Chapter 5 Kim vs. The famous actors

(For those who skipped the last chapter, another woman was raped and murdered by someone she clearly knew. Her nipple was removed, but someone interupted him before he could destroy evidence)

*Kimberly*

I am on my way to bed when I get the dreaded call. There has been another murder and it looks suspiciously like the last one. Just what I need, a crazy serial killer on my hands. I quickly get dressed and drive to the address.

As I get out of the car I spot Chris and quickly walk over to him, hoping he will tell me it is just a coincidence and that there is no connection. "Hi Chris, what do we have this time ? Is it the same killer ?"

"Helen Hudson, 32 years old. She was a makeup artist to the stars. It is hard to say, the nipple is gone, but this time it has been cut off, not bitten. Her tongue is cut out too. And the body hasn't been drenched in anything, but it might be down to lack of time. Her boyfriend arrived home just in time to see someone flee through the garden. He is inside, the boyfriend I mean". Chris tells me.

I walk inside, and start looking over the body. Why has the nipple been cut this time and not bitten ? I am guessing the removal of the tongue was a disgusting way to keep her quiet, as the neighbours are much closer here.

I look at one of the local cops. "No knife in sight ?"

"No, but we found the tongue and bagged it. The boyfriend is pretty distraught and he says he only saw a large dark shadow run off". The officer tells me.

When I am done with the body, I go out into the kitchen. A man is slumped in a chair, a cup of tea untouched in front of him. Long legs are stretched under the table, a hand running through already ruffled up ginger curls. "Sorry to interrupt, I am Kimberly Clarke, the forensic investigator. Could I have a word ?"

He looks up and sends me a weak smile. It is clear he has been crying. "Sure Miss Clarke". He gets up and extends his hand to me. "I am Lucas Anderson. What do you want to know ?"

"I am sorry for your loss Mr Anderson. Could you please tell me exactly what your relationship with Miss Hudson was". I look at him, trying to look professional but empathetic.

Even like that, he is extremely attractive. I am wondering if it was a coincidence that these cases have me running into handsome British actors on a close to daily basis.

His eyes got a bit shiny again. "Please call me Lucas, Helen and I had been dating for a couple of months and we were talking about going public soon".

"So what you are saying is that no one knew of your relationship ?" Kimberly asked him. "But that it was relatively serious".

He shakes his head. "Our family and closest friends knew of course. But no one else".

"Can you tell me what happened ? Just tell me what you did and what you saw even if it seems irrelevant". I say softly. Every detail could be important.

Lucas nods. "We had a date, but when I arrived she didn't open her door. I could see the light was on so I walked around to the back, thinking she was probably in the shower. She always left her porch door open, you see. I have told her so many times to close that damned door". He shakes his head: "I saw someone run out the porch door, but all I could see was a tall dark shadow".

"Okay, and then". I say encouraging him to go on.

He takes a couple of deep breaths, before continuing. "I yelled out but he ran, so I hurried inside and...". He clamps a hand over his mouth, tears streaming down his face. "Oh God it was horrific, what he did to her... there was nothing I could do".

He is sobbing and I gently pad his back, not knowing what else to do. I feel sorry for him. To find a loved one like that must be heartbreaking. "Thank you Lucas. I know it was hard talking about it".

"Lucas ?" A voice sounds and who other than Noah Davies comes into the kitchen. "I got your message and came over here as fast as I could. What is happening ?"

Lucas looks up at Noah. "It's Helen, she.. she is dead. I just needed someone, I hope it is okay that I asked you to come ?"

Noah stops dead in his tracks, blinking a couple of times. "She... she is dead ? Oh God Lucas I am so sorry. Just tell me if I can do anything. Anything at all". He hurries over to hug Lucas.

I watch them, not saying anything. So those two are close friends. That is definitely something to make a note of.

"Oh Miss Clarke. A pleasure seeing you again. I wish the circumstances had been different". He turns to me and grabs my hand. Gently kissing my knuckles.

"Uhh likewise Mr Davies". Is he seriously flirting with me, at a murder scene ?

"Is Lucas done here for today ? I would like to take him home". Noah is looking at me in a way that tells me it isn't as much a question as a demand.

I get it that he wants to protect his friend and I have no reason to hold Lucas here any longer. "He is free to go. We will call him if there is anything new or if we need him to come in for further questions".

"Thank you". Noah sends me a friendly smile.

So does Lucas when he gets up. "Just call if you need me to tell you anything else". I nod and watch the two men leave.

"Wasn't that Mr. Davies I just saw leaving ?" Chris asks as he walks up to me.

I nod slowly. "Yeah, apparently they are friends. Mr Anderson had asked him to come".

Chris looks suspicious and his voice is doubtful. "What a coincidence to see him lurking around the scene of the second murder".

-----------------------------------

The next day when I am sitting in my office, looking through the files on the two murders connecting them to find similarities and differences, there is a knock on my door and our secretary Stella sticks in her head. She giggled nervously. "Uhh Kim there is a very handsome man here asking for you, Noah Davies".

"Let him in". I wonder what Noah wants to talk to me about. Maybe he remembers something new. I look at him as he walks through the door wearing black jeans and a light blue T-shirt, it is a really good colour on him.

"Good day Mr Davies. You wanted to talk to me ?" I look at him. Oh, I surely understand why he has Stella all flustered, he really is handsome as hell.

He sends me a small smile, but his eyes are very serious. "Yeah, I have something really important to tell you, if you have a moment".

"Well sit down Mr. Davies and tell me what it is". I motion to the chair across the desk from me.

He sits down folding those long legs to fit. "On one condition, call me Noah".

I can't help smiling. I am not a gigglish kind of woman and I am not easily swept off my feet. But I have to admit that he is unusually charming. It is something in his smile and the way he looks at you. "Okay then, Noah, tell me what it is you think is so important".

"This isn't easy to come forward with and it isn't something I am proud of". He says as he is running a hand through his hair, then rubbing his neck. At last he lets out a pent up breath before continuing. "Helen, the woman you found last night. You are going to find my DNA on her and uhm... in her".