Justin Cairns - Little Red

***

The briefing had ended and Jack spoke with Nathan about the new find. Though it was a small factor, it helped in understanding the killer. The fact that he collected something from each scene meant there was a purpose to the killing, a reason or faint explanation to why he did it. Nathan pondered these facts, coming up with many possible reasons, too many to pin point one to the Wolf. One thing he was sure of is that the heart is key to his murdering rampage. The photos, DVDs and places of kill were irrelevant to the meaning of the organ collection. He considered the chance of a multiple personality or Schizophrenia effected killer. It would explain the reason he believes he is a wolf and collects the hearts of the victims. But still, it was one of many reasons he conjured up.

‘What are you thinking?’ asked Jack as he sat next to him

‘The hearts, there’s a reason he takes them Jack’

‘Okay……..any ideas?’

‘Huh’ he sighed, ‘I wish I could pin point one but there are several, My brain’s racking the choices mate’.

Lime strolled over, his grubby shoes scraping the floor.

‘Is there anything you would care to share?’ his lisp irritating Nathan.

‘Not at the moment….but we’ll keep you informed’ Jacks words spoken as an order to leave the room.

‘I see, well, make sure you do…….you wouldn’t want a in house problem because of withholding vital information’ he turned and exited sharply.

‘What a wanker’ Nathan hissed.

‘Do you have an idea Nathan?’ he pushed.

‘It would be worth checking into previous history and similarities. There could be something with the heart….not sure what exactly, but if we focus on that, we may dig up something of importance’ he had ended as Jacks phone began to ring.

‘I’ll get onto it mate’ he assured as he stood to take the call.

William Lime entered his office. It was peaceful and tranquil, just how he liked it. There was a light stabbing sensation somewhere within his head, the feeling brought on by the ignorance of Jack and Nathan. He felt, as a professional, that he should be included with any progress or discussions involving the case. He was feeling left out. The large leather swivel chair comforted his body, he spun himself slowly with the kick of his leg. He knew how to get the information he desired, it was a risky move; but it was one that could be very rewarding. He pulled the chair towards his desk and reached for the phone. The numbers were pressed and the call was in progress. The female voice answered and asked the relevant details, none of which included the means of his call. The beeping sound told him that he was on hold, he waited patiently.

‘Good morning Doctor Lime, what can I do for you?’ the assertive voice asked.

‘Good morning Director. I don’t mean to intrude on your day but I was wandering if it was possible to complete a full staff psychological assessment……it is a necessary task whilst the investigation is in motion, just to ensure all of your staff are on track and fit to carry on with the job given to them’ his education aiding the lie.

‘I see, how long are we talking here Doctor?’

‘Well, it would depend on the support I receive with accessing the files in archive. If I am able to look up the relevant information from my personal terminal then it should take…. several minutes… a day or two Sir’

‘Is there any particular files you wish to view?’

‘No Sir….. Jack Crawford’s to be precise…. I will be viewing firstly the individuals assigned to the task force catching the Wolf, if things are fine in that area then there should be no issues with the rest of the department…………obviously, it would be bad for publicity if a member of the task force was found to be suffering from any mental or personal issues whilst working on the case……once captured, the Wolf may have a difficult conviction if these issues are brought to the surface!’ he admired is ability to blag, resting back into his chair and predicting the outcome of the call, the smile stretched from ear to ear.

‘I agree Doctor Lime, can I suggest that the internal investigation is kept quiet for now……unless, obviously, something may arise…..in which case I advise you contact me in that situation’.

William knew he had the Director wrapped around his finger now, the simple call brought to life several issues the Metropolitan Police would hate to face.

‘Director……you have my word’.

***

The Wolf laid himself down upon the chair, his belly grumbled with satisfaction. The meal was one of the tastiest he had eaten to date, he could still feel the animals life swirling around in his veins. The carcass had been stripped and poached. He ate the meat alone and felt tempted to delve into another. He decided to wait, to allow time to pass. The days were few until his day of abduction; he juggled the idea of an early pick-up and cancelling any more night views. He had five nights remaining, two of which were scheduled for reconnaissance. I could take her early…..keep her here for several days…..play a little longer. He decided to close his eyes and let the guest within him decide upon the best result.

There he was, the room was larger than the bedsit and cleaner. His uncle provided for him and the temporary jobs he took paid quite well, a lawn or two mowed once every weekend; window cleaning the next. He saved the payment and aimed to improve his education. He studied English, particularly Shakespeare and read copious amounts of literature, his favourite being the Brothers Grimm. He would still endure the dreams, his new friend speaking to him as he slept. He toyed with the creature that hid within the darkest areas, its eyes only visible. He became accustomed to the freezing temperatures where his naked body would wake, he never felt shame. One dream appeared more satisfying than the previous. He was alone in the wood, him and his invisible guest. The snow fell steadily, as always. The scream was new; he was intrigued by it and ventured towards the source. The woman, mid-twenties, lay naked upon the brilliant white carpet; her body was open to the moon. He approached her from the head first, gradually circling her. He wasn’t used to having a real guest, especially not a woman. He never talked to women or flirted with them, he was still a virgin and pushing twenty years old. She cried to him pitifully for help, she seemed in pain. Russell stood and watched, he starred upon her body….unsure of what to do. He approached her slowly, her arm reaching out. He lowered to one knee and placed a hand upon her chest, her skin began to freeze and her heart beat bellowed in his palm.

The commands were spoken softly from behind him, the words hypnotising him. He turned her head to face him, her neck displayed. He lowered his mouth to her and sunk his teeth into her throat, she kicked as he ripped the soft flesh. He felt the warming liquid slide down his throat, her pale body now coated in a bright red colour. She kept fighting as his teeth tore her jugular, the arterial spray painted the ground around them.

He awoke suddenly, the taste still in his throat. He gathered his bearings and headed for the bathroom, needing a drink of water to remove the taste. The moon was full and its light shone through the window. He gazed at the reflection in the mirror, his eyes appeared darker than usual…..different, as if they weren’t his. The cool water refreshed his face, the taste cleared from his mouth as he gulped it down. He was unsure as to what the dream had meant….unsure as to who the woman was.

***

Nathan pinned the new photos up upon his wall. He found it difficult to find a free space and had to jumble several items to slot them in. He thought about the hotel room he had booked for him, about the first night he arrived and slept there. He hadn’t slept in a bed for several days now and his back began to ache. He tried to picture how he had left the room, what kind of state it was in…..he couldn’t. He soaked in the evidence before him, blocking any previous wandering thoughts. The puzzle in his mind was still missing several vital pieces, he needed to create the picture; he needed to know why.