body each time.’
Matthews held up the card and made a point of shaking it with anger before slamming it back onto the table with a loud thud. His frustration on the subject apparent, and his own exhaustion clear, the dark circles under his eyes told me that he had not slept well in several weeks.
‘As it stands we cannot find any connection between these women or a reason why they had been targeted. No prior warnings, threats or indications had been made to them nor any indication given where the next target was going to be attacked. At the beginning of this week another victim was found only a short walk from here.’
Matthews paused, he stared at the card in which he still held onto firmly. ‘Mrs Summers, I understand that the man responsible for all this may not have handed you this card directly, but I am concerned that he did slip it into your book. If this is the case then I fear that you may have become a target.’
I nearly burst into laughter. I wasn’t even sure why, nothing that had been said was funny, not even in the slightest. Yet I had an almighty urge to fall into a sudden array of hysterical laughter. I decided it was the exhaustion playing tricks with me, hoping that what I was being told was some kind of practical joke and the events of the last twenty-four hours had all been one big hoax.
Matthews did not speak again, his face stern, waiting for my reply. I sat in silence for a moment, unsure what exactly to say.
‘I do not know who this man is’ was how I broke the silence. I could not look at Albert as I started to relive the story, firstly telling Detective Matthews of my meeting this man earlier in the week as he walked with me from the lighthouse, and how he had escorted me all the way back to the inn. ‘He was a perfect gentleman and did not do anything to cause me any reason to panic that night,’ I told Matthews. All the while Constable Taylor frantically wrote in his note book, the scratching sound of his pencil against the paper seemed loud in my ear.
I then told the detective how I was certain I had seen the man staring in the window at me during the dinner party. I then relived the encounter with him today, how he had crept up on me whilst reading my book and kidnapped me, releasing me only on the promise that I would leave Albert and elope with him; promising him I would, knowing it was my only chance of escape. I also tried to describe his appearance only to be blank minded as I recalled his clothing more than his actual features.
As I got to the end of my story I burst into tears once more. Albert pulled me in closer to him and tried to calm me with his soothing voice.
‘You are safe now my darling, you are with me.’
‘Thank you Mrs Summers for that statement. It was a shame you did not see where this hide was, but nonetheless, this is the most information we have on him yet.’ Detective Matthews certainly had a way with words, the confidence in his voice certainly made you feel as though you could trust him, but I could tell even through my tears that he had yet to formulate a plan.
‘I think my wife has had enough questions for one night Detective. If you don’t mind I would like her to get some rest.’ Albert stood and took my hand, leading me towards the back of the bar, in the direction of the stairs.
‘Very well,’ Matthews responded. ‘However is it possible I could have a quick talk to you before I leave? There is something I wish to get your opinion on.’ Albert nodded and told Matthews he would be back down once he had seen me into bed.
Chapter 30
Detective Matthews
When Albert returned he was clearly upset. His mood had changed dramatically from the concerned husband to blatant anger, and I knew it was only a matter of time before this anger unleashed itself upon me. He silently took his seat across the small table from me and looked me straight in the eye as he spoke.
‘What are you planning to do about this situation Detective?’ were his first words. His lips pursed together and his eyes burning with anger as he waited for me to give him answers.
‘Mr Summers…I…’ I paused. For some reason I just could not find the words to say. I thought that having more information about this man would bring a tidal wave of ideas to me; I expected to know exactly what we should do next. But for some reason I was left blank. I genuinely did not know which direction was the best one to take; one wrong move and Mrs Summers could end up dead, and worse still the murderer not captured. Eventually after an awkward few seconds I cleared my throat and re-found my voice.
‘I am very sorry about what has happened to your wife today, and may I say that I am extremely pleased she has been returned to you unharmed.’
Albert looked at me through narrowed eyes as though he wanted me to get to the point.
‘This ‘D’ character has never, to our knowledge, kidnapped anybody and then released them, so I am unsure what exactly he is planning. However these attacks, as you are fully aware of have been going on now for over six weeks and I am under enormous pressure to stop the culprit before another murder is committed.’
‘Please get to the point Detective, some of us want to go to bed.’ Albert turned his head to look up at the large clock positioned above the bar; it read ten minutes to midnight. At that moment a plan suddenly crept into my mind, but I knew that if I had any chance in convincing him it was the right thing to do, I needed to proceed with caution.
‘What we know is that Mrs Summers has been released with orders to formally leave you and run away with him, although sadly Mrs Summers does not recall he suggested a meeting place and time. I believe that if she was to return to the bench overlooking the East pier, he would not be too far away. As you may or may not know that bench is located on a dead end road, the only way to go is down to the pier, which again is a dead end, or return back up along the street.’
Albert’s fist suddenly slammed down onto the table knocking over the now empty glasses, his face even more serious as he rose to his feet.
‘Are you suggesting that we offer my wife up as an enticement so you can catch this mad man that has gotten away from you every time?’ His voice echoed throughout the uninhabited bar, deep and fuelled with rage. He pushed his chair back and began to walk away, and I quickly grasped his arm. He turned abruptly and looked me dead into the eye, his face filled with pure anger.
‘I know this is not the perfect solution Mr Summers, but unless we can lure this man out into the open where we can see him, then I am afraid that he will just go on killing.’
Albert’s face softened slightly as he pulled his arm from my grip. He stood motionless for a moment, silent and eyes fixed upon the floor before returning his gaze to me, I expected him to speak but he just looked at me in silence for a minute.
‘Mr Summers I beg your forgiveness for my blurting out this idea so abruptly. But as I mentioned “D” has never released a victim before, and his crazed idea that Mrs Summers will leave you and run away with him, tells me that not only is this a very sick man, but he has developed a strange infatuation with your wife where he believes she returns his feelings. I agree this is not the best of ideas, but I do think it may be the quickest way to lure him out, and end this once and for all.’
Albert’s gaze had again fallen to the ground as he listened to me, his face displaying less anger than before.
‘Detective Matthews, it has been a very long night and I think we all need some rest. However if you would be so kind to meet us back here in the morning we can discuss this matter further with my wife. Good night.’
Albert tu
rned abruptly and left the bar; leaving myself and Constable Taylor alone, neither one of us speaking as we got up and left the inn. Clearly Mr Summers realised that despite the danger involved with the task; he knew it was potentially the only way.
Chapter 31
Victoria
Thursday 15th February 1900
I barely slept at all that night. Every time I closed my eyes all I could see was His face. A cold pale face with deep menacing grey eyes, that caused you to feel naked and vulnerable beneath their stare. I could still feel his hands against my neck and shoulders, the sensation of which sent shivers down my entire body. How could a man, so normal looking, be capable of such horrific crimes to women? How could a man speak in such normal tone as though he was having but a simple conversation about the weather? Not once had he raised his voice, not once had he allowed anger to be felt in his words; yet the way in which he spoke frightened me, and I could not shake the image of him every time I closed my eyes.
Albert had not been alone with Detective Matthews very long last night, and returned to our room as I was finally getting into bed. He did not speak upon entering the room and kissed me swiftly goodnight before blowing out the single candle.
Now that morning had arrived I had planned to tell Albert how I wished to leave Whitby immediately, I would happily even miss breakfast if it meant we could leave sooner. There was a gentle knocking at the door; Albert who was already out of bed and sitting on the desk chair leapt to his feet straightaway to answer it.
‘I am sorry to disturb you, Sir,’ came the voice of Mr Walker, I could not see him from where I sat in bed but his distinct slow inert voice was instantly recognisable. ‘I have just come to let you know that Detective Matthews has arrived in the bar and is awaiting you. He tells me you are expecting him.’
‘Thank you Mr Walker, please let the Detective know we will be down shortly.’ Albert spoke in such a matter-of-fact tone.
Albert closed the door and returned to the desk. He did not look at me directly as he began to speak.
‘The Detective and I talked only briefly last night. I advised that he return this morning when you had had time to rest; that way any further discussions or questions could be had sensibly.’
I looked at Albert as he spoke, certain there was something he wasn’t telling me.
‘What more does he need to know? I was hoping we could leave today and go home.’ I sat there in bed looking at him, hoping with all my heart that he would look at me and tell me what I wanted to hear. But he was silent, and simply stared out of the window, looking out onto Church Street. Eventually he broke the silence.
‘Darling, the detective is under increased pressure to capture this man as quickly as possible. If there is anything we can do to help, then we must.’ He finally looked at me, but it was not the look of compassion and hope that I was longing for.
Albert left me to get dressed, and I must admit that I did not rush myself to follow him down to see Detective Matthews.
As I entered the bar I saw that it was completely empty other than Albert, the Detective and Constable Taylor. They fell into silence as I walked into the room and looked at me awkwardly. I had been playing over in my head what the Detective could want from me again, and it was at that moment as all sets of eyes looked up at me in a particular way, that I finally realised exactly what it was.
‘No!’ My words broke the silence as I reached their table; all three men looked at me stunned.
‘What is “No” for darling?’ Albert asked in a rather cautious tone. ‘You have not heard what the Detective has to say.’
‘You want me to meet him; you want to lay out a trap to capture him don’t you?’ I demanded, and the expression on Albert and the Detective’s face confirmed that I was indeed correct. I turned to leave, running back towards the stairwell, but Albert quickly bolted from his seat and took after me, finally taking hold of my hand as I placed my foot on the bottom step and stopping me from going any further.
‘Please V, wait to hear what the Detective has to say. Just think of all the innocent women that could be targeted next if he’s not stopped.’ Albert paused, and I turned slowly to look at him. My entire body began to shake uncontrollably as my eyes filled with tears that did not fall; Albert pulled me in close and kissed my forehead as I tried to speak.
‘I’m frightened.’
After what seemed like a very long time I eventually composed myself and agreed to listen to the Detective’s plan, all the while quivering at the sheer thought of what could happen to me.
‘Mrs Summers, I have been going over in my head the best possible way to do this. We need to ensure that D is completely unaware that anything is going to happen, and that you are purely there to meet him to leave. Now with him not giving you a time or place I was thinking that if you were to return to the bench below St Mary’s Church, overlooking the East pier, then I believe he will not be far away.’ The Detective spoke gently to me, like somebody relaying bad news; but my mind struggled to focus on his words.
‘Now as you know Henrietta Street is a dead end, and your only way out will be to return to Church Street.’ He did not wait for me to respond and continued relaying his ideas out to me. ‘Myself and Constable Taylor will both make sure to be close enough to ensure he does not give us the slip and that no harm comes to you. I will also arrange for back up officers to be on hand, just in case we need them.’ I cradled a small china cup filled with tea that Mr Walker had brought over only minutes before, staring at it to avoid eye contact with Albert and the Detective. I suddenly realised that we were again sat in silence, the sound of Taylor’s pencil still scratching away at his notebook. I looked up from my cup to find both Albert and the Detective looking at me; expectant expressions spread across both their faces waiting for me to respond.
‘I understand your situation, Detective.’ I placed the cup back into the saucer and looked him in the eye as I spoke. ‘You are under enormous pressure to capture this man, and your own reputation lies in the balance if he is not caught. I did see the article in the Whitby Gazette referring to the incorrect arrest you made, that must have been very embarrassing for you I’m sure.’ I paused to think where I was going with this; in all honesty my words were coming out much faster than I could think about them. Albert and Detective Matthews watched me as my words came out faster and faster, hope in their eyes that I was going to help.
‘I have made my decision.’ I suddenly declared; even I did not recognise the serious controlling voice that was coming from my lips. ‘I will help in this matter, but please know this Detective; I am doing it for Whitby and the women who have lost their lives. Make sure it is clear that I am not doing this to help your reputation.’ With that I stood, not fully sure why as I had no place to go.
‘When do you suggest this all takes place Detective?’ Albert asked before I could leave.
‘To avoid as much disturbance and interference I think the streets of Whitby should be as quiet as possible, so that would mean sunset.’
Matthews looked at me, hopeful for a response.
‘Sunset it is.’ I said, quite matter of fact, before turning and returning to my room. I left the bar in quite a hurry, rushing back up into my room as I could feel the tears coming back to me. I slammed the door behind me, dropping to my knees before falling into panic-stricken sobbing. What have I done?
I did not leave the protection of the White Horse and Griffin for the remainder of the day. I felt cocooned within the walls of the inn, trapped like a prisoner, unable to leave and enjoy the delightful sea air that I had come to relish. Albert stayed with me inside our room the entire day, cancelling his final meeting so as not to leave me alone.
As the afternoon drew on, I began to become restless, my mind racing faster than it ever had before, petrified as to my fate. Albert ordered some hot water to our room so I could bathe, and lit a fire in the small wood burner situated in the corner of the room to keep me warm. As I lay silently in the warm water, A
lbert massaged my head; I could tell that he too was nervous about the upcoming events, although he was doing an extremely good job at portraying a relaxed state.
Chapter 32
Detective Matthews
I later returned to the station with Taylor where I had intended on relaying the new plan to the superintendent. We caught him on his way out to a meeting, and only had a couple of minutes to talk. He was pleased to hear I finally had something to work on.
‘I don’t care for details Matthews, just get back here with an update as soon as possible.’ He barked at me.
‘Yes Sir, however I do require a small number of officers to be on standby this evening.’ He began ushering me out of the door.
‘Yes, yes, do what you need to.’ And with that he slammed the door. Back in the foyer Taylor sat waiting for me, he has not said a great deal about the whole thing, and I was beginning to hope he was up for what lie ahead.
I had left Mr and Mrs Summers alone for the remainder of the day with a promise to return late afternoon, just before she would need to leave for the bench. I spent the remainder of the morning at the station with Taylor and four junior officers who I had managed to recruit for the evening. I knew tonight was not going to be as simple as just placing some handcuffs on a man and him come quietly. So a rest was something I desperately wanted, and was pleased to be able to go home for a short break in the early afternoon.
The morning frost on the ground had now gone, and the sky was bright blue with not a single cloud in the sky. By the time I reached home my fingers and toes were numb, and I immediately set going a coal and wood fire within my small living room; and it wasn’t long before I was relaxing in my favourite chair in front of the fireplace, cradling a hot mug of freshly made tea. In no time at all I started dozing off, comfortable in the warmth of my sitting room and exhausted from the lack of sleep I had been experiencing.
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