Chapter 4 Taru

Dana went back to Tapas with copies of illustrations and documentation of the latest victim. She was getting into trouble by the killing spree that just began in the County. The DNA test done revealed nothing helpful, it was as though their murderer was careful with his steps. No evidence was found from the blood splatters on her car seat.

Nonetheless, thankfully, the area had a CCTV camera running at the time of her death. It was not very clear but she was certain their guy was indeed a white buff male. It did not capture the heinous deed, but he was seen leaving the scene and jumping on a white truck. The number plate was not visible so she would have to deal with tracking all the trucks first.

At least that was some good news after so much bad. She placed the images along with the others on the board. She took the map of the County and drew X marking the main points of the cases. The first body was discovered in Tapas, but the girl was from Gilgil. She marked both spots. The second case was in Gilgil as well but the body was not disposed of in another town.

The third case from Leighton was also committed in the same town. Dana wondered if she was working with more than one killer. Looking at the recent case, the cold state of the body meant the killing happened the day before she was found. The exact time of death had not been pointed out. She had no similar markings like in the other two bodies.

Was she missing something? Dana examined the images again, hoping she would find the infamous mark. It would be easier if she was working with one guy, studying his pattern would be easier. Was he trying to throw her off his trail? She wondered. There was no evidence of sexual assault unlike in the first two cases.

Dana bit her lip, she nibbled on it, her pen tapped on her desk. She stared at the hung map, there was no way the killer would travel from one town to another killing people without them being noticed. There was no rookie road he could have used to escape if he was to get caught. No road joined the three towns or led to them without the person needing to use the main route. Frustrated, her fist hit the board causing a few pictures to fall.

"Woah Dana, are you okay? " Phillip asked as he walked in with a couple of files in his arm.

"What are those?" Dana ignored his concern and pointed to the files. Philip placed them on her desk, "I brought some files from 1975 when there was a bunch of killings like they are happening now. Perhaps, we could look into it and see if there is a connection with our case."

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to try. Have they brought in new results from the tests?"

"Unfortunately no. However, I did come across a certain mark on the victims from 1975 that seem very peculiar. A letter, R, the marking was on each of the victims' bodies. Most of the victims were women between nine and thirty-eight. Odd, isn't it?"

"Why?"

"It largely resembles the cases we are handling, letter engravings, female victims. Two, but you get my point. Could our killer be emulating the same pattern?"

"Are you trying to say that we have a lose serial killer, reenacting past homicides?"

"Yes, he could be trying to follow in Rupert's footsteps. Rupert O'Neill was convicted and charged with all thirteen murder cases and sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole. He is currently still in Taru Correctional Facility serving his sentence. He was a menace, that man. Caused half of the population in Taru to move out of town. He scared the shit out of everyone, including the authorities. He pleaded guilty in court, brutal. At least justice was served. If our guy is trying to be like him, then there is a chance we can find him before there are any more deaths in our hands."

"Please leave the Rupert files with me, I would like to take a look at them. "

"Yeah, sure." Phillip placed the file close to her pens and carried the rest in her arms. "I will see you later Dana, please do find time to rest. I'm sorry for- earlier."

"It's okay." She replied. The man walked out of her office heavily. He admired Dana's commitment to work, she always ensured that families get justice and felons were convicted. He was certain she would stay up all night studying the files. And, she did.

Dana went through the file, she noticed the peculiar yet consistent manner in which Rupert killed his victims, from the thirteen cases, six women were assaulted, one had her body set ablaze, while the rest six had open throats. Several markings on their bodies but his initial stood out. Unlike the current happenings, Rupert focused on three towns, Taru, Leighton, and Malgog.

He was almost got away with the crimes, were it not for the retired Detective Arthur Conner. His last clue to the case was a faded dental imprint on his victim, they matched his dental formula and his tests confirmed he was indeed the killer. He admitted to the other cases laid on him. Arthur could not be happier, he had been working on the cases for over six years, it felt relieving to finally serve justice.

Dana wanted all that, she wanted families to find closure, knowing they needed it to let their loved ones rest in peace. She closed the file and placed it on the side of the table, she needed more. Something. Someone. Anyone who would think like a serial killer. Maybe a serial killer. ' I need Rupert.' She thought. It would be grand if he agreed to talk to her. It was a long shot but it would not hurt to try. So she called Philip and asked him to make contact with the Correctional Institution and inquire about Rupert.

Writer's Notes

Hello, how are you all doing? I hope the book so far is interesting. What are your thoughts? Please let me know. Have a wonderful day or night.