Dead to Me: A serial killer thriller (Detective Kate Matthews Crime Thriller Series Book 1)

by Stephen Edger

  ‘Sure, it’d be good to escape these four walls.’

  ‘While I’ve got you here, do you know if we’ve had a response from the local hospitals of any recently paroled patients or ex-cons with an axe to grind?’

  ‘I think Patel was chasing them personally yesterday. Do you want me to phone him and check?’

  ‘No, that’s not necessary. I haven’t had the chance to check my emails yet. I’m sure he’ll have pinged me an update.’

  Laura dropped the paper wallets onto her desk, a look of satisfaction on her face. ‘What do you need me to do?’

  Kate considered her for a moment. It was one thing for Kate to break the rules, but dragging a junior detective down with her was downright unacceptable. But what choice did she have?

  ‘I want you to come with me to Danny Fenton’s home and exercise the search warrant we got on Wednesday night.’

  ‘You want to search Fenton’s place? But that’s Hendrix’s case. What does that have to do with us?’

  ‘Honestly? Probably nothing, but I have one of those feelings about Fenton.’

  ‘Yeah, ma’am, we all know he’s a mean bastard, but from what I’ve heard he’s not even a person of interest in that case anymore.’

  ‘Where did you hear that?’

  ‘Hendrix stopped by here yesterday looking for you, but ended up speaking with Patel. His desk isn’t far from mine…’

  ‘Okay, say no more. I’ll have to be careful next time I’m having a private conversation, so that your super hearing doesn’t pick up on it.’ She smiled to show Laura she was teasing.

  ‘With respect, ma’am, you were the one who told me a good detective always has their eyes and ears open. So why is it you want to trample over Hendrix’s investigation?’

  ‘Because she’s wrong about Fenton. She’s going to let him slip away, and if we don’t act soon, we’ll never find what we’re looking for.’

  Laura frowned. ‘And what is it we are looking for?’

  ‘The murder weapon. I believe the machete used to remove Watson’s head and feet is in Fenton’s house right now.’

  ‘“You believe”? Why, ma’am?’

  Kate hesitated to say anymore. ‘Listen, it doesn’t matter why. I just need you to come with me when I go.’

  ‘I’m sorry, ma’am, but what you’re asking me to do is against protocol. If you are right, and we go in half-cocked now, you could end up throwing the entire investigation. Not to mention what the supe will do to you when he finds out you went behind his back.’

  Kate knew she was right; of course she was, but she didn’t want to imagine the alternative.

  ‘That won’t happen. I know it’s there. We just have to go and get it.’

  ‘If you’re so certain then tell Hendrix and let her make a call about her own investigation. If you convince her, she can plan a raid for tomorrow or Tuesday.’

  ‘No. It’ll be too late by then.’

  ‘What makes you think it won’t be there tomorrow?’

  ‘Fenton’s too smart for that.’

  ‘Fenton’s too smart to have the murder weapon at his house when we plan to search it, but is dumb enough to stash the weapon there in the first place? You’re not making any sense, ma’am.’

  ‘I need you to trust me, Laura.’

  ‘I do trust you, ma’am, but this doesn’t feel right. You’re the one always telling me not to ignore that voice in my head. Well, it’s telling me loud and clear right now that we should wait to speak to Hendrix.’

  ‘No, there isn’t time. It has to be today.’

  ‘But what if you’re wrong, ma’am? What if we go to his house and it’s not there? We’ll both be in trouble, and I’ll probably be busted back to uniform. I’ve not been a detective as long as you. One screw-up and I’ll be out the door.’

  ‘That won’t happen, Laura, I promise you.’

  ‘But how can you be so certain? Please, ma’am, I’m not questioning you, but I just need to understand the method behind your thinking.’

  ‘Okay, okay, I’ll tell you.’ She paused. ‘I have insider intelligence that the weapon is there and that Fenton is planning to have it disposed of today.’

  ‘Intelligence from whom?’

  ‘Jimmy Torero: he works for Fenton.’

  ‘And you believe him?’

  Kate nodded.

  ‘If you’ve got him on record then pass the information to Hendrix.’

  ‘I told you: there isn’t time. We have to act now, or we’ll never catch Fenton. You know how much I need this conviction. Please, Laura, just trust me. I won’t let you down.’

  Kate slipped the photograph of Fenton and the machete across the desk, but kept her fingers on the edge so Laura wouldn’t be able to turn it over and see the message.

  Laura gasped. ‘Where did you get that?’

  ‘From Torero.’

  ‘Call Hendrix in and tell her what you’ve got, and I’m sure she’ll be convinced.’

  Kate shook her head. ‘Evidentially, this photograph means nothing. It doesn’t prove he has the machete, only that he once had his photograph taken holding one. What it gives us is reason to reconsider Fenton as a suspect in the killing. Coupled with what Torero told me about the blade’s location, and Fenton’s plan to move it today, this is our only opportunity to catch him red-handed. I need you to trust me, Laura. Can you do that?’

  Laura narrowed her eyes. ‘Okay, ma’am, I’ll trust you. Let me put these files away and I’ll meet you in the car park.’

  Kate watched her walk away, desperately hoping she wouldn’t live to regret getting Laura involved.

  45

  The journey to Chilworth was made in silence. Kate had never been one for small talk, and Laura’s nerves were palpable. Kate knew Laura admired her, but she wasn’t ready to let an inexperienced detective get too close; she wasn’t going to repeat the mistakes she’d made in London that had led to Amy’s death.

  Fenton’s estate lay on the outskirts of the city, where the motorway to London began. Kate had found his address on an old charge sheet and had googled it before leaving the office. Seeing the ten-bedroom property up close, the image didn’t do it justice. Set back from the road, behind dozens of tall evergreens that seemed to almost touch the sky, the house was the kind of place that Kate had dreamed of living in one day; not that she believed it would ever happen.

  Kate was relieved to find the property’s entrance gate open, the gravel crackling as the Audi glided over it. She pulled up behind a shiny SUV which was parked in front of the main door.

  ‘That’s odd,’ Kate muttered, as she unfastened her seat belt.

  ‘Ma’am?’

  ‘That car: does it strike you as something Fenton would drive? I’d have expected something more…’

  ‘Flashy?’

  ‘Exactly. That seems more befitting of someone with a family, or a retiree who only goes out to play golf.’

  Laura pointed ahead. ‘There’s a large garage over there. Maybe he keeps the others locked away.’

  Kate wasn’t so sure. She rang the bell, sending a chorus of ‘Rule Britannia’ chiming through the house. A moment later she heard the door being opened. It was difficult to determine who was more surprised: Fenton, that the police were at his door, or Kate, to see Fenton dressed in chinos, and a short-sleeved shirt, with a sweater draped around his shoulders. The bandage from his right wrist had been replaced with a blue neoprene wrist support.

  She lifted the signed warrant into the air. ‘Daniel Fenton, I have a search warrant for this property.’

  He snatched the sheet of paper and read it. ‘What the fuck? It’s Sunday for fuck’s sake!’

  She tried to hide the smile from her face. ‘Shit happens. Come on, you’re used to this kind of thing.’

  He stepped out onto the porch, closing the door slightly behind him as he did. He leaned forward, his voice barely more than a whisper. ‘This is really awkward, but is there any chance you could come back in, like, h
alf an hour?’

  ‘Why would I do that?’

  ‘Shush, keep your voice down, will you? I have no issue with you searching the place – although I’m pissed off you’re choosing to hassle me on a Sunday – but can you just give me some time first?’

  ‘You want me to give you time to hide something?’

  ‘No, no, nothing like that; if you must know, my girlfriend’s parents are here for lunch. I don’t want them seeing the police on my doorstep.’

  ‘Are you winding me up?’

  He waved his arm towards the SUV. ‘I’m serious! I’ve never met them before, and I’m trying to make a good impression. Please, just cut me some fucking slack, will you?’

  ‘If you wouldn’t mind stepping aside, Mr Fenton, so that my colleague and I can carry out our search.’

  ‘Wait, it’s just the two of you? Where’s the rest of your lot?’

  ‘We are looking for something in particular, which shouldn’t be too hard to find.’

  ‘Do I need my lawyer here?’

  ‘That is entirely up to you, Mr Fenton. You are not currently under arrest, but if you would like your solicitor to review the details of the warrant, you’re more than welcome to invite him down here. However, we will commence the search as we have valid grounds.’

  The door opened wider, and a younger woman appeared next to Fenton. She had Hispanic features, with dark-brown curls and the most beautiful dark-brown eyes.

  She placed her hand around his waist. ‘Qué pasa?’

  He gently kissed her free hand. ‘It’s nothing, don’t worry. Listen, Pilar, do me a favour. Take your parents out the back and have them drive you to the restaurant now.’

  ‘I no understand. Who are these people?’

  He smiled to reassure her. ‘It’s nothing to worry about, I promise you. It’s just some business I need to take care of.’

  ‘But my parents—’

  He spoke in a firm whisper. ‘I will meet you all at the restaurant and I’ll explain then. Okay? Please, darling. I won’t be long. Make sure you bring them out via the back garden.’

  She scowled at Kate and Laura, before once more slipping behind the door.

  He handed Kate her warrant with gritted teeth. ‘When you don’t find what you’re looking for, I’m going to file a complaint against you. You know this is fucking harassment.’

  Kate had had enough of his bullshit, and stepped forward. ‘If you don’t get out of my way, I’ll get some of my uniformed friends to come down here too with all their lights and sirens going. Then your girlfriend’s parents will get to see exactly who their daughter has become mixed up with. Your neighbours will have a better idea too. Now step aside, Mr Fenton.’

  He glanced behind the door to check the coast was clear, and then ushered them quickly inside. ‘If you tell me what you’re looking for, perhaps I can help.’

  Kate ignored him, and pressed on. ‘We’ll start upstairs.’ She turned to Laura. ‘Keep an eye on him, and make sure he doesn’t touch anything.’

  Laura nodded her understanding, as they both pulled on blue latex gloves.

  Fenton looked from one to the other. ‘You’d better not be trying to plant anything on me. One of your lot tried that once before and it didn’t end well for him. I’m coming upstairs with you.’ He followed Kate up the stairs, his mobile pressed to his ear. ‘Jimmy, get my brief to the house now. The fuzz are here.’

  At the top of the stairs, Kate looked at the doors around her, trying to determine which one would be his bedroom. Laura would know something wasn’t right if Kate headed straight for the master bedroom and located the machete, so it was important to make the search look realistic. She headed right, and opened the first door she came to. The room was bare save for a double bed, wardrobe, and small dressing table.

  ‘Who sleeps in here?’ Kate asked.

  ‘That’s a guestroom. Most of the rooms are up here.’

  ‘Do you have many guests to stay?’

  ‘That’s none of your goddamned business!’

  Kate pretended to search the room, opening the empty wardrobe, checking under the bed, and feeling beneath the mattress, but all she found was a thin layer of dust covering every surface.

  ‘Can’t you afford a cleaner?’

  He didn’t reply, checking his watch for the umpteenth time. ‘Is this going to take much longer? I have a reservation for eleven.’

  ‘Early lunch or late breakfast?’

  ‘Brunch. Pilar’s family are over from Barcelona.’

  ‘And which room are they sleeping in?’

  He subconsciously glanced at the next door along the corridor, but Kate spotted the movement, and headed there. The room was as sparse as the first, save for two large suitcases lying on the mattress.

  Kate flicked at the zip of one of the cases. ‘Spain is Africa’s narcotics gateway to Europe; that’s what they say, isn’t it?’

  ‘No. No way! Pilar’s parents have nothing to do with anything. You cannot be serious. They only landed this morning. You have no right to go through their luggage.’

  ‘The terms of the warrant give me permission to look at anything, and in any place, connected with the property on the day of the search.’ She unzipped the case, and opened the lid. Using her pen, she lifted a bathing suit out of the case and held it up. ‘I’ve also heard it said that if you want to know what your partner will look like when she’s older, you should take a long hard look at her mother. Tell me, Fenton, is Pilar’s mum hot?’

  He glared at her, his face reddening.

  Kate dropped the bathing suit back into the case, before closing the lid. She pushed past him and headed to the only room with two doors. ‘And this is your room, I presume?’ She tried the handles but the doors were locked. She turned to face him. ‘I’m hoping you have a key for these doors, so I don’t have to barge them open.’

  He looked like he wanted to refuse, but having glanced at his watch again, he fumbled in his pocket, located his keys and unlocked the doors.

  She stepped into the room, hit almost immediately by the overwhelming stench of body spray, making the room smell like the gents’ changing room at the gym.

  Her attacker had said the machete had pride of place on the wall in the room, but Fenton hadn’t seemed worried when he’d unlocked the door. Did that mean they were too late? Had he already removed it?

  She scanned the walls. No machete.

  The room was the size of Kate’s bedroom, lounge, and kitchen combined, with a king-size bed in the centre of the room but pressed up against the wall. On the opposite wall, was a large screen television, far too big for the distance from the bed; it would be like watching a cinema screen. The third wall was lined with three fitted wardrobes, and that left a large patio-style door to a balcony overlooking the huge garden below.

  She cursed under her breath and moved closer to the large wall behind the bed, running her hands over the surface, searching for hooks or indents where hooks had once been. Nothing.

  The man in her house had been so convinced, but if he was wrong about the machete, was he also wrong about Fenton’s guilt?

  She looked back at Laura, unable to keep the anxious frown from her face. Laura stared blankly back at her. It had to be here. Her stalker wouldn’t have gone to the effort of breaking into her flat and threatening her if he didn’t believe it was here. Would he? Was he setting her up? She studied the room, trying to figure out where he might have hidden the weapon. In desperation, she dropped to her hands and knees, and crawled towards the bed. Using the torch on her phone, she tilted her head to one side, and almost erupted into laughter as she spotted it. She pulled out the machete from its sheath, lifting it triumphantly into the air so Laura could see it. ‘Bingo!’

  46

  Fenton stared, wide-eyed, at Kate. ‘What the fuck is that?’

  She considered him for a moment. Incredulity: it was a common reaction of both the guilty and innocent. ‘This is a machete, Mr Fenton, and I believe this
is the same weapon that was used to kill Harold Watson on Monday night before his body was left to burn in the fire at your warehouse.’

  ‘What? I’ve never seen that fucking thing in my life.’

  Denial: also the guilty man’s best friend.

  ‘Oh, so presumably it won’t contain any trace of your DNA, or indeed that of Harold Watson?’

  ‘No! I mean, how the fuck would I know?’

  ‘So how did it get under your bed?’

  ‘I don’t know. Someone must have put it there.’

  ‘Like who?’

  He looked from Laura to Kate, mouth wide but no words emerging.

  Kate carried the weapon over to Laura, who was holding a large clear evidence bag open. She lowered the machete into the bag, and Laura sealed it.

  ‘I swear to you, detective, I’ve never seen that thing in my life. Obviously, someone is setting me up. That’s what this is. That’s why you came here on a Sunday, and why there’s only two of you here; it’s so one of you could plant it while the other distracted me.’

  ‘Don’t embarrass yourself, Mr Fenton. You’ve seen the size of it. Tell me, which of us do you think brought it in? And before you answer that, tell me how we kept it hidden from view?’

  ‘All right, so it wasn’t one of you, but someone left it here.’

  ‘Who? Your girlfriend? Her parents? Your non-existent cleaner?’

  ‘How the hell should I know?’

  ‘You’d better come up with a better story than that, Mr Fenton, because if this weapon does come back as a match for the murder weapon, you’re going to need more than a fancy lawyer to keep you out of jail.’

  He grabbed her arm. ‘I didn’t kill Watson. I’ve told you a hundred times already. Someone is trying to make it look like I did, but I didn’t.’

  She glared at his hand until he released her. ‘Don’t put your hands on me again, Mr Fenton, or we’ll add assault to your growing list of charges.’ Kate left the room and headed for the stairs, before turning. ‘Actually, before I go, what were you wearing on Monday night?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Your clothes, Mr Fenton. You claim you were at Nicholson’s garden party. If that’s true, you won’t have any concerns with supplying the shirt and trousers you were wearing that night.’