Page 59 of Beneath the Surface

Belle’s eyes darkened with frustration and disbelief as she recalled the details. “The mother’s boyfriend had no empathy. He even said the child would probably die eventually, and it wouldn’t be so bad if she died now. I recommended giving custody to the father. But when I looked at the altered version, it said to grant custody to the mother because the boyfriend would bring ‘stability’ to the family.”

Brad’s expression hardened as he listened. His jaw clenched slightly. “The boyfriend? Tell me more about him.”

Belle shifted uncomfortably, as though speaking the words out loud made the situation more real, more disturbing. “This is the man I spoke with you about, the one who belongs to Hot Shots. He and the mom leave the ten-year-old alone when they go there, or they send her to her room. She hears noises, Brad.”

Brad’s eyes widened slightly. He straightened, clearly alarmed now. He stared at Belle, his mind burning. “Belle, thereport… I need the boyfriend’s name. I can get a warrant if you want me to.”

She knew he would. “He frightened me. His name is Andrew Mitchell.”

Brad pulled her tightly against him. When he looked down to face her, his eyes held a worry she had never seen before. It wasn’t a coincidence her report was tampered with.

Brad placed her on her feet. “Come on,” he said gently. “Let’s go to bed.”

He guided her out of the living room, his arm wrapped protectively around her. They made their way to the bedroom, and, soon, Brad was asleep, his arms wrapped tightly around her, as if to shield her from the darkness of what was happening.

But Isobel couldn’t sleep.

She slipped from Brad’s embrace and quietly tiptoed back to his office. Sitting down at his desk, she pulled out her tablet and began drafting a profile—a profile of a man who had perverted everything a true D/s relationship stood for.

She took a breath. She knew the cases. She knew the notes. The only one she didn’t know was the murder Brad went to the night before she was discharged from the hospital. She’d have to ask him, and she’d alter her profile accordingly.

Overview

The perpetrator is a male in his fifties who exhibits a profound perversion of what a true Dominant/submissive (D/s) relationship is meant to be. While a genuine D/s dynamic is built upon trust, communication, and mutual respect, this individual distorts these principles, thriving on coercion, fear, and psychological manipulation. His behavior reflects an unhealthyobsession with control and domination, not only over his victims but also over the boundaries of ethical behavior in relationships.

Key Psychological Traits

Narcissism and Grandiosity

The murderer sees himself as superior, believing his interpretation of dominance is the ultimate truth. His grandiose sense of self allows him to justify his manipulative actions. This narcissism likely extends to his professional life, where he positions himself as a thought leader, disregarding established ethical boundaries.

He likely views his victims as objects of research rather than individuals with autonomy. His sense of entitlement over their lives and bodies points to a deep-seated superiority complex.

Perverted Understanding of D/s Dynamics

The killer warps the D/s dynamic, eschewing consensual submission for coerced obedience. His need for domination overrides any consideration for the well-being or boundaries of his partners. Where a true Dominant would ensure trust and safety, this individual derives satisfaction from forcing submission and watching his victims succumb to his control.

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