Whispers of the Dead Page 4

  'What is it?' Gardner asked, going over. 'Looks like a film canister,' he said, breathless from the effort. 'For a thirty-five-millimetre camera. Must've rolled under there.' I glanced at the camera I had in my hand. Digital, the same as most forensic investigators used nowadays. 'Does anyone still use film?' asked the female agent who'd fetched Irving the menthol. 'Only die-hards and purists,' the big man said. 'My cousin swears by it.' 'He into glamour photography like you, Jerry?' the woman asked, raising a laugh. But Gardner's face didn't slip. 'Anything inside?' The big agent peeled off the lid. 'Nope, only air. Wait a second, though . . .' He held the shiny cylinder up to the light, squinting along its length. 'Well?' Gardner prompted. I could see the agent called Jerry grin even though he was wearing a mask. He waggled the film container. 'Can't offer you any photographs. But will a nice fat fingerprint do instead?'

  The sun was setting as Tom drove us back towards Knoxville. The road wound through the bottom of steep, tree-covered slopes that blocked out the last of the light, so that it was dark even though the sky above us was still blue. When Tom flicked on the headlights, night suddenly closed in around us. 'You're quiet,' he said after a while. 'Just thinking.' 'I kind of guessed that.' I'd been relieved to see he looked much better when he'd returned to the cabin. The rest of the work had gone smoothly enough. We'd photographed and sketched the position of the body, then taken tissue samples. By analysing the amino and volatile fatty acids released as the cells broke down we'd be able to narrow the time since death to within twelve hours. At the moment everything pointed to the victim's being dead for at least six days, and very possibly seven. Yet according to Gardner the cabin had only been occupied for five. Something wasn't right, and although I might have lost confidence in my own abilities, I was certain of one thing. Nature didn't lie. I realized Tom was waiting for me to respond. 'I didn't exactly cover myself in glory back there, did I?' 'Don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes.' 'Not like that. It made me look like an amateur. I wasn't thinking.' 'C'mon, David, it wasn't such a big deal. Besides, you might still be right. There's something skewed about the time since death. Maybe the victim was already dead when he was taken to the cabin. The body could have been tied to the table to make it look like he'd been killed there.' Much as I'd have liked to believe that, I couldn't see it.'That would mean the entire crime scene was staged, including the blood on the floor. And anyone clever enough to make it as convincing as that would know it wouldn't fool us for long. So what would be the point?' Tom had no answer to that.The road marched between silent walls of trees, their branches picked out starkly in the headlights. 'What did you make of Irving's theory?' he asked after a while. 'You mean this being the start of a serial spree, or that it was sexually motivated?' 'Both.' 'He could be right about it being a serial killer,' I said. Most murderers tried to conceal their crimes, hiding their victims' bodies rather than leaving them on display. This smacked of a very different sort of killer, with a very different agenda. 'And the rest?' 'I don't know. I'm sure Irving's good at what he does, but. . .' I gave a shrug. 'Well, I thought he was too eager to jump to conclusions. It seemed to me like he was seeing -what he wanted to rather than what was actually there.' 'People who don't understand what we do might think the same about us.' 'At least what we do is based on hard evidence. Irving seemed to me to be speculating an awful lot.' 'Are you saying you never listen to your instincts?' 'I might listen, but I wouldn't let them get in the way of the facts. Neither would you.' He smiled. 'I seem to recall that we've had this discussion before. And no, of course I'm not saying we should rely on instinct too much. But used judiciously it's another tool at our disposal. The brain's a mysterious organ; sometimes it makes connections we're not consciously aware of. You've got good instincts, David. You should learn to trust them more.' After my blunder in the cabin that was the last thing I wanted to do. But I wasn't going to let this turn into a discussion about me. 'Irving's whole approach was subjective. He seemed too keen for the killer to be a repressed homosexual, something nice and sensational. I got the impression he was already planning his next paper.' Tom gave a laugh. 'More likely his next book. He made the bestseller charts a couple of years ago, and since then he's been a head for hire for any TV company that'll pay his fees. The man's a shameless self-promoter, but in fairness he has had some good results.' 'And I bet they're the only ones anyone hears about.' Tom's glasses caught the reflection from the headlights as he gave me a sideways glance. 'You sound very cynical these days.' 'I'm just tired. Don't pay any attention.' Tom turned back to the road. I could almost feel the question coming. 'This is none of my business, but what happened with the girl you were seeing? Jenny, wasn't it? I haven't wanted to mention it before, but. . .' 'It's over.' The words seemed to have an awful finality to them, one that still didn't seem to apply to me and Jenny. 'Because of what happened to you?' 'That was part of it.' That and other things. Because you put your work first. Because you were nearly killed. Because she didn't want to sit at home any more, wondering if it was going to happen again. 'I'm sorry,' Tom said. I nodded, staring dead ahead. So am I. The indicator clicked as he turned off on to another road. This one seemed even darker than the last. 'So how long have you had a heart problem?' I asked. Tom said nothing for a second, then gave a snort.'I keep forgetting about that damn medical background of yours.' 'What is it, angina?' 'So they say. But I'm fine, it's not serious.' It had looked serious enough to me that afternoon. I thought about all the other times I'd seen him having to stop to catch his breath since I'd arrived. I should have realized sooner. If I hadn't been so wrapped up in my own problems perhaps I would. 'You should be taking it easy, not trekking up hillsides,' I told him. 'I'm not about to start babying myself,' he said irritably. 'I'm on medication, it's under control.' I didn't believe him, but I knew when to back off. We drove in silence for a while, both of us aware of things left unsaid. The inside of the station wagon was lit up as another car came up behind us, its headlights dazzlingly bright. 'So how do you feel about lending me a hand with the examination tomorrow?'Tom asked. The body was going to be taken to the morgue at UT Medical Center in Knoxville. As a visual ID was out of the question, trying to identify the body was a priority. The Forensic Anthropology Center had its own lab facilities - bizarrely based at Neyland sports stadium in Knoxville -- but they were more often used for research rather than actual homicide investigations. The TBI also had its own facilities in Nashville, but the UTMC morgue was more convenient in this instance. Normally, I would have jumped at the opportunity to help Tom, but now I hesitated. 'I'm not sure I'm up to it.' 'Bullshit,' Tom said, uncharacteristically blunt. He gave a sigh. 'Look, David, you've had a tough time lately, I know that. But you came over here to get back on your feet, and I can't think of a better way to do it.' 'What about Gardner?' I hedged. 'Dan's a little prickly with people he doesn't know sometimes, but he appreciates talent as much as anyone. Besides, I don't have to ask his permission to get someone to help me. I'd normally use one of my students, but I'd rather have you there. Unless you don't want to work with me, of course.' I didn't know what I wanted, but I could hardly turn him down. 'If you're sure, then thanks.' Satisfied, he turned his attention back to the road ahead. Suddenly, the inside of the car was flooded with light as the car behind us closed the gap. Tom squinted as its headlights dazzled him in the rear-view mirror. They were only a few feet away, high and bright enough to suggest they belonged to either a pick-up or a small truck. Tom clicked his tongue in annoyance. 'What the hell's this idiot doing?' He slowed, pulling over to the side of the road to let the other car pass. But its headlights slowed as well, remaining right behind us. 'Fine, you've had your chance,'Tom muttered, speeding up again. The headlights kept pace with us, staying just behind the station wagon. I twisted round, trying to see what was following us. But the glare rendered everything through the rear window invisible, prevented me from making anything out. With a screech of rubber, the headlights abruptly swerved to the left. I caught a glimpse of a high-bod
ied pick-up, its windows black mirrors as it tore past with a throaty roar. The station wagon was rocked by its slipstream and then it was gone, its rear lights quickly disappearing into the darkness. 'Damn redneck,'Tom muttered. He reached for the CD player, and the mellow tones of Chet Baker accompanied us back to civilization. I

  Tom dropped me off at the hospital "where I'd left my car. We arranged to meet first thing next morning at the morgue, and after he'd gone I gratefully drove back to my hotel. All I wanted to do was have a shower, get something to eat and then try to sleep. Which was pretty much what I'd done almost every night so far. I was on my way up to my room before I remembered I'd agreed to go out that evening. I checked the time and saw I'd less than half an hour before Paul was due to pick me up.

  I sank down on to the bed with a groan. I felt less like company than ever. I was out of the habit of socializing, and the last thing I was in the mood for was making polite conversation with strangers. I was tempted to call Paul and make some excuse, except I couldn't think of one. Besides, it would be churlish to turn down their hospitality. Come on, Hunter, make an effort. God forbid you should enjoy yourself. Reluctantly, I pushed myself off the bed. There was just enough time for a shower if I hurried, so I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the cubicle, turning the jet on full. The scar on my stomach looked alien and strange, as if it wasn't really a part of me. Even though the ugly line of pink flesh wasn't tender any more, I still didn't like

  I touching it. In time I supposed I'd become used to its presence, but I wasn't yet. I turned my face up to the stinging spray, taking deep breaths of the steam-filled air to dispel the sudden rush of memory. The knife handle protruding from below my ribs, the hot, sticky feel of blood pooling around me on the black and white tiles ... I shook my head like a dog, trying to cast out the unwanted images. I'd been lucky. Grace Strachan was one of the most beautiful women I'd ever known. She was also the most dangerous, responsible for the deaths of at least half a dozen people. If Jenny hadn't found me in time I'd have added to that tally, and while I knew I should be grateful to be alive, I was finding it hard to put it behind me. Especially since Grace was still out there. The police had assured me that it was only a matter of time before she was found, that she was too unstable to remain free for long. But Grace had been a rich woman, consumed by a passion for vengeance that was as irrational as it was deadly. She wasn't going to give herself away that easily. Nor was I her only target. She'd already tried to kill a young mother and daughter once, and only been prevented at the cost of another life. Since Grace's attack on me, Ellen and Anna McLeod had been living under police protection and an assumed name. While they'd prove harder to track down than a forensic scientist who was listed in the phone book, the truth was that none of us would be safe until Grace was caught.

  That wasn't an easy thing to live with. Not when I bore the scars to remind me how close she'd come already. I turned up the shower as hot as I could stand it, letting the water scald away the dark thoughts. Dripping wet, I towelled myself dry until my skin was stinging, then dressed and hurried downstairs.The hot shower made me feel better, but I still felt little enthusiasm as I went down to the hotel foyer. Paul was already there, scribbling intently in a small notepad as he waited on a sofa. 'Sorry, have you been waiting long?' I asked. He stood up, tucking the notepad into a back pocket. 'Only just got here. Sam's in the car.' He'd parked across the street. A pretty woman in her early thirties was waiting in the passenger seat. She had long, very blond hair and turned to face me as I slid into the back, her hands resting on her swollen stomach. 'Hey, David, good to see you again.' 'You too,' I said, meaning it. There are some people you feel instantly at ease with, and Sam was one of them.We'd only met once, earlier that week, but it already seemed like I'd known her for years. 'How are you feeling?' 'Well, my back hurts, my feet ache, and you don't even want to know about the rest. But other than that I can't complain.' She smiled to show she didn't mean it. Sam was one of the lucky women who wear their pregnancy well. She fairly shone with health, and for all the discomfort it was obvious she was loving every moment. 'Junior's been playing up lately,' Paul said, pulling out into the traffic. 'I keep on telling Sam that's a sure sign it's a girl, but she won't listen.' Neither of them had wanted to know the sex of the baby. Sam had told me it would have spoiled the surprise. 'Girls aren't that boisterous. It's a boy' 'Case of beer says you're wrong.' 'A case of beer? That's the best you can do?' She appealed to me. 'David, what sort of bet is that for a pregnant woman?' 'Sounds pretty shrewd to me. He gets to drink it even if he loses.' 'Hey, you're supposed to be on my side,' Paul protested.

  'He's got more sense,' Sam said, swatting him. I began to unwind as I listened to their banter. It felt good to see their happiness, and if I felt a tug of envy it was only a small one. When Paul pulled up into a parking space I was disappointed the short journey was over. We were in the Old City, the one-time industrial heart of Knoxville. Some factories and warehouses still remained, but the area had undergone a genteel conversion, the industry giving way to bars, restaurants and apartments. Paul had parked a little way up the street from the steakhouse where everyone was meeting, an old brick building whose cavernous space was now filled with tables and live music. It was already busy, and we had to ease our way to a large group sitting by one of the windows. The half-empty beer glasses and laughter announced that they'd been there for some time, and for a second I faltered, wishing I'd not come. Then space was found for me at the table, and it was too late. Introductions were made, but I forgot the names as soon as I heard them. Other than Paul and Sam, the only person I recognized was Alana, the forensic anthropologist who'd told me where to find Tom in the facility earlier. She was with a brawny man I guessed must be her husband, but the rest were either faculty members or students I didn't know. 'You've got to try the beer, David,' Paul said, leaning round Sam to see me. 'This place has its own microbrewery. It's fantastic' I'd hardly touched alcohol in months, but I felt I needed something now. The beer was a dark brew served cold, and tasted wonderful. I drank half of it almost straight off, and set the glass down with a sigh. 'You look like you needed that,' Alana said from across the table. 'One of those days, huh?' 'Something like that,' I agreed. 'Had a few of those myself.' She raised her glass in an ironic toast. I took another drink of beer, feeling myself begin to relax. The atmosphere around the table was informal and friendly, and I slipped easily into the conversations going on around me.When the food arrived I tore into it. I'd ordered steak and a green salad, and I hadn't realized how hungry I was until then. 'Having fun?' Sam was grinning at me over the top of her glass of mineral water. I nodded, working to swallow a mouthful of steak. 'Is it that obvious?' 'Uh-huh. First time I've seen you look relaxed. You should try it more often.' I laughed. 'I'm not that bad, am I?' 'Oh, just wound a little tight.' Her smile was warm. 'I know you came here to get some things straightened out. But there's no law says you can't enjoy yourself from time to time. You're among friends, you know.' I looked down, more affected than I wanted to admit. 'I know. Thanks.' She shifted in her seat and winced, putting her hand to her stomach. 'Everything OK?' I asked. She gave a pained smile. 'He's a little restless.' 'He?' 'He,' she said firmly, stealing a look across at Paul. 'Definitely he.' The plates were cleared away, desserts and more drinks ordered. I had coffee, knowing if I had another beer I'd regret it in the morning. I leaned back in my chair, savouring the slight buzz of well-being. And then my good mood crashed around me. From nowhere I caught a waft of musk, lightly spiced and unmistakable. A second later it had vanished, lost amongst the stronger odours of food and beer, but I knew I hadn't imagined it. Recognition ran through me like an electric shock. For an instant I was back on the tiled floor of my hallway, the metallic stink of blood blending with a more delicate, sensual scent. Grace Strachan's perfume. She's here. I bolted upright in my seat, frantically looking around. The restaurant was a confusion of sound and colour. I scanned the faces, desperately searching for a telltale feature
, some flaw in a disguise. She must be here somewhere. Where is she? 'Coffee?' I stared blankly up at the waitress who'd appeared next to me. She was in her late teens, a little overweight. Her perfume cut through the cooking and bar-room smells: a cheap musk, heavy and cloying. Up close, it was nothing like the subtle perfume that Grace Strachan used. Just similar enough to fool me for a second. 'You order coffee?' the waitress prompted, giving me a wary look. 'Sorry.Yes, thank you.' She set it down and moved on. My arms and legs prickled, shivery with the aftermath of adrenalin. I realized my hand was clenched so tightly around its scar that it hurt. Idiot. As if Grace could have followed you . . . Awareness of how brittle my nerves were, even here, left a sour taste in my mouth. I tried to force myself to relax but my heart was still racing. All at once there didn't seem to be enough air in the room. The noise and smells were unbearable. 'David?' Sam was looking at me with concern.'You've gone white as a sheet.' 'I'm just a little tired. I'm going to head on back.' I had to get outside. I started fumbling notes from my wallet, not seeing what they were. 'Wait, we'll drive you.' 'No!' I put my hand on her arm before she could turn to Paul. 'Please. I'll be fine, really.' 'You sure?' I made myself smile. 'Certain.' She wasn't convinced, but I was already pushing my chair back, dropping a handful of notes on to the table without knowing if it was enough or not. Paul and the others were still busy talking, but I didn't stop to see if anyone else noticed me leave. It was all I could do not to break into a run as I barged through the door into the street. I sucked in deep breaths of the cool spring air, but didn't stop even then. I kept walking, not knowing or caring where I was heading, wanting only to keep moving. I stepped off the kerb and jumped back as a horn blared deafeningly to my left. I stumbled back on to the pavement as a trolley car rattled past inches in front of me, its windows bright splashes of light in the darkness. As soon as it had passed I hurried across the road, taking turnings at random. It had been years since I'd been to Knoxville, and I had no idea of where I was and even less of where I was going. I didn't care. It was only when I saw the stretch of blackness beyond the streetlights ahead of me that I finally slowed. I could feel the river even before I saw it, a moistness in the air that finally brought me back to myself. I was drenched in sweat as I leaned on the railings. The bridges that spanned the tree-lined banks were skeletal arches in the darkness, dotted with lights. Below them, the Tennessee river sedately idled past, just as it had for thousands of years. And probably would for thousands more. What the hell's wrong with you? Running scared just because of a cheap perfume. But I felt too wrung out to be ashamed. Feeling as alone as I ever had in my life, I took my phone out and scrolled through my contacts. Jenny's name and number were highlighted on the illuminated display. I held my thumb poised over the dial key, badly wanting to talk to her again, to hear her voice. But it was the early hours of the morning back in the UK, and even if I called her, what would I say? It had all been said already. 'Got the time?' I gave a start as the voice came from beside me. I was in an area of darkness between streetlights, and all I could make out of the man was the red glow of his cigarette. Belatedly, I realized that the street was deserted. Stupid. All this way just to get mugged. 'Half past ten,' I told him, tensing for the attack that would come next. But he only gave a nod of thanks and walked on, disappearing into the dark beyond the next streetlight. I shivered, and not only because of the damp chill coming from the river. The welcoming yellow lights of a taxi were approaching on the lonely street. Flagging it down, I went back to my hotel.