Scarecrow of 1889
Chapter 47: Where is he?

Chapter 47: Where is he?

"Everyone calm down!" Mayor Andrew’s assistant shouted to the reporters crowding around the mayor in the centre of Riddleford town. "Please! The mayor will be speaking now!"

As the murmurs quieted, Mayor Andrew began, "The scarecrow murderer, Sylvester Crowley, is on the move again. But we will catch him this time. Orders have already been given to capture him, and now that we know who he is, it will be easier."

One of the reporters pressed, "But Mayor Andrew, you went to Scotland to see him executed, and he fled. Won’t it be easy for him to make a run?"

Mayor Andrew’s face tightened. "It’s the asylum’s fault for not having strong security doors and walls. But this is our town. Our country! We will find him, and this time he will be executed right before all of you. That is my promise!"

Another voice from the crowd called out, "But when will he be caught? What if there’s another murder before then?"

"The officers and detective have been working tirelessly since we found the recent victim’s body," Mayor Andrew assured them. "I know these are hard times, but we will pull through together. I urge you to be extra careful and avoid going out alone. Get your family members home before dark, as that’s when the murders occurred. Thank you."

Standing in the corner, Jane listened to the mayor as she dropped off files at the commissioner’s office.

"Miss Jane, fancy seeing you ’ere!" Sergeant Gruger suddenly appeared in front of her, blocking her view. "Can’t stay away from the murder, can ya?"He teased with a smirk.

Since the last court hearing, Jane was no longer the lead detective in the case. It had been handed to Greyson Ward, while she was assigned to a different case involving a thief stealing money from houses.

Jane glanced at the bagel with cream cheese in the sergeant’s hand and replied, "I could say the same, Sergeant Gruger. One would think you’d be hot on the murderer’s trail instead of enjoying a leisurely breakfast."

"You should watch what you say, woman. One of these days, it’s going to get you into trouble," Sergeant Gruger warned, the smile vanishing from his face. "After all, you were involved with the murderer."

"Perhaps you’re right. Who knows," Jane’s voice carried a subtle threat. "He might just listen to me and make sure those who stand against me are... dealt with."

"Sergeant Gruger!" the inspector called out, drawing the sergeant’s attention away from Jane.

"I’ll be keeping an eye on you," Sergeant Gruger threatened, his voice low and menacing.

"Let’s hope that’s all you do, or I might have to press charges against you," Jane replied calmly, watching the egocentric man glare at her before he turned and headed towards the inspector.

"Miss Jane, was that a wise move?" Addison asked, standing next to Jane with a suitcase in his hand. "The sergeant already holds grudges against you."

"I’m not scared of his empty threats, Addison. We haven’t done anything wrong. He’s just an insecure man who feels the need to make noise to remind himself he matters," Jane replied, giving a long stare before making her way towards the carriage with her assistant.

"But we are meddling in a case we’re not allowed to, milady," Addison said nervously. Peeking into other cases was a serious breach of protocol.

"What did you find at the mortuary?" Jane inquired, her steady gaze locking onto him, demanding answers.

"The victim’s body has similar wounds as the last time, but it isn’t precise," Addison replied, his voice going lower as they got near the carriage. "You know how last time it felt like it was done by an expert? But these wounds, feels a little too jagged. Like the killer struggled to get the heart and eyes out. Truthfully, speaking, it was messier than the last ones we have seen."

"Unless Sylvester or Ricardo suddenly forgot how to use a knife properly, we might be dealing with a copycat killer," Jane murmured, a deep frown marring her forehead. "Someone inspired by the previous murders. I think I need to make a call."

When they arrived at their office, Jane picked up the telephone receiver and dialled the numbers until she heard the line ringing. The operator answered,

"Hello, where is the call to?"

"Scotland. The Meredith Asylum," Jane replied, and the trunk call was forwarded. She listened to the ringing until someone finally picked up the phone.

"This is Dr. Wright. How may I help you?"

"Hello, Dr. Wright. My name is Jane Reinhart. I was previously the detective on the scarecrow case," Jane introduced herself.

"Of course, Miss Reinhart! I was wondering when we would get to speak since Mr. Crowley left the asylum," Dr. Wright replied. "I heard about the recent murder. It’s hard to believe, especially considering how much progress we made with him."

"Yes, about that..." Jane clutched the receiver tightly. "I was wondering if you’d heard anything from him in the last few months."

"I’m not sure if I should say fortunately, but we haven’t. Frankly, I thought you would be the first person he’d visit once he escaped. Especially after hearing how fondly one of his alter egos spoke about you," Dr. Wright explained. "Did the last victim also commit an extramarital affair? It’s usually that or an attempted sexual assault on him or his alter ego, Agnes."

The confidentiality surrounding asylum incidents had kept Jane from further involvement with Sylvester. But hearing the reasons behind the murders sent a chill down her spine. She had shared her own painful story with him... and now, her estranged mother could be a potential target.

"Miss Reinhart?" Dr. Wright’s voice broke through the silence.

"I am here, Dr. Wright," Jane answered as she got back to the present.

"If you are looking for him it shouldn’t be that hard for you," the doctor said through the phone.

"We barely got to know each other well," Jane replied for her to be able to catch Sylvester.

"What I mean to say is, Dr. Hall didn’t get the chance to fuse the alter egos completely and it is possible that Ricardo was in charge or had a hand in breaking out of the asylum that night. And even though you didn’t spend much time with him," Dr. Wright said to her, "The way the man has passionately spoken about you felt like he’s known you for years. I am sure you understand what I mean to say."

"Yes, Dr. Wright. Thank you for speaking with me," Jane thanked the man before placing the receiver down.

She wondered where Sylvester might be at that very moment. Was he hiding, or worse, watching them? The thought was unsettling, and it would be a lie to say it didn’t daunt her. Since his capture, she had avoided her usual haunts, including the café. But later that day, feeling a need for normalcy, she dropped by the café for coffee, sipping it quietly before leaving to return to her house.

Once home, she handed her things to the maid, who asked, "Milady, would you like me to bring tea to your room?"

"Yes, thank you, Greta," Jane replied, appreciating the offer before heading up the stairs to her room. As she entered and closed the door behind her, a voice spoke from the shadows of the room.

"Senorita."