Branded for Murder (Scott Tucker Series)

by Dick Waters

  Her head turned to the display of photographs on and behind the piano in the corner. “I might have an extra picture of him, but I do want to give you the right address.” She stood up, walking over to an old secretary in the corner of the room, and opened one of the drawers. She looked through some photographs and announced, “Here’s one that was taken a couple of years ago.” She came over and handed it to me. “Isn’t he a handsome man? Both of you could be models you know,” she said, smiling.

  I looked at the picture and he was handsome.

  She was headed back to the desk, saying, “I’ll write down his address for you.”

  “Thank you Mrs. Ballou.” I was still looking at the picture and wondering why he looked familiar.

  She came back over and didn’t sit down. “Here’s his address again. I’m sorry, would you like a cup of tea, or I could make some coffee if you prefer.”

  “Thank you for the picture and the address. I’m sure this will help us find him. As far as the tea or coffee goes I’m fine. If you see or talk to Jimmy, please let him know we need to talk to him about the Knotty Pine Camp,” I said, standing up to leave.

  She put her hand near her mouth, looking like she was recalling something. “You know growing up he constantly talked about that camp. He couldn’t get enough of it. Then all of a sudden he didn’t want any part of it. I guess he was just going through those teenage years, finding other interests. I guess it must have been girls, because he lost interest in sports too.”

  “Mrs. Ballou, thank you again, this will definitely help us. Please have a nice day. I’ll make a copy of the picture and get it back to you.”

  “You’re very welcome. You may keep the picture. I wish Jimmy had found someone to spend his life with. It’s not right he’s spending it alone, but he seems to be enjoying what he’s doing.”

  “Oh, what is that?”

  “You know I should pay more attention, but he said it’s something to do with building security.”

  I waved from my car and quickly drove off. I couldn’t wait to look at the picture again. That’s where I’ve seen him—he’s the guard at Lisa’s dorm.

  *.*.*

  I tried to reach Lisa, but she was out of the dorm with some others. She’s most likely with Judy and Dottie. Should I head to the coffee shop, or wait for her at her dorm?

  I was trying not to exceed the speed limits heading back to Cambridge. I wanted to see Mike right away and tell him what I learned. I tried to remember what Mrs. Ballou had told us Jimmy did the last time we talked with her, but maybe we hadn’t asked.

  It took about forty minutes to make it to the Harvard Square task force office. I fortunately had missed most of the rush-hour traffic. I found a parking space a few blocks away from the office, almost running to the office. I loved the look of the building, rushed up the front walk and opened the door. My burst into the building caused Colleen to react immediately.

  She had her hand against her chest. “Don’t do that Scott. You scared me to death bursting in like that. Scott you look like you’ve seen a ghost. What brings you in here? Are you coming to see me?”

  “I’m sorry Colleen. Good morning. It is nice to see you and I’m sorry I scared you coming in. I need to see Mike. Is he here?” I said looking toward the office area.

  “Scott, he’s using Paddy’s office so you wouldn’t see him in there. However, he’s not back from seeing the AG yet. He’s due any minute. Do you want to wait for him?”

  “I guess I better. I have something I need to talk to him about.”

  She looked at what I was holding. “I see you’re holding a picture. Who is it?”

  “Well, that’s what I want to see him about. This is a recent picture of Jimmy Ballou. I think he’s the guard at Lisa’s dorm.” I handed the picture to her.

  “He’s a nice looking guy, but you say you think he’s the guard at Lisa’s dorm. Why would he be doing that?”

  I looked at her, and again at the picture she was holding. “I’m worried that he might be after Lisa. She said the guy has given her the creeps. I’ve seen how he looks at her. The fact he is so close to her is not just a coincidence. I need to wait for Mike, but I haven’t had any coffee yet this morning, and I have a splitting headache.”

  “There’s a fresh pot of coffee and doughnuts over there. Why don’t you help yourself? Do you want a couple of aspirins?”

  “Thanks to all of that,” I said, as I headed to the coffee area, pouring a cup, downing a doughnut and bringing another back to Colleen’s reception area. “How is Paddy doing, and how are things going here?”

  “Well Paddy is doing much better. They have released him from the hospital. He’s at home and is not allowed to return to work, yet. However, you know Paddy. He’s been talking to Mike on a regular basis. Mike was at a stakeout at Helen Ryder’s house yesterday. Nothing happened, other than scaring some fisherman almost to death. There’s a lot of activity. Mike is extremely stressed. The AG is on him constantly.”

  “I guess that’s to be expected. I’m glad Paddy is doing okay. Maybe this will be the break Mike needs. Oh, by the way, you look very nice today.”

  “You know, Scott I miss you more than I can say. Thanks,” she said, with a noticeable blush.

  *.*.*

  I spent some time with Colleen while waiting for Mike to return. I didn’t feel right going to my old desk to wait for him.

  “Scott, I really miss the hustle and bustle of the office when you and the others were here. It’s not the same place any more, but I need to work here as long as the office remains open.”

  “I can understand that, but I’m sure Mike needs your help. I’m sure when Paddy returns things will pick up some. Maybe we’re getting closer to catching the strangler…we’ll have to see when I talk to Mike.”

  “So how are things with you and Lisa?”

  “We’re spending more time with each other now that I’m not on the task force any longer. Things are great.” I could tell I was blushing.

  “It looks that way, judging from the color of your face,” she said, smiling.

  The door opened and Mike entered the building. “Oh, we have company. Hi Scott what brings you here?”

  “Well I have something we need to talk about right away. Do you have time to talk with me?”

  “Just let me hang my coat and get a coffee. I could use a beer or something stronger.”

  “Did you have a tough session with the AG?” I asked, with a noticeable smile.

  “Is there ever a meeting with him that’s not tough?”

  I smiled at Colleen, looking at the picture again. I should have tried Lisa again, but I didn’t want to do it now that Mike had returned.

  *.*.*

  I followed Mike upstairs to Paddy’s office. “I heard Paddy’s at home, but not released to come back to work yet,” I announced, as we entered his office.

  “He’s much better at home than dealing with the AG. I think I’m ready to take some time off with my own heart attack. I know he’s just doing his job, but he’s all over me like peanut butter on a sandwich. I want to show him some progress, but it is what it is. I’m sorry Scott…you don’t need to hear this shit. What brings you here?”

  I put a smile on my face, offering, “I may have something that could put a smile on your face.” I looked at Mike and he seemed to brighten up. “Here is a more current picture of Jimmy Ballou.” I handed the picture to him.

  He took the picture and studied it. “Where did you get this?”

  “I went to see Mrs. Ballou this morning.” I didn’t know how that would go over so I checked Mike’s reaction.

  Mike’s head lifted to look at me and the corner of his mouth showed signs of a smirk. “That’s very interesting. How did you approach her?” He resumed looking at the picture.

  “I told her he might be able to shed some light on the summer camp he used to attend, where some of the murder victims had worked as camp counselors. Well, I said something like that. I also to
ld her we must have written down his address wrong, needing to get it again.”

  He got a frown on his face. “You know how this would go over with the AG if he knew what you did.” He watched for my reaction, but I just stared at him. “Well, what he doesn’t know won’t hurt us or something like that.” He handed the picture back to me, but he had a big smile on his face now.

  I couldn’t hold the rest of it back any longer, blurting it out. “Mike I think Jimmy is one of the guards at Lisa’s dorm. His mother said he’s working in building security or something to that affect. I’m worried that he might be targeting Lisa.” I leaned forward, stabbing the picture with my finger. “I’ve tried to reach Lisa, but she’s out right now. I’m worried for her safety. I thought the best thing I could do was to come talk to you.”

  He stood up, leaning over the desk. “Scott, just like usual, you’ve done well. I won’t tell the AG what you did, but we need to jump on this right away. We staked out Helen Ryder’s house yesterday, with no luck. The guy stalking her house earlier never showed up. I want you to call Lisa and ask her some questions. I’ll let you know what they are when you reach her.”

  Chapter 76

  He went downstairs with the photograph. “Colleen, I need some copies of this photograph. Make ten to start with. See if you can reach Paul for me. He should be at the headquarters precinct, but if you don’t reach him there ask them to try him on the radio, and have him call me here.”

  “Okay Mike I’ll try to reach him first.” Colleen reached for the phone and he headed back upstairs.

  Mike returned to Paddy’s office and said, “Scott, I want you to try to reach Lisa at the dorm.” He turned the phone around for me to use it.

  I dialed Lisa’s dorm, and after about five rings someone answered, “Hello, this is the Chase dorm, how can I help you?”

  “This is Scott Tucker, do you know if Lisa Anderson has returned?”

  “Just a minute she’s right over there…I’ll get her for you Scott.”

  A few seconds later I heard, “Hello Scott. How are you?”

  “I’m fine Lisa. I tried you earlier but you were out.”

  “We went to the coffee shop. We just came in the door when you called.”

  “Great timing, I have something to ask you.”

  “You sound upset, is everything okay?”

  “Yes everything is okay. Who is on duty at the desk right now?”

  “It’s Alice, one of the female guards. Why?”

  “Have you seen that guard, I think his name is Andy?”

  “I haven’t seen him since last week some time. Why?”

  I took a deep breath, trying to say as calmly as I could, “I think Andy is Jimmy Ballou.” There wasn’t any response from her. “Lisa, are you still there? Did you hear what I said?”

  “I’m sorry Scott, I did hear you. I’m worried. Oh, my God!” I heard her say, and the phone clanged against the wall.

  “Lisa, pick up the phone. Lisa.”

  “Scott, this is Judy. What’s going on? Lisa looked like she just saw a ghost, and has doubled over.”

  “Judy, we think one of the guards could be after Lisa.”

  “She doesn’t look like she could hurt a fly.”

  “No Judy, not the current guard…one of the other guards, Andy Lincoln. We think he is Jimmy Ballou and might be stalking Lisa. We need to find out how to reach his company to find where he is. Wait, Mike Miller wants to talk to you.”

  Mike took the phone. “Judy, I heard the conversation. This is important. What Scott said is true. If the guard is truly Jimmy Ballou, he might be after Lisa. He might be the guy wanted for the recent stranglings. We need to find out how to contact his employer and find where he is, and where he lives. Can you as calmly as possible ask the guard how we can secure some additional guards. Wait, tell her someone on the phone is asking for some guards for another dorm and how do we contact her headquarters?”

  “I can handle it. Wait a minute.” The phone clanked against the wall.

  I watched Mike dance in place for a few minutes, not saying a word.

  “Shit! Someone just hung up the phone on me,” Mike announced. “Scott, call the dorm again please.”

  I dialed the number again. “It’s ringing busy Mike,” I announced.

  *.*.*

  “Mike, Paul’s on the phone for you. Can you pick up line one?” Colleen’s voice called from downstairs.

  “I’ll pick up. Thanks Colleen,” Mike replied. He took the phone from me and pushed a button. “Hi Paul this is Mike. Listen, we believe one of the guards at Lisa Anderson’s dorm might be Jimmy Ballou. I need you to head over there right now in case he comes on duty. Don’t do anything if he does arrive, but talk to Lisa Anderson and her roommate Judy.

  He looked at me, and I knew what he needed. “Judy Post.”

  Mike offered, “Judy Post is her roommate. I’m trying to contact the guard company to see if we can find out any details about Jimmy or Andy or whoever the hell he is and how to find him. Lisa seems very upset, so just see if you can calm things down a little until we get there. I’ll give you the address.”

  Mike hung up the phone, then looked at me. “Scott, I do miss working with you. Let’s head over there. We will use my car if it’s okay with you.”

  *.*.*

  Mike’s car was right behind the building, and he was not worried about speed limits. I was impressed with the sound the large V8 engine made. It reminded me of my own Pontiac, when I stepped on the gas. We weren’t talking. I was glad Mike was paying attention to the road and the traffic. Mike’s car was a four-passenger Chevrolet, but to anyone a little connected with law enforcement, it was obviously an unmarked police vehicle.

  When we arrived at the dorm, Mike double parked behind Paul’s car. He took the stairs two at a time, entering the reception area, and flashing his badge at the female guard. I could see Paul standing in the reception area with Lisa and Judy. As soon as Lisa saw me she came running over and jumped into my arms.

  “Scott, I’m scared. I’m so glad you’re here. What are we going to do?” She looked like she was going to vomit and was holding her stomach.

  Chapter 77

  He watched her pull into the entrance to Knotty Pine Camp. Welcome Charlotte, it’s been so long since we were both here. He had parked his car down near the town water supply, out of sight. His hands were shaking holding the binoculars. He watched as she slowly pulled up in front of the counselor cabin.

  Do you remember this place and the last time you saw me? What are you thinking of right now? Are you remembering what you did to me?

  He put the binoculars away and walked down the small slope behind the counselor cabin. She must have seen the note on the door by now, and should be entering the cabin. He was only a few steps away from the back door, when he heard her multiple screams.

  I guess the cot with the hangman knotted ropes was a little shocking wasn’t it?

  He came around the cabin to find her running out the door across the small porch. She was so focused on her flight she never saw him coming. He grabbed her around her middle. She was screaming and jumping up and down. He put his hand with the handkerchief across her mouth and nose. Within a minute, she wasn’t struggling anymore. Good stuff that chloroform.

  *.*.*

  He lit the fire in the stove. The familiar smell of the burning wood reminded him of his days at camp. He focused on getting the fire in the stove going, not on Charlotte. It was hard not to look at her, but he would have hours to do that. He added larger logs to the fire. The cabin was warming up now. Can’t have Charlotte freezing to death, can we?

  Finally, he couldn’t stand not looking at her any longer and turned around. She was still out cold, not feeling the cold air of the cabin. He walked over, sat down on the small cot beside her, and it sounded it’s displeasure with a loud noise. He started at the top of her head, taking his time studying her. Her long red hair cascaded over the pillow and her white shoulders. She was ex
tremely beautiful. Her make up was done to perfection, for her so called final interview.

  He took a deep breath and looked at her breasts, which were larger than Karen’s or Phyllis’. He rubbed his hands together to get some of the wood chip dust off them. A shock went through his body when he touched her breasts. He closed his eyes, remembering his own turmoil at the girls’ hands years ago. He looked down at her lower body, marveling at how she had taken care of herself. She looked like she exercised on a regular basis. He couldn’t see any fat. Her perfume was intoxicating. He closed his eyes again and was lost in his thoughts.

  When he heard her muffled scream, he opened his eyes. He could see her panic as she struggled against the four ropes, realizing what was happening. He stood up to show her his own naked body. She closed her eyes and turned her head away.

  *.*.*

  His body had already reacted to her beauty. “Charlotte you need to open your eyes and see who’s here. It’s been such a long time since we were together. Please open your eyes.” He sat back down on the bed, putting his face right over hers. “Please don’t make me hurt you. Open your eyes and see who I am. DO IT NOW!” he screamed.

  He saw her open her eyes, trying to focus on his face, which was only inches away from hers. He could see tears forming in her eyes. She tried once again on her restraints. He licked her tears. “Come on Charlotte, you’re spoiling all of my fun. You must know who I am. Tell me.”

  She shook her head, closing her eyes tightly.

  When he pinched her waist, she yelped. “Don’t make me do things to hurt you. That’s not what I have in mind. Who am I, Charlotte?”

  She said something that he couldn’t understand, because of the gag. He pinched her again. “Jimmy.”