Still deep in thought he is surprised by Tara’s presence and quick kiss on the cheek. ‘Good morning,’ she excitedly shares. ‘Good morning,’ He replies as he turns his attention to Tara and places his folded up newspaper to one side of the small coffee table. Tara sits down and the two sip on their coffee. She appears distant and it doesn’t go unnoticed by Jeremy who places his folded arms on the table and asks, ‘Are you okay?’ ‘Yes of course but can we meet this evening and ….well, there is something that I want to discuss with you.’ Jeremy is immediately taken back and fears the worst for their relationship. He can’t help but ask, ‘Are you sure everything is okay? You are worrying me and if something is not right I would prefer you say so now.’ ‘No silly!’ She adds, we are fine, I just want to sit and have dinner and talk about things, that’s all. Can we meet at D’Angelo’s café and just spend some time?’ Jeremy is relieved and quickly accepts, ‘Yes, sure – 6.30?’ ‘That will be lovely and I will look forward to it. Jeremy I really must be off and head to work, so I will see you tonight.’
Jeremy takes a break at work and buries his head into the Daily Herald. He is miffed as to why the backpacker murder is not more newsworthy. He is in disbelief that the Police do not have more to report. He has some business matters to attend downtown and knows that his travels will take him near the Chicago Library. He decides to revisit the online resources and the European backpacker double murder in the hope that he may dig up something further. He is quick to finish up errands and walks briskly into the Chicago Library and beelines to the online resource area he visited only days earlier. He settles in and again with pad and paper writes down notes as he browses. He re-reads the double murder that occurred in January 2000 looking for any clue that he may have overlooked when he first researched. But nothing, nothing new!
After some time surfing the online resources Jeremy decides to do a search of the surrounding area looking for anything that may provide an insight into the mystery. To his surprise he notices that there are a spate of murders within close proximity to Highland Manor and opens another window that details a map of the streets and surrounding area. In disbelief Jeremy starts to take down notes and sees further similarities between murders that occurred in firstly 1960 then 1964, 1967, 1975, 1989, 1993, 1995 and then the double murder in 2000 and then a significant gap before the most recent murder. The murders are all overseas backpackers and the distance from the Manor is close, albeit that arguably they are masked by the occurrence in several streets nearby.
He jots down notes and prints what resources he can before tidying the area and heading back to the office of Carter Gibson. Once back in the office Jeremy contemplates matters and decides that this evening he will summon the previous Highland Manor owners given that the murders took place during their period of ownership. He also wants to call again on Jan and Rodney Wiltshire the current owners and is aware that they now will be back in Chicago from overseas. He is keen to dine with Tara and a little curious what she wants to discuss.
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Tara enters D’Angelo’s café and as always is dressed immaculately. Jeremy admires her sharp dress sense and compliments her as he pulls out her chair and welcomes her to the table with a kiss. The waiter brings drinks and Jeremy notices that Tara, like this morning is a little nervous and knows something is bothering her. ‘Okay, what’s up Tara? I can see that something is not quite right so tell me please, what is it?’ Tara is clearly bothered but manages a smile as she looks up at Jeremy after taking a sip from her wine. She then wastes little time and bursts into ‘Jeremy tell me how you knew that my friend and Sophie’s mother’s name was Elaine? I never shared that name with you. And tell me how ………..how did you know that Sophie’s boyfriend’s name is Michael?’ She stammers and adds, ‘Jeremy even I didn’t know that until yesterday. But HOW did you know? Jeremy it has bothered me since yesterday, I don’t understand?’
Jeremy sighs, takes a deep breath and much like Tara did moments earlier manages a smile as he
looks into her eyes. His mind is going a hundred miles a minute. How did he slip up with such intimate details he thinks? Tara waits his explanation and just stares. She has been with him since he discovered his unique skill he thought. He decides to be bold, ‘Well……’ He stumbles and pauses as he continues to look into Tara’s eyes. ‘I am going to share something with you that is not easily believable.’ Tara raises her eyebrow and is even more curious. She says nothing waiting for Jeremy to finish. ‘I have a unique skill. It is something that I have recently discovered and ……..you will find it hard to understand.’ Tara continues to look at Jeremy and the silence hangs over them, both waiting for the other to speak.
Finally Jeremy adds, ‘I have a skill, that I have only just discovered and it will sound unbelievable but it is true. I am not a freak, it just seemed to happen.’ Tara with her eyebrow still raised in curiosity adds quietly, ‘Jeremy…..tell me. Tell me what it is? ‘Okay, are you ready?’ he asks, knowing that Tara is. She nods and says nothing. ‘When others go to sleep, I have an ability to enter their dreams. I have an ability to speak to people when they are in another dimension and it enables me to discover…..to find out things…….to travel wherever I need to or wherever I may be pulled.’ Tara looks on. Her face is without emotion and she stares at Jeremy who is also stony faced and awaiting a response from his girlfriend. ‘No one else knows,’ he adds.
To his surprise Tara quietly adds, ‘Wow that is extraordinary Jeremy. That is a gift.’ She pauses and then adds, ‘So is that how you found out about Sophie? Tell me?’ ‘I visited her after you told me, I summoned her and visited and she shared her story. She told me about Michael and how her mother wouldn’t approve. She refers to her mother as Elaine, so it slipped out.’
Jeremy is relieved that Tara doesn’t treat him like a freak and her curiosity brings many questions which Jeremy shares. He resigns himself to the fact that the person closest to him finally knows and understands his big secret and there is a sense of relief for him too as he details his unique skill as Tara hangs off his every word. The evening is long and the topic enables time to slip away. Tara asks a lot of questions and vows to keep Jeremy’s unique skill a secret.
Chapter 6
The couple is the last to leave the café and by the end of the evening Tara knows as much as she can possibly comprehend, without witnessing first-hand how Jeremy goes about his business. Jeremy reflects upon the evening but is comfortable that Tara is the first to know of his secret and special gift. He is at ease, but soon concentrates on the backpacker murders and with the benefit of the information he sourced from the Chicago Library is keen to speak to more people who he hopes can help solve what he now feels is a bigger crime than first thought. Jeremy feels that there must be some link between the murders that date back as far as 1960, but is puzzled as to how that can be the case.
He focuses on Debbie and Ross Mullins the previous Manor owners and soon finds himself walking a well-lit street in Manhattan. He comes to a large apartment block and at the buildings entrance is greeted by a couple who he knows are the Mullins’. ‘Hello.’ Both Debbie and Ross chime at the same time as the both smile at Jeremy and politely offer their hand to introduce themselves. They gesture for Jeremy to follow them to a high-rise apartment that is spacious and immaculately presented and takes in the city lights.
Jeremy is quick to question them about Highland Manor. ‘Debbie and Ross how long did you own Highland Manor, and when did you sell it to the Wiltshire’s?’ Ross settles back in his leather lounge chair, makes himself comfortable and opens up,’1980. We bought it in 1980 and sold it in 2002. And almost gave the bloody thing away!’ Jeremy can see that Ross is clearly harbouring some bad memories and says nothing allowing Ross to continue. ‘Yes, we had it for over twenty years. The Manor had a bit of a reputation when we bought it but there hadn’t been a murder since 1975 so we thought it was all behind us. They never caught anyone, and the investigations just sto
pped so we thought that was it.’ He pauses and then adds, ‘But then 1989, 1993 and another in ’95. When the double murder occurred in 2000 there was no connection to the Manor and I decided that was it and we just had to get out of there.’ Debbie nods quietly in the background allowing her husband to talk. ‘We sold it in 2002 and whilst there had been no trouble for some time we knew that we weren’t going to get what we wanted so we pretty much took the first offer that came along. Got out of there and moved to Manhattan.’
‘We keep our ears out and the Wiltshire’s have had a good run but maybe……just maybe that has come to an end with this latest one.’ ‘Do you think this one is connected to the others?’ Jeremy asks Ross. ‘I can’t see how it can’t be. But you know it just seems so damn odd that they have been going on for so long, albeit with some gaps in between. Doesn’t make sense, but anyway we had to get away and I am pleased we did,’ Ross sternly asserts. Debbie nods quietly in the background and pats the couple’s Persian cat that is now perched on her lap. ‘I feel for the Wiltshire’s. Even though they bought it for a song, it won’t help them with the reputation tarnished.’ Jeremy asks ‘Do you have any clue as to what may have happened? Do you suspect anyone at all…….I mean you were there over twenty years. Is there anything, anyone that you think may be a suspect?’ ‘No. No, I can honestly say that in the twenty years that we were there nothing stood out. I still remember the 1989 murder. It was the first during our tenure, and that really hurt. We just had no idea…….still have no idea!’ Ross looks at Jeremy blankly.
Jeremy is still baffled and knows no more than he did before meeting the Mullins’. He says good night and Ross walks him downstairs assisting him to get out of the building, before he finds himself wandering down the busy street. He is puzzled. He is unsure where to go next or who to turn to and decides that he will meet again with the Wiltshire’s but not really sure what additional information he will glean.
He focusses upon them and is soon walking the familiar hill and path to the Manager’s Reception of the Manor. As he nears the Reception Rodney greets him as he leans out the door and swings off the door frame. ‘Hi, Jeremy.’ ‘Hello thank you for meeting me. I really appreciate it,’ Jeremy replies. ‘How have things been for you since you have returned from holiday? Jeremy asks. ‘Well yes, it wasn’t our plan that’s for sure. My wife is quite stressed,’ Rodney adds as Jan politely smiles looking on, and sitting in the corner of the small office. ‘Lily our maid too is quite upset. She has been a long serving employee and was here when we took over so I suppose she has memories of it all coming back too.’ ‘How has Terry been Rodney? Do you think he is in anyway connected?’ Jeremy adds. ‘No. No, I don’t think that at all. I think it’s just …..well, one of those things and I fear it is coming back to haunt us. But no I don’t think he can be implicated and he like Lily is quite stressed. He is going home tomorrow now that we are back and the Police have finished questioning him. It really has been a trying time so I feel for the man.’ Rodney replies.
‘We have worked so hard to rebuild the reputation of Highland Manor. Since we took over in 2002 this is the first murder under our ownership, and it doesn’t sit very well with either of us.’ Rodney sternly asserts as Jan sits nodding her head trying not to be emotional and fighting back a tear. Jeremy ponders a silly question but asks anyway, ‘Rodney is there anyone that you feel may be implicated?’ ‘No. I draw a blank, I really do. I’d like to think that it is not in any way connected to murders over recent times, but it is hard to be certain of anything,’ he adds. Jeremy can see that both Jan and Rodney are very proud people, very proud of their reputation and clearly upset by the event. He bids them good evening and decides to head home and retire.
Chapter 7
Jeremy is excited to meet with Tara for coffee following dinner the prior evening. He is somewhat tentative, but excited when she greets him excitedly and asks, ‘So tell me how your evening was last night? Any progress?’ Jeremy is flattered that Tara is taking an interest and is embracing the news of his secret powers. ‘Well, little steps but I know that there is a number of murders and interestingly they have been spread over a lengthy time……possibly back as far as 1960, ’ he announces. ‘Oh my GOD! Are you serious?’ Tara is in disbelief. ‘No I am positive. This is intriguing but I don’t believe it can possibly be the work of just one person, it’s over too many years. It wouldn’t make sense, so I think that someone has become a copy-cat murderer,’ he adds.
‘As Tara orders coffee Jeremy takes a glance for the first time this morning at the Daily Herald. Again the backpacker murder is barely newsworthy and on page 3 a small column simply notes…..Police baffled in backpacker murder case. Jeremy shakes his head and decides that he must again meet with Superintendent Ryan Golding to share what he has uncovered so far. Tara joins him for coffee and shares that she is keen to help where she can. Whilst not looking to undermine Tara’s enthusiasm or willingness to help he reminds her that he enters peoples’ dreams or summons them as he transcends into a new world. ‘Tara, I would love you to help and you can.’ He pauses before quietly adding, ‘You can help me so much by allowing me to share and discuss what I do. That will mean that I have two heads working as one, but as I explained last night it would not be physically possible for you to come with me.’ Tara smiles and nods, ‘Yeah I know and Jeremy I will support you.’ She gives Jeremy a hug.
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The evening comes around quickly and Jeremy has put considerable thought into his after dark visits. He has a hunch, but still many unanswered questions remain. He has decided that he will call on Superintendent Ryan Golding and Barry Sutherland the owner of the adjoining fruit block who has been a long term resident and may also be worthy of a visit. He focuses on Ryan Golding and anticipates that he will soon be walking down a familiar road, but is unable to connect. Jeremy quickly rationalises that the Superintendent must still be awake and hence he is unable to transcend into that world. He instead focuses his attention on Barry Sutherland. He trudges a familiar hill and a path to the side of the Manor. Barry Sutherland’s cottage is small and there is a side entry surrounded by fruit trees. Barry appears and greets Jeremy. ‘Hello Jeremy…..come in.’ Barry has the same friendly disposition he recalls when he first called at the Manor with Tara.
‘Barry you have been a long time resident next to the Manor I suppose you have seen many people come and go?’ Jeremy asks. ‘Oh yes, a lot of people! And my father before me of course my family has been here …..well it’s a long time.’ ‘Oh is that right? ‘Jeremy exclaims. ‘Yes, my father sold a portion of our land at the back of our block to allow the Manor to erect some large sheds and that would have to be over sixty years ago I suppose,’ he says with a broad smile. ‘So Barry your family has a long association with the Manor? Jeremy asks. ‘Oh yes, I take fruit over there at 9.00am sharp every day and they take most of what we produce. We don’t grow as much these days, but then again I am getting older too and there is only me here since my Mum moved after Dad passed away,’ Barry explains.
‘So Barry what do you think about the spate of murders that have occurred around here?’ Barry looks at Jeremy and seems to calculate his reply and still smiling adds, ‘I think when you live in a big city, things happen. I am not sure they are things that you want to necessarily happen but somethings just can’t be explained,’ he replies. Jeremy decides it is time to go and as he heads out the door Barry offers some fruit from his woven basket that is just inside the door and laden with an assortment of stone fruit including fresh apricots, pears and peaches.
He is keen to see Superintendent Ryan Golding and is no sooner walking back down the hill and past the Manor and he focuses on his friend. Within moments he is walking down another street and is greeted at the door by Ryan who gives him a warm smile and shakes his hand firmly. ‘Good to see you again Jeremy,’ the Superintendent says still gripping and shaking Jeremy’s hand. ‘You too Ryan. I have done some research and believe that the
backpacker murder was not an isolated event,’ Jeremy excitedly blurts. ‘In fact when I visited the Library there is suggestion that there are ten copy-cat murders that date back as far as 1960 and all have occurred within a radius of five hundred yards of the Manor,’ he adds. ‘Yes, I know!’ Ryan calmly replies. ‘And…….’ Jeremy pauses. ‘What you know this?’ he quietly enquires.
‘Yes. We believe it is a copy-cat murder exactly as you have suggested. And there are we believe probably a further six murders that are likely connected to the Manor also.’ Ryan adds looking directly at Jeremy. Jeremy is puzzled and staring at Ryan asks ‘Why then have the papers been silent and reported that the Police are baffled with no apparent leads?’ Ryan looks at Jeremy and still calm replies, ‘Jeremy the last thing we need in a city is panic. We have been gathering information, doing research and questioning people, but we have just kept a lid on things so that we do not create hysteria publicly. That’s all.’ He pauses before adding, ‘But we are close, so anything you can tell me will help.’
The two chat well into the evening and Jeremy shares what he knows. He is surprised but pleased that the Police have made more progress than he had previously thought. They exchange information and Jeremy shares his thoughts on who he feels is prime suspect and the logic and information he has been able to access. Ryan advises Jeremy that he intends visiting the Manor tomorrow morning and anticipates that with the information they now have the case is likely to come to a final conclusion with charges laid. Ryan looks Jeremy in the eye and with a beaming smile adds, ‘I can’t tell you how the information you have provided has added to what we know and helped immensely. ’Jeremy expresses his excitement before replying, ‘I really must get home Ryan, so thank you for your time.’ ‘It’s a pleasure Jeremy, and let’s both hope that tomorrow sees the results we are looking for,’ he adds. Jeremy turns and as he is about to follow Ryan he removes from his coat the information he downloaded from the library online resources. He knows, as he has come to find over time that by leaving something….anything, Ryan will recollect their meeting in the morning and recall what they discussed. He shows Jeremy out and waves him off as he walks down the familiar path he has trudged so often in the past week.
After Dark: The Mystery of Highland Manor (Science Fiction Anthalogies Book 3) Page 3