No Refuge by Blake Pierce

Author:Blake Pierce [Pierce, Blake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blake Pierce
Published: 2023-03-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Valerie waited in the cold street with Charlie and Will. Detective March looked at her and then, as if thinking it over and finally understanding the need that Valerie felt in the pit of her soul, the detective lifted up the police tape.

"You've got ten minutes," he said. "No longer. I could get fired for letting in anyone who isn't authorized."

"Thank you, Detective March," Valerie said.

"Good man," Will said quietly as he passed the detective.

They left him outside and then slipped quietly into the house and into the embrace of a violent murder scene.

The house was eerie and quiet to Valerie, like a ghostly presence was still lingering there. The walls were covered with photos of the family who had once lived there, now forever gone. The last piece taken. There was a teaching award on the shelf in the hall, an ode to the life that had been lost.

Valerie and Will looked around, trying to take in every detail of their surroundings. Charlie stood by the door, his eyes darting around as he tried to pick up any clues that might have been left behind by Tobias Masley. Valerie could feel something in the air—a chill that seemed to linger long after he had gone.

Every item seemed to tell its own story—one of tragedy and loss—but also one of a life well lived.

Entering into a sitting room, Valerie finally saw the murder victim.

The body of an elderly man was sitting in an armchair, his eyes still open and staring at the ceiling. Valerie examined him and saw the incisions in his throat and the bruises on his skin. He had been viciously attacked but with a kind of reverence that made it all the more heartbreaking.

The room was sterile, almost like a museum piece, as if it were frozen in time to remember what happened there. The walls were painted a soft yellow, with family photos lining them. A small table sat just off to the side with a half-finished glass of Scotch in its center.

Valerie felt an overwhelming sadness wash over her as she looked upon this scene—a reminder of how precious life can be and how quickly it can be taken away. She could only hope that they could find Tobias Masley soon enough so that no other family would have to experience such tragedy again.

"His name is John Malcolm," a voice said from behind them. It was Detective Marsh. "He was returning home from a reunion with old friends. A witness down the street said they saw him moving hurriedly, as if he was scared."

Valerie nodded, her eyes still fixed on the body. She knew that Tobias Masley had done this, she could feel it in her bones.

She said, "Masley had a habit of strangling his victims after they were dead, leaving a very specific mark on their necks, one that's present on John Malcolm's body."

Detective Marsh's eyes widened in surprise. "Why would he do that?" He asked. "What possible reason could he have for strangling a dead body?"

"Post-death behaviors are often used by serial killers," Will said firmly.

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