Branded for Murder (34 page)

Chapter 76

He went downstairs with the photograph. “Colleen, I need some copies of this photograph. Make ten to start with. See if you can reach Paul for me. He should be at the headquarters precinct, but if you don’t reach him there ask them to try him on the radio, and have him call me here.”

“Okay Mike I’ll try to reach him first.” Colleen reached for the phone and he headed back upstairs.

Mike returned to Paddy’s office and said, “Scott, I want you to try to reach Lisa at the dorm.” He turned the phone around for me to use it.

I dialed Lisa’s dorm, and after about five rings someone answered, “Hello, this is the Chase dorm, how can I help you?”

“This is Scott Tucker, do you know if Lisa Anderson has returned?”

“Just a minute she’s right over there…I’ll get her for you Scott.”

A few seconds later I heard, “Hello Scott. How are you?”

“I’m fine Lisa. I tried you earlier but you were out.”

“We went to the coffee shop. We just came in the door when you called.”

“Great timing, I have something to ask you.”

“You sound upset, is everything okay?”

“Yes everything is okay. Who is on duty at the desk right now?”

“It’s Alice, one of the female guards. Why?”

“Have you seen that guard, I think his name is Andy?”

“I haven’t seen him since last week some time. Why?”

I took a deep breath, trying to say as calmly as I could, “I think Andy is Jimmy Ballou.” There wasn’t any response from her. “Lisa, are you still there? Did you hear what I said?”

“I’m sorry Scott, I did hear you. I’m worried. Oh, my God!” I heard her say, and the phone clanged against the wall.

“Lisa, pick up the phone. Lisa.”

“Scott, this is Judy. What’s going on? Lisa looked like she just saw a ghost, and has doubled over.”

“Judy, we think one of the guards could be after Lisa.”

“She doesn’t look like she could hurt a fly.”

“No Judy, not the current guard…one of the other guards, Andy Lincoln. We think he is Jimmy Ballou and might be stalking Lisa. We need to find out how to reach his company to find where he is. Wait, Mike Miller wants to talk to you.”

Mike took the phone. “Judy, I heard the conversation. This is important. What Scott said is true. If the guard is truly Jimmy Ballou, he might be after Lisa. He might be the guy wanted for the recent stranglings. We need to find out how to contact his employer and find where he is, and where he lives. Can you as calmly as possible ask the guard how we can secure some additional guards. Wait, tell her someone on the phone is asking for some guards for another dorm and how do we contact her headquarters?”

“I can handle it. Wait a minute.” The phone clanked against the wall.

I watched Mike dance in place for a few minutes, not saying a word.

“Shit! Someone just hung up the phone on me,” Mike announced. “Scott, call the dorm again please.”

I dialed the number again. “It’s ringing busy Mike,” I announced.

*.*.*

“Mike, Paul’s on the phone for you. Can you pick up line one?” Colleen’s voice called from downstairs.

“I’ll pick up. Thanks Colleen,” Mike replied. He took the phone from me and pushed a button. “Hi Paul this is Mike. Listen, we believe one of the guards at Lisa Anderson’s dorm might be Jimmy Ballou. I need you to head over there right now in case he comes on duty. Don’t do anything if he does arrive, but talk to Lisa Anderson and her roommate Judy.

He looked at me, and I knew what he needed. “Judy Post.”

Mike offered, “Judy Post is her roommate. I’m trying to contact the guard company to see if we can find out any details about Jimmy or Andy or whoever the hell he is and how to find him. Lisa seems very upset, so just see if you can calm things down a little until we get there. I’ll give you the address.”

Mike hung up the phone, then looked at me. “Scott, I do miss working with you. Let’s head over there. We will use my car if it’s okay with you.”

*.*.*

Mike’s car was right behind the building, and he was not worried about speed limits. I was impressed with the sound the large V8 engine made. It reminded me of my own Pontiac, when I stepped on the gas. We weren’t talking. I was glad Mike was paying attention to the road and the traffic. Mike’s car was a four-passenger Chevrolet, but to anyone a little connected with law enforcement, it was obviously an unmarked police vehicle.

When we arrived at the dorm, Mike double parked behind Paul’s car. He took the stairs two at a time, entering the reception area, and flashing his badge at the female guard. I could see Paul standing in the reception area with Lisa and Judy. As soon as Lisa saw me she came running over and jumped into my arms.

“Scott, I’m scared. I’m so glad you’re here. What are we going to do?” She looked like she was going to vomit and was holding her stomach.

Chapter 77

He watched her pull into the entrance to Knotty Pine Camp.
Welcome Charlotte, it’s been so long since we were both here.
He had parked his car down near the town water supply, out of sight. His hands were shaking holding the binoculars. He watched as she slowly pulled up in front of the counselor cabin.

Do you remember this place and the last time you saw me? What are you thinking of right now? Are you remembering what you did to me?

He put the binoculars away and walked down the small slope behind the counselor cabin. She must have seen the note on the door by now, and should be entering the cabin. He was only a few steps away from the back door, when he heard her multiple screams.

I guess the cot with the hangman knotted ropes was a little shocking wasn’t it?

He came around the cabin to find her running out the door across the small porch. She was so focused on her flight she never saw him coming. He grabbed her around her middle. She was screaming and jumping up and down. He put his hand with the handkerchief across her mouth and nose. Within a minute, she wasn’t struggling anymore.
Good stuff that chloroform.

*.*.*

He lit the fire in the stove. The familiar smell of the burning wood reminded him of his days at camp. He focused on getting the fire in the stove going, not on Charlotte. It was hard not to look at her, but he would have hours to do that. He added larger logs to the fire. The cabin was warming up now.
Can’t have Charlotte freezing to death, can we?

Finally, he couldn’t stand not looking at her any longer and turned around. She was still out cold, not feeling the cold air of the cabin. He walked over, sat down on the small cot beside her, and it sounded it’s displeasure with a loud noise. He started at the top of her head, taking his time studying her. Her long red hair cascaded over the pillow and her white shoulders. She was extremely beautiful. Her make up was done to perfection, for her so called final interview.

He took a deep breath and looked at her breasts, which were larger than Karen’s or Phyllis’. He rubbed his hands together to get some of the wood chip dust off them. A shock went through his body when he touched her breasts. He closed his eyes, remembering his own turmoil at the girls’ hands years ago. He looked down at her lower body, marveling at how she had taken care of herself. She looked like she exercised on a regular basis. He couldn’t see any fat. Her perfume was intoxicating. He closed his eyes again and was lost in his thoughts.

When he heard her muffled scream, he opened his eyes. He could see her panic as she struggled against the four ropes, realizing what was happening. He stood up to show her his own naked body. She closed her eyes and turned her head away.

*.*.*

His body had already reacted to her beauty. “Charlotte you need to open your eyes and see who’s here. It’s been such a long time since we were together. Please open your eyes.” He sat back down on the bed, putting his face right over hers. “Please don’t make me hurt you. Open your eyes and see who I am. DO IT NOW!” he screamed.

He saw her open her eyes, trying to focus on his face, which was only inches away from hers. He could see tears forming in her eyes. She tried once again on her restraints. He licked her tears. “Come on Charlotte, you’re spoiling all of my fun. You must know who I am. Tell me.”

She shook her head, closing her eyes tightly.

When he pinched her waist, she yelped. “Don’t make me do things to hurt you. That’s not what I have in mind. Who am I, Charlotte?”

She said something that he couldn’t understand, because of the gag. He pinched her again. “Jimmy.”

“That’s right Charlotte. You’ve come back to see me, or vice-versa. I hope it’s not too cold in here.” He moved, looking at her body again. He could see her closing her eyes, not wanting to watch him. “Charlotte, you need to keep your eyes open and watch me. I don’t want to hurt you, but if you don’t do as I say, I will. Now, are you cold?”

She nodded. The tears were still cascading down her cheeks.

“Good. That’s a good girl.” He went over to the stove, put some more logs inside and came back over to her. “It will be warm enough in here soon. Don’t look away from me. I want you to see what you girls left as a reminder of each of you. I’ll remind you only once more…do as I say or you will regret it. She looked at the scars of where they had branded him. She started sobbing, and he said, “Yes it did hurt. It’s been a pain for many years now. That’s why you’re here. Oh, by the way…you’ve got the job. Simplest interview you’ve ever had, right? I said, RIGHT?”

She nodded, and he could tell she was trying to ignore his nudity.

He got up and returned with a bottle of baby oil. “Remember what you girls did with this?” He watched, as she obediently nodded. He started dripping the oil on her body, but was in no rush. The cold oil made her flinch as it landed. He couldn’t stand it any longer, and was soon rubbing it all over her. “You are even more beautiful than I remember. We have much to reminisce about. He started dripping the oil on his own body, rubbing it all over himself.

He watched her eyes darting around the cabin. “You know what happened to Karen and Phyllis. There are only two things that can save you. One is to be rescued, but I think we can rule that out. The other is that I let you live. They weren’t rescued, and they didn’t do anything that prevented me from killing them. I have more hope for you, but you are the only one who can control your fate. Thanks for coming on such short notice.”

She was glistening from the light coming in the back window. His body was now shining all over. He could tell she was forcing her eyes wide open, but he closed his as he lowered his body down onto hers.

Chapter 78

She went running up to her room, with Judy following. Soon she was pulling a newspaper apart, taping it up to the window.

“That son of a bitch is not going to see me again,” Lisa said.

Judy sat on the bed, watching her friend hang each newspaper section until the window was totally covered. “Do you feel better now?” Judy asked.

She didn’t answer, but went into the bathroom and hung some newspapers across that window also. When she came back into the bedroom and saw Judy staring at her, she collapsed on her bed. She felt the bed buckle as Judy came over to comfort her.

“Lisa, it’s going to be okay. They know who he is now. Nothing is going to happen to you.”

She looked at Judy’s face, and replied, “None of us know what is going to happen. Those other women were killed and who knows what else happened to them. I’m scared Judy. I’m really scared. If the guard is truly Jimmy Ballou and he’s the killer…he’s only here to kill me.” She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer.

Judy was trying to comfort her, but she was sobbing uncontrollably, having trouble breathing. Her chest was expanding, but air wasn’t coming in. She was making strange sounds.

Judy ran to the door and yelled, “Mike, Scott we need some help here. QUICK!”

Mike beat me to their room. He saw what was happening to Lisa. He quickly grabbed a small paper bag, holding it across her nose and mouth. “Lisa, take a deep breath. Take a deep breath! Do what I say, you’re going to be okay but you need to take a deep breath. That’s it, that’s it.”

I had never been in Lisa’s room before. With Mike’s help, she was starting to breathe normally. I noticed the newspapers on the window and looked at Judy. She mouthed ‘just now’ to me. Mike stood up and walked over to the door. I sat down on the bed and Lisa dove into my arms.

“Lisa it’s going to be okay. We know who he is now. He’s not going to get anywhere near you.” As I said those words, Mike headed out of the room.

*.*.*

He approached the female guard. “I’m sorry for all of the confusion. My name is Mike Miller and I’m with the Boston Police department. We need to get in contact with your supervisor or somebody at your security company. Can you give me the number where I can talk to somebody there?”

She looked at him. “I’m sorry but I have to ask what all of this is about. I need to file a report. Right now I have no idea what to record.”

“I can understand your confusion. If I can use your phone here I can explain it once to your supervisor and you’ll soon understand as well. Can I please have the number?”

She didn’t reply but dialed the phone. “Yes this is Alice. I have a Boston Police detective over at the Chase dorm and he needs to talk to you. Can I put him on?”

She handed him the phone, saying, “Sergeant Collier.”

“Sergeant Collier, this is Mike Miller, I’m with the Boston Police department. We are part of the task force trying to locate the new strangler. We’re here to talk to one of your guards—Andy Lincoln. He’s not here, but we need to know where he is, and where he lives.”

“Well, I don’t know what Andy has to do with any of this. However, he has taken some days off since he has several days of accumulated vacation. I can’t say where he is. He lives close to the Chase dormitory. In fact he does double duty. He’s a live in night guard at the prep school behind the Chase dorm. It’s the building right across the alley. Andy is one of our best guards, working for us for three years now. He can be a little strange at times, but he’s not someone who would kill anyone.”

“Thank you sergeant. If we need anything more we have your number. If you see him before we do please ask him to get in touch with the Boston PD as soon as possible.”

He hung up the phone, signaling me to follow him. When we were in a quiet area of the reception area he finally whispered, “Scott, he lives in the building behind here. He’s a live in night guard at the prep school.”

I tried to control my reaction.
Lisa mentioned the display she saw in the building behind here. That must be him.
“Where is he?”

“He went on vacation, and they don’t know where he went.”

I got a chill up my back. “Mike, you said the stakeout at Helen’s wasn’t successful. Do you think we should call the other woman’s parents? I forget the other woman’s name.”

“It was Charlotte Williams, but she’s out of the country. However, I see where you’re going with this.”

“Mike if it’s not currently Lisa, and wasn’t Helen, the only one left is Charlotte. He could still be after Helen, or maybe he took a vacation to visit Charlotte. I don’t like the feeling I have in my gut.”

“I hope you’re not coming down with detectivitis.” He smiled, going over to talk with Paul.

*.*.*

Paul gave Mike the Williams’ phone number in New Hampshire. Mike placed the call with operator assistance.

“Mrs. Williams, this is Mike Miller. I’m a detective with the Boston Police department. We’re investigating the recent strangling cases, and want to talk to your daughter. We understand she’s currently out of the country, but would still like to talk with her. Can I speak with your husband?”

“He’s deceased. Mr. Miller is she in danger?”

“We don’t believe so, but we want to speak with her to make sure nothing out of the ordinary is going on. May we have the number please?”

“Just a minute and I will get it.” He could hear her opening a drawer. “Here it is Mr. Miller. Do you have a pencil?”

He wrote the number down. “Thank you, Mrs. Williams.”

“That number is the facility she works for. They will have to get her to the phone. It may take a few minutes.”

“I want to thank you again. Does your daughter ever head to New England?”

“She does, but not that often. She might be coming soon for an interview at a camp in New Hampshire…oh; I wasn’t supposed to mention that. The man asked me to keep the opening a secret, to avoid many people applying for it.”

Mike took a deep breath, asking as calmly as possible, “Mrs. Williams do you remember anything about the call? I won’t be telling any candidates about it.”

“Well it wasn’t but a few days ago. I think his name was Mr. Kelley, but I would have to think about his company name.” She paused, and he waited patiently. “I think it was National Camp Management or something similar. He didn’t leave a number. I gave him Charlotte’s number. He was quite polite and thanked me. He said she had the position based on her qualifications, if she could do a face-to-face interview. I don’t know what happened since then.”

“Mrs. Williams that is very helpful. If you hear from your daughter please call us at this number.”

“It would be so nice to have her back in New Hampshire again.”

“I beg your pardon Mrs. Williams. What do you mean?”

“Mr. Kelley said the position included camps in New Hampshire, which is why her experience made her the best candidate.”

“Thank you Mrs. Williams, you’ve been a huge help. I wish you and your daughter many happy times together.”

I was standing next to Paul. I could see Mike’s strange reaction to something just before the call ended.

Mike waved for us to follow him. Once we were in a quiet area again, he announced, “We’ve got a problem. I think Charlotte Williams may be in New Hampshire for what she thinks is an interview. The interview is with Jimmy Ballou. Do either of you have any thoughts?”