Ice Cold Blood

by David W. Millar

  ‘Good news, boss?’

  ‘Things are just getting better and better,’ Tosh grinned. ‘Right, I’ve been assigned this case, so I’ll head to Aberdeen and interview the suspects. Ian you can head to Glasgow and pay a visit to our Mr Euan Hunter.’

  ‘Right boss,’ McIntyre replied hesitantly. ‘What do you want me to do with him?’

  ‘Arrest the bastard and take him to the station at Fort William.’

  ‘Arrest him for what?’

  ‘That call just informed me the registration number of his work’s van was recorded on camera near Fort William on the evening Ellie Saunders was found murdered. He’s a murder suspect now.’

  ‘Do I charge him with murder?’

  ‘Ian,’ Tosh growled impatiently. ‘I don’t care how you do it. Wasting police time, perverting the course of justice, I don’t care but just get that bastard to Fort William and hold him till I get there.’

  ---oOo---

  Dear Euan

  It is a while now since we have communicated, and I don’t blame you for not getting in touch after my last letter. I acknowledge I went over the top and apologise. I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your proposal. It was thoughtful, romantic and very sweet of you to go to all that trouble and I now feel unworthy of the obvious love you have for me. It is so sad for me that I cannot return that love. I love someone else and it would not be right for me to pretend otherwise. Perhaps in another universe we are together and living happily ever after.

  I am struggling with my life right now. The bleakness of winter is always depressing, although it can make for some wonderful winter climbs. I think I need to get out on the hills and climb in the snow again even though I feel lethargic and a bit withdrawn. Surely that would help. I always thought I might have SAD syndrome but never got round to buying one of those special lamps.

  Last week I struggled to get out of bed and thought of spending the day just looking at the ceiling in my bedroom. It took some effort to get myself up and running. Surely I have a good life, good friends and so much to look forward to? Can a lack of serotonin really make you feel like this?

  But then I had received news from New Zealand that broke my heart; some day I might tell you about it if you are still happy to be my friend. My business continues to do well and runs smoothly without me which is just as well as I am in no mood to be involved in work right now. I tell myself the darkness will lift, but memories from the past still trouble my existence and they are difficult to shake off. I tell myself what happened then was insignificant compared to the sufferings of millions on this planet, but it is a strategy that doesn’t always work. When the people you trust to look after you let you down it is hard to cope with. However I will find a way.

  You may well feel cursed that you love me Euan, but you are blessed in so many other ways. You have a lovely daughter to enhance your journey through life. Knowing you as I do you will have a good relationship with Eilidh and always be there for her whenever she needs you. I know Annabel still cares a lot for you. You also have parents who care about you. I can tell you are close to them and you must feel grounded in their love. This is a good time for me to apologise for always criticising your mother when she offered medical advice. I know deep down it was always well meant.

  Take care and if you’re in Edinburgh soon then I would love for us to maybe meet up for a coffee.

  Ellie

  The words tore at his heart, not least the first real admission that she did not love him. But he had managed to resist the temptation to text or phone. He had two trips abroad coming up that he had to prepare for, and he knew he needed all his free time just to spend with his daughter. Hunter could feel the pain Ellie was going through but was hesitant to step back on that emotional roller coaster. He knew the old saying was right; that out of sight was out of mind.

  Looking back now he realised that a telephone call might have saved her life.

  Chapter 50

  ‘Before Alan reads out the last letter, can I ask both of you some questions about Ellie?’ Serafini asked. ‘Maybe some painful questions?’

  They were on their second pot of coffee, and Serafini was keen to have as much information as possible.

  ‘Of course,’ Veronica smiled. ‘You can ask us whatever you want.’

  ‘That evening when we walked up the mountain together Ellie was very anxious. She talked at a hundred miles an hour about regrets without specifying what they were. She also talked about her family, both of you and her brother Eamon.’

  They nodded but said nothing.

  ‘According to Ellie, Eamon had apparently cooperated with a friend to sexually abuse Ellie when she was in her teens. I know you both know about this. Now it was much earlier in our time together when she hinted at it. She was still angry then but seemed to accept it a bit more. However, this had gradually become a significant event for Ellie as her life progressed. I’m not sure why.’

  ‘Yes,’ Alan Saunders acknowledged. ‘At the time I tried to play the whole thing down and hoped it would all go away. That wasn’t the best tactic and obviously Ellie resented this and resented me.’

  ‘Your affair also triggered something in her.’

  Saunders sighed. ‘She was very judgemental - refused to speak to me.’

  ‘I’m not judging you Mr Saunders and I can only imagine how things have been for you both recently.’

  ‘Well life’s not exactly been a lot of fun for you either.’

  ‘I made a serious error of judgement in not coming forward and admitting I was with Ellie that night. I was stupid, clinging onto a forlorn hope that no one would know.’

  ‘Did she say any more about Eamon?’ Veronica asked. ‘Both of us were aware of the hatred between them.’

  Serafini hesitated for a moment. ‘As a counsellor I’m aware of sibling rivalry but it surprised even me how Ellie took her revenge. Did Eamon mention anything?’

  The Saunders looked at each other and shook their heads. ‘Eamon never said anything and neither did Ellie.’

  ‘Do you want me to tell you?’ Serafini raised his eyebrows.

  ‘Maybe not at this present time John,’ she sighed. ‘I don’t know if we can cope with more sad news. Would you be able to tell us about Ellie’s last night with you?’

  Serafini hesitated for a few seconds. ‘Are you sure?’

  When both nodded Serafini continued. ‘Once we dug out the snow-hole and got into our sleeping bags, she clung to me like a child and wept. She said she was worried that nothing would work out the way she wanted. I asked her what she meant but she said nothing and then fell asleep for about an hour with her arms around me. When she wakened up, she seemed a different person. Then we made love. We drank whisky, ate our food and just enjoyed being together. She talked about her friends, climbs she’d done across the world and how she’d have loved to have a crack at K2. I told her she wasn’t too old yet, but she shook her head, hugged me tightly, and said her climbing days were over. Then we talked some philosophy and psychology and she seemed relaxed and happy. I am so grateful for that because it is how I will always remember Ellie.’

  ‘Then she asked you to leave?’ Veronica Saunders declared. ‘How did that come about?’

  ‘Yes,’ he replied sadly. ‘She suddenly announced she wanted to wake up alone. It was a complete shock and I argued with her for some time, saying she had no car to get back home and I wouldn’t leave without her. She told me she wanted to climb alone in the morning, and I would just hold her back. That was certainly true, so I promised her I’d leave first thing in the morning, but she was having none of it. I told her I was worried she’d get hypothermia that night - it was pretty cold. Then she almost became hysterical and, in the end, I packed my stuff and trudged back to my car alone,’ he paused. ‘If I’d insisted on staying, she would be alive today.’

  There was
silence for a few moments before Alan Saunders spoke. ‘Thank you for all you’ve done for her. Neither Veronica nor I believe for a moment that you had anything to do with her death. I’ll read her last letter.’

  Dearest John

  If you ever read this, we will hopefully have made love in a snow-hole and fulfilled one of my dreams. You’re never too young to have a bucket list. We have never discussed yours!! I wonder if you have one.

  I might not have climbed Mount Everest or K2, but I will have made love with the man who has in different ways meant more to me in this life than anyone else. Who knows what I will find in my next adventure? I remember you said to me that people need challenges and I quoted Plutarch ‘Lo Alexander wept for there were no more worlds to conquer.’ (There are those who think it was due to the constraint of time rather than a lack of suitable conquests!)

  You are blessed with a wife who cares about you and two lovely children to carry your genes into the next generation. (I now know my genes will travel too but I will never know their destination.) We have never discussed whether you told your wife Katie about me, but I’m guessing you haven’t. We always lived for the moment and in the moment and for that I’m glad. You know I would never want to come between you and your family. If your time with me was a secret then I’m glad, for that makes it even more special. I have never told anyone about you, and as far as I’m aware no one even knows your name. It is likely that our snow-hole adventure will be our last together and I hope you will remember me with affection.

  You may never read these letters John, for they will be hidden beneath the floorboards in my old room in my parents’ house. Maybe future owners will discover them. I wonder what they will make of them.

  Take care, my love

  Ellie

  ‘The letters are dated before she died and everything is in Ellie’s handwriting,’ Alan Saunders declared. ‘Veronica and I are willing to be called as witnesses in court and have these letters read out.’

  ‘Thank you but that will be so stressful for you both and why would you put yourselves through an ordeal like that?’

  ‘You didn’t kill our daughter, John,’ Veronica Saunders said softly. ‘We will do whatever we can to stop you going to prison.’

  ---oOo---

  ‘How’s it going with the bank shooting? It’s all over the news here and you interviewed really well on TV.’

  Shona’s voice was a welcome break from interviewing two very unpleasant men, and he was glad she’d phoned.

  ‘Thanks for that Shona, always worried that I’ll say the wrong thing. They’ve been caught with all the evidence from the raid as well as the guns but at the moment are still denying the charges. They’ve got legal representation now so hopefully their solicitor will talk some sense into them. I’m hanging about waiting to formally interview them once their solicitor’s spoken with them. If they pled guilty it would make my life so much easier.’

  ‘How’s the guy they shot?’

  ‘Improving thankfully and now off the critical list. They’re lucky they won’t be charged with murder.’

  ‘I miss you Bill,’ Shona sighed. ‘It’s been so good when you were working out of Fort William. I hope you’ll be back here soon.’

  This sudden declaration of affection caught him out and he found himself answering hurriedly. ‘Yes, it would be good to be going out for a meal with you this evening instead of hanging about Aberdeen police station.’

  There was a short pause before she spoke again. ‘Any more news on the Ellie Saunders’ case?’

  ‘The registration plate of Hunter’s van was caught on camera in Fort William on the evening she was killed!’

  ‘Wow! What are you going to do?’

  ‘I’ve dispatched Ian to Glasgow to pick him up and take him in to Fort William. What shift are you on today?’

  ‘Backshift unfortunately, I’ve just started.’

  ‘Well that’s good for me. You’ll probably be on duty when Hunter comes in. Make sure he gets a nice cup of tea and some biscuits and give my love to Ian.’

  ‘I’ll keep him sweet until you arrive,’ she laughed.

  ‘Thanks Shona, better go.’

  ‘Take care Bill.’

  After ending the call Tosh blew the air from his lungs, looked out the window of the interview room, and started ruminating on their conversation. It was an automatic response, since for most of his relationship with Alison he had ruminated on her every word. When Shona had said she missed him it had triggered memories of Alison. He remembered how he spoken these words to Alison when they were apart for any length of time and how she would never reply that she missed him too. Eventually she’d asked him to stop saying that because it made him sound so needy. Now Shona had used it and he’d felt unable to reciprocate. For some reason he felt it worrying. Had he got so used to Alison’s ways that it would always get in the way of another relationship? And did he miss Shona? Or was it just the fact that work was so immediate and time-consuming that he’d forgotten about her? Did he ever forget about Alison? The answer to that was no since he was forever planning trips, surprises or spontaneous gifts. He had always made the running. Tosh suddenly realised he’d never bought Shona flowers. Was he taking her for granted? Or was it because Alison never wanted or appreciated these signs of affection.

  He’d taken Shona to meet his parents that Sunday - surely some sign of commitment. She had admitted to being nervous but was an immediate hit with them both, being able to engage in conversations and listen rather than transmit. That was a real skill and he admired it - maybe one that had been lacking in Alison. They talked politics, history, education and she surprised him by saying she could play bridge - a game both of his parents were addicted to. His father implored Shona to teach his son the game so they could all play together. That was not something that appealed to him and he made appropriate groaning noises. When they sat around the table eating their meal his mother had made eye contact, smiled at him, and silently nodded her approval.

  When they had driven back from Glasgow, she’d said how lovely his mother and father were and how welcoming they had been. She’d asked if he would be happy to meet her mother and of course he had said yes. He’d accused her of keeping quiet about an ability to play boring card games designed for the elderly and she’d laughed saying he no doubt had dark secrets lurking somewhere that she had yet to discover.

  They’d made love that evening and he had felt so happy to be with her. So what was happening now? Was he getting scared of commitment or did the ghost of Alison still haunt his soul?

  A knock on the door disturbed his thoughts and he stood up and walked to the short distance to open the door. The desk sergeant informed him that the two suspects from the robbery were now ready to be interviewed.

  It was a long and tortuous meeting. Both men had previous convictions for armed robbery and had spent years in prison. They denied the charges claiming they had simply stolen the car which they had found abandoned in a layby, not knowing it had been used in a robbery. The brazenness of it threw him for a bit and he looked at their solicitor and sighed. It might make for a long afternoon.

  Both the motorbike used in the getaway and the car they had been stopped in by the police near Aberdeen had previously been stolen so there was no trace to either of the men from the DVLA. There were no prints on the guns and the stolen money was still in the sack. Their answers were vague and non-committal and neither man had an alibi around the time of the robbery apart from saying they had both gone for a walk in the woods around Inverness. Their build fitted the bank’s CCTV footage and one of them had a strong Glasgow accent. Tosh was hopeful of getting DNA evidence from the abandoned motorcycle helmets that were found with the abandoned motorbike. He questioned them for an hour before formally charging them with the robbery and the shooting of the customer in the bank.

  They would appear in court the
following day.

  Having put his phone on silent he checked for missed calls and saw three from McIntyre. Knowing it would concern Euan Hunter, Tosh felt his pulse increase as he pressed call.

  McIntyre answered on the first ring. ‘Boss, I’ve been trying to get you for hours. You need to be here now.’

  ‘Ian, what’s happened and where is here?’

  ‘I can’t explain this over the phone. You need to get here, Hunter’s house.’

  ‘Have you arrested him or taken him in for questioning?’

  ‘Not yet. He’s here with me and not going anywhere. If I take him to Fort William, we’ll just need to go back to his house. You need to be here. You need to see what I’ve just seen.’

  Tosh fought back the irritation. ‘Ian, what is it you’ve seen?’

  ‘Just get here boss, please.’

  ---oOo---

  Dear Euan

  You’ll want to know why. My friends will want to know why. So many people will want to know why. Maybe my brother Eamon and my father will know why better than anyone. They let me down. My brother and his friend abused me, and my father did nothing. It was all hushed up and played down. They made him apologise of course - for what that was worth. I loved my mum, and I was close to her, but in the end she took Eamon’s side by default - it was just a game that got out of hand. She would hold me close and say you have to move on darling! Well I’ve moved on now.

  I tried to tell you Euan, and to your credit you listened well. But even your love couldn’t erase the pain. And you wanted to be too close to me. I gave you my body willingly, but you wanted my soul. But I think I lost it all those years ago in my father’s workshop.

  I loved your body! I loved the nights of passion we had together, but you’ll gather it was all on my terms. Ironically, I love sex despite what happened that afternoon. But it has to be new, exciting and erotic. When we fucked for the first time in the car it eased my pain for weeks. When I fucked other men it made me feel alive and I temporarily forgot the memories. You were special for I knew you loved me. I felt safe and protected from the world.