KENHARDT - Secrets 35

Joe gathered up his things and headed over to Gus Francis’s house, once again. The Personal Nurse Sarah let him inside and he made himself comfortable on the couch. Gus looked well today. Perhaps it was the warm weather that was doing him justice. And he was happy to see Joe, of course. These days he didn’t do much. Having a young detective here to keep him company was doing him well, even if the topic of their discussions happened to be murder.

Joe was taking a break, he decided. He needed to clear his head for a bit. If he was going to solve the triple deaths of the girls, he needed to get into the mind of a killer. Perhaps talking with Gus and discussing The Sad Killer would help him with that.

‘Let’s go to the second victim,’ Joe said.

‘Mike Darby.’

‘Mike was a good kid,’ Gus started. ‘And the youngest of the victims. Cause of death was asphyxiation, most likely something placed over his mouth that prevented him from breathing. It was a change up from the M.O of the first victim.’

‘Right,’ Joe said. ‘He went from overkill of seven stab wounds to the chest, to something completely different.’

‘If it wasn’t for the signature, we might not have linked the two murders together. But because of the signature - THE SAD - we knew it was the same guy,’ Gus said. ‘We actually had a theory in the beginning. Victim one and two’s names both started with a M. We weren’t sure if it was a coincidence or the unsub was going after men with M names.’

‘But after Patrick Brooks…’

‘Our theory was disproven.’

‘And Brooks was strangled,’ Joe said.

‘Yes,’ Gus said. ‘Ligature marks around the neck indicated a thin wire or cable of some sorts.’

‘How do you explain this constant change of M.O?’ Joe asked.

Gus took in a breath. ‘It’s very strange. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I mean, there are cases where a serial murderer kills his victims differently once or twice, but it’s very rare. They usually stick to their regulated method. It helps keep order and balance in their world.’

‘So why did our unsub change so drastically each time? And not just evolving his M.O, but doing one thing, and then going back to another?’

‘Only thing I thought of back then was that he was experimenting. This was a game for him and he wanted to try out new things. IF this was his first time killing, he was probably on cloud nine. Brainstorming all the possibilities that existed out there. So he stabs the first Vic, suffocates the second, strangles the third, then returns to stabbing the fourth, And repeat.’

Joe nodded, going through the motions in his mind to get a better understanding.

‘What was Darby like?’

‘He was a good guy, just like the others. His pop owned the local pizza shop off Hazel Street, so he rotated between running the place and going back to school to get his PHD. He’d go fishing at the Docks, drive his VAN around town. I believe he was seeing a woman named Daniella at the time, people called her Danny. Nice fella, he was.’

‘What did everyone think when he was murdered?’

‘Everyone was shocked. Kenhardt was in a state of panic, you see, because after Mark Irving, they thought it was over. And then Darby turns up dead with the same word written next to his body. We Didn’t know what to think.’

‘I can’t imagine. Must have been terrifying, especially being a man.’

‘No one was safe. Husbands and father’s feared that they were next.’

Joe nodded, ‘Anything else? On Darby, I mean.’

Gus thought about it. ‘Not that I can think of off the top of my head. If you want more info on the Vic’s, you could always head down to the station, go through all their records and personal files. I’m assuming that’s what you’re doing, digging your way through their lives, trying to determine what caused them to fall victim.’

Joe nodded. ‘It’s the only thing I can think of. Since I don’t’ know the killer, the only thing I can do is know the victims. Find out why they died, why they were chosen.’

Gus gave a hearty laugh. ‘You’re a smart one, KID. You’re doing exactly what I did Fifty - one years ago.’

Joe was back at the station, sitting in the vacant room, going over the array of files. Gus was right - he really did have everything on these seven men, from how long they’d lived in Kenhardt, to where their parents had emigrated from. Joe knew their occupations, where they lived, their children’s names, what they did for fun, everyone they had dated, who they interacted with. In the files, there were multiple witness testimonies and interviews from each of the victim’s family members and friends from their inner circles. Everyone saying similar things. ‘He was a good man,’ ‘I don’t know who would do this.’

Was there some sort of LINK between them that Joe was missing? He knew there didn’t need to be a link. Serial murderers tended to kill arbitrarily, simply choosing their victims based on look, preference, or convenience. But still - if there was something, anything, that could help him solve this case, he needed to find it.

Joe traced back over his initial theories - that these men were connected somehow, not necessarily to each other personally, but through their social circles and life patterns. Could they have been into drugs? Gambling? In Debt? Owed money to the wrong person? And perhaps whoever this person was that they all owed something to came back for More.

He tried focusing on the dates of the murders, as though these might hold some significance, Mark Irving, April 23 - stabbed. Mike Darby, May 7 - suffocated. Patrick Brooks, May 28 - strangled. Robert Baldwin, June 16 - stabbed. John Morgan, July 1 - stabbed. David Hill, July 23 - strangled. And finally, Paul Monoly, August 18 - shot in the head.

It was definitely a peculiar case, that was for sure. With nearly all of the victims being killed in a different manner, it was hard to pinpoint exactly what the unsub was doing or thinking. Gus’ theory was that the killer was experimenting, getting into the hang of it. He was trying out different methods to see which one best suited his liking.

The first victim was killed on April 23rd. What happened on that date that made the unsub decide to start killing? Did he plan this out? Or was it Spur - of - the - moment? The next victim was killed fifteen days later. And after that one, three weeks. There was no common pattern between the dates of the murders. As far as Joe could tell, they were arbitrary.

He began searching each of the dates, seeing if anything important happened on those days. The only thing that came up was the annual Kenhardt fair that took place on the 7th of May. Perhaps Joe would need to speak with Gus to see if he remembered anything more specific. It could be anything - a full moon, economic recession, days of scheduled appointments. HELL, this guy could have been an alcoholic and he killed each time he ran out of booze.

Joe grabbed the file of the second victim, Mike Darby. He scanned through the testimonies, reading what kind of man Mike was. Joe flipped through the pages, His medical records were good. Lung cancer ran in the family, but he was clear. No criminal record, priors, or arrests of any sorts. This guy was clean as a whistle.

Then Joe got to his driving record. Darby got his licence in 1954, right when he turned sixteen. He purchased his first car - a 1950’s Coupe de Ville - a year later. And then, six months after that, the car was totalled and written off. Joe flipped the page to continue reading, but there was no record as to why. No incident number or details of an accident. So the question begged: WHAT HAPPENED TO DARBY’S CAR?

There was nothing in the files that elaborated on this information further. Fortunately Joe had one tool that they didn’t have back then - THE INTERNET. He opened his browser again and began searching for 1950’s Cadillac’s; any information regarding recalls or vehicle malfunctions. NOTHING.

He racked his brain. IF Darby totalled his car, it must have been from an accident. Joe searched for all News Reports in 1955, Kenhardt.

There was a few articles that came up, but one in particular that stood out to Joe. He clicked it and began to read.

On May 7th, 1955, a drunk driver T-boned a family of four, killing them instantly. The driver was not named due to legalities, but the family killed was. Craig and Karen Webber, along with their two young children Joanie and Kyle.

Joe didn’t need to look at Mike Darby’s file to recall the day of his murder. It was May 7th, 1965. Exactly ten years later to the date. And that couldn’t have been a coincidence.

What did this mean? And what did this have to do with The SAD Killer?

The killer must have somehow known about this incident from Mike’s past. It was clearly a cover up. Darby killed four people and somehow got away with it Scott - free, the accident wiped completely from his record. He must have had friends - or family - on high places.

Did the police know about this back then when they were investigating the serial murders? This was potentially a huge lead.

If the unsub was someone from Mike’s past - more specifically, someone related to that incident - then this would make sense. They came back ten years later to kill Darby and get revenge.

But then how did that explain the other six men who were murdered? If Mike’s cover up was the catalyst to the killing spree, he would have been murdered first. But instead, Mark Irving was the first victim. And then three weeks later, Mike Darby turned up dead.

Perhaps the unsub was saving Mike for another time, waiting to perfect his kill method before going for him. That would make sense, especially given the multiple M.O’s The unsub kills Irving first as practice. It’s his first kill, He’s still learning, getting the hang of it. It’s messy and a bit over the top, but when’s it’s finished, he knows he’ll be able to kill Mike. For three weeks he plot it out, and then finally, on May 7th - the anniversary of the deaths - he murders him.

This had to be someone from Mike’s past, Joe was sure of it now. Someone CONNECTED to the Webber’s in some way. Someone who knew the family and wanted vengeance for what Mike did to them. Joe knew what he had to do. He gathered up the files and headed back to Gus’s house.

Gus was surprised to see him back so soon, but he invited him in nonetheless, eager to hear what he had discovered.

‘It has to be someone connected to the Webber’s,’ Joe said, speaking so quickly he could barely catch his breath. ‘You didn’t know about the accident, did you?’

‘I don’t believe so. How did you connect the dots….?’

‘I was going over Mike’s records. Saw that his car was totalled in 1955, but there was no further information. Thought it was a bit odd. So I started looking it up on the internet. That’s when I saw the News article from May 7th. Darby wasn’t named because he was only 17 at the time - still a minor. There must have been a cover up. He was never charged or penalized for that accident. Someone must have helped him sweep it under the rug.’

Gus was nodding, trying to follow along. ‘His father must have had connections. An accident like that wouldn’t be easy to cover up. No, they went through great lengths to hide this.’

‘But clearly someone else knew. And I believe that person is our unsub. We need to start looking at all people connected to the Webber’s. Friends of Karen and Craig, family members - someone that was out for vengeance.’

Gus looked at Joe. ‘This is good. You could really be onto something here.’

‘I think I’m more than onto something.’ Joe said. ‘IF I’m right about this, then it won’t be long before we finally figure out who The SAD Killer really is.’

They went through everything: traced family - trees all the way back to the early 1900’s; read files upon files of obituaries and tributes about the Webber’s; tried to pinpoint who was close to the family that could be capable of something like this.

Joe began making a list in his head. There was, of course, Craig Webber’s brother, Steve. Joe would need to track him down, and, if he was still alive, have a talk with him. That was the most difficult part about this case. Everything took place over fifty years ago. Anyone involved in that incident or the murders of 1965 were either far too old, or long gone.

Jacky and Peter Jones were a couple that was close with Karen and Craig all those years ago. Could one of them be capable of murder?

Karen had two sisters - one was dead, and the other was 89, still living in Kenhardt. Joe could speak with her, but he had a feeling that she wasn’t The SAD Killer.

The only possible suspect Joe could see as being realistic was the brother, Steve. Joe looked him up to see if he was still in Kenhardt, and sure enough, he was listed as living in a small cottage down by the lake. He was 24 at the time of his brother’s death - which would make him 87 years old today. Could he be The SAD Killer?

Joe located the small cottage and parked his car out front. He took in his surroundings. The cottage was right on the waterfront and Joe could see the blue water shimmering underneath the brightness of the Sun. It was a good location, quiet and isolated from the center of town. He made his way up the pathway and knocked on the door.

An older woman answered the door, looking caught off guard, as though she was not expecting any visitors.

‘Hello,’ Joe said hesitantly. ‘Is Steve Webber here by any chance?’

The woman looked at him, her face faltering slightly. “What is this regarding?’

‘It’s a case from a long time ago actually. Involving his brother, Craig, and his family.’ The woman was quiet for a moment, staring at Joe intently. ‘I’m afraid that won’t be possible,’ she said. ‘Steven passed away six months ago.’

Joe could feel his heart sink in his chest. This was his opportunity. His one chance to potentially come face - to - face with The SAD Killer. And he was no longer living.

This was bound to happen, he had to realize that. The murders were fifty - one years ago. Most of the people from that time would unfortunately be dead. Joe tried to hide his disappointment.

‘Is there anything I can do to help?’ the woman asked. “I’m Molly, his widow.’

Joe refocused and looked at the woman. Perhaps she could be of some assistance. “Yes, actually.’ Joe said. ‘I’m a detective from Riverton. Joe O’Reilly. Perhaps I could ask you some questions?’

‘Pleasure to meet you,’ she stuck out her hand. ‘Would you like to come inside?” They made their way into the small living room of the cottage. There was a giant window that took up the majority of the North wall, allowing a full view of the lake. It was magnificent.

‘You mentioned Craig,’ Molly said once they were both seated on the couch. ‘I’m assuming you’re here about the accident.’

‘Yes,’

Molly closed her eyes, nodding. ‘It was tragic. The children were so young. We were all devastated.’

‘Do you remember what happened?’

Molly was silent for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

‘It was summer - time,’ she began. ‘Craig and Karen had went out for dinner that night with the kids. Steve and I were supposed to meet them at their place later for a visit. They were on their way home when the car hit them. The paramedics told us they died on impact.’

‘Do you remember anything else about that night? The driver of the other car, perhaps?’ She nodded slowly. ‘He was young, I remember that, And he was drunk, That was the main thing, He had too many drinks, thought he could drive, and it cost that family their lives.’

‘Did you or your husband know the driver at all?’

‘We never found out who he was. They told us that because he was underage, his name wasn’t permitted to be released. A shame, really. All this time and it’s still a mystery to me who killed them.’

‘Molly,’ Joe said. “Do you ever recall your husband fixating about the accident? Of course it was his brother that died, but does anything stand out to you at all? The date? The driver of the car? Anything?’

‘I’m not sure what you mean. We were all so devastated after the passing. It changed Steven, it truly did, He and Craig were always very close. It was just the two of them growing up and they did everything together. Having his only brother and best friend ripped away from him - especially at such a young age - was very difficult. There were times when I didn’t think he’d ever truly recover. But eventually he did. Death is hard, but we all have to move on at some point or another. We can’t allow ourselves to get stuck in the past. Because that’s not a life. And the ones who perished wouldn’t want us living that way.’

‘I’m so sorry that you and your husband had to go through that,’ Joe said. ‘I’m sure it was devastating,’ he hesitated a moment, unsure of what to say next. ‘Were there many other people close to the Webber’s? Others who were affected by their deaths?’ ‘Oh, of course,’ Molly said. ‘Craig and Karen had so many friends. Everyone adored them, And those children - they were darlings. Everyone took their deaths exceptionally hard. It truly was a loss in Kenhardt.’

Joe needed to think. Steve was no longer alive. If he was The SAD Killer, or if he had indeed killed Mike Darby, would his wife had even known? Was his visit to her proving useless after all?

‘I won’t keep you,’ Joe said, ‘But I just wanted to verify something you said. You and your husband did not know the name of the driver, is that correct?’

‘That’s right, The police wouldn’t release it. It’s something that always haunted the both of us.’

Joe nodded, feeling even more disappointed than he did as he stood at the door. ‘Alright, well,’ he stood, tucking his notepad back into his pocket. ‘Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, Mary. I really do appreciate it.’

‘Of course,’ she gave him a warm smile.

‘Anything you need.’

It was almost six o’clock. Joe was back at Gus’s house, sitting on the couch in silence as the both of them thought.

‘It couldn’t have been him,’ Joe finally said. ‘Unless Molly is lying, her husband couldn’t have killed Mike Darby. They never even knew his name.’

‘It was a long - shot, anyway,’ Gus said.

‘Besides, why would he kill six other men if Darby was the one he was after? I get what you’re saying, Kid. And you’re right, it’s definitely not just a coincidence that Darby was murdered on May 7th. But there has to be more to this. Something we’re not seeing.’

Joe was thinking, scanning through his memory of all the case files, witness statements, interviews, records. Then something hit him. ‘He killed those seven men for a reason,’ Joe said, ‘Mike wasn’t the main, killed for a reason - the car accident cover - up,’ he looked at Gus. ‘What if each of them was killed for a reason?’ He stood up from his seat on the couch as the plethora of information flooded his brain, fitting together like a puzzle. ‘What if the victims have more in common than we initially believed? What if they all had something hidden in their pasts? A SIN that nobody knew about?’ Joe looked around the room, trying to make sense of it all, then looked at Gus, ‘What if those men weren’t so good after all?’

Before he could stop himself, Joe was out the door and back in his car. He was onto something - he knew it this time. The last lead proved fruitless, but perhaps this one wouldn’t. His mind was racing and his heart's pulse beating feverishly. He had to figure this out. He had to find The SAD Killer.

He pulled up in front of Flora Willard’s house, recalling their conversation from just the day prior. How she relayed her life with Robert, as well as life afterwards. Remarried, twice, Finally happy and content. And now here he was to intrude on her life and ask more questions.

‘Detective O’Reily,’ she said as she opened the door. ‘What a pleasant surprise.’

‘Can I talk to you?’ he asked.

‘Of course,’ she opened the door further and took a step backwards into his house.

‘Sounds urgent. Is everything alright?’

‘Yes, sorry,’ Joe laughed. ‘Everything’s fine.’

They walked into her kitchen and took a seat at the table. She poured him a glass of water and he chugged it back in one gulp. ‘My my,’ Flora said, filling his empty cup once again. ‘What’s gotten into you?’ ‘I’ve been running around all morning.’ ‘Chasing the killer, are you now?’

‘Trying to. I’ve been putting together the pieces, trying to figure this whole thing out. I need you to tell me more about Robert.’ She stared at him, blinked once.

‘If you’re not up to it, that’s fine,’ he said.

‘Apologies.’

‘No no,’ she said. ‘I just thought we covered everything yesterday.’

‘It’s just,’ he started. ‘I’ve come across some new information about the victim’s today. So I need to know more about Robert. Well, everything about Robert, actually. Can you tell me about him?’ Flora inhaled deeply. ‘As I told you yesterday, we met through my father. Robert was a very charming man. Very friendly and courteous. All of the women adored him. Fortunately for me, I was the one he chose.’ ‘What were some of his hobbies? What did he like to do?’

‘He finished sometimes,’ Flora said. ‘He spent most of his days working. He was a very career - driven, Hard - working man. He loved to take me on dates. We’d go for dinner, to the cinema, the fair when it was in town. On weekends we’d drive to the beach with the windows rolled down, listening to music and basking in the sun. It was wonderful. Six years with him, but we did so much.’

This wasn’t helping. Joe needed to know one thing and one thing only. He had to ask her flat out.

‘Flora,’ Joe said as politely as he could. ‘I need to you to tell me If Robert had any secrets. Anything from his past that he kept concealed or hidden.’

Flora gave him a strange look. ‘I don’t know what you mean.’

‘Perhaps he did some things before he met you.’ Joe suggested. ‘Or maybe even while you two were together. It could be nothing, but perhaps little things. Petty crime, drinking and driving…’

‘Are you asking me if Robert was a criminal? A delinquent?’

‘No, I just mean - ‘ Joe paused. ‘I’m sorry, Flora, I’m just trying to figure this out and find out why your husband and the other six men died.’

‘You think it was their fault that they were murdered?’

‘I don’t know what to think.’

She stared at him and the room was silent. He almost didn’t think she was going to answer until she spoke again. ‘You want to know if he had Secrets. If he ever did anything bad?’

Joe looked at her. There was something about the tone of her voice. ‘Do you know something?’ he leaned forward in his chair. Flora pursed her lips together, hesitating. ‘I didn’t mention it before because, quite frankly, I didn’t think it was relevant. And because it was so long ago. I pushed it so far back in my mind that I forgot it ever happened. All these years and I never thought about it. Because after Robert was gone, I no longer had to worry. I was safe. And it never crossed my mind again.’

‘Flora, what happened?’

She closed her eyes and her lips parted. ‘He would hit me,’ she said slowly. She opened her eyes and looked at him. ‘Robert had a …. temper. What I said to you before was all true. He was a very kind, charming man. He bought me anything I needed, would bend over backwards for me. But unfortunately, my Robert had another side to him - a side he didn’t like to showcase often. And that was his abusive side,’ she stopped, tucked a stray curl behind her ear. ‘It was very difficult for me, you see. Because I was so young when we married. And he was ten years older, and so experienced in this world. He was this somebody, and I was a nobody. I felt special when I was with him. As though I finally meant something, And he was so good to me, don’t get me wrong. But he would hurt me, And I believed it was my fault. As though I were the one doing something wrong.’

‘It took me a long time to move past that mindset. To finally realize that I was the victim, and blaming myself was not fair. It was only after his death that I was finally able to move on and find myself again. Because for so long, I was lost. Sure, I was happy and smiling and in love with him, so in love with him, But during that time, I was someone else. I wasn’t Flora anymore, and I think people were beginning to notice. Our marriage was a sham, I would put on a fake smile every day and I’d endure it. I’d survive and get through each day, just to live to see another.

‘He never hit me where it was noticeable. Always on the stomach, or back, or legs. If he bruised my arms, he’d make me wear long sleeve shirts, even when it was scorching hot,’ she stopped.

Joe stared at her, analyzing everything she had just said. ‘What you did was very brave, Flora.’

‘No,’ she looked up at him, ‘It wasn’t. I was a coward. I hid away and ignored the truth. Because I couldn’t handle it. I wanted to continue living in this perfect bubble that I called life. I was ignorant to it all. And if he wasn’t murdered -’ she stopped. ‘Then ……I’d probably still be with him, taking his abuse.’ Joe empathized with this woman. Empathized for what she had gone through all those years ago. And how long she kept it a Secret.

‘Let me ask you one thing,’ Joe said to her.

‘If it wasn’t for me coming around asking you these questions today, would you ever have told anyone?’

She stared at him, her green eyes glossy with tears, She said one word. ‘NO.’

It was six o’clock. Joe should have been on his way back home to Riverton, but he couldn’t leave, not when he was this close. He was definitely on the right path now and he knew it.

He sat in front of Gus Francis and told him everything he knew, everything he believed was happening. ‘Mark Darby, Joe said. ‘Victim two, Killed four people in 1955 in a drunk driving accident. It was covered up and he was never penalized,’ he took another breath. ‘Patrick Brooks, victim three. Was abusing his two children, Angela and her younger brother. I spoke with her and she revealed to me that he had a drinking problem. Would come home and beat the kids.’ Joe stopped again, gathering his thoughts. ‘Robert Baldwin, victim four, Charming, friendly, and kind, Pillar of the community, Seemingly perfect marriage to Flora Willard, But behind closed doors, he abused her. Gave her bruises and forced her to cover them. Maintained their perfect marriage for everyone to see, but no one ever knew the truth, Not until today, when she admitted to me what Robert was really like.’

Gus stared at Joe, his mind racing, processing everything Joe had just said, ‘So what are saying, Son? What are we dealing with here?’

‘So far we have evidence that three of the seven men had Secrets,’ Joe started, ‘Very troubling secrets. And I’m sure willing to bet that if we keep digging, we’ll find something on the other four. Here’s the thing with this case,’ Joe said. ‘Everybody said the same thing about all seven victims, they were GOOD MEN, Well, now I have proof that contradicts that claim, These men were not good, They were bad,’ he took in a quick breath, preparing himself for what he was about to say next. ‘I believe The SAD Killer was a vigilante…’

*********************

It was after 10 pm and Joe was lying in bed next to Jordan. She was telling him about something, but he wasn’t paying attention. His mind was fixated on one thing and one thing only.

‘So she goes around and hands us these tiny dolls,’ Jordan said.

‘Who did?’

She gave him a look. ‘The meditation instructor. Were you not listening to me at all?’

‘I was, sorry. Continue.’

She made a sound of irritation. ‘So she gives us these tiny dolls, and they have straggly looking hair and minuscule faces, barely even a doll. And we’re supposed to yell at them, swear at them, take our anger out.’

‘At the doll?’

‘Yes.’

“This is what you do at meditation?’ Joe asked.

‘No. This was before class started.’

‘Who handed out the dolls?’

‘The instructor! I just told you!’

‘Okay, so then what?’

‘So all of these women were screaming at these tiny dolls, swearing at them, throwing them, I just sat there staring at its tiny face, I couldn’t yell at it. I felt so bad.’

‘Jor, it’s a doll.’

‘I know, but still, Anyways, it was hilarious! We were killing ourselves laughing. Grown women giving hell to these dolls.’

‘Is it like a Voodoo doll or something?’

‘No, It’s just … a tiny doll … I don’t know, Madeline gave them to us and said it will help.’

‘Help with what?’

‘I don’t know - Anger Management?’

‘Where is this doll now?’

Jordan reached over to nightstand and grabbed the doll.

‘It’s cute,’ he said.

‘Right? I couldn’t hurt the poor thing.’

Joe stared at it for a moment, then took it from her hands and threw it across the room, They both laughed.

‘How’s the case going?’ she asked.

‘What case,’ he said with irritation.

‘That bad?’

‘It’s not going anywhere, I’m honestly stuck, Kennedy tells me I should give up and throw in the towel. Call it a suicide and close the case.’

IT IS WHAT IT IS!!

‘You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food. There are people in the World so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the Form of bread…’