The Cloned Identity Read Online Free PDF Page A

the throat. The position of the bruises indicates that the attacker is taller than she is. She is five foot five, and the attacker is probably at least six foot. They think she was probably semi-conscious when she was forced on to the bed. There was no evidence, such as broken fingernails, etc., to indicate that she put up much of a fight, and Mel’s report confirms that there were no signs of a struggle anywhere in the house. According to the hospital report, there was deep bruising on both sides of her hips at the rear, where he must have gripped her while he forced his way in. Judging by the severity of the bruising, he found it difficult, which suggests a man of limited sexual experience. Now the big surprise: no traces of semen were found anywhere, but they did find traces of lubricant – the sort used on condoms. This was found on the inside of both thighs, on her pubic hair and inside the vagina. The hospital think the coma was probably caused by shock and a lack of oxygen. There is evidence of smothering, but they don’t think it was deliberate; it more than likely happened when he was lying on top of her, which again points to the man being considerably taller than she is.”
    I sat back in my chair with my hands clasped behind my head. Now, I know I am the only one in this room who has had previous experience of rape cases, but, let me tell you, this is the first time I’ve come across a rapist using a condom. Even when an assault is premeditated, the rapist is usually too busy and worked up to even think about a thing like that. One theory put forward on a course I went on was that rapists like to leave their mark on the victim, like animals putting scent marks around their territory. Now, you brainy lot, any ideas?”
    â€œWell, boss, perhaps he was worried about catching something nasty, like Aids,” said Jenkins.
    â€œWhat about you, Mike?”
    â€œCould be he knows about DNA.”
    â€œYou mean, someone like a copper for instance?”
    â€œI didn’t mean that exactly, boss.”
    Jenkins shifted uneasily in his chair.
    â€œBut if it was a copper, boss, that might be why she let him in.”
    â€œThat’s right, Joe, but it could also be he has Aids or something nasty he doesn’t want to pass on. If the DNA theory is correct, he is probably a person of intelligence, and he may be someone who has had previous experience.”
    â€œDo you mean he might have done it before, boss?”
    â€œIt’s possible, Joe. Let’s not discount it – not yet, anyway. OK, you can all see we have very little in the way of evidence. It doesn’t matter how much theory we come up with, we can only solve this case with facts; so, starting tomorrow, Mike, you and Jenkins can go to the house and have a good look round – especially at that rear service road.”
    â€œAre we looking for anything in particular, boss?” asked Mike.
    â€œYes, Mike, you are. I want you to search the gardens, dustbins, hedges.”
    â€œWhat for, boss?” asked Mike, looking puzzled.
    â€œThe condom, Mike, the condom. He may have thrown it away as he left. Ask the neighbours – they may have found one in their front garden and disposed of it. Don’t forget: be tactful. Condoms are still a mega embarrassment to some people.”
    Mike nodded.
    â€œWhat about me, boss?”
    â€œYou, Joe? I want you to stay in the office. We need to sort out what we have already. OK, I can’t think of anything else, so let’s start fresh in the morning.”
    The meeting finished, and the three of them got up and juggled their way out of the office. Then my phone rang. I listened to the caller for a few minutes, then, putting the phone down, I shouted to Joe through the slowly closing door. He stuck his head round the door.
    â€œThat was the WPC at the hospital. The uncle, a Professor Edward Mark, has just turned up. Do we know anything about