Page 13 of Stolen Ones

‘But why is it…?’

‘It’s a message, Bryant. To us. He’s telling us these abductions are linked.’

She knew she didn’t need to remind him that Melody Jones never came home.

Five

‘He looks harmless enough,’ Stacey said, glancing over at the computer screen. ‘He’s even quite good-looking. Reminds me a bit of that actor Nigel Havers.’

Her colleague had taken the boss’s instruction seriously and had been watching him like a hawk.

‘That’s what they said about Ted Bundy,’ Penn said without turning.

Stacey opened her mouth, hoping some smart retort would place itself there, until she realised he was right. The serial killer had admitted to murdering thirty women, though most experts estimated the real number to be much higher. With his good looks and personable manner, both women and men had succumbed to the serial killer’s charms.

‘I just don’t get it,’ Penn said. ‘He’s shown no signs of discomfort or anxiety. He’s recrossed his legs once or twice, checked his watch once and looked at his mobile phone once.’

‘Should we have taken his phone away?’ Stacey asked.

‘For what reason? He’s here voluntarily, assisting us with our enquiries. If he’d said anything incriminating to the boss, he’d already be in a cell.’

‘He likes his cuppa,’ Stacey observed as Jack entered the room with a second plastic cup from the machine.

‘Yes, all accounts and interviews claim he’s teetotal,’ she said, returning to her notes.

‘Interviews?’ Penn asked, turning away for a second and glancing her way.

‘Oh yes, we have ourselves a real-life, bona fide millionaire down there.’

‘You’re kidding?’

‘Nope. Steven Harte came out of Keele University aged twenty-two in 1989. Within two years he’d cottoned on to the personal computer in every home theory and had invented a microprocessor that sold in the millions. He had the good sense to sell the company before the big boys realised how quickly these processors would need to update. That was his first few million. Next was a software program that could store thousands of bits of info and link them at the press of a button. What we’d now call a database. He actually did sell this to one of the big boys. Next he started developing mini software programs.’

‘Like apps?’

Stacey nodded. ‘Looks like his inventions were always ahead of the times.’

‘So he’d have no trouble accessing the network for the day-care centre to trigger a fire alarm?’

‘Child’s play to this guy. He developed, created and then sold programs strategically, always aware of market demand.’

‘You mean he always knew when to get in and when to get out?’

‘Oh yeah, it’s like he had some kind of sixth sense about things.’

‘What’s he worth now?’ Penn asked.

‘His millions are in the double figures, but by the looks of it he gives away as much as he makes.’

‘Hang on,’ Penn said, turning the screen slightly so he could give her his attention and keep an eye on their visitor. ‘You’re saying this guy is filthy rich and a philanthropist to boot?’

‘That’s exactly what I’m saying. If there’s a good cause going somewhere, you can bet he’s donated to it or been on the fundraising committee. He’s bought acres of green belt land and done nothing with it, just to stop housing developments. He advises charities for wildlife causes free of charge and contributes heavily to the preservation and improvement of local beauty spots.’

‘So why have I never heard about him?’

‘Because he doesn’t make a song and dance about it. His interviews focus on how he made his money more than what he does with it now.’

‘Okay, I’m starting to get the Bundy Paradox thing as well. This guy does not seem the type to go abducting and murdering young girls.’