Frozen Minds: A murder mystery set deep in Wales (DI Winter Meadows Book 2)
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‘Perhaps she witnessed something on Monday night. She lives close to Bethesda,’ Paskin suggested.
‘Good point,’ Meadows said, ‘but the nature in which Tara was killed and laid out suggests something more personal. The killer wanted her to suffer. Blackwell, Paskin, can I leave it to you two to carry out the search of the house when forensics have finished? Go through everything. I don’t think she was well off, judging by the way she lived, but there may be an insurance policy. We also need to find her mother, she needs to be told before she sees it in the news, and she may be able to provide some valuable background. Better check Alex Henson and Rhys Owens, see if they have any connection with Tara.’
‘What about Miles and Jane?’ asked Blackwell.
‘They’re due in court in an hour, but yes, talk to them again.’
‘My pleasure,’ Blackwell said with a grin.
‘Edris and I will talk to the landlord at The Crown Inn. Tara was there last night and I want see if she left alone. I’ll meet you at the house. Valentine, could you make a few copies of Tara’s picture then talk to Sarah Higgs and Tara’s work colleagues. Thanks, everyone.’
As the team set about their tasks Meadows followed Lester into the office and closed the door.
Lester took a seat behind the desk. ‘You seem to have everything under control. Do you need any extra personnel?’
Meadows knew Lester was referring to outside help, a move that neither man wanted. ‘I don’t think that would be beneficial at the moment. Uniform are carrying out house-to-house and will follow up on any leads. Further enquires at Bethesda House need to be handled delicately. The residents have met the team. Any new faces will cause unnecessary upset.’
‘I quite agree.’ Lester smiled. ‘I’ll handle the press, and of course clear all overtime. I’ll work from here for the next couple of days.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
Meadows stood, he was keen to get out of the office and on with the investigation.
‘Blackwell seems more settled. He actually smiled,’ Lester said. ‘It’s good to see the team working together. I miss it sometimes. I must confess I was a little concerned bringing you in over Blackwell but I think it’s worked out for the best.’
‘It’s a good team,’ Meadows said. ‘Valentine has worked well in the unit, perhaps it may be time to move her out of uniform. Blackwell would be happy to have a DC.’
‘I’ll have a word with her, and perhaps with Edris. It’s time he thought about taking his sergeant exams. At least you would be paired with a DS – unless of course you want to reconsider working with Blackwell.’ A smile played on his lips.
‘Oh, I think Edris is ready – and Blackwell is better working on his own initiative.’
‘I’ll trust your judgement. Right, I’ll leave you to get on.’
Meadows grabbed a photo of Tara before calling Edris and heading out of the station.
* * *
‘Eifion Roberts is the landlord of The Crown Inn,’ Edris said as Meadows started the car.
‘Well, if Tara frequented his pub as often as the neighbours say then hopefully he’ll be able to tell us a little more about her. So far we don’t have a lot.’
A sudden hail shower beat down on the windscreen and Meadows reached out to turn up the blowers.
‘They’re forecasting snow tomorrow,’ said Edris.
‘That will please Kevin,’ Meadows said.
‘I don’t get it.’ Edris fidgeted in his seat. ‘Why kill Tara when Jane and Miles are in the frame? Surely the killer would want to lay low for a while.’
‘I think our killer is rattled and this is far from over.’
‘You think there’ll be more killings?’
Meadows glanced across at Edris and nodded, and turned his attention back to the road. ‘I think it likely. If we can find a motive for Tara’s murder, then I think we’ll have the case solved. Until then I think the residents and staff at Bethesda House could still be in danger. I don’t think this is about money.’
‘Someone else could be involved with Miles and Jane,’ Edris said.
‘I can’t see it. Jane would have thrown suspicion on anyone to shift the blame. She would’ve told us if there was a third party. She isn’t going to take the rap alone.’
‘I guess so; so that leaves us with Cillian. I can’t see it being one of the women.’
‘Why not? Just because you have the hots for one of them? A pretty face doesn’t make you any less capable of murder. If Tara had been drinking heavily last night she could have easily been overpowered. There was no sign of a break-in, maybe she didn’t feel threatened and let the killer in.’
‘But you thought two people were responsible for Alan’s murder.’
‘I didn’t say it couldn’t be two women, and don’t forget Rhys Owens and Alex Henson. They aren’t out of the frame yet. Then there’s the mysterious Anna.’
The inspector pulled up outside The Crown Inn and zipped up his coat before stepping out of the car. Cigarette butts littered the pavement outside the front door. The windows were encrusted with grime and blue paint peeled from the sills.
‘So much for the nightlife,’ said Edris.
Meadows knocked on the door which was opened a few moments later by a middle-aged man wearing black joggers and a T-shirt.
‘Eifion Roberts?’ Meadows asked.
‘Yeah?’ The man yawned.
Meadows showed his identification as he introduced himself and Edris.
‘This about Tara? Colin next door to her phoned a few moments ago. Can’t believe it. You better come in. I was just about to make a cuppa. Want one?’
‘Oh yes,’ Edris said.
They followed Eifion into the kitchen where he placed two extra mugs on the counter, flicked the switch on the kettle and turned to the stove.
‘Mind if I carry on with my breakfast?’
‘Go ahead,’ Meadows said. ‘Was Tara here last night?’
‘Yeah, Tara was in here every night.’
Eifion placed a frying pan over the hot ring, then picked up the kettle and poured boiling water into the mugs.
‘Was Tara a heavy drinker?’ Meadows asked.
Eifion stirred the tea thoughtfully. ‘I guess so, she drank every night but I wouldn’t say that she was an alcoholic. She held down a job and was usually sober when she came in, unlike some. You see them come in here as soon as the doors open, already tanked up. Sugar?’
‘Two please,’ Edris said.
‘Not for me, thanks.’
Meadows accepted the offered tea. ‘Anything different about Tara last night or the past week?’
‘She seemed a little down, knocking them back a bit.’
‘Did she say why?’
‘No, she wasn’t one to talk about herself.’
Eifion returned to the stove where he put a couple of rashers of bacon into the pan.
‘If anything, she was quieter than usual. She got upset before she left last night. Joe offered to walk her home but she wasn’t having any of it.’
‘Joe?’ Edris eyed the bacon.
‘Joe Morgan, another regular, lives down the road. Number eighty-seven I think.’
‘Did he leave with Tara?’ Meadows asked.
‘Just after.’
‘And Tara argued with him?’ Meadows took a sip of his tea.
‘Not really an argument. We were talking about the murder up at Bethesda. It’s all that’s been talked about for a week. Tara got upset then went staggering off to the toilet, came back, grabbed her coat and walked out.’
‘Why was she upset by the conversation? Was she worried about living so close to Bethesda or was it something else? Did she know the victim, Alan Whitby?’
‘I don’t know.’ Eifion slid the bacon from the pan onto a slice of bread and added brown sauce. ‘If anything she seemed to be defending the inmates.’
‘You mean residents.’ Meadows didn’t bother to hide his irritation.
‘Yeah if you
want to call them that. Maybe she felt sorry for them.’ He bit into his sandwich. ‘Who knows what she was thinking, she was well gone when she left here.’
‘Was there anyone else here last night?’
‘Just a couple of the local lads playing pool, it was quiet.’
‘Does Joe work?’
‘No, he used to work down the pits. Hasn’t worked since they closed – like a lot of men his age.’
Meadows drank the remains of his tea and laid the cup on the counter. ‘Ok, well, thanks for your time, we’ll see ourselves out.’
* * *
‘He could have offered us a bacon butty,’ Edris complained as they drove the short distance to Joe’s house.
‘Hungry are you?’ Meadows laughed.
‘Yeah, it’s past lunchtime – and the smell of frying bacon, even you must find it irresistible.’
‘I can resist, doesn’t do anything for me.’
‘You veggies don’t know what you are missing,’ Edris said.
‘But my arteries do.’
Meadows grinned.
They pulled up outside Joe’s terraced house and climbed out of the car.
‘It’s bloody freezing.’ Edris pulled the collar up on his coat.
‘You’re in a right whinging mood today,’ Meadows teased as he knocked the door.
‘You need to feed me once in a while.’
The door opened to reveal a man with receding grey hair and a pot belly straining his jumper.
‘Joe Morgan?’ Edris asked as he showed his identification. ‘We’d like to ask you a few questions.’
‘It’s not convenient at the moment.’ Joe moved backwards.
Meadows stepped closer and caught the pungent scent of cannabis.
‘It’s important that we speak to you. How about we give you a minute to dispose of the joint then you can invite us in.’
‘I don’t… well, I…’ Joe stuttered. ‘I have arthritis.’
He turned away from the door.
‘You should’ve nicked him for possession then asked questions,’ Edris said.
‘Is it worth the paperwork? Unless you think he has a factory in the attic we have more important things to worry about.’
‘You’re too soft.’
‘I like to see the best in people.’
Joe appeared in the doorway looking sheepish. ‘You better come in then.’
He led them into the sitting room where a chat show played on the television. Joe picked up the remote control, muted the sound and plonked himself down on the sofa.
‘What’s this about then?’
Meadows perched on the armchair. ‘You were in The Crown Inn last night.’
‘Yes.’
‘You talked to Tara Lane.’
‘Yeah.’ Joe frowned. ‘Has something happened to Tara? I saw an ambulance go past this morning.’
‘Tara Lane was found dead at home this morning.’
‘Tara, dead? No.’
Meadows was surprised to see Joe’s eyes fill with tears. ‘I should’ve insisted on walking her home. She was well gone, even Eifion was worried she would fall.’ Joe rubbed at his eyes.
‘Tara didn’t have an accident,’ Edris said. ‘She died in suspicious circumstances.’
‘You mean someone… no, who would want to hurt Tara?’ Joe sniffed.
‘Eifion said you left after Tara last night,’ Edris continued.
‘Yes, but…’ Joe shook his head. ‘You don’t think I had anything to do with it. I’d never hurt Tara.’
‘You and Tara had an argument last night,’ Meadows said.
‘Not really, she was in a pissy mood, that’s all. I offered to walk her home but she didn’t want me to.’
‘Did you follow her home?’ Edris leaned forward.
‘No, she was walking ahead of me when I left the pub. I called out to her but she ignored me so I came home. I can’t believe it, Tara gone.’
‘Did you see anyone else as you walked home?’
‘No, no one.’
‘Did Tara have a boyfriend?’ Meadows asked.
‘No, I don’t think so. I never saw her with anyone.’
‘Were you in a relationship with Tara?’
‘I wouldn’t call it a relationship. We were friends. Kept each other company now and again.’
‘You mean you had sex,’ Edris said.
‘Yes, nothing wrong with that. We were just two lonely people.’ Joe wiped away a tear. ‘Tara was alright, a good laugh.’
‘Eifion thought that something was bothering Tara, that she had been quiet this past week. Do you know what had upset her?’ Meadows asked.
‘No. She had been a bit funny since the murder up at Bethesda. She didn’t want to talk about it, which was odd because Tara liked a bit of gossip.’
‘Did she know Alan Whitby?’
‘I don’t think so, she never mentioned him. I can’t see Tara having anything to do with him. Wasn’t her type.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He’d drive by in that Jag of his, stuck-up, both him and that woman who runs the place. Tara was down to earth.’
‘Did she ever talk about Bethesda House, the staff or residents?’
‘Not that I remember.’
‘Could she have worked there in the past?’
‘No, she would have said, especially after what happened there.’
‘OK, we’ll need to take a statement from everyone that was in the Crown last night. So expect a call.’ Meadows stood. ‘Did Tara talk about her mother?’
‘Yeah, the old lady’s in a home. Tara used to go and visit.’
‘Do you know her mother’s name or the name of the residential home?’
‘No, she didn’t say.’
‘Well, if you think of anything that may be important please call the station.’
* * *
‘So what now?’ Edris asked.
‘Grab some lunch, then go and see how they are getting on with the search in Tara’s house. Maybe you’ll be in a better mood after you’ve eaten.’
Edris was stuffing down a bar of chocolate as Meadows parked outside Tara’s house where Matt Hanes stood hopping from foot to foot.
‘You have no luck.’ Edris laughed as they approached the front door.
‘Tell me about it! I can’t feel my toes,’ Hanes complained.
‘As soon as they’ve finished the search, secure the house then get back to the station to warm up,’ Meadows said.
‘Thanks.’
Hanes stood aside for them to enter the house.
Blackwell’s voice could be heard drifting down the stairs. They followed the sound and found Blackwell barking into his phone while Paskin shifted through a box of paperwork.
‘Found anything interesting?’ Meadows asked.
‘Yes, we found an insurance policy and a will,’ Paskin replied.
‘Go on.’
‘Looks like she left everything to Bethesda House.’
‘Who is the executor of the will?’
‘Sarah Higgs. Blackwell is just checking with the insurance company now.’
Meadows waited for Blackwell to finish the call. ‘Policy’s still in force and paid up to date. Looks like Bethesda House is 100K richer,’ he said.
‘That’s some policy! There’s our connection, but why? Was the money bequeathed to anyone in particular?’
‘No, sounds like it was the home.’
‘Maybe she had a relative there,’ Paskin said. ‘According to Sarah Higgs she had no relatives other than her mother.’
‘Maybe she had a soft spot for the place. Some people leave money to dogs’ homes,’ Edris said.
‘Yes, but Bethesda isn’t a charity.’
‘Well, if Miles and Jane knew about the policy, then Tara’s death would have solved their little problem,’ said Blackwell.
‘Yes,’ Edris said, ‘but as they were safely locked up last night, they couldn’t have had anything to do with Tara’s death.’
‘A hit man in Ynys Melyn?’ Edris laughed.
‘You got any better ideas?’ Blackwell growled.
‘I think it’s worth following up,’ Meadows said. He turned to Paskin. ‘Talk to Huw Pritchard. Have you found out any information about Tara’s mother?’
‘Nothing yet,’ Paskin said. ‘Valentine’s looking into it.’
Meadows looked around the bedroom where all that remained of Tara’s life had been upturned and laid bare for all to see. He shook off the gloomy thoughts and turned to Edris.
‘Come on, let’s go to Bethesda.’
Chapter Twenty-nine
‘Winter Man!’
Kevin leapt up from the floor, where he was playing Twister with some of the other residents.
Meadows braced himself for the hug. ‘How’s it going, Kevin?’
‘I’ve been shopping.’ Kevin grinned.
‘What did you buy?’
‘I’ll show you.’ Kevin shuffled out of the room.
Meadows turned to the rest of the group. Liam was tangled with Nicole, Harry and Leah while Danielle sat with Vanessa spinning the Twister wheel. Eddy stood scribbling in his book and Jason sat at the table playing cards with Steven and Cillian.
‘Sorry to interrupt your fun,’ Meadows said, ‘but I would like each of you to look at this photograph and tell me if you have seen this lady.’
Danielle stood and took the photograph, shook her head and showed it to Nicole who wasn’t interested in looking, then she handed it to Gemma.
Gemma stared at the photograph. ‘I think I’ve seen her before.’
‘Has she visited the home?’ Meadows asked.
‘No, I saw her outside on the pavement a few times.’
‘Did she say anything to you?’
‘No, she seemed to be passing by and just stopped to look at the house. Some people are curious.’
Meadows took the photograph and handed it to Cillian. ‘No, never seen her.’ Cillian gave the picture a cursory glance before handing it to Leah.
‘Who is she?’ Leah asked.
‘Tara Lane, she was found dead this morning,’ Edris said.
‘Dead?’ Leah’s hand shook as she passed the photograph back to Meadows.