The George Elms Trilogy Box Set

by Charlie Gallagher

  ‘I never said cake.’

  ‘I haven’t said yes.’

  ‘Help me out, Ali, and you get whatever you need.’

  ‘Done. Your cleaners have turned up, by the way.’

  ‘Cleaners?’

  ‘Yeah, I’ve kept in touch with the woman you spoke to who runs the cleaning company. They’re at the address now. They should be done in the next hour or so. She doesn’t like you either.’

  ‘I don’t need to be liked, Ali. That’s good news, though. I’m waiting for Stanley now. I’m taking him back home. He should be with me any minute, and as soon as we get him home that’s when the scene can be stood down.’

  ‘Can’t wait.’

  With the call finished, George stepped back out of the toilet to see Louise in the distance. She was obviously looking for him. He had asked her to meet him here alone before he took her and Stan home. He got her attention with a wave and led her into the first vacant room he found. There were seats and he offered her one, then took one himself.

  ‘This has the feeling of bad news, George,’ Louise said.

  ‘There’s no way of hiding it, I’m afraid, Louise. It would appear that I am about to make your day darker.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Your brother. Joseph.’ George waited for a reaction. She bit down on her lip and waited for him to continue. Certainly there was no denial of his existence. ‘I’m very sorry to have to tell you this, Louise, but we’ve received some intelligence that suggests he was shot dead earlier today.’

  Louise brought her hand up to her mouth. Her eyes flashed wide in shock. ‘Shot? Dead?’

  ‘It appears to be almost an execution in style. I’m sorry, there’s no easy way to say this and I can’t spare you the details. I think it might all be linked to what happened to your mum and dad. I need to ask you again if you can think of any reason that someone might be targeting your family?’

  Jenny flopped back, her body suddenly limp. Her eyes stared up at the ceiling and filled with moisture. ‘No. I have no idea what is going on. Oh God, Joseph! I should have stayed in Italy.’

  ‘When did you last see your brother?’

  ‘Years, Inspector. Many years. We don’t talk. The only time he ever used to call me or turn up at my door was to ask for money. The same with Mum and Dad. When he was much younger, he got himself involved in drugs. He had a problem. They put him through rehab — spent tens of thousands of pounds on trying to get him right and all he did was throw it back in their faces. My dad lost all faith, practically banished him. I don’t think they’ve spoken since then either.’

  ‘What about your mum?’

  ‘What about her?’

  ‘Did she still speak to Joseph?’

  ‘Not that I know of. I mean, I very much doubt it. He’s not even an easy person to find if you wanted to. His life is chaos. He moved away. Portsmouth, I last heard.’

  ‘I’ve been able to find out a little bit about him, Louise. There are signs that he might have been looking to settle down. He’s got a partner. They’ve been together a while and . . . well, he’s a dad.’

  Louise snapped up straight. ‘Joseph!’

  ‘Yes. A little girl. She’s four months old. She’s a lovely little thing.’

  ‘You’ve met her?’

  ‘She’s here, strangely. Her mother was taken ill but she’s going to be just fine. You’re an aunty, Louise, and your dad out there—’

  ‘A granddad! He always wanted grandchildren. I mean they both did — my mum was even worse. I remember telling them I couldn’t. It was worse than telling my husband. They were absolutely devastated. They tried not to show it, of course.’ Louise was back to sobbing silently behind her hand.

  ‘This is why I wanted to speak to you alone. I wanted to talk to you about the best way to tell your dad.’

  Louise leant forward. She composed herself; she took her time. ‘It’s hard to tell, really. They never got on, but he’s still his son. The baby thing as well . . . it’s all going to be a lot to take in. He’s still struggling. He gets confused. Oh! This is all such a mess!’

  ‘I think we have options, Louise. I can tell him now and we can manage the fallout between us and take him home. Or we can let him get some sleep in his own bed and I’ll come and see him tomorrow. We can talk to him then.’

  Louise was shaking her head. ‘I don’t think I can be with him all night and not tell him about Joseph. It’s massive. It would be like a weight and it isn’t fair. He would want to know.’

  ‘I’ll talk to him, then. We can bring him in here and—’

  ‘No. Drop us home. I’ll sit him down at home and I’ll talk to him.’

  ‘Are you sure that’s the best way?’

  ‘I think so. Maybe. What about the baby? What is the situation there?’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘He’s had his heart broken. I’m about to give him more bad news. Can we see the child? Maybe meet the mother? Maybe my dad will react to his grandchild. I think he might.’

  ‘I can ask the question. I don’t see any reason why she wouldn’t want you to meet her daughter. You are family, after all.’

  Louise managed a smile. ‘I can barely believe it.’

  ‘Your dad will struggle too. I’ll have a word. I think she will be able to go home soon. Maybe I can set something up for tomorrow. That way your dad gets the news tonight from you, but has something to look forward to tomorrow.’

  Louise nodded. She pulled a pocket mirror from her bag and checked her makeup. She stood at the door. ‘That just might work. I’ll go and get him.’

  Ten minutes later, George was back in the foyer and Stan appeared. He was walking, supported on one side by his daughter with Paul Bearn hovering close to his other arm — just in case. Paul looked genuinely concerned. George loved that about him. He hadn’t been a career cop; he’d been late joining and he was all the better for it. He was as sharp as they came and yet had none of the cynicism that had most cops already making their minds up, believing they didn’t need to consider the evidence.

  ‘Hey, Stan. How are you feeling?’ George said.

  ‘Fighting fit.’

  ‘There’ll be no fighting today, please, Dad.’ Louise said. She looked at George. ‘Let’s go home then shall we?’

  ‘Of course. I’ve arranged for a marked police car to be stationed at the end of your drive. It’ll be around for a few days at least but I can’t promise how long I’ll be able to spare it.’

  ‘There’s no need. I think my dad here just wants to get back to normal.’

  ‘I can understand that. But your dad, here, is a witness to a murder. He’s a target. I’d feel better with a copper on your drive for as long as possible. We’ve also installed a panic button. It’s exactly as it sounds — a big red button that’s linked to our control centre. One push and we’ll all be on our way. I’ve also had the farm added to the standard patrol route for our firearms teams who are working nights. Paul here is going off right now to make sure you’re added to the briefing for every copper coming on duty. You’ll be well looked after.’

  ‘I’ll see you soon, though, Stan.’ Paul shook Stan’s hand and nodded at George before he left. They would get back together at the police station.

  ‘We appreciate all you’re doing,’ Louise said. ‘I don’t think anyone will be coming back, though, George. If they have any sense they’ll be getting as far away as possible, right?’

  ‘Well, I would if I was them.’

  ‘I’ll be staying with Dad for a little while — until he gets back into the swing of things. This has all been such a shock.’ Louise lingered on George.

  ‘Louise, I already told you that I don’t need to be getting into the swing of anything,’ Stan protested. ‘Stop talking about me like I’m not here. I’m not the useless old fool you seem to think I am.’

  ‘Please, Dad, I don’t think you’re a useless old fool. You need time to recover. You don’t have your strength back y
et. No one would have.’

  ‘My strength! You mean until I’m strong enough to tie off a noose again? It was a mistake. A stupid thing, and I know that now. I’ll be fine.’

  George looked to step in. ‘I understand Louise doesn’t get over too much. If nothing else, you can spend a few days with your daughter, Stan. Don’t think of it as anything else. That’s a big old house to be rattling around in on your own.’

  ‘The sooner I get used to that the better — right, George? You’ll all go back to your normal lives when you’re happy you’ve done all you can. I can never get back to that. Don’t you people worry about me. I’ll survive. Now take me home.’

  * * *

  The start of Stan’s drive was clear. The car that had been on the outer cordon was now on the gravel just outside his front door. Ali’s CSI van was there too, as were another two marked cars and a marked 4x4. All the cars were occupied and the officers manning them looked expectant as George pulled up. A small, plain white van was also parked off to the left, close to the side entrance. A woman in a white paper suit leant against its side. She pushed off as George approached. George guessed it was the lady he had spoken to from the cleaning company. He would address her first. He asked Stan and Louise to wait in the car for just a moment.

  ‘Hey! It’s Kerry, right? My saviour who owns the cleaning company.’ George held out his hand in greeting.

  ‘Well remembered.’ She peeled off a glove to take up the handshake.

  ‘I never forget the names of the people I’m in debt to.’

  ‘You paid your debt. Over the phone as I recall.’

  ‘I still feel indebted.’

  ‘Well, now I have your invoice. So you can wave this at your finance people. Good luck with getting your money without a battle. I never did.’

  ‘That’s a real shame. You don’t know the difference you make. I couldn’t imagine Stan there coming back to this house if you hadn’t done your bit.’

  George looked over at the car. Kerry did too. Stan was in the front passenger seat. He was looking forwards but beyond them at his big, empty home.

  ‘Well, you know where I am if you reckon you can get a better system in place. It was a good contract. In theory.’

  ‘I told you I would do something about it. I’m a man of my word.’

  ‘We shall see.’ She smiled. George knew it was genuine. He waved at her van as she drove away down the drive. He spoke to the officers. Most had stood up out of their cars. Some had moved closer. A female officer with PC EDEN on a Velcro badge on her chest moved to give him the house keys.

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘It’s been checked through, sir — just to make sure there was no police equipment left. It’s all good. We’ve been out a little while. We were told that we all need to leave together?’ She looked at him as if she was confused by the request.

  ‘That’s right. Are you all ready to go?’ He got a round of nods. ‘Perfect. Can you make sure the scene log is dropped into Major Crime — whoever has it?’ Someone waved the book at him. ‘Ideal. Thanks all for your help. I know Stan in there appreciates what you’ve all done for him.’

  George moved the car forward so they were closer to the front door. He stepped out in time to see the convoy of marked police vehicles meandering down the drive. There was no way anyone could fail to notice that.

  Chapter 29

  George walked into the kitchen behind Stan. He had some paperwork to complete following the search of his house. Two signatures and he could leave. Louise immediately excused herself to use the toilet.

  ‘I’ll make some tea, George,’ Stan said. ‘Can I interest you in one?’

  ‘No, thank you. I had better get straight off. Are you sure you don’t want me to make it? Why don’t you have a sit down?’

  ‘No, I’m fine, thank you.’ His tone carried a little annoyance. Maybe he’d heard enough concern over the last few days. The kitchen was spotless. Ali had been right: they had done a great job. You would never know it had been the scene of a horrific murder just a few days before. Stan must have been thinking the exact same thing.

  ‘It’s like they were never in here, George. It’s like it never happened.’

  ‘I know what you mean. They’ve done a good job tidying it up.’

  ‘So, now what? It’s all straightened up and scrubbed down in here, so life just goes on? It seems disrespectful almost. I don’t know what I mean, it just . . . doesn’t feel right. Me, stood here making a cup of tea, my Janice . . .’

  ‘I know what you mean, Stan. It’s human nature. We feel guilty when we lose someone close and it will happen a lot. I lost someone close to me once and I remember the same. The first time I laughed, the first time I felt like I was enjoying myself or if I went a few hours without thinking about her, I felt ashamed. Like I had no right to just move on.’

  ‘That’s it. That’s it exactly.’ Stan had the kettle in his hand. It hovered over the Aga, the liquid sloshing inside. For a moment he looked unsteady, the kettle thumped down on the hob as he regained his balance.

  ‘You okay?’

  ‘Yeah. My balance is still a bit shot.’

  ‘They said it might be for a while. You’re supposed to be resting. What would your daughter say if she knew I was letting you make the tea? She could walk through here any minute!’

  ‘Ah, she don’t scare me, George.’

  ‘I’m not talking about you, Stan! She scares me. I reckon she’s got a lot of your strength.’

  ‘She’s a good girl. I wish we’d seen more of her in the last few years. I suppose if we had known . . . well, they get their own lives, don’t they?’

  ‘They do. I meant what I said. Try and make the most of having her here for a few days. Try not to put up any walls for her — she only wants to help.’

  ‘I know that. Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing though, right, George?’

  ‘Makes sense to me, and I can take a hint. I’ll get going, okay? You’re sure you’re happy for us to leave?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘The emergency button, you know—’

  ‘Press it. I mean, that’s it, right?’

  George chuckled. ‘Yeah, I suppose it isn’t rocket science. It’s on a toggle, Stan, so you can wear it. That way it’s always on you.’

  ‘Noted.’

  ‘We won’t let it out of our sight, don’t you worry about that!’ Louise had entered and must have heard the last of the conversation.

  ‘Well, good. You both have my number. Don’t hesitate to call me if you need me. I did say to Louise I would come over and see you both tomorrow. Just to see how you’re settling in.’

  ‘Thanks, George, but don’t you start fussing, too.’

  George tugged his coat closer as he stepped back out onto the gravel. The temperature was dropping with the sun and he instantly missed the constant heat from that Aga. He stuffed his signed paperwork in the glove box and drove slowly back down the drive. He turned left and accelerated away. It was always a strange feeling leaving a scene when you knew it was under surveillance. George had instructed the Covert Rural Operations Team — CROPS — to cover Stan’s property. They were the experts in surveillance outside of the towns and cities. They would be dug into a woodland hide or unmoving in a treetop or in thick bushes. George couldn’t see any sign of them — that was the whole idea. If they did as they were instructed, no one would notice them, not any would-be robbers returning to get rid of the only witness to a terrible murder. And not Stan or Louise.

  George called Emily as soon as he was clear.

  ‘George.’

  ‘Hey, Ryker. I need your help.’

  ‘Well, of course you do. I don’t think you know any other type of call.’

  ‘I know you like to feel wanted.’

  ‘I’m still pissed off with you, George. This had better be good.’

  ‘Our friend at the hospital . . . she talked about some land separate from the Wingmore estate. It might st
ill be owned by them — or at least rented. What can you find out quick-time?’

  ‘I can run land registry checks. That usually takes a few days but I have ways of speeding it up in emergencies.’

  ‘Sounds ideal. That won’t cover if they are renting though, right?’

  ‘No. It only shows up anything they own. What’s the land being used for?’

  ‘There’s a stable block on it. That’s all I know.’

  ‘As a business?’

  ‘I couldn’t tell you, Ryker.’

  ‘You don’t like to make things easy, do you? I’ll do some digging, see what I can find out.’

  ‘Thanks, Ryker.’

  ‘Whatever.’

  George’s next call was to his chief inspector.

  ‘George.’

  ‘Major, do you have any news on my tactical team yet?’

  ‘You mean the team you want on permanent standby, but we can’t tell them what for? Do you have anything more to tell them yet?’

  ‘No, sir. That is still the briefing.’

  ‘You don’t like to make things easy, do you, George?’

  ‘Apparently not, Major.’

  ‘I have a team of four. That’s the best I can do tonight. They’re sucking me dry for overtime too. I haven’t managed to resource tomorrow yet.’

  ‘That’ll have to do for now. Thanks, boss. I know it’s not ideal.’

  ‘Nothing’s ideal until we get a result, George. Get that and nothing matters.’

  ‘I’ll see what I can do, Major.’

  ‘Don’t you always.’

  Chapter 30

  ‘How did I know you would still be here?’ Emily must have been silent on entering the Major Crime floor. Certainly George didn’t hear her coming. It was late. The day had flashed past and George didn’t feel like he had got much done.

  ‘Because you know just how dedicated I am, I suppose.’

  ‘Yeah, that must be it. It definitely won’t be that I know you have no life outside of this place.’

  ‘Well, I’m working on that. You’re hardly the socialite yourself, Ryker!’

  ‘True. I don’t really like people.’