A Gift for Dying

by M. J. Arlidge

  Turning towards it, Gabrielle brought her flashlight to bear on the discarded gear. There was an industrial carpet cleaner that had seen better days, a torn hose hanging off it, but there were other items that appeared to be newer. Shoe coverings and protective suits. Plastic sheeting and latex gloves. Gabrielle crouched down to examine them, her mind darting back to the marks on Jacob Jones’s neck, caused by his allergy to latex. Had Rochelle’s body also revealed evidence of being handled by latex gloves? Gabrielle knew they had found no fingerprints or fibres on the body, but she had not asked Aaron Holmes this specific question and made a mental note to do so as soon as they were finished here.

  Next to the pile of plastic sheets was a large drum. Firing her flashlight on it, Gabrielle saw a plethora of warning symbols, denoting the contents’ toxicity, but also the name of the substance. Sodium hypochlorite.

  ‘Sodium hypo—… what is that stuff?’ Miller questioned, reading the label from over her shoulder.

  ‘Industrial bleach. Though why you need it for carpet cleaning beats me.’

  Gabrielle moved away from the drum, sweeping her flashlight beam over the empty floor.

  ‘And why so much of it?’

  Pausing, she bent down to examine the surface of the trailer. For such a tired, forgotten place, the floor was scrupulously clean, not a trace of dirt visible anywhere. Was Redmond meticulously hygienic or did the smooth, clean surfaces conceal something more sinister? Gabrielle’s beam fell on a drain outlet, in the right-hand corner of the room.

  ‘Give me a hand with this, will you?’ she said, hurrying over to it.

  The drain was topped by a heavy, metal grille. Between the two of them, they lifted it easily and Gabrielle pointed her flashlight down. The beam illuminated a deep, wide pipe that descended for roughly five feet before hitting a body of water. It was dirty, dark, and even with the powerful flashlight it was hard to make anything out, the light dancing back up off the reflection of the water. What was clear was that vast amounts of bleach had been poured down it – the toxic aroma was as strong in the drain as it was in the room above.

  ‘We need to get CSI down here,’ Gabrielle said, as they replaced the drain cover. ‘Take this place apart.’

  ‘I’ll call her now,’ Miller replied promptly, pulling her phone from her suit pocket and scuttling off towards the door.

  Gabrielle stayed where she was, drinking in the lonely trailer. The place gave her the shivers – there was something ugly and sinister about it – and she yearned to know what had happened within these four walls. That, however, would have to wait until Bartlett and her CSI team descended upon it first thing tomorrow. Whatever secrets this lonely trailer possessed would remain concealed … for now.

  75

  Stepping into the hallway, Adam took a moment to gather himself, noting that once again his emotions felt oddly heightened. He was tempted to blame this on the beer swilling around inside him, but the truth was that every time he came home these days he felt something different – tense, angry, relieved, nervous. It was all such a far cry from the days – so recent really – when he would walk up the front steps with a light heart and a smile on his face.

  Now his emotions tumbled over each other. There was guilt at leaving Faith alone, irritation that she had pushed him away, anger that life could be so shitty and occasionally a burning desire to shout and scream, to tear down the walls. Above all, there was nervousness, a sense of not knowing what he might be walking into.

  Tonight, he had expected things to be quiet. He assumed that Faith would have either retreated to her studio or retired to bed, but now, as he gently closed the front door behind him, he heard voices coming from the living room. Stepping inside, he was shocked to see Kassie and Faith chatting on the sofa.

  They turned as he entered, Kassie blushing slightly, as Faith turned to him.

  ‘Hi, there.’

  ‘Hi,’ Adam replied, smiling in a way that he knew didn’t look unconvincing.

  ‘Kassie’s had a bit of trouble with her mom,’ Faith continued. ‘She’s left town suddenly, so I said Kassie could stay here for a couple of nights, until she sorts herself out.’

  It was said lightly as if it was no big deal and Adam found himself mutely nodding his acceptance. In reality of course, this was a massive red light. There were no circumstances under which it was a good idea for a client to stay with her psychologist. Much better to engage her social worker to find a hostel or hotel for her and normally this is exactly what he would have suggested. But Faith seemed keen to help her and in that moment Adam couldn’t face slapping her down in front of Kassie. There was no doubting that Faith knew her request was a big ask, hence the forced lightness of her question, but it nevertheless seemed important to her.

  ‘Well, we’re glad to help,’ Adam said, which was half true.

  ‘It’ll only be for a day or so,’ Kassie added quickly, shooting a self-conscious look at her bag, which stood next to the sofa.

  ‘It’s no trouble,’ Adam reassured her. ‘Though the police are still keen to talk to you, so first thing in the morning we should give them a call. See if we can sort this thing out.’

  Kassie looked uneasy at this prospect, but nodded her agreement. Faith glanced at Adam, her face betraying a suspicion that he was trying to make Kassie feel unwelcome.

  ‘Would you like something to eat, Kassie?’ Faith said, turning to the girl.

  ‘No, it’s ok, I don’t want to get under your feet –’

  ‘It’s really no problem,’ Faith interjected. ‘We’re getting takeout.’

  ‘That’s kind, but I’ve already eaten and besides …’ Kassie replied, hesitating slightly before continuing, ‘… I’d like to go down to Granary Park, to the vigil …’

  ‘Of course.’

  Faith’s easy acceptance of this suggested she had almost been expecting Kassie to say this. To his shame, Adam now realized that the community meeting tonight had gone clean out of his head.

  ‘I don’t know if it’ll achieve anything, but I feel so helpless doing nothing,’ Kassie continued with a self-conscious shrug.

  ‘Then let me get you a key,’ Faith now said. ‘In case we’re not up when you get back …’

  She bustled out the room, leaving Adam and Kassie alone.

  ‘Are you ok?’ Adam ventured.

  ‘I’m fine.’

  ‘And your mom? What’s happened?’

  But Kassie just shook her head and seconds later Faith returned, pressing a key into Kassie’s hand.

  ‘I’ll make up the bed for you in the guest room.’

  Their spare room had been her mother’s home from home in recent weeks, but had been unused in the past few days.

  ‘That’s very kind. And thank you,’ Kassie replied. ‘I didn’t know where else to go …’

  ‘And we’re glad you came. Aren’t we, Adam?’

  ‘Absolutely.’

  Kassie squinted at him, perhaps trying to gauge the sincerity of his response, then took her leave. For a moment, silence filled the house, the sound of Kassie’s footsteps receding slowly, as Faith and Adam continued to stare at each other. Then, abruptly, Faith turned and walked to the table, picking up the takeout menu.

  ‘So, do you want Indian or Chinese?’

  ‘Faith …’

  She stopped reading and turned to him.

  ‘Are you sure this is wise?’

  ‘ “Wise”?’

  ‘She’s a patient of mine.’

  ‘I’m aware of that.’

  ‘And a person of interest in an ongoing homicide investigation …’

  ‘That’s bullshit. They’re clutching at straws.’

  Adam stared at his wife for a moment, envious of her uncomplicated certainty. She stared back, refusing to apologize for her hospitality.

  ‘What I mean is … if it should get out that I had a patient stay over, well, that could have some pretty serious professional ramifications.’

  ‘I understand that, b
ut it’ll only be for a couple of days. And we don’t need to advertise the fact that she’s here.’

  Adam wanted to relent with good grace, but somehow he couldn’t. He knew that Kassie being here meant trouble. Faith seemed to sense this and went on the offensive.

  ‘I mean what’s the alternative? A hotel? One of those grim hostels they send runaways to?’

  ‘They’re not that bad.’

  ‘She’s a girl, Adam. A vulnerable girl –’

  ‘I know that. But there are other ways to help her, it doesn’t have to be us.’

  ‘In case it’s escaped your notice,’ Faith shot back, her colour rising, ‘she hasn’t got anyone else. Her own mother, the one person who is supposed to protect her, to … nurture her, has left town – possibly for good. The rest of her family don’t want to know, she has no friends –’

  ‘There are safe places she could go. If I talk to her social worker –’

  ‘Kassie needs to be protected,’ Faith insisted, talking over him. ‘She needs love, she needs guidance. You must be able to see that?’

  ‘Of course, I do.’

  ‘And yet still you want to throw her out on the streets?’

  She was glaring at him now. Adam felt bad – he was right, but so was she, trusting her maternal instincts and doing what any decent human being would. He loved Faith’s strength, her simple morality, her honest fellow feeling, and suddenly he wanted very much to make amends, to be reconciled. But he didn’t get the chance, as Faith was already on her way from the room, but not before she had delivered her final, crushing verdict.

  ‘I thought you were better than this.’

  76

  Kassie marched along the street, her feet slapping the sidewalk. Even though the vigil had begun, there were still stragglers heading towards Granary Park and she fell into step with them. A joint was concealed in her hand and she toked on it discreetly, keen not to miss out on the last few precious puffs.

  She’d hoped a smoke would raise her spirits, but nagging questions continued to swirl around in her mind. Why was she such a fuck-up? Why did she spread misery and division wherever she went? Her own mother had despaired of her, cutting her off completely. And what of her new ‘carers’? Faith had been welcoming, but Kassie could tell her presence in the Brandt household troubled Adam, however much he tried to conceal it. She couldn’t face returning home – though home was an odd word for somewhere that now reeked of rejection and sadness – yet she wasn’t unaware of the atmosphere she had created between the Brandts. Were they arguing even now, Adam labouring to persuade Faith to retract their offer of hospitality? The thought of this made Kassie glummer still and she tossed her spent joint into the gutter. Nothing seemed to be going her way today.

  But now she heard voices up ahead – loud amplified voices – and also applause. Looking up she realized that she had reached the entrance to the park. She was obviously picking up the PA system within – she could hear a man’s voice urging those present to remain resolute, to stand shoulder to shoulder with their fellow citizens.

  It was a message that struck a deep chord with Kassie, tonight of all nights. She had felt lonely most of her life, had never felt truly wanted or accepted, and she now found herself hurrying towards the sound, keen to experience the community solidarity for herself. Passing a couple of dawdlers, she rounded the curve of the path and entered the main body of the park.

  Immediately she came to a halt. Not just because her route was blocked – the small park teemed with people – but more because she’d never seen such a heart-warming sight. There was not an inch of free space anywhere, the place was overflowing with locals, almost all of whom were carrying candles or lanterns. There were pensioners linked arm in arm, little kids riding on their parents’ shoulders to get a view, young couples supporting each other through their distress. Kassie felt tears prick her eyes – it was almost too magical.

  The man continued to talk. Kassie couldn’t be sure from this distance but he looked like a priest. Normally she would have taken anything he said with a pinch of salt – her experience making it hard to believe in the benevolent God that her mother prayed to – but tonight his words were comforting.

  ‘Shoulder to shoulder we stand, hand in hand with our fellow man. And believe me, there is no evil that cannot be overcome if ordinary, decent citizens refuse to be cowed, refuse to be intimidated. Believe in each other, look out for each other, and this awful period will pass. Deliverance is at hand, but it is up to you to make good on it …’

  His listeners were responding positively and so was Kassie. She found herself smiling and suddenly wanted to laugh – to expel all her anguish and misery and embrace optimism and hope instead. She felt her cares slipping off her as she lost herself in the priest’s rhetoric and the crowd’s fervour. For the first time in ages, Kassie felt happy, excited even, and she pushed a little deeper into the crowd, keen to get closer to the heart of the action. Something – adrenaline? A desire to belong? – was urging her forward and she happily gave in to it, revelling in the warmth of the people around her. Smiling to herself, she lowered her head and wriggled her way towards the stage, slowly disappearing from view amid the sea of bodies.

  77

  The car purred along the tarmac, moving slowly but with intent. The occupants were silent – their eyes glued to the street, taking in every parked car, every passing face. They had been searching for nearly two hours now and privately both yearned for a break, but there was no question of letting up yet.

  Gabrielle and her deputy had been trawling the Lower West Side since leaving Redmond’s trailer. Though he might be hiding out anywhere in the city – or perhaps even outside it – it nevertheless made sense to commence their search in the areas closest to the trailer site. They were not alone in the hunt: two dozen traffic officers and a handful of detectives from Gabrielle’s own team had been doing the same thing, completing circuits of Pilsen, Chinatown, the Medical District, the Near West Side and beyond. But so far no one had had so much as a sniff of Redmond’s pickup truck or the man himself.

  It was perhaps a mark of desperation that Gabrielle and Miller had joined the hunt, rather than directing operations from back at base. But there was no new strategy to plot and no new intelligence to sift, until Bartlett had completed her investigations at least. For now, all roads led to Redmond and until they found him their investigation would continue to stutter.

  Miller stifled a yawn, raising a hand to conceal her fatigue. But Gabrielle wasn’t fooled, nor was she insensitive to her plight. Her deputy had barely slept this week, spending every waking hour chasing leads or pounding the streets.

  ‘You know, if you want to go home, I’m happy to do this alone. I’ve only got a couple of hours left anyway.’

  ‘I’m fine, really.’

  ‘It’s not a problem. You’ve worked your tail off these last few days.’

  ‘ “We serve and protect”,’ Miller responded cheerfully.

  ‘And I’m grateful that you do, but you mustn’t burn yourself out. Everyone’s got a right to a life.’

  ‘Not me,’ her deputy replied cheerily. ‘I love my job, it gives me everything I need.’

  ‘What about family?’ Gabrielle queried, aware how little she knew about her deputy.

  ‘All in Detroit.’

  ‘A partner then?’

  ‘No time for that.’

  ‘Really? I thought young people spent all their free time swiping right, swiping left …’

  ‘Not my scene,’ Miller replied, turning away to check out a pickup truck rolling past in the opposite direction.

  The female driver smiled at them as she sped past. They drove on, abandoning the Medical District to head north. The giant Chicago–Kansas City expressway loomed overhead, as they passed through to the Lower West Side. Gabrielle doubted they would have any better luck here, but they had to try.

  ‘Mom and Dad in Detroit?’ Gabrielle asked, as they turned the corner on to South Lafli
n Street.

  ‘Uh-huh.’

  ‘Get back there often?’

  ‘Once a year maybe. We’re not close.’

  Gabrielle glanced discreetly at her colleague, who continued to survey the road, seemingly unperturbed by her confession.

  ‘You know, Jane, we all appreciate your dedication, but it is important to have someone to fall back on. This job is demanding and sometimes you’ll need –’

  ‘I have the team, that’s enough.’

  ‘And that’s great, but teams change. You’ll get promoted one day and then you’ll have a whole new set of faces …’

  But Miller was shaking her head gently.

  ‘I’m happy where I am. This team is the closest thing to a family I’ve ever had.’

  It was said simply, like a matter of fact, but still took Gabrielle by surprise.

  ‘I’ve never really fitted in anywhere before,’ Miller went on, sensing Gabrielle’s reaction. ‘At school, at work, at home even. But you took a chance on me … and I’ll never forget that.’

  ‘You’ve more than repaid my faith in you.’

  ‘I mean it,’ Miller continued urgently. ‘I had no focus, no direction at all until I joined your team.’

  Gabrielle was taken aback by emotion in Miller’s voice. She had never heard her deputy talk like this before. Pulling up at a red light, Gabrielle took the opportunity to turn to her deputy, curious to know what had brought on this uncharacteristic openness. Miller returned her gaze briefly, then quickly averted her eyes.

  ‘I probably shouldn’t be talking to you like this,’ Miller continued, staring at a point somewhere above Gabrielle’s shoulder. ‘It’s just that … I guess nobody’s ever believed in me before. That’s why it means so much. Why I wouldn’t even consider promotion if it was offered to me. I just want to be in the Bureau doing good work, with you, the team …’

  There was a zeal in her voice, in her expression, but something else too. Something that troubled Gabrielle.

  ‘And does this goodwill extend to Detective Montgomery too?’ Gabrielle replied.