Solstice

Chapter Five - Klempner

Chapter Five - KlempnerI don’t enjoy feeling useless. Back in the lounge, the fire heating my back, I churn through the possibilities.

Mitch fusses over Vicky in her carry cot, tucking in blankets with what looks to me like unnecessary force. Our daughter sleeps peacefully through it while Cara winges with the Haswell kid on the settee. Mitch wags a finger at her, Tutting her quiet again. Cara pushes out her bottom lip. Beside her, Adam’s face is reddening. Mitch hooks a finger into the elasticated top of his pants, peering down and in, sniffs, then rummages through Beth’s supply of paraphernalia, producing a packet of nappies.

I’m tempted to comment, but that might result in me being pulled into what the women call ‘pee duty’. I’ve gotten through life so far never having had to change a diaper. I’m happy to keep it that way.

A diversionary change of subject…

“D’you think there’s anything I can contribute to what’s happening with Jenny?”

Mitch tugs Adam into position on a towel. “I don’t think so.” She doesn’t look up, but I can see her throat working. “It’s something they have to work through themselves.”

“In that case, I’ll make myself useful elsewhere…” She glances up, brow c****d… “You’re sure you’re happy with me giving Stanton the help he asked for? With this killer they’re hunting?”

The glance morphs to a direct stare. Mitch’s chest rises. Falls. “You have the skills and the contacts. I’d say you have a moral duty to help.” There’s a touch of grit in her words. “Are you going to contact him?”

I lift her chin with my fingers. “If you’re sure, I’ll do it now.”

“I’m sure.”

*****

Haswell gave me Stanton’s phone number. Few other people have it. The direct line to an old personal friend. I tap in.

Three rings, and it answers. “Commissioner?”

“Who…? Klemp… Mr Waterman? Um… What can I do for you?”

“It’s more what I can do for you, Commissioner. After our last conversation, in consideration of my wife’s sensibilities, I declined your request for assistance in the matter of your serial killer. However, since then, I’ve discussed the matter with her. Mitch has asked me to render you any support you require.”

A short silence then, “Is that so?” Stanton’s voice booms satisfaction. “Excellent! When can you start?”

“As soon as you like. Can you arrange for me to receive a copy of the relevant files?”

“I’ll have a set put together for you right away. It’s not the kind of material that can be emailed, you understand. I’ll have them couriered to you.”

“Thank you. And remind me, the names of the three you wanted me to interview with regard to your investigation.”

“That would be…” Paper rustles in the background… “… Emilio Schauder, Damien Renberger and Jake Gordonton.”

“You have no cause to believe they may be actually connected with the murders?”

“Not connected in the sense that they may be implicated. But between them, they control the largest part of the prostitution trade in the City. Given that the killer is targeting prostitutes, we want to know if they, or any of their workers, have seen anything that might give us a lead.”

“I’ll pay them a visit. I would also like to see the remains of the last victim.”

A pause… “I’ll get you Doctor Anderssen’s contact number but, given that you and he haven’t gotten off to the best of starts, it’s probably best if I arrange an appointment for you myself to visit the morgue.”

*****