by Kim Knight
“Oh, hello. This is Mrs. Chan from Hong Kong.”
“Hello, Mrs. Chan. How can I help you?”
“I believe you still have my daughter in your care—Suzan Chan. A pretty girl. You have her, yes?”
“Yes, Ma’am, we do. How can I help?
Mrs. Chan sobbed into the phone for a second, then composed herself. “I’d like to organise a flight for her body back to Hong Kong. I wish her to return this week for a cremation.”
“No problem. I just have to check with the coroner to make sure the body is ready for release. We’ve never done this before. I assume you will contact the airline and give us details?”
Mrs. Chan frowned and pulled the phone from her ear as if to wonder if she had heard right. Airline? “No. No. We will organise a private plane, thank you.”
“Okay, err, let me see what I can find out, Mrs. Chan. Leave it to me. Someone, will give you a call tomorrow.”
“Thank you, goodbye.”
Mrs. Chan cut the call, then blew out the candles and incense. Bowing her head once more, she recited the prayer in Cantonese again, and asked her ancestors to help Suzy transition. She then removed a wad of paper ancestor money from her Kimono.
Licking her finger, she pulled out a sheet, stuck a match, lit the paper money, then placed it on a plate to burn out.
She watched the hues of colour and smoke swirl in front of her.
“This is for my benevolent ancestors, those known and unknown, to repay any debts owed,” she whispered in Cantonese. “Please look after my little girl.”
Once it burnt out safely, she rose from the ground. Glancing around, she took in the sage-filled room, breathing in the heavenly scent, then headed over to the other table and blew out the candles. She left the incense, sage smudge stick, and ancestor table for Suzy intact.
I will deal with any tongue lashing from him if needed. She thought and prepared herself for any backlash from her husband’s disapproval.
He hardly used that study anyway. This was her personal space to mull over her casework and the legal battles she often dealt with.
She gave the room one last glance, then moved over to the door. From behind it, she plucked her paper umbrella to shield her skin from the sun, hitched up the side of her kimono, and then made her way down to the lush grounds. There, she would enjoy the afternoon sunshine under the Japanese blossom tree that Suzy loved as a child.
20
Date Night
Chris Visser
Friday night…
Chris checked his watch for the hundredth time.
She’s ten minutes late. He sighed and braced himself to be stood up.
The door chime went off, and he glanced back over to the entrance to see who had entered.
Probably another couple—arriving together. The thought annoyed him.
Madeline walked into the restaurant.
His heart leapt into his throat, and his eyes moved over her figure.
Her mocha skin glowed against her light make-up. Her normally bone straight hair, she’d left in its natural state, and it fell to her shoulders.
Wow! Chris licked his lips.
Tonight, dressed in a simple black dress, a smart winter coat, and a sky-high pair of black stiletto heels, Madeline’s look contrasted starkly against the first meeting he had with her almost a week ago when her car broke down, or their second meeting, when he fixed her leak.
“Hi, great to see you again, Chris.” Madeline took a seat at the table.
“You too, you look great.”
“Thanks.”
Chris took a moment to admire her as she slipped off her jacket, then glanced down at the wine menu.
“What do you prefer red or white?”
“Rose. I walk the middle road.” Madeline chuckled.
Chris joined in and signalled to the waiter, and then requested a bottle of rose wine.
“So, how’s your week been?” He asked with interest.
Madeline sighed. He noticed her shoulders sag, then roll forward.
“Man, it’s been eventful! I’ll say that much.”
“Why?” Chris asked wide-eyed.
“Well, I found out some information on the Red Light Girls.”
“What? How?”
“I went over to the District and asked around. The articles I ran after that, well, it really rattled someone’s cage.”
“Yeah, I read the articles.” Chris frowned with concern. “The Politie seem to be moving kinda slow.”
“Right. My thoughts, exactly. It’s been eight months Ana’s been missing and girls have dropped left, right, and centre. They really need to get their asses into gear!”
“So, what did you find out?”
The waiter set the wine on the table. “Are you ready to order, Sir? Ma’am?” He stood, pen in hand, waiting to take their order.
“I’ll take the shredded beef and special fried rice, please.” Chris handed the waiter his unopened menu.
“Wow. You didn’t even need the menu.” Madeline chuckled, then glanced down at hers. “I’ll take the chicken chow main, and Satay chicken, please.”
She snapped the menu shut and handed it to the waiter. He noted their orders, then left the table.
“So, you were saying…” Chris leaned in and whispered, “What did you find out?”
“Oh yeah, the girls were apparently using some dating site to find rich men. Ana and Suzy were, anyway. I don’t know if there’s a link to their cases but, it’s what’s been confirmed.”
Chris covered his mouth to stem a gasp. “Damn, so what happens next?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Oh, and I started getting these weird messages at work about the cases. Someone doesn’t want anyone digging around.”
“You think it’s the person who’s responsible?” Chris probed further.
“Well, we only know for sure that Suzy and Lotte are dead. Ana’s body and the rest haven’t been found yet.”
“It could just be a coincidence. Women use dating sites all the time.” A deep frown touched his mouth, and he mulled over the possibility.
“True. But I also put the appeal out this morning, remember, via my article. I got a ton of responses that I need to go through on Monday.”
Chris shook his head and chewed on his lip. “Well, if you need a hand looking into anything, give me a shout.”
“That’s really sweet, Chris. Thanks.” Madeline tilted her head and looked him over from across the table.
“It’s strange, but the cases touched me too. I want whoever’s responsible found. Just like you do,” Chris responded with sincerity in his voice.
The waiter arrived with their orders. He and Madeline looked down at the plates in reflection over the sad fate of the Red Light Girls.
“More?” Chris motioned to her wine glass.
“Yes, please.”
Chris refilled her glass, and then his. “So, what did your boss say about the random messages you got?”
“Well, I told Detective Janssen first, and then I went to Fleur, my boss. She was in as much shock as I was,” Madeline lowered her voice. “Everyone in the office became a suspect. My account is being monitored. Detective Janssen said she’ll be in contact.” She loaded noodles onto her folk.
“Great, keep me posted.”
“Tell me about yourself, Chris? Let’s forget my work drama.”
“Work drama?” Chris laughed. “Don’t say it like that.” He sighed. “I’m interested in what happens—your well-being. If you’re getting these messages, someone clearly isn’t all too impressed with you shedding light on the murders.”
“Hmm, true. But I want to know about you.” A twinkle glinted in her eyes.
“What can I say? I was born here in Amsterdam. And I’m an only child.”
“You speak English really well. Have you travelled much?”
“Yeah, I’ve been to London a few times. I spent a lot of time working on my English for my job. We have a l
ot of English families and customers who use our service.”
“How long have you been a plumber for?”
“It’s all I’ve ever done. Straight out of school,” Chis laughed with shyness. “I’ve been in the trade over fifteen years now.”
Madeline nodded and took a mouthful of her food.
“My, God. This is so good.” A smile danced on her lips. “I love Chinese food. It’s my favourite.”
“Me too.” Chris tried to gain Madeline’s eye contact. “So, no boyfriend back home in London?”
“Nope, and let’s not go there!” Madeline chuckled.
“Why? Bad break up?”
“Yeah, I’m over it though. I really want move forward.”
Madeline sighed, then pushed her food around her plate. From her words and body language, it was clear to Chris, she didn’t want to go down relationship lane. And now, all he wanted to do was kick himself.
“What about you?” She glanced up from her food and held his gaze. “No girlfriend?”
“If I had one, I’d not be here trying to get to know the beautiful woman in front of me.” Chris smiled.
Madeline chuckled again at his response, then shyly moved her eyes away from his.
Two hours later, Chris and Madeline stood face-to-face outside her building.
“I had a wonderful time, Chris.” Madeline broke the ice. “Thanks for dinner.”
“You’re welcome. Me too.”
A light rain started to fall. Madeline glanced up at the dark sky, then back over at Chris.
“I better get inside. Thanks again.” Madeline tiptoed and placed a light kiss on Chris’ cheek, which made him flush.
He had hoped for more, but he’d take it. At least it’s something.
“No problem. What’s your plans this weekend?” He hoped she’d see him again.
“Nothing much, TV dinners, more research, write a few articles the usual really.”
“Let’s go for lunch or coffee tomorrow, if you want?”
Chris noticed Madeline shift from one foot to the other, then look up and down the empty road before she met his gaze. He held his breath in anticipation.
“Okay, coffee sounds good,” Madeline finally said.
“Great.” Relief washed over him. “I’ll meet you outside Amsterdam Centraal at about one tomorrow.” He felt a warmth travel up his neck, flushing his skin. “How’s that?”
“Perfect, I’ll see you then. Good night.”
21
Do the Math
Madeline Sloane
The next morning, Madeline, hard at work, kept her fingers on the keys of her laptop, typing away. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen.
Hmm. It’s an unknown number. She took note.
“Hello.”
“Madeline, it’s Detective Janssen.”
“Oh, hi, what can I do for you Detective?”
“Late yesterday evening, we did some work on your computer.”
“And?”
“Those emails you received were sent from a blocked IP address. My tech guys said this person’s not an amateur. They think they’re a computer geek because they seem to know what they’re doing.”
“Damn. So, there’s no way to trace it?”
“Exactly. But that’s not all. We’re still monitoring your account. And another email came in this morning.”
“What did it say? I’ve not logged into my work email yet?”
“Basically, it’s warning you to stay away.” She paused a moment. “Otherwise, you’ll be next.”
“What? Why me?”
“And to make matters worse, another body was found during the early hours of this morning.”
“Shit! You’re kidding me.” Madeline got to her feet and started to pace her living room.
Instinctively, she headed to the front door and locked it.
“Who was the girl?” Madeline moved back to the living room, and her eyes darted around the room in panic.
“We’ve not put out a statement yet, so keep this to yourself. Another female was found in the Amsterdamse Bos woodland area.”
“Do you know her name?”
“I can’t give you that information. A police report will be announced through the media this weekend.” Detective Janssen paused and breathed heavily down the line. “Do you remember anything else. Something from anyone you spoke to at the district clubs the other night?”
“Nope, I gave you everything.”
“Okay, well, stay safe. We’ll continue to receive all the emails you get in your inbox. If anything else comes up outside of this, get in contact, okay.”
“Sure, thanks.” She felt both numb and frightened. “Detective, you’ve got to close this case. These girls can’t keep being targeted like this.”
“I know. Don’t worry, Madeline, we will. You just stay safe and enjoy your weekend. I’ve organised some surveillance of your home.”
“Wow. Is that really necessary. Do you—”
“Madeline, you want the police to take this seriously, right?”
“Of course, I do.”
What kind of question is that?
“Well, this is part of the process.”
“Do I need to send you my address?”
“No. We already have it.”
“What? How?”
“That information comes with the territory.”
“Oh,” was all she could think of to say in response.
“Call if you think of anything, or if you need something.”
At the sound of the dial tone, she stood in the middle of the room, trying to digest the detective’s words.
Madeline’s attention then went back to her computer screen and the research she was in the middle of. It hadn’t turn up much on the missing or dead Red Light Girls.
Disappointed, she headed back over to the table, closed the device and sighed.
I’m better off heading down to the clubs to see what else I can find out. She sighed, then checked the time. Oh shit, Chris. I’m due to meet in him in an hour.
She pulled out her phone and dialled his number.
“Hey, Madeline.” Chris answered on the first ring.
“Hey,” she replied. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. I can’t wait to see you. We still on for this afternoon?” An awkward pause followed. “You’re not calling to cancel on me, are you?”
Madeline could sense the disappointment in his voice. She bit down on her lip, contemplating her words for a second.
“About that, Chris, uhm, something’s come up. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, I see.” Chris sighed down the line. “So, what’s up? Why do I get the feeling you’re pulling away from me?”
“No. It’s not like that. I, well—”
“Look, if you don’t like me, or don’t want to date anymore,” he said. “Just say it. It’s better to be upfront with these things.”
“It’s not that at all.”
“Then what?”
“I probably should wait until it’s announced on the news but…” Madeline paused again and looked around her in disbelief. “Janssen called again. Another body turned up.”
“What? When?”
“I don’t know, exactly. But sometime in the last twenty-four hours.”
“Where did they find her?”
“Janssen didn’t say much.”
“So, why can’t we meet this afternoon? What does this have to do with our date?”
“Well, I want to head down to the District, and see what else I can find out about these girls.”
“Oh! Miss Detective, right. So, you’re Janssen’s right hand girl now, huh?” Chris teased. “Is that how it is?”
“Stop it, Chris. This is serious stuff,” Madeline yelled down the line. “And I’m getting threatening emails. Another one came through this morning from what Janssen said.” She felt herself spiralling out of control. “I could be next. So, I need to do what I can!”
“Oh, shit. I’m sor
ry to hear that.”
A deafening silence overtook the line.
“Let me come with you.” Chris was the first to speak. “If this person’s out there and you’re a target, I want to come along.”
On the other end of the line Madeline opened and closed her mouth with surprise. “No, Chris. Honestly, I’ve got this—”
“Madeline, just try and keep me away. I’ll meet you outside Amsterdam Centraal in an hour.”
“Chris, wait. No!”
The line went dead, and Madeline was left in a daze.
She pulled the phone from her ear, dropped it on the sofa, then headed to the hallway for her jacket.
22
Amsterdam Centraal
Madeline Slone
An Hour Later…
“So,” said Chris. “Where are you thinking of heading first?”
She and Chris made their way from Amsterdam Centraal station, toward Dam Square.
“I’m not a hundred percent sure.” Madeline shoved her hands in her pocket from the bitter cold.
It was only early afternoon, but already, the streets of Amsterdam were busy. As she walked along, the cafes were bursting with people. When she and Chris turned up the cobbled street, the scent of cannabis wafted in the air and became stronger.
Walking past the provocatively dressed window girls lined up, Madeline noticed Chris tried his hardest to keep his head straight—she assumed out of respect for her.
She eyed the displays. In the daylight, she had a better view. The girls sat propped in the windows on chairs or poles.
“Oh, my gosh! They’re beautiful. But damn, I could never,” Madeline whispered.
She looked over at a heavily tattooed female with gothic make-up and dark hair. The woman wore a skin-tight dress and sky-high heels.
“Not that I’m judging,” she quickly added. “Far from it. I love a liberated woman. But I would never have the confidence.”
Chris laughed and turned to her.
“I dunno. I think you’d look pretty hot up there.” He seemed to undress the female Madeline pointed to with his eyes.