The Anita Waller Collection

by Anita Waller

  She had been frightened; she felt as though her life had been about fear for the past seven years, and it had to stop. Now.

  ‘You know what, Heather, having a terminal diagnosis is… liberating.’

  ‘Liberating?’ Heather was just leaving the room, but she stopped. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I have six months to live. Maximum, I reckon. But it means I have six months in which I can do anything. Absolutely anything. Including murder. By the time anything gets to court, I’ll be dead.’

  Claudia’s remarks bothered Heather. She had made no response other than a very weak smile, but Claudia was normally a gentle person, liked nothing heavier than Death in Paradise on television, and to hear such words coming from her, combined with the expression on her face, was unsettling.

  She recognised that the problems with James had taken her to the edge, so much so that she had walked out on her marriage, but to have changed that much was troubling. She prayed that the cancer hadn’t already sent tendrils into Claudia’s brain, because if it had, the six months could be shortened by a considerable amount.

  She got up at three, giving up on sleep, and booked their Paris trip. The flight from Robin Hood airport departed at the ungodly hour of seven every morning, so She booked it for Wednesday, returning Sunday. Maybe the sights and sounds of the European capital would lift Claudia’s thoughts away from being able to commit murder…

  She was back in bed by four and slept until eight, waking only because her phone pinged to say she had received a text message.

  It was from Michelle, saying she had indeed broken her wrist, was now in a cast, but nothing broken in her ankle. That just needed rest. She also added that her sister, Jade, would be handling the shop from Monday, for a week, so to introduce themselves to her.

  Heather rolled out of bed, not convinced she wanted to surface just yet.

  Claudia was already up and looking wide awake. ‘Morning, lazy bones. It’s not like you to sleep in.’

  ‘Didn’t go to bed till four.’ Heather’s mouth felt like a dry desert. ‘Any coffee left in the pot?’

  ‘Sit down. I’ll get you one,’ Claudia laughed. ‘Why on earth did you stay up till four?’

  ‘I didn’t. I wasn’t asleep at three – that accident certainly fried my brain. So I got up and booked our Paris trip. We fly Wednesday morning at seven. It’s an early start so do you want me to book in overnight on Tuesday at the airport hotel? It’s only Robin Hood though. If it had been Manchester I wouldn’t have hesitated, but…’ Heather was aware she was waffling.

  ‘No, we’ll leave from here. If we get up half past three-ish, have a drink and then go, we’ll be there in plenty of time for check in, and we can have some breakfast in the airport. This is just the boost I needed.’

  ‘Five-star hotel on the Champs-Élysées, first class on the plane. Taxi transfer from Charles de Gaulle, has the girl done good?’

  ‘The girl has done extremely good. Euros?’

  ‘Going on Monday to get them. I’ll nip to town if you don’t want to go.’

  ‘I’ll see how I am when I wake up. I’ll make you that coffee for being a good girl.’

  Heather smiled as Claudia left the room. She seemed so much brighter this morning.

  ‘By the way,’ Heather called, ‘Michelle’s just texted. Her wrist is broken, but her ankle just needs rest. Her sister’s going to be running things in the shop for a while.’

  Claudia returned holding two coffees. ‘I’ll make a fresh pot if you want any more,’ she said and handed a cup to Heather. ‘What’s she called?’

  ‘Jade. We’ve to go and introduce ourselves to her – and possibly tell her not to press any strange doorbell buttons she finds under the counter.’

  Claudia smiled. ‘In a way, it’s good that Michelle is incapacitated. He’s clearly stepped up his campaign, this ex of hers. Michelle out of the way and resting means we can do something about him.’

  ‘Like what? We don’t even know where he lives.’

  ‘We can find him.’

  Heather felt a shiver like icy water running down her spine.

  ‘And what will you do?’

  ‘Kill him. I told you I can do anything now.’

  Heather tried to lighten things. ‘Don’t think it’s allowed. The police get a bit iffy about vigilantes. And just how will you kill him? You’re five foot nothing, and he looks a burly chap, quite capable of blowing you over.’

  ‘I’ll do what he did, use the car as a weapon. And then James will be next on my list.’

  Heather felt sick. She just grinned at Claudia and walked out of the room. ‘I’ll get biscuits,’ she said. She leaned her head against the sink and felt the coolness on her brow. This couldn’t be happening. Claudia had sounded sincere, but surely she wouldn’t carry it through? She didn’t have an evil bone in her body; cancerous growths, yes.

  Heather forgot the biscuits; instead she walked down the corridor and showered, letting the water beat on her face as she attempted to forget not only the words Claudia had used, but the way she had delivered them. With resolve.

  They remained indoors for the whole of Sunday, did some Internet shopping for things they could potentially need in Paris, checked a couple of times via text on Michelle, and eventually had an early night, both tired by weekend activities.

  They walked into the bakery Monday morning, and saw what appeared to be Michelle’s double, just a little slimmer.

  It was empty of customers and Heather walked to the counter and held out her hand. ‘Morning. I’m Heather from upstairs, and this is Claudia.’ She shook her hand, followed by Claudia.

  ‘And I’m Jade, Jade Pitman,’ she said. ‘And please don’t tell me I look like Michelle’s twin. It’s the cross I’ve had to bear all my life,’ she said with a laugh. ‘We’re not twins, I’m a year younger than she is, but we look the same.’

  ‘You certainly do,’ Heather responded with a smile. ‘It must be good having a sister so close in age though. I’ve no siblings at all, and neither has Claudia. I’d have loved a sister.’

  ‘They’re okay, but when they’re older, they’re prone to pulling rank,’ was Jade’s dry response. ‘Can I get you anything?’

  ‘Yes, please. Two vanilla slices and a cob.’

  Jade packaged them and handed them over. ‘Good to meet you. I’m here for the week, so I’ll probably see more of you.’

  ‘We’re off to Paris on Wednesday for a few days, but you’re very welcome to come and have a coffee with us, any afternoon when you’ve finished.’

  ‘Aw, thank you. Michelle said you were lovely. I won’t take you up on the offer today, I’m doing the school run, but tomorrow would be good. Is that okay?’

  ‘It’s fine. We’ll look forward to it.’

  They walked out of the shop with Claudia still limping slightly; the wound opening up was making her favour the good leg.

  Ringing their doorbell was a tall man, and by his side a female police officer. Heather froze. DS… Northroyd? She couldn’t remember his name. Claudia could. Heather heard Claudia say quietly, ‘Norwood.’

  Chapter 18

  ‘DS Norwood? Can we help?’ Claudia held out her hand. He shook it and smiled at her and Heather.

  ‘We just need a little chat. Okay if we go upstairs?’

  Claudia unlocked the door, and climbed the stairs, again favouring the bad leg. ‘Sorry,’ she said, looking back at the three people following her. ‘Maybe I should have walked up last.’

  They reached the top and Claudia stood for a moment, her full weight on her left leg, raising her right one slightly from the floor.

  ‘Are you okay, Mrs Bell?’

  ‘I will be when I’m sitting down.’

  Heather squeezed past the others and took Claudia’s arm. ‘Come on, you can’t be like this on Wednesday. Let’s get you to the lounge.’ She turned to the policeman. ‘You’ll be pleased to know we’re no longer sitting on sun loungers.’

  ‘Good.’
He grinned. ‘And take your time. Whatever’s wrong with that leg, treat it gently.’

  Ten minutes later, cups of tea made, and the two women and their visitors were seated, with more comfort than previously, in the lounge.

  Heather carried the tray through to hear Norwood asking Claudia if she had had a fall and injured her leg.

  ‘No. Not a fall, an operation, and it’s still a bit tender. They only took skin from my leg to place on the actual operation site, but it’s been the worst bit for making me uncomfortable.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ Norwood looked up. ‘Thank you, Mrs Gower. Now you’re here, can I introduce DC Havenhand, Rosie Havenhand. Rosie, this is Heather Gower, and Claudia Bell. Claudia is James Bell’s wife.’

  Claudia froze. ‘You haven’t told him where I am, have you?’

  ‘No, we haven’t. We’re here for something different. When was the last time you saw your husband, Claudia?’

  Liam watched her face; it was expressive, and he needed to see signs of lying.

  She didn’t lie. ‘I can tell you exactly. 6.58am, Monday, 11th April. I can’t be more precise than that.’

  ‘Thank you.’ He smiled at her and turned to Heather. ‘And you, Heather? Have you seen him?’

  ‘Yes, a little more recently. As we’ve said, Claudia has had an operation, and on Saturday…’ Heather paused for a moment working out dates. ‘Yes, Saturday, 16th April, I took some flowers to the cemetery to Claudia’s baby’s grave, because Claudia was still in hospital. James arrived. He’d obviously been waiting for Claudia, because I didn’t go till about half past four, after I’d left Claudia. Normally she goes to the cemetery around one o’clock. I was driving Claud’s car. I can’t drive Owen’s car anymore, because… I just can’t, but I’m doing all the driving at the moment, so we’re using Claud’s car. He obviously thought I was Claud, because he was blazing as he came up to me. I must tell you, he didn’t know about Claudia being in hospital. She didn’t, and doesn’t, want him to know.’

  Heather hesitated a moment, reliving the nightmare of the Saturday. ‘He was very abrasive, wanted to know where Claudia was. I was scared. He eventually stomped off, I finished arranging the flowers and then drove by a very roundabout route to a friend of ours, somebody he doesn’t know, and spent the night there. I was scared he would follow me here, and then know where we lived. We keep our car in the garage all the time so that he can’t track us through that.’

  ‘Just a minute,’ Claudia interrupted. ‘Why are you asking all of this?’

  ‘James Bell has been reported as a missing person. Basically, we’re starting at a logical beginning, with you two. Heather, have you had the funeral for your husband yet?’

  Heather nodded. ‘Last Friday.’

  ‘And Mr Bell didn’t attend?’

  ‘No. I told him he wouldn’t be welcome, when he was so horrible to me. I made it very clear, while waving a pair of scissors in his face – I had been shortening flower stems with them when he had crept up on me. Anyway, he didn’t attend, and that was the main thing, because he would have hassled Claudia and she’s not well enough to deal with problems he’s caused. The dickhead.’

  Rosie Havenhand continued to take notes, simply letting her boss get on with it. He had established a good rapport with the two ladies, he would pick up on stuff if there was anything not quite right.

  ‘Thank you, ladies.’ He placed his empty cup on the upturned plastic box.

  ‘Just a minute,’ Claudia said. ‘I’m sorry, but he’s still my husband. You can’t just walk in here and say he’s missing, with no further information! How long has he been missing? And who saw him last? In fact, here’s the biggy… who reported him missing? Was it the kids?’

  Liam took out his notebook. ‘He was last seen on 23rd of April in Leeds. A Saturday, in the morning. He had a coffee with a Leeds City Councillor, and then headed back to Sheffield.’

  ‘So the last time he was seen was in Leeds, and you’re asking questions in Sheffield?’ Claudia looked puzzled. ‘Why aren’t you asking questions of this Councillor?’

  ‘I have. He’s the one who reported James missing. He has had no texts or phone calls, no emails or video chats, since that Saturday morning.’

  ‘And the Councillor’s name?’

  ‘I’m sorry…’

  ‘You’re sorry, you’re not allowed to disclose that.’ Claudia’s tone had become caustic. ‘You don’t need to, I think we could make an educated guess.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘Councillor Will Monroe? Would it be him? James saw a lot of him when he was in Leeds.’

  Oh he saw more than a lot of him, Norwood thought, but said nothing.

  He put his notebook away. ‘So you can’t shed any light on your husband’s whereabouts, Claudia?’

  ‘No, sorry, I can’t. And to be perfectly honest, DS Norwood, I really couldn’t care less where he is. I won’t be here in six months, so what does it matter?’

  Unsure of what Claudia’s words meant, Norwood looked at Heather who had moved to stand by Claudia. He took the easy option.

  ‘Please leave your new address with us, won’t you?’

  Claudia gave a short bark of laughter, then burst into tears. ‘Heaven, hopefully.’

  Heather led the police officers down to the bottom door and let them out.

  Norwood hesitated. ‘Terminal?’ He kept his voice low.

  ‘Yes. Malignant melanoma. It’s spread. Look, we’re going to Paris on Wednesday, back Sunday. We won’t be available while we’re away but will be from Monday morning. The travel on Sunday will probably exhaust her.’

  Norwood nodded. ‘Then I’m sorry we’ve had to disturb you. Enjoy your break, it’s a beautiful city.’

  Heather locked the door behind her and went back up to Claudia. She was splashing water on her face.

  ‘You okay?’

  She nodded and dried her skin. ‘I just wanted them to go. Where do you think James is?’

  ‘No idea.’

  ‘I’m going to have to tell Harry and Zoe tonight.’

  ‘Oh God, I’d forgotten you’re seeing them. Would you like me to drive you there, and then pick you up when you’re ready to come home?’

  ‘Would you mind? I think I’d be okay driving now…’

  ‘No you wouldn’t.’

  Claudia nodded again. ‘You’re right. I’ll go and have an hour’s rest. That okay?’

  ‘You don’t have to check with me. I’m not James. Go and rest. I’ll give you a call when I get back from getting our euros.’

  Heather collected her bag, checked that Claudia was okay, and left. She needed to be on her own. Norwood’s arrival had rattled her, and she didn’t want Claudia second-guessing what could have happened to her husband. Heather didn’t want Claud linking the blood on her scalp to the day James had supposedly disappeared.

  Two hours later Heather was back home, splitting the euros into two equal piles, finding the passports and E111s, and generally doing other holiday-related chores.

  Claudia wandered through just as Heather finished. Claudia looked sleepy, and vigorously ruffled her hair in an attempt at waking herself up. ‘I’ve slept for ages.’

  ‘You obviously needed it.’

  ‘I did. You have the euros then.’

  Heather waved her hand towards the two piles. ‘All done and dusted. I’m really looking forward to this, but promise me, Claud, if you need to just rest in the hotel instead of going out, you’ll tell me.’

  ‘I promise. But I think you’ll know. You seem pretty quick at recognising when I’m out on my feet.’

  Heather hugged her friend. ‘I’ve known you many years, Claud. Of course I know when you’re beat. Will you be okay on your own tonight?’

  ‘I will. The kids are going to be upset, so I think I’ll be better dealing with that on my own. I toyed with asking you to come, but I have to think of them now, and I think they’ll want me alone. I’ll ring when I’m ready to come home, altho
ugh one of them might bring me.’

  Claudia arrived at Harry’s seconds before Zoe and David did, and Emma made them a pot of tea.

  ‘No milk for me, thanks,’ Claudia said with a smile.

  ‘Crikey, that’s new!’ Zoe laughed, clearly happy to see her mum at last.

  ‘I’ve decided to cut dairy out of my diet,’ Claudia said.

  David handed her the mug, and she sat back in the chair, comfortable with being with her family.

  ‘So what’s new, Mum?’ Harry said. ‘Divorce?’

  ‘No, but there are a couple of things you need to know.’ Claudia paused. She’d spent all afternoon wondering how to tell them and was no nearer knowing. ‘The first thing is that your dad appears to be missing. I found out at lunchtime today. The police called to see if either Heather or I had seen him, but I haven’t since the day I walked out, and Heather saw him the following Saturday, so neither of us could help. He’s been reported missing by a Leeds Councillor. No doubt the police will be contacting you to ask if you’ve seen him, and when. I’ve not given them your addresses yet, but they’ll be asking, I’m sure.’

  Zoe gasped. ‘Dad? Missing?’

  Claudia nodded. ‘And on that, I can’t tell you any more. I haven’t been in touch at all. I have ignored all texts from him, just deleted them, because most of them were quite nasty.’ And then a thought hit her. ‘He hasn’t texted for a couple of weeks. Maybe I should have told DS Norwood that. So, have any of you seen James since the 23rd of April?’

  They all said no, and Zoe turned to her mum. ‘So what do we do? Has he gone away? On holiday?’

  ‘I have no idea. He hasn’t gone away with his significant other, that’s for sure.’

  ‘What?’ Zoe’s eyes opened wide.

  ‘Your father, it appears, has someone else. The Leeds Councillor who reported him as a missing person.’

  ‘What’s her name?’

  ‘His name is Councillor Will Monroe?’

  There was a stunned silence in the room.

  ‘I can’t take much more.’ Zoe spoke very quietly.