MURDER THROUGH DISABLED ACCESS

Boy Wonder does not quite understand what Bruce asked about him, and looks a bit puzzled. However, he obviously knows that Bruce has asked a question about him because Connor is explaining who he is. At first he was a bit taken aback that Bruce was in a wheelchair and had a lot of involuntary movements, especially since Connor had just said that a criminal psychologist was coming along to help out. Boy Wonder felt a bit guilty assuming that the psychologist would not be disabled but he quickly tried to focus on what Bruce is saying in the hope that it will educate him in criminology. Madison explains, ‘Don’t worry if you can’t understand him, it will take you a bit to pick up what he says but it’s a lot easier when he has had a drink of his magic potion.’ At which point Sophie gets his cup out and a bottle which appears to be water but is in fact vodka and gives Bruce a big drink which takes his breath away and it is clear to everyone that it is alcohol. Sophie comments ‘You’ve got that look in your eye which means you’ve either made a breakthrough on the case or you’re going to wind someone up.’ Bruce smiles and takes another drink before answering Sophie in a quiet way so that none of the other police can hear, ‘Yeah something like that’ he says with a smile and a sly wink. Over the years Bruce has always had bets with the three cops who he has worked with and he looks at Connor, Ford and Madison and asks, ‘Do you three fancy trying to win some money back? Fifty quid from each of you?’ They all reluctantly agree and get fifty quid out of their wallets. In one way the police agreed to this behaviour because they know that it will stop Bruce from holding back information, but they also get frustrated because they have lost so much money over the years when Bruce has challenged them. By this time the alcohol has relaxed Bruce and Boy Wonder can understand him much better. The three hand the money over to Sophie and Sophie takes 150 out of Bruce’s wallet and puts it in her pocket. Connor says ‘Go on then, you’re going to tell us who the killer is and why he did it.’ Bruce replies, ‘No, I’m gonna tell you that Boy Wonder has a porn mag in the glove box of his car.’ They all laugh and look at Boy Wonder who is somewhat puzzled and embarrassed. Ford exclaims, ‘I would love to hear this one!’ Bruce continues in an arrogant way, and asks Boy Wonder ‘This must be the first sadomasochistic killing that you’ve been to?’ Bruce knows that it is, due to the fact that there has not been a similar killing in Leeds for a couple of years and that would have been before Boy Wonder joined the serious crime division. Bruce continues after confirmation of this by pointing out that Boy Wonder is not queasy or apparently disturbed by the sight of the indecent dead body but in fact chooses to focus his attention on her genitalia. Boy Wonder starts to feel uncomfortable and Bruce explains, ‘This scene was described in the last issue of Sadomasochism Monthly and even though Boy Wonder has a copy of it I also believe the killer is a frequent reader and will have wanked over this story.’ While Bruce is explaining this he is also looking at Connor as to suggest that it is a clue to finding the killer. Bruce turns back to Boy Wonder, ‘Your suit is well-pressed and your shirt is bright white and well-ironed, but there are no signs of a wedding ring and so presumably you’re not married.’ He continues to comment that he has recently moved back up to Leeds from Bristol where there were a number of similar jobs available so Bruce takes a bit of a leap of faith, ‘There were a number of jobs available around that area but for some reason you chose to come back up to Leeds and I am guessing that is because your mum still lives up here and your room was all ready for you?!’, which was acknowledged by the other three cops. Bruce explains ‘I bet Boy Wonder goes out for lunch to the local chippy because he reckons he’s not keen on the fish and chips served in the copshop canteen but in actual fact he just goes for a drive and flicks through the porn mag in his glove compartment while eating the packed lunch which his mother has prepared for him earlier.’ Bruce turns to the rest of the cops who are looking at him in amazement and asks, ‘Am I right about the lunchtime excursions?’ Madison concedes, ‘Well it’s actually for a Cornish pasty from Greggs but yeah you’re right.’ Boy Wonder nods in a way which signals that Bruce is correct. Ford says, ‘Fucking hell, he’s done it again. Brooks, why didn’t you share it with us? The porn mag, not your packed lunch!’ Boy Wonder rubs his face and tries to look away from the body. Connor steps in to direct the attention away from Boy Wonder and asks Bruce about the killer, ‘Okay, what about the reason why we are all here?’ Bruce begins to explain the situation as he felt it had unfolded: ‘The victim knew her killer; there is no way she would have walked through these woods on her own when it was dark. She also felt safe with him, a bit like the boy next door, by the way that’s a hint!’ He pauses for a moment and has another drink and surveys the surrounding area one more time.