Frozen Minds: A murder mystery set deep in Wales (DI Winter Meadows Book 2)

by Cheryl Rees-Price

  Chapter Twenty-four

  The first thing that struck Meadows as he entered Bethesda House was the silence.

  ‘Where is everyone?’ Edris peeked into the sitting room.

  ‘Maybe out on a day trip,’ Meadows said. ‘Let’s see if there’s anyone in the office. They would have locked the door if they were all out.’

  ‘Maybe not, I can’t see anyone trying to break in here.’ Edris grinned. ‘You might never come out.’

  As they approached the office they could hear muffled voices from behind the door. Meadows knocked and opened the door. Harry stood next to the desk where a man sat writing in a notebook. They both looked up at the visitors.

  ‘Hello,’ Harry said, smiling at Edris. ‘This is our new supervisor, Jason.’ She introduced the detectives.

  Edris’ eyes twinkled. ‘I thought you were off for the weekend.’

  ‘I’m just giving Jason a hand to settle in,’ Harry explained.

  ‘We have no computer or files at the moment so Harry kindly agreed to talk me through the running of Bethesda, the background and needs of the residents,’ Jason said.

  Meadows noted there was no accusation in Jason’s voice. ‘I’ll get the files back to you as soon as I can.’

  ‘Thank you. I’m sure we can manage in the meantime.’

  ‘We had a call to say that Jane and Miles have been arrested, is it true?’ Harry asked Edris.

  ‘Yes, it looks like you’ll be a bit short of staff for a while.’

  ‘I’m sure we’ll manage. Jason can step into Jane’s position until she returns.’

  I don’t think she will be coming back, not if I can help it.

  ‘Where is everyone?’

  ‘They’ve gone out for the day and are seeing a show this evening so I guess they will be worn out when they get back. Liam and Eddy are here, they’re both in their rooms. Liam didn’t want to go and Eddy has barely left his room since he lost his book.’

  ‘Poor fellow,’ Jason commented.

  ‘It was Liam that I was hoping to see,’ Meadows said, turning to Jason. ‘Perhaps you can spare Harry for a few moments.’

  ‘Yes, of course, and if there is anything else I can do, let me know. Terrible business.’ Jason shook his head. ‘I understand the residents have planned a trip to Lapland. I do hope this is not going to delay the trip.’

  ‘I hope not, we’re working to get things cleared up in time.’

  They left Jason in the office and walked the corridor to Liam’s room. Harry called out and knocked before opening the door. Liam was pacing the sitting area, muttering. He wore blue cotton pyjamas and his feet were bare.

  ‘You not getting dressed today then, Liam?’ Harry asked.

  ‘No, don’t want to.’ Liam stopped pacing and frowned at Harry.

  ‘Oh well, it will be time to get changed for bed soon anyway. You can have a pyjama party in the kitchen later. I have cake. Chocolate cake,’ Harry said.

  ‘Chocolate cake?’ Liam’s eyes lit up. ‘A big one?’

  ‘Yes, a big one.’ Harry laughed. ‘Jason bought it. He thought it would be a nice treat for you and Eddy as you didn’t go on the trip.’

  ‘Can we eat it all?’

  ‘I think we should leave a little bit for the others.’

  Liam scowled. ‘Can I have a big bit?’

  ‘Yes.’

  Liam grinned and it struck Meadows how easy it was to make him happy.

  ‘I’ve brought some visitors for you,’ Harry said.

  Liam looked from Edris to Meadows as if he had only just noticed them in the room. ‘I don’t want visitors.’

  ‘We won’t stay long,’ Meadows said. ‘Why didn’t you want to go on the trip today?’

  Liam pouted. ‘Don’t want to go.’

  ‘Because Leah didn’t go on the trip?’

  Liam nodded. ‘Leah isn’t here today.’

  ‘You like Leah, don’t you?’

  ‘Leah is my friend.’

  ‘Yes, Leah looks after you. I’m sure you want to look after Leah. I think Leah is afraid.’

  Worry creased Liam’s face and he started to rock back and forth.

  ‘It’s OK, Liam.’ Meadows held up his hands. ‘I think you can help Leah. Do you want to help Leah?’

  Liam’s eyes darted around the room, he looked at Harry who nodded her encouragement.

  ‘Yes, Leah is my friend.’

  ‘Do you remember that someone took Eddy’s book?’

  Liam’s eyes darkened. ‘I didn’t take it.’ He clenched his fists.

  Edris stepped forward but Meadows put up a hand to stop him. He stepped back and stood quietly next to Harry.

  ‘I know you didn’t.’ Meadows moved towards Liam and perched on the arm of the sofa. ‘Eddy wrote something in the book that will help Leah. We have to find the book, so I need you to help me.’

  ‘To make Leah safe?’

  Meadows nodded. ‘Yes.’ He wanted to ask why Leah needed to be kept safe but he didn’t want to risk upsetting Liam. Now that he had his trust, he had to keep him calm. ‘I think Hard Hat is trying to help, I think he is keeping Eddy’s book safe.’

  ‘Hard Hat reading Eddy’s book.’ Liam laughed.

  ‘Shall we take a look?’

  ‘No.’ Liam’s face creased. ‘You’ll wake him. He mustn’t wake up until the sun is warm.’

  ‘How about you take a peek? I’m sure you can look without waking him. I won’t come near. I bet you are really good at checking on him,’ Meadows coaxed.

  Liam shuffled over to the hutch and put his finger to his lips. ‘Hush.’

  Meadows nodded and smiled.

  Liam got down on his knees, opened the latch on the hutch and pulled open the door. He put his hand in and gently felt around.

  Meadows sat on the edge of the chair, not daring to move. He watched Liam withdraw his hand with the book clutched in his fingers. He turned and grinned at Meadows before closing the door.

  ‘Well done, Liam, I bet he’s still asleep.’

  ‘Fast asleep.’ Liam stood up and shuffled back to Meadows.

  ‘Can I have the book?’ Meadows held out his hand.

  Liam paused for a short while. ‘Keep Leah safe.’ He placed the book in the inspector’s hand.

  ‘Thank you.’ Meadows felt a twinge of excitement as he held the book in his hand. ‘Liam, why is Leah afraid?’

  Liam shook his head and stepped back.

  ‘Why do you need Leah to be safe?’

  Liam put his hands to his ears. ‘Mustn’t tell, mustn’t tell.’

  ‘It’s OK, Liam, you don’t have to tell me,’ Meadows soothed. ‘You’ve been a great help and I think Harry is going to give you a big slice of chocolate cake.’

  Liam took his hands from his head and looked at Harry.

  ‘I’m going to make the drinks now then we can have cake. Would you like to help me?’ she asked.

  ‘No.’ Liam shook his head.

  ‘OK, you relax here and I’ll come and get you when it’s ready.’

  Meadows stood. ‘Thank you, Liam, enjoy your cake.’

  Liam grinned. ‘Chocolate cake.’

  ‘How did you know?’ Edris asked as they had left Liam’s room.

  ‘Miles said that Liam complained that someone was trying to wake his tortoise on Thursday night. The only reason he would say that is if there was someone in his room. I doubt he would make it up for attention.’

  ‘That’s right,’ Harry said. ‘Liam and most of the others don’t have that sort of imagination. They tell it as it is. I think Eddy is going to be thrilled to get his book back.’

  ‘I need to take a look first,’ Meadows said. ‘Do you have a photocopier?’

  ‘Yes, there’s one in the office.’

  Edris talked with Jason and Harry as Meadows flicked through the book. His heart upped tempo as his eyes scanned the information and he found what he was looking for. He turned to Edris and nodded before returning his attention to the book. An
entry that he wasn’t expecting caught his eye but he didn’t want to discuss his findings in front of Harry and Jason so set about photocopying the relevant pages.

  ‘That should do it.’ Meadows picked up the pile of papers.

  ‘Best put them in this.’ Jason handed him an A4 envelope.

  Meadows put the papers inside.

  ‘Shall we take Eddy his book? Thanks for your help, Jason, and good luck with the new job.’

  ‘I still can’t believe that Jane and Miles had something to do with Alan’s death,’ Harry said as they walked up the stairs. ‘Still, I guess you don’t really know the people you work with that well. Surely now that you have arrested them we can go on the trip. You don’t think that anyone else is involved, do you?’

  ‘We haven’t charged them yet, they are just helping us with our inquiries,’ Meadows said.

  Harry grinned. ‘Short for you can’t discuss the case with me.’

  ‘I’ll do my best to make sure that the residents don’t miss out on their trip but my priority is their safety and that of the staff of course.’

  ‘If you need someone to keep an eye on things, I don’t mind going,’ Edris offered. ‘I’m due some leave.’

  ‘Or we could send Blackwell,’ Meadows teased.

  They reached Eddy’s room and Harry knocked and called out as she entered.

  Eddy stood by the window rocking back and forth as he emitted a low humming noise.

  ‘We’ve good news for you, Eddy,’ Harry said. ‘Your book has been found.’

  Eddy turned to face the visitors, his expression neutral.

  Meadows stepped forward and held out the book.

  ‘There you go, I bet you’ll be glad to have it back.’

  Eddy snatched the book with a high-pitched squeal. Meadows took a step back, not sure if Eddy was about to attack him.

  ‘Give him a minute,’ Harry said.

  Eddy opened the book and flicked through the pages, his eyes dancing over the words. He took a pen from his pocket and began writing furiously.

  ‘I guess that means he is pleased,’ Meadows said. He was about to turn to leave when Eddy sprang forward.

  ‘Classified information.’ Eddy thrust the book at Meadows.

  Meadows opened the book and read a page. ‘Thank you, Eddy.’ He handed the book back. Eddy took it and walked to the window, keeping his back turned.

  ‘That’s his way of saying thank you,’ Harry explained. ‘He’s never let anyone read the book before.’

  They stepped out of the room with Meadows feeling touched by Eddy’s gesture. ‘It’s very rewarding when you make a connection,’ he commented.

  ‘It is,’ Harry agreed. ‘I love working here, it feels like I’m making a difference to their lives. You become their family and they yours.’

  ‘I think it takes a special kind of person, you must have more than your fair share of patience,’ Edris said softly. Meadows noticed the glow in Harry’s cheeks.

  ‘Well I’d better get back to work, Liam will be waiting for his cake.’

  ‘Nice seeing you again,’ Edris said.

  ‘You are incorrigible.’ Meadows laughed as they walked to the car.

  ‘What?’ Edris raised his eyebrows.

  ‘You know what, flirting with the poor girl. Getting her hopes up.’

  ‘You never know, she might get lucky.’ Edris winked. He slid into the passenger seat and buckled his belt. ‘So I take it Miles and Jane were featured in Eddy’s book.’

  ‘Yes, and someone else, take a look for yourself.’ Meadows passed the envelope to Edris and started the car.

  ‘Cillian’s Mini was there Monday night,’ Edris said. ‘And he said he was home all evening. I think we should pay him a visit.’

  ‘So, according to Eddy’s log, Alan arrived at 10 p.m., Jane five minutes later, then Miles at ten past. They drove off half an hour later, first Miles, then Jane and finally Alan. Alan’s car is back at eleven, then there’s an entry for Cillian’s car but no time is logged.’

  ‘Maybe Eddy didn’t see Cillian arrive,’ Meadows said. ‘He could’ve moved away from the window, used the bathroom or even went to sleep and got up later.’

  ‘He doesn’t mention Jane or Miles coming back.’

  ‘No, but they could have moved to a different location, drugged Alan then drove back in his car. Blackwell had a theory that they planned to set it up so it looked like one of the residents were responsible.’

  ‘Not a bad theory, and that’s why they needed to drug Leah and Gemma. Do you think they called Cillian to help?’

  ‘It’s possible, but I can’t see why they would’ve involved him, unless he was in on it.’ Meadows kept his eyes on the road as his mind whirred with possibilities. ‘Let’s see how he manages to explain his car being there. Liam seemed to be concerned for Leah’s safety but I think he’s been instructed not to tell.’

  ‘Do you think Leah is frightened of Cillian?’

  ‘He has a temper. If you watch the way his fists curl, it’s like he’s fighting for control. We should let it be known that we’ve found Alan’s car. See what reaction we get. If he’s involved, then Liam has good reason to worry about Leah’s safety.’

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Meadows pulled up behind Cillian’s Mini and looked at the house. The curtains were drawn but the window was illuminated by a soft glow from within. He looked at the parked cars as he left his.

  ‘Looks like they’re both in.’ He indicated Leah’s blue Fiesta, then knocked on the door.

  A few minutes later the door was opened by Leah, who looked surprised to see them. Meadows noticed there was a little more colour in her cheeks and her grey roots had been covered.

  ‘Oh, hello.’

  Cillian appeared behind Leah and laid a hand on her shoulder. ‘It’s a bit late to be calling, we’re just about to watch a film. We don’t get a lot of time together.’

  ‘Sorry to disturb you on your evening off but it’s important we talk to you,’ Meadows said.

  ‘You better come in then.’

  They gathered in the sitting room where an open bottle of wine stood next to two glasses and a half-eaten box of chocolates. Meadows watched Cillian take a seat on the sofa; he sat with his legs apart, hands resting on his knees. Leah sat close with her arm touching his.

  Meadows sat down in the armchair and Edris took the other taking out his notebook.

  ‘We heard about Jane and Miles getting arrested. Shocking news,’ Cillian said with a ghost of a smile.

  They looked more relaxed and there was a lighter atmosphere than the last time he had been there. Maybe they feel safer with Jane and Miles locked up. Meadows sat forward in the chair.

  ‘We haven’t charged either of them yet. We still haven’t finished with our inquiries and need to clear a few things up.’

  ‘Well I don’t see how we can help. We’ve told you everything we know,’ Cillian said.

  ‘We’ve found Eddy’s book.’ Meadows looked at Cillian trying to gauge his reaction.

  ‘I bet he was pleased.’ Cillian’s expression remained neutral.

  ‘Yes he was.’ Meadows smiled. ‘He recorded a lot of information from last Monday night. Among the cars he noted was your red Mini. You told us you were in all evening.’

  Cillian sat forward in the chair. ‘I was in all evening.’

  Meadows noticed a glimmer of anger in his eyes.

  ‘Then how do you explain your car being at Bethesda at around 11 p.m.?’ He was taking a chance on the time.

  Leah looked at Cillian, concerned.

  ‘Monday night?’ Cillian ran his hand through his hair and bit his bottom lip in concentration.

  ‘I’m sure you would remember going out at that time of the night and given that it was the night that Alan was murdered,’ Meadows prompted.

  ‘Oh yes, Leah had my car because hers wouldn’t start. Sorry I forgot about that.’ Cillian gave a forced smile.

  Meadows turned to Leah. ‘B
ut your car was parked in Bethesda all night.’

  ‘I… well… It was parked in Bethesda because it wouldn’t start. I needed to go home to get a change of clothes because I was doing the night shift. I dropped Cillian off then drove back.’

  ‘At 11 p.m.?’

  ‘No, it was earlier than that. Maybe Eddy didn’t notice Cillian’s car until later.’

  ‘The car was gone when Eddy awoke in the morning.’

  ‘Because she had to pick me up for work,’ Cillian said.

  ‘You can check with Gemma,’ Leah said. ‘I had to leave her on her own when I picked up Cillian.’

  ‘Well, that clears things up,’ Meadows said. ‘We have to make sure we cover every detail. It doesn’t look good if we didn’t check out every car that was in Bethesda that evening.’

  ‘It all comes down to collecting as much evidence as we can,’ Edris said. ‘We’ve found Alan’s car, which is a real breakthrough in the case.’

  ‘Where was it?’ Cillian asked.

  ‘Burnt out up the mountain,’ Meadows said. ‘What people don’t understand is that you can’t destroy all traces of evidence with fire.’

  ‘Forensics are really clever now, aren’t they? I was watching a documentary the other day. Fascinating.’ Cillian smiled.

  Either he’s telling the truth or he is arrogant enough to think he left no trace.

  ‘Well, I think that’s about all.’ Meadows stood. ‘When we spoke to Liam he seemed to be very concerned about keeping you safe. Why do you think that is?’ He looked down at Leah.

  Leah shifted in her seat. ‘Who knows with Liam, the world is a dangerous place to him. He keeps safe by routines. Finding Alan’s body has been difficult for him to process. He’s very unsettled and sometimes he sees me as an extension of himself.’

  ‘I see. Thank you for your time. We might have to speak with you again. There are certain aspects of the case that we cannot disclose at the moment.’

  ‘I’ll see you out.’ Cillian stood and ushered them outside where he stood and watched them climb into the car.

  ‘Do you think he’s in on it?’ Edris asked.

  ‘I’m not sure, there’s definitely something not right with those two.’ Meadows watched Cillian close the door, and started the engine.

  ‘Maybe it’s just that they knew about Jane and Miles and were too afraid to say anything?’