Chapter 22
As the girl lay dying from her stab wound, she grabbed a hold of his sleeve and insistently whispered: "The angel… the angel…" He saw some sort of light in her eyes slowly extinguish, and he realised that she was no longer alive. He glanced around the room to see what she had been talking about. If there had been an angel inside, it was long gone…
Nikki sat by Monica's bedside. It had been two weeks since she was in a coma with no signs of improvement. She couldn't help feel responsible so she took it upon herself to move Monica into a private hospital where she could get the best care that money could buy. She didn't care how much it cost as Monica's health was the only thing that matter. As she sat down on a chair holding her Monica's hand she began to wonder about her life. Where she came from, what happened in her life that was so terrible that she ended up in the streets. She wondered why there was no one looking for her and why she was alone. She knew she was married at one point in her life and lived a respected life, but she wondered if she had any children. Why did she seem so alone? Was she too running from something or someone? She had a feeling Monica hid a lot of secrets in her heart. She wanted to ask her so many things but under the circumstance all she could do was watch over her and pray. She told herself that if Monica came out of her coma she would take care of her. Her place was big enough and she wasn't going to let her live in the streets ever again. As she sat there, holding on to the old woman's hand and caressing her hair, she noticed a lot of similarities between them. Perhaps it was her subconscious trying to hold on to something that wasn't there. But she couldn't shake a feeling that Monica came into her life for a reason. What that reason was she wasn't sure but she was going to do her best to find out. She knew she needed to talk to Helen and ask her a few things. She only hoped that Helen would agree with her.
"Hello," Helen said, sounding rushed.
"Sorry, is this a not a good time to talk?" She asked cautiously, as she could hear the irritation in Helen's voice.
"Sorry," Helen said, feeling flushed.
She just had an argument with Simon Stubberfield who was not happy that Nikki was overshadowing the other detectives. She knew the old buffoon was referring to Jim bloody Fenner who she had a sneak suspicious was chirping displeasure in his ear. She told herself she would deal with that simple-minded Jim later. As for Simon, she told him that she needed him to back off and to trust her, or she was going to walk away from the case and that she was going over his head and get Chief Superintendent Neil Grayling involved if he didn't stop his complaining. They were at a standstill as she was no longer going to let Simon give her orders. She told Simon the only orders she was going to adhere were from Neil and if he didn't like it he could go and buddy up with the incompetent Jim Fenner. Simon walked away red faced realising he was not going to win the argument with her. It still made her blood boil with anger and she knew Jim was not going to like it.
"I didn't mean to sound rushed," Helen replied, her voice calmer. "Just came back from seeing Simon and you could say we had a heated debate."
"Are you okay?" She asked concerned, as she knew they didn't get along.
"I'm just feeling brilliant, bloody fantastic," Helen said smiling.
"Care to explain?"
"That stuffed whale got what was coming to him," She laughed harshly.
"Ah…okay." Nikki said confused.
"I told the old fart that I was not going to take any more orders from him and that he can stick Jim's head up his arse."
"You told him that," She laughed. Helen had balls and she was glad that she finally told him what he needed to hear.
"I must say," She smiled over the phone. "It felt quite invigorating telling him off. I won't get pushed by that man and he knows he needs me. Besides, Neil Grayling would be up his backside if I quit."
"Well I am proud of you," She said. "We must have drinks to celebrate your independence." She joked.
"Funny, but don't cross me or you shall be next." Helen laughed.
"Is that a promise?" She said raising her brow.
"Only one way to find out." She replied. "So what rings you?"
She hesitated for a moment before saying, "Well, honestly, I need a favour from you."
"What kind of favour?" Helen replied.
"I need you to look into Monica's background. She's a mystery that I need to solve." She stated.
Helen frown, "Nikki, you know I cannot do that without her consent. I cannot give any resources to anything else except for the case we are currently work on."
"You know this is important to me, I just need to know who she really is. I took it upon myself to cut some of her hair so we could use it to profile her."
"Nikki, please do not ask this of me. This is not professional and you know we are short staffed and up to our eye balls with murder cases. I cannot justify using manpower on a whim for you." She said, knowing Nikki was noting going to be happy with her decision.
"Why must you be so bloody difficult?" She spat feeling hurt that Helen would give her that excuse.
"I am not being difficult Nikki," Helen defended. "I know this is important to you, but can you find another way to handle this?"
She felt annoyed that Helen would not help her. "So you won't change your mind?"
"You know I would help you if I could, but this is not the right time nor is it a right thing to do." She said.
"Thanks for nothing," She said clearly irritated.
Helen sighed. "Please don't me angry with me. I don't need this shite."
"I don't know what I feel right now," She said coldly. "Rejection is what I seem to get lately.
Helen cringed at Nikki words. They felt cruel. She knew Nikki didn't mean to be harsh but under the circumstances, she could not blame Nikki if she wanted to stay clear of her. "I'm sorry if you feel that way. I'm sorry for everything." She said almost in a whisper.
Nikki bit back her words. She really didn't mean to be rude to Helen but she was feeling frustrated. "It's okay, I will find other way. Listen, I really need to go."
"Please don't hang up feeling irritated with me." Helen said passionately.
She breathed before continuing, "Listen. I understand your stance and maybe I was expecting too much. I'm not mad at you, really. I was just frustrated with myself but I will get over it."
"You're not lying to me just to appease me?" Helen stated.
"Would it change your mind if I was," She said, her voice calmer.
"I think so," Helen said. "Would you mind if I come over and we could go out for a coffee."
"Sorry, I can't tonight," She replied
Helen felt rejected. Even though she saw Nikki the previous night, she couldn't help feel the need to spend more time with the dark hair beauty. She was avoiding Sean even though she knew she needed to talk to him. She didn't quite know what she was going to do, but she knew one thing, she could not marry Sean Parr.
"I mean, I have something to do tonight, but if you like we can get together tomorrow night?" She said, sounding upbeat. She knew Helen felt disappointed, and although she liked spending time with her, she couldn't help but want more from her. It was hard.
"Okay," Helen said in a low voice.
Helen sat on her chair looking over her files. She couldn't concentrate on her work. She needed to do something. She picked up her mobile phone and started to dial.
"Hello," the voice on the other line said.
"Hello Sean." She said, tired.
"Oh, hello Helen," He said sarcastically. Ever since the night that Helen came over to his place and had sex with him, he felt like she was avoiding him. In truth, he needed some time to process what he heard. He was still disgusted by the revelation that Helen, his fiancée, was having an affair with Nikki. How else could explain her calling out Nikki's name in ecstasy
"Listen, we need to talk, it's important." She said, her heart racing. She wasn't sure what she was going to say but she needed to see him to discuss their future and the fact that she was not in love with him.
"Sorry, I can't see you tonight," He replied, feeling nervous. Did Helen want to break off their engagement? Was she trying to dump him for Nikki? His nerves became frayed and his blood started to boil just thinking about Helen fucking Nikki.
"Okay, then what about the day after tomorrow?" She said, feeling like he was avoiding her.
"I will be out of town," He lied. He needed time to think. He was in no way going to let Helen break off their engagement.
"Please Sean, it's really important," She said defeated. "I really need to tell you something and I don't think it can wait. I would much prefer to tell you in person than over the phone."
"We will talk, I promise but you need to give me some time." He said, trying to sound convincing. "I will call you when I come back."
"Fine" She exclaimed. She was tired and maybe she was rushing into things. She needed more time to think about how she was going to handle him. She wondered if she would get cold feet.
"I love you babe," He said, the words feeling false to Helen.
"Call me when you come back, have a good trip." She said. He felt irritated that Helen did not tell him back that she loved him. He knew he was fighting for his life, his love and he needed to do something fast.
"Okay, so tell me what you want exactly." He said with a smug look on his face.
"I need you to take care of this. I don't care how you do it, but I want it done as soon as possible." He replied back, anger rising from his eyes.
"Are you sure you want to go through this because once it's done there is no turning back."
"Yes," he said, feeling pleased with himself. "I don't care how much it is going to cost me but I want this taken care of."
"You do realise what you are getting yourself into," he said, walking towards his desk and taking out an envelope.
"I won't change my mind and I know you are man who takes care of business." He said, trying to sound in control.
He laughed then lit up a fag before blowing smoke at his companion's face. "It will cost you big time and a favour in the future."
"Just get it done," he said, feeling better at his predicament. "I will give you all the details later."
"Can I ask you why?" He said, smoking as he leaned against his table, arms-crossed. He did not like his companion much but it was just business. After-all he was a business man.
"The why isn't important," he replied realising what he was doing was wrong but he felt such hatred that it overshadowed common sense.
"Amuse me then," he replied.
"Listen, I respect what you do and I know you are a busy man, but I would prefer not to talk about this any longer. All that I want to know is that it will be done and nothing more."
"Once you wire me the money in my account," he said, blowing smoke. "I will let you know the date and time."
"Okay," he said. "Give me a day and I will have the money in your account."
He smiled, before handing him the file. "Consider it done."
"Something bothering you Nikki," Maxine said, feeling like Nikki was not her usual self.
"Sorry," She said, realising she let her mind wander.
"I can help" Maxine replied, getting up and positioning herself near Nikki.
"Sorry, Maxine, but I really need you to sit down, can you do that for me?" She said in a neutral voice. She knew she wasn't being helpful to Maxine.
Maxine smiled, making her way back to her chair. She sat down and looked into the brown eyes that were staring at her blankly. "Listen, Nikki. Clearly there is something bothering you and I know these session are meant to help me but I want to help you now."
"Why are you always so nice to me," She said, smiling. Why was Maxine so different with her? Maxine was still a murderer and she still was facing life in jail, but yet, she seemed like a typical fifteen-teen year old."
"Because your heart is big and you don't see me as a monster," Maxine smiled. "And we are connected in a way that both of us cannot explain."
Nikki grinned, realising the truth in her words. "I want your life to mean something."
"I know you do but that might not be possible," she said.
"I know," She said feeling defeated. She was tired. The case with Helen was becoming emotional draining, in truth, being around Helen was becoming draining.
"Now, tell me what is making you sad," Maxine said, leaning back on her chair as if she was the professional and Nikki was the patient. She smiled.
"There's someone I care about but I don't know how to help. I mean I don't know anything about her. She's a mystery and I just feel like I'm at a dead-end." She said sighing.
Maxine smiled then replied, "You seek answers but not in the conventional way. You need skeletons to reveal itself."
"Well I suppose something like that," Nikki grinned. "Although, I have never been able to uncover the skeletons in my closet."
"If you have DNA of this someone you care about I know someone who is very discreet and professional."
She looked up at Maxine. Was she serious? "This doesn't feel right, especially when you are my patient. I should not be asking."
"You know we are beyond that," Maxine said. "I trust him and he was the one who uncovered your sealed documents. He is the best. If you need answers he can find them."
She felt an excitement but she knew having Maxine involved was probably not ethical but she was desperate. "Why do I have this sick feeling I am going to regret this later?"
"Nonsense," Maxine said, smiling. "What you're feeling is perfectly normal. You are not used to being probed and being taken care of. I can help. I want to help."
"You are in my care. Nothing about this is normal." She shook her head wondering if she was going out of her mind.
"You know none of that is true," Maxine replied. "You're more passionate and empathetic than most of these fools that work in your profession. You're not afraid to spoil your hands and take risk. You're perceptive and that quality makes you an amazing individual."
"Is that the genius in you speaking," She laughed. The connection she had with Maxine was real. This she knew was true. But why was the troubling part.
"I'm far wise beyond my years," Maxine sneered. She loved her sessions with Nikki. "My mental superiority cannot be measured.
"Thanks," Nikki smiled. "Shall we discuss you now?"
"Of course," Maxine said. "The day I killed my family."
Her retaliation was silenced by a prompt knock on the door. The door swung open and Dominic came in, his smile dropped from his face as if he saw a ghost. "You called, Helen? Was there something you needed?" He turned to Helen and flashed an effortlessly forced smile. He stood awaiting instruction from Helen, silently occupying the open space of the doorway.
Striding silently towards him, she glanced out the tall windows to his right, attempting to make a prompt assessment of the various calamities that had befallen so far that day. Releasing an exasperated sigh, "I want you to look through these files and go through them. This is top secret. I don't want anyone else in this department to know what you are doing."
"Why the hush hush," He said wondering why Helen looked so serious.
"Listen, I need you to trust me for the moment. I can't tell you why at the moment but you're the only one I trust here, besides Nikki." She said passionately.
"What's going on Helen?" He said. "Does this have someone to do with the current case?"
"Please Dominic," She said. "Can you do this for me? I'm asking in strict confidence."
"Okay," He replied before nodding his head towards Nikki. "What do you think Nikki?" He asked not knowing what he was asking.
"Just read the notes," she replied calmly.
As he read over the files, note his face turned cold. He felt his blood turn and he mouth get dry. "Is this some sick perversion or did I just come out from a movie theatre?"
"Perversion is a concept describing those types of human behavior that deviate from that which is understood to be orthodox or normal. Although it can refer to a variety of forms of deviation, it is most often used to describe sexual behaviors that are considered particularly abnormal, repulsive or obsessive. It is often considered derogatory and in psychological literature the term paraphilia has been used as a replacement, though this term is controversial, and "deviation" is now used instead by others." Nikki stated.
"I feel like we are getting nowhere," Helen cried out.
"Let's examined the factors, conditions, and motivations that might lead someone to become a serial killer." Nikki replied.
"How is this supposed to help us find our killers," He said, wondering why Helen sounded urgent calling him to her office.
"Our killer has a Jekyll and Hyde personality," She responded. "I believe the only way to catch our killers is to think like them. Obvious, they are playing games with us. But all games have a purpose and with every clue, there is a purpose to the 'why' but we need to think outside the box."
"Dominic," Helen turned to him. "Sit down," she said her tone turning serious. "Listen, we think our killer works somewhere in the police department. A corrupt police."
Dominic faced turned stony. "You are joking, right? I mean, you cannot be serious. You think the killer is someone like us."
"No, not like us," She said, knowing she could trust Dominic. "We are dealing with a serial killer who is very clever and blends easily."
"It's actually not uncommon that our killer has chosen a professional that he can manipulate." Nikki said.
"You're serious. You know what this means?" He said, feeling a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Dominic, we are telling you in strict confidence as you know how important this information is and no one can know we suspect that our killer might be in our mist." Helen said, looking at him with a serious expression. He knew the investigation just became a little more dangerous.
"Where do we go from here?" He asked.
Both Helen and Nikki looked at each other. "We are still trying to fit the pieces together, but I need you to help get Fenner off my back. Send him on wild goose chase. He would never expect it coming from you."
"You know he is not going to like it," He said, grinning knowing the Jim would become livid if he ever found out he was being played a fool. But she understood why Helen would want him out of the picture for a while.
"Bloody Fenner. With that idiot running around, it's a wonder I haven't shot him in mental defence. That buffoon is going to get someone killed and I rather have him occupied doing useless things than shooting off his mouth and acting like a royal shit."
"You could hand-cuff him and throw him into a river. I'm sure no one will miss that clown." Nikki's obnoxiously voice replied, moving her gaze toward Helen who was giving her look. "What, I'm only saying," she said, smiling and tilting her head, as she ran her fingers through her hair. "I must give you credit for being persistent and calm," she mumbled lowly.
Clearing her throat Helen spoke, "Nikki, I hate playing games; don't you find this to be becoming quite tiresome? What are we missing? What is it that we don't see? We need to go through everything again."
"I agree Helen." She replied. "Why don't we all come back to my place tonight? Let's comb through all the evidence, notes, and clues. I am confident that everything we have will lead us to our killers. I believe that our killer is already in our system."
She sighed. She knew Nikki was right. She was hoping that she would be alone with Nikki tonight, so she felt a little pang of jealousy to share her time with Dominic. She knew it was a silly thought but she wasn't sure what she expected. "Dominic, remember, nothing leaves this room. I stress the importance of secrecy. You mustn't repeat a word."
"You can trust me Helen." He said, trying to reassure Helen.
"Let's meet up say at 8:00pm," Nikki said. "This will probably be a long night, so bring your 'A' game." She said, grinning.
"You better have the best coffee in stock then," Helen smiled, giving Nikki a sly grin.
"Better, I have all the pills you need to keep yourself from falling asleep," She said giving Helen a wink.
Dominic looked at Nikki and Helen and noticed how comfortable they acted in front of each other. He didn't realise how close they had become but then he knew
Nikki was charming. And in truth, Helen did seem happier when Nikki was around. Perhaps Nikki's friendship was something that Helen needed. He smiled inwardly knowing Helen was someone who was didn't trust many. She looked different. She looked relaxed and wondered if getting married was the reason but she barely ever talked about Sean. In truth he was jealous of Sean as he had a big crush on Helen when they first worked together. But he knew they were only to be friends and he was glad that Nikki was helping them even though in the beginning he didn't trust her insights were refreshing.
"I'm not happy with our marriage," Yvonne said. When she accidentally stumbled across Charlie's file she could not believe her eyes and she felt her heart constrict with anger and hate.
"Well, that's obvious by your tone of voice." He replied not bating an eyes. He knew this day was long coming. He also knew judging by his wife cold demeanour she probably found his file. He remembered locking the door but he found it open and wondered if his mind was playing tricks on him.
"I haven't been happy for a very long time and you know that I know you have been cheating on me for a long time and I have tolerated it." She said. "What I want to talk about is what I saw in that file."
"Yes, I always wondered why you tolerated it," he sneered. "And I must say you are much too nosy for your own good. You just couldn't leave things as they were."
"What the hell does that mean?" She replied. "I think you know where I am going with this. I cannot believe you would take a hit like that and expect me to not feel a damn thing. You are crossing a personal line that I will not tolerate. Damn Charlie do you realise what you are doing?"
"Oh I think you know exactly what it means my dear wife." He replied coldly. "You must think I am stupid. Since when did I need your permission to do business?"
"If you have something to say then out with it." She said, arms crossed. "Don't try deflect. I know what you are trying to do. I know you better than anyone so don't belittle me."
"Are you sure," he said with a coy expression. "I don't think you can handle the truth."
"Try me. Stop playing mind games. This is serious." She said with a stern look on her face.
"I know you never really loved me even when you agreed to marry me. I know the only reason why we got married was because I knocked you up."
"Not's not true." She yelled at him angrily.
"Isn't it. Sure I know you cared deeply for me at one point in our marriage, but you were never truly in love with me." He said coldly. He did love Yvonne and knew his love for her was never going to be enough.
She knew that he was right. She loved him but it wasn't the kind of love you felt passionate about and you would die for. She didn't mean to but she could never fully let go. The regrets were weighing on her and she realised that she needed to change.
"Sure, our marriage was based on mutual respect and companionship but your heart always belonged to another." He said, lighting a fag before sitting down on his chair.
"Where are you going with this?"
"You see my dear wife, I did love you and I suppose you learned to love me as well, we stayed together all these years, but you were never truly in love with me and I suppose it worked for us."
"Is that what you think?" She spat.
"What you don't realise, and it shocked me at first, but one day I stumbled across some letters and I have to say it made for a good read. I never mentioned anything to you." He said, remembering the day he knew Yvonne loved someone else. "I know you sacrificed your heart to be with me and raise our children. All this time you have been lusting over someone."
"Sod you." Yvonne said, realising he knew too much. She felt her blood boil and at the moment she wanted to reach out and strangle her husband.
"Afraid, I am telling the truth. You can lie to yourself but don't even try to lie to me." He said in a flippant way.
"Get it with it then. Stop your games as I know you are only toying with me looking for a reaction." She said, trying to keep a stone face. "We are here to talk about the hit on Nikki. Don't change the subject."
He ignored Yvonne and continued. "I wondered what this person would say if they knew how you really felt."
"Sod you, don't you even dare." She gave his a steely cold stare. "You planned to kill Nikki. I cannot forgive you for that. You know she is a friend of mine and yet you still took on the hit. You sodding bastard."
"It was just business my dear. I don't give a rats arse who hires me or why." He replied standing up and grabbing Yvonne's arm. He squeezed it tightly.
She stared into Charlie's eyes. Even though he was hurting her she did not move. She was not going to show any fear towards him. "Nikki is my friend." She yelled at him, almost spitting on his face. "Don't bother threatening me because I will end you. I swear it Charlie."
"Why should that matter to me? You knew who I was when you married me." He released her arm and laughed.
"I don't give a damn what you do but when it involves one of my friends then you're crossing a line that shouldn't be crossed." She said. "Don't even try or I will drag you down with me and you know I am crazy enough to do it. I don't care for my welfare so you better think before you speak."
"Don't threaten me bitch. Make me mad enough and I will kill your precious Karen." He exploded, raising his voice.
"What?" She said frozen for a moment. She wanted to lunge and strangle Charlie. She could even picture her hands over his neck. Extreme hate crossed her eyes and she clinched her fist.
"You heard. I know its Karen that you are in love with. I know it's her that you have been pining for all these years. It must've been hard being so close to her and not being able to touch her. Feel her. Caress her and shag her."
"I will kill you myself if you lay a finger on her. Don't push my buttons. You keep her out of this. This is between me and you and our children." She screamed grabbing the nearest object and throwing it at him.
"Nice try," He sneered. "Just because you gave birth to my children doesn't mean you have the right to talk to me like that."
"I'm no fool Charlie. I've done my homework on you. You think being married to you I didn't find out all your dirty little secrets. Don't cross me or you won't live to regret it."
"You wouldn't dare." He said. He knew the one person that could drag him to hell was Yvonne. He didn't need the hassle and it wasn't like he gave a tosser about the person who hired him to kill Nikki.
"Try me," She said in defiance. "You can keep on doing what you have been doing all this time. I want a divorce. I don't want the kids involved in our ugly affair. I don't want anything from you. Except for this house. You can have everything else. You leave my friends alone. I'm just a phone call away from bringing you down."
"You drive a hard bargain. But I knew you were a sensible woman. That is why I married you." He said laughing harshly. He knew he would have to call back the weasel and explain to him that the hit was off. Yet at the same time, he didn't care. He had bigger fish to fry. "You know my word is golden."
"Fuck off." She pushed him away from her. "You are a sodding bastard. I can't believe I stayed married to your sorry arse for so long. Right now I don't want to see your face. I will talk to my lawyer and I am sure you will be satisfied with your share. All I want is for you to leave my friends alone. Do you understand?"
"Of course." He sat back down on his chair, blowing smoke. It was time for him to move on. "Don't you want to know who hired me as a hit-man to kill Nikki?" He said.
"Well out with it then."
"Sean Parr. That weasel."
"I will kill that sodding bastard myself." Yvonne said feeling irritated. She couldn't believe that Sean would stoop so low as to hire someone to kill Nikki. She wondered if he knew about Nikki and Helen's growing feelings. She wondered if she should tell Nikki and Helen. All she knew was that she had to stop Sean. Someone needed to bring that bastard down.
"Just like you," he laughed. "I knew there was a reason I married you. I am going to miss your stubborn ways."
"Shut the fuck up," Yvonne said, not caring for his words. She wondered if Charlie would keep his promise or would he expose her feelings to Karen. She needed to think fast before her world crumbled. Everything was shite.