by Ony Bond
He was stepping into the office when James followed him.
“I never congratulated you on your appointment.” He patted him. “Congrats, mate. Now you’re my boss. I did say painful stuff to you.”
“You did, but thanks.”
“You aren’t angry with me?”
“I should be. You haven’t been happy with me since you learnt Rose’s my girlfriend. And I thought you’d be the first to say congratulations on my appointment.”
James sat, admitted he got caught between them. Frank was his friend too, had arrived at work in a foul mood, said Godfree called him yesterday claiming Rose was his girlfriend now. To aggravate the situation, he said Godfree shouted at him, wanted him to accept him as his daughter’s boyfriend. So he and Rose clashed. All he wanted was to protect her. James had believed Frank.
“You never asked my side of the story. Frank doesn’t want you talking to me. You really believed I shouted at him?”
James’ eyes slipped away. “No. You know I’m your friend.”
“The best for him and everyone else is to leave Rose and me alone. We aren’t sharing a bed. She’s not being held against her will and using my guest room.”
James held his arm. “I’m still your mate. don’t want myself caught between you and Frank. He’s hurt and humiliated. You got to give him time.”
Godfree wanted to push the hand from his shoulder. Felt it would never be the same between them.
“Good idea.”
Frank was coming up the steps. James left. He would have to find another time to talk to him. It was James’ shift to six today.
Both Godfree and Rose had decided with to stay until they had talked to James separately, draw him out to talk about his past, the missing girls and Moto. Godfree had questions he needed answers to, and had concluded James was hiding something from his past. An event or events that had caused him to hate blondes. His story at Godfree’s house that night had been about an abandoned boy whose mother was unfaithful. James had called her a prostitute who had abandoned a seven-year old boy. That boy had been taken by social services. There had been no talk then of relative. Sexually abused by a man who adopted him that boy wanted revenge against his mother and the man. Years later he killed that man then went looking for his mother. Only she was dead. He had wanted to do the killing himself. His frustration and anger caused him to select young women that reminded him of his mother. So far three blondes had been kidnapped and not been seen ever since.
Something hit him then. James was right.
Because those girls were dead.
Why had Godfree not caught it? The pointers were there all along. James had been telling him his motive to kill all along. It was because of the mother, father and society that did not help him. Whom he blamed for the raw deal that was his life.
James was a killer.
He must have killed Moto too. He told him as much that he was doing James a favour and they would never see Moto again.
Now he knew who James’ target was. Rose. And Frank was unwittingly sending a killer to his own daughter. He had to see Rose immediately.
He felt chilled as he hurried to find her.
CHAPTER 24
Rose was in her office busy. He tapped her shoulder. She glanced up and smiled.
“Hey. What’s wrong?”
“We got to talk now. But not here. The graveyard. It’s very important. Going there now.”
“Ok.”
He left for the shed. She arrived a minute later found him in their corner. His voice was low.
His voice was low but urgent. “James is that blonde abductor. Not only that. He is a killer. Killed those girls and that man Moto.”
“You sure?”
He told her why he thought so. It had been there all along. He was sure. Not only that. Godfree also knew who the next blonde girl to die was.
She paled. “Who?”
“You, Rose.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“You want to scare me.”
“No. It’s you alright. He always spoke about how the boy’s mother looked a lot like you. His way of telling me why he hated you. We need to draw him out. He killed those girls and Moto too.”
She glanced around her as her hand tightened around his arm. “This place’s scary. Hope he won’t follow us here. Can’t relax now with what you just told me.”
“Hold on. It’ll be over soon.”
She listened to his plan, agreed with it as she bobbed her hair up and down. He stressed they must not let him know they suspected him, not until it was completely necessary. And then he squeezed her hand.
“Goodness! He was taunting you about the girls all along, Free. Telling you all along how clever he was and would never be caught. Why he was killing and hated me for being blonde. It’s about his mother.”
“Yes, and you look like her. Let’s get back. Act normal.”
“Ok. It won’t be easy but I’ll try.”
She left, joined him in his office later.
“You look tired,” she said. “How’s the headache?”
“Gone.”
“What you need are chips and steaks tonight. I’m taking you to a restaurant. Have I told you of this new place?”
“You’re making my mouth water. Why don’t we go home?”
They grew silent as James tapped on the door and entered.
"Hi, Rose. Hope I’m not disturbing you, lover-birds."
“Nope,” Godfree said as he kicked Rose’s leg.
She wiped the frown off her face and smiled.
“Hello. Haven’t seen you all day, James. Busy?”
“Yeah, the new manager’s pushing us hard. News over the grapevine says you’ve moved in with this guy. Isn’t that too soon? Thought you’d wait until he put a ring on your finger first.”
“It’s early days yet. I might decide to dump him and go out with you instead.”
“You would?”
“Why not? Given it thought. There are things I’m noticing about Godfree I don’t like at all. Looks like it might not work out between us. Hadn’t go around to telling him yet.”
Godfree glanced at her. “You aren’t serious, Rose.”
“I am.” She showed James her left hand. “Do you see a ring? That means I’m still free. I’m just staying at his place, not sleeping with him. Had no place to go, that’s all. He can’t hold me if I decided to leave. My problem is you never made a move on me, James. Only did so when it was too late. You also caused it, as I don’t know you that much. Last thing I want is to leave this guy for you before I’m really sure. Suppose I make that move, learn later you’re the culprit who’s been taking those missing girls.”
James blinked quickly. His tongue darted out and licked his lips. “Me? You got to be joking, Rose.”
“Who knows? I never said I hated you, did I? Problem is I don’t know you much. Why do you never talk about your parents or family? If I’m to date you I must know and trust you. You could be hiding something nasty.”
“There isn’t a mystery about that. My parents were killed.”
“Oh, sorry. Never knew.”
“Sorry,” Godfree said.
“You got any brothers and sisters then?” Rose asked.
“No. My dad died...I mean both my parents were killed in a car accident. I was just seven and survived.”
“Only seven? That’s too young to lose both parents. So who raised you?”
James spoke fast. “My uncle, but he’s late now. He and my aunt raised me. She passed from leukaemia years ago. He followed a year later. Pancreatic cancer. I don’t have any living relatives. That part of my life’s too painful for me. So you can understand why I Don’t like talking about it.”
Rose patted him. “Poor man. Come on, James. Think you need a coffee and Free here, doesn’t need to know that part of your life. Let me get you a drink.”
Godfree watched them leave, recalled James had never spoken of an uncle or aunt. He was lying.
He watched them stand close by the vending machines, talk and laugh. Knew how hard this must be for his girlfriend when all she wanted was scratch James’ face and scream murderer. But she had to play along. This was her best opportunity. That girl could have been an actress. Pride filled him.
When they both returned twenty minutes later James had bought a drink for Godfree.
“James had a horrible life," Rose said. “He’s really brave and surmounted impossible obstacles to get where he is.”
James looked proud.
“Is that so?” Godfree asked.
“Yes, but I won’t tell you, because he took me into his confidence. I realize now what a fine guy he is. Free…I’m sorry. What I want to say is it’s over between us. I want to go out with James.”
“What? It’s a joke, right?”
“I mean it. It’s him now.” She spoke firmly. “It’s over.”
“No, it’s not. You know I love you.”
James spoke. “She just told you I’m her new man, Godfree. Don’t bother her now. She’s my girl now, realized I’m the genuine guy. You took advantage of her. She realizes it now.”
“How about I move to your place, James? I’ve never been to see it.”
"Ah...” James scratched his cheek. “My house isn’t good enough.”
“Don’t worry. My dad won’t mind. After all he likes you, wants us together, and will be happy if we date. We will have time to talk, be together, go out for that meal and a film. I can even cook, iron your clothes and prepare your lunch-boxes.”
James looked uneasy. “I’d like nothing better but no. Why don’t you go back home? It’s best that way for now.”
She looked hurt. “You don’t want me in your place? Thought you liked me. Ah, you’re seeing another girl, aren’t you?”
“No, there’s no one else. I like you but don’t want your dad thinking we’ll be sharing a bed. I mean, eh...he will if you come to my place. Move back home now. Tell Frank the truth that you never loved Godfree, were just confused and never slept with him anyway. That you like me. I will visit, bring flowers for you and your mother and then court you properly. Take you out and bring you back like a real gentleman. Need to impress your family. Godfree never did that.”
“He didn’t. I rushed things. He took advantage of me at that boot-fare.”
“You can’t walk out on me,” Godfree whined.
She smiled widely at James. “Sorry, was blind not to know it was James all along.”
Godfree spoke. “I’m going home.”
“I’m coming for my stuff.”
James spoke. “Don’t stop her. Need me around to help Rose?”
“I’ll be ok.”
“You pretended to love me.” Godfree glared at Rose. “James was right you’d hurt me. I should have listened. From now I don’t trust blondes either.”
“Don’t insult her! She’s my girl now.” James drew close. “Let her go or I’ll hurt you.”
“I’ll break your jaws, Jamie.”
“I will slit your throat if you hurt her. Frank wants me, not you as his son and never liked you. Try hurting her and I will kill you. I mean it.”
Godfree cocked his eyebrows. “You don’t scare me.”
“When you’re lying dead in a zipped bag at the bottom of a lake it’ll be too late for you.”
“Talking from experience? You keep talking about lakes and bags. Got a lake you throw your victims, huh? You must be this coward that’s kidnapping the girls. Did you do something to Moto too? Killed them all, you chicken. Where are they? Tell me about your lake.”
James’ face twitched. The alien look of rage was back as he snarled and growled hands opening and closing, picked the broom and raised it.
“I’m going to kill you! Stab you in that throat and rip out your heart.”
Rose pushed Godfree aside and yelled. “Give me that broom, James!”
He relaxed, put the broom back and smiled. “Hey, I won’t hurt him, Rose. He insulted me, thinks I murdered Moto and those girls.”
“You never denied it, Jamie,” Godfree said. “You hate blondes and three disappeared. There’s also the issue of your black car. Remember you were at my place the night Tracy disappeared close to midnight. That’s the time the taxi driver saw Tracy get inside a black car. Moto’s missing. Didn’t you tell me he isn’t ever coming back and how you talked to him and scared him off? Where’s he? I think you’re hiding things from me and you were supposed to be my pal. Now you’re taking my girl. I want you to tell me now you didn’t hurt those girls, where they are, and what you did with Moto.”
“Whoever killed those girls had a good reason,” James said.
Godfrey felt a chill. “You keep saying they are dead. Why? Because you killed them, didn’t you? What good reason was there to murder them? How about if we trade? You tell me where Moto and the girls are, and you can have Rose. Deal?"
James laughed. “So you think I’m that elusive blonde abductor?”
“I know you are.”
“Clever. If I confess then you run to the police and become a hero when I get arrested, huh? Get that reward money. I languish in prison while you bask in glory for helping catch me, go on TV, tell them how you caught me and and blow the cash.”
“Even if you confessed do you think I’d tell the police? Can’t have you in jail. I’d rather let you have Rose. Careful with her though. You were right when you warned me she’d hurt me. Hope she doesn’t dump you too.”
“Loser,” Rose snarled. “Just because I like James better than you. How can you accuse him of killing those girls and Moto? He’s not a killer.”
He switched off the desktop and fetched his bag. “He abducted those girls, killed them and Moto and dumped them in a lake. Let him say he isn’t a killer to your face. And do you know who’s next, Rose? You. He will get you to an isolated spot and kill you too. Then you’ll join the others in his lake.”
“Never. Not James. You’re just creating stories here. James’ll never murder anyone.”
He pointed at James and winked. “You almost got caught with that last girl, Jamie. That taxi driver saw you stop and pick her. Luck was on your side, because he never saw the model of your car. That’s why you were uneasy with the news, thought I might suspect you. Another thing was the time you left my place that night. You wanted to establish your alibi just in case the police came.”
James smiled. “So you suspected me?”
“Yes, but your secret’s safe. We’re pals. You must tell me one day how you planned it all? Had you written your story it would have become a bestseller.”
James laughed. “Yeah, maybe I’ll tell you one day.”
Godfree winked again. “I knew someone local was kidnapping those girls.”
“Come on,” Rose said. “You aren’t seriously trying to make me believe James here is a killer?”
“That’s what he is. He killed those girls and Moto. Think he has a lake in the trees somewhere not very far from his home. Know there are several lakes in the trees. I’m going home now. Don’t worry, Jamie. I won’t talk. Come get your stuff now, Rose, before I put it outside. Don’t want it in my house any longer.”
“So what now?” James asked still with a smile on his face. “You going to tell the police you suspect me?”
Godfree shook his head. “No. I don’t want to lose a friend. Would miss the Nandos chicken and our chess games if you get locked up. I understand. Your mother was one cruel and evil woman.”
“James isn’t a killer,” Rose said.
“He’s hasn’t denied it. Come get your stuff.”
She snapped. “James isn’t a killer! Got to follow you to grab my things.”
Godfree walked out and drove home was relieved to see Rose follow. Minutes later she followed him into the house closed the door, held him as she shivered.
“You were right. It’s him. Isn’t he just horrible? He murdered them all! You pushed him into a corner, riled him. He never denied killing the girls, e
ven looked like he’s proud of it. He suspects you think it’s him.”
“What else did you learn?”
When she talked to him earlier James lied. He had several versions of his parents’ deaths. He hated his mother. When he spoke of her his face changed. She had brought men home, bullied the father who never fought back, or protect the boy, abandoned the family for another man. Rose reminded him of his mother; very pretty and blonde. They could have been sisters. He changed his uncle’s story, didn’t mention an aunt. Talked about being taken by social services and placed in a foster home. His life there was a story of abuse.
Rose trapped him, made him talk of the missing girls, particularly the last one. Where had he been that night? He had been to Free’s place. Could he by any chance have seen the girl as he drove? Before replying James looked long at her. He asked if she thought he had anything to do with that girl’s disappearance. She touched his shoulder, said it puzzled her the police couldn’t catch this person. Was it possible James saw something the night Tracy disappeared? It would help the police.
James shocked her, said the police were wasting their time if they thought they would catch the killer. That girl was already dead like the others. Someone killed them. He stressed the killer had a reason, was settling past grudges. What scores? Wasn’t he letting his imagination run away with him? He replied with a cunning smile, insisted the murderer was just too clever and slippery for the police. They would never catch him. He also added something that scared her.
That Rose had something in common with that last victim. The long ash-blonde hair. He was sure she was the next victim and had just weeks to live.
Rose was spooked, laughed it off, told her he was trying to frighten her.
James never laughed. “I know. You’re next, Rose.”
Rose had been convinced right there it was him.
“He’s a killer and dangerous, Free.”
“He knows I suspect him. That places us in danger. We must see Detective Chief Superintendent Martin now. There’s no time to waste.”
CHAPTER 25
They drove to Stones police station, arrived in minutes.