Deadly Encounter

by M A Comley

  “Have a lovely weekend, dear,” her mother said.

  Her father smiled and waved. “See you on Sunday, when you bring the boy back.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  After spending a restful weekend with Simon and Dex, Sally drove into work on Monday morning with a renewed vigour. They had spent most of Sunday strolling along the Circular Walk on the Norfolk Coast Path and delivered an exhausted Dex back home to her parents late Sunday evening. The two days of rest had done her father the world of good because he was back to his chirpy self and very much looking forward to attending the auction house on Tuesday.

  The desk sergeant welcomed Sally with a subdued smile.

  “Morning, Pat, anything wrong?”

  He sighed heavily and nodded. “It’s not good news, I’m afraid, ma’am. I’ve just left a note on your desk.”

  She frowned. “About what?”

  “I had a call this morning from a friend of mine who is a nurse. She knows that someone at this station is investigating the case, and she told me that Craig Gillan had been taken to hospital.”

  “What? What’s wrong with him?”

  “Looks like he was roughed up by some fellow inmates.”

  One name planted itself in Sally’s mind immediately: Darryl Parker. “That’s terrible. Thanks, Pat. I’ll ring the governor ASAP and find out how it was allowed to happen. That poor man has been through enough as it is over the years without having to contend with this shit.”

  “I agree.”

  Sally raced to the incident room, where Jack was already at his desk. “This is becoming a habit, you beating me into work, Jack. Everything all right?”

  “Yeah, it’s called ‘me avoiding the breakfast mayhem’. Did you have a good weekend?”

  “I did, but it’s just been spoilt by the desk sergeant telling me that Craig is in hospital.”

  “What? Gillan? How?”

  “I need to ring the prison to find out exactly what went on. Pat heard that he was attacked by fellow prisoners. I want to know why and how something like this is allowed to occur under the guards’ noses.”

  “That’s sick. I wonder why they picked on him, or was it some kind of riot?”

  “I need to check the facts first, but I have my suspicions.”

  “No! Darryl? He wouldn’t dare.”

  “Wouldn’t he? I doubt it would have taken him long to figure out why I was at the prison last week. The governor has already stripped him of his privileges. This could be his way of getting back at me.”

  “I’d get all the facts before thinking along those lines. Not everything that happens inside can be attributed to him.”

  “You know I don’t believe in coincidences, Jack,” she snapped uncharacteristically, making Jack flinch. “I’m sorry. Ugh… I hate that man so much for what he’s put me through. He still has control over my life, and I’ve had as much as I can take.”

  “No need to apologise. If he’s behind this, then the prison authorities will have to deal with him. Maybe they’ll buckle and contemplate moving him to another prison now or upping his sentence even. He’s obviously still a considerable problem in spite of being banged up. By rights, they should throw the book at him. If he’s guilty, that is.”

  “I reckon he is. But even if they relocated him to another prison, there’s no guarantee he won’t continue to send former inmates to harass me, or do even worse, come to that.” She shuddered at the memories just thinking about her ex had stirred up.

  Jack nodded. “Don’t let him win, Sal. You’ve come a long way. You’re a much stronger woman now. Maybe that’s what is truly bugging him—the fact that you haven’t crumbled.”

  “Thanks, Jack. I really needed to hear that.” She held up her hand and clenched her fist. “I can beat him. I refuse to let that bastard get under my skin ever again. I’m going to ring the governor, see what the real story is.”

  “I’ll bring a coffee into you.”

  She smiled her appreciation, thankful that her partner had decided to remain a part of the team. She walked into the office and sucked in a couple of deep breaths to calm her nerves before she placed the call.

  Governor Wilkinson instantly accepted her call. “Sorry, Inspector, I had every intention of ringing you first thing. You know how it is once the paperwork consumes you.”

  “That’s okay, and yes, I completely understand. So what happened?”

  “Craig Gillan was on his way to have dinner yesterday when he was pulled into one of the cells. My men hadn’t noticed he was missing until it was too late. We had no idea who was to blame at the time, but we have since learned on the grapevine that four men attacked him. He’s in hospital with a couple of broken ribs, as well as a broken arm and a fractured skull. To be honest with you, I think it could have been a lot worse than it is.”

  Sally gasped. “That’s horrendous. How on earth was it allowed to happen?”

  “It’s something I’m investigating. I will not let this drop, I can assure you.”

  “I have a name for you: Darryl Parker.”

  He sighed. “The same name crossed my mind also. As soon as I have proof that he was behind the assault, I’ll lock him up in solitary confinement.”

  “Is there anyone else it could be, Governor? He has money. He could have easily paid the four men.”

  “No doubt. You know how it is, Inspector. Without proof, there is very little I or anyone else can do about it.”

  “I hope that doesn’t turn out to be the case, Governor.”

  “Leave it with me. The second I find out, you’ll be the first person I call. You have my word on that.”

  “Okay. Will it be all right if I visit Craig today? Just to lend him my support?”

  “Please do. I’ll contact the officer with him to let him know.”

  “Thank you. Goodbye, Governor.”

  “Goodbye, Inspector.”

  Sally hung up, looked at the post lying on her desk, and chose to ignore it. Concern for Craig far outweighed her need to deal with any urgent memos from head office.

  She pushed away from her desk and left the office. “Come on, Jack. We’re going to the hospital.”

  “We are?”

  “I’ll fill you in on the way. Joanna, no news on Kenny or his wife getting back to us yet?”

  “No, boss. That’s a tad strange. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, they might be away on holiday.”

  Sally thought back to the lawn being in tip-top shape at the cottage. “Maybe. I suppose they could have tidied up the garden before going away. Try and track down where the couple work while we’re gone. I think that should be our priority now.” She turned to Jordan. “Damn, I don’t have time to listen to an update on your case. Did everything go okay when you interviewed the aunt and the girl on Friday?”

  “Yes and no, boss. I’ll fill you in when you get back. There’s still an aspect of the case I need to look into this morning, something that doesn’t sit right with me.”

  “Okay, we’ll run through things the minute I get back. I promise.”

  Jack was already waiting at the door. Sally caught up with him, and they set off.

  Thirty-five minutes later, they arrived at the hospital. After locating a parking space, they rushed through the corridor towards the reception desk. Sally showed her ID to the receptionist. “Hi, I’m DI Sally Parker. Can you possibly tell me what ward Craig Gillan is on please?”

  “Just a second. Ah, here we are. He’s on the men’s ward, in a private room. Follow the green line on this level, and the room you’re looking for is number twelve.”

  “Thanks very much.”

  They raced through the winding corridor and knocked on the door. The prison officer was sitting at the foot of Craig’s bed. He jumped out of his seat and approached them.

  “This room is off limits.”

  Sally flashed her ID. “I’m investigating Mr. Gillan’s case. I rang the governor about an hour ago. He was going to call you.”

  �
��Yes, sorry, he did. Gillan is asleep at the moment.”

  Sally glanced at Craig. His face was covered in varying shades of bruises. His right arm was in plaster, and his head was bandaged.

  Tears misted her eyes as she approached his bed.

  He seemed to sense her presence and stirred.

  “Hello, Craig, how are you feeling?”

  His eyes fluttered open and shut intermittently. In a croaky voice, he replied, “Like four men jumped on me and beat the shit out of me.”

  She smiled down at him and placed a hand on top of his. “I’m sorry this happened to you. Do you have any idea who was involved?”

  His eyes opened, revealing bloodshot eyeballs. “I’ve seen them around, but I have no idea of their names.”

  “Maybe you can give a description to a police artist, when you feel up to it of course.”

  “I’d rather not, Inspector. I appreciate that you’re trying to help. I just think they’ll do their utmost to finish the job next time.”

  “If you’re sure.”

  Craig nodded and raised his head a little to look at the officer, then his gaze drifted back to her. “I’m sure.”

  Sally read Craig’s meaning. “Can I ask you to step outside for a moment?” she asked the officer.

  “I’m not supposed to leave the room.”

  “Under normal circumstances perhaps, but we’re serving police officers. I’m sure you can bend the rules just for today.”

  His shoulders slumped in resignation. “I’ll give you fifteen minutes. I’ll grab a coffee in the canteen while you chat.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  After the officer left the room, Sally and Jack sat down beside Craig. “Do you think the guards allowed this to happen to you, Craig?”

  “They knew. There was one of them standing on the landing, grinning as those guys dragged me into the room. Why? Why pick on me? I keep my head down in there, have done for the past fifteen years. Nothing like this has ever occurred before. Do you think it’s because you’ve reopened my case?”

  Not wishing to mention who she thought was behind the attack, she shrugged. “Maybe. I’m not sure how things work on the inside. I’ve heard some horror stories over the years but always about people who deserved the punishment. I wouldn’t put you in that bracket. The governor has assured me he’ll be looking into the incident.”

  “That’s reassuring—not! One of his damn men was involved for Christ’s sake. He ain’t gonna do anything. You wait and see.”

  “I’ll ensure that he does. I promise you. These men and the guard who did nothing to prevent the attack will be brought to justice.”

  “I wish I had as much confidence about that as you have.” He sighed. “I haven’t heard from you for a few days. Is everything going okay?”

  “As well as can be expected. We spent a few days at the factory where Anne worked, talking to her friends and the people who knew her well.”

  “And? Do they all still think I killed her?”

  “Surprisingly, no. Most of them have always thought you were innocent.”

  “Well, at least that’s something. Did you talk to that weirdo Endecott?”

  Sally glanced at Jack then turned back to speak to Craig. “I did. I don’t think he was guilty of anything other than being infatuated with Anne.”

  “What gave you that impression? May I ask?”

  “The events leading up to his death.”

  His eyes widened. “He’s dead? How?”

  “He ran onto the roof before we had a chance to interview him. I tried to talk him out of what he was planning but failed. His last words to me were that he was going to be with Anne finally. He jumped off the roof in front of all his work colleagues.”

  Craig’s uninjured hand covered his face. “My God, how awful. I knew he was besotted with her. He used to ring Anne all the time at home, every time something went wrong in his life. It got to the point that he was ringing her four or five times a week. In the end, I blew my top. No one should have to put up with that crap at the end of the day. He was locked up a few times after attempting suicide. Anne felt guilty every time he was sectioned, felt that she had somehow let him down. I told her she was being silly, but that was her all over. She cared about people every day of her life. It broke her heart when she had to tell him to stop ringing her. But I couldn’t put up with it a moment longer. We had a right to lead our own lives without feeling guilty because of that man. I’m sorry he’s dead, but he’s been threatening to kill himself for years.”

  “I’m sorry he put you and Anne through such torment. Sometimes a person’s cry for help gets out of hand, and they try to involve other people to solve their anxieties. He was very confused at the end. I can’t imagine what he must have been like when Anne was alive.” Sally paused before mentioning his brother. “We’ve been trying to locate Kenny, without much luck. He’s the only person we haven’t interviewed who the original officer in charge took a statement from. Any idea where he works, Craig?”

  “That’s strange. Blimey, now you’re asking. He used to work in the office at a steelworks before he moved area. I really can’t tell you what he does now because I haven’t spoken to him since I’ve been inside. Maybe Molly will know.”

  “Sorry he hasn’t been in touch. Can you remember the name of the firm or where it was located perhaps? We could give them a ring. Failing that, I’ll ask Molly if she knows.”

  “Something Steels… sorry my head is still a little fuzzy. On the outskirts of Norwich, it was. The company was named after his boss. I can’t give you more than that.”

  “That will do, I hope. Can’t see too many steelworks being located in the area. What about his wife? Can you tell me where she works?”

  “Alison? No idea. I’m not much help, am I?”

  “You’re doing fine. It was wrong of me to question you when you’re clearly not a hundred percent. We’ll do some more digging when we get back to the station.”

  The door opened and the prison officer came into the room. “You about done in here?”

  Sally and Jack rose from their chairs. “Yes, we’re done. You take it easy. Hopefully, they’ll allow you to stay here till you make a full recovery before they move you back to the prison. In the meantime, you have my assurance that we’re doing everything we can to get you out of there.”

  “Thanks, Inspector. I hope you manage to track down Kenny. When you do, will you pass on a message that I would love to see him one day, if he has the time to visit me, that is?”

  “I’ll be sure to pass that on, if we ever track him down. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Craig.”

  They left the hospital and drove back to the station.

  “What are you thinking, boss?”

  “I’m wondering why Kenny still hasn’t got in touch with us.”

  “Me, too. Can we put it down as suspicious behaviour, or do you think he’s just forgotten, too busy to get in touch perhaps?”

  Sally shrugged. “Maybe, even if he’s choosing to ignore us for whatever reason, there’s no excuse for his wife not to get in touch with us.”

  “Why should she?”

  “I left a card the other day.”

  Jack turned to face her. “Maybe he got home first and hid the card. Perhaps she has no idea we’re trying to track them down.”

  “Maybe. We’ll see if we can find out where he works, make that the priority for today.”

  Moments later, they arrived at the station.

  “Joanna, I need you to look up a business for me. The details are a little sketchy. I’m looking for a steelworks around the Norwich area. The business is named after the owner, if that helps.”

  “I think I know it,” Stuart called out. “Grayson Steels. One of my uncles used to work there.”

  “Excellent. See what you can find out, Joanna. Kenny Gillan no longer works there, but they might know where he moved on to.”

  “Leave it with me, boss.”

  “Right, Jordan, s
hall we go over your case?”

  Jordan sat forward in his chair and picked up his notepad. Sally drew up a chair and sat alongside him.

  “Well, Joanna and I visited the aunt. After we spoke to her, Fiona came into the room. She was really scared, didn’t say a word, just looked down at the ground the whole time during the interview. Joanna did her best to gain the girl’s trust, but she was having none of it. So, we’re no further forward there. However, I’ve spoken to the girl’s counsellor today, and something she told me sparked something up here,” he said, pointing to his forehead. “She told me that it’s not uncommon for a child to become introverted, which backs up what my mate who works for Social Services told me. However, the counsellor also added that the child probably became introverted when she witnessed her father’s death.”

  “Wow, that’s interesting. Therefore, Falkirk could have been right on this case then. The mother probably did kill the father.”

  “Definitely looks like it to me. On the other hand, the counsellor also told me that Fiona might be in shock because she believes her mother to be innocent and that she’s been taken away from her.”

  “Damn, why does there always have to be two sides to every story, especially with a case such as this? Okay, let’s leave things as they are for a moment. Maybe you questioning the girl might jolt her memory a little and force her to get in touch with us. Stranger things have happened.”

  “I’ll leave it for now then. Maybe ring the aunt in a few days, just to see how things are going? How about that?” Jordan replied thoughtfully.

  “Sounds like a good idea to me. Well done, Jordan.”

  “Boss, I have something for you,” Joanna shouted.

  Sally rushed back to Joanna and perched her backside on the desk nearby. “What is it?”

  “Fortunately, the receptionist has worked there for years. She remembered Kenny Gillan and agreed to look up his personnel file for me. There she noted that a reference had been requested from a builders’ merchants in Suffolk, where Kenny had applied for a management position.”

  “Excellent news! At last we’re getting somewhere. Can you look the name and number up for the company, and I’ll give them a ring?”