Definitely Dead

by Kate Bendelow

  ‘I also have to explain,’ Kym continued, ‘why a journalist has quoted you as saying that you’re going to “scrape her up and ship her off to the corpse-cooler”. Do you have any idea how crass and unfeeling that sounds to the general public? Do you know how damaging that is going to be to the reputation of this force? The suggestion that we treat people like pieces of meat?’

  Maya attempted to interject but Kym raised a hand to silence her.

  ‘I have warned you before about making stupid assumptions, yet you have completely disregarded this and spoken to a journalist – a bloody journalist – about your ridiculous conspiracies. This not only reflects badly on you, but all of us as a department, not to mention the force. You have just played into the hands of all the people out there who are quick to discredit and judge us. You’ve made us all look like an unprofessional laughingstock and now I have to take the brunt of your actions.’

  ‘But… I…’

  ‘But nothing. Now, bearing in mind you’re still under your probationary period, I think you really need to buck your ideas up. Start to think seriously about whether you’re cut out for dealing with major crime or whether you should be bounced back to Alder Street and left to fingerprinting stolen mopeds, where you can cause minimal damage.’

  ‘Kym, I am so sorry.’ Maya was perched on the edge of her seat now, desperate to make amends, but Kym dismissed her again with a wave of her hand.

  ‘I’m going to top office now and I will try to dilute this situation in the hope that we can both keep our jobs. In the meantime, you can go and debrief DI Redford. DI Mitton has also just come on duty and is understandably keen to know what the hell is going on. They’re both expecting you. Then I want you to process any exhibits from today and leave a copy of your scene notes on my desk. And woe betide I find you’ve left anything wanting.’

  Maya’s heart was in her toes. As much as she was dreading having to go and explain herself to DI Redford and DI Mitton, she was convinced it wouldn’t be as bad as the dressing down she had just received from Kym. She was shaking with nerves and embarrassment. The urge to walk out of Beech Field and life as a SOCO was suddenly very tempting.

  20

  The Evening News had a field day with the quotes from Maya. Wainwright had published two stories for maximum publicity. The first piece announced the sudden death of Celeste Warren and the possibility that the recent spate of deaths was more than just coincidental. The second article quoted Maya on the flippant comment she had made about the body recovery and questioned the integrity and compassion of the police.

  There were so far over 800 online comments from the public and the general consensus seemed they were horrified that a body had been discussed in such a way. A handful of people had leapt to Maya’s defence, stating that gallows humour was a coping mechanism, but the majority of the public were baying for blood.

  Wainwright had also released the footage of Maya being questioned outside Field View. It wasn’t in the least bit flattering. Maya thought she looked like a floundering fish as her mouth gaped open and closed in response to Wainwright’s barrage of questions. She had looked pathetic in comparison to the polished, composed way Jack had responded to the journalist.

  Maya had explained herself to DI Redford and DI Mitton, and as predicted, this had been nowhere near as bad as the run-in with Kym. DI Mitton had been empathetic to Maya’s situation. She had been reassuring as always, even making light of the incident and sharing her own stories of the times she had messed up.

  DI Redford had said very little. He had sat and appraised Maya quietly while she spoke, then reiterated Kym’s comments about how assumptions had no place in a police investigation. As far as the meeting with the two senior detectives had gone, Maya thought she had got off lightly. She only hoped that Kym had a similarly lenient response from top office.

  For the first time since starting at Beech Field, Maya was glad her shift was over. She wanted to get out of the station and head to the sanctuary of home. She was on rest days for the rest of the week and was grateful for the break away from work. As she walked towards her bike, Maya heard someone call her name. She turned to see Jack striding over towards her, his leather holdall slung casually over his shoulder. He had removed his tie and loosened his top button and looked surprisingly refreshed despite the continuing heat.

  ‘How did it go with Kym?’

  ‘Awful. I got a right bollocking and was reminded that I’m still under my probation period. I’m off the next couple of days and have to say I’m glad. I’m going to go and crawl under a rock until Dave “the bastard” Wainwright’s article and footage of me has stopped doing the rounds.’

  Jack grinned. ‘My mum rang me to say she’d seen it and thought I came across quite well. She felt sorry for you though.’

  ‘Yeah, thanks for that.’ She snorted. ‘Right, I better get going. See you later.’

  ‘Wait, Maya. I still feel partly responsible for all this. If I hadn’t been late meeting you at the scene, I could have sent Wainwright off with a flea in his ear. I know you’ve had a shit day and I don’t envy you getting a bollocking like that. Why don’t you let me take you out for a drink, see if I can’t cheer you up a bit? If you’re off tomorrow, surely you can afford to let your hair down a bit tonight?’

  Maya was taken by surprise. She hadn’t expected that. Her initial reaction was to refuse, but then she found herself looking at Jack. He was an attractive man; easy company and he had been supportive. She’d had the day from hell and suddenly the thought of going home to an empty apartment and rattling round on her own all night didn’t appeal.

  ‘Do you know what, I’d love too. Where are you thinking? I’d need to call home and grab a quick shower and get changed first.’

  ‘Fantastic.’ His face lit up and he positively beamed at her. ‘Is there anywhere near your place we could go? I can wait in the pub while you get changed.’

  ‘There’s a lovely pub near me called The Eagle. You’re welcome to come back and wait at mine. I won’t be long, and you can have a drink on the balcony. The view is spectacular.’

  ‘Sounds great. It’s a date.’ He smiled at her again and they walked across the car park. Maya nodded towards her bike.

  ‘This is Bonnie,’ she said with a grin as she patted the seat affectionately. ‘She’s a Triumph Bonneville 120, hence the name. Ever ridden before?’ Jack’s eyes widened with shock and admiration. ‘I carry a spare helmet which my mum uses. It should fit you okay.’

  ‘There’s a first time for everything.’ He grinned. Their hands touched as she handed him the helmet. The moment was broken as DI Mitton called her over from further across the car park.

  ‘I won’t be a minute,’ Maya mumbled as she walked apprehensively towards Alison Mitton.

  ‘Ma’am?’

  ‘Just wanted to see how you were after today’s… unfortunate circumstances.’

  ‘I’m still mortified. I’ll be glad when today is over to be honest.’

  ‘I can imagine. Just put it behind you and move on. Remember, I’m always here if you need to talk.’

  ‘Thank you, ma’am.’

  ‘I see you’re with DS Dwyer. Are you giving him a lift home?’

  Maya felt herself blush. ‘We’re, err, just going for a couple of drinks to take the edge off the day, ma’am.’

  ‘Really?’ She raised an eyebrow. ‘Well, what you do in your own time is your own concern, but I think it’s only fair you should know that Jack Dwyer has a reputation back at Cedar Lane for being a bit of a player. He’s known for getting where water can’t, if you know what I mean, but don’t quote me on that. I hope you don’t mind me mentioning it. I’m just looking out for you.’ She smiled to show that her comment was well meant.

  ‘I appreciate the sentiment, but it’s just a couple of drinks,’ she said reassuringly. ‘Have a nice evening, ma’am.’

  She headed back to her bike where Jack was watching her with interest.

  ‘What did m
a’am want?’

  ‘Just seeing how I was after today.’

  ‘That’s nice of her. From what I’ve heard, she’s all right. A good boss.’

  ‘She certainly is. Shall we get going?’ Maya circled slowly out of the police station as she adjusted to the unusual weight of Jack behind her. Eventually she relaxed as the road stretched out in front of her and Bonnie carried her away from Beech Field police station.

  21

  Maya sighed, feeling refreshed following a quick shower and change of clothes. ‘This was a good idea. What a beautiful evening.’ She inhaled deeply, the smell of freshly mowed lawns and summer stocks making her feel euphoric. The stress of earlier events melted away under the lemon-coloured sky.

  ‘Beautiful evening with a beautiful lady,’ replied Jack with a wink as he held the door of The Eagle open for her.

  The pub was unusually quiet, and Maya guessed it was due to the balmy summer night. People would rather be alfresco than cooped up indoors. Although Maya herself would prefer to be outside, she was grateful for the peace. She was keen to continue getting to know Jack without having to strain to hear him or be heard. She was also conscious of the fact that she may be recognised by members of the public who had seen her interview with that Dave “the bastard” Wainwright.

  ‘What can I get you?’ Jack said as they selected a table.

  ‘A large Pinot would be lovely, thanks.’

  ‘Coming up.’ Maya watched him walk towards the bar with admiration.

  The lone barman was turned away from Jack as he was busily polishing glasses as he removed them from the dishwasher. As he turned at the sound of Jack’s subtle cough, Maya was horrified to realise it was Spence working behind the bar. She turned away quickly, burying her head as she fumbled for her phone, so she had an excuse not to look up and be spotted by him.

  Although she had to reluctantly admit to enjoying his company in The Brown Cow, it still felt wrong to have spent time with someone she had met during an arrest warrant. She certainly didn’t want Jack to know about it. Additionally, she could vaguely recall how Spence had attempted to flirt with her and how she had enjoyed his attention. However, in the cold light of day and the grip of sobriety, she felt exposed and compromised. She decided the best tactic was to either completely avoid him or remain aloof and non-committal.

  Because the pub was so quiet, she could vaguely make out the muffled exchange between the two men as Jack placed his order. After what felt like an age, she looked up from her phone so she could steal a glance towards the bar. Her eyes met with Spence’s instantly and he gave her a huge beaming smile and a subtle nod of the head. Maya acknowledged him with a wan smile, then turned away quickly.

  Jack returned to their table with their drinks and an easy smile. ‘Cheers, Maya,’ he said as they clinked glasses. The conversation came easily. Jack was good company and they made each other laugh. He asked about how she’d become involved in bikes. She told him about how her grandad used to tinker with them and had got her hooked on riding since she was little. She told him about the group she went riding with and the trips she and Dominique took together. She even forgot about Spence’s looming presence as Jack regaled anecdotes that made her laugh out loud. She was surprised to realise that before long, they had both finished their drinks.

  ‘Same again?’ Jack nodded towards the glasses. He was just about to stand up and reach for them, when she placed a hand on his arm to stop him.

  ‘Please, let me get these.’ She couldn’t stand the thought of seeing Jack at the bar with Spence again, but nor was she prepared to leave just so she could avoid him. If working at The Eagle was going to be a permanent arrangement, then she would have to get used to seeing him and would rather get it over and done with. Preferably without Letitia and Caitlin being there too, mooning over how wonderful he seemed.

  Maya approached the bar with as much confidence as she could muster, determined not to let the sight of Spence’s rictus grin infuriate her. He walked towards her with his now familiar swagger and a pot towel slung over his shoulder. He was wearing a dark, long-sleeved shirt which was tight enough to accentuate his muscular frame. She hated to admit it, but he looked undeniably handsome.

  ‘Good evening, Maya, how are you?’ His dimples deepened with his smile.

  ‘Fine thanks, you?’

  ‘All the better for seeing you, obviously.’ He laughed as she rolled her eyes with annoyance at his predictable attempt to flirt.

  ‘Just a large Pinot Grigio and pint of Peroni please.’

  ‘Who’s your friend?’

  ‘Just a colleague.’

  ‘Looks a bit dodgy to me, police or forensics?’

  ‘He’s a DS. Not that it’s any of your business.’

  ‘Ha, that explains why he looks so dodgy then. Looks well up himself. You’re not on a date, are you?’

  ‘I said, large Pinot Grigio and a pint of Peroni. Please.’

  ‘Oh my God, you are, aren’t you?’ He laughed as he prepared the drinks. ‘C’mon, Maya, you could do so much better than him. Get rid of him and come out with me instead.’

  ‘You’re working.’ She handed him the cash. ‘Not that it makes any difference.’

  ‘I can get cover and be all yours in half an hour.’

  Riled by his persistence, Maya practically snatched the change from his hand. ‘Thanks, but I’d rather lick the mortuary floor,’ she retorted before returning to Jack with the drinks.

  His pealing laughter filled the pub as he called after her, ‘That wasn’t a “no” though, was it?’

  ‘Friend of yours?’ Jack asked, bemused as Maya banged the drinks down on the table and adjusted her chair so her back was to Spence.

  ‘Nope, just somebody I have the misfortune of having bumped into on a couple of occasions. Nobody important. Listen, I don’t know about you, but I’m famished. There’s a nice Italian around the corner if you fancy it. We might as well make a night of it.’

  ‘That sounds like a great idea. Cheers!’ They clinked glasses again and then Jack leant forward, brushing a loose curl from her face as he leant knowingly toward her. For a split second she thought he was going to kiss her, but the moment was broken as a large guffaw from Spence caused Jack to sit back in his chair awkwardly.

  Embarrassed, Maya started chatting away about anything and everything, painfully aware that she was rambling on and punctuating the awkwardness with a nervous snorting laugh. With only a quarter of his pint left, Jack excused himself, announcing that he would nip to the toilet before they left for the restaurant. Maya busied herself with her phone again, her back still to the bar, so there was no reason to engage with Spence again. She swallowed the last of her wine as Jack returned to the table, stuffing something into his pocket.

  ‘Are you ready?’ He smiled sweetly as he held out his hand.

  ‘Yeah, sure.’ She smiled back, feeling more composed. She took his hand and they headed towards the door.

  ‘Hey mate,’ called Spence just as they were about to leave. Both Jack and Maya turned to look at him. Jack had a bemused look on his face whereas Maya was fizzing with frustration. What did he want now?

  ‘Yeah?’

  ‘Just checking you got the condom machine working. It’s been sticking a bit lately. I wanted to make sure you’d not lost any money.’

  ‘Erm, no. It’s fine. Thanks,’ Jack mumbled.

  ‘Good luck with – how did you put it – riding her like her motorbike?’

  As the door of The Eagle pub banged shut, Maya could hear Spencer James’s guffaw following them out on the street.

  ‘Care to explain,’ she said tersely. DI Mitton’s warning echoed in her mind.

  ‘Hey, you were the one who said we should make a night of it,’ he replied defensively.

  ‘I meant this,’ she gestured wildly towards the pub, ‘a few drinks and a meal. Not bumping uglies with someone I’ve only known for nine hours.’ Maya snatched the packet of fruit-flavoured condoms protruding fr
om his trouser pocket and flung it at him.

  ‘Maya,’ he said softly. ‘Don’t be like that. You can’t blame me. You must know how beautiful you are…’ He leant towards her and began to run a hand through her hair. She pulled away. She hated it when people touched her hair uninvited. She winced with pain when she realised his watch had caught.

  ‘Ow! Oh, for fuck’s sake, Jack.’ She pulled at her curls, determined to detach herself from him, ripping out several hairs as she stepped back.

  ‘Oh, shit. I really am genuinely sorry.’ He fumbled as he plucked the ripped-out hairs from his watch strap. ‘Let me make it up to you. What would you say to going for another drink and starting again?’

  ‘That I’d really rather not. That truth be known, if your penis was as big as your ego then maybe you’d have something going for you. As it is, you’re not even that good-looking and you’ve got all the charisma and appeal of a turd that won’t flush.’

  Turning on her heel, Maya stormed home, leaving him floundering and speechless on the pavement.

  22

  Days after Maya’s television debut courtesy of Dave Wainwright, DI Redford called an urgent meeting with Alison Mitton. As one of the lead officers involved in Operation Chrysalis, DC Stevenson was already seated in Redford’s office. It was the first time she had seen him look his age. He was red-eyed and pale. DI Mitton announced her arrival by knocking on Redford’s door.

  ‘Alison, come in. Take a seat.’

  She acknowledged Stevenson with a smile. ‘What’s so urgent, Phil? I was due at the morning meeting to discuss the progress of the McCluskey stabbing.’ Alison’s face was a mask of concern. Not only did Stevenson look like shit, but Redford didn’t look his usual composed and immaculate self either. His tie was crooked, and he looked generally flustered.

  ‘It’s related to the stabbing. It involves Operation Chrysalis. Things have gone tits up while you’ve been on rest days.’