Of Night and Dark Obscurity

She locked the door behind them and gave him the key to the house to return to the estate agent.

“Thank you for taking the time to show me the house. You didn’t have to.” He added.

“I’m glad you liked it. I think it will suit you well.”

“It will,” he smiled and hailed a cab and they parted ways.

???

Val had only been in his office long enough to hang up his coat and hat before Felix entered the room.

“Where have you been?” He asked frustration in his voice.

Val gave him a look and he backed down a little. “Sir. Another body has been found.”

“A woman?” Val straightened.

“Yes.”

“Where was she found and when?”

“She was found this morning. At Regent’s Park.”

“Damn,” Val swore suddenly. “I thought we’d get him before this.” He retrieved his hat and coat. “Let’s go.”

Chapter 17

Felix and Val traveled to the edge of Regent’s Park where the body had been found. Val hated that the killer chose the prettiest spots in London to place his menacing deeds for the world to see. When they arrived at the scene, two constables were standing watch over the body which had been covered with a blanket.

“Who found her?” Val asked.

One constable pointed to an older man who was standing nearby with his scruffy little black dog. Val nodded to Felix who went to speak to the man.

“I’m Detective Sergeant Felix Grant. You are?” He asked the man.

“I’m Jim Terrance. This here is Roger,” he said pointing to the dog.

Felix glanced down at Roger who cocked his head at him.

“Did you see anything Sir?” He asked the eyewitness.

“What do you mean did I see anything? Ain’t that a dead body over there? Is that enough?”

Felix sighed. “Before that Sir. Did you see anyone leaving? Did you see anything strange?”

The witness seemed to give this question much thought before answering. “Well now that you mention it, Roger did seem a little upset. He barked more than usual.”

“Why do you think that was?”

“Can’t say. Roger don’t like everybody. He likes you though,” the man said.

Felix looked down at the dog who looked back at him.

“Can you give me your home address?” Felix asked. “We may need to ask you more questions.”

The man did as Felix asked and then nodded. “And when you do come, bring shortbread biscuits.”

“Why would I do that, Sir?”