Stalker

Chapter Thirty

‘We’ve had to bail Flint pending further enquiries, ma’am,’ Beth said to DCI Aileen Peters.

‘And he’s admitted to what so far?’ she asked rhetorically, looking at the report. ‘Filming people inside their homes without permission. So a breach of privacy at least.’

‘Yes, ma’am. And once forensics have finished taking apart his computer and running the DNA checks on his van, bike and office we’ll have him for most – if not all – of the other crimes on the list.’

‘But you won’t be able to use anything his mother has said now she’s sold her story to the press.’

‘I know, ma’am.’

‘Well done. You put a lot of work into this and it has reaped rewards.’

‘Thank you.’

‘OK. Go home now; it’s gone seven. Get some sleep over the weekend and on Monday I want you to join the team investigating the Kingsberry rapist. They desperately need another pair of hands. Matt will keep you informed on any developments with Flint. You’re aware of the basics of the Kingsberry rapist case?’

‘Yes, ma’am. Two rapes and five indecent assaults in the last nine months, all on young women in their twenties while they slept in their beds.’

‘And the residents of Kingsberry are asking why he hasn’t been caught yet. Familiarize yourself with the details over the weekend so you’re ready for off on Monday.’

‘Yes, ma’am. Will do, thank you.’

‘Have a good weekend.’

‘And you.’

Beth left the DCI’s office with a frisson of excitement. It was always nice to be congratulated on a job well done in addition to the personal satisfaction gained. She collected her bag from the now near-empty office and went down the stairs to the car park.

It was a sign of the confidence being placed in her that she would be working on the Kingsberry rapist case and it would be a welcome change after all the weeks of tracking down Flint, although she’d still be involved until he was convicted.

His solicitor was already making noises about a psychiatric assessment. Mad or bad? It was the old argument and often it turned out to be a bit of both. Derek appeared deluded, possibly psychotic, and a certainly a misogynist who’d had an unhappy childhood and resented his mother. But, like many criminals with personality disorders, he’d also had the presence of mind to plan and execute his crimes. That they’d had to let him out on bail for the time being was worrying, although without any of his computer equipment he was hopefully now impotent to harm anyone else.

Outside the evening was still pleasantly warm and banishing further thoughts of work, Beth started her car, switched on the air con and headed for home. The weekend beckoned and she was looking forward to it: relaxing with a glass of wine tonight and a day trip to the coast with three friends tomorrow. Then a lie-in on Sunday morning while she read the files on the Kingsberry rapist so she was prepared for Monday. It would be a feather in her cap if she could add something to this inquiry; a fresh pair of eyes sometimes did the trick. After all, if she hadn’t revisited the cases of Ron McKenzie, Tom Murray and Mary Grey and spotted the links with Derek Flint he would still be out there working his evil. But here she was thinking about work again! Reining in her thoughts, she concentrated on driving and the weekend ahead.