Branded for Murder (Scott Tucker Series)

by Dick Waters

  Mike looked past her to the back yard and then added, “Helen, the police report a set of footprints showing shoe prints leading up to the picnic table. There were bare feet tracks around the picnic table. They also found another set of shoe prints leading from the lake to your bedroom window, then back to the lake. That set was made earlier, but they couldn’t tell how many days ago.”

  She put her hand to her mouth, went over to a nearby chair, and almost fell into it. I couldn’t see her face as she had it down against her chest. Mike didn’t say anything, but got up and got a glass of water from the kitchen, handing it to her.

  She drank some of it. “Thank you.” She looked white as a ghost.

  Mike offered, “I’m sorry Helen, I should have been more sensitive. When is your husband due back?”

  “I called him this morning. He is driving back from Maine. He should be home shortly.”

  “Good. Are you going to be okay?” Mike asked, and she nodded her head. “Helen, do you think you could show us your bedroom. I would like to see if anything has been disturbed.”

  She took a deep breath, nodding and motioning us to follow her. She stood at the doorway to the master bedroom, but still had her arms folded around herself.

  “Helen, may we open some drawers. I would like you to observe the drawers to see if anything has been disturbed.” She nodded again. Mike went over to her husband’s side of the bed. I watched as she slowly walked over, standing behind him. Mike opened the top drawer of the nightstand. She looked as if a snake was going to pop out of the drawer. She shook her head and he opened the second drawer with the same response.

  Mike went over to the other nightstand and looked to see if she was close enough to see the contents. He opened the top drawer. She jumped back immediately.

  Mike, seeing her reaction, looked more closely. There in the center of the drawer was a piece of red paper with a burned circle and capital H inside it. Helen looked like she was convulsing, bending at the waist repeatedly. She went running for the bathroom. We left her alone for a few minutes.

  *.*.*

  We helped ourselves to more coffee, giving her as much time as she needed. We were seated on the couch when she came back in. She went into the kitchen, coming back with a glass of bourbon. She took a large swallow, sitting back down in the same chair as before.

  Mike asked, “Are you going to be okay?”

  “I’m going to be okay,” she said, taking another sip of the drink. “This is getting too much to handle. First, my two childhood friends are killed, then a naked man in my backyard, and now it looks like he was right beside my bed.” She pondered for a moment then added, ‘You know he couldn’t have been inside with the dog home. He must have come during the holiday when we were away for a few days with Harry.”

  “Helen, I’ll go in and bag that note.” He started to get up, but she held up her hand.

  “Wait please.” She almost yelled it. She again looked like she was searching for words. “I have something to tell you.”

  Mike and I both drank our coffee in unison. I looked over at Mike and he sat back against the couch.

  Very shortly, Helen started to quietly tell us. “First of all, I was not one of the camp counselors. I never had one of the branding irons that the girls had. I saw all of their brandings on things around the camp, especially on their personal items.” She took another sip from her glass, which was almost empty now.

  She offered, “There was an incident during the summer which might help shed some light on things…maybe, or maybe not. However, it just came to mind when I saw what was in the drawer. The four of us were water skiing and had stopped to switch skiers. Another boat with four handsome guys our age came over, grabbing onto our boat. Some sexual innuendoes were exchanged. Before anyone knew it, Karen got up and went over to their boat.

  Helen was getting animated telling the story. “Well she planted a kiss on the handsomest guy, and I’m talking one long and passionate kiss. We were all hooting and hollering. The other guys were contemplating their next moves, when Karen yanked down the guy’s swimsuit. He was shocked and excited about the kiss, but before he knew it she pushed him back onto the seat and threw his suit over the side of the boat. She climbed back into our boat, blew them a kiss and drove our boat away.”

  I was smiling. Mike remarked, “I guess I can picture all of that happening when the hormones are raging.”

  Helen held up both her hands, commenting, “Yeah, but what she said to Phyllis and Charlotte was even more revealing. It went something like ‘…maybe we should have pulled all of their suits down, putting our marks on them.’ The girls all laughed, but I felt like the odd man out, not quite understanding it at the time. Now I think I do.”

  *.*.*

  We spent another hour or so with Helen. Part of the time was spent talking with her husband, who arrived home before we left.

  Mike headed back to the office. “Well Scott, I think we’re getting closer to the strangler. What do you think?”

  “I agree with you. I’m glad Helen related that story to us. Your earlier scenario about the girls maybe having branded someone, and now actually hearing a reference to something like that…well it completes the puzzle.”

  Mike had a frown on his face, looking over at me briefly. “What I can’t understand is why he left a warning to Helen. She had no part in the counselors branding someone. Is this guy just out of control?”

  I thought about that for a few minutes, asking, “Do you think she’s going to be the next victim?”

  Mike shook his head. “Scott, I have no idea. However, we can’t take a chance. This guy has spent some amount of time visiting Helen, possibly warning her. We just can’t take the chance.” Mike looked down at the note in a plastic folder. “I have to bring Paddy up to speed on this, and turn this evidence over to the state police for processing. I also think we need to make a detour to the Anderson’s again. Mrs. Anderson must know something about what happened the year she was pregnant with Lisa. I’m not going to call ahead to let her know we’re coming either.”

  I stared out the window, noticing how different the snow looked on the side of the road from when Lisa and I were skiing. It’s not clean and pristine any longer.

  Oh shit—here we go again!

  Chapter 59

  Mike and I were not talking. He was obviously thinking about the new development in the case. I, on the other hand, was dreading this new meeting with Lisa’s mom. There have been several times in my life when I felt everything was caving in on me. One was when I learned Jackie had been killed by the strangler…now this was another—meeting with Lisa’s mom again.

  I might have been able to finesse my way through explaining my first meeting with her mom, but how in the world am I going to do it again. The other situation I’m facing is that her mom will always remember my involvement in her questioning. I could see my reflection in the side window of the car—I was sweating profusely. My chest hurt. I was having trouble controlling my breathing. I could hear my heavy breathing, wondering if Mike could also.

  I could sense Mike looking at me. “I know this is upsetting for you. Now you’re going to have to face your future mother-in-law again. Do you want me to drop you off someplace? You really don’t have to be with me you know.”

  Yes please. Please drop me off. “No Mike, I really need to participate in this. I would honestly rather not though.”

  “Scott, I have to stop at the Derry police department before we see Rose. I need to request a room if Mrs. Anderson resists talking to us again. We may need to bring her to the police station for questioning. When I leave, I think you should bring the Derry police up to speed on what transpired at Helen’s house.”

  I considered what Mike was giving me for an out. I didn’t respond immediately. “Mike, I know you’re trying to be a friend, trying to prevent any problems down the road with Lisa or her parents. It wasn’t easy to tell Lisa about visiting with her mom. It is not going to be any easier tel
ling her I did it again. However, I can’t shy away from this, but thanks for providing me with a way around it. I might just be able to see something during the interview that could be a help.” I wiped my forehead, wondering why in the world I said that.

  We were stopped at a traffic light not far from the Derry police station. Mike turned to look at me. “Scott, it has been a real pleasure working with you on these cases. You are a fine young man and will do well in the future. When Paddy first asked me to be your mentor, I wondered why he chose me. Now, I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to be working with you.” The light turned green and Mike resumed his driving.

  “Scott, your future with Lisa and her parents is more important than your participation on this interview with her mom. Please let me talk to her alone. You know I can just pull rank on you, telling you you’re not allowed on this visit.”

  “I know you can, and I know you won’t do that”

  *.*.*

  Mike didn’t pursue it with me anymore, but I could tell he was still trying to develop an alternate plan. I could feel the strength of our friendship. I knew how to reward him in the future. That is if there is a future with Lisa.

  Mike left the car running when he went into the Derry police station. He was in there about fifteen minutes. When he came out, he wasn’t alone. Mike jumped back in the car, started to pull away, but waited at the corner of the main street. I turned to see what he was waiting for, noticing the unmarked police car behind us. The car behind us flashed its lights several times and Mike pulled away.

  I had to ask, “Why do we have company?”

  “They felt we needed to have local representation if we were going to question Mrs. Anderson.”

  I could sense this was not going to be a good session, but did not know why I felt that way.

  *.*.*

  We pulled in the Anderson’s driveway about five minutes later. I didn’t feel comfortable about two vehicles arriving, but it wasn’t my call.

  “Scott, I want you to stay in the car until we get the okay to have a discussion with Mrs. Anderson. If she consents, I’ll go to the door and wave you in. Okay?”

  “Sure Mike, I’ll just hide here in the car, while you do the whole interview…I’m just kidding. Let me know when the coast is clear,” I said, with a smile.

  “I know how you must feel, but let us handle this,” Mike said, as they turned and headed towards the front door.

  *.*.*

  Mike rang the bell and heard the Westminster chimes. The door opened seconds later.

  “Yes I’m detective Miller, we met the other day. This is Lieutenant Dennison with the Derry police department. We would like to talk with Mrs. Anderson, if she’s available.”

  The butler asked, “Is she expecting you?”

  “Not exactly, we have some follow up questions to ask her. Would you please let her know we’re here?”

  He noticed the butler’s frown on his face. “I’ll see if she’s available. Please wait inside.” He held the door for them, turning to walk up the staircase without saying another word.

  He appeared at the head of the staircase and descended without any concern for the steps. “I’m very sorry, but Mrs. Anderson is not expecting any company and is not prepared to speak with you at this time.”

  The lieutenant immediately responded, “Please tell Mrs. Anderson that we will be at the police station, expecting her to be there in an hour. If that is not convenient for her, we will come back here to talk with her. Please understand that this is a multiple murder investigation. The information she has could be critical to the investigation.” The officer left his card with the butler, turned and opened the door without waiting for any assistance or any reply.

  “That Mike, is how we handle people who feel they are a little better than the rest. The ball is in her court now. She can call to arrange something different.” He was walking to his car at a fast clip.

  “That was quick, Mike,” I uttered, as Mike returned, getting behind the wheel.

  “Well, she wouldn’t see us. However, the lieutenant left his card and told the butler he expected her at the police station in an hour.” He looked over, to see my reaction.

  I knew my expression gave him the answer, but I had to respond, “Wow, talk about lighting a fuse. Do you think that strategy will work?”

  “Well, we will just have to see. I’m sure if she does come in for the interview, she’s not going to be happy about the command appearance.” He pulled out of the driveway onto the main road, following the unmarked cruiser. “Do you still want to hide?” Mike asked.

  I just shook my head, contemplating what all of this was going to mean to my relationship with Lisa.

  *.*.*

  We were having coffee in a small conference room, when the lieutenant entered and said, “The Andersons have arrived. I’ll bring them into this room. I wanted to let you know they were here.” He winked, as he left the conference room.

  The lieutenant ushered the Andersons into the room. After they were seated he broke the silence with, “Thank you very much for coming on such short notice. We really appreciate you rearranging your schedule to meet with us today. As you know, we are in the midst of a multiple murder investigation. We need to do our best to find the person who has committed these crimes, before he strikes again. With your permission, I would like to record this session so we don’t miss anything.”

  The room already seemed small, but now with five of us, it was so small I could smell Mrs. Anderson’s perfume. While the lieutenant was doing his introduction, I had a minute to examine Rose a little more closely. She looked like a woman who had control of everything around her. She was striking in her charcoal suit with bright blue scarf. Mr. Anderson wore gray slacks, white shirt and tie, and a dark-blue blazer. Rose was focused on Lt. Dennison, not making any eye contact with anyone else.

  “Lieutenant Dennison, I can appreciate your situation, but your insistence for an immediate session like this is more than a little unappreciated. Harold has been a Selectman in town for years. I would have expected a little more flexibility in the scheduling. I hope I don’t need to involve my attorney in this matter,” she said to him, finally looking at both of us.

  Mike responded quickly, offsetting the response from the lieutenant. “Mrs. Anderson, we again apologize for the short notice, but we believe the murdered women knew their killer. In addition, they knew each other and worked at your camp. We believe their killer might continue to kill, Helen Ryder and/or Charlotte Williams. What you might know or be able to recall, might make the difference in finding this guy.”

  I studied Rose who was listening intently, trying to learn her body language, in case I needed it later regarding my own relationship with Lisa. Harold was quiet, respectful, and a nice gentleman. He was not saying anything, looking like he was trying not to upset anyone, especially Rose.

  It took Mike several more minutes to convey all the reasons why we needed her help. He also stopped periodically, summarizing in simple terms each group of points he made. Rose’s demeanor changed from confrontational to enlightenment. She seemed somewhat appreciative for the background and importance of their input.

  However, when Mike turned the next phase over to lieutenant Dennison, her body language immediately turned defensive again. Lieutenant Dennison conveyed, “The tape recorder is going to be turned on now to record your answers to a series of important questions.”

  Mrs. Anderson responded immediately, “You can turn it on, but we will not remain here if you do.”

  Lieutenant Dennison coached, “We really need this to conduct our interview. You are strongly encouraged to cooperate.”

  “Again, if you insist on the recorder being on, we will discontinue our willing participation, with the next action through our attorney. Do you understand that lieutenant?”

  Mike was about to put himself between the two of them, but I surprised myself. “Mrs. Anderson.” I waited for her attention and everyone else’s. “I would like t
o talk with you alone, as I need to tell you some information, which you will need before deciding your final actions here.” I looked at the lieutenant and then at Mike. “May I talk with the Andersons alone?”

  Mike looked surprised by my move, but I guess he must have trusted me, and spoke next, asking, “Lieutenant, would it be okay if my detective spoke with them alone with the recorder off?”

  “This is extremely out of procedure, but you must know what you are doing,” he said, standing immediately, not waiting for a reaction from anyone including the Andersons.

  The room cleared. I could feel the deep penetrating look from both of the Andersons. Rose looked like she was scanning my brain at the moment.

  “Thank you both for allowing me to talk with you. I have several things you need to know before you do something we all might regret for a long time.”

  “Mr. Tucker, I marvel at how you intervened just now, as we weren’t headed in the right direction. Please, we are both interested in what you have to say. Please go on.”

  “Thank you. First, the intent of this discussion is to have you talk to the other detectives. Secondly, we have some facts that I need to share with you. Now that I know them, it would put both of you in a precarious situation if I didn’t tell you. Thirdly, I have put my heart into finding the killer of these women, who both of you knew, especially you, Mrs. Anderson. Fourthly, this killer has to be stopped. I have seen the result of what he has done. No woman should have to go through that ordeal. If you would like the details, I will give them to you. But trust me. It is not pretty and you will never be the same after hearing them. The last item I will hold until the end.” I waited for their reply.

  “I’m listening. Go on,” Rose encouraged.

  “Thank you. This conversation is probably the most important one of my life,” I said, with some emotion in my voice.