Travesty, p.6
Travesty, page 6
Shit, I wonder if that was Bandit trying to get to Jenna. Apparently the mothballs were useless.
Matt opened the side door to the garage and was instantly struck by an odor that nearly knocked him over. He pulled out the shovel and closed the door. His gag reflexes kicked into high gear, and he leaned forward and vomited in the dirt. The eighty-degree days and ninety-degree garage had likely sped up Jenna’s decomposition. The thought of something leaking out of that trunk sent Matt into another round of vomiting.
That was about the stupidest mistake I’ve ever made. I should have dumped her that night instead of putting her in that damn trunk. Now what the hell am I going to do?
Matt pulled in a deep breath and tried to clear his head. He knew the dog Tim saw was Bandit. Somehow he’d have to find the mutt and quick. If Bandit came back and Tim got a better look at him, he’d know Matt’s story was a lie.
Matt went inside the trailer and looked around. In the corner of the living room sat a stuffed brown bear, a prize won at a carnival several years earlier.
That’ll do. The size is right.
Matt grabbed a black garbage bag, placed the stuffed animal inside, and returned to the back of the garage. Luckily, the view from Tim’s trailer was obstructed by the garage, and with the right positioning of his body, Matt could block most everything Tim might try to see. He’d have to work fast in case the nosy neighbor decided to come out and supervise. Matt speared the ground with the spade and pulled out mounds of dirt. He knelt alongside the hole to make it appear as if he had just removed a plastic bag containing the dead dog. He shoveled the dirt back into the void and tapped it hard, then carried the bag to his car. He glanced at his neighbor’s trailer, where Tim was watching from his living room window. Matt held up the bag as proof that the deed was done.
“Sorry about that. I’ll take it to the dump.”
With the bag tossed in the trunk, Matt returned to the house to make his morning coffee. He had to come up with a plan to get rid of Jenna before the whole neighborhood caught wind of the odor and became suspicious.
Chapter 14
“Morning, everyone,” Jack said as he took his seat in the conference room. “I know it’s Sunday and you’d all rather be sleeping in late, but I received an update from Sergeant Landry this morning. I thought it would be wise to share, get some opinions from the group, and be proactive in creating a profile to release to the press. More eyes on the goings-on in our own county may help in apprehending this maniac. Give me an hour of your time, and then I’ll release you back to your personal lives.”
I joked, “We have personal lives?”
Jack rolled his eyes. “I knew you’d be the one spouting off first. That’s why I brought in a peace offering.” He slid a large box of assorted doughnuts to the center of the table. “Help yourselves, but I’ve already taken the best ones.”
Clayton grabbed two apple fritters before I had a chance to reach in. I slapped one out of his hand and snatched it away. “No doubling up on the picks, Chad.”
“Okay, get your treats and settle in. We have a lot to discuss.”
Minutes later, with doughnuts and hot coffee in front of us, we gave Jack our full attention.
“Sergeant Landry enlisted the help of a forensic artist yesterday to re-create the face of the woman found at Lapham Peak. In the condition she was found, there was no way an actual photograph could be given to the news outlets. Plus, the public isn’t going to be shown or given a description of any neckties retrieved from the scenes. Anyway, the drawing was finished in time to get it on the six o’clock news along with a tip line number. As of this morning, they’ve had forty-two calls.”
“Wow,” Kate said. “Hopefully that’ll produce a few legitimate leads.”
Jack nodded. “Several callers said she looked like a young woman who has lived in homeless shelters throughout southeast Wisconsin.”
“What callers would know that?” Billings asked.
“Employees, Landry said, and that kind of information is crucial. It could be why nobody has reported any of the murdered women missing. It’s because they’re either living on the street or going from one shelter to another. Landry sent me this rendering of the woman’s face.” Jack passed the printed copy around the table. “There are two homeless shelters in our county, and we need to know if she has been to either of them. We can’t overlook the halfway houses or women’s shelters either. Landry is meeting with law enforcement from Ozaukee, Racine, and Milwaukee Counties today. If that same forensic artist can draw the faces of the other deceased women, it could tell an important story if the same kind of leads come in.”
“They may all be shelter women, and the killer could possibly be an employee at one they’ve all stayed at,” Kate said. “Nobody would know the women are dead. They’d just think they moved on to a different location.”
Jack took a sip of his coffee. “Bingo. That’s exactly what Landry is hoping to reveal, Kate.”
“What about a name? Wouldn’t a name tell Waukesha County what they need to know about her?” Clayton asked. “They could track down her family much quicker that way.”
“Not necessarily. The residents aren’t required by law to give a last name if they don’t want to. Sometimes it’s a safety issue. Abusive husband, father, or boyfriend, that sort of thing. The callers identified her as Annie, nothing else.”
“What do you want us to do?” I asked.
Jack gave me a thoughtful smile. “I knew I could count on all of you to step up, even with today being Sunday. I think once the artist creates pictures of the other women, the drawings are aired, and the same kind of tips come in, then it’ll be time to get involved. We’ll take every drawing to the shelters in our area and see if any of the women are recognized. After that, the employees of shelters in every county of southeast Wisconsin will be checked out.”
“They wouldn’t hire anybody with a criminal record, would they?” I asked.
“It’s hard to say, Amber. Not all shelters vet their employees carefully, and not all are state funded. Hell, a lot of them operate on donations and nothing else. I just wanted to keep everyone abreast of what’s going to happen in the next few days. So far, Washburn County has skated by without a body found here. We’ve been lucky.”
I groaned. “Great. Now you’ve jinxed us too.”
Chapter 15
Matt knew what he had to do, and the thought of it not only disgusted him, it nauseated him too.
I’ve got to open that damn trunk and take her out. I’ll put a tie around her neck, drive her out to a lake, and toss her in. Maybe the water will slow down the decomposition so the medical examiner won’t be able to tell how long she’s been dead.
It was his only choice. Jenna would be considered a victim of the necktie killer, just like the others. Getting that odor out of the garage before more neighbors began asking questions was tops on his list. Matt had to go into town and buy something to camouflage the smell. Masking the scent would have to hold him over until that night, when he could move her out of the garage. That would definitely be his worst task yet.
He drove away hoping that if Tim was watching, he believed Matt was heading to the dump to dispose of his dog. Matt would keep a watchful eye out for Bandit until Jenna and the odor were long gone. He didn’t need that dog coming back to continue where it had left off—trying to get to its dead owner.
By noon, Matt was locked in the garage to avoid being interrupted and emptying cans of air freshener on anything that would absorb the spray. He doused the walls with pine-scented cleanser and dropped two more boxes of mothballs into the trunk. Just opening it several inches released the pungent smell of his rotting wife. Matt’s eyes burned from the scent of death and the chemicals meant to hide the odor. He couldn’t wait until dark so he could end that nightmare once and for all and get back to his original intentions—killing the last three people on his list.
After using all the supplies he had purchased, Matt locked the garage door at his back and sucked in a deep breath of fresh outdoor air. He crossed the porch to the trailer, went inside, showered, and then made himself a sandwich. Once outside with his sandwich and a beer, he took a seat at the far end of the screened porch, where he could keep an eye out for the dog’s return.
He was deep in thought when his ringing phone startled him back into the moment. Matt looked at the screen—not many people called him.
Shit, it’s Jesse. Should I answer or not?
Matt’s brother-in-law, Jesse, was calling, likely to see why Jenna wasn’t answering her phone. Jenna’s only brother, Jesse, was far too interested in his sister’s life. Matt was thankful the nosy brother lived in Illinois. He cleared his throat and answered.
“Hey, Jesse, how’s it going?” Matt tapped the speakerphone icon and placed his cell on the windowsill at his back.
“Where’s Jenna? I’ve called numerous times.”
“Jesus, dude, why the hell are you calling me during your vacation, anyway? Can’t you take a damn week off, spend it at a Caribbean island, and leave us the hell alone? You can’t even give me the courtesy of a proper hello.”
“Hello, Matt, now where’s my sister?”
“Can’t tell you exactly.”
“Cut the crap. Where is she?”
“She said she was going to Fallingwater. You know, that house in the woods with the waterfall. She said something about needing a vacation from me. Your sun-filled excursion probably put the idea in her head, but that comment hurt my feelings, dude. Anyway, she’s probably in the mountains where the reception is sketchy. What’s with the bug up your ass?”
Jesse ignored the smart talk. “She didn’t mention a trip to me.”
“Like I said, it was last-minute, and maybe you aren’t that important to her. You know, I’m the guy she married. You’re only a brother.”
“She tells me everything, wiseass.”
“Apparently not. She’ll be back late Wednesday night, and I’ll tell her you called. Oh, my pizza is here. Gotta go.” Matt abruptly clicked off the call.
That son of a bitch is going to be a pain in my ass. I know he’ll find a way to cause trouble.
Matt chomped on his sandwich and took a swig of beer. He pitched the empty can into the bucket across the porch. Nightfall couldn’t come soon enough.
Chapter 16
“Okay, so this is the final piece of land we’ll be looking at today. If none of these properties work for you, I’ll start a new search.” Melanie Davis glanced over her shoulder at the couple in the backseat. They held four brochures of properties for sale in Walworth County that were close to Lake Geneva.
“I’m so excited, Melanie. We just have to find something nearby. Did I mention I grew up in this area?”
“Yes you did, Beth, and that’s why I’m determined to find you exactly what you’re looking for. Now this last property is a wonderful seven-acre parcel with the well, septic, and electricity already at the site. There’s an abandoned house that would have to be razed, but you’d probably come out ahead even by hiring somebody to do that since you wouldn’t have to dig the well or septic. They would need to be inspected and tested, of course, but those contingencies would be included in your offer. The great thing is this property is only three miles from town.”
“It sounds perfect, doesn’t it, Richard?”
“It sure does.”
“Here we are.” Melanie turned in to the gravel driveway and cut the engine. “This place has so much potential. Come on. Let’s take a look.”
The three climbed out of the SUV and walked toward the house.
“Watch your step. I’m sure there are nails lying among this caved-in roof. So if you hired somebody to raze the house, you’d have two options that could actually save you money.”
Richard grinned. “Sounds good already.”
“Well, either all of the debris could go into the basement space and be covered with fill, or if the basement was still in good condition, you could actually use it as a footprint for the new house. Both are logical choices.”
“Hmm, great ideas. Let’s walk the property.”
“Sure thing, Richard. According to the listing sheet, there’s a small pond right this way.” Melanie pointed toward the back of the property. “Shall we? I’ll take the lead.”
Richard and Beth followed close behind as they discussed the potential of the piece of land, especially with a pond on their own property.
Melanie heard the excitement in Beth’s voice. “We could build our dream house here, honey. I’m liking everything I see so far.”
Melanie nodded. “It’s definitely a desirable property. Be careful in these weeds. I guess I should have worn other shoes. My heels are already getting tangled. Oh no!”
The couple watched as Melanie fell forward into the tall grasses. A flurry of movement followed as she leapt to her feet screaming and ran barefoot to her vehicle.
“Oh my God, it’s a dead man. Help, help, help! We need help! I’m going to be sick.”
Richard took a quick look then rushed his wife to the SUV, where he made the 911 call.
Melanie sat in the driver’s seat, dabbing her tear-stained cheeks and shaking her head. “I’ve never in my life. I—I—I’m just so upset, guys. I’m truly sorry.”
“You couldn’t have known.” Richard hung up and checked the time. “The call went to the sheriff’s office. The deputies should be here soon.” Richard comforted his wife as they waited.
Moments later, a siren echoed through the blanket of trees in what once had been an idyllic setting.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get over this.” Beth blew her nose. “Maybe we should look at condos instead.”
The black cruiser with gold lettering pulled in behind Melanie’s SUV. Two deputies stepped out and approached the shaken people.
Richard took the lead. “Deputies.” He extended his hand, shook theirs, and made the introductions.
Deputy Lloyd spoke up. “Who found the body?”
Melanie sniffed as she spoke. “That would be me. I’m Melanie Davis, a Realtor for Geneva Star Realty. I didn’t actually discover the poor man, I tripped over him.”
“Ma’am?”
She tipped her head. “He’s lying over there in the weeds.”
Richard pulled the deputies aside. “Just so you know, he has a tie around his neck.”
Thompson cursed. “Son of a bitch, that maniac struck again.” He held up his hand. “Stay by the vehicle, folks. This is officially a crime scene now.” Thompson approached the body while Deputy Lloyd stayed at the vehicle and took the witness statements. Thompson yelled back seconds later. “Phil, call Forensics and the ME.”
Chapter 17
Night had fallen, and Matt was peering out the window when he noticed taillights backing away from Tim’s trailer.
“It’s now or never. He’s the only person around here nosy enough to pay attention to my every move.”
Matt swallowed hard, knowing what he was about to do would burn an image in his mind for life. Peeling away the wrapping that covered his dead wife’s body, seeing what ninety-degree weather could do to her skin in a matter of days, and then securing a tie around her neck would be enough to fill his nightmares for life. Then there was the smell.
He poured a shot of whiskey, downed it, and put on his gloves. He jammed a tie into his pocket and headed for the garage. With the car backed against the overhead door, Matt killed the engine and entered the garage through the side door. He locked it behind him and turned on the light. Exposing Jenna’s body, wrapping the tie around her neck, and putting her in the car’s trunk would be the hardest part. After that, he could detach himself from her and regroup. He’d cover her with the drop cloth again then unwrap her at the site. He’d have to dispose of the sheeting and blanket somewhere—maybe the county dump. That black plastic garbage bag with the stuffed toy was still in the trunk. He’d wad up the blanket and plastic, seal the bag, and toss it over the fence at the landfill.
Yeah, that’ll work. I just have to get through the tough part first.
Matt had cleared the path to the trunk earlier that day when he’d added more mothballs. He stared at the trunk as he inched closer. Dread filled his mind, and his heart pounded triple time. Matt’s hand shook as he pulled the key from his pocket and wiggled it into the padlock. He lifted the lid and tried to hold his breath. He moved the blanket aside and cut away the sheeting from Jenna’s head as she lay in the trunk. He wanted to do everything as fast as possible, get her in the car, and go. He had no idea where Tim went or how long he’d be gone, but he knew his window of opportunity could slip away any minute.
“It’s now or never.” Matt sliced through the drop cloth, exposing Jenna’s head. Shock took over, and he began to gag. “Just do it, damn it!” He wrapped the tie around her neck, thankful to be wearing the gloves, and knotted it in front. He covered her up and took a long, calming breath. “Okay, that’s done. Now to get her in the car.” Matt opened the side door and rounded the garage to his vehicle then lifted the trunk lid, opened the overhead door, and ran inside. He swatted the switch to kill the garage light and used the dim trunk light to guide him. Matt lifted Jenna out of the steamer trunk and quickly carried her to the car. He put her in the trunk then ran to the driver’s door and clicked the remote on the visor to lower the garage door. With another deep breath, he steadied himself, locked the side door, and climbed into the car. He drove away, and as far as he knew, he hadn’t been seen.
I did it. I can’t believe I got her out without being noticed.
Matt had a lake in mind as he drove southwest toward the edge of town. Many of the cottages around Wallace Lake belonged to Milwaukee residents wanting a weekend getaway in the country. Since it was Sunday night, most of them had already returned to their full-time homes. Lakeview Tavern, the only bar that would be open at that time, was located just off State Highway 144 on Wallace Lake. Matt made a left on Trenton then a right on Wallace Lake Road. He continued west for a half mile. He knew he could find the gravel road that once held a boat launch, abandoned years ago when a restaurant was built on the property. He’d park far back against the weeds and drag Jenna into the cattails, where her body couldn’t float out into the lake. The spot, devoid of houses due to the unstable swampy ground, was the last place people went, and Jenna would never be found. Matt thought long and hard before continuing on.
