CHAPTER TWO
"Yesterday afternoon after everyone else had left I received a call from an elderly British lady', Stillman continued, "I'm sure your all aware that another tourist was found murdered the night before last on the outskirts of Philly".
They nodded.
"Well the lady on the phone, a Mrs Juanita Grayson, lost her daughter 12 months ago off that same highway. Last night was number four.", pointing to Rush and Valens, he stated "I want you guys to dig up as much info as you can. See if you can find some link between the vic's", turning to Vera and Jeffries "I want you two to interview Mrs Grayson. See if we can jog her memory on a few things regarding her daughter's previous whereabouts and happenings before her murder".
He continued, pointing to the three boxes in front of him "The files have already been retrieved from the basement. You'll need to correspond with homicide on this one regarding the most recent murder".
"Right. No problems", Scotty stated as his fellow detectives each grabbed a box, heading for their desks.
The day consisted of continuous reading of the victim's files. Vera and Jeffries had interviewed Mrs Grayson but came up with no new leads. Rush and Valens were trying to establish a link between the two previous and the latest murder.
"Alright guys give me an update", Stillman motioned towards the white board.
Rush grabbed a marker. "Well so far we know that all were taken off the same highway. From the sounds of it, all were hitchhiking. Heading out of Philly. Every victim was a tourist. First in May 1999, Cara Bligh, 23, an Australian tourist. Second was in Jan 2000, Danielle Bradshaw, 21, a German tourist.".
Scotty interrupted "Then for 4 or 5 years the murders seemed to stop".
"Until", Lily carried on "12 months ago in March 2005, Juanita Grayson, 24, the British tourist was found murdered. Followed recently by number four, Carrie Gordon, a 21 year old Australian".
"Hmmmm. So maybe he goes for what he thinks will be easy prey. All women. All tourists in a foreign land. All young", Stillman concluded.
"Any signs of rape?", he asked.
"Yes. All four had been raped", Scotty commented reading from the file in his hands "It seems he picked them up and took them somewhere. Only to drop their dead mutilated bodies back on the side of the highway".
Rush shivered. "Brutal".
"Yeah, really brutal", replied Scotty.
"Alright. Well that's enough for tonight. I want you guys to head home. Get a good night's sleep. Come back fresh for the case tomorrow", Stillman stated.
"Glad I'm not a tourist", Rush stated directing her stare to Scotty and grabbing her coat.
He smiled in return "Me Too", he thought.