Paskin leaned into the car and took out a file. ‘Blackwell asked us to pass this onto you. It’s the information on the abuse case. He’s gone off to interview Alex Henson.’
‘Great.’ Meadows took the keys from his pocket and handed them to Edris. ‘You can drive while I read through this.’
‘Where?’
Meadows opened the file and read out the address for Rhys Owens.
‘See you two back at the station later,’ he said as he climbed into the passenger seat. He caught sight of Edris winking at Valentine before he took the wheel.
Chapter Sixteen
Meadows’ eyes scanned the file as Edris drove towards Bryn Mawr. He hated reading in the car and wished now that he had driven instead. ‘Bastards,’ he hissed as he absorbed the details of the case.
‘That bad?’ Edris asked.
‘It’s not pleasant reading. It wasn’t an isolated incident, more like continued abuse and neglect over a period of time. Cold showers, unnecessary force when restraining, denial of food and water and the use of the toilet. That’s just naming a few.’ Meadows felt anger knot his muscles.
‘Did they get sent down?’
Meadows flipped the page. ‘Twelve months suspended.’
‘What a crock of shit.’
Meadows saw Edris’ grip tighten on the steering wheel.
‘Looks like he hasn’t worked since, at least that’s something.’
‘Yeah, dossing around and living off our taxes, some punishment,’ Edris said with a scowl.
They drove into a council estate and Edris slowed the car to look at the numbers on the doors. ‘This is Rhys Owens’ block,’ he said as he pulled over and switched off the engine.
Meadows closed the file and put it in the footwell. ‘I’ve seen enough,’ he said before climbing out of the car.
The flat was on the first floor. Meadows rapped the door with his knuckles and tried to clear his mind from the words he had read on the case. He heard a shuffling sound from within and the door opened to reveal a scruffy man in his twenties. He wore a baggy T-shirt over sweatpants; his feet were bare. He peered suspiciously at the two visitors.
‘Rhys Owens?’ Meadows asked.
The man nodded.
‘DI Meadows and DC Edris,’ said the inspector, flashing his ID card.
Owens rubbed his hand across his stubbly chin. ‘I thought you might come. I heard Alan Whitby got done in, I suppose you think I had something to do with it.’
‘May we come in?’ Meadows asked. Rhys turned and led them inside.
It was not as Meadows expected. Despite the sparse furnishings the sitting room was neat and clean.
‘Sit down if you want.’ Owens plonked himself down into an armchair.
Meadows sat and surveyed his quarry. Owens had soft brown eyes and an open face, with hair in desperate need of a cut.
‘You guessed correctly. We are here concerning the death of Alan Whitby. Four years ago you were involved in the abuse against residents of Bethesda House, where you were employed as a support worker. Mr Whitby gave evidence in that case.’
‘Well, thanks for getting straight to the point.’ Owens sighed. ‘So, because of that you automatically think I had something to do with it.’
‘We’re interviewing everyone who had a connection with Mr Whitby.’
‘Well, don’t expect me to shed any tears over him. He got away with it, even got his job back. Lying bastard.’
‘I read all the case notes. Alan Whitby gave statements supporting the allegations against you and Alex Henson. There were no allegations of misconduct on his part. Are you saying different?’
‘Yeah, he was the one giving the orders. Look, I was twenty-two at the time…’
‘And that’s supposed to excuse your behaviour?’ Edris snapped.
‘No, but you’ve no idea what it was like to work there. The residents can really try your patience. You work twelve-hour shifts and sometimes stay on for night duty. Alan was my boss. He ordered the sanctions when the residents played up.’
‘And you just went along with it?’ An image of Kevin stuck in a freezing cold shower flashed across Meadows’ mind.
‘Alan could be persuasive, he told us that the residents would respond better and if we lost control of the situation, we would be putting ourselves and other members of staff in danger.’ Owens ran his hand through his hair. ‘When you read it in one sitting it sounds pretty bad but it was small things over a period of time. You couldn’t go against Alan’s orders, he made it out like you were doing a bad job and not following procedure which was supposed to be for the clients’ benefit.’
‘Why didn’t this come out at the time?’
‘Alan denied he gave the orders. There was no paper trail. Each resident is supposed to have a care plan. According to Alan these rules were in the plan but we were never allowed to see them, only management had access. If you’re told a resident has a limited fluid intake because too much will flush out the medication and cause behaviour problems, you go along with it.’
‘Why didn’t the other staff speak out against him?’
‘I think they were frightened of coming under investigation themselves. Nearly all the staff that worked there then have left now. Only Gemma stayed, and they even put in a new manager. What does that tell you?’
Meadows glanced at Edris, who sat stony-faced with his pen gliding over his pad. He waited until the constable looked up then nodded for him to take over the questioning.
‘Do you have a car?’ Edris asked.
‘Not anymore, I couldn’t afford to run it.’
‘When was the last time you saw Alan Whitby?’
‘Not since the case four years ago.’
‘So you didn’t see him after that? Not even in the supermarket or the pub?’
‘No.’
‘What about Alex Henson?’
‘I haven’t seen him for years.’
‘Where were you on Monday evening?’
‘It was my sister’s birthday so I went around for dinner.’
‘What time did you leave?’
‘About one in the morning, I think, I’d had a few drinks.’
‘I think that will be all for now.’ Meadows stood up.
‘We’ll be checking your story,’ Edris warned as he shut his notebook.
‘The family believed me,’ Owens said as they were leaving.
‘What family?’ Meadows turned around.
‘A girl came around a couple of years ago asking about Alan. She said the families of the residents were concerned.’
‘What was her name?’
‘Erm… Anna something. I don’t remember – like I said, it was a couple of years ago. She was a pretty little thing. She wanted to know what happened during the time I worked there.’
‘And what did you tell her?’
‘Everything. It’s not as if I had anything to lose.’
‘Did she say which of the residents she was related to?’
‘No, I don’t think so… she could have. I thought there might be another investigation, a chance to clear my name, but nothing came of it.’
‘Did she come back again?’
‘No.’
‘Right, well, if you do remember her full name or anything else she said during the visit, call the station.’
Meadows handed Owens a card.
‘Did you believe all that crap?’ Edris asked when they were back in the car.
‘I believe he regrets his actions and he could be telling the truth about Alan.’
‘It’s still a poor bloody excuse if you ask me.’
‘Knowing what you do about Rhys Owens, if I ordered you to rough him up a little during the interview would you do it? Or turn a blind eye if I did?’
‘It would be tempting.’ Edris grinned. ‘But it’s not the same.’
‘Of course it is. You know it’s wrong, yet it’s possible you would go along with it because I’m your boss.’
‘I
don’t know, maybe if I was with Blackwell.’ Edris laughed.
‘Maybe Alan was a bully and he did instigate the abuse. If so, and the families of the victims found out, that would certainly give some of them a strong motive.’ Meadows started the car. ‘We’ll call back at the station and check out all the family members before we go to see Leah.’
* * *
It was dark and sleet was falling as Meadows drove towards Bryn Melyn. A look into the residents’ family members hadn’t revealed anyone called Anna or anything similar.
In the passenger seat Edris yawned and settled back.
‘Tired, are we?’ Meadows asked.
‘It’s because it’s winter. I always feel tired this time of year. It gets dark so early it already feels like bedtime.’
‘Well, unless we get a break in the case soon, we’re in for a long weekend.’
‘We’ve still got tomorrow.’
‘Yes, but the relief staff come in on a Friday evening and I have a bad feeling. I’m sure one or more of the regular staff is involved somehow and we can’t watch them all. If Gemma or Leah saw something, or even if the killer thinks they may have, those girls could be in serious danger.’
‘Unless it was one of them.’
‘Gemma definitely isn’t telling us everything,’ Meadows agreed. ‘Liam is wound up and Leah is hiding at home.’
‘They’re all bloody dodgy if you ask me. Well, except Harry, she’s alright. I wouldn’t mind giving her–’
‘Don’t even go there,’ Meadows cut in. ‘She’s a potential witness. Anyway, I thought you were after Valentine.’
‘Gotta keep my options open,’ Edris said rubbing his hands together.
Meadows shook his head in good humour. He pulled up in front of a row of terraced cottages. ‘I believe that’s Cillian’s red Mini.’
They got out of the car pulling up their coat collars against the cold. Meadows pressed the doorbell and the door was promptly opened.
‘You better come in.’ Cillian stood back from the door. Leah was walking down the stairs as they entered.
‘Hello again,’ Meadows said. ‘Sorry to bother you when you’re not feeling well.’
Leah gave a weak smile and wrapped her robe tightly around her body. ‘That’s OK.’ She stopped at the bottom of the stairs to catch her breath.
‘Sounds like you’ve caught a chest infection. I’m not surprised in this weather,’ Edris commented.
‘Let’s go into the sitting room,’ Cillian suggested.
Meadows followed Leah. From his height advantage he could see white roots showing through her brown hair and wondered if it was more than a chest infection that ailed her. Cillian and Leah sat side by side on the sofa, arms and legs touching, leaving Meadows and Edris to take the armchairs opposite. Meadows gazed around the room. It was small and cosy, with an electric fire; a mantelpiece above it displayed photographs of the couple. Two large floor lamps illuminated the peach walls where modern canvases hung. He turned his attention to Leah. She had dark circles beneath her eyes and her hair hung limply on her shoulders. He caught a glimpse of a bruise on her wrist before she pulled down the cuff of her robe.
‘I would like you to talk me through what happened yesterday morning, if you could.’
Leah took a shaky breath. ‘I got Liam up at the usual time and we went down to the kitchen. Kevin and Gemma were already there. I gave Liam his breakfast then I checked to see if there was enough ice cream for the evening.’
‘Is it usually your job to keep a check on the food stock?’
‘No, well, yes, I mean it’s all our responsibility to make sure the fridge is stocked.’
‘OK, go on.’
‘Most of the ice cream had been eaten so I told Gemma I would go to the cellar to get another tub. Liam wanted to come with me.’
‘Was the cellar door locked?’ Edris asked.
‘Yes, I went into the office to get the key. We went down into the cellar and when I opened the freezer…’ Leah’s lips trembled.
‘Is this really necessary?’ Cillian took hold of Leah’s hand.
‘I’m sorry, we have to ask these questions. Perhaps a cup of tea would be a good idea. I know Edris here is dying for a cup.’
Edris smiled and nodded.
‘I’ll make it.’ Cillian patted Leah’s knee and stood, looking from Meadows to Leah and seemingly hesitant to leave.
‘I’ll be fine,’ Leah said.
Meadows gave Edris a pointed look.
‘I’ll give you a hand.’ Edris rose from the chair.
‘I’m sure I can manage,’ Cillian said, his eyes narrowing.
Edris ignored the comment and followed Cillian to the kitchen. Meadows turned back to Leah and gave her an encouraging smile.
‘Was there anything that struck you as different in the cellar? Anything missing?’
‘No, I don’t think so, but I went straight to the freezer, I had no reason to look around.’
‘OK, so then you called for help?’
‘Yes.’
‘What was Liam’s reaction?’
‘I don’t think he really understood that Alan was dead. I tried my best not to frighten him. He just sort of stood there poking the body.’
‘So, who came to the cellar first when you shouted for help?’
‘Cillian, then Jane.’
‘When was the last time you saw or spoke to Alan?’
‘When he left work on Monday, at about six.’ Leah pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.
‘And you were on sleep-in duty on Monday night?’
‘Yes.’
‘Did anything unusual happen that evening?’
‘No, I helped Gemma settle the residents down for the night, we had a cup of tea and I went to bed about ten.’
‘Did you go straight to sleep?’
‘Yes, I was tired, it had been a long day.’ Leah smiled.
‘Did you wake up during the night? Maybe hear a noise?’
‘No, nothing.’ Leah looked down and twisted her hands on her lap.
They were interrupted by Cillian walking into the room closely followed by Edris. Cillian handed Leah a mug of tea and sat down. Edris handed a mug to Meadows then took up his position in the armchair.
Meadows took a sip of tea. ‘That’s lovely, thanks.’ He set the mug down on the coffee table then straightened up. ‘From what we’ve learned so far it seems that both Liam and Kevin were up sometime during Monday night. They would’ve passed the sleep-in room.’
‘I didn’t hear anything,’ Leah said. ‘As I said, I was very tired.’
Cillian took Leah’s hand in his and glared at Meadows.
‘When we saw Liam today, he reacted badly to the mention of Alan’s name. Do you know why that is?’ Meadows asked.
Leah shrugged her shoulders. ‘Perhaps he’s still upset over finding Alan’s body.’
‘But you said you didn’t think he understood that Alan was dead, and he seemed quite calm when we saw him yesterday.’
Leah looked to Cillian for help and Meadows saw the mug tremble in her hands.
‘Liam can be unpredictable at times, he can fly into a rage for no reason,’ Cillian said. ‘What exactly are you trying to imply? That Liam put Alan in the freezer?’
Meadows ignored the comment. ‘What do you know about the abuse that took place at Bethesda four years ago?’
‘Nothing, we haven’t been there that long,’ Cillian said.
‘But you’ve heard something. I understand you’re friendly with Gemma, she must have mentioned it.’ Meadows looked at Leah.
‘Not really,’ Leah said. ‘She made some reference once but didn’t go into any details.’
‘Do you think it is possible that Alan could’ve been abusing the residents; Liam perhaps?’
‘No, I would never let that happen.’ Leah frowned.
Meadows noticed that Cillian’s fists were clenched tightly. ‘Did either of you have any problems working with Alan?’ Meadows picke
d up his mug and drank deeply.
‘No, he liked to have a weekly meeting and we would all have to write up daily reports which he checked. He didn’t really involve himself in the day-to-day activities of the residents. His role was more administration so it’s not like we worked that closely with him,’ Cillian said.
‘I understand that some of the residents receive regular visits from family members. Do you know of anyone named Anna who has visited?’
‘No, no one by that name.’ Leah seemed to shrink back into the sofa.
‘Maybe you could ask Jane for a list of family members.’ Cillian rubbed his hands down the top of his legs. ‘Now, if that’s all, I think you should leave Leah to get some rest. I have to go back into work.’
‘And why is that?’ Edris asked.
‘I’m on sleep-in duty,’ Cillian replied.
‘Thank you both for your time, you’ve been very helpful.’ Meadows stood up. ‘Would it be possible to use your bathroom before I leave?’
‘Up the stairs, and it’s the door facing you.’
‘I’m sure I can find it, thanks.’ Meadows smiled and left the room. He could hear Edris making polite conversation as he walked up the stairs. The door to the right was ajar so he gave it a nudge and peered inside. There was a single bed against the wall with the covers pulled back. A pile of men’s clothes were heaped on the floor next to a pair of discarded trainers and a towel dangled over a workout bench. A smell of sweat and stale socks lingered in the air.
Meadows pulled the door back, stepped over to the adjacent room and quietly opened the door. Another single bed, this time neatly made with a colourful throw and plush pillows. Beside the bed stood a metal cabinet. He was tempted to look inside but was aware that if he lingered too long it would arouse suspicion. His gaze swept the room, noting the dressing table laid out with make-up, perfume and hairbrushes. He closed the door and hurried into the bathroom, flushing the chain for the benefit of those downstairs before opening the cabinet above the sink. His eyes scanned the various bottles of pills. He picked one up and saw it was a prescription made out to Leah. After replacing the bottle, he washed his hands and made his way downstairs.
Frozen Minds: A murder mystery set deep in Wales (DI Winter Meadows Book 2) Page 9
