Lethal Evidence

Peering down Nathan was startled to see there were steps and a light at the bottom. “Go on,” said Shiva as he nodded towards the hole. “What's down there?” asked Nathan looking a bit nervous. “You'll find out when your down there won't you?” asked Shiva in his usually sarcastic manner. Nathan spun round and lowered himself onto the first step and then started to climb down. The further down he climbed the more he could smell the damp air until he finally reached the bottom. It took a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dim light. Shortly after, Shiva came climbing down the steps and stood beside him. Shiva leaned in front of him and flicked a switch. The whole room lit up revealing an astonishing sight. The ceiling was arched like a tunnel and painted in a creamy yellow colour. The walls were painted the same colour and were shiny clean whereas the floor was made of a black rubber material and although it was worn it was pretty clean. There were several pipes and cables running across the ceiling that disappeared through the walls with huge old fashioned dome lights hanging from the ceiling emitting a soft white glow. Although the room smelt damp it was particularly clean like it had been looked after. In front of them was a mortuary gurney with green sheets neatly folded on one side and a trolley next to it with what looked like surgical instruments. Nearby a computer sat silently with its screen saver active. In the corner were several large canisters marked oxygen and a weird looking one with Entonox written down the side. Over to the right were rows of clear draws filled with medical instruments, bandages and some strange looking equipment. To the left were large containers like coolers that were plugged into a bank of sockets. Around the corner Nathan was stunned to what appeared to be a surgical table with a cluster of lights above it. Just next to it was a large trolley full of strange electrical tools all neatly placed side by side. Nathan just stood in awe and amazement. “What the hell’s all this for? What have you been doing down here?” asked Nathan feeling stunned. Shiva reached into his pocket pulled out his cigarettes and lit one. “It was originally used during world war two as an operating theatre but later abandoned after the war. Over the past few years I've been making a few quid on the side selling organs to medical students and a few people over the internet. I've got all the cleaners that chip in and help, out getting the animal bodies and disposing of the remains. I also still get hold of the odd corpse or two to practise on and sometimes a fresh live body.” This is exactly what Nathan was looking for. “How do you get the bodies in the first place? Are they already dead or are you killing them?” Shiva took a drag on his cigarette and blew out the smoke. “It's simple really, on the odd occasion we have to pick up temporary bus stops or go out and set them up. We usually go round the long way in the early hours of the morning. There's always someone that's had a few too many to drink and put their hand out to stop the bus. Once on board the cleaners get to work. My favourite is the knife but sometimes just a good smack on the back of the head does the trick” he said with a chilling grin. Although he felt a little sick to his stomach, Nathan had to admit he was impressed with the set up. “How many as there been and what about the Police? Surely someone must be getting suspicious?” Shiva took another drag from his cigarette then stubbed it out on the floor. “There have been a few bodies through here in the past two years I guess. The Police are appealing for witnesses and asking the public to be extra vigilant but most of the time the Police think they have just moved on. Detective Neil Curtis was heading up the investigations; although it appears he's persistent he hasn't come up with anything. We keep track of the local news and newspapers on the internet.” Nathan reached into his back pocket and pulled out the list that Vernon gave them and handed it to Shiva. “How are you going to find these people?” asked Nathan. Shiva walked over to the computer and started to search the news archives for the first name on the list. After a few seconds the article appeared on screen with his photograph. Shiva hit the print button and printed out a copy of the photograph. “I'll have the cleaner’s stake out the address over the next few days and plot out his movements. We'll have him by the end of the week if we need to,” Shiva said with a sadistic grin. “Just one other thing, can you really take a heart and prepare it for re transplant?” asked Nathan. “Yes, it’s a lot simpler than it looks. Once the heart is removed it is then placed in cold storage and injected with epinephrine to increase the life of the organ during transplant. The container over there takes care of it as too much cold will burn the organ and too little will damage it.” “How the hell did you learn all this? I mean it looks so complicated?” asked Nathan looking puzzled. “Well as you know there's not much to do on nights so I studied and read up over the years and taught myself. I learnt an awful lot when we were at university. The first few were the hardiest but it got much easier the more we did.” “We?” asked Nathan. “Yes the cleaners, they assist me pretty well.” Shiva flicked off the light and they both made their way back up the steps. Once they were out Shiva closed the grate and applied the lock hiding it out of sight. The smell of paint was overwhelming as they pulled their dust masks back on. Shiva closed the booth door behind them and discarded his dust mask as did Nathan. They were walking back to the portacabin when Shiva reached in his pocket took out a cigarette and lit it. “I can't believe what a set up you have here, I would never have guessed. I must admit I am impressed,” said Nathan. Whilst they stood talking, one of the cleaners came scurrying over like a rat. Nathan jumped as he saw him. “Hello Nay fun,” said Lenny. Lenny was about 5' 1” tall; slim with dark, greasy curly hair. He was wearing a pair of really old fashioned glasses with triple thick lenses that were dirty. His face was dark and really dirty as were his jeans and florescent yellow jacket. His shoes were obviously too big and really worn out. “Have you got a smoke I can have Shiva?” asked Lenny in croaky voice. Unbelievably Shiva offered him a cigarette and handed him the print out of the photograph and the address. Lenny looked at the papers, nodded to Shiva and then placed them in his inside pocket. He finished his smoke and then disappeared off between the buses in the yard. Nathan stayed a little longer talking to Shiva and catching up while talking about the old days when he used to stay overnight with him. He was amazed that not much had changed over the years apart from the odd new bus here and there. “Phone me when you have found your surgeon friend and I will make the necessary preparations,” said Shiva. Nathan shook his hand and thanked him before saying his goodbyes.