by Liz Mistry
Gus had had an uncomfortable phone call with Sadia, who, as expected, was angry that he’d let her sleep through all the activity. However, the fact that she had a huge bruise on her cheek that she couldn’t disguise meant that she was reluctant to face everybody, especially as she’d left home with no make-up to cover it. Besides which, she didn’t feel ready to risk bumping into her father yet. He’d been phoning and texting her off and on all night but Sadia wasn’t in the frame of mind to respond. Gus didn’t blame her. He knew she was in shock. Not just about her dad’s aggressive behaviour but also about Imti. Gus had told her to get her friend Shamila to bring her some clothes and makeup and told her to work from home. There were plenty of reports she could be filling in. He grinned. It wasn’t her favourite job but, at least it’d keep her out of harm’s way for now.
When he’d entered The Fort this morning he’d hoped he wouldn’t bump into DCS Hussain. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to contain himself if he saw the man. The memory of Sadia’s swollen cheek and the anguish in her eyes was just too fresh for Gus to take a dispassionate stance just yet. He knew he’d have a ‘conversation’ with the other man, but he was determined that, when that time came, it would be on his own terms and away from The Fort. This was personal, not professional and he’d be damned if he would allow Hussain to pull rank on him.
From the incident room he could see that Hussain’s parking space was empty. Maybe he was too ashamed to show his face here. He bloody well should be too, thought Gus, anger resurfacing in his chest as he thought about what he’d done to Sadia. What sort of parent does that to his daughter? He ignored the sneaky little voice at the back of his head that whispered, one who’s desperate and scared he’s losing his daughter. As far as Gus was concerned, that was no excuse.
Butties eaten, Gus opened the briefing, recounting the events of the previous day. Brighton, who Gus had decided not to call to the fires, looked clean and relaxed. The way he swung back on the back two legs of his chair annoyed the hell out of Gus. He looked like a bloody overgrown schoolboy and Gus had an almost uncontrollable urge to knock the legs from under the chair. Besides which, Gus had a sneaky suspicion that he was the secret photographer. Although he’d like to challenge the man about it, Gus decided he’d get clarification from Sadia’s dad before doing anything rash. For the time being though, visions of Brighton landing on his fat arse would have to do. Brighton raised a hand. ‘What is it, Brighton?’
‘Just wondered where DS Hussain is? We could do with her input on this couldn’t we? Especially as she took the statements from Shahid Khan and the Polish bint, whassername?’
Gus, with difficulty, refrained from snapping at the other man… but only just. ‘DS Hussain is pursuing other enquiries and, for your information the female witness who, presumably, at considerable personal risk, is helping us in our enquiries, is called Serafina. Please call her that from now on.’
Brighton nodded, ‘Yes sir, will do. Just not familiar with a lot of those foreign names, you know?’
Alice tutted. ‘Hardly a bloody tongue twister, is it Brighton. You pronounce it phonetically – that means you say it as it’s spelled. Too difficult for you?’
Gus sighed, ‘Right you two, stop it, okay. We’ve too much to do to be argy-bargying amongst ourselves. Brighton, you need watch your attitude. It’s distasteful and unproductive. Wise up, huh?’
Head down, Brighton mumbled what Gus suspected was a half-hearted apology. He knew he’d have to deal with the other man at some point, but now wasn’t the time. He’d have to put up with him till after this case was over. He shot him a warning look and then explained the forensic psychologist Professor Carlton’s assessment before turning to Compo. For once the computer whizz kid looked marginally better groomed than any of them. Amazing how the absence of soot grime and smoke could elevate you to the best dressed person in the room. ‘What have you got for us, Comps?’
Shoving the last of his butty in his mouth, leaving a residue of greasy ketchup round his lips, Compo took a swig of coffee, gargled it round his mouth a bit and took a deep swallow before speaking. ‘Well, I spoke with Detective Jankowski earlier. Thought I’d have more success going to him directly. The name Anastazy Dolonski meant nothing to him, but he put it thorough the system and still came up blank. Then I sent him the CCTV footage from The Delius and …’ he looked round the room grinning as if he’d just invented the wheel, ‘He recognised him. He’s one bad son of a–,’ he blushed, ‘you know what I mean.’
He pressed a button and the interactive whiteboard sprung to life revealing a much clearer photo of Anastazy Dolinski. ‘This is our man. His rap sheet is extensive.’ Another document appeared next to the photo, revealing a list that went from petty crimes like carjacking and shoplifting as a teen, through to gang activity involving murder, rape and prostitution offences. ‘According to Jankowski, Dolinski was part of the notorious Grypsers gang – note the teardrop tattoos on the face – until he got on the wrong side of them. The trouble is, the only way to leave the Grypsers is in a coffin. Dolinski apparently thought he’d find another way and tried to set up a rival gang with funding from a renowned Polish gangster. However, that all fell through and after raping and murdering the gangster’s wife and daughter, Dolinski went in the wind. That’s probably when he escaped Poland to come to the UK.’
Another series of mug shots came on the screen. ‘These are his known associates. The ones at the top are known to have fled Poland, so may well be in Bradford as we speak. Jankowski’s got someone to locate and interview the others to see if they can shed any light on Dolinski’s plans.’
‘Good work, Compo,’ said Gus, studying the profiles on the screen.
Compo held up a finger, ‘One more thing, Gus. Detective Jankowski said that another Polish kingpin, much more influential than Dolinski, made a dodgy drug deal that screwed with a rival gang with international connections. This guy ended up being hounded out of Poland. The only thing is, he’d always played it clever until that point. He had someone fronting for him to conceal his identity. The authorities had their suspicions but could never confirm his identity and he always seemed to fly under the radar. However, they have no proof.’
Gus frowned. ‘What’s the relevance of this?’
Compo slapped his hand down on his desk making Alice jump. ‘That’s just it, Jankowski says this bloke, codenamed ‘The Old Man’ is desperate. His sources tell him he’s left Poland and is seeking to make new liaisons in order to re-establish an empire somewhere in Europe. Jankowski’s sources reckon he’s in the UK and they reckon he’s just about desperate enough to make a deal with the devil, in the form of Dolinski.’
‘Well, it all seems a bit tenuous to me,’ said Brighton, ‘There must be loads of criminals hot-footing it to the UK from Poland. Seems a bit much to link these two together.’
Gus noted how Compo’s cheeks flushed at Brighton’s condescending tone and was just about to intervene when Compo, turned and faced Brighton. When he spoke his tone was firm, ‘If Detective Jankowski is suggesting there may be a link between these two men then it is because he believes it to be a very real possibility. He says “The Old Man is losing his grip in Poland. Allies he previously relied on are coming under the scrutiny of the Polish police and some are beginning to realise that their knowledge of The Old Man is the best bargaining tool they have.” Detective Jankowski would like him returned to Poland to face the Polish courts for his crimes. He reckons that hiding his identity is crucial to The Old Man and that might be enough for him to strike up a deal with Dolinski. If Dolinski knows who he is then he has a very strong hold over The Old Man… maybe strong enough to warrant a partnership.’
Gus grinned at Compo. ‘From our previous dealings with Jankowski, I trust him implicitly. Keep working with him. Get Dolinski’s photo circulated and see about getting a photo of the other man too. Any word in placing Anastazy Dolinski at either of the arson sites? Or better still any word on the ground regarding where he live
s.’
Compo shook his head. ‘Nah, still working on it.’
‘Right then. This morning we’ll focus our energies on re-interviewing everyone, armed with these mug shots. Alice and I will take Jessica Green and Shahid Khan. Sampson, you work with the fire officer and co-ordinate the arson investigations. The focus of these attacks on Bazza Green and Shahid Khan are too co-incidental not to be part of Dolinski’s apparent takeover bid. Brighton, you’re co-ordinating the paper trail from here, okay?’
As everyone gathered up their paperwork, he added, ‘Oh and by the way, Sunday lunch at my parents’, 2pm sharp. You’re all invited.’
Compo jumped to his feet and punched the air, ‘Yippee!’
Gus exchanged a glance with Alice who shook her head. ‘Constitution of a bloody ox, that boy,’ she said.
Chapter 69
09:30 Marriners Drive
Huddled in Gus’s oversized towelling robe, Sadia sat on the couch, legs curled up beneath her, nibbling toast liberally slathered in butter and jam. Despite everything that had happened, she felt happy. She’d phoned the hospital and found out that Imti was out of danger, stable and comfortable. The relief that flooded through her made her have a little weep but now, tears wiped up, she was doing her best to forget about her dad. She knew she’d never forgive him for hitting her but, in truth, his actions had made it easier to admit the extent of her feelings for Gus. The weight of secrecy she’d carried for months was gone now and, in spite of her father’s reaction, she felt optimistic for the future. Hell, even Bingo had declared a truce for now and was curled up beside her on the couch. She leaned over and ruffled his head, smiling when his small tail wagged.
In a daydream bubble, Sadia was only half aware of the door rattling and, forgetting it was a Sunday, she assumed it was the post. Seconds later, Bingo’s little feet jumped over her, his bottom wiggling from side to side in excitement as he dived for the living room door, barking an energetic greeting. Sadia smiled assuming it was Gus then when a voice Sadia recognised only too well drifted through the door, her smile faltered
‘Halloooo! Anyone home?’
Frozen to the spot, Sadia was debating what to do when the door was flung open and Corrine McGuire stood there. The two women stared at each other; Corrine with a grin illuminating her face, Sadia with her mouth open like a stranded goldfish.
Corrine reacted first, moving into the room, hand extended. ‘I’m Gus’ mum, Corrine, and you, I take it, are Sadia?’
Conscious of the shortness of her robe and the fact that she was naked underneath it, Sadia tried to pull it down with one hand, whilst shaking Corrine’s with the other.
‘Gus not in?’ said Corrine, settling herself into the armchair opposite Sadia.
Sadia shook her head, ‘No, no, there were a couple of arson attacks last night that we think are linked to our current case so he went into The Fort. Not sure when he’ll be back.’
She felt like she should explain what she was doing here, in Gus’ house in his absence but she really didn’t know where to begin. As a first introduction to her partner’s mum, this left a hell of a lot to be desired. She uncurled her legs, trying to retain what modesty she could, preparatory to heading upstairs to get dressed, but as if anticipating her actions, Corrine waved her hand, to stop her, an amused look on her face. Sadia wanted to curl up and die, but Gus’ mum seemed intent on prolonging her agony by having a conversation.
‘I only popped in on my way back from Sainsbury’s. Don’t really need him for owt. I was going to take Bingo back with me, but you could always bring him with you when you come for lunch.’
Shit, she’d forgotten about lunch at Gus’s parents. She wasn’t sure she was looking forward to it any more than Gus was, especially not with a huge bruise on the side of her face. Without thinking she raised her fingers to touch the swollen skin then, seeing Corrine’s gaze follow her actions she lowered them, hoping Corrine wouldn’t notice it. Chance would be a fine thing. By the look of concern that flitted across the other woman’s face she knew those laser eyes that were so like Gus’ had homed in on the mark. Thankfully though, Corrine diverted her gaze to Sadia’s bare legs. God, this situation was getting worse and worse. The last thing she needed was for his mum to let slip to the rest of the team that she’d caught her nearly naked in Gus’ living room… and that was before you considered the atmosphere that would surely erupt between Gus, his sister and his ex-wife. Not a lunch made in heaven, she suspected.
‘Em, I’m not sure I’ll be able…’
But before she could finish her sentence, Corrine again waved her tiny hand in the air, effectively brushing off Sadia’s excuses. ‘Rubbish! Course you’ll be there… Everyone will.’
Corrine settled more comfortably into the chair, letting Bingo rain her with kisses as she fondled his ears. Was she ever going to leave! Sadia would have jumped up and offered her a drink… anything to escape for a moment, but her inability to extricate her legs from beneath her bum without flashing her arse, followed by the prospect of a walk to the kitchen with her buttocks barely covered squashed that idea. No, far less embarrassing to risk being considered rude than to expose herself further to her boyfriend’s mum.
With Bingo calmed down a fraction, Corrine studied Sadia, then she touched her own cheek and in a tone that dripped with concern said, ‘What have you done? That looks really sore.’
Feeling like a complete fool, Sadia found that her eyes were full of tears and that despite her trying to blink them away, they began to roll down her cheeks. She sniffed and wiped them away with her sleeve.
Corrine tutted, ‘Oh dear, now I’ve upset you. Gus will be so cross.’
Sadia, in the face of Corrine’s distress found herself smiling. Deciding that honesty would be the best policy with this woman, she shook her head. ‘No, no, it doesn’t matter. What happened was that my father discovered I was seeing Gus and he hit me. That’s why I’m here, trying to work out what to do next.’
Corrine gasped and a look of horror crossed her face, ‘That’s awful, Sadia. It angers me when men use their strength to physically punish women because of their own inadequacies but it saddens me when a father uses violence against his daughter.’ She leaned over and squeezed Sadia’s arm. ‘There is never an excuse for violence in the home… never… and I should know. I suffered it enough as a child.’ She paused, a slight frown marring the smoothness of her forehead. Her unusual eyes narrowed, as if, perhaps, she was remembering a very bad memory. Then, her face broke into a smile that left Sadia wondering if she’d imagined the desperation of Corrine’s earlier expression.
Standing up, she looked at Sadia. ‘Thank you for being honest with me. I much prefer straight-talking, sensible women and I sense that you’re one of those.’ She raised an eyebrow and winked. ‘Maybe if Gabriella had been a bit more straight-talking in the first place, Gus wouldn’t have been hurt. I’m sorry your dad found it necessary to resort to hitting you. Some men have an unfortunate habit of trying to offload their guilt for their actions on their victims. Don’t allow him to, Sadia. You’re worth so much more than that.’
She leaned over and hugged her, ‘I’ll leave you to your thoughts and look forward to seeing you at lunch.’ She placed two fingers under Sadia’s chin and raised it slightly so Sadia was looking into her eyes. ‘You’ll be fine. I know you will. Now, I’ve got a lunch to prepare and you, my dear, will feel much more comfortable when you meet me later on with your clothes on.’
And with another wink, she headed for the door, leaving Sadia feeling as if she’d just endured a tsunami.
Chapter 70
10:30 Oak Lane
Alice and Gus chose to walk the short distance from The Fort to Jessica’s flat. Oak Lane, despite it being Sunday morning, had a steady flow of traffic heading down towards Manningham Lane. Gus’ thoughts were partly on the interview ahead and partly with Sadia. She’d texted earlier to say his mum had dropped in. Gus hoped his mum hadn’t embarrassed him too much. Why
did he have to be lumbered with two lovely but extremely eccentric parents? Mind you, according to Alice, he didn’t have the monopoly on weird parents.
As they waited to cross the road at the Oak Lane traffic lights, he was aware of Alice studying him. She’d been throwing covert glances at him since they left the briefing and he’d known it was only a matter of time before she said whatever was on her mind. He suspected it was something to do with Sadia and he was proved right when she spoke moments later.
‘Come on, Gussy boy, spill the beans.’
Gus seeing a gap in the traffic stepped onto the road, grinning when he heard Alice’s ‘bloody hell’ as she ran to keep up with his long strides. ‘That’s no way to talk to a superior officer, Al,’ he said when they reached the other side.
‘Well, the thing is,’ said Alice, popping a chewing gum in her mouth before offering the packet to him, ‘I’ve got one of those new breeds of DIs who believe that respect is earned and isn’t always denoted with a yes sir, no sir, let me lick your arse, sir!’
‘Touché, young Alice, you do me proud.’ said Gus. You could always rely on Alice to make you laugh.
‘How is she?’ asked Alice, her tone serious now. ‘You, for some strange reason look happy as Larry, humming that stupid Robbie Williams song to yourself, but Sadia’s off work, which isn’t like her and I haven’t seen the DCS today either.’
Gus realised that, despite worrying about Sadia, he had in fact been relieved at the turn of events. He was pretty sure he hadn’t been humming Robbie Williams but, he wasn’t entirely certain. ‘In case you hadn’t noticed it is a Sunday and the powers that be don’t often deign to grace us with their presence on a weekend… well not unless it’s to give us a rollicking.’
