Murder One; Part Two Chapter Eleven

11.

“They entrapped Sidney. He was caught with the bag of cocaine and taken in for distribution. Later they called in and added in weapons possession.” Shawn told me. I thought hard. The cocaine can be fought off in court and get a verdict of guilty for possession and gets the suspended sentence given Sidney’s age. Weapons possession was a bad one. The Mayor has been fighting for heavier punishment for that. He was a police officer and his partner died shot on the street.

“Get the lawyers,” I told Shawn when we met at the café not far from the church.

“The good ones are declining. I know why. It’s the others putting on the pressure.” Shawn explained. “He would not have you called in but I did it. On my own anyway. Sidney may fry my ass if he knew.”

Ass being hauled up was my line of punishment. Or I thought it was. I guess Sidney used that on everyone else.

“Could it be…. “I was cut off.

“Selby? I had thought of it. They have been muscling in for some months.”

“Sidney never said.” I snapped back. I then sighed. “He wouldn’t anyway, not to me. I am not…. His son. Not truly one.”

Soon, I left when Madge called me to say she was on the way.

“Madge, do you know Maud Adam?” I raised the name after the pleasantries.

“Yes, she was a bad kid. She has done something …. Okay, one too many stupid things. She was picked by almost ever Section; Juvenile, Narcotics for use and possession, and even Vice for soliciting but each time she was bailed for she was a minor. And I was her bailor on some of the earlier charges.” Madge looked away. “I can’t help it. She was family-related.”

“Her family, my other brother dead now, had no regard for family care. Her mother was a junkie and died early. She was left alone. We did not know until her name appeared on the system. I was no computer person; only assisted by my colleagues on it. I saw her name one day.”

“She was named Marilyn Moore. She took her mother’s maiden name. I looked her up and brought her home to mine but it lasted two days. She left and with my pieces of jewelry. I tracked her down but she was already in for theft and vice. I wanted to bail her but someone did. Some fancy lawyers did the job. I asked her and she told me she was eighteen and was independent of me. I could not stop her but wanted to help. I was her only other living relative besides her older sister. You knew of me through the sister huh?” Madge looked at me hard. “I don’t watch the news or read the papers. It was my personal promise when I retired.  When and how did she die?”

I told Madge and she cried. I cried too. Maud was my bitch. I also cried for I had no sex since Maud left me. I felt unwanted.

“Leave it me, Madge, I will see that she is cleared. I believe she was set up.” Madge took it all in and left the Station. I was saying goodbye to her at the stairs when the next call came through.

It was Connie Layton.

“Bernice.” Not often anyone called me by that name. “It's my goddaughter. She is missing. She only fourteen.”

It was vintage for anyone to panic when their loved ones are missing for several hours but the law says twenty-four hours was the measurement to be categorized as missing persons. I explained to her and she then told me the extended version.

“She was seen getting into a car.” Naturally, I asked the make and license number. She gave me the make and a partial number plate; ‘It was something like MAN’.

I called Tabitha to check on the system and who bailed Marilyn Moore several years ago. I made off to see Sidney. I also checked on Connie Layton on the records system.

“Son. You got the nerve to come and see me here.” I looked at the man who was threatened and then doing the same towards me. Nevertheless, he met me at the Church and was guarded by four of his goons and one named Shawn. There was no tea sett but he held a stalk of red rose twirling it with his fingers.

“I am in this predicament because of you. You had to challenge the Selby Family. Why? Am I not good enough for you?”

“Sidney, I am investigating a series of killings and it could be linked to them. It's my work and not that…”

“Picked a fight? Was Henry Selby a witness or suspect in those killings?” Sidney tossed the rose to the ground.

“I …. I cannot disclose any information in an ongoing investigation but Henry’s …. Death was not my fault. He attacked me and I defended myself. I was not going to be …. Beaten up into a ragged doll.”

“Beaten was how I heard it. You beat him and impaired his thumb. He later crashed in pursuit of you. He is in a coma now. His brother, Nigel Selby have no proof that you did it. That is why he is coming after me. That’s why he is coming after your bitches. He is after your ass and I may just offer it to him for free.”

“Sidney!” I was truly hurt inside. “How could you? I am ….”

“Not my son. Not ever and never will be. My son had no … “Sidney sighed.

“Two asses for anyone to fuck. I don’t and even I do, I won’t give in that easily. I am still a Madden and we don’t give up. We fight to the last drop of sweat.” I quoted Sidney ‘Boxer’ Madden words.

“Fuck off!” Sidney dismissed me. I drove off to find Connie Layton. It was getting late but she worked late that night. We agree to meet at the club, Virgo.

I went back to change and got a new update from Tabitha.

“Ma’am, we checked on one named Betty Lee Layton. She was the daughter of Caroline Layton, the sister of Connie Layton. She is fourteen but has called up for several delinquent crimes.” Cool that all the names I sent in were turning out to be bitches. Reminded me of the song, “Girls want to have fun”.

“What about the family?” I asked

“Bad Leroy bad. Father was a bouncer and worked at the clubs. Mother was a Stage Manager in the club scene.” Aka means that she organized the girls there. It was a needed environment there. “Betty was mostly with minders but developed some attitudes.”

I asked for which clubs.

“The Manifold Group. It was purported …. “I knew who owned that group. I changed the subject to the license plate.

“It belonged to the Group.” It hit me than the words ‘MAN’. I knew then Connie and I needed talk. More of the bitch chat. Hence, I arrived on my new bike, leather garbed and boots with my phone and badge inside the jacket. I have a Police Special Short barrel inside my jacket pocket. It was a gift from a guy I released after some others tried to frame him. He was grateful and held some bad records.  He gave me the gun as a personal gift later in a package. He told me ‘one day, it may come in useful’. I was obliged to report it but I didn’t. As an officer of the law, it was an offense. So was my safety then.

“Connie, we need to honest. I checked on Betty.” I saw the colors on Connie flushed from her face.

“I can explain. She was …. Her parents neglected her much and I obliged to cover for her.  I have a career and the means to take care of her. I tried to get her off the same track as her mother.” She was convincing but the reach for the vodka was not a good telling sign. I had known Connie for months; she was Two in the Six. She drank hard with us and played harder. I may be gay but I have never seen her go back with anyone. She always leaves alone.

“Did you act for Marilyn Moore?” I dropped the name on Connie’s lap. The message appeared on my phone. The law firm was Cohen, Adam, and Associates. On Fifth Street.

“Who?” Connie replied before she took another drink. She looked around and then she spoke on it.

“I was a junior then. I was assigned to the Juvenile cases. We, at Cohen, Adam, and Associates fought for their rights.” I did not cover juveniles so I was not aware of that firm, or firms doing the action.

“She was my client. I bailed her several times on the instruction of the Seniors or the stakeholders.”

“Who?” I dangled the question.

“I don’t have the actual names. Only speculation. One was named Sidney.”

“Have you heard of Nigel Selby?” I threw in the name. I was still reeling from the shock that Sidney was named. Connie shook her head. I took it for a negative reply. We continued our drinks.

Despite all the last few days of tribulations, I needed relief. And I took it with a bitch picked up from the club. It was pre-dawn and the lady hitched a ride on my bike. She was older and I don’t have preferences to the age as long they are willing. The bitch was willing and despite our age differences, she was still beauty. She was better at sex. I thought I was the dyke and drove the acts but she showed me some moves I was willing to follow. We did it at the discreet motel room and by dawn, she left me alone on the bed. I pushed myself towards the shower and washed the body down. I then picked up my gear and saw the card.

“Sister, back off. It won’t fare well for you if it’s justice you want.” The writing was the same as the one who left the message on my car. I had forgotten about it until then. I got dressed and checked with the lobby.

“Lady left in a car that picked her up.” That was a worrying reply to my question. I looked back at the room; the bedsheets and the place where our DNA could be marked. I have a dilemma to contend with. Do I get Forensics to sweep the place and get my name plastered on the report? Or drop it like the note requested. I checked for my gun and it was not there. That was a bad move.

I was entrapped.

I ended up seated on the floor and with my head on my raised knees.

The bitch was a Trojan Horse. The call came through.

“Inspector, its best you backed off. Your bitch Connie Layton is paying the price we had reserved for you.” I could hear Connie’s scream in the background. “Don’t let us do it to you.”

The call ended.

Murder One; Part Two Chapter Ten

10.

I did not see it coming but it did. I felt Steve was off my body and then there was some noise of fighting. I cringed up in fear and hugged my legs. I closed my eyes to the scene then and only hurt the sound of cracking bones and punches with kicks. Then the sound of groaning pain and I was lifted up. I was cradled in the arms and mine went around the saver’s neck. I then recalled nothing but much later I opened my eyes to find myself in my unit. I was on the couch and covered with my comforter.

“Here, drink this.” The double scotch was a relief. I looked and saw Shawn standing there. He was not alone. There was also Ian and Tabitha. I closed my eyes and wept.

Tabitha took my statement the next day. I told her everything that I remembered. She added in her statement.

“Ian and I were there to have a drink,” Tabitha told me. “We have been dating for two months now. Just before he was transferred out.”

“I am separated from my husband and getting a divorce soon,” Tabitha added in. “Anyway, we were there and then I saw you rush out. I told Ian who was then talking to Shawn.”

The bloody small world became very cramped then.

“We continued drinking and Ian asked to pause. He needed to take a piss. He left and then he returned to say we should check on you. We did and saw the …. men trying to …. violate you. Both the guys sprang into action. The rest, well you knew.”

“Shawn wanted to bring you here. Do you want to go to the hospital? Was there any …. Intrusion?” Tabitha was never good at the suspect questioning. I shook my head.

 “Shall I bring in Steve Selby?”

I told her not to. He probably had a list of alibis and they will all swear by his mother’s grave that he was with them. Soon after, she left and I decided then to take a bath. The guys decided to leave for a nearby late-night café while Tabitha stayed with me.  It was morning when I told Ian and Tabitha to silence the matter. I do not want the Station Commander to throw a fit that I was fucked or was to be. Shawn had since left the unit.

The next call came in later that afternoon.

Sidney’s turf was hit and some girls were hurt bad. I rushed over and met Shawn instead of Sidney.

“He does not want to see you,” Shawn told me.

“Was it the Selby goons?” I asked.

“Does it matter? Sidney is up on all fronts. He is alone now.” Shawn blurted out. “It does not matter who is right or wrong? It’s about who is the power here.”

Apart wants to get alongside Sidney and the other side was to ignore him and do my things. I decided the latter. I went back to the Station and asked for the folders on the murders. I laid out the photos on the discussion board. All the dead girls and there was Maud Adam. I recalled all the notes on the girls. It was Maud I don’t know. I read the contents.

Maud was a bad girl with a long list of troubles but no armed offenses. She has done the servings and the surprise part the last few ones have dropped the charges and she was scot-free. She either had good lawyers or was protected by someone powerful.

Like Nigel Selby.

I looked at the last victim. The details did not match. She was much younger. And there were no new ones, not in the last days. That was comforting.

Comforting was not part of the workshop offerings.

“Ma’am, we got another one. Not exactly one but two girls. In the same dumpster.” I touched the wood panel on my desk. I sighed and watched Tabitha called the others. Ian was holding the jacket for Tabitha.

“Almost the same M.O. as the previous but the girls were bound together in the opposite direction. You know like…”

“69. I know that.” I looked at the Forensics Leader. His name is Josef Warner, senior mine by fifteen years and was hoping to retire soon. I looked at the victims. They were bound with the ropes holding them together and then dumped in the dumpster. Their legs were intertwined and I wanted to puke. I have done that position many times with Maud. My dead bitch.

“I will get the an examination is done and forwards you the results.” It was cold of Josef but that was his work. He sliced them and takes out the parts required and then sewed them back before he goes home to his family dinner with the two grown boys. At times for me, I won’t eat for days and survived on alcohol. My Physician told me to change my diet or my liver. I decided on the latter. It was cheaper when I need one.

“Why the double murder?” I asked the team. “Why now if he is the same killer? And what happened to the patterns? Not every few days but a week had passed. Are we looking at a copycat or a new killer who also loves dumpster?”

I saw blanks on my team. It was disgraceful to the Section. We have good convictions before and when James was with us. Grant was with us for under a year and before him was Madge. She retired to become a grandmother. I liked her. She was a sharpshooter and once belonged to the Armed Police before she came over. She could also outrun most of us. She was a marathon runner. I wished she was back.

“Tabitha, give me Maud’s relatives.”

“Only one.  A sister who lived elsewhere. Moved out some three years ago. Her name is Stella Adam.”

I called Stella later that day. My conversation was brief but informative.

“Maud may be a bitch but she was not a killer. She did it all; the list from A to Z but not M. And she never did guns. She may have saved them but the shooting was not her thing.”

“She was hauled in for questioning on armed robbery.”

“Yes, it was a fake. She called me that morning. She told me she was in deep trouble. She told me they are powerful people. She said they have guns but she initially they was to scare people. She was very afraid. She has a friend.”

“Did she say any name?”

“Yes, Madge Cotton.”  That name belonged to my retired officer. I called Madge and she offered to come in.

For a visit.

I thought that was the new thing for me but I was wrong.  Shawn called me first. He wants to meet.

Murder One; Chapter Two Part Nine

9.

The results came back the same as the other murders. I dropped the folder and looked at Tabitha. She stood there like a schoolgirl in the Principal Office.

“Ma’am, the Press is having a field day at the lobby. They are saying you did not catch the killer but pinned it on Maud Adams. The Station Commander is taking the flak as we speak.”

And it will be on me soon enough. I decided to leave and took the back exit. I bumped into Ian who was taking a smoking break. I ignored him and took it to the car. Soon, I was at the bike shop. I tried the Honda NC750 and found it tame for my liking. I saw a Y2K MTT golden yellow and feel in love with it. The owner traded it in when he could not keep up with the payments. It was sweet but I will be humping both my asses to pay for that. I settled for the naked bike; Aprilia Shiver 900. And it was a trade-in model. It was in black with the metal frame in the red shade. I got me a new dark jacket double-breasted and waist tight with a set of red knee-high strapped high boots. That time, I parked the bike in the Station and used my car for my official works. I was soon wolf-whistled by the ladies and envied by the men.

“I don’t give a fuck how you looked good on the bike, but I want to look good for the Chief.” I heard the Station Commander. I sent the team out and it has been three days since I visited Sidney. And no new murders turn up yet. That was making everyone jittery.

I got the call that day but it was not expected.

“Bernice, can we talk?” I heard Shawn. We agree to meet at the dis-used amusement center. It was dark when I arrived after dusk. The gates were pried open and the guard was missing. I had taken my bike there and rode towards the Horror House. It was more horrifying with gargoyle figurine hanging over the door looking more ghoulish. The left eye was hanging out with the wire dangling and there was a clown face stuffed into the chest. The inside may be worse but my meeting was outside the House. I waited outside as per instruction.

“Hello, Bernice.” I saw Shawn stood out of the shadows. He was dressed in denim and if he was without the obtrusive penis, I would have dated him.

“I have to let you know. Sidney is in trouble. The others are moving into his turf. His girls are being harassed and one was beaten up badly.”

“I thought you are the new Boss,” I added in with sarcasm.

“I may be but I am new to the task. Sidney still runs it and had called for the meets. He held no leverage on them so it was a failure. More to it, Sidney is dying.” The last bit was a shocker. I disliked my father for he abandoned me to my aunt. It was fine for I needed a mother but my aunt was not any typical aunt. She was a dope dealer and above all, she was a dyke. She made me into one like her. I had to admit I adopted that life but I went straight. I went to Law school; flunked my finals and joined the Police. I crawled my way up, ignoring the sexual overtures and ‘bend over’ promotions. I worked hard and won my promotions. I was so tough that they put me to Violent Crimes.

“Sidney can’t hold it together. He called me to help but I am no turf master.”

“Who are they?” I asked Shawn.

“I don’t have all the names. I do have two; Nigel Selby and Thomas Harley.” I knew those names; one was the Devil and the other an Angel. I decided to toss him some meats.

“Do you know of the killing? The new City Dumpster Killer.” Shawn's reply was blank. Just like my intention with him. I knew then the best approach was to relook at the earlier clues.

The music at the Virgo was loud. The louder was that its new and the Ram had closed after the last killing. Someone leaked out that killing was connected to the Ram Club. I walked in with a different set of clothes; the blue jumpsuit with the jacket and beret. I guessed I was hiding my other-self. I saw the bitches there; all six and my replacement looked ugly. I was being picky; pardon the pun but the shorter lady in the mini looked as if she was shrunk with the clothes in the wash. Connie saw me seated at the bar and walked over.

“Buy you a drink?” I declined her offer and displayed my vodka lime. She also offered me to join them but I declined. I told her I was having company.

“Suits you. I also need to tell you this between bitches. Steve Selby is looking for you.”

“If you do see him, tell him I don’t blow jobs. He can lick my ass though.” I then walked away. I was looking around for familiar faces. Maybe even Ian but I was being petty there. I did see however was the bitch that was with Maud. The other was dressed in the halter and tight shorts but she also carried a knapsack. I approached her and she saw me. She turned and ran to the rear. I followed on, and I did my training on the tracks with the boots. It was the girl scout in me to be prepared at all times. Which was why I don’t carry condoms. I don’t need them.

The lady went out the back and into the alley. I disliked alleys but she was a suspect. I went there and saw her running towards the end of the block. I observed the alley for details; dark corners and two dumpsters there. The ground was with potholes and bags of rubbish. I gave chase and soon caught up with her. It was the knapsack I grabbed and yanked her backward. I sat astride her chest and gave her a solid fist into the left side of the face.

“Don’t fight me. I am a Police Officer.” I told her.

“Does it warrant the physical altercation, Inspector?” I heard the voice and looked up. The alley was not in darkness but there was a lamp poles distance apart. It loaned some lights in the alley. It was the pressure of the public to light the alleys and the works were rushed up, especially where the clubs were situated. A pre-requisite for the licensing. There were three figures, all-male and dressed in a business suit. I recognized one of them. It was Henry Selby and he was standing before me.

“I am not Henry. He is my twin. I am Steven. Or Steve Selby to your database.” The one named Steve Selby smiled. I could see the evil smile in the twilight condition there. “I have been looking for you, Inspector. And finally, we get to meet.”

“What do you want?” I asked. I also accessed my position. I was vulnerable there and without my badge and back up, I was in trouble.

“Well, I heard you are also a dyke. You must have missed something from us.” Steve smiled. “Perhaps we can do a number on you to recall that.”

I had retreated off the lady and looked at the menacing trio.

“Steve, I am the Police Officer. You could be charged with grievous conduct.”

“Grievous conducts? I doubt a gang bang will count as one. It is near the club and you were dressed like a slut.” Steve laughed. “You could end up like Henry. They won’t know and you will have vivid memories of it.”

My ass was on the line then.

I took my fighting stance but I have forgotten the bitch. She kicked me on the left knee from her prone position. I went down on the hurt knee and saw Stave approaching me. I staggered back and dropped on my butt. It was a wrong position to assume in and panic was stepping in. I crawled back on my haunches while the trio advanced on me. The one on the right grabbed my left hand and pulled hard while my right hand was kicked at the elbow by the other guy. Steve moved in and landed a solid kick into my face. I fell backward and felt my legs dragged. I kick out instinctively but missed. I was turned to the front and then someone sat down on my spine. I felt my hair pulled to the rear and I screamed. My neck was stretched to the back and it hurt. I felt the top sleeves of my jumpsuit was torn and pulled off. I knew the inevitable fear of mine was going to unfold. I lashed out with my arms but I was restrained.

“Don’t fight me, Inspector. I can be accommodating.” The man had leaned down to my head to speak. I struggled but it was useless.

“Let get her naked.” I felt my jumpsuit being torn at the pants and I screamed. I felt Steve had lifted himself up and was prepared for the worse. I tried to turn my body but I was still held down. My suit was pulled down to my knees. I screamed out louder.

Murder One; Part Two Chapter 8

Murder One

Part Two

Deep Payback

8.

My return to the Section was met by the request of transfer by James to another Station. His reason cited was family relocation and distance. I wanted to call him in but then changed my mind. I signed his request and the next thing I knew was I have a replacement.

Ian Darren.

“Why come back?” I looked at Ian. “You left because …”

“I left because I was having to do my part-time course in criminal psychology. I have done my first year and taking a break. It's recorded in the folder.” Ian defended himself. “I want to come back to assist.”

I bit my tongue on that. I was not sure why Ian wanted back but he was good, well not with his works but he was the muscle man. He was one you need when you faced some goons. And more to it, he was or rather Tabitha was affectionate towards him although she was married with one kid. I am no motherly figure to concern myself on that but with Grant showing non-commitment, I had wished he transferred out.

“Okay, I will take you back but one condition. You stay in line.” I cautioned him. Soon, the Section was in the briefing.

“Great works, team. We got accolades for the Dumpster Case.” The cheering and clapping then sounded. “Well, we have other cases to work on. Tabitha?”

“Yes, Ma’am. A new one, or rather an old one. Young girl missing. Aged Fifteen. Went to get a snack and never return. They found some blood at the bus stop near the shop that belonged to her. Chief thinks it related to a number of missing person cases and dragged us into it. The Mayor is screaming for justice.”

“Ma’am. It's a Missing person area. Why us?” Grant finally spoke up.

“We don’t choose our cases. Not when it involved the Chief. I say we do it.” I defended the Chief. After all, he was the big boss of the bosses. “Tabitha, you go with… Grant to talk to the family. I will do the other checks. Ian, do be good. I need you to check the folders for similar girls of the same age group.”

“I know the drill, Ma’am.” Ian sounded displeased but I was pissed. I was sent off to do something that may not be related to my Section. That could only mean one thing; displeasure but whose? Was it the Chief of the Station Commander? Or someone with influence. I need to find out. I am no one’s bitch to call when needed. I was my own bitch.

I was also not happy about Maud’s murder. That was how I termed it. They could have wounded her but six shots into the head were murder. I may not prove that but I will find the finger behind the triggermen.

“Father, I am sorry I missed the last Home’s Charity.” I went to the Church and met the Father who was dispensing the hand-me-down items to the needy. “I may have some items I could give away.”

“Maybe next round. Sidney is waiting for you.” The man told me. “And Bernice, tell him that I do appreciate both of you stays for prayer. He is a lost lamb like you.”

I gave the man a smile that could mean either way but I left it to God to make the judgment. My seat at Purgatory was reserved for eternity. I saw Sidney that time with the served tea set and he added in a new person there.

“Son, meet my other…. Son.” Sidney did hesitate then, but I was giving the hulking frame with my trained eye. He was slightly shorter than me but where I was to hold boobs, he held his taut and firm with muscles. He was well dressed in the turtleneck and jacket with the corduroy pants suitable attire to come to church anytime. He had one the crew cut and smelled of ex-military from the way he stood behind Sidney.

“Shawn has returned from active duty and discharged with honor. He is my protégé to take on the turf. He’s …” I cut short the introduction and offered my right hand. It was taken and I told him my background.

“I am the offspring of Sidney’s bitch and I am a Police Officer.” I thought the last words will raise me higher in the rank within Sidney’s realm as if he was the Devil himself.

“I know. The name is Shawn Michael. I was just back from the Middle East.” Shawn states his credentials. “Sidney had taken me off the street and pushed me through college before I joined the Army. I was Captain before I was discharged.”

“Logistics? I am sorry. Slipped off the tongue.” I was mean then. I thought with his education, he will be an officer material but the non-combatant part was my sarcastic approach.

“No, Ma’am. I was in the Armoured.” He replied to me. And addressed me as Ma’am. Heck, I may be older in the aging form, but I was still young by age.

“Enough on the intro. Bernice.” The old man had addressed me by my name. He has a new Son then. “I heard of the killing of the suspect in the Dumpster case. So, the street is once more …. Safe to walk by. I also heard that Henry Selby's case was withdrawn. I have a piece of new advice to forward towards you. Stay off the turf. I meant mine.”

“Why, Sidney? Did I ruffle some asses here?” I snapped back. “I am …”

“Bernice, I can’t protect you all the time. Not even here. And neither could that badge of yours. So, stay clear and do the other stuff. And don’t see me here. Not ever.”

It was the brush off I had not felt for years. Not since the day when I was sent off to my Aunt. I wanted to reply but Shawn gave me the signal to back off. I was enraged to be told but maybe some senses told to do so. I left in a huff back to my car. On the windscreen was the note.

“Sister, I will call you.” I don’t know who left the message. There were a lot of people there at the church.

Another call through. It was Tabitha.

“Ma’am, we got a new case.”

“Missing persons? Passed it on.” I was abrupt towards my reply.

“No, the missing girl is dead. Its our case now.”  Then it was my real-life passion. I drove off. I arrived at the crime scene. It was an abandoned unit. One of those where the units are too delicate to maintain and was to be torn down for new structures. A sign of our time then; the invalid and old are soon to be removed. I went past the uniforms and saw Grant. He looked green in the face. He told me the body was found upstairs. It was an old building and it was four levels up. I looked at him.

“The stairs are secured. We have been trooping by the dozen since.” I took his words and mounted the stairs.

“Victim was discovered by some teens here to hang out.” Tabitha briefed me. Ian was next to her and giving her the concerned look. I hate lovey birds more so when they are at work in the same Section.  “They panicked and called the uniform. We were then called in after Forensics id the victim. She is the missing person.”

I looked at the body. She was laid face up with the limbs spread and was naked. Her breasts were mutilated and so was her private orifice.

“It looks like the same M.O. Our killer is back. She was left in the dumpster.”

Murder One; Deep Heat Chapter 7 of 7

7.

I don’t know if it was God or the Devil on my back but I was hurled with clues. I got my picture identified and it was expected. I guess the Selby have lots of pricks to spare.

“His name is Steven Selby or Small S for nickname. He ran with a biker group named the Faraway. That is the sign of a motorbike over the moon. He was …”

“Henry’s brother. It fits. The bike and name. See how far he’s related to the Man.” I laid down the requirements.

“Not far. First cousins.” James replied. He had the family tree sketched. “Nigel Selby’s uncle’s…”

“Yes, I know how the genealogy works. Its who else they fucked I was unsure.” I turned the subject later and asked about Matthew Springs. He was bailed and I needed to talk to him. Tabitha gave me the address and I went over with James.

“How do you want to handle it?” James asked. We are not armed Police and the location was on the bad side of the city.

“We normally ring the doorbell, but I can make an exception if you have a crowbar,” I replied and we did not need the crowbar. The uniformed was there before us. Matthew was dead when we arrived.

“Good day, Inspector.” I knew Sarge Lester from the neighboring Station. “We had the call to check on him. The uniform arrived and found him dead. The cause of death overdosed with cocaine. We found sacks of it.”

There goes my lead, but I have some more. I went to look for my bitch. She offered to meet me at the café. I left James at the train station.

“The six bitches have been a gang for over a year. We have been pals.” I looked at Connie. “We never asked of ….”

“Of our daily jobs or even our full names. We just meet at the stopover home, changed and then we were off to our clubs. Heck! I did not know you were a copper. I don’t do criminal until last week.” Connie laid it out to me. I asked her agency.

“Cohen, Adam and Associates.”

“I thought it was an accounting firm.”

“Yes, it’s but the correct name should be Cohen, Adam and Associates, Public Accounting. Mine is a Legal Firm. We have the same partners.”

“The Selby family.” I dropped it out like brimstones from Hell.

“Yes, Nigel is the Senior and he is a licensed barrister. An Accountant.” Connie explained. “Look, I don’t really choose my employer, they chose me.”

“Did you hear of Matthew Springs?” I added in the double fork weapon to her. I thought it will stick into her but she brushed me off.

“Matthew was moved to another associate. I am doing the other case of Henry Selby’s suing you for his ailment.” I laughed at her.

“He does not know I own a bike.”

“I do and I will challenge you in court.” I felt the fuck into my ass then. Connie was a real bitch. I won’t be sending her Christmas cards from then. I left with the feeling as if I had given a blowjob and gagged on the swallow. The call came then.

“It’s Maud Adams. We found her.” I thanked Tabitha and asked Armed Police to be there with the silent approach. The location was not far but the drive was bad. I was bad. I stepped off my car and retrieved the flak jacket. I then joined the others. There were three Police Cars there, and they were facing the house.

“I said silent approach,” I told the Sergeant.

“When we arrived, and when turning the corner, we heard shots. We convened in and cordoned the place.” The hare was aware of the trap. I sighed at that. The Special Squad had arrived. They are the snipers and negotiators. I did not call them and wondered who did. I took the unimaginable. I walked towards the house.

“Bitch, it’s me. I am coming in.” I shouted out while the others behind me were balls squeezed to my action. I reached the doorway and saw it was ajar. I stepped in and was greeted by the nice homely décor with the china bone dining set and the tall cupboards, wallpapers and nice rugs. The only thing that marred the scene was the guns and ammo. Maud Adam was wearing the flak jacket but it was unmarked, and beneath it was the tight vest and her panty.

“Hi, Bitch. I was in the bathroom. The call came in when I was dinging myself. I rushed out and saw the uniforms. I grabbed my arsenal and shoot at them.” I heard her. I saw the arsenal she meant was the automatic rifle, shotgun, and handguns with assorted ammo clips. She looked like she was working at the Armoury in the Station. 

“Inspector, I really missed you. We are a good pair huh?” Maud smiled at me. I had known her for the last weeks, but the new sight of Maud was different.

“You can’t recall that night. The night you stopped me from killing the girl.” Maud looked at me. It then snapped back at her. “You did not know it. Shit! I was played out.”

“Bitch …. Maud, talk to me.” The scenes were shifting in my mind. It was disturbing. “Who played you out?”

Maud held the automatic rifle in her hands. She was nervous and at the same time mumbling.

“I should not have panicked. I was twisted by them.”

“Talk to me, Maud. I am here to help.” I held out my arms to her.

“No, you can’t. I was …. I am the one you seek for the Dumpster Murder. I snared the girls and he kills them.” Maud looked at me. “It was how we did it. It was easy to lure the girls. I was the bitch who wants a good time. They followed me and then I sedated them. He took over and did those bad kinds of stuff. I never stayed to watch. He will dispose of the girls.”

“Who, Maud?” I pleaded with her. “I will protect you.”

“You can’t protect me. Those were not the only girls we killed. There were more. He disliked them. He calls them sluts and yet …. he played to their tune or his and then they died.” Maud smiled. “Like me. I was called to fuck you. To know you. I did that and the last girl, I was almost caught.”

“I did not see you. It was not you. The lady was dressed ….” I stopped my presumption. “The bag? You have a change of clothing there?”

“Don’t we all? You have your stopover and became the bitch. I have mine too.” Maud looked outside. “Get out while you can.”

“No, Maud. It does not have to end this way.” I pleaded again. Maus leveled the rifle and fired into the wall behind me. I crouched down instinctively and the snipers shot her. She went down with half a dozen wounds in her head. They blew her brains out. Nothing on the flak jacket. 

I was in the hospital for three days, nursing not bullet wounds but treated for hysteria. When I returned back to the Station, the team told me that the case was resolved.

“We found evidence at the house. Maud Adam had the girl’s panties in the house. The Station Commander closed the case. I felt it was not that easy but the public needed closure. I got my other closure.

“Your legal case by Henry was withdrawn,” Connie called me.

The six bitches excluded me. They have a new member. 

I sold my bike. Sidney called me.

“Son, you were given a reprieve. Don’t expose your ass anymore.”

I smiled. I was not giving up. Not yet for I have yet to fuck someone’s ass.

To be continued.

End of Part One.