by J. R. Martin
He opened the front door with his key and shouted, “Honey, I’m home.”
Gladys’s Graham rounded the kitchen corner wiping her hands on her apron and smiled the biggest, ‘welcome home,’ smile she could conjure up.
“I’m so glad to see you, stranger.” She said as she put her arms around him.
He was always amazed at her sweet nature. No matter how many times he broke his promise to be home in time for dinner she always made excuses for him, to the kids, her friends or anyone else Walt let down by not being able to show up on time. There was no doubt about it, she was his rock, he loved her more than words could ever convey.
If something happened to Gladys’s as it had Eve Bennett, he doubted he would have survived as well as Ivan seemed to be doing. He knew his partner’s heart was broke, but he stood in amazement at his ability to accept what fate handed and never question it. Even to him, his partner.
Of course, Walt didn’t know how Ivan was really doing. He put on a pretty good show for everyone that saw him. What they couldn’t envision was how he fell apart the minute he walked into his apartment and human eyes couldn’t see him. Only then did he let his guard down and rave curses at God for his loss.
Chapter Five
The next morning when Walt arrived at Scotland Yard, Ivan was already there.
“Any luck finding out who the skull belongs to, or if Simon Éclair is a good or bad guy?” Walt asked.
“Simon hasn’t reported any family members or friends missing. Not now, not ever. He seems to be a law abiding citizen.” Ivan relayed.
“That’s good to know.” Walt answered. “Are you ready to go to the coroner’s office and see what Ms. Marsha has found out about the skull?”
“Yes, give me a minute to look up one more person.” Ivan said.
“One more person for what?”
“One more possible suspect.” Ivan said.
“And who might that be?” Walt asked with great curiosity.
“The administrator at the Asylum.” Ivan answered.
“Oh, surely you don’t think he has anything to do with these murders?” Walt asked in stark shock.
“I’m just checking out his record, that’s all.” Ivan replied.
****
The two detectives walked into the coroner’s office bearing gifts. As they entered Ivan called out, “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha, I’ve brought you donuts and coffee.”
“Well, I knew I kept you around for a reason.” She laughed.
The three sit down to enjoy a donut and coffee before getting down to the forensics about the skull. When they had finished, Marsha said,
“I think I’ve found something you are going to be interested in, Ivan.”
“Oh, and what’s that?” Ivan asked.
“I ran the DNA through CODIS and you can never guess what came back.” Marsha said.
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense woman.”
“Garth Simmons, known murderer, evil, with a record a mile long. Currently a patient at London’s Hospital for the Criminally Insane.” Marsha shared.
“You’ve got to be kidding me?” Ivan blurted out. “You mean that skull belongs to someone who is kin to him?”
“Yep,” Marsha said. “Someone blood kin, like a brother or sister, mother or father.”
“But, he killed his parents, ten years ago and his sister lives near London. I visited with her just the other day. I’ve been involved with his case for over ten years now. As far as I know it was just the two of them, Garth and Grace Simmons, still living.”
“I only deal in what is.” Marsha said. “And what is, that skull belongs to Simmons ken.”
“Holy Gees,” Walt breathed. “That puts a whole new light on everything.”
“Indeed.” Ivan sighed. “Indeed. If he had a living brother it could have been the brother doing the copycat killings.”
“But, how? How would he have been able to get in and see Simmons and not be registered as a visitor? And how come his sister Grace didn’t tell us she had another living brother?” Walt asked.
“That’s exactly what we are going to ask her when we visit her later today.” Ivan said.
The trio sit looking at each other in disbelief, and finally Ivan broke the silence by saying,
“Come on Walt. We’ve miles to go before we sleep tonight.”
With that statement the two detectives exited the Coroner’s office.
****
“What are we going to do?” Walt asked as Ivan turned the car toward Wimbledon.
“We are paying another visit to Grace Simmons.” Ivan answered.
The detectives were silent on the drive. Each one lost in his own thoughts and trying their best to piece together what evidence they had. It was for sure the latest about the skull had come as a total shock to both of them.
If Grace had lied to the police or neglected to tell them she had another brother, then what else had she lied about? Ivan was kicking himself for ever believing anything a Simmons told him. I should have known better. He kept telling himself.
When they pulled up in front of Grace Simmons house, Ivan got out the forensics report and put it in his hand-held tablet. As they got out of the car, out of habit, Ivan looked both directions up and down the street. All seemed normal except the dark sedan parked half way down the block, but, it really wasn’t out of place. There were many houses on that street that the occupants of that sedan could be visiting. Of course, Ivan didn’t see the man rise up out of the seat after he and Walt had entered Grace Simmons home. If he had, he might have had a forewarning.
Grace Simmons greeted them at the door with a puzzled look on her face. She welcomed them in as she asked,
“Did you go out to Simon Éclair’s farm and see what he had found he wanted to tell you about?”
“Yes, we did, indeed do that.” Ivan answered “and here is the forensics report on that finding.”
Ivan handed Grace the report then made himself at home, once again, on the parlor couch. He glanced at Walt and it was apparent he was not at all comfortable in this setting. He nodded his head and gave a patting motion with his hand as if to say, “Calm down. It’s o.k.”
Grace read the report without much change in her expression until she got to the part that told of Garth Simmons and his relation to the skulls DNA. Then she looked at Ivan and said,
“I know this looks like I lied to you, but I haven’t seen my other brother in years. And what pray tell, would his skull be doing in Simon Eclairs pig pen?”
“I was hoping you could tell me that, Grace.” Ivan said, never changing his expression.
“I can’t tell you something I don’t know.” Grace answered. “Do you really think I would have told you about Simon Éclair and his finding an object of concern if I’d known it would turn out to be my brother’s skull?”
“People do strange things, Grace, you know that. What was your brother’s name and when was the last time you saw or spoke to him?” Ivan asked.
“His name was Greg. Greg Simmons. I haven’t seen or heard from him since the murder of my mother and father. Greg was in the navy at the time. He didn’t even make it home for their funeral. I supposed he was dead too, by now. Garth certainly never spoke of him.” Grace said.
“Do you know if Garth and he have had any correspondence?” Walt asked.
“No, I do not know. I told you, the last time I heard from him was when my mother and father were murdered. He didn’t come home for their funeral.” Grace said, bowing her head.
“So, if he had any contact with Garth you don’t know about it?” Ivan asked.
“That’s right, detective. I don’t think he has or Garth would have told me.” Grace continued.
“What relationship does Simon Éclair have with you or your family?” Walt questioned.
“My father and Mr. Éclair were best friends. Mr. Éclair swore he would take revenge on Garth for my parent’s death. He’s always been very kind to me, but, he and Garth never go
t along.”
“So you admit it’s not out of the question that Garth could have told someone where to plant that skull? You know, to cast blame or doubt on Mr. Éclair.” Ivan asked.
“That’s totally within reason and something Garth would do. But, he’s never once said or done anything to make me think he even knew where our brother was.” Grace said.
****
On the way, back to Scotland Yard, Ivan called the Coroner’s office. Marsha answered.
“Hart here.”
“Marsha, there’s no way you can tell time of death from that skull is there?” Ivan asked.
“I’m good, Bennett, but not that good. No, time of death cannot be established from the skull.” Marsha said. “Now I can tell you approximate age of skull, and perhaps you can back track on how old you know the victim would be at this time. By doing it that way you can get an idea of how long the skull has laid, undiscovered.”
“Okay, Marsha, do that for me,” Ivan requested.
“Will do,” Marsha replied.
Ivan then called Grace Simmons. When she answered, Ivan asked, “Grace how old would your brother be now, if he were alive?”
“Let me think, he was the first born and he was five years older than Garth. Garth is fifty-five so our brother would be about sixty.” Grace said.
“Thanks,” Ivan replied.
Turning to Walt he said, “Her brother would be about sixty now. When Marsha gets back to us we will know approximately how old he was when he was killed. That will give us a working time line.”
“I’m still blown away that we never knew Garth Simmons had a brother.” Walt said.
“Yeah, that was a real surprise.” Ivan agreed.
****
When the detectives got back to Scotland Yard they quickly put all their notes together to see if any of them crossed each other. The only thing that coincided was the way all the prostitutes had been murdered. The modern-day murders matched those committed in the late 1800’s almost exactly.
“Our killer knows his history.” Walt said. “the murders match almost perfectly, from the strangulation, and their throats being cut, to the bodies being dismembered and thrown in the dumpster.”
“Yes,” Ivan agreed. “I still feel in my bones; Garth Simmons is behind every one of these murders.”
“From his cell in the insane asylum?” Walt asked.
“Yes, from his cell in the asylum.” Ivan answered. “He’s not personally doing the killings, but he is orchestrating them.”
“Who do you think is helping him?”
“I don’t know, but I will find out.” Ivan answered.
****
By mid-morning of the next day, Ivan had pulled all the doctors records, all the employee records and all the administrators’ records for the Asylum and for the area psychiatrists. He sat mulling through them. He rubbed his head, his chin and his chest. Nothing was apparent, nothing.
“It’s got to be here,” he mumbled to himself.
Walt walked in and looked at what Ivan was involved in then he asked, “How long you been at this?”
“All night.” Ivan answered.
“Any leads?”
“Nope, nothing.” Ivan mused.
“I’ve got an idea.” Walt said.
“Oh, and what’s that?” Ivan answered.
“Let’s go down to the library and see what all was going on in the newspaper about ten years ago.” Walt suggested.
“Okay, anything would beat this. I’m getting nowhere fast.” Ivan answered.
The dubious duo left headquarters and drove to the public library. Getting out of the car they hurried inside to escape the thunderstorm that was encroaching on the city of London.
Sitting down at the computer Walt typed in the date Garth Simmons had killed his parents. In just a few seconds the newspaper’s account of the murder was in front of them. The headlines read, SON KILLS PARENTS, SHOWS NO REMORSE.
Garth Simmons face glared back at them from the aged newspaper. It showed him in handcuffs being led away from his home. In the background Ivan could see Grace Simmons tear streaked face. Beside her a handsome man stood, offering, what appeared to be condolences?
As Walt started to turn the page, Ivan said, “Wait, isn’t that doctor Williams standing by Grace. I mean the picture is ten years old, but I know that’s doctor Williams.”
Walt wrinkled up his nose, took out his bifocals and looked at the picture again. Then he said, “By George, your right, Ivan. That is Dr. Williams. But, didn’t he tell us he hardly knew Garth Simmons?”
“Yeah, that’s what he said. But, in all fairness we didn’t ask if he knew Grace Simmons.” Ivan laughed.
“Look, there behind Grace, that’s Simon Éclair.” Walt said.
“Well, hail, hail, the gang’s all here.” Ivan smiled.
“But what does all this mean?” Walt asked.
“It means, everybody’s not sharing all they know with us, Walt. That’s what it means.” Ivan said as he shut down the computer and walked to the library door.
Pacing to keep up with Ivan, Walt asked. “Where are we headed now?”
“Back to see farmer Éclair.” Ivan said.
****
Simon Éclair did not act the least bit surprised when the two detectives showed up at his front door. Contrary, he welcomed them inside and offered tea or coffee. Both of which the detectives refused. Then he asked, “What can I do for you?”
“Mr. Éclair, do you know the other Simmons, boy? Greg?” Ivan asked.
“Yes, I knew the entire family. The father and I were best friends. Greg was in the navy when the tragedy happened. He didn’t even come home for their funeral.” Mr. Éclair stated.
“Do you have any idea why he didn’t attend the funerals?” Ivan asked.
“From what I was told he said he didn’t trust himself not to kill Garth where he stood. The two boys never got along. Garth was so mean and cruel and was always into something. I believe that’s why Greg left home and joined the navy.”
“And what part did Grace play in all of this?” Walt asked.
“Nothing, as far as I know. She’s a sweet girl. She always tried to keep peace between her parents and the two boys. She’s the only one Garth would ever listen to.” Simon said.
“Mr. Éclair on the day of the funeral was Garth allowed to attend?” Ivan asked.
“Oh, no, the law wouldn’t allow that. He killed them, he wasn’t going to be allowed to mourn for them, and get out of jail for a while. That’s all it would have been, just an excuse to get out of jail for a few hours.”
“So, in reality, so far as the children are concerned, Grace was the only one at her parent’s funeral?” Ivan questioned.
“Yes, sir. I felt so sorry for the little thing. In reality she lost her whole family that fateful day.”
“Tell me, Mr. Éclair, do you know Dr. Williams? He’s a psychiatrist.” Ivan asked.
“I know of him. I don’t personally know him.” Simon shared.
“Do you know if he and Grace were an item at one point in time?” Ivan asked.
“Yes, I believe they were. I recollect at the funeral he stood by her and supported her and let her lean on him when she faltered. Yes, I’d say they were involved.” Mr. Éclair stated.
“Then what happened? Why did they break up?” Ivan asked.
“I don’t have a clue. Just suddenly they weren’t together anymore.” Simon said.
“Mr. Éclair, you deserve to know. The skull was that of Greg Simmons.” Ivan said.
The old man turned pale. He gasped for air and had to sit down in a chair. “Oh, no,” he sputtered, “Oh, no.” Tears started streaming down his cheeks.
“I had no idea.” He said. “How did it get in my pig pen?”
“I don’t know, Mr. Éclair. But, rest assured, I will find out.” Ivan Bennett said with determination in his voice.
“We’ve got to go now, sir, but we will keep in touch. Thank you for your help
and I’m sorry to have to be the bearer of sad news.” Ivan said as he made his way to the front door.
Reaching over and touching Éclair’s shoulder Walt asked, “Sir, are you going to be alright, here alone?”
“Oh, yes, young man. I’ll be alright, just such a shock. I had no idea it was my best friends boy’s skull that was in my pig pen. How terrible, how tragic.” He buried his face in his hands and sobbed.
The two detectives waited until they knew the old man was o.k. Then they thanked him and left.
“Now, what do you think, Ivan?” Walt asked.
“I don’t know partner. I truly do not know.” Ivan answered.
Chapter Six
“What are you doing?” Walt asked.
“I’m going to talk to Grace Simmons. I want to know why she never shared that she and Dr. Williams were once an item.” Ivan answered.
“Was there really any reason that she should have?” Walt asked. “I mean think about it, we never directly asked her if she personally knew any psychiatrist or doctors at the mental hospital.”
“That’s true, but I’m going to ask her the question and watch the reaction on her face.” Ivan said as he turned the car in the direction of Grace Simmons home.
They drove the short distance from Éclair’s home to Grace Simmons home. When they pulled up in front Ivan made note of a dark sedan parked in front of Grace’s home. He mentally noted the license plate. GRN-357. Then he got out of the car and walked to Grace’s front door. As he rang the doorbell he heard a door slam.