Chapter 9

(At Nikki's office)

"First, please allow me to say that they didn't deserve that kind of violence or any kind of violence of that nature. And what I did to them was brutal and you could say that I was sadistic in their killing. I can't deny what I am and I'm not going to run from the responsibility. I did do it and I have remorse for what I've done to them," Maxine started. "Do you think I'm suffering from schizophrenia?"

Nikki looked straight into Maxine eyes and knew she did have remorse for killing her whole family, yet at the same time she enjoyed the act of killing and watching people suffer. Maxine never denied her feelings. She wasn't looking for redemption but with Nikki she could share the darkness in her heart. She felt like they were kindred spirits. Nikki knew that Maxine was in a psychotic state when she murdered her family. She concluded the Maxine was suffering a schizophrenia-linked psychotic episode when she killed and dismembered her family. An exhaustive look at the evidence and Maxine's medical history led Nikki to believe that while she was aware of her actions, she could not differentiate right from wrong at the day of the killings. She also concluded the slaying was planned and deliberate. "My opinion regarding your mental state at the time- is that you were suffering from an acute episode of psychosis," Nikki stated. "You suffered from schizophrenia and on that day, suffered from an acute psychotic break."

Maxine continued, "I can't say there was one specific thing that lead me to the killings or if I feel justified in doing so… I don't want to justify the act because you can't justify something like that and I'm not going to even pretend. At times I don't have control over it. I can't explain it except that I sense a change in me. Do you think I should plead insane?"

"I can't answer that for you. It's for your lawyer to decide how to address the crown regarding your case. My job is to give them an assessment on your behalf," Nikki said. "I'm here for you, regarding your benefit as a human being."

"You have such kind eyes, Nikki," Maxine stated. "You're here to learn from me as well."

"Yes," Nikki replied. "If you want. I think we can both learn from each other."

Maxine smiled over at Nikki. She leaned back in her chair. "Some say I lack remorse. What do you think?"

"I believe you felt remorse after the fact, as I also believe your psychotic break was triggered." Nikki replied eyeing Maxine. She wanted their connection to be built on trust and understanding. Most people would view Maxine Purvis as an evil creature who needed to rot in hell. But Nikki knew that children were not born as killers but that many factors contributed to their lives. "When do you think it all started?"

Maxine leaned over her chair smiling over at Nikki. She enjoyed her sessions with Nikki. She admired her beauty and strong convictions even when they clashed against hers. Everyone else made her feel devalued and a sinful monster, but Nikki was different. She never judge her, never made her feel invisible. She felt as if Nikki was a friend, someone who she could learn to trust. "What I can tell you is that at the time, I had no core values towards life. I didn't value life. I didn't value my own life and the way I looked at the world everyone was against me and I didn't trust anyone. I took my anger and frustration and rage out on them and inside internally, my thoughts and feelings, the anger and rage. That is the thing that drove me, the emotions behind it. They were all too stupid and blind to see what I was becoming." Maxine was angry with her father and her older sister, though she could not site a specific incident. In truth, she knew she was different. Watching people suffer excited her and thoughts of harming others were fantasies in her mind. She knew it was only a matter of time before the urge to feed her hunger was greater than the urge to stop.

"Did you ever feel you could control yourself? Do you still have the urge to hurt people?" Nikki asked.

"Nothing could stop my heart from exploding except killing them all. I wanted to make them feel what I felt. I wanted to watch the horror in their faces as I took pleasure from the experience. My mind was no longer in control. The person inside of me was controlling my body and the child Maxine was gone. Her innocence was gone," Maxine said grinning. "And yes, Nikki…I still fight that urge most days except when I'm with you. You calm my soul."

At that moment Nikki wanted to hold Maxine, not the killer who slaughtered her entire family, but the young child she was once. Maybe if her life was different, she would not be so out of reach. If her family had shown her the love she needed, if society didn't throw her away, perhaps things would be different. She wondered if she never met Trisha that evening, she would be alive. If they didn't kiss in public she would be still alive. If she wasn't such an idiot, Trisha would still be alive. The many 'what ifs' haunted Nikki. It was never far from her mind.

"Do you trust me then?" Nikki asked.

She wondered if Maxine's mother delivered her (in the postpartum state) as there are at risk for a number of mental-health problems, including postpartum psychosis. She knew that Maxine's mother was a product of domestic violence which might have played a part in her upbringing. Typically children or teens, who have endured more negative life events, or otherwise have little in terms of a support group are at higher risk for developing a psychotic disorder. She knew there were many factors, many collective ideas, whether biological or environmental. Science was still a long way off from fully understanding the human brain.

"Yes," she replied, smiling but never leaving Nikki's eyes.

"Shall we continue?" Nikki smiled back. She hoped that these sessions would help Maxine, and in truth, help her in return. She knew Maxine would eventually be released into society or spend her days in the mental ward. She wished a different life for her. It wasn't her job to condemn Maxine for her actions. Such a young life that seemed destined to hell. She would at least prolong her final judgment and try to bring some normalcy back into a young life.

"Are we still on this Saturday evening?" Nikki asked sitting down on her sofa. "Aren't you supposed to bring some of your work colleagues?"

Karen got up and stretched her legs and made her way towards the loo. "Yeah, a couple of woman at work are curious, you've met some of them. They've never been to a gay club before."

When Karen came back from the loo Nikki asked, "Isn't Yvonne daughter supposed to be coming up to visit as well?"

"Yeah, she mentioned that her Lauren wanted to come for a visit. It seems like there's trouble brewing in her marriage. Lately she never seems happy, but then I don't remember her ever being happy after she had Lauren." Karen said sadly. She had a long history with Yvonne. They first met during middle school and became friends, and remained friends through-out the years. Karen was one of her only friends back in school when Yvonne became pregnant at fourteen. Yvonne was always such a rebel. Always going against the norm which, unfortunately landed her in trouble and in many fights. She understood why she was attracted to Charlie Atkins. He was bad news and to Yvonne, he was a way out of her troubled family life. Of course, she was no fool. She knew that Charlie Atkins was a crime boss and his business dealings were shady, but she never gave Yvonne flack for it. It wasn't for her to judge.

"Did she say anything to you?" Nikki asked wondering what sort of troubles she had. "You've known her for a long time."

"Yeah, we had some really crazy fun times, before she got married to Charlie and moved around England." Karen said smiling, reminiscing about old childhood days with Yvonne. To her, Yvonne seemed to have lost some of her dispassion and colourful humour that she enjoyed when they were younger.

Nikki shook her head laughing inwardly. "I remember you were such a bad influence on her daughter, when I first met Lauren when she came home for a visit."

Karen tried to play innocent, "Who me, nah, her daughter just needed to get out of her square box that she was hiding in, is still hiding in."

"I just think she's under a lot of pressure to succeed." Nikki replied as she stretched her legs. "She seems a little troubled. And Yvonne can be very scary as a mother. So I'm guessing that Lauren is struggling to find her way. She's young and trying to figure out what she wants to do in life. At least that's what I got out of it the last time I saw her."

"That's really a shame thought," Karen said. Remembering an argument Yvonne had with her daughter. "I know 'Von means well, but she can be bull-headed and close minded at times. She thinks the world of Lauren, but she can be too hard on her. She needs to let her be."

"Well, I suppose if she dyed her hair green, and started wearing black combat boots," Nikki said, "I'll know who to blame when Yvonne comes knocking." She giggled and made a face at Karen who looked at Nikki with a sigh look.

"Not me," Karen said, shaking her head. "Besides, the young girls these days dress more like little hookers. Clothes seems to be optional."

"Did you think they'd be wearing mink and beaver," Nikki giggled out-loud, amused in her thoughts. But Karen was right, kids these days were different. They all walked around with their mobile texting. What happened to old fashioned conversation, without the mention of technology?

Just then phone rang. "Aren't you going to answer it, Nikki?" Karen said looking over at her as she joined Nikki on the sofa holding onto her wine glass and handing Nikki the other.

Nikki didn't feel much like answering her phone, so she decided to let the answering machine deal with it. "Just leave it for the machine. If it's really important, then they will leave a message." Nikki said as she took the wine glass from Karen. She enjoyed moments like these. Hanging out in her loft and drinking wine and eating cheese. She enjoyed being at home with a good read, or the company of Karen and watching an old black and white movie than going to a club or bar. After a few rings, the machine came on, 'Hi, I'm not in at the moment…."

"Hello, Nikki, it's Helen, I just wanted to give you a ring, but…."

Nikki made a dash to the phone, slightly out of breath, "Hello, Helen." Karen looked over at Nikki giving her a judgmental nod. First she didn't want to answer the phone, but upon hearing Helen's voice, she rushed like a wild bull, over to the phone. How typical she thought to herself.

"Hi Nikki, I hope I'm not disturbing you." Helen said in a low whisper. She didn't know why she was calling Nikki but to hear her voice. It was disturbing but comforting at the same time.

"No, not at all, Helen," Nikki said still trying to calm her breathing. "How are you doing?"

Helen blushed. She felt shy and was all too happy that Nikki couldn't see her face at the moment. "The usual, everything is shite but nothing a bottle of wine can't erase."

"So right you are sweetheart." Shite, Nikki cursed silently. Of all the things to say, she had to say that.

Karen got up and motioned for Nikki that she was going to go into Nikki's library. She didn't feel like hearing Nikki slobber over Helen.

'Sweetheart'. No one has ever called her that. It was endearing but she knew that Nikki meant nothing of it. She was just being sweet. "Are you always this sweet to everyone?" Helen asked.

"Yup, it's my nature to soothe the souls of others," Nikki giggled over the phone, yet sounding a little embarrassed. "So, Helen, how can I help you?"

Helen laughed inwardly, knowing that Nikki was probably just being herself. "We should meet up with Mason again." She replied hoping that Nikki would not sense that she really had no reason to call except to hear her voice. In truth, she was feeling a little lonely and depressed about her life. The murder investigation was draining her as well as Sean and his antics. When she was with Nikki, she felt more at ease, more herself and she liked not feeling boxed in. And she really enjoyed Nikki's comically sense of humour and witty comments. She enjoyed having that kind of friendship with Nikki.

Nikki wanted to say 'you're sexy voice is a turn-on'. She really did, and her brain even sent the signal to her mouth, but what came out was, "You're right." Nikki said trying not to sound too eager. "Hopefully we can break through him and break this case wide open."

"If the saints would only hear my cries," Helen exclaimed, breathing heavy into her phone. "Why don't I drop by your office tomorrow and we can go through some things."

"If you're not busy, come after lunch." Nikki said, wondering why she was getting butterflies in her stomach. Helen was with Sean Parr, and planning to get married and settle down. Nikki could only be her friend, and even if they had a romantic relationship by some miracle, Helen would never get serious about it, well, at least that's what she told herself over and over again. She wanted a normal relationship with a woman, and Helen could never offer her that, could she? Helen was after-all, straight and not interested. Nikki wrestled with her many demons.

There was a bit of hesitation on both part, not quite knowing what to say. "How are you really doing Helen?" Nikki finally broke the silence.

"I'm fine at the moment," She lied. "But tomorrow, who knows." Helen said dryly.

"And Sean," Nikki cringed. Why did Helen have to be straight? Why did she always fall for the wrong women?

"He's busy. It seems like we spend less time together, lately." Helen said wondering why the hell she just said that.

Nikki was a little shocked at first. "Well, I'm sure things will change once you get married." Nikki felt nauseous. She thought Helen was making a big mistake if she got married, but she was being impractical. She just didn't seem happy with Sean, but she had no right to think that. It wasn't Helen's fault that she was attracted to her. Friendship was all that Helen could offer and that would have to be enough. Having her as a friend was more important than nothing.

"Yes, I suppose your right, Nikki." Helen replied, wondering if it was all that easy. Did she really love Sean? Was he the one she was supposed to marry? Why did she have doubts? Why did it linger in her heart, her head? It was doing her in just thinking about it "Do you mind if I bring a friend along then to the club this Saturday? I'm sure Karen won't mind."

"No, I don't mind. The more the merrier. I suppose your friend doesn't mind going to a gay club?" Nikki said apprehensive.

Helen gave out a voluntary sigh, "You don't have to worry about that Nikki," She said a bit put out. "She also happens to be gay."

Nikki felt stupid for saying it, but how was she to know. "I'm sorry Helen, if I sounded a bit too forward, I didn't mean to offend you." Bollocks, Nikki, cursed inwardly. Perhaps it was better if she didn't say anything more to further annoy Helen.

"And does Sean know you're going to a gay club as well?" Nikki said, before regretting asking her that question.

There was a pause. Helen was further annoyed with Nikki's question. She didn't want to give Nikki an answer. "That doesn't concern you." Was all that she said, feeling defeated.

"Sorry, I meant no harm," Nikki replied. Nikki felt startled, but tried not to let it affect her. "You sound a little worn out and I guess I am a little worried about your state of mind. I mean…you sound, I er…depressed…or something. Sorry, I don't know what I'm saying. I must have mouth diarrhea."

"Nikki, please don't get melodramatic on me," Helen pleaded. She was tired and Nikki was making her feel even lonelier at the moment. She knew it wasn't Nikki's fault, she was trying to be friendly. She just needed a calming bath to forget her troubles.

"Maybe I should let you go," Nikki said feeling frustrated with herself. She didn't mean to make Helen sad, but Helen's voice sounded despondent and she wanted to help. She thought Helen could use a good shoulder to cry on. She also knew the case was affecting her in a tiresome way.

"I'm so sorry Nikki" Helen said, breathing into the phone and feeling embarrassed. "You didn't say anything wrong. I'm stressed at the moment, but hanks for listening. I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight." Helen then closed her mobile.

"Goodnight," Nikki said, putting down her phone and heading into her library where she found Karen looking through her collection.

"Nikki?" Karen said feeling like she overheard a personal conversation.

Mentally shaking herself, Nikki turned to Karen, who was looking at her with concern. "Yes Karen."

"Don't 'yes me'," Karen said, "I know that look in your eyes when you're salivating over a particular someone."

"I'm not salivating. Don't be a twat Karen," Nikki said ignoring Karen's comments. "I see her only as I work colleague so don't get fickle with me."

Karen shook her head. I don't believe for one second that you're being honest Nikki, she mentally told herself. "Don't kid yourself, so don't feed me one of your lines, because I ain't having none of it."

Nikki cocked her head back. "What the bloody hell are you getting at?"

Karen gave Nikki a knowing look. "Look Nikki," she stated. "Helen is a beautiful woman and no one can blame you if you happen to find her attractive."

"Not interested remember. I don't do straight." Nikki said loudly. "I'm only being friendly as we are working together and as you mentioned before, nothing wrong with making a friend."

"I hope you're being honest with yourself," Karen replied. In truth, both Nikki and Helen made a lovely couple. They were both headstrong and passionate. If only she thought to herself. She made a mental note that she would talk to Yvonne about Nikki and Helen. They would find a way to get those two together. At least they would try.

"What the hell do you think you're doing dragging me in here like this? I tried to avoid that bitch but she was all over the sodding road," Huge Piper yelled as they walked in.

"Watch your language," Dominic said, reminding him that he wasn't impressed with his sort of language. "Sit your arse down on that chair."

"Sod you, and sod that bitch Detective you got with you, too," he yelled back, as Helen stood against the wall un-amused by his colourful choice of words.

Dominic reached across the table and grabbed his shoulder, pulling him up off his chair. "I'm not going to tell you again, Huge, watch your language." Helen was impressed with Dominic. Usually he was laid back, but today he seemed feisty.

"Hurry the fuck up," he fiddled with a fag he'd crushed in the ashtray. "I got things to do."

"Yeah, we know," Helen, replied, mocking him. "Do you remember her name?"

"Got a light?" Huge asked, putting a fresh fag between his cracked lips. Dominic slipped out and came back with a book of matches. He lit his cigarette.

"Now tell me about Roisin O'Connor." Helen said impatient.

"Shite, I don't remember any whore by that name," he said, taking a drag from his fag and blowing smoke in Dominic's direction. He waved it away without comment.

"You attended the same college and she went missing six years ago. Do you remember now?" Helen asked, her voice full of contempt. Huge Piper began coughing and almost fell out of his chair. "Do you remember being questioned about her disappearance?" Helen said, wasting no time.

"Shite, you're still looking for that dyke bitch?" he asked loudly. "Wasn't some bloke suspected of killing her? I thought that case was closed years ago."

"You thought wrong. Besides that's none of your business. What do you mean by dyke bitch?" Helen inquired.

"What do you think I mean?" Huge said, a smug look on his face. "I went over this shite years ago with some incompetent Detectives."

"Are you saying that Roisin O'Connor was a lesbian?" Dominic said, shaking his head.

Huge looked over at Helen and said, "Is he always this dense?"

His hand reached out to touch Helen's hair. She grabbed it and slammed it hard down on the table. "Keep your hands to yourself and no funny business or you won't be too keen on me breaking them."

"I'll bet you're a cock teaser. Probably a carpet muncher yourself," then Huge looked over towards Dominic. "You shagging her mate? I bet she's got you hard up." Dominic got up, an angry expression washed over his face. "What? You do fancy her mate," he said, flipping his head in Helen's direction as he coughed up a wad of yellow phlegm and spit it on the floor. "That's why you're so touchy with her around?"

Helen left to get a box of tissues. When she got back, Huge was sitting quietly at the table and Dominic looked like he was ready to explode. She wondered what had transpired between them.

"I'm going to ask you one more time. What do you remember about Roisin O'Connor?" Helen asked, her voice, barely controlled. "And cut the bull-crap while you're at it."

"I already told you, I don't know nothing about that dyke," he yelled. "I might have taken her out once. It was six years back, and I can't remember all the details. She was suck a cock teaser, wouldn't let me touch her. I knew she had to be one of those dem lesbo lovers."

"Did you see her during school? We're you friends." Helen inquired.

"One time, then the bitch wouldn't see me anymore. She had this mate that she always hung around with. They did everything together. Lesbo bitches. I guess I was too much man for her. You could probably handle me," Huge said, eyeing Helen. He grabbed his crouch and leered towards Helen, sneering.

Helen yelled for Dominic to take him to back to his cell. "She must have reject him, so in his eyes she was a lesbian," Helen said, writing in a small notebook. "Still, I think we should look this theory up. Maybe we're missing something. None of the notes dating back six years mentioned anything about her being a lesbian." Helen wondered if all avenues were explored back then. She knew that the investigation was handled poorly and there was so many fuck-ups to fill a jar. Bollocks!

"You're not serious Helen. The bloke's a joke. He'd say anything for attention. Probably been burn by women too often," Dominic spat. "Look, I know you think highly of Nikki Wade, but isn't it a possibility she could be wrong about Mason? What if he did rape and kill those girls?"

"Listen," Helen said, rather irritated at Dominic naivety. "As much as I think he's probably wasting our time, I still think we should check up on this. As for Nikki, I trust her judgment. Can't explain it really," Helen said, thinking about the dark haired woman she was beginning to admire. "Right now, we don't know who killed those College girls, or if these recent murders are connected, but I intend to get to the bottom of it. So sniff around, go back and interview those who were involved with the case. Anything. We're missing something."

"Sure, Helen." Dominic said, reluctantly. He fancied her and he knew she was an excellent DCI. If anybody can solve this case, he knew she could.

Damn, he didn't need any dogs giving his location away. No more waiting, this was it. Even if she wasn't fully awake, it really would not matter that much. At least everyone else would know that she had been raped. Their pain would have to be enough. He began to pull away some more of her remaining clothes, than shuttered as he again heard the growling become deeper and longer. Cautiously looking down, he saw two glowing eyes directly at him. Her blank stare almost frightened him. He reached into his pocket again, and grabbed at the syringe as the beast pounced on him. There was not even time to utter a scream as she flew backwards onto the ground. The needle was completely submerged into her arm. She lay motionless as the moon overhead glowed brightly on her expression frozen in horror. He was overcome by the thrill.

"Get her up and bring her to the table," he said to his companion. Tonight they would perform their ritual. The thought thrilled him as he motioned for his companion to bring the tools. He would keep her alive longer, long enough to put the fear of God in her eyes. After-all, they were doings what others couldn't do. Bring justice and order.

(Sometime later in the night)

"How did your sweatshirt get all bloody?" She asked, holding it out at him.

He looked up in surprise. He had an attractive face with even features that seemed to light up from within when he smiled. Brown coloured hair fell across his forehead. His brown eyes focused on something just past her shoulders. "I cut myself," he replied and held up his hand.

"All that blood from one little cut?"

He shrugged his shoulders as he ignored her, choosing rather to engage in his earlier thoughts. "It was a deep cut."

"Why didn't you say something about it?" she persisted irritably. He was out late again and she hated when he was coy with her. She worried that he might be having an affair, but she never sniffed another woman scent on him and sex was always satisfying.

"I just did," her husband replied, "I had a flat and was trying to fix it. It was before I arrived home and you were already in bed. I didn't see the point in waking you up."

"Couldn't you have washed the shirt out? Or at the very least put it in the sink to soak?"

He shrugged again. "I didn't think of it," he told her. "What's the big deal? I knew you were doing laundry today." She sighed and took the shirt to the sink in the utility room. She filled the basin with fresh water, and added a good measure of bleach. If the bloodstains had not yet had time to settle, she thought, there was a chance they might come out.

"What do we have here?" Helen asked Dominic.

"Female victim and it looks like she was strangled and possibly raped." Dominic said.

Helen sighed. Another victim, and no closer in solving these random killings and it troubled her. She wasn't even certain if it was the same person, but all the signs pointed to a serial killer. "I want the surrounding area closed to the public. Whoever this bastard is, he thinks he's clever enough."

Nikki walked over towards Dominic. "You're not stopping the passing traffic?"

"I don't see the relevance. Stopping traffic and finding someone who might have seen something last night is pretty remote." Dominic said in return.

Nikki took a deep breath. "Not for the witness, for the killer," Nikki insisted. "Whoever killed her clearly wanted you to find the body. They need to know you have. You question the traffic you might just question the killer. At the very least someone who might have seen something."

"Shite," Helen said. She knew Nikki was right, a minor oversight on her part. "Jim, over here." Helen waved for him to come over. "I want you to stop anyone who might look suspicious. See what they might have seen, anything. Leave no stone unturned."

"Why can't Dominic do that," Jim complained. He didn't like Helen using her authority and knew that she was trying to get on his nerves.

"Listen Jim, I don't have time to play mind games with you, so just do it. That's an order" Helen said forcefully. She didn't like having Jim Fenner in her department, but he was Stubberfield's favourite, so she really didn't have a choice. But she would bring him a peg or two down every chance she got.

Nikki examined the body closely. She could tell that she was quite beautiful. In fact, her facial features reminded her of Trisha. They both had blonde hair. Something familiar about this victim that reminded her of Trisha and it troubled her. As she examined the body further, something about this killing was different and she knew why. "This victim is special." Nikki said, observing the area. A car passed slowly as the driver watched carefully, smiling.

"Why is that, Nikki," Helen asked as she walked towards her wondering what Nikki was seeing.

"Well, the other victims were all naked, but not this victim." Nikki stepped closer to the body. "He cared for this victim. He gave her the special treatment. He knew this victim or this victim reminded him of someone he really loved."

"How can you be so certain?" Dominic asked wondering how the hell Nikki could deduce that idea with little evidence in front on them.

"From the information I've gathered, the previous victims all had trauma to their head and bodies, and riddled with multiple stabbings. They were left naked and exposed to the elements as a reminder of what he thought of them. But this one is fully clothed and judging by her appearance she has only been here a day or two. He wanted her to be found quickly. She meant something to him."

"We don't know if this is the same person," Dominic interjected. "Nothing suggest that this killing is even connected to the others. It doesn't fit the profile"

Helen knew Nikki was probably right. She just didn't have all the facts, and even if she did, she certainly didn't know why.

"This is definitely the work of a serial killer, in fact maybe two killers. Once you connect the dotted lines you will see these victims all have something in common. But this victim, I believe was killed by only one of the killers." Nikki stated. "The evidence will point to her being raped and sodomised. In fact, I believe she was raped post-mortem."

"What makes you certain," Dominic said, not sure if he believed Nikki. How did she come to that conclusion? How was she able to sense things that he couldn't begin to fathom? He didn't want to feel jealous but Nikki Wade was really something special and he didn't like the way she looked at Helen. He had no right of course, but he felt there was a connection between them. It wasn't as though he didn't like Nikki. She was very kind towards him, but he couldn't shake the jealous feeling he had and it troubled him. "It doesn't sound plausible." He remarked.

"We know she was strangled to death. Those stab wounds I'm guessing came after she was dead. She was special and he cared for her body even after she was dead. He wanted her to be found, in a sick twisted way, he could only rape her when she was dead. And he did not want the elements to feed off her body." Nikki stated. "I can't tell you why I know this, except that I'm trying to get inside his mind. Think like how he would think."

Helen was staggered by Nikki's observation skills. She had a sickened feeling that Nikki was onto something more sinister. She was going to need more than just a miracle. "Bloody brilliant Nikki. You are astonishing that I can't believe you are not a DCI yourself. Now all we need to do is find a connection." Helen said, knowing that whatever lay ahead was going to be difficult.

"Serial killer." Simon said. "You sure about this?"

"Right now we're not sure why. Nikki doesn't believe these are random killings. The manner of the deaths, suggest not just a great deal of planning, but also deeply held resentment." Helen said.

"What do you think?" Simon said, turning his attention towards Dominic and Jim.

"I don't see the connection sir," Jim pleaded. He thought Helen was way over her head with these murders. "Nikki Wade is not qualified to give a proper assignment." The last thing he wanted was for Nikki to be right. He knew she was very good at what she did and he didn't want her making them look like fools who couldn't do their jobs correctly especially since she wasn't even in the crime division.

"Nikki has been a tremendous help to us so far, and her background gives us an edge. She has been able to determine that there might be two killers in our mist and I am confident with her help we will be able to stop whomever is killing these girls." Helen said adamantly. What a bloody idiot she thought to herself. She couldn't believe how ignorant Jim was being. Was he that insecure that he had to put others down? "We believe there's a link between these bodies." Helen replied. She knew Simon wasn't going to like the outcome regardless of her opinion. "And yes, we're dealing with a diabolic serial killer."

"Did you see the press today? Crass incompetence. Evidential failures. Procedural unjust." Simon said angrily as he looked at Helen.

"I wasn't here when this first happened." Helen shot back. "All we can do is what we have before us."

"No, I was, so I don't want another installments of bad policing." Simon said. Helen twinge inside. If he paid more attention to the outside world, maybe he wouldn't be such an arse. "Right, let's deal with this properly everyone. This case takes top priority."

Karen smiled over at Yvonne as she walked towards her. Yvonne was in a foul mood all day long and she overheard Yvonne chastising another nurse about her incompetence. Thank God it was Friday as Karen welcomed the weekend. She was excited about going to the club with the gals and also wanted to distance herself from Jim. Lately he was being clingy and self-absorbing and she hated that quality in a person. Sex was still great but conversation with him was practically monotonous. All Jim ever wanted was to lie in bed all day and mope like a whiner. Maybe she was finally seeing his true nature. She didn't know, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was being unfaithful to her. She was no fool as she too heard about all the rumours that made the rounds in the hospital. Why did she always seem to pick the wrong blokes? She was thirty-four going on thirty-five and she still couldn't find the right person to settle down with. Maybe she was asking for too much. Maybe her standards were too high. The strongest bond she had with a person so far in her life was Yvonne. She was the only person who truly knew her inside and out. Why couldn't she find a bloke who had Yvonne's personality? And when she thought about the happiest times in her life, Yvonne was always in those memories. She was lucky she had a best mate like her. Now, if only Yvonne was a bloke. I'd be all over her, I mean him, Karen thought to herself as she laughed about her predicament.

Yvonne looked up at Karen and saw a strange smile appear on her face. "Something funny?" She asked.

Karen coughed, then smiled again shaking her head. "What cows have been eating your brain?"

"I'll give you my backside if you continue mocking me." Yvonne quipped, still annoyed with the nurse who left in a hurry once Karen approached them.

"Seem like you need a shag to release all that tension that's building up like a canon ready to explode." Karen said, grinning. She would at least try to get Yvonne laughing.

"I'd be lucky if I get a quick feel," Yvonne spat. "Not much action going on in my bed these days. It's doing my head in."

Karen was shocked. Why has Yvonne not been honest with her about her troubles? She knew Yvonne was a very private person, but they shared all their secrets, well…most of them. She knew that something was troubling her to keep it all inside. It was not like her to be so closed off. "Really, why is that?"

"Charlie's been away on business trips. I hardly see him. It doesn't help that I think he might be cheating on me, although can't be certain." She said, leaning against Karen as if she needed support.

"Come here you daft cow," Karen pulled Yvonne into a hug and held her very tightly. "No reason for you to keep all your demons inside. You're my best mate and you shouldn't keep things from me."

"I don't want to seem a bother to you and besides, that bloody Jim Fenner is always tagging along." Yvonne said, with all the venom in her words.

Karen lifted Yvonne's chin up and looked into her clear eyes. "Listen, maybe I've given him too much credit. I'm trying to cool it off with him. He's been getting on my tits lately." She ran her fingers along Yvonne's face. "How about you come round to my flat and we can take in an old Steve McQueen movie and gossip like mad sixteen year olds. You need cheering up and I need loads of alcohol."

"Karen," Yvonne said breathing into her face as they were mere inches apart. It was almost like she could feel Karen's heartbeat.

"Yes," Karen smiled, still holding onto Yvonne.

"You're in my personal space," she giggled. "Everyone here at the hospital will think we are lovers by the way you are holding me." Yvonne didn't mind being comforted as Karen was the type that liked to be touchy feely, but she felts like eyes were on her and she didn't like it.

"Forget about the fools," Karen said, before distancing herself from Yvonne. They were best mates. Why should she care what people thought. "Let me start a rumour then. It can't be worst that the Jim/Michelle rumours floating about."

Yvonne darted her eyes at Karen. "So you've finally come to your senses."

Karen put her arm around Yvonne then said, "We'll start a new rumour. We'll have their tails wagging about me and you shagging in the board room, like a couple of sex-craved lesbians." Karen winked at Yvonne. "Fancy a shag?" Karen said jokingly.

Yvonne let a crude laugh, "How much alcohol do I need to consume to get myself into your bed?" Then leaning over, "Then again, I'd like nothing more than to see the expression on Jim's face if we did shag." Both of them started to laugh as they made a scene.

Yvonne looked up at one of the nurse who was staring at them and said, "What the hell are you looking at? Don't you have somewhere to be?" She had harshly.

"This is the Yvonne Atkins I like. The happy go lucky one." Karen smiled and nodded her head. "Don't ever lose that smile babe."

"Nah, I could never as long as you are in my life. You'd probably try shock therapy on me if you could." She said.

"Don't be daft." Karen rolled her eyes, pouting. "Best mates forever then."

Yvonne replied "Damn right forever," Yvonne smiled. "You'd have to kill me first or if someone offered me ten million pounds.

Karen punched Yvonne's arm. "You wish."