The Blood Trail - Part 4

Jennifer drove across the streets. Andrew sat beside her, his mind galloping around the newly discovered elements of case. There was no family picture found on Mrs. Susan which Mrs. Hazelwood had claimed of witnessing with Susan before Susan’s departure for work. Susan had told the lady that it was a memoir of their happy days and she wanted it to be framed and preserved, but she could not have succeeded as the shops in Avila would all close around seven or seven thirty during winters. The case was getting more tangled. 

‘Have you managed to extract the CCTV footage?’ Jennifer enquired interrupting Andrew’s musing. 

‘I’ll enquire sir about it’, Andrew stated, a bit startled by the sudden interruption.

Jennifer frowned staring straight ahead. Her previous assumptions were starting to be proven wrong; it seemed like a planned double murder with not one but two victims. Mrs. Susan was one the targets of culprit. 

‘Thank you sir’

Andrew had finished his conversation with his superior. On the night of committing murder there was a blackout in city, murderer had planned the day carefully, CCTVs had blurred away footage, expert were needed to bring out the images with refined details.

‘Footage will be available shortly’

Jennifer gave a short nod. Andrew looked over at her, his mind filled with multiple questions. Jennifer looked at her companion and smiled understanding the incredulous gaze.

‘Your prediction is correct; Mrs. Susan was indeed a victim. But I am not sure about the relationship between Mrs. Susan and Mrs. Laurent.’ 

Jennifer replied to the curious Andrew. She bit her lower lip staring on the road ahead. Her Instincts were telling her that there was something under the pretty obvious details. There was an evident relationship between Mrs. Susan, Mrs. Laurent and the murderer, but the degree of its significance was still in the dark. 

Jennifer glanced sideways at the book on dashboard. It was a romantic novel. 

‘I never thought you were into romantic stuff, Mr. Hastings’

She looked at her companion, sniggering mischievously. 

‘It’s a gift from a friend’ Andrew replied coldly, ignoring the mischievous snigger.

‘The friend seems to be pretty close…’

‘My ex girlfriend’, Andrew responded no expression lining his voice.

‘You have an ex, surprising; seems like you are not over her yet.’ Jennifer replied, not attempting to hide her amusement. She could not imagine gruffy Andrew Hastings as a loving boyfriend. Andrew chose not to answer, he stared out of the window at the slowly rising Avila. Jennifer was right, he was not over her, neither can he be, at least not in this lifetime.

‘Where are we headed to?’ Andrew enquired, coming back to reality.

‘To the airport’ Jennifer responded. She glanced sideways at Andrew, his quizzical expression gave away the question.

‘It is to pick up my assistant, Gemini Hales. I had called for him; the signed document from your superior granting permission in the front.’

Andrew looked away, scowling, “Am I not enough?! This lady is really looking down on me!”

Jennifer parked smoothly in the airport parking near exit terminal three. She got down and texted Gemini her location.

‘What would you like to have?’ Jennifer was right outside navigator window. 

‘Don’t bother’ Andrew’s voice was stiff and resilient.

‘I hope I am not working with someone who survives on air; ‘cause normal human body requires significant amount of carbohydrate for efficient working of brain and body’ Jennifer retaliated, turning a blind eye to his punitive attitude.

Andrew glared at her. Jennifer was least bothered. 

‘I can look after myself Ms. Skinner, please don’t bother’ Andrew spoke through clenched teeth. Jennifer shrugged and went away. Andrew glared behind her back, a vein was throbbing in his temple, Jennifer was really annoying to work with. 

Skinner went into the nearby café, treating herself with a lemon ice tea and whipped cream cookies. After paying for an appetizing meal, she returned to her car, waiting for the arrival of her best co worker and friend. She rested herself outside the driver’s road and checked her elegant wristwatch, it was half past nine, plane must have landed by now; Gemini should be here within a short span.

The sun was shining high today, sky was a perfect blue with a few fluffs of clouds here and there, but temperature though had dropped down quite a few degrees, Avila would soon be covered under the sheet of winter snow. A perfect day to start with, but Jennifer was in no mood for admiring the subdue beauty of town; a mission was waiting ahead for her. She bit her lip impatiently checking her watch again. The wristwatch was a memory of her grandparents, gifted to her by them to celebrate her coming off age, it was old and frayed but was her loyal companion in every operation. 

Fifteen minutes had passed, Gemini was unexpectedly running late. Jennifer checked her phone for updates, there was none, she was getting more and more agitated with every minute. They must unravel the mystery of Avila murder soon, or the case was bound to attract inquisitive visitors from around the globe and chances of culprit running away unscathed would highly increase.

She looked at the past the wide lines of cars, trying to spot Gemini Hales. After about ten minutes, a man wearing all black appeared in her range of sight. He was wearing a pair of shaded glasses which were strikingly noticeable against his black outfit. His outfit was complimented by his stunning face and chivalrous personality. He was heading towards the silver Volvo parked at the end of line. Gemini Hales had arrived at his destination.

Jennifer straightened up at the sight of man. He was in front of her in no time.

‘Morning Skinner, long time no see’, Gemini smirked amusingly.

‘Yeah, world was possibly going on the way of attaining eternal peace, Alas, here comes another case interrupting the noble attempts ’, Jennifer joined in his little joke.

Gemini laughed loudly at remark and gave her a short hug. After arranging his case in boot he seated himself at the back.

‘Mr. Hastings, Gemini Hales my all time assistant and friend; Gemini, this is Mr. Hastings, one of the youngest officers in Avila, he will be assisting us in this mission’, Jennifer gave a quick introduction as both men shook hands.

They backed out from the airport heading towards their first target for the day.

‘You must have gone through the brief details of case I had sent you this morning’

‘Yeah, but there are still few points I need to confirm upon’, Gemini replied switching the screen of his laptop.

‘Ms. Skinner, I think details of the case are not something which can be openly shared on social media’, Andrew pointed out.

‘Mr. Hastings, Jennifer has developed a special anti-spy exchange program for sharing such confidential details, I will add the software in your device later’, Gemini answered promptly giving Andrew a broad smile.

‘No need to doubt my skills Mr. Hastings’, Jennifer winked playfully at Andrew; Andrew’s face presented no expressions though his insides were boiling with fury, admiration and a bit of jealousy. “How can someone be so strikingly perfect?”

‘Jenny, can we stop at some store? We need to fill in the required supplies’, Gemini enquired.

Jennifer gave a short nod and pulled the car to a halt in front of next convenience store. 

‘You stay here, Mr. Hastings will accompany me’, Gemini smiled at Jennifer and left with Andrew. Jennifer adjusted her seatbelt and waited for the men to return.

She looked at her feet, examining her polished black boots; soon they would be dusty and rough. She noticed a slip of paper beside her right foot folded in half. She picked up the slip and read it.

“Your secrets known to none would soon be revealed by that one.”

After a quarter of hour, Gemini and Andrew returned back loaded with food and essential supplies. The plopped the purchases at the back and returned to their respective positions.

‘Ready to go’, Gemini stated as soon as he closed the door behind him, but there was no response from the other end. Strange. Jennifer wasn’t short of hearing. He looked at the driver’s end; Jennifer was staring blankly out of the windshield, lost in her own world. Very strange, she wasn’t that kind of person to slip away into daydreams under broad daylight.

Gemini gave her a short pat on shoulder bringing her back from her reverie. She was startled by the sudden movement.

‘Oh right’, she answered finally regaining her conscious.

‘What happened?’ Gemini was perplexed at his friend’s bizarre behavior.

‘Nothing to concern you’, Jennifer replied curtly. She accelerated the car heading towards the north end of town, the area where majority of city’s influential population resided.

‘Mrs. Laurent’s residence?’ Andrew asked, recognizing the familiar and uncluttered lanes. Jennifer gave a nod agreeing stating his assumption as right.

They passed the last of the houses. Laurent’s mansion was situated at the most affluent and least residential area of Avila, away from the city houses. Jennifer stopped the car in front of a grand bungalow. The exotic steel gates welcomed the visitors to elaborating grandeur of property that laid beyond those eight feet high ancient stone walls. 

A stone path led amidst the lush green fields, adorned by splashing fountains on either side. Jennifer led the way to main entrance of mansion followed closely by Andrew and Gemini. They greeted the two cops standing deep in conversation at the entrance and made their way through ancient but sturdy oak doors. A humungous hall with golden polished floor and white washed ceiling embellished with a magnificent and farfetched chandelier hanging from it welcomed them on the other side. The trio made their way through the marble staircase, up to the first floor. 

A long corridor with multiple doors stood there, floor was covered in red carpet. Jennifer tried to estimate the total cost the property would add up to, she almost let out a small gasp at the amount. Two ladies dressed in all black was coming towards them, they greeted them solemnly leading them to the end of the passage in front of a door with elegant carvings and gold trimmed edges. Behind it stood a magnificent hall decorated in black drapes and white flowers to match the melancholic atmosphere of room.

A glass coffin was placed on a slightly raised platform at the other end; it was loaded with white flowers offered by visitors, symbolizing their prayers for departed soul to move to its afterlife freely. Gemini produced a bouquet of white roses and lilies from behind his back and placed it at the foot of platform. Jennifer and Andrew followed the sequence. They had bought offerings on their way to the mansion.

Sir Laurent stood in a corner, dejected and red eyed, leaning on his son heavily for standing straight. He was a man in his early fifties, much older than his wife; he was almost bald except a few wisps of grey hair combed neatly, average height and round face. He must have been handsome in his youth days but at the moment he merely looked a shadow of his former self. He stared emptily in front of him, his eyes red and swollen from crying.

Jennifer approached him, apologizing and trying to ease his pain. Sir Laurent was pulled back to reality at the sound of her voice, he stared at their faces, trying to analyze their identities.

‘I am Jennifer Skinner, the private investigator investigating your wife’s case, this is Gemini Hales, my subordinate and this is Andrew Hastings, deputy police officer’, Jennifer introduced themselves reading the perplexed expression on Mr. Laurent’s face.

‘Nice meeting you Ms. Skinner, I am Bradley Laurent, eldest son of Mrs. Laurent’, the young man standing beside Mr. Laurent spoke greeting them. He was in his early twenties; he looked a younger version of his father with slightly long blonde hair tied in a ponytail.

‘We are here to take your statements regarding the case, may I Mr. Laurent?’

Jennifer was sympathetic towards family but the case was demanding their attention. Mr. Laurent studied their faces; deadpan and numb. He looked at his son, who answered the question.

‘You may, Ms. Skinner, we are willing to cooperate with investigation. Please suit yourself, my father and I will join you in few moments.’

He instructed a servant to lead them to his office. The office was the second room in the hallway. It was smaller than rest of the rooms, but was pretty well furnished with a vintage architecture. They seated themselves on the pale blue couch, memorizing the details. Jennifer looked at Andrew, instructing him to take down the details.

Bradley Laurent came soon after supporting his father. Mr. Laurent dropped in the chair across the guests and Bradley took the seat next to him. 

‘I think you can leave us for a moment, Mr. Bradley’, Jennifer asked him politely. He looked from his father to Jennifer, hesitant to leave him, Mr. Laurent gave him a short nod and he left the room quietly. 

‘I’ll be starting right away then Mr. Laurent’, Jennifer told the old man as soon as the Bradley was out of the doors. 

‘When did Mrs. Laurent left the residence?’

‘It was last night, around half past six, she told me that she had an appointment with psychologist at Blue Moon restaurant after which she’ll be meeting a friend at the same place, I had a game of rummy with my business friends, I dropped her at restaurant and left.’

‘Was there anything peculiar in her behavior?’

‘Nothing out of the order, she would usually meet her friends alone and return back with them.’

‘Do you know who was she meeting with?’

Mr. Laurent shook his head. ‘She told me it was a friend from her convent; she never mentioned the name though.’

‘If you don’t mind answering, I would like to ask about your bond?’ Jennifer asked hesitant to probe upon the question at such a moment. 

‘Annie and I had a peaceful and loving marriage. Although the age difference between us was quite large, but we loved each other dearly, Annie had been a widow with a child, her husband died in a car crash about twenty years back, I had met her at a bookshop in Hamilton town village after her husband’s death, thereafter she had married me. We were a happy family of four, until my younger son passed away due to illness. Annie could not bear the death of Daniel, she became depressed, I arranged for a psychology. She had been recovering well, until-until…’

Mr. Laurent burst into tears. Gemini quickly offered a handkerchief to miserable man. He blew loudly in it and sobbed hysterically. 

‘I am sorry Mr. Laurent, I deeply grieve at your loss. We’ll find the one behind mis-happening very soon, you have my word.’ Jennifer said, attempting to console the poor old soul.

‘We may move on to questioning your son’

Jennifer motioned Gemini to call Bradley Laurent in. A moment later, the young Laurent sat in front of them looking decisive and solemn.

‘Mr. Bradley, you study abroad I believe?’

‘Yes, I am a business student at Norwegian University of Business. I had moved abroad three years ago to pursue my advanced studies.’

‘You’re younger brother, Daniel, passed away not long back. Do you know anything about his illness?’

‘Not much. Mother and Daniel had come to about six months back, Daniel had been diagnosed with a genetic disease, he inherited it from his biological father. Mother and father were quite distressed; I had consulted the doctor abroad for his treatment.’

‘After his death what had happened to your mother?’

‘She had locked herself up for two whole days, crying terribly. It was not until Dad had arrived and coaxed her into coming home with him. She had been taking psychological treatment since then.’

‘Did you notice anything suspicious in your mother’s behavior lately?’

‘Nothing special, she had called me day before yesterday, she appeared better than the last time. Treatment was appearing to be fruitful.’

‘How was your relationship with your mother and younger brother?’

‘My biological mother had passed away long ago, my father married mother when I was three years old. I wasn’t very appreciative of her in beginning but gradually her affection bought me over. Daniel was like my own younger sibling, I loved him with all my heart.’

‘Anything else you would like to share with us?’

A flash of indecisiveness passed his grey eyes momentarily, he seem to deliberate over something. The expression did not escape Jennifer’s notice.

‘Nothing’ He answered, his eyes appeared oddly empty. Jennifer had her suspicions raised. Bradley Laurent was no doubt hiding some valuable info. But it wasn’t the time to press upon the details, it might backfire.

Jennifer gave a short nod, eyeing the young man incredulously. Andrew was jotting down everything on Gemini’s side. Gemini was looking curiously at both father and son. He looked at Jennifer; they had a brief mental discussion. Gemini knew Jennifer had something up in her mind. 

‘Thank you so much for your time Mr. Laurent and Mr. Bradley. We’ll be off then, I’ll be disturbing you again if the case requires.’ Jennifer said, standing up from her comfortable seat.

‘Don’t mention it. We’ll try to help you to the best of our ability.’ Bradley Laurent spoke. He offered to see them off.

They walked down the stone path, towards the Volvo parked outside the residence. 

‘We’ll take our leave then, Mr. Bradley, thank you for your time.’ Jennifer spoke, passing a consoling smile to young lad.

‘Thank you to you Ms. Skinner, I’ll be at your call anytime. By the way, you can address me as Brad in future’, he replied, smiling shrewdly at Jennifer.

‘Thank you, but ‘Mr. Bradley’ is quite comfortable’, Jennifer brushed away his flirtatious attempts wittily. They got into the car and left the residence.

‘What do you think, Mr. Hastings?’ Jennifer asked once they were inside the car. Andrew Hastings was eyeing his notepad acutely on the passenger seat.

‘It was surely a flawless story, the house was pretty normal, but my intuition says there is something off with Bradley Laurent.’ Andrew replied, scowling slightly at his notes. Jennifer smirked at his words.

‘Intuition, Mr. Hastings? Could you be more specific?’ Jennifer asked.

Andrew turned a slight shade of pink and stared out of his window at passing trees.

‘Nothing else Ms. Skinner’, he said, still not meeting the mocking gaze of Jennifer.

‘What are you thinking Jennifer?’ Gemini cut in the conversation, saving Andrew from further mockery.

‘Like Mr. Hastings said, something is definitely not right with Bradley Laurent. But unlike Mr. Hasting ’s ‘intuition’ I believe that he appeared to be a bit off during questioning. Psychologically speaking, his actions gave away his cover.’

Andrew opened his mouth to protest against the open jab, but was interrupted by his phone.

‘Who’s there?’ Andrew snapped in the receiver.

Andrew’s eyes lit up with excitement as he cut the call. 

‘Surveillance video has been received’, he said, he had forgotten about the recent jibe.

Jennifer nodded but did not stop the car. She accelerated on towards the edge of the city.

‘Wait, aren’t we examining the video first?’ Andrew asked, as they moved past the city towards the countryside.

‘We’ll do it afterwards Hastings’, Jennifer replied nonchalantly. Andrew did not press the matter further, he had realized that Jennifer wasn’t always stubborn or ignorant when it comes to cases, he trusted her decision.

‘Where are we headed to?’ he asked, trying to figure out the route but with no success.

‘Hamilton town’, Jennifer answered, accelerating her car towards their next destination.