Chapter 9: Interview

Chapter 9: Interview

“Mrs Niemen, this is Doctor Landon. We would like to ask you a few questions about your recent… experience.”

The scene was the Niemen’s home the next day. Detective Salvatore and Landon found Mary Niemen at home alone and were invited in. Mary was frowning at the request. “But I told you all I can,” she protested. “Do I have to go all over that again?” It was obviously she did not wish to revive the memories of that eight hours spent tied to her bed.

“Just a few questions,” Salvatore said calmly.

“Very well. Please sit down. Can I get you something to drink?”

“We’re fine, thank you.” They sat on comfortable sofas in the living room of the upper class home. The doctor noted that there were bruises on both wrists and remembered that she had been secured with handcuffs on her wrists. To judge by the extensive bruising, she must have struggled quite a bit.

The detective began, “Is there anything you have remembered that you can add to what you told me a couple days ago? You were pretty upset at that time. Maybe, now that you’re calmer, you might remember more details.”

“It was horrible,” she began. “At first, I didn’t think it would be so bad. I mean, once the man left me alone, I wasn’t afraid of being hurt or raped any more. And that vibrator he left on me was quite strong. I couldn’t help myself…” She looked over to Dr. Landon nervously.

“It’s okay. Dr. Landon is well aware of the effects of Ecstasy on a female.” Salvatore glanced at him to assure that he wasn’t sending out any silent signals that might make the victim reluctant to talk about the ordeal. Landon had on his most professional doctor face; kindly, understanding and concerned.

“Well, to tell the truth, I am not unfamiliar with vibrators. My husband is often away on business trips and I’m left alone.” Of course, it went unsaid that being young and healthy, she had sexual needs, and with no husband there it provide for her… Still, she was embarrassed to talk about such personal matters.

Salvatore changed the subject by asking, “Do you remember anything else about the man? Did he have any identifying characteristics? Did he limp, for example?”

“No. No limp.”

“Any scars that you could see?”

“He was dressed all in black. I couldn’t see any skin at all. Only his eyes, and they were hidden by the ski mask he wore. The light was dim. I couldn’t tell you what color they were, even.”

The questioning went on just long enough to establish that she was unable to come up with any new and helpful information about the assailant. Salvatore turned to Landon and lifted on eyebrow in invitation for any questions he might have.

“When the needle was inserted into your thigh, did the person wipe your skin with alcohol?”

“No.”

“Did he seem to be looking for a vein?”

“No. Just stuck it into my leg.”

“I see.” He turned to the detective. “I guess that’s all I’ll ask for now.” She could sense that he really had lots of questions he wanted to ask, but they were related to a clinical interest in the woman’s reaction to the drug overdose. She was glad that he kept his scientific curiosity in check. This was a crime investigation, not a science experiment.

They thanked her and left. Back in the unmarked police car, Salvatore asked, “Did you pick up anything?”

“Just that the perp, to use your terminology, is not a trained medical professional. Intravenous would be a much faster way to get the drug into the woman’s system. Of course, it was also possible the man was just not in a hurry.”

“Do you think that she would have become comatose, like the first woman, had her husband not come home early?”

“Possibly,” he said slowly. “But I suspect that the full effect will vary depending on the woman. Maybe, if we get some more examples…”

She cast a dirty look his way, but said nothing. The one thing she would not wish for was more “examples.”