Chapter 8
The day starts like any other for Jeremy. He picks up his newspaper from the corner store and looks forward to meeting Tara at the Old Coffee Stop. As he goes about his normal routine he is unaware that shortly this morning the Chicago Police are preparing to head to Highland Manor. Superintendent Ryan Golding and Sergeant John Bracken have assembled a team of three other police officers ready to travel to the Manor to break what has been a serial crime carried out over fifty six years. The Superintendent who otherwise would not normally be involved in arrests has taken a special interest given that the mystery has haunted the city for such an extended period of time and he is keen to see the saga come to an end.
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Shortly before 9.00am the police arrive at Highland Manor and Rodney Wiltshire invites them into the Manager’s Reception. Rodney is enjoying coffee with wife Jan and maid Lily Thomas who is about to start her rounds cleaning and changing linen in the Manor. Rodney is surprised to see his visitors and certainly with additional reinforcements he is quite taken back. He asks Ryan Golding, ‘Do you have some news? ‘No sooner has Rodney posed the question and Barry Sutherland enters the Manor with his woven basket laden with fruit, he too is taken back but simply smiles and shares, ‘Good morning everyone. A lovely morning isn’t it?’ Superintendent Ryan Golding walks forward and is face on with Barry and as he grabs his right arm says in a deep voice, ‘Barry Sutherland……..you are under arrest for murder!’
Barry Sutherland is taken back and Rodney Wiltshire too is clearly gob smacked at the accusation that has been levelled at his good friend. Barry stares at the Superintendent and then after some deliberation quietly adds, ‘Based on what?’ Barry stares around the room before the Superintendent adds, ‘Barry we know. ………..we know that you have picked up where your father left off, and Barry …….we know that you have over a very long period of time murdered backpackers that have stayed here and foolishly allowed you to gain their confidence and trust. Barry stares at the Superintendent before slowly eyeing off the other Police officers in the room and thereafter moving his eyes around the room to Rodney, Jan and Lily.
Barry smiles before he defiantly laughs and states, ‘you have no evidence…..it is all hear say!’ Ryan Golding stares Barry down and calmly adds, ‘Barry your father George Sutherland regretted selling off the back portion of your land to the owners of the Manor, and that year started murdering backpackers that stayed here. He took out his regret with those unfortunate enough to stay here that trusted him and they paid the ultimate price.’ Barry looks on sullen and quiet, but still defiant. ‘You have no proof,’ he protests. Ryan Golding again calmly stares down Barry and adds, ‘Barry your father sold the land in 1960 and that year the first murder took place. That followed murders in 1964, 1967 and Barry in 1975 you witnessed for the first time a murder that your father presided over and that set up a copy-cat series of murders that you orchestrated over many years. Isn’t that right Barry?’
Barry holds back tears and Rodney, Jan and Lily look on in shock. The trio is anxious to hear Barry respond. Barry again stares around the room before adding sternly, ‘My father never wanted to sell that land……………it deprived us of livelihood and restricted what we could crop!’ Lily gasped as she hears Barry vent his frustration and confess. ‘And Barry………we know that in 1989 you again murdered………the year that your father passed away. In fact Barry the very month that your father passed away!’ Barry Sutherland places his hands either side of his head as he weeps openly. ‘Yes, yes……..we hated the Manor it deprived us of commercial opportunities and the only avenue to make income was this bloody place,’ he sobs as he slowly offers explanation.
As Ryan Golding quietly gestures to the Police officers in the room to arrest and take Barry away he addresses Rodney, Jan and Lily. ‘I am sure that you are shocked by what has unfolded,’ Ryan offers. Rodney looks at the Superintendent and representing the trio says, ‘Wow, yes this has come as quite a shock. The mystery of the Manor has long hung over this place and we would never have expected Barry to be involved……….never!’ Ryan looks on and adds, ‘You know the double murder in 2000 was never really connected to the Manor. There was no record that the victims stayed here and the fact that there was deemed to be no real association arguably assisted the sale in 2002. The most recent murder prior to that was in 1995 so one could be forgiven for thinking that the horror was behind the Manor. One could be forgiven for thinking that the murders had stopped and a buyer would also think that the past was the past.’
As Ryan makes his statement he looks around the room and notices that all three are making eye contact between each other but ignoring him. He gestures to the remaining Police officers to move into the small room before adding, ‘I really do not need to say this do I?’ Ryan looks at Lily, Rodney and Jan. Jan is starting to tear up and Rodney holds her arm in support. ‘OK, let me tell you what I know and you can tell me differently down at the Police Station if you feel I have it wrong. Lily you were first to cover up the disappearances and murders in 2000 by removing the victims clothing and any record of staying here and hence removed any association with the Manor. Given that you worked for the previous owners you were keen to ensure that your ongoing employment was assured so you meddled with their disappearances. Lily, I sense that you were unaware that Barry was the murderer but nonetheless you chose to cover up the murders by removing any association with the Manor. There were murders in 2005, 2008 and 2011 too which were never associated with the Manor because you removed clothing and records of their visit. You are an accessory to the murders.’ Lily stared at the floor and said nothing. The silence in the room however was broken by the sobbing coming from Jan and now Lily.
Jan and Rodney look uncomfortable before Ryan turns and addresses them. ‘And …..Mr. and Mrs. Wiltshire………Mmmm your desire to uphold the reputation of the Manor meant that your care for those that stayed here came second. I sense that you became aware of Lily’s bad habits but decided to turn a blind eye. But you didn’t count on a murder taking place whilst you holidayed overseas and with Lily being away for a few days, there was no one to remove the victim’s contents exposing the Manor’s reputation. You tried to lay blame upon the Relieving Manager. Not for fulfilling his duties but because he was here and you were not able to cover up what occurred.’ Jan breaks down in tears and the trio is escorted away by the Police.
Bonus Chapter
Thank you for reading The Mystery of Highland Manor. This book is the third in the Science Fiction Anthologies and follows on from The Story Begins and Chicago Fire. The series continue Jeremy Patten’s discovery of his unique powers, and provides an insight into his dream world after dark!
As this book goes to print, Book 4 – Murder on the Adriatic, is already in concept and I would love to welcome you as a reader of this ongoing series. The Bonus Chapter is Chapter 1 in the first book and I hope you enjoy the introduction, and may feel compelled to grab Book 1 for FREE and please thereafter write a review. Your comments will be greatly appreciated.
To receive your FREE copy, please go to my website www.markleeryan.com
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‘Can I join you for a coffee?’ Jeremy Patten politely asks Mrs. Nancy Dooley. The eighty six year old lady looks up, smiles and replies in a softly spoken voice ‘Certainly’, nods at Jeremy and watches as he sits next to her carefully placing his coffee cup and saucer on the table. Jeremy had occasionally shared pleasantries with Nancy but never before had they sat and talked. It seemed weird the Old Coffee Stop was never this quiet and Jeremy looks around noticing that the pair essentially have the shop to themselves, providing even more reason for Jeremy to comfort the old lady.
Jeremy has a heightened sense today and places his little finger in his ear and shakes the eardrum trying to numb the ringing of what seems like voices in his head. He dismisses it and focuses on Nancy and enquires how she is. ‘So tell me Mrs. Dooley, how have you
been lately? It seems ages since I have seen you.’ Although as he speaks Jeremy knows that he runs into Mrs. Dooley at least weekly sometimes more as they are both regulars at the Old Coffee Stop, a coffee shop not far from where Jeremy works as a lawyer and similarly only walking distance for Mrs. Dooley who lives in an apartment on her own just around the corner. ‘I have been OK, health wise’, Nancy replies, ‘but it does get lonely and I do pine for the company of my son and granddaughter.’ Jeremy is taken back, ‘Oh I didn’t know’ Jeremy offers, trying to be both sorry but also surprised, as he had never spoken more than half a dozen words to Nancy and really didn’t know that much about her. Stumbling his words Jeremy asks ‘Well have you tried to make contact Mrs. Dooley, I mean do you know where they both are?’ ‘Oh yes’, Nancy quickly replies. ‘Well I know where my son is, he lives here in Chicago, although I haven’t seen him in years and he doesn’t want to see me. And my granddaughter well NO, I don’t know where she lives and I don’t even know her name.’ The old woman looks ahead, her eyes glaze and she looks through Jeremy for just a moment as she reflects upon what she has just said.
Jeremy again unwittingly places his small finger in his ear and shakes it to numb the ringing of voices that seem to invade his head. He reflects for a moment and is surprised at the conversation he is hearing from Mrs. Dooley. She is clearly getting a lot of feelings out in the open and Jeremy is flattered that she shares with him her closest secrets, which until now he had no idea of. She seems emotional and clearly there is some anger that the old lady has deep within, and that emotion has been stirred but also surprisingly volunteered. Just as Mrs. Dooley places a lighter bit of spin on things, declaring that her pet canary is her closest friend, the pair turn and smile at the incoming Tara Shield. Tara looks lovely as ever with her stunning long brunette hair, and as always is immaculately dressed, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Jeremy every time he sees her. Tara is wearing a tight black skirt, white top, high heels and has a beaming smile as she enters the coffee shop.
Jeremy often exchanges smiles with Tara, knows that she is a cashier at local Waterman’s Downtown store, but sadly fears that she even knows who he is. Tara too is a regular customer at the Old Coffee Stop although she has not been a regular as long as Jeremy or Mrs. Dooley. Tara grabs her take away coffee smiles at Jeremy and Mrs. Dooley as she leaves and heads down the street. Jeremy watches out the window until Tara is almost out of view and quickly says goodbye to Mrs. Dooley and heads out the door seeing Tara some short distance ahead.
Jeremy doesn’t really know why he is following Tara although deep down there is an infatuation and he simply has a desire to see her walk back to work. Then suddenly Jeremy is distracted. ‘Jeremy…..Jeremy’ he hears his name yelled loudly from over the road. It’s Matthew Warren, Jeremy’s boss and he is excitedly crossing the road and heads towards him. Jeremy turns to take one more glimpse of Tara and can’t believe that she has vanished. Vanished, almost into thin air! He stops and stares down the road in disbelief. Where did she go? He can’t believe it, there are no side alleys or laneways and yet Tara clearly is not in sight. As he fixates on the road she travelled, Matthew is now standing next to him and shakes his arm to get Jeremy’s attention. ‘What’s wrong Jeremy? You look as though you have seen a ghost’, Matthew laughs as he says it.
‘No, it’s OK’ adds Jeremy. ‘Anyway how are you?’ he asks. ‘Well you see me every day so I suppose you would know if I wasn’t OK’ Matthew again laughs as he finishes his sentence. ‘Jeremy, walk with me. My apartment is just down the road and it’s been a while since we have caught up for a decent chat’, Matthew adds. As the two men walk Jeremy ponders for a moment and thinks to himself that he has never been to Matthew’s apartment. In fact whilst the two get on okay at work and Jeremy respects Matthew as his boss, apart from a working relationship the two rarely catch up and have never had a decent chat. The pair exchange pleasantries and idle banter about nothing as they slowly walk to Matthew’s apartment.
Once inside Jeremy’s eyes dart around the small interior and sitting room, taking in the nick knacks that adorn the room, and admiring the large screen television mounted on the wall whilst Matthew makes coffee. Matthew is aged thirty five and is ten years older than Jeremy, but the pair get on well so age has never seemed important. Jeremy looks around admiring the furniture and equipment that adorn the small but neat apartment. He doesn’t really want another coffee but Matthew insists and so he sits patiently while his boss makes coffee in the kitchen area just off from the sitting room. ‘You know Jeremy I haven’t really shared with anyone before, but being a Manager within a reasonable sized firm can be frustrating you know’, Matthew pipes up as he finishes pouring the cups and yelling loud enough for Jeremy to hear. As he walks in and places the coffee on the small table in the sitting room Jeremy feels obliged to answer and politely adds ‘Well…er, NO I didn’t really know that.’ Jeremy feels he has to politely offer some words of encouragement albeit that he doesn’t really know what Matthew’s career aspirations are.
Carter Gibson lawyers is an old and established firm, and although Jeremy has been employed straight from University and has been working as a lawyer for some two years he is still pretty junior in what is a relatively large firm. Matthew his boss has always been pleasant but is to a large degree guarded about his career aspirations, so Jeremy is finding this sudden meet in the street, sit down and chat thing a significant change to the relationship they enjoy. Jeremy enjoys the atmosphere at Carter Gibson but there is a clear distinction between Partners, Senior Partners, Managers and the rest that includes Jeremy, the law clerks and office staff. Jeremy is happy to find his feet within the firm so he doesn’t really concern himself greatly about promotion at this point. As Matthew sits in front of Jeremy, he notices a different side to his boss. He notices that Matthew is very anxious, very agitated. ‘You know Jeremy there are times when I really wonder what I have to do to be noticed, what I have to do to be invited to take that next step. Do you know what I am saying?’ Jeremy could do little more than nod and be seen to be there for his boss, he thinks. It is difficult for him to offer an opinion so Jeremy decides that he would nod, smile and offer encouragement and support.
‘I feel that the only way I can be noticed is to be involved in a big case. You know it’s all about money Jeremy, all about the dollars that come in. That seems to be the only way that you get noticed. That seems to be how the world works these days, doesn’t it?’ Matthew adds. Jeremy maintains his position of support by nodding, smiling and appearing to be interested in everything that Matthew has to say. ‘You know that dickhead Brian Topping. I mean what an absolute Wally he is. He told me two years ago that it was just a matter of time and I would be welcomed as a partner and that was fucken two years ago. Two years ago and still no change!’ Jeremy again just smiles; he really doesn’t want to add any commentary or opinion where it relates to a Senior Partner, and certainly not anything about Brian Topping who is almost as senior as anyone that Jeremy could think of.
There was little that Jeremy could add and he waited an opportunity to excuse himself so that he could head home. Matthew had calmed down seemingly getting all of his emotional baggage off his chest. Now just staring around the room, Jeremy adds, ‘Well I best be off.’ No sooner had he spoken and he is heading out the door with a pat on the back and big thank you from Matthew for hearing him out. Jeremy politely nods and walks down the street meandering and not really knowing where or why he is heading in the direction he is. He again unwittingly places his small finger in his ear and thrashes it around for a brief moment.
To receive a FREE Book 1 - After Dark ‘The Story Begins’ visit:
www.markleeryan.com
About The Author
Mark Lee Ryan lives in Brisbane is married, and has two adult children. A relatively new writer, Mark has long held a desire to be an author but has procrastinated until NOW. His first book ‘After Dark – The Story begins’ is a Sci-fiction adventure r
ecently released and this book is the third in what will be a series of adventures to follow.
Mark is also a children’s book writer and his first children’s book ‘Sam Sam and Marzipan – The Cubby House’ was released in July 2016. A series of books revolving around the central character are similarly planned to roll out.
With a background in finance and banking Mark has enjoyed a number of Senior Management positions in banking over a twenty six year career prior to establishing his own diverse Financial Services business in 2003, which he continues to manage day to day when not plotting his next book.
After Dark: The Mystery of Highland Manor (Science Fiction Anthalogies Book 3) Page 4
