Free A Murderer's Heart by Julie Elizabeth Powell

nodded.
    “I suppose...it was a shock...so totally unexpected.”
    “I’ll bet.”
    “You don’t seem surprised by it.”
    Frank pushed his fingers through his hair.
    “I’ve become immune to the things people do to each other. I’ve learned to switch off; I wouldn’t be able to do my job if otherwise. I try to look at the underlying problems rather than the effects. If I thought about the victims of sick people, I’d never cope.”
    “What makes you think the killer was sick?”
    “Must be sick in some way, but from what you told me, it doesn’t seem like it was a burglar or just a random break-in that went out of control. The killer had a weapon ready, using a knife means they have to be very close to the victim – that takes a certain kind of mind.
    “Think about it. How many murders are committed with a knife? In our line of work we know that knives are usually used in the spur of the moment – a handy weapon in a kitchen for example, against either an abusive husband or attacker – temporary insanity in many cases. If a knife is chosen deliberately, there is a different frame of mind at work. A different heart, even...a murderer’s heart, I would say.
    “From what you said, the killer knew what they were doing – it seems like Missus Armstrong was a target. For them to use a knife…well you know the implications.”
    Frank looked seriously at Anne, when he talked like this, his brilliance shone. The frivolous, charming womaniser was wiped away.
    “But why would Missus Armstrong be a target? The only person she harmed was herself. It was all in the notes I sent you. She was just a pathetic old woman who had a habit of hurting herself – she said it made her feel alive. Her son, Peter, had had to struggle with her for years – ever since his father died. I wish I’d got her admitted that night – she’d still be alive.”
    Anne felt the weight of unwarranted guilt as she spoke.
    “No point in going down that road – stop that right now.”
    Frank smiled.
    Anne looked back and said, “You’re right, I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be, it’s a natural reaction – but stop it anyway. There was nothing you could have done. It is curious though. What else did the police say?”
    “Not much...not about that, anyway.”
    She went on to tell him about Jenny and all that Inspector Meakin had said about the stalker cases.
    “Stalkers – yes difficult cases. Totally infatuated with someone, irrational but very real to them. Very sad, but it must be frightening for Jenny. The murders seem unusual though – are you sure Meakin said they were connected?” Frank asked.
    “Well, not necessarily to Jenny, but the other cases, yes. From what he said – which wasn’t all that much – it seems that several victims have been stalked then murdered. I feel like he was warning me for Jenny’s sake. Although he did say the length of time in Jenny’s case was unusual – to be connected to these murders, anyway.”
    “Naturally, you’ll be worried about Jenny, but it doesn’t look like there’s a connection. Is Jenny sure about it all?”
    “Jenny didn’t want anyone to know – she even waited a year to speak about it. There’s no way it can be a secret now. Anyway, I think the more people know, the better – more of us to keep a look out. This whole thing is very strange and Jenny is very frightened. She’s never seemed to be one hundred percent confident about life – especially after the twins were born. That experience affected her view – she tries not to be too paranoid about them. Despite this, I believe she’s stable and sensible, though always a little afraid. And to answer your question, yes she is sure about it all, and I believe her – absolutely.”
    Anne was blatant in her defence of Jenny, her green eyes shone as she stared at Frank.
    “Okay, okay – it was a fair question, especially in our line of work.” Nevertheless he was smiling. “I have to admit that the little I know