Adam the Spirit Master

Chapter 3

When we finally reached our destination, I realized the roads leading up to Chua's Mansion, at 86 Oaks Drive, were sealed. I counted at least five police cars parked by the side of the road with some uniformed police guarding the area outside the estate, and some more plain-clothed police combing the street.

The gantry police motioned Visnu through the gate, and he drove right through and parked inside the estate just by space next to the guardhouse. 

Once I alighted from Visnu's car, I had a clear view and was amazed by the vast space behind the walls. Ah Mui's exclaim verbalized my surprise at the size of the estate. The garden is enough to fill two hundred guests on any day. A walk around it may take a good thirty minutes. 

Ah Mui was ready with her handphone camera until I reminded her

" Please, Ah Mui."

"Sorry Dr Adam. It is just that this is my first time seeing such a huge property. These Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) are a rarity in Singapore. Now I know this is how the rich live."

As we take in the sight of the expansive grounds, Visnu spoke "Dr Adam, did you see that cordoned area?" 

I looked in the direction he was pointing, just by a huge Flame of Forest tree that stood some distance from the swimming pool. Its foliage towered over the mansion and lawn like a benevolent parent over her brood. 

"That's where the body was found." He added, "Just at the foot of the tree."

"Can I see the picture again?"

May passed me her phone and explained. "The body was leaning on the trunk. The head is turned upside down, neck, limbs and face broken." I verbalized my observation. 

"That's so unnecessary," I said

"What?" Visnu asked.

"I am saying if someone hates you and wants you dead, there is no need for the murderer to turn her upside down. A few blows will end the life but look." I said as I studied the picture again "Limbs, neck, and face all broken."

I shook my head in disgust.

We traversed up a long walkway lined by rows of bougainvilleas on each side. As we neared, I sensed some vibes but could not place. The two-story bungalow had a light yellow facade with a Mediterranean flavour in the design and decor. 

I shut my eyes and extended my hand to feel the vibes of the bungalow and felt a genteel energy at my fingertips.

"What do you feel?" Visnu queried

"The property. Some call it fengshui but I would call it the residential vibes."

"How is it?" 

"Generally positive however if you want a complete and specific assessment, I need more time."

"Assessment about the usual stuff."

"The usual - bad and angry spirits, the lingering souls, and worse, the bigger demons. That sort." I elaborated as Visnu nodded quietly.

As we walked up to the spot, I found two policemen standing guard while a couple of forensic personnel were still busy combing the grounds in their evidence collection. 

As I soaked in the atmosphere and tried to imagine the steps in which the murder was carried out, I understood why Visnu, with May, had sought me.

The manner of death had defied logic. 

No human can apply that sort of force to throw the body upside down, battered the face, and crush the temples. Even if there was a motive to murder, the application of force is disproportionate to the final objective. 

There is hatred that runs ocean-deep. Who, or rather, what could have committed such an atrocity?

"Maybe there was more than one murderer?"

I mumbled and Visnu heard me.

"What did you say?"

I shook my head and scanned the landscape.

"Can you share some initial findings?" I nodded at the surrounding landscape.

"That's what I observed. We have not find any traces of strangers' footprints in the house or the surroundings. The initial investigation indicated all the fingerprints and footprints belonged to the family members. Look around you, Adam. It looked like the murderer had cleaned up before making the call?" Visnu said. 

" There are no traces of cleaning solution or substance being applied. Everything looked normal. Too normal." May added

"Have you checked the caller? The driver?"

"The gardener and general helper."

"What's her name."

"Tan Chye Hock or Uncle Hock as they commonly called him. He has worked for the Chuas for over two decades and is a trusted staff member. He was the one who found Mr Chua unconscious in the kitchen, and he made the call. "

"Have you questioned him? Found anything suspicious about him?" I asked

May was hesitant and said, "I cannot reveal much but we are still investigating his background and all phone calls and text messages," May replied

"Even if it is Uncle Hock. He could not kill the victim, break her skull, crush the temples, and then flip her over." I observed.

Nobody expressed disagreement with my views.

"How many residents are there on this property?"

"Depends. It's John Chua, his son Marcus, and his family. Then there is a daughter Mavis, the helper, and Ah Hock. The youngest son, Jonathan Chua is based in America but is on the flight back to Singapore."

"Ten people in this big house?" Mui exclaimed. 

"Marcus is married with two children. His family has their property in Orchard Road. However, his family stays at another property in Orchard Road because of the children's schooling schedule. They visit Mr Chua twice a month and would stay overnight." 

"That is still a big house for the family" she retreated behind me

"Can I walk around?" I quizzed Visnu who quickly nodded at the duty policeman.

I looked at the grass and slowly paced along the perimeters of the swimming pool. 

"Our men have already combed the area since their arrival and found nothing significant to raise an alarm bell," May said.

"That's the problem. They found nothing unusual." I mumbled and Visnu heard me.

"What are you trying to say."

" Given the terrible death, there should be traces of fighting, struggles, and perhaps a tussle. With her broken face, we are supposed to see traces of blood and torn tissue with ruptured skin and some broken pieces of the bones."

"Or maybe the killer is not human." I speculated. 

 May added "It looks clean. Too clean. It could be the work of a professional killer. The Chuas may have a powerful enemy. You never know."

"I will not rule out foul play," Visnu said. "I note the observation on the lack of signs of a struggle."

I could not help but send a retort back on May.

"May, it's the way she died that provided the clues on who killed her."

"I take note of that, Adam."

"Where is Mr John Chua?" I asked, "I don't see him around." I asked.

"He is probably resting in the house," Visnu said

"Do you think I can talk to him?"

May shook her head " It is a sensitive moment and we don't have the privilege of time to explain your presence in our investigation team."

"Not yet." Visnu looked apologetically at me. "But I will provide a reason and you can operate freely after I introduced you. Give me a bit more time."

The last words put me on a little path of reminiscence, thinking about Visnu's supportive attitude during our last collaboration at Jalan Satu Hospital. The initial misunderstandings, the subsequent teamwork work, and the challenging conditions we suffered together have built a bond, a partnership of trust between us. It was also an assignment that tested and stretched my abilities. Ah Mui was nearly killed and I had to rest for a good week after the exorcism assignment. I had then, out of impulsiveness, notified that I would not be supporting any police operations in the future. 

"I will work on John Chua. Meanwhile, think of anything you would like to do to kickstart things."

"Do you think I can start with talking Ah Hock?" I said. From the corner of my eye, I could see May shaking her head gently but Visnu had the last word

"You can talk to him in our presence. Let me see if he is available now, Adam." He then turned to May and then nodded.