Author's Note: Thanks again to Badkidoh for the idea!
I hate picking out names for chapters so I hope this will suffice! Lol
Enjoy!
Chapter 21: Null and Void
Saturday 6pm…
A pair of hands flattened out the front page of the Springwood Gazette. It was the evening addition of the paper and after the news conference Donald had called for, the press were eager to get the important piece of breaking news printed and delivered to the local convenience stores. They had papers to sell, money to make! The down deserved to know what was happening, that the fiend that was preying on the town's children for the last nine years was finally captured.
Sheriff Thompson looked down at the paper.
Springwood Slasher Caught!
His eyes scanned the first few paragraphs with a conceited grin on his face. Thankfully, he had managed to evade the questions the pres shad thrown at him about Krueger's daughter. All he offered them was that she was in safe hands, and that it would be it was imperative that the young girl be left in peace. The main focus should be on her father, Fred Krueger and the crimes he committed. The next few days coming up to the Preliminary Court Hearing was going to be hectic and he was sure that the press would be parked outside waiting to question him at any given chance.
He raised his head at a small urgent knock at the door. "Come in"
Aidan Saunders brashly walked into the room and stood facing him. It had been a few hours since he had exposed the little 'blunders' on both the arrest and search warrants and well he couldn't wait to tell his client the news.
He would have told Krueger sooner, but had to make a quick trip to Westin Hills to contact one of the leading Child Psychologists at the hospital for his assistance. When he agreed he knew that things were only going to get better for Mr Krueger as Dr Hayes was one of the most renowned Child Psychologist he was in high demand throughout the state of Ohio. His dealings and successes with children with various behavioural problems made him one of the best paid and highly thought of doctors in the town and the wider county area. If any Doctor had questions or queries about a particular child's demeanour that was in their care, you went to Dr Hayes for advice.
"I would like to speak to my client" Saunders glared sternly.
Donald folded the paper, "I think now is a good time to start with the questioning"
"Sheriff Thompson, I have some matters to discuss with Mr Krueger before the questioning can begin" he replied sharply,
"Matters?" Donald eyed him with scepticism, "I will have Grayson escort to the interview room. May I ask what you will be discussing with him?"
"It is to do with his daughter"
Donald scowled, "If that fucker thinks he is going to see her then he is mistaken, as you know you've seen the restraining order. He is not allowed anywhere near her. He is a threat to her safety!"
Saunders tightened his grip on his briefcase, "Well, Mr Krueger doesn't think he is threat to her. I am going to make sure that he has every chance to defend himself on these abuse charges"
"I beg to differ" Donald walked in behind the reception desk to a large filing cabinet tucked in the corner and opened the second drawer, "Here is a draft of a psychological assessment has been drawn up by two Doctors in the children ward that have been evaluating Katherine's condition. They are adamant that the young girl has been manipulated and psychologically abused by her father. You can have a copy if you wish"
"Of course I want to see it. I'm not about to keep anything from my client"
Donald shook his head, "That bastard deserves everything that is coming to him"
Saunders kept his smug grin at bay. If only Sheriff Thompson knew what was really coming. How inaccurate the warrants were and how the whole case was about to come crumbling down around him. It seemed that he hadn't the common sense to check that the warrants were all legally binding before going around to arrest Mr Krueger. He was too hasty to get his man. When the time was to come to tell him the truth, the look on his face was going to be priceless. And it would be only himself and Judge Stewart to blame.
He turned on his heel and followed the young Officer Grayson down towards the level below. Flicking open the medical report scanned the page quickly, discerning that two female Doctors - Dr Sandra Turner and Dr Kelly Moore - were assessing Katherine Krueger's mental state. They had come to the conclusion that over the last few years because of her father's careful manipulation and emotional abuse, that the young girl had distanced herself from the other children. It was their belief that Fred Krueger had twisted the girl's mind to believe that all the other children were 'bad'.
He closed the report as he entered the interview room and his gaze fell upon Freddy as he stared pensively at him as he settled into his chair facing him. "Hello, Mr Krueger. How are we?"
Freddy scowled silently at him.
Saunders waited until the door to the room was closed before opening his briefcase. His hand gripped a small grey folder and he laid on the table and flicked it open. Inside were the two warrants. A smug grin grew across his face as he slid them both towards him. "Read them carefully"
"What are they?" Freddy asked.
"The warrants. Just look"
Leaning forward Freddy raised his cuff hands and pulled the warrants closer to him, inspecting them slowly. After a minute he frowned, "What the fuck am I meant to be looking for?"
Reaching over, Saunders pointed at the bottom of the warrants, "What does it say at the bottom?"
"There is nothing there" Freddy stared at the papers then at his lawyer.
There was a sly grin on his face, "Exactly!"
Freddy smirked as he realised the significance of it. "So, does this mean…?"
"Yes, it means exactly what you are thinking" Saunders nodded, "Both the warrants are null and void"
There was still a little bit of doubt in Freddy's mind, was this really happening? This was too good to be fucking true!
Believe it Freddy…
You'll be free soon…
His smirk grew into a fiendish grin, "So, shall we tell Donald the good news?"
"Well, how about we let him sweat for a few days?" his lawyer gave a wicked grin, "I'm sure it would quite fitting for everyone to find out at the day of the court hearing. Imagine seeing the look on their faces as you walk out of the courtroom a free man!"
"So, how did you know to look at the warrants?" Freddy was curious.
"Well, that is the first item I would look at when I take up a new case. Also, I had sneaky suspicion as to who the Judge was. When I first saw the signature at the top I knew it was Judge George Stewart. I knew our luck was in!"
Freddy smiled, "Who is this Judge Stewart that fucked up the warrants? Perhaps I should thank him when I get out!"
"He's a drunken old fool" Saunders chuckled, "He has been in and out of rehab several times in the last five years. It's a miracle he isn't dead already with the amount of alcohol he's drunk"
"If he has a drink problem, then why is he still Judge?" Freddy didn't really care to be honest, but he was interested nonetheless.
"Money, it comes down to money Mr Krueger" he stated simply, "He is quite wealthy and also he knows one or two dirty secrets that Mayor Newman has. So, to keep him quiet, Newman has kept him on as the town Judge. He knows that if he dares to get rid of Stewart then the secrets will make their way to the press. Judge Stewart is bribing him"
A maniacal cackle came from Freddy, "This is fucking unbelievable! How did the old drunk mess up the warrants?"
"He signed it there" he pointed at the top right hand corner of the warrants, "But I assume in his drunken condition he forgot to sign it there" his finger moved towards the bottom of the pages. There was a thin blank line where the signatures should have been. "I'm surprised that Thompson actually contacted Judge Stewart as there is another Judge in the next town had has Jurisdiction here, that could have easily signed the warrants. Just be thankful that he contacted Stewart, as he has given you your ticket out of here!"
"What about Katherine?" Freddy was hopeful, "That means I can get her back, yes?"
Saunders slowly shook his head, "I'm afraid not, not yet. There is a restraining order out on you and I've seen it. It's all above board. We need to go through the proper channels, basically through the social services. We also need to invalidate the assessment that has been carried out on your daughter"
"What the fuck?" Freddy raged, "But the charges are null and void! They mean nothing! You said so yourself. Fuck the restraining order!"
"Mr Krueger" he raised his right hand to try and calm him down, "To get Katherine back in your custody, we need to dismiss the report being filed against you"
Freddy glowered at the man as he pushed over the report in question, "It suggested that you have been manipulating her since an early age. That you are controlling her and that is why she is so distant from the other children. It also mentions the wounds on her stomach"
Fuck, he had to think. Formulate an account of how she got them scars. As for her being shy and passive around the other children, well he had an idea. "I just want her back. Who is making up this report?"
"Their names are at the top"
He lowered his gaze, reading the names slowly to himself. 'Dr Sandra Turner' and 'Dr Kelly Moore'. A vague memory flashed before him, was this Sandra Turner that little fuck Michael's mother? It had to be! He examined the report quickly and growled softly. The two bitches were trying to put across that he was emotionally and psychologically controlling and subjugating her. Of course they were right, but he didn't want them to know they were. He had to make it look as though they were wrong, that they were reading the signs all wrong. To make them look like two pathetic bitches they were. "I am assuming they are trying to talk to my daughter? Mmm?"
"Yes, but from what I've spoken to Dr Turner on the phone earlier, your daughter hasn't spoken a word to them. Or well, to anyone for that matter"
Freddy grinned in delight at this piece of news. Just like he taught her throughout the years, she was keeping her sweet little mouth shut.
Good girl, Princess!
Saunders continued, "Dr Turner and Dr Kelly are under the assumption that you have made Katherine act this way. That you have twisted her mind to be suspicious of other people"
"That is a fucking lie!" Freddy snarled, "Where is she now? My baby girl? Is she still in the hospital?"
"At the minute yes" he paused, hoping that the next admission wasn't going to set Krueger off. "She is being transferred to the Springwood Orphanage in the morning at 11am. Social Services have arranged for her to be moved there"
"The fucking Orphanage" Freddy sneered and gripped the edge of the table "Those cunts better not think they are allowing her to be taken into a foster family!" he pointed sharply at chest with his right thumb, "I'm her father, I'm her family!"
"I understand that Mr Krueger" he nodded curtly, "It is just normal procedure in cases like this. Children are put in the care of social services and placed in the local Orphanage or a Children's Home until the situation is resolved. It doesn't necessarily mean that she is going to be adopted or taken into foster care"
His fingers curled over the edge of the table, fingernails digging into the wood in rage. "It better not. If the fuckers in this town think they can take her away from me, then I'll get all of their children. I'll get everyone last one of them!"
Saunders looked down at Krueger's hands seeing his knuckles turning white as he gripped the table tightly. "Mr Krueger please. It won't happen. I have a proposition for you. I have a contact in Westin Hills, his name is Dr Karl Hayes. He's a child psychologist who deals with extreme behavioural problems in children and teenagers. I want him to talk to you in the morning. He may ask you some questions about Katherine. So, I want you to answer them as best as you can"
Freddy let out a long deep breath as he composed himself, "Then what?"
"Dr Hayes will visit your daughter for a few hours. Perhaps longer. He would only be observing her behaviour around the other children and adults. Are you okay with this?"
"If it helps me get her back, then yes" he spat.
"Good" Saunders grinned a little, "Tomorrow evening Dr Hayes will accompany me to visit you and he will discuss his observations of your daughter. We will by then hopefully have built up a case for your defence in regards to the report being put forward by Dr Turner and Dr Moore"
"I told you, I haven't done anything to her. They are making this" he grabbed the medical report, "up! They are creating up this bullshit so they can take her away from me. I love her, I would never hurt her! NEVER!"
The man nodded, "I understand. But we would still need to refute this report and so Dr Hayes will need to talk to you. I want you to co-operate with him. Give him as much information on your daughter as you can"
Freddy gave a sheepish nod.
"Have you had much sleep?" Saunders noticed the weariness on Krueger's face.
"Not really, no"
"Okay, I will be back in a few hours. I advise you to get some sleep for an hour" he rose to his feet and gathered the report and warrants, "Would you need anything from your house? Any clothes?"
"Yes"
He tore away a small page from his notebook and handed it to him along with a small pencil. Freddy quickly noted down a few things, then passed the items back to him. Reading the list Saunders frowned, "I'm not sure if I can get you the last item"
With a sneer Freddy leaned forward, "I want a photo of Katherine. You better get it Mr Saunders"
Nodding once Saunders folded the paper into his front pocket of his jacket, then threw the pencil into this briefcase, "Yes, of course. I'll be as quick as I can. I'll try and be back by 9pm. The Sheriff wants to start the questions tonight. So, please remember when he is questioning you to remain calm. That means no gloating or trying to antagonise him. Just a simple 'no comment' would suffice"
Freddy sighed and then smirked naughtily, "Aw, I wanted to play some more minds games on the fucker. You should have seen his face when I mentioned his little brat Nancy!"
Saunders glared sternly at him, "Mr Krueger please I understand you don't like the man, but try and compose yourself"
"Fucking spoil sport" he stared icily at the man.
Ignoring the cold glare Saunders walked towards the door and placed his hand on the handle. He then craned his neck towards Krueger, "I'll be in touch with Dr Hayes when I leave here, then I'll go to your home to get your belongings. I hope by tomorrow evening we will be more clearer in regards to getting that report on your daughter invalidated"
Freddy's lips curled into a sneer, "You better hope so"
x x x
1428 Elm street.
8pm…
Saunders looked over the lawn towards the Krueger residence. Behind him Officer Grayson climbed out of his police car, having been told to accompany Mr Saunders to the house to allow him entry. The Red Chevy parked in the driveway of the home was now smashed to pieces, the back windows were shattered. The glass was scattered inside the back seats. Each of the tyres were slashed and scrawled on the side of the car in black paint was the words.
Child Molester
He walked grimly along the lane to the front door and glanced to each of the windows that were also ruined. Three planks of wood were nailed across each of the cracked windows, while yet again more paint was smeared down the red door behind the two yellow police tapes that was attached from one pillar to the other.
Murdering scum!
Just as expected news of Krueger's identity as the Springwood Slasher spread like wildfire throughout the town. He knew that when Krueger was released that there was no way he would be able to stay in the town, the best option fro him was to leave and fast. If it meant he had to leave his daughter behind, then Saunders would have to persuade him to do so. But somehow he knew that Krueger would not listen to him.
Grayson lifted his green eyes up towards the lawyer as he followed him and smiled grimly, "Mr Saunders, I have to inform you that I would have to check any items that you bring out of the house. It's just protocol. Sheriff Thompson doesn't want anything handed to Krueger that isn't allowed"
"What? All my client wants is a change of clothing. Fresh clean clothes! What is wrong with that?" Saunders scoffed in disbelief.
"I know sir, but I would still need to check them"
He nodded. "Okay Officer, I understand. You're just doing your job"
Grayson unhooked a set of silver keys from his belt and unlocked the door, then lifted the yellow tape for the older man to step through into the hallway. "I'll wait outside"
The house was trashed, both sofas in the TV and living room were turned on their sides. Various cabinets and drawers were opened, its contents were sprawled on the ground. The kitchen drawers and cupboards were rummaged through. Again the items inside were scattered everywhere. Items of food were taken from inside the cupboards and left on the counter. Littered across the kitchen floor was shards of glass from the broken window. While a thick red brick had crashed into the middle of the kitchen table Another sign of vandalism. Saunders knew that upstairs would be more or less the same, in disarray. The police really did search this house thoroughly. A pity they didn't check the search and arrest warrants more meticulously too.
He walked over the broken ornaments into the living room and saw a few cracked picture frames on the floor in front of the fire place. Crouching to his knees he turned one over and saw a picture of a young girl, aged about ten years old with big brown eyes and her light brown hair tied back into two red ribbons. She smiled brightly at the camera. Shaking the broken glass off the frame he curled his fingers into the wooden frame and pulled out the photo, then slipped it into his front trouser pocket. Hopefully, this picture would help cheer up Krueger's mood.
Throwing a quick glance over his shoulder towards the door he saw that there was no sign of Grayson and hurriedly he made his way upstairs to the landing. He turned at the top of the staircase and saw two rooms at the far end of the hall. His feet picked up their pace and he froze outside the door to his right and peer inside, seeing a large double bed. Clothes were strewn across the covers and on the pale cream carpet. This was the master bedroom.
Entering the room he saw an overturned drawer to his right and immediately bent down to lift it over, seeing several items of boxers and picked three of them up. Along with two vest tops and a pair of dark socks. He carried them over to the far end of the bed and then hunched down again to picked up what he discerned was clean pair of back trousers. He folded each item neatly and then took out the list Krueger had written down. The other two item he needed to get was his fedora hat and a pair of black boots. His eyes scoured the floor and then averted them towards the built in wardrobe and there he saw them resting on the top shelf.
Taking them in his hands he then went to gather the rest of Krueger's clothes and ventured down outside, where Grayson as patiently waiting for him. "Sir, I would need to check them"
Saunders smiled and held them out to inspect.
One by one, the young officer patted down each garment and scrutinized it before folding it once more. He then shoved his right hand into his back trouser pocket and pulled out a small white plastic bag, Satisfied that everything was in order, "You can put them in there"
"When we get back to the Station, you can tell the Sheriff that he can question Mr Krueger when we get back"
Springwood Police Station. 9.10pm
Freddy's lips curled into a pleased grin as Saunders secretly placed the photo of Katherine over to him. His hands excitedly clutched at the photograph and looked down at her smiling face and smiled broadly. "Katherine" his voice was barely above a whisper. He looked up at the man before him, "They didn't search you? No?"
"No, they only searched your clothes" he pulled out the garments and placed them on the bed. He threw a cautious glance over his shoulder at the doorway, "Just take what you need. I'll have to bring your remaining clothes to the Sheriff. They will keep them until you need them"
Freddy nodded, but he was not paying full attention to the man. His pensive gaze was still set upon the photo of Katherine as he slowly trailed his right index finger up and down her beaming face. It felt like forever since he saw her. He was missing her like crazy. The sooner Wednesday came, so he could hold her in his arms, to kiss her rosy cheeks the better. Then they would leave this town. There were always other towns, other little children to go after.
"Mr Krueger" Saunders broke through his thoughts, "Sheriff Thompson wants to get the questions under way. You have five minutes to get changed"
He nodded and slowly slid the photo of her under the mattress.
Interview Room B. 9.50pm
"No comment" Freddy said dryly.
Thompson frowned in irritation. It was the tenth question in a row that Krueger had answered with them two words 'no comment'. His lack of co-operation was extremely annoying. Saunders was to blame for this and here seemed to be no use in interrogating the fucker for any longer. It was a waste of time. He took a sideways glance at Garcia and then closed his file, glowering with disdain at the man across from him. "It doesn't matter if you answer my questions or not, we have enough evidence in them books! You're going to hell for what you did!"
Freddy chuckled and then his lips curled into a spiteful sneer, "Your petty threats don't scare me, Don"
"Threats?" Donald shook his head, "I'm not threatening you Fred, I'm just telling the truth! You were the one who threatened ME this morning!"
A heinous grin stretched across his face, "Oh, you mean little Nancy? I was just having a little fun! You need to lighten up!"
His lips curled into a snarl of vexation and he rose to his feet, this fucker was going to get hit again if he didn't watch what he was saying. A hand grabbed his shirt and tugged him back down into his seat, "Sir" Garcia murmured, "Don't"
"Ah, come on James! Let Don have another go at me. Let's see if you can hit better this time!" he taunted with a smirk.
Donald clamped his eyes shut and sat down, regaining his composure. This enticed a chuckle from Freddy as he goaded once more, "Anyway, Nancy isn't my type. I prefer them a little younger"
Ignoring his remark, Donald leaned over to switch off the tape. "I'm terminating the interview, the time is 10pm. We will convene tomorrow" his finger pushed down the stop button.
"Aw" Freddy mocked, "The fun was only starting, sure we'll continue the fun and game tomorrow, won't we Don?"
Saunders cleared his throat and gave his client a sideways glance, signalling him to keep quiet. "Sheriff Thompson" he looked over to him, "I have a Child Psychologist coming tomorrow morning to interview Mr Krueger about his daughter"
"What?" Donald saw the smug look on Fred's face, "You never mentioned this to me, Mr Saunders"
"I am. Now" Saunders began simply, "I would like to use this interview room tomorrow morning at about 9.30am. Would it also be possible if I could have a copy of any further notes that Dr Turner and Dr Moore have drawn up in relation to Katherine Krueger? I would like to give them to Dr Hayes when he arrives from Westin Hills"
The look of rage was etched across Thompson's face as he leered at the two men, what the fuck was Saunders up to? Did Krueger put him up to this? Was Krueger so desperate to get cleared off the charges against Katherine that he was resorting to get another doctor's opinion? It didn't matter, he had the proof and that was all that concerned him. "Okay, Mr Saunders I'll have them for you when you arrive tomorrow" he pointed a finger at Krueger and snarled, "As for you, I know that you've been abusing her, it doesn't matter what this Dr Hayes says!"
"I told you before, I NEVER touched her" Freddy hissed, "I love her"
"Love?" Donald laughed in disbelief, "You don't know the meaning of the word!"
Freddy glowered with disdain as Donald walked out of the room with Garcia and the door shook as it was slammed shut. "What an asshole"
Saunders sighed in exasperation and turned in his seat towards him, "Mr Krueger, we have more important matters at hand"
He nodded, knowing that Saunders was right. "This Dr Hayes you have coming to see me, you mentioned Westin Hills. Does he work there?"
"Yes, he was actually recommended to the Institution last year. He moved from Cleveland and is well known for this books on child behaviours, the causes and treatments. I believe he can help you IF you co-operate with him. Give him as much information as you can about Katherine"
Freddy agreed, "If it means that I can get her back, then I'll give him as much information as he wants. All I want when this is over is my little girl with me and not them! She doesn't belong to anyone else!"
"Yes, Mr Krueger. I totally understand" he placed his case papers into his case, "I will see you in the morning. Make sure you get a good night's sleep"
The door to Freddy's cell was shut with a loud clang, sealing him inside. He trudged jadedly over to his small bed and slipped his right hand under the mattress to pull out his photo of Katherine.
With a satisfied smile he crawled onto the mattress and turned onto his right side, staring intently at her smiling face and then trailed his index finger down the picture. "Only a few more days until I get you back baby girl" he slowly pressed his lips to the photo. Just as the night before his thoughts were consumed of her as he drifted to sleep.
x x x
Turner Residence. 10.30pm…
Sandra's fingers were smeared with her night cream as she rubbed it evenly onto her forehead, then down each sides of her face. Making sure to massage the residue into her pores. She screwed the top closed and discarded her cream silk nightgown over the back of her chair facing her white dressing table. The last twenty four hours had been quite hectic and surreal.
Katherine was still not co-operating with her or anyone for that matter. Though there were two positives factors to come from the afternoon. One -that she had manage to eat some of her dinner, although not as much as they would have liked her to. Just a few mouthfuls. The second was that she was no longer hidden under her bed clothes. Her blankets were pulled under her chin as she stared blankly at the far wall. Yet as countless times before anytime anyone tried to touch her or sit on the edge of her bed to speak to her, she would recoil away from them.
It was breaking her heart seeing the poor child like this and it was all because of her fucker of a father. The man didn't deserved to live. But she was safe, he wasn't going to harm her ever again.
Her body twisted around as she heard her bedroom door creak opened and she frowned, "Michael, what are you doing up?"
He gave a weak smile and entered the room, "I'm sorry, I just wanted to talk to you"
She patted her lap, "Come on"
He briskly walked over to her and rested against her lap, his arms crossed over this grey pyjama top. His blue eyes darted over towards the double bed as his father softly snored in his slumber. "How is Katherine? I've wanted to ask you all day, but you haven't said anything about her since you came home earlier"
"It's very complicated Michael" she tenderly placed a hand around his shoulders, "She's scared, she doesn't know what is happening"
"What if I go and visit her?" he sounded hopeful, "I'll bring my comic books and read them to her"
"Michael, you can't. No one is allowed to visit her" she smiled sadly, "She needs help, she needs therapy"
"Is she not talking to you?" he asked, confused.
"No, she wont' talk to anyone"
"Is it because of her daddy?" he wasn't naïve at all.
His mother nodded solemnly, "Yes, listen don't you worry about it, okay? She's in safe hands. One day she will talk to us, hopefully sooner rather than later"
Michael nodded grimly, "Is her daddy being charged for cutting her?"
She nodded and hugged him warmly, "You were right to tell the Sheriff what you saw You saved her and I'm so proud of you. If you hadn't came forward then god only knows what he would have done to her"
A flash of anger flickered in his eyes as he sneered. "He's nothing but a coward!"
Her heard fluttered in her chest, for someone so young he seemed so mature for his age and she knew that he would grow up to be a decent man. "I love you so much, you're the best thing that ever happened to me and your father" her lips kissed his forehead, "Now, go to bed"
Her eyes followed him as he left the room, closing the door behind him and yet again she was left to her thoughts. Shaking her head she rose from her seat and was about to make her way towards her bed when the shrill ring of the phone resounded in the room.
She turned and lifted the receiver from the far end of the dresser, "Hello?"
There was a few minutes of silence as she listened to the person on the other end, and soon a look of astonishment crossed her face, "You can't be serious? Why would he want another doctor's opinion? Is the report not sufficient for him?"
She listened again.
"I'm sure Dr Hayes will come to the same conclusions as us! There would be no other explanation as to why she is acting this way!" she persisted.
Her lips curled into a small frown, "Okay Sheriff Thompson. Please keep me updated. I spoke to Ms Davis, the Orphanage proprietor about the situation and she understands completely and has informed her staff about Katherine. I think she is arranging for Katherine to have her own private bedroom away from the other children. Just for the time being"
"That's good"
"Would it be possible if we could get some of her clothes from her home?" Sandra enquired, "Perhaps a few dolls for her to play with? Anything to try and make her feel a little more at ease?"
"Yes, of course. I will get Officer Stevens to accompany you to the house in the morning. She can pick you up at say, 10am?" he offered.
"Yes, that would be great" she then scowled, "I still can't believe his lawyer is getting another Doctor to evaluate Katherine. It's going to be a waste of their time!"
"Well, let them waste their time" he gritted his teeth, "We have enough evidence here to nail that son of a bitch. He's not going to see his daughter for the rest of his life!" there was a small pause. "Listen, thank you for the last day or so. I really appreciate it. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight"
"Good night Sheriff"
x x x
Sunday 12th March. 9.30am…
Freddy drummed this fingers against the edge of the table and stared impatiently at the doorway to the interview room. He heard two sets of footsteps and soon Saunders entered accompanied by Dr Hayes. Freddy eyed him slowly, scrutinizing his appearance. He was a fair tall man, perhaps in his late 30's, with dirty fair hair and a neatly cut moustache. His clothes were impeccable - grey suit, white shirt and a black/grey striped tie. Gripped in his right hand was a thick black briefcase. The only issue Freddy wanted to know was how he was going to refute that report them two whores had drawn up.
His eyes narrowed as the Dr stretched out his hand to him, in a friendly gesture and smiled, "Mr Krueger, I'm Dr Karl Hayes"
But as before with Saunders, Freddy refused to shake it and looked at the two seats across from him. As if to say 'sit the fuck down'. He wanted to get on with the proceedings.
Both men noticed this and they wisely sat in their seats and soon Saunders broke the edgy silence, "Dr Hayes will be asking some questions about Katherine. Just a brief overview of her behaviour and then he will visit your daughter after mid-day to observe her around others. Then this evening we shall meet again for further discussions about her"
Freddy stared directly at Hayes, "Would you tell her that I'm missing her? I want her to know that I've been thinking about her, that I meant what I said the other night. That I'll be getting her back, real soon. Tell her that I love her"
He gave a sombre smile and nodded, his hands then popped opened his briefcase to pull out the assessment that Dr Turner and Moore had complied. Placing it to his right he flicked opened the file and then took out an A4 notebook and small parker pen, "Now, Mr Krueger. Tell me about Katherine. Full name, date of birth, physical details. Her mannerisms"
"Her full name is Katherine Ann Krueger, born 2nd March 1962" his right hand slithered into his front pocket and pulled out her photo, placing it on the table for them to study, "She's beautiful, isn't she? She's going to be so gorgeous when she grows up. A little stunner"
A perverse gleam flashed in his eyes as he gazed at her face, but he quickly regained his composure and slipped the photo back into his pocket, "She was always a very quiet child, very obedient. Always has been for me. She loves art, you should see her paintings, her drawings. She's brilliant"
Dr Hayes nodded and rested the tip of the pen on the notepad, ready to write anything of significance down.
"As for her mannerisms, Kat likes to play on her own. She has a very active imagination, likes to make up little stories and act them out on her own. In the garden or in her bedroom" he glanced at the Doctor's hand as he noted this down, "I just let her get on with it, if it makes her happy playing on her own in the garden then I just let her do that"
Dr Hayes eyes scoured the report to his right and then looked up at the man across from him, "Dr Turner and her colleague Dr Moore believe that Katherine's quiet and passive conduct is a result of you manipulating her, coercing her to distant herself from the other children? Do you agree with this assumption?"
"That is bullshit!" his lips pulled upwards into a sneer, "Katherine has always been this way. I have never ONCE manipulated her or forced her to do anything she didn't want to! Her shyness is nothing to do with me, it's just part of her personality!"
You're doing good Freddy…
Keep it going…
He believes you, you can see it in his eyes!
He sighed in dismay and fibbed, "I've tired countless times to get her to go and play with the other children in the park. But she wouldn't leave me, she would continually sit with me. The only time she would go into the playground in the park was when there was no-one about. And anytime someone would enter the playground or go near her, she would come rushing over to me. You should see the look on her face, she's petrified!"
"Is this a common occurrence?" Dr Hayes wrote a few more sentences down, "Does this happen in your street too? Would she come running into the house if she is approached outside by other children? If they try and get her to join them?"
"Yes. Every time"
Hayes gave a small thoughtful nod and leaned back, "Has she always been this way? Or would you say that it has happened over the last few years?"
"I would say since she was about six or so, but I noticed before that she was a little clingy to me. She seemed to be a little anxious when going out in public" he lied again.
"Okay, would you say she is only comfortable around you?"
"Yes" Freddy nodded and gave a quick look at the doctor's notes. There was at least two paragraphs of notes so far.
"I'm hoping to visit your daughter in the afternoon" Dr Hayes avowed.
"How are you planning on assessing her behaviour?"
"I have my means Mr Krueger" he gave a cunning smile, "Don't worry, nothing will happen to her. By the end of the day I will hope to have come to my own evaluation of her demeanour and at the minute I have a small idea"
Freddy mused silently and then titled his head towards Saunders, flashing him a sly smirk, "So, Mr Saunders, you have any children?"
Saunders gulped and shook his head, "Uh, no. I don't"
"Mmm, pity" Freddy murmured and then turned towards Dr Hayes, "And what about you, Doctor? Any little ones running about?"
"Mr Krueger, I don't' think-"
"Just answer the question" Freddy interrupted and gave a furtive smirk, "Do you have any kids?"
"Yes, I do" he gulped.
"How many?" he persevered.
"Just the one"
"Boy?" he gave a fiendish grin, "Or a girl?"
"A little girl" he was starting to become uneasy.
"What's your little girl's name?" Freddy's grin grew wider.
"Lillian. She's called Lillian"
Freddy smiled languorously, "Lillian" he savoured her name on his tongue, "How old is she? Do you have a picture of little Lillian?"
The Doctor nodded sluggishly and saw the ravenous look in his eyes, "She's just turned five. And yes, I do"
"May I have a look?" he then noticed the hesitancy in the man's face, "Just a quick look, that's all"
He licked his lips nervously and his right hand snaked inside his jacket to pull out a black leather wallet, flipping it opened before taking out a small coloured passport photo of a young girl. Her jet black hair was tied back in a plait, a pair of bright blue eyes stared at the camera and she gave a bright grin. Dr Hayes took a deep breath and laid it in front of Krueger.
Krueger's carnal eyes gazed over the photo as he clutched it with both of his cuffed hand and he felt his lips tug upwards into a lustful grin. Dark, impure thoughts ravaged his mind, "Cute kid"
You'd like to fuck her wouldn't, you Freddy?
He suddenly snapped his eyes shut and pushed those voices to the back of his mind, the last thing he wanted was to be distracted from the main reason he wanted to know if they had children. Placing the photo down he shoved it back towards Hayes and looked at him sternly, "You love Lillian, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. Very much"
"Well, that's how I FEEL bout my little princess, my Katherine" he looked at them in turn, "I would do anything for her. So, I am trusting you BOTH to get her back for me. Do whatever it takes!"
"Yes, of course Mr Krueger" Hayes nodded and placed the picture of his daughter back into his wallet. His hands shook as they gathered his files and notes, "If you'll excuse me Mr Krueger, I need to go to Westin Hills first before I visit your daughter. I should be back before 7pm"
Freddy eye's followed him as he headed towards the door and he then warned, "Dr Hayes, I advise you not to come back here unless you have some good news for me"
Springwood Orphanage, 54 Haywood Avenue. 12noon
The mid-day sun shone through the green lush leaves of the large Oak Tree on the front lawn of the Springwood Orphanage. Throughout the years the two storey building had been renovated on several occasions. For the last ten years the administrator of the Orphanage was a Ms Pamela Davis, a cheery and amiable woman in her late forties. It had been a gratifying experience the last ten years, helping to re-home abandoned and orphaned children. To her it was the most best job in the world. Because of her enthusiasm for her work, she had fundraised on numerous occasions to get the back yard revamped for the children to play in - putting in a set of swings, a slide, a small playhouse and a large circular sand pit. All she wanted was for the children to be contented and relaxed during their stay here.
It was only her and two other members of the staff that would regularly stay over and care for the children. Taking up a rota-basis every two weeks. The Orphanage was run and funded by the Social Services, while on the odd occasion the Sisters of Mercy would be in contact with Ms Davis to lend any support.
The top floor of the building was rather large, with four large spacious bedrooms and two smaller ones, with two sizeable bathrooms. One of the large bedrooms at the back of the building was designated for the girls who resided in the home, with three sets of bunk beds and three small single beds. The same went for the boy's bedroom across the hallway. There was one of the other large bedrooms was bestowed to the members of staff who stayed over. Ms Davis had her own small bedroom at the far end of the landing, near the top of the staircase. The other two bedrooms were usually empty, but this morning a new occupier was in resting in the small bedroom.
It had been nearly an hour since Katherine was brought to the Orphanage. Her timid frame shook as she held her legs close to her chest. Dr Turner had informed Ms Davis to make sure that Katherine had her own space, her own bedroom as it would take her a long time to get used to being around the other. Despite trying to reassure the Doctor that the girl would settle in fine, Ms Davis soon changed her mind when she saw the young girl being brought into the building. Her head was bowed and her hair hung like a veil around her face, she didn't look at anyone as she entered the building. Whenever she was spoken too she would just sluggishly nod her head in agreement.
It was quite distressing to see.
Sandra Turner glanced over to the girl on the single bed, as she handed the untouched plate of sandwiches over to Ms Davis, "I don't think she's hungry. Perhaps you could give her something to eat later"
Ms Davis nodded and pushed her grey rimmed glasses up on the bridge of her nose, "That's fine. I'll make her something to eat in about an hour or so"
She turned to her right where the small single bed was set a against the wall, she took a quick glanced over her shoulder at the large chest of drawers. On top was a large cream basin filled with soapy water and a white sponge. Down at her feet was a large black bag filled with a few items of clothing - two sets of nightdresses, a few pleated skirts, long sleeves tops, fresh vest tops, pants and a few coloured dresses. Also, there were a variety of dolls for the girl to play with. What surprised her was how Katherine had willingly went with them into the white mini-van, though she had made absolutely sure that no one was to touch her, as discovered by Dr Moore who was screeched at by the young girl whenever she tried to lift her into the vehicle. The very minute that someone had sat beside her, Katherine had shrunk away from them. And just like the previous day, she wouldn't reply to anyone.
It was going to take a miracle for her to talk to them.
The very second she was shown to her room she had scrambled onto her bed and for the last hour she hadn't moved an inch. With a distraught sigh Sandra bent down to lift up a few items of clothing, "Katherine, I'm just going to put your clothes in this chest of drawers"
The girl didn't flinch.
She pulled out the bottom drawer and placed the nightdresses on the right, then next to them was the vest tops and pants. Next she pulled opened the drawer above and put in her skirts, shirts and dresses. "I know that you probably won't go into the bathroom to wash yourself, so there is some soapy water and a sponge if you want to wash your face"
Sandra knew that Katherine was listening and continued, "We brought some dolls from your house too. They're in the bag"
As usual no answer.
The woman nodded quietly to herself and left the room.
More than five minutes went by until Katherine dared to move her body, her taut face craning to the left to stare at the small room and then she swung her legs slowly over the edge of the bed. She wanted this hospital gown off of her, she wanted her OWN clothes on. The clothes her father had bought for her.
Gently she tip-toed over towards the chest of drawers and crouched to the bottom drawer. Despite not answering Dr Turner, she saw out of the corner of her eye where she had put her clothes. Everyone probably assumed she was ignoring them, which was partly true, but she could see everything!
Her hands grabbed the handle and trailed the drawer opened, reaching inside for a fresh pair of pants, vest top and her ivory night dress. She placed them on top of the chest of drawers and then slowly began to discard the blue hospital gown onto the ground. The sponge dipped into the soapy water as she grabbed it and twisted it sharply, draining out the water and then leisurely began to wipe at her neck and underarms. She soaked the sponge again and twisted it once more, and rubbed at her chest and then frowned as she looked down at her stomach. For the first time she noticed that her scars were covered. Perhaps she should take the bandages off as her father would have wanted them to be on show, he said that she shouldn't be ashamed of them. But she knew that if she did rip off the dressings then THEY would obscure them once more and she didn't want them to touch her again.
She set the sponge back into the basin and tucked her hair away from her face, wishing that she had her red ribbons with her so that she could fix her hair for whenever her father came for her. He had promised her he would get her back and well he wouldn't be too happy if her hair wasn't the way he preferred.
Her fingers tugged her cream pants down and she soon changed into a fresh white pair, then tugged on her vest top and nightdress. Lifting her dirty laundry she placed it beside the basin and then curiously inched towards the doorway. At the periphery of the room she stopped and peered around the rim of the frame. The hallway was bright, with several scenic paints dotted on the beige walls. Pale cream carpet stretched along the ground and to her right about ten feet away, was the top of the staircase and another doorway to a larger sized bedroom. Titling her head to the left she saw two doorways a little further down, across the way and another two rooms on her side of the landing. She had to admit this house was far bigger than her own house.
Her ears perked up as she heard a set of footsteps ascending the stairs. In a flash she scampered back towards her bed, but not before grabbing her Crissy Doll from the black bag.
A dirty fair haired man entered the room and gave her a small smile as he set his briefcase down in the middle of the room, "Hi, Katherine. My name is Dr Hayes"
Katherine nervously looked away and stared at a spot on the wall, her doll tucked under her arms in a grip vice.
He nodded knowingly to himself and then clicked opened his case, to lift out a medium sized grey video camera. After a few minutes he had set up the device and left it on the top of the chest of drawers and then peered through the lens to make sure it was strategically set upon her as she sat on the bed. Satisfied that the angle was good he pressed a small black button on top and suddenly a red light flickered on the front of the video camera. It was now recording. He threw her another look and saw that she was still staring vacantly at the wall, her fingers entangled in her doll's red hair.
Then without another word he left the room.
Ten minutes ticked by and still her eyes were glued upon the wall, as though she hypnotized and then soon her trance was broken. Her head lulled to the left and she heard the sound of children laughing from downstairs in the playroom.
She ignored the rumblings of her starved stomach and began to play with her doll.
3.45pm….
Ms Davis conversed warmly as she climbed the stairs, "I'm surprised that you are here Sister. We normally get a phone-call from the Chapel to let us know that someone is coming over. But I'm pleased that you have came to see the young girl. I'm just confused as to how you know her"
She looked over to the elderly nun. Her white religious habit consisted of a tunic, covered by a scapular and cowl, while a veil concealed her greying hair. A pair of blue eyes stared back, her wrinkled furrowing as she sighed jadedly and tightened her grip on her rosary beads. Her voice had ripened throughout the years, but still held a tenderness to it, "I knew her father"
Ms Davis nodded once, "Oh. I'll be downstairs if you need anything Sister"
Turning around toward the doorway, the Sister's name badge shimmered in the light reflected from the window. Her name clearly standing out in black engraved letters.
Sister Mary Helena.
In her past she was once called Amanda Krueger and had long abandoned that name a few years after giving birth to him. Her son.
The bastard son of a hundred maniacs.
Freddy Krueger.
The moment she heard the news of him being arrested and then being charged with the heinous crimes of murdering and raping those children, she knew there and then she had to come and visit her. Her grand-daughter.
How long had it been since she seen her last? Five, maybe six years? It was at St Mary's Chapel when she was brought to mass with her mother, Loretta. At the time she hadn't informed the young woman who she was, but through word of mouth she found out who Loretta was. It came to a great shock to her, that her son had actually married and bared a child. It had been years, perhaps when he was a teenager, maybe fifteen or sixteen when she saw him last. When she saw Fred turn around in the street she knew it was him, those feral eyes, that sharp jaw and steely gaze he gave her. It reminded her of one of those depraved inmates in the tower. Since that day she had continuously prayed and hoped that he wouldn't; turn out to be like one of them, but alas she was wrong.
He was a hundred times worse.
This morning outside St Mary's' Chapel she had overheard a few of the parishioners talking about him and the rumours gong about that he had supposedly been psychologically and emotionally abusing his daughter. She didn't want to believe it and so she decided that it would be best to come and see for herself.
The floorboards creaked under her weight as she slowly entered the room, her lips curled into a troubled frown at the girl huddled in the top left hand corner of the bed. Her body eased gently onto the mattress as she sat a foot from her, "Katherine, my name is Sister Mary Helena. I'm a member of the Sisters of Mercy religious Order from St Mary's Chapel"
The girl baulked away.
"I'm not going to hurt you dear" she assured and her right hand reached out to touch Katherine's ankle. But she pulled it away and whimpered. Mary Helena sighed, "What did he do to you, child?"
Katherine again found a small spot to stare at on the wall, eager for this woman, this nun to leave her alone. But that was not to be the case as she forced a sweet smile, "You don't know me, but I know your father"
For the slightest second Katherine looked at her.
"I'm his mother" she inched forward slowly, "I'm your grand-mother"
Something stirred inside Katherine's mind. Confusion, doubt. This was her Nanny? She was lying, she didn't have a grand-mother, her father never mentioned her!
Noticing the perplexed frown on her grand-daughters face, she continued. "My name is Amanda Krueger. I'm sure he never you about me"
Katherine's face was uncomprehending, gaze fixed upon the wall. This wasn't happening, this was all a lie!
Sister Mary Helena's creased hands entangled in her rosary beads as she lowered her head and began to articulate a prayer for healing victims of abuse.
"God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear our cries as we agonize
over the harm done to our brothers and sisters.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers,
soothe restless hearts with hope,
steady shaken spirits with faith:
Show us the way to justice and wholeness,
enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people's wounds
and transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace,
so that we may act with justice
and find peace in you.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen"
Her eyes opened as she finished her prayer and she averted them towards Katherine. The child's eyes were clamped shut and she was shaking like a leaf. "I pray that soon you will have the strength to talk to someone about what he did to you. Bless you my child, I will keep you in my thoughts. Goodbye Katherine"
She rose to her feet and made her way towards the doorway, but was halted in her tracks as Dr Hayes entered. He cast a quick glance at her attire, "Sister, may I help you?"
"Oh, no thank you" she offered a smile, "I was saying a prayer with the young child. I am member of the Sisters of Mercy from St Mary's Chapel. We would occasionally all to the Orphanage and Care Homes in town. Offer any assistance if required and pray with the children" her head glanced back to Katherine, "Are you caring for the girl?"
"I'm doing a behavioural assessment" he grew suspicious, "Do you know her?"
"No, as I said I was just visiting today and decided to say a prayer with the child. I hope you find the answers you are looking for Doctor"
"Thank you Sister" he nodded politely, "Good day"
He watched as she left the room. Once she had descended the stairs he swiftly walked over towards his video camera switched it off, pleased that he got a good four hours of film to analyse. He placed the equipment into his briefcase and then approached the bed, sitting at her side.
Katherine glimpsed at him then swung her head away and blushed.
"Katherine" he whispered, "I need to tell you something. Your father asked me to tell you that he missed you"
This lured her head to the left, eyes widening in surprise. Was he telling her the truth? He noticed the uncertainty and sustained, "He says he hasn't forgotten about you and that he loves you very much"
At last he got a reaction. But nothing verbal. It was simply a single tear as it rolled down her right cheek.
x x x
Springwood Police Station 7pm…
After watching back the recording, Dr Hayes knew that Dr Turner and Moore's so called 'assessment' was flawed and misinterpreted. The film verified this and it also backed up his perception of why Katherine was acting this way. He also had the support of several of the Doctors as he showed them the tape. Each of them were long standing members of staff in Westin Hills and had vast years of experience. As for these two female doctors, well they weren't as well skilled as they thought they were. All he needed to do was ask Mr Krueger a few more questions to validate his idea and well, if he got the answers he wanted then things were going to work out quite well for him.
Freddy glowered across the table from him as he sat down beside Saunders, "Well, Doctor, have you got some good news for me? What is your evaluation?"
He gathered his notes and report from his case, laying them in front of him. "I set up a video camera in your daughter's room for about four hours. It was to monitor her behaviour around other people. There was some very interesting conclusions from it"
"Go on" Freddy demanded.
"Ten minutes after I left the room, your daughter began to walk towards a black plastic bag that appeared to be filled with dolls. I am assuming that the police had brought her some clothes and toys from her house" he looked up from the report, seeing the meditative stare he was being given. "She picked up two dolls and then she looked over towards the doorway, hearing someone approach and then she hurried back onto the bed and curled herself against the wall. A member of the staff entered and tried to talk to your daughter. Unfortunately, the sound of the camera isn't that good. But you can clearly see from the footage that your daughter doesn't interact at all. She doesn't even look at the woman!"
Freddy nodded.
"Half an hour later Katherine begins to sit up on the bed and starts to plait one of her doll's hair" he commented.
"Does the doll have red hair?" Freddy smirked, "Wearing a bright orange dress?"
"Yes"
A light chuckle came from him, "That's her Crissy Doll, it's her favourite. What else does she do?"
Dr Hayes smiled softly, "As you rightly said this morning, she likes to make up little scenes, acting out a play! She was using her three dolls and chatting away to herself, it looked as though she was enjoying herself"
"I told you, she has a very vivid imagination!" he grinned cunningly.
Dr Hayes lowered his eyes to his notes, "Next, about twenty minutes later she gets off the bed and stands looking into the doorway. As though she is listening to something or someone. Then again she scampered back onto the bed and grabs her dolls close to her chest. The camera picks up the same member of staff from earlier"
"Mmm" Freddy mused.
"This happens about three to four times in the space of two to three hours. It is the same reaction each time - she becomes timid, looks straight at the wall and flinches whenever anyone tries to sit near her or talk to her" he clasped his hands together, it was time to ask some questions himself, "I assume she has always been this way? In terms of how she reacts to other adults?"
"Yes" Freddy concurred, "It's just this fear she has of other people, she hates being around them. Especially in public. She would tell me she is terrified of going to school, of being around the other children. I thought I was imagining things, but I now I'm not"
Dr Hayes nodded contemplatively, "There is a term for this kind of phobia"
He arched an eyebrow, "Phobia?"
"It's called Anthropophobia. Basically is a fear of being around other people, in crowded situations or just even a few people. Sometimes being around just one person can cause anxiety to the sufferer too. I believe your daughter suffers from this condition. The recording today supports my evaluation. The constant shying way, blushing, staring away from the person. Flinching whenever someone tries to touch her. She is showing all the signs of being uneasy around other people. It is quite common these days for children to suffer from this type of phobia" he then questioned, "How is she around you? I mean, in general?"
"She is fine around me, I would say she is rather clingy" he knew he was onto something here and it was time to play along. This phobia that Dr Hayes mentioned was his ticket to getting her back. Thank you Doctor, you clever son of a bitch! "I have to admit there are times when she would beg me to stay off school, she hates going now. She's not too fond of going to the park or the Mall too. I keep telling her that she needs to socialise with the other children, but she would shake her head and say that didn't want to. Anytime when we are out in the park, she would cling onto my arm, especially when we are walking past people"
Dr Hayes lifted his pen and noted this down quickly, "This is quite possibly linked to her phobia. I have discussed my report with my colleagues in Westin Hills and they are in agreement with my end results. All the details you told me there collaborates with the phobia"
Freddy knew that he could twist this further in his favour, "What causes this phobia?"
"Usually trauma at an early age" he noticed the look of realisation On Krueger's farce.
"Fuck…" he snarled softly. Why not use that whore Loretta as the reason for Katherine's little phobia or well a part of the reason. The bitch wasn't here to defend herself was she now? "I knew it! Something happened to her when she was little"
The doctor prised his pen, ready to write. "Yes?"
"My wife left us when Katherine was five years old. Loretta was a very jealous person, especially towards my relationship with Katherine. Kat was always a daddy's girl! I adored her, spent most of my spare time with her. Loretta was envious of this and well she turned on Katherine when she was about four or so. Constantly shouting at her, mocking her and calling her names. That she was stupid, nothing but a brat It was awful, I tried to protect Katherine from the verbal abuse she was getting from her mother. But Loretta was relentless. Oh, she put on a pleasant manner in front of other people when we were out together as a family. But behind closed doors, she was so vindictive towards Katherine"
He shook his head and seethed silently.
You're doing great Freddy. The stupid fucker is falling for every word you say!
"It was around May 1967 when I had enough, we had a big argument and Loretta packed her bags and left. She never really loved Katherine" his nostrils flared in rage, "I despised her for what she did to Kat"
Dr Hayes nodded grimly, "This is a possible cause for her phobia of other people. Verbal abuse particularly a young is a catalyst. Is there anything else?"
He raised his cuffed hands to his chin and rubbed it gently in thought, "About when she was seven, she was being bullied. I'm not sure who it was, but she was becoming very shy. I asked her on numerous times who it was, but she wouldn't' say She started to hate playing in the street and in the park she would constantly want to sit with me. Would the bullying have attributed to her phobia too?"
"Yes, that is correct Mr Krueger"
Freddy kept his smug grin at bay, "So, this means that the report is false?"
Dr Hayes concurred, "Yes. Sometimes Doctors can make wrong evaluations and my video evidence shows that is the case here. You'll be happy to know that I can get the charges of child abuse dropped in relation to your daughter" he tapped his pen against the table lightly, "But what about her scars?"
He had to think quickly, "About two weeks ago I found out she was biting and hitting herself. Making bruises and scratches on her arms. I asked her why, but she would say that she didn't know why. She felt agitated, angry. She kept repeating she hated being around other children in school and didn't know how to cope with it! I thought she had stopped hurting herself when…"
"What Mr Krueger?" his voice was urgent, "It's important that you tell me everything"
"It happened last week" Freddy's face feigned despondency.
Go on Freddy, you've got him in the palm of your hands!
He took a deep breath, "I was in the back garden sorting out some old gardening knives and sheers. She was playing at the far end of the garden with her dolls. I had just nipped into the house for a few minutes to get something from the basement When I came back out…" he lowered his gaze and brusquely wipe at the fake tears, "I saw her with one of the gardening sheers in her hand. She had cut her through the fabric of her dress and along her stomach a few times"
Dr Hayes glanced at Saunders in shock, "Mr Krueger, why did you not seek help for her?"
"I didn't want people to think I was a bad father!" he defended, "I'm a good father! I thought I could handle it. I would do anything fro her. I'll do anything to get her back, I'll bring her to counselling, to see a therapist!"
"Okay Mr Krueger" Hayes smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry for putting you through this, but it was important that we have all the facts. I understand from past cases that children with behavioural issues and problems can become irritated at being in uncomfortable situations and would not know how to deal with their emotions and sow they would lash out at themselves though self-harm. I believe that these charges can be nullified. Also, with Katherine not talking to anyone also helps in your favour"
Freddy nodded thoughtfully. He had done it, "So, on Wednesday I can get her back?"
Saunders finally spoke, "I would need to get the restraining order revoked"
"How long will that take?"
"I'm not sure, I would need to get in contact with social services first" Saunders declared.
Freddy lifted a finger and pointed sharply at him, "You do that Mr Saunders. Was there anything else on the tape?"
"Actually" the doctor looked down at his notes, "A nun visited your daughter"
Scepticism crossed his features as Freddy growled. Could this be his whore of a mother? Was she still alive?, "A nun? Did you know who it was?"
"I think her name-tag read Sister Mary Helena"
His cuffed hands slammed against the table in rage. It was her. He just knew it, "The fucking bitch! What did she do? Did she say anything to Katherine? Tell me!
Dr Hayes swallowed hard, seeing the venom in Krueger's eyes. "I think she was praying at your daughter's side. She did talk to her, but you can't make out what she is saying"
Bending forward Freddy sneered and his fingers dug into his palms and drew blood, "I don't want her near my daughter!"
"Her?" Saunders asked.
"My fucking mother!" he barked.
"Your mother? You never mentioned her to me before"
"I had my fucking reasons!" his teeth grounded together, "That slut abandoned me in the Orphanage where my daughter is at now! She didn't bother to come and see me when I was put into the care of Underwood. I was left under his care and was beaten, and she didn't care one bit! The bitch!"
Saunders and Hayes glanced at each other, knowing that this was a very touchy subject. His lawyer nodded, "I'll let Ms Davis know that there should be no more visits from her"
"The sooner I get my little girl back the better" Freddy shook his head fiercely, his infuriated gaze set on small scratches on his palms, "I don't want those fuckers corrupting her mind against me. Telling her that I'm a bad father. I'm not and she knows t!"
Dr Hayes quickly gathered his notes and threw a sideways lanced at Saunders who cleared his throat, "Mr Krueger, I'll be back in a few minutes I just want to walk Dr Hayes out"
Freddy ignored them as they left the room as he slowly composed himself. His eyes then fell upon a small brown folder that belonged to his lawyer. It was opened and a few pieces of paper were inside, various notes and statements were visible. Curiosity took over him and he leaned over to read them for anything of importance. He frowned and was about to sit back in his chair when a paragraph jumped out at him. Raising his restrained hands he pulled the paper towards him and read it more carefully, and soon an incensed sneer grew across his face…
x x x
Author's Note: I'm not sure if Freddy knew that Sister Mary Helena was his mother's given name s a Nun but for the purpose of this story he does! Also, apologies for any grammar mistakes, it is late and I am exhausted!