Hangman's Noose (unsub files)

By Serina Vanfossen

An attractive, married university professor is found brutally murdered in his home and an array of suspects surface.
Detectives begin to uncover the killer's motive and they are led to believe the crime is related to a string of murders.
Is the killer leaving clues by carving popular children's word games on her victims?
The FBI is called in to assist. Will they be able to help police identify the killer in time? Or will they be outmaneuvered by a new type of sexual predator, unlike any they have dealt with before?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Serina Vanfossen
• Release date: Mar 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301819317

Book preview

A Galena Forest Book

Hangman’s Noose (unsub files 1)

Copyright 2012 by Serina VanFossen

All rights reserved

Cover by J. Patrick Schwarz

Published by Galena Forest Publishing, LLC

10987654321

This book is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to events, places, actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with other people, please purchase additional copies. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com for your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Prologue

Chapter One—Two Months Earlier

Chapter Two—Wife

Chapter Three—Co-Eds

Chapter Four—Colleague

Chapter Five—Indiscretions

Chapter Six—Masquerade Ball

Chapter Seven—The Party’s Over

Chapter Eight— Murder

Chapter Nine—Interrogations

Chapter Ten—Erik

Chapter Eleven—Jerry

Chapter Twelve—Charlie

Chapter Thirteen—Profile of a Killer

Chapter Fourteen—New Evidence

Chapter Fifteen—New Identity

Chapter Sixteen—Thrill of the Chase

Prologue

November 17th.

The tires of the glossy silver Carrera screech, as it tears out of the rain-drenched, cobblestone driveway. Inside his home, a man desperately clinging to his last breath of life crawls down the sweeping stairway in a futile attempt to save his life. His blood soaks the crisp, white carpet as it spews from his mortal wounds.

Peter, from now on we'll keep this basket of clean, white socks by the entrance so we don't stain the new carpet. Her words keep racing like fluid images in his mind, as the life dissipates from his blood-soaked body.

xoxoxo

Across town, a young college student slides her key into the lock and lets herself into her empty, darkened apartment. She forgoes the light switch and instinctively walks over to the glow of the answering machine and presses the blinking red button.

Message one, Friday 12:37 pm. Hi Kimberly, it’s Niki, I won‘t be home tonight, out with Blake. By the way, there was a package delivered for you, it’s on your nightstand, see you tomorrow. I am dying to hear all about your date with the professor.

Kimberly drops her keys and purse onto the coffee table, by the answering machine. She walks into the kitchen and turns on the light as the messages continue to play.

Message two, Friday 2:43 pm. Kimberly, hi it’s Peter. Just checking to make sure we are still on for tonight.

Fuck you! Kimberly hisses as she stomps into the kitchen. She rummages through one of the kitchen drawers for a wine opener and drills it into a bottle of chardonnay. She twists and pulls the cork until it makes a satisfying pop. It gives her a sense of satisfaction, knowing that Peter would have scolded her for incorrectly corking the wine bottle. She opens the cabinet with a sparse array of stemware and takes a wine glass from the shelf. She pours the wine to the top of the glass and takes a drink. She removes her wet clothes and turns on the shower. She walks back into her bedroom, with the glass and bottle in tow. She stares at the package on her nightstand and regards it with a disgusted sneer. The carton has been removed by her prying roommate, and the lightly scented box with the pink and white striped wrapping paper give away its contents.

You are so predictable. She snarls, her breath seizing in her lungs. The jewel embellished bra she had been coveting when she saw it in a fashion magazine, elicits nothing but unveiled disdain for her now. She picks up the box and a slight woodsy fragrance permeates her nostrils. Malice begins to intertwine with rage as she slams the box down on the nightstand. The force shatters the wine glass beside it. Realizing what she has done, Kimberly drops to her knees to pick up the broken pieces. The phone rings in the kitchen. It startles her and she pierces her hand with the pointy glass shard. She quickly strides into the kitchen to answer the phone.

Grabbing a hand towel, she clumsily wraps it around her hand as she clears her throat. Hello? No answer. Hello? She repeats. The voice on the other end sounds like muffled breathing. She hangs up the receiver and continues wrapping her wound while headed for the shower. She dries off and walks back into the bedroom, pulls the comforter off her bed, drags it to the living room, sits down on the couch and wraps it around her nude body, before lying down. She grabs the remote and presses the on button.

xoxoxo

At the crime scene, police are cordoning off the victim’s house with yellow tape. Their departmental issued raincoats are slick and glossy from the downpour. News crews are nearby. Neighbors, carrying umbrellas, begin to congregate.

A few minutes later, Kimberly is startled from her sleep by a sudden strike of thunder, a rare sound this time of year, but the unseasonably warm weather patterns have lent themselves to its formation. She blinks her eyes several times to read the clock, it says seven after ten. She picks up the remote and releases the mute button.

Tonight, a university of Utah Professor, Dr. Peter Davies was found bludgeoned to death. It happened around 8pm this evening in the affluent neighborhood of Galena Estates. Police have no suspects at this time and report that Dr. Davies’ vehicle is missing. They are investigating this crime as a robbery homicide. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the local police department.

Two Months Earlier

The striking, 42 year old psychology professor stands behind a podium in the oversized auditorium. He is dressed in a black polo shirt and khaki pants. His expensive leather loafers are a present from his wife, purchased during one of her business trips to Italy. A blazer with elbow patches, all the rage in Italy, is neatly hung on the back of the chair behind him. The front row of the auditorium is peppered with female co-eds sitting attentively, crossing and uncrossing their legs, vying for a glimpse in their direction.

Therefore by suppressing the Id, the professor lectures, Freud argued that the subject may encounter a series of erotic dreams as a response to conflicting societal demands. He referred to these dreams as wish fulfillments. He stops for a moment. Does anyone have any questions? He scans the room. Does anyone have any questions regarding what we have covered for History of Biopsychology up to this point? He pauses again and smiles at the students waiting to be dismissed. All right, I want to remind the graduate students that the topic of their thesis is due next week, the rest of you can study for your test. See you next time when we will continue our discussion over Freud's essay on the Id, ego and super ego." He closes his leather portfolio, and removes his glasses, placing them gingerly into their leather case.

That was quick. Kimberly gives a quizzical glance to her friend and roommate sitting beside her.

If you had been on time you would have known that he cut this lecture short due to a schedule conflict and he didn’t want us to fall too far behind. Niki whispers.

Kimberly nods as she places the tip of her pen in her mouth. So dedicated!

Yeah, and oh-so sexy. Niki swoons.

That voice, you know that he knows exactly how he affects women around him.

Of course he does. Unfortunately, he's married and you‘ve always said they are not your type. Niki attempts to reel her roommate away from the professor.

I hear she's a corporate attorney for an international firm and has to travel a lot. I bet he gets lonely.

I bet he has plenty of companions, you should stay away from him. Niki scoffs.

I don’t know if I should. You know Niki, by suppressing my Id, Freud would argue that a series of erotic dreams are in order. They begin to giggle. Vell, I for von sink zat ve need to discuss zis erotic fantasies vurder, ya? Kimberly mocks in a less than passable German accent.

OK, Sigmund, how about some pizza?

How about the gym instead? Kimberly retorts.

We can take my car. Nikki volunteers.

Kimberly smiles at the handsome professor as he walks by.

Show some restraint. Niki scolds.

Why would I want to do that? Kimberly closes her notebook and struggles to squeeze it into her over stuffed book bag.

Outside the leaves are starting to turn and a slight northern breeze begins to gust. They walk slowly through the campus parking lot. Have you seen her? Nikki queries after a few minutes have gone by.

Who? Kimberly looks at Niki confused.

His wife, is she pretty? Niki tilts her head.

I’ve never seen her, but I hear her family has lots of money. From what I’ve heard, I wouldn’t say pretty, beautiful is a better description, she’s younger than him too, early thirties I think. Kimberly responds while applying a fresh coat of lip gloss.

Money and looks? Probably why Peter married her. Niki adds snidely. You want him pretty bad, don‘t you?

Don’t you? Kimberly replies as she smacks her lips to evenly distribute the grape flavored gloss. Sure I want him, and I’m gonna get him.

Well, I guess I want him too. Niki raises her shoulders sheepishly as she unlocks the driver’s door.

The two get into Niki’s car and drive to a nearby gym. Kimberly wears a pair of navy sweats and a white T-shirt. Niki takes her duffel bag into one of the stalls. She emerges moments later in a blue leotard and lavender tights. Kimberly notices Niki in the mirror and takes a quick glance over her shoulder. She looks forward as she rolls her eyes and pulls her hair into a ponytail. She does another take, to confirm that is indeed, what Niki’s wearing.

Oh my god, Niki, you forgot your legwarmers. Do you need to borrow mine? She remarks with no hint of sarcasm.

Fuck off, Kimberly. Niki retorts

Kimberly giggles. Oh Niki, Olivia Newton John called, she wants her headband back.

Why do you have to be so mean?

I’m not being mean. I’m trying to save you some embarrassment because no one dresses that way anymore.

Well, I do. Niki flings her natural strawberry blonde locks as she stuffs her duffel bag into a locker.

They walk out of the locker room and find two empty, adjacent stair climbing machines.

Do you think he's got a big dick? Niki asks as she programs the machine for thirty minutes.

I’m not a mind reader. Who are you talking about now? Kimberly replies slightly agitated.

Peter.

My guess would be that he’s average, longer men don’t have such beautiful features. Plus, average length men, try harder and make better lovers. Kind of like, ugly girls. The understated shot flies over Niki‘s head. However, rumor says that his dick can rival that of any 70‘s porn star.

An older man with a semi passable toupee on a nearby cycle glances over at them. They mockingly titter like two modest geisha girls.

Forgiv-in-ess prease! Kimberly comments, unfazed as Niki giggles uproariously.

The man looks annoyed, as he turns up his mp3 player.

Anyway, I don’t believe the rumors. Kimberly continues.

They‘re not rumors, do you remember Sally?

You mean fuck-me-if-you're-in-a-fraternity-Sally?

Niki groans and leans into the machine as it picks up speed.

Yes, that Sally, she said they did it, after class in the auditorium, when he asked to see her about her paper and that he is one of the well-endowed men she’s ever been with.

Wow, I imagine you would have to be pretty big, to get a snug fit with Sally. I heard she had McDonald’s arches tattooed on her lower back because she’s had over a million served.

Kimberly laughs impressed with Niki’s comment. That’s pretty funny, Nik, good one.

Niki smiles, she’s momentarily caught off guard by a rare compliment from her friend.

I think I‘ll have him by Halloween.Kimberly assures her friend. Speaking of sex, how are things between you and Blake?

He's a dick. Niki replies.

I could have told you that and saved you some trouble.

I’m afraid he is bored and wants to break up with me. Niki shrugs.

So why don't you do it first? It will give you a chance to pursue your other ambitions.

What other ambitions?

Those. Kimberly winks at Niki and glances over at a group of guys that just walk in.

Niki's eyes follow.

xoxoxo

The following week, Kimberly makes a concerted effort to be on time to Dr. Davies’ eight a.m. lecture. She also makes the effort to pick out her clingiest sweater and shortest skirt. She doesn’t sit in the front row, like the common clichés. She sits in the very back where he will catch a glimpse of her bent over, as he exits the lecture hall. A scene she has choreographed to smallest detail.

I have everyone's exams. The professor pulls out a stack of papers from his briefcase. Kimberly studies his features, an exercise she has performed since the first day of class. He is average height, about 5’10 with an athletic build. His eyes are a cold and steely blue. His light brown hair, the mature color of a once towheaded child, recedes slightly at the temples. His jaw is strong, with slight angular features. It isn’t difficult to see why all the young female students clamor for his attention. You can pick them up at the end of class. If you have any questions regarding your grades, please see me after class or you can schedule an appointment with my TA." Kimberly nudges Niki with her elbow alluding to their conversation at the gym.

He continues his lecture. Last time, if you recall, we were discussing Freud's theory as wish fulfillments manifesting themselves in our dreams. Freud divided dreams into two groups. The first, dreams where the wish appears openly and second, dreams where the wish is unrecognizable or concealed. The latter he defined as 'dream censorship'. Here we have two possibilities from where a wish may originate, a wish that may have been aroused throughout the course of a day and may have not been satisfied due to external constraints. Can anyone give me an example? He takes off his glasses and leans forward on the podium, scanning the room for volunteers. An attractive woman in her late forties with prematurely graying hair, in the front row raises her hand.

Yes? Peter nods.

Well, she hesitates, sometimes if I go to bed with my house really messy, I dream that I'm cleaning things.

That is a really good example, Margaret, any others?

Kimberly covers her mouth and whispers to Niki. Margaret? First name basis?

Teacher’s pet. Niki replies, rolling her eyes.

After class, Peter heads towards his office hoping to grab a quick bite from the vending machines before his next lecture. His thoughts lingering on the student with the mini skirt, and the fleeting glimpse of her ass with a distinctive mole on the left thigh bending over to retrieve her book bag on his way out of the auditorium.

He opens the door to his office and notices the exotic flowers sitting on his desk. He places his coffee and briefcase down and sinks into his swivel chair. He takes a deep breath and leans back. His gaze is kept focused on the flowers. One has a single, red, heart-shaped leaf about the size of a man's hand, a yellow, elongated bud protruding from the center, a la Georgia O‘Keefe. He can't help but notice the implied sexual connotation. He wonders if this was the sender's intention, at least on a subconscious level. Peter smiles, impressed by the gesture. He plucks the tiny envelope from the display and reads the note inside:

Peter, would you like to join me for dinner? Kimberly Eckhart 278-3825

Kimberly? Could this be the same Kimberly who bent over as he was exiting the auditorium? She must be the one who applied for the TA position, the one with the nicely rounded ass and the only perfect score on the midterm.

He leans back on his chair and stares out his window over the quad with its lush landscape of maple and aspen trees. This could be one of the more interesting distractions.

Wife

Peter walks into the kitchen and grabs a coffee cup from the cabinet.

Dianne looks up from her morning paper. Would you like some breakfast?

I’m not very hungry. I’ll just have my usual coffee. He leans over behind her and gives his wife a kiss on the cheek.

Her body becomes rigid at his touch. Her hazel eyes narrow slightly and she purses her lips as she lifts the coffee cup to her mouth.

He walks over to the coffee maker and pours himself a cup.

You’re up early for a Saturday. Peter remarks.

The contractor will be here shortly to take measurements for the new carpet.

Dianne dear, the carpet we currently have is only a few years old.

It’s five years old, Peter

Like I said, it’s new, particularly since no one’s been allowed to walk on it with shoes.

Dianne takes a deep breath, folds the newspaper and places it on the table. Peter, you’ve known about this since last month. I need this completed before the party.

And you’ve known, for the last several years that I always golf every other Saturday.

You can reschedule your golf session.

No, I suggest you reschedule your contractor

DO NOT take that tone with me, Peter! The contractor will be here soon. The party is in a few weeks, end of discussion! She