by M A Comley
“Sadly, yes. I recognised the reconstruction when I first laid eyes on it, but his name escaped me until the calls started coming in, then everything clicked into place. He was a really good plumber and nice man, as far as I can remember.”
“That’s a shame. You’re obviously linking his death to that of the other tradesmen who have lost their lives.”
“Wouldn’t you? Or do you think I’m putting two and two together and coming up with five?”
“No, I don’t think that in the slightest. From what I can recall, your gut instinct is one of the best in the business—bar mine, of course.” He chuckled.
“Two peas in a pod, right? If I can leave that with you then. Will you ring me when the deed is done?”
“I will. I’ll ask the relatives if he had a permanent address in your neck of the woods and who he was working for. Hopefully, they’ll be able to supply us with the details.”
“If not, I’ll get Karen on it first thing. She can look up the electoral roll and go from there. I appreciate your help, Hero. Are the family well? Sorry, I should have asked that at the beginning of the conversation, not at the end.”
“You’re forgiven. I tend to get the information I need out of someone first and forget the pleasantries as well. They’re all fine. Sis is virtually back to her old self again now too, which is a relief and wonderful to see. How are Tony and Charlie?”
“Tony is fine. He helped solve another case with me a few months ago. It was great working alongside him again.”
“You two should do more of that. You make a shit-hot team.”
Lorne laughed. “We do! Charlie passed all her exams and is now a serving police officer in the Met.”
“Wow, that’s brilliant news, Lorne. You must be so proud of her.”
“Super proud. The only blight on the landscape for us at the moment is that my sister is having tests to see if she has cancer.”
“Oh no. That’s terrible news. Tell her I’m thinking of her and sending positive thoughts her way.”
“You’re a kind man, Hero. Right, I better get off this phone and let you get on.”
“Okay. I’ll shoot over to the address now and give you a ring on your mobile later, if that’s all right?”
“That would be wonderful. I owe you big time for this, matey.”
“Nonsense. It’s what friends do for each other. Enjoy your evening, Lorne. I’ll be in touch soon.”
Her heart felt lighter when she hung up the phone. Lorne collected her coat and handbag and returned to the incident room. She informed the team about her call to Hero and turned to Karen. “If he can’t find out anything regarding James Gordon’s time in London, I’ll need you to do some digging for me in the morning.”
“I would have stayed behind this evening and done that for you, boss.”
“I know. It’s been a long day for all of us. Let’s see what Hero comes up with and start afresh tomorrow.”
Karen nodded. “As you wish.”
“Right, I’ve arranged for the calls to be diverted to the desk sergeant on duty this evening, so let’s go home and get some rest. I have a feeling we’re going to be up against things in the next few days.”
The team tidied their desks and left the incident room together.
Lorne drove home in a contemplative daze. Tony was in the paddock giving Sheba a run when she pulled into the drive. “Hey, how’s it going?” she called out.
Tony smiled and threw the ball for Sheba before he headed towards the car. “You look exhausted. Everything all right?”
“It is. I’ll tell you all about it over dinner. What have we got this evening?”
“Depends what you’re conjuring up.”
Lorne looked deep into his eyes and noted the sparkle lying within. She elbowed him in the ribs. “I know you’re teasing me. At least I hope you are. Otherwise, I’ll hop back in the car and head for the chippie. Not sure I could cope with cooking a meal tonight.”
Sheba came bounding up to her. Lorne took the ball from her mouth and threw it back in the paddock. Sheba took off after it at full speed.
“It’s a good job one of us thought about what we were going to eat tonight then. Pork chops and mashed potato is on the menu for her ladyship.”
“Sounds wonderful. Sheba, come on, girl.”
They watched Sheba pick up the ball in her mouth and run back to them. Together, they crossed the drive and walked into the house.
Lorne immediately sniffed the air. “Smells divine. Do I have time to get changed?”
“You do. It’ll be about fifteen minutes.”
Lorne rushed upstairs to change into her leggings and a warm sweater, then she rejoined Tony in the kitchen as he was preparing the gravy the way she had taught him. She was so appreciative her husband had taken all her guidance on board and was turning his hand to serving up delicious meals and apparently enjoying the process when most men avoided even stepping foot into the kitchen.
She kissed him on the cheek. “I’d be lost without you.”
“Without me slaving over a hot stove, you mean!” he replied, placing the pot on the cooker top and gathering her in his arms for a long kiss.
“That, plus you have other fantastic qualities, which I adore and appreciate also. I love you, Tony Warner, more and more each day, apparently.”
“Glad my efforts are appreciated. Now, where’s all this sloppiness coming from? Not that I’m complaining, of course. But you must admit, it is a little unusual for you to be so affectionate.”
Lorne’s mouth gaped open then shut again. “Really? Are you insinuating that I don’t express my love for you that often?”
He smirked. “No need to get your knickers in a twist. It was simply an observation.”
“Bloody cheek. Maybe you should compare notes with my ex on that front. You’ll be amazed at the stark contrast, I can assure you. And before you say it—no, you haven’t touched a nerve.”
Tony tilted his head back and laughed, then he pecked her on the tip of her nose. “You could have fooled me.”
She wriggled out of his arms and removed the knives and forks from the cutlery drawer to lay the table. She was deep in thought as she carried out the chore.
“Are you okay? I was only joking,” Tony said, interrupting her thoughts.
“Hey, I’m fine. Just had a pig of a day. I had to ring Hero today to ask for assistance on the case we’re working on. He’s promised to call me back later after he’s paid a visit to someone. Sorry.”
“What for? It’s fine. I’m going to dish up now.”
As if on cue, Lorne’s mobile rang. She glanced down at the caller ID to see Jade’s name on the screen. She looked over at Tony as her heart missed several beats. “Oh God! It’s Jade.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions. Answer the phone. Think positive.” Tony turned down the gas on the stove and walked towards her.
She answered the phone and felt his arm encircle her waist. “Hi, Jade, I was going to ring you later. Everything all right?”
“Hi, Lorne. I’ve had the results back.” The phone went silent.
“Okay. Please, don’t keep me in suspense, love. What did they say?”
“That I have cancer.”
Lorne’s legs gave way beneath her. Thankfully, Tony’s grip tightened, and he eased her into a nearby chair at the table. She struggled to find the words of comfort she needed to tell her sister. It wasn’t until Tony ran his hand over her cheek that the words began to flow. “Oh, Jade, I’m so very sorry. What can they do to help you?”
“I have an appointment with the oncologist in a few days. I was wondering if you would come with me. I don’t think I can do this on my own.”
Her sister’s sobs filled her ear as tears welled up in her eyes. Stay strong and positive. She needs me to remain positive throughout this.
“Let it all out, love. We’ll get you through this. You’ve caught it early. I’m taking that as a good sign, right?”
Sniffling, Jade
replied, “I’m not sure. I think so. We’ll know more after the appointment. Lorne, I’m scared. Scared for Luigi and the boys more than for myself. What will happen to them if I die?”
Lorne glanced up at Tony for support as the tears began to flow. She swallowed hard before she answered. “Please, don’t think about that, love. I’m confident it won’t come to that. Do you want me to come over there?”
“No. I’m sorry. I’m trying not to wallow in self-pity but failing miserably.”
“It’s hardly self-pity when all your concerns are lying with Luigi and the boys at this time. Try not to dwell on it until we see the oncologist. I know that is easier said than done, but it’s important for you to remain positive. Wait, I read an article in the magazine the other day—hang on. Let me try and find it.” She reached across the table, riffled through the magazine she had flicked through the day before and found the article she was looking for. “Here we go. It says here that turmeric can help people with cancer and even prevent it in most cases. Do you have any in the cupboard?”
“Really? I think I have some in the herb cupboard, but it’s probably years out of date. Let me have a look.”
Lorne heard a few doors banging shut and Jade cussing under her breath until she said, “Here we are. Damn, it’s not even open. Ugh… it’s two years out of date. I’ll see if Luigi will nip to the supermarket and buy some. What do I do with it? I’m open for trying anything and everything at this point.”
Lorne felt jubilant by the swift change in Jade’s outlook. “Thatta girl, you’ve got this. It says here that sprinkling a little in all your meals has significant results. It’s got to be worth a try, hon.”
“It has. Sorry for melting down on you. I swore I was going to remain strong. Not sure what happened to change that.”
“Hey, you don’t have to hide your true feelings, love. We’re all here for you. Just tell me when and where, and I’ll drop everything to come to the oncologist with you.”
“It’s on Thursday at two fifteen.”
“Already entered in my diary.”
“Thanks, Lorne. Not sure what I’d do without you by my side.”
“You’ll get through this, love. We’ll all make sure of that. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“You too. I love you, Lorne. I know I don’t tell you that enough, but it’s true.”
“I love you too, super strong-willed lady.” Lorne blew her sister a kiss and ended the call.
Tony rubbed her shoulder. “Is she all right?”
“Basically yes, I think she’s fine. All her concerns right now are for the boys and Luigi. She said she’s scared for them.”
“I get that. I’m sure she’ll be fine, love.”
“I hope so. I don’t think I could bear losing her now, not before we’ve had the chance to make up for lost time over the years.”
“We’ll ensure that doesn’t happen. Are you ready for dinner?”
“Why not? A girl has got to eat.”
Tony bent to kiss her on the cheek then walked across the room to start dishing up their meal just as Lorne’s mobile rang. She picked up the phone. “It’s Hero. This shouldn’t take too long,” she told Tony before pulling the shopping notepad and pen towards her. “Hi, Hero. How did you get on?”
“Hi, Lorne. Well, I managed to track down his mother and broke the news to her. She thought it was funny he hadn’t been in touch for a few months, although his calls home were somewhat sporadic to say the least. She presumed he was snowed under with work, and she appreciated how busy he was and didn’t bother trying to contact him in case he thought she was pestering him. Actually, she used the word suffocating. He’s been in your area for around fifteen years. She was distraught, as you can imagine. She did, however, give me an address where he’s been staying in London. His most recent employer was Tyler Homes in Canary Wharf.”
“That’s excellent news. Gives us something to go on at least. Not sure I’ve heard of that firm. Did she say whether he had any other family members down here?”
“He’d recently moved into a flat with a new girlfriend.”
“How strange that she hasn’t reported him missing. At least I don’t think she has. I’ll need to verify that in the morning. I’m sure it would have shown up on the system if she had.”
“I agree, very strange. The address is: number fourteen Ford Road, Whitechapel. Is that enough information for you?”
“It’ll do. I really appreciate your help on this, Hero.”
“No problem. You know I’m always available to help out.”
“By the way, my sister rang just a moment ago. It’s been confirmed—she does have cancer. We’ll know more on Thursday when I accompany her to the oncologist’s appointment. Keep her in your thoughts.”
“Damn. I was hoping it would turn out to be a false alarm. Hugs to both of you. Think positively, Lorne. Bloody cancer sucks.”
“I second that. Our mum died of breast cancer.”
“Shit! I had no idea. Stay strong. If they’ve caught it early enough…”
“Let’s hope that’s the case. Thanks for your concern anyway. Love to everyone there.”
“Regards to Tony and Charlie. Don’t hesitate to ring if you need more help.”
Lorne hung up as Tony placed her dinner in front of her. Although it looked and smelt delicious, she wasn’t sure how much she would be able to eat.
As if reading her thoughts, Tony patted her hand and said, “Eat what you can. It’s important for you to keep your strength up for the emotional trauma that lies ahead of us.”
“I know. I hope you’re wrong about that, though.”
Charlie walked through the back door before either of them could say anything else. “Hi! That smells yummy. I don’t suppose there’s one going spare, is there?”
“As if I’d forget to do a meal for you. It’s in the oven keeping warm, love,” Tony replied with a wink.
“You’re an absolute legend, Tony. Thanks.”
Lorne raised a questioning eyebrow at her husband.
Ever the inquisitive one, Charlie picked up on the look instantly. “Something wrong, Mum? It’s not like you to not be tucking into your food as soon as it’s placed in front of you. Not sickening for something, are you?”
“I have something to tell you, but I think I’ll leave it until after we’ve eaten, if that’s all right with you, love?”
“Not really. What’s wrong? Come on, Mum, what is it?”
Lorne pulled out the chair beside her, inviting Charlie to take a seat.
Her daughter dropped her handbag on the floor and sat down straight away. Her eyes riddled with concern, she demanded, “Come on. Just tell me.”
“It’s your aunt Jade.”
Charlie leaned forward until she was inches away from her mother. “What about her? Has she had an accident? Been injured? You’re worrying me. Please, tell me, Mum?”
Lorne gathered Charlie’s hands in her own. “She found out today that she has cancer.”
“Oh bugger. Where? Is it terminal? How bad is she? Shall I go round there and see her?”
“Slow down, love. It’s breast cancer, just like my mum. We won’t know for certain what the prognosis is until Thursday when she sees the specialist.” Seeing the shock register in her daughter’s face cut Lorne in two.
“I can’t believe it. Does this mean you and I should be worried about this too, Mum? Doesn’t it run in the family? Oh God, how awful for Auntie Jade. How’s she coping?”
Lorne placed a hand on her daughter’s cheek. “You should be checking yourself regularly. Are you?”
“Of course I am. Is that how she found out?”
“Yes, Jade discovered a lump in her left breast. She’s coping, trying to remain positive for Luigi and the boys’ sake. All we can do is be there for her.”
“I’ll ring her after dinner, tell her I’m thinking of her. Dad is going to be gutted.”
Lorne inwardly winced when Charlie mentioned her father
but chose to ignore it. “She’ll appreciate that. Come on, let’s eat dinner before it gets stone cold.”
They ate their meal in complete silence, which was a rarity in the Warner household.
Chapter 11
After a restless night, during which Lorne and Tony had several conversations and shared oodles of cuddles, Lorne hugged Tony and Charlie goodbye then set off to work.
Her mind was riddled with what-ifs regarding Jade. They had very little news to go on until the appointment came around, so she needed to push such thoughts aside and get on with the case in hand. The murdered victims deserved justice.
She breezed into the office and quietly told Katy the news about Jade with an addendum that she would prefer to keep things as normal as possible whilst at work.
Katy appeared as shocked and appalled by the news as Lorne was. Never take things for granted in this life!
Then she called the team together to bring them up-to-date on the case. “DI Nelson rang me last night to say he’d visited James Gordon’s mother to inform her of his death. She hadn’t heard from him in a few months but wasn’t unduly perturbed by that as he didn’t contact her on a regular basis. James had been in London for around fifteen years. I think he worked for me around ten years ago, if I remember rightly. Anyway, she also gave the address of where he’s been staying lately. Katy and I will go and visit his girlfriend first thing, see if she can fill in any gaps for us.” Lorne ran a frustrated hand through her hair. “For now, we keep digging. Has anything come up regarding objections to these sites in any of your searches so far?”
Karen and Graham shook their heads. “Nothing at all, boss,” Karen replied.
Lorne punched her thigh. “What are we missing here? There must be something obvious.”
“Either it’s someone who disagreed with the proposal of putting these estates up in the first place or…”
“Go on, Graham, don’t be shy,” Lorne urged.
“Or what if we’re looking at another building firm? I might be talking out of my arse, but would these guys needed to have put in a tender for the work? What if a major firm lucked out big time and has decided to exact its revenge?”
