The Stalk Club

by Neil Cossins

  “But nothing appeared to be missing from the body. His wallet was intact.” Nelson countered.

  “We don’t know that everything was intact. For all we know Fogliani could have been carrying a twenty grand brick in his pocket. It would’ve made anything in his wallet seem pretty incidental.”

  “Maybe,” replied Nelson non-committally. “But if he’s guilty then what’s his motive? I mean why would this guy, with only a couple of priors, go out and kill and old gangster? It hardly sounds like the track record you’d associate with a cold blooded killer.”

  “Well, as a wise Detective once told me, the best crims don’t have any record at all. And like I said before, if Thoms saw a drug deal go down and saw a bundle of cash being given to Fogliani, then that’s more than enough reason for him to kill him.”

  Nelson smiled briefly at having his own quotes thrown back at him. Maybe Robards was learning something off him after all, although Nelson wasn’t sure if he was learning the right things.

  Nelson continued his devil’s advocate approach. “There’s other stuff as well. Mick Martinez said that the shooter was probably between five foot six inches and five feet ten inches tall. Thoms is about six foot.”

  “So what. He only misses the estimate by a few lousy centimetres.” Robards replied, starting to get a little frustrated at Nelson’s inability to accept the most likely scenario.

  “Thoms said the shooter was a little shorter than himself.”

  Robards ignored the comment. “Martinez will be the first to admit that his theory isn’t set in concrete. If Thoms was standing a little further away from Fogliani than Martinez has calculated, then he would fit the trajectory of the shooter. Any decent prosecutor would cut that argument to shreds in a second.”

  “Speaking of prosecutors,” said Nelson checking his watch and seizing on the exit strategy. “I need to go and brief them for Thoms’ bail hearing this afternoon. After that, we can start interviewing his stalking friends. I’m looking forward to seeing what they have to say.

  “Ok.”

  “You better go and brief Crighton. I don’t want to deal with him right now. But tell that pencil pushing prick not to issue another press release until we have run Thoms’ story to ground because I hate it when the media get ahead of the investigation. After that, follow up on the GSR tests at the lab and then come back and help us out with the interviews.”

  Nelson gathered up the photographs and his notes and found a spare desk in the small Detective’s room on the first floor of the station. He phoned Craig Thoms’ fellow stalker, Bryce McKinlay, at his workplace and told him about Craig’s arrest. Nelson thought Bryce seemed genuinely shocked when he told him, but Nelson didn’t even trust himself when it came to making assumptions about a person’s innocence or guilt for the simple reason that he had been wrong on more occasions than he cared to remember. Bryce agreed to come into the station at midday and provide a statement. Nelson checked his watch again and decided that he would arrange the remainder of the interviews after he had briefed the prosecutors. He headed downstairs to the basement and made his way to the Parramatta local court next door via the underground tunnel that linked the two buildings.

  Chapter 25

  Detective Robards returned to Police HQ and took the elevator straight to the ninth floor to brief Crighton. The ninth floor housed around twenty of some of the most senior officers in the New South Wales Police Force and their support staff and Robards liked the ambience. Instead of the well worn commercial grade blue carpet evident on the other floors, the carpet here was new, a higher grade, and actually felt soft underfoot. There were prints on the walls, a large waiting area with lounges and the offices and meeting rooms which were spacious and light. This was where Robards pictured himself working, hopefully in as few years as possible.

  He approached Superintendent Crighton’s office and was surprised to see his door open. Those who had worked with Crighton knew that he didn’t want to be bothered by anyone unless they either had an appointment or he wanted to see them.

  “Can I help you Detective?” asked Pasha, Crighton’s administrative assistant, who seemed to appear out of nowhere and placed her diminutive yet imposing presence in front of the doorway. Robards realised he should have known better than to think the door was unguarded. It was never unguarded.

  “Hi Pasha,” he said putting on his best smile for her. “I’ve come to brief the Super on the Fogliani case.”

  “Is he expecting you?” she questioned, her dark eyes narrowing at him. Robards could see Crighton working away at his desk only five metres away, probably within earshot of the conversation, but ignoring it.

  “Yes, sort of.”

  “Alright,” said Pasha suspiciously. “Let me check if he’s available.”

  Robards waited impatiently outside the office as Pasha spoke in hushed tones to Crighton. He briefly wondered if she and Crighton had ever got it on, but pushed the disturbing thought aside. Moments later Pasha returned and granted Robards permission to enter.

  “Good morning Detective Senior,” Crighton said, without looking up as he continued to worriedly examine the latest budget report that showed the Homicide Squad was currently running at a three percent overspend for the financial year. Travel costs would have to be trimmed again.

  “Good Morning Sir.”

  “Where’s Detective Nelson?”

  “He’s briefing the prosecutors. He asked me to provide you with an update.”

  Crighton smiled briefly. If he read anything else into Nelson’s non-appearance he didn’t let on. He knew he wasn’t particularly well liked and that Nelson in particular avoided him where he could, but he didn’t lose sleep over it as he had bigger things to worry about.

  “Good. There’s something that I’ve been meaning to talk to you about, but that can wait for now. Tell me how your case is progressing. I was pleased to hear that you have a suspect in custody already.”

  “Thank you sir.”

  Robards filled Crighton in on the case, updating him from the point where he was last briefed. He briefly recounted how Craig Thoms had been identified from the evidence found at the crime scene and how he had then been arrested. He told Crighton about the stalking group of friends and how Craig had, not-surprisingly claimed to have had nothing to do with the murder.

  “Doesn’t sound like you’ll be getting a confession then,” stated Crighton.

  “Not yet at least.”

  “So what are your next steps Detective?”

  Robards repeated what Nelson had told him almost verbatim. He also passed on Nelson’s request – albeit in slightly less colourful language - that no further media releases be made until they had a chance to further shore up the case. Crighton sat back in his chair, processing the information. Although he had limited first hand experience in undertaking case work he understood it well enough when it was explained to him.

  “Firstly, you can tell Detective Sergeant Nelson that I will decide how and when we deal with the media and not him,” said Crighton with a hint of steel in his voice.

  “Yes Sir,” replied Robards, kicking himself for having been stupid enough to raise Nelson’s ridiculous request in the first place.

  “Secondly, is there any evidence that this Thoms character is linked to any gangs or that this murder is gang related?”

  “Not yet sir. We’re still looking at his background though.” Robards noted that Crighton seemed to exhibit a moment of disappointment.

  “Well make sure you fully explore that angle. If this murder was gang related I want to know about it. The Foglianis may claim to be clean but they’ve got a long history with crime in this city.

  “Yes Sir.”

  “And if this does turn out to be the start of another Sydney underworld war then this becomes an even more important case and I want the Homicide Squad to be on top of it even though the Gangs Squad didn’t think it worth their while.”

  Robards wasn’t sure if he fully understood but no
dded emphatically. “And if it’s not gang related?”

  “Then so be it.”

  “Of course Sir.”

  “What does Nelson think about Thoms?”

  Robards thought carefully on the words he was about to use. He had already annoyed Crighton once and wanted to avoid an encore performance.

  “Well, he doesn’t seem completely certain that we’ve got the right guy yet.”

  “Why not? The evidence seems strong enough.”

  “It is. I guess he just wants to be sure.”

  Crighton got up and stood before his window, gazing at the Blue Mountains that rose up steadily out of the haze in the distance.

  “And what’s your take on this case, Detective Senior?”

  “I think he’s guilty and that it was probably a robbery or a drug deal,” replied Robards firmly. “I think our case will only get stronger.”

  Crighton turned and looked at him as if sizing him up for a suit.

  “You’ve shown a lot of promise in your career thus far Detective and I’m sure that if you continue to perform well, you will no doubt gain further promotions in the service.”

  “Thank you Sir,” replied Robards, inwardly thrilled by the comment but wondering where the change in subject was leading.

  “There’s something I’d like you to do for me. Call it a favour if you will.”

  “Sir?”

  “I’d like you to keep me personally up to date on this case.”

  “Of course Sir. Nelson and I will keep you abreast of every development.” Robards replied innocently, even though he was sensed where Crighton was going.

  “No, Detective you’re not quite catching my meaning. I want to know how the case is progressing and I also want to know what Nelson is working on so I can be assured that this case is on track. This would just be between you and me.”

  “I see. But, if I may ask the question, why did you put Nelson on this case in the first place if you have concerns about the way he operates?”

  Crighton smiled. “Because Detective Senior, if I had to get someone to investigate my own murder then it would probably be him. I have every confidence that he’ll get to the bottom of this case, but Nelson likes to do things his own way and sometimes his methods are, shall we say, unorthodox,” he said raising an eyebrow. “Lord knows I’m still getting memos from the PSC about that Razzo case that he was involved with last year.”

  “Razzo case Sir?” said Robards. He recalled hearing various titbits of information about the case in the past but hoped that Crighton would enlighten him further.

  “I think it was just before your time here, when he was still working with Detective Senior Sergeant Neale. I won’t go into the details but there were accusations made by the defendant that some rather important evidence had miraculously appeared during the search of his apartment. There was little doubt that Nelson and Neale got the right man, it was just a question of how they achieved that. Anyway, the point is that Nelson has good instincts for this sort of work and you’ll learn a lot from him. But on this occasion, on this case, I can’t afford to have Nelson making any mistakes along the way. If this Thoms character does have underworld links and this is some sort of precursor to a turf war then it has to be handled very carefully. And that’s where you come in Peter. We’ll let Nelson run this case the way he wants for the time being, but I want to be kept informed by you every step of the way. If I find out he’s starting to run a little too far or wide then I’ll need to yank his chain back in.”

  Chapter 26

  After briefing police prosecutors at the Parramatta Local Court, Nelson returned to Headquarters to prepare for his afternoon. The Sergeant who would act as the prosecution for bail hearing was pleased with the strength of Nelson’s evidence and told him that Craig Thoms was highly unlikely to be granted bail.

  While Nelson waited for Bryce McKinlay to arrive at the Parramatta station at midday and for Robards to return from forensics in the city, he contacted Craig’s other friends and arranged for them to come to the station and provide statements during that afternoon. Grant McKinlay and Jennifer Nolan had already heard the news about the arrest and were eager to assist in any way they could.

  Nelson sat at his desk and re-read the forensic reports on the victim, the murder scene and the gloves. He admitted to himself that the evidence seemed solid. He watched the video footage from the crime scene several times, looking for any evidence that might support Craig’s story that he had followed the real murderer to the scene. Although there were some vague shadows in the corner of the footage that appeared to move, he could see no other person on the tape. He made a quick phone call to the video tech who had reviewed the footage and asked him if there was any chance of enhancing the shadowed area. The video tech told him he would try but it was unlikely that any further definition could be drawn out of the video.

  When Nelson was satisfied that he had a complete understanding and knowledge of the evidence on the case so far, he busied himself on his computer, meticulously making sure that the case file was completely up to date. Although he wasn’t particularly fond of the administrative side of casework he forced himself to keep on top of it as he knew it was an essential part of the case and would be referred to regularly in the future.

  As opposed to some of the older Detectives in the squad, Nelson was highly computer literate and could type at over forty words per minute with few errors when the mood took him. He smiled as he glanced at his fifty-five year old colleague, Detective David Smith, at a nearby desk laboriously punching his keyboard one finger at a time. It was almost painful to watch.

  At around midday, Nelson got a call from a Constable manning the reception area at the Parramatta Station informing him that he had visitors. Robards still hadn’t returned to the office so Nelson proceeded on his own. He decided to walk to the station so he could save the planet a few kilos of greenhouse gases. Every little bit helps. Ten minutes later he entered the front foyer of the brown, bunker-like building, his eyes quickly scanning the room for his visitors. He soon focussed his attention on a young couple sitting in the corner trying to look relaxed but showing outward signs of nervousness.

  Nelson made his way over to them.

  “Bryce McKinlay?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Detective Sergeant Nelson. And this is, Natalie?” he said indicating to the woman on Bryce’s left whose eyes met and held his. She nodded in agreement.

  “Hi.” Bryce held out his hand which Nelson took and shook. Nelson noticed that the palms of Bryce’s meaty hands were sweaty and mentally reminded himself not to shake hands with him again.

  “Look, if you don’t mind I’d like to speak with you separately. It’s standard procedure.” It was more than that, it was a golden rule of Detective work and ensured there would be no help and no corroboration for each of them once their interviews began. It was one thing to rehearse a set of convenient answers together in the comfort of a lounge room, but telling them to a Detective, alone in an police station interview room was another thing entirely. Divide and conquer.

  “Would you mind waiting out here Natalie? This shouldn’t take too long.”

  Without waiting for an answer, Nelson led Bryce to the reception desk, signed him in and whisked him away through the electronic security doors. He led him down a corridor to an interview room that he had booked out for the afternoon. Nelson had arranged for a female general duties Constable to be available to assist with the interviews and she was already waiting in the room when they arrived. They took their seats and Nelson placed his digital voice recorder between them. Bryce eyed it nervously. “You don’t mind do you?”

  “No, of course not,” said Bryce, in a nervous voice. Nelson wondered if he had something to hide or if it was just an innocent reaction.

  “This is not a formal interview and the recording is not for use as evidences, it’s just to help me stay on top of things.”

  “Ok.”

  Firstly let me say ri
ght now that I have no interest whatsoever in your stalking activities. I’m a Homicide Detective, so the only case that I’m going to be investigating here is the murder of Emilio Fogliani. However, I can’t promise you that some of my colleagues won’t want to speak to you about your stalking game at a later time.”

  “Ok,” replied Bryce glumly. He hadn’t expected any favours and he wasn’t being given any. He was just focussed on trying to distance himself as far as possible from a murder charge. Anything beyond that, like keeping his job and not being charged with stalking, he considered would be a bonus.

  “So let’s make a start. I want you to tell me all you know about Craig Thoms and your relationship with him and then I want you to tell me your version of events last Friday night. Try and remember as much detail as possible.”

  Bryce took a few deep breaths and focussed his thoughts on what he was about to say. He started quietly, hesitantly, and told Nelson how he had met Craig when they were both employed at Carmichael’s security. They became good friends and as Craig had previously attested to, they eventually began taking some of the equipment out of the shop to field test it. Bryce made no attempt to hide or minimise his involvement in the stalking game, instead he freely admitted it. Others had joined the group over time and it became a regular event. Their stalking skills improved, as did their bravado and sophistication, and some of the stalks that Bryce briefly recounted to Nelson left him quietly staggered and wondering if anyone had ever followed him and learned some of his secrets.

  Nelson questioned him closely about Craig Thoms and asked him what his habits were, who his other friends were and what he was like. Bryce gave little information of interest about Craig’s personal life and Nelson got the impression that Bryce was, if not trying to protect Craig, then at least trying to minimise the damage he was potentially causing him. Bryce said that to his knowledge, Craig didn’t have many other friends and he didn’t know much about his money situation and didn’t ask. Nelson thought about pushing him further but decided to remain with the friendly approach for the time being. He could apply more pressure to Bryce later if it was required.