Ambling slowly back towards the barn, the little Russian could not help himself from scrutinising the fields either side of the track for any footprints, or tell-tale marks. Thinking it through as he walked, he could not comprehend that if someone could avoid the cotton trap, both cameras, ‘neutralise’ a guard, then they must have been able to enter the prison. If they could do that, why hadn’t they rescued the girl? Why hadn’t they picked up the gun which was in an obvious position? Perhaps he was being paranoid and there was no one and that’s why the cameras hadn’t seen anyone. His placed guard could have dozed off and fallen banging his head. Lots of coincidences and he hated coincidences.
Turning towards the hedgerows, he whistled to attract the attention of the Lithuanians and Petrovski, and waved them back to the barn. Petrovski was reluctant but obedient, and the other two could not have been more grateful. All eventually disappeared from Simon’s view as they gathered outside the barn by the cars. The small Russian knew what had to be done, and soon Petrovski walked into view at the back of the barn carrying the corpse over his shoulder, followed by the two Lithuanians. A burial party which was heading for the drainage ditch vacated by Simon. It was the obvious place to put a body.
Alison was waiting for the response to the plaintive cry to Dimitri and it came with the soft words.
“Put the hood on.”
“I’m hungry. I need food.”
“Put the hood on.”
She did, and she heard the door as it was opened. A strong hand grasped her neck, and she instinctively grabbed it with both her hands in an effort to release the pressure. The chain of the handcuff hanging from her wrist.
“Who was here?”
“What do you mean?”
Now no longer a slap. The clenched fist that hit her on the side of the face caused her to cry out in pain.
“No one was here. Don’t hit me.”
Her fingers on her left hand were enclosed in a palm and slowly squeezed together increasing in pain. Alison screamed in agony as her thumb was slowly and deliberately dislocated.
“Please don’t hurt me, no one is here” and she started to cry and collapsed to the floor, her dropping weight freeing her hand and neck.
The stamp of the foot on her knee and the kick to her ribs was an angry gratuitous parting gesture before she heard the door slam shut. She lay still on the floor unable to reach or get onto the bed, or even take off the hood.
Although he couldn’t see, Simon knew that Alison was going to be questioned and not politely. He knew that he could not stop it and hoped she could withstand the pain that was being inflicted. In his new pit, he heard the muffled screams and had to listen to them. It was clear that the little Russian was the interrogator and leader of the group and Simon resolved, come the right time, that he would suffer as much.
93
Tuesday 14th June 2011
John had pondered how he could explain his find at the industrial estate as he drove back from his meeting in Angmering. He could not disclose the bug he had been fortunate enough to have planted on the van. Having got around how he had come across Masters, another coincidence would probably raise the eyebrows of the sceptical. It was still the only solution he could come up with. Looked at logically from his point of view, the vans probity had been discovered not originally via the bug or ‘trembler’, but by observation and the initial manipulation of a toffee hammer and good investigative skills. Some lawyers he thought, may conclude it was an act of criminal damage and question why he did not apprehend the suspect there and then. He could answer them albeit in a roundabout sort of way.
Sitting in his parked car amongst the debris of previous seasons and the prevailing winds, John drew his thoughts together. For just short of ten minutes he sat there seemingly staring into space. An officer that knew him walked past on his way to his own vehicle and waved. Getting no response, he shook his head and walked on. Eventually John stirred and entered the station and climbed the stairs. In the office, he briefed Murray and Paul while Doreen, who was making his coffee, listened in about the interview with Masters. They all agreed, including Doreen who was now becoming more involved, that he had to move out of his house as soon as possible and if necessary at Police expense. All concurred that the alarm engineer should visit in company with Jimmy at his earliest convenience to establish whether the panic alarms had been disabled. Paul had no doubt that should finance be required, Prodow would sanction it.
Sipping his coffee, John said, “Murray, I know you told me to go straight to Angmering. I didn’t.”
“See Murray. That’s what I mean. You tell them to do something and they totally disregard you.”
“I went to Birdham to make 100% certain I had got you the right address and details for the warrant.”
Murray said, “So your saying you didn’t believe the details on the PNC?”
“They have been wrong in the past as we all know.”
Paul said, “Can’t say that I do. Where’s this going?”
“On the way back as I was heading off to Angmering, I was driving past the first industrial unit just North of Birdham on Main Road and got caught behind a bus pulling out of a bus stop. I happened to glance in and saw the van inside one of the units. No 4.”
Murray said, “Did you get the name of the unit?”
“I couldn’t see one anywhere.”
Doreen started to hit the keys on her keyboard and within seconds had Google maps showing Birdham in street view. They crowded round her computer as the map scrolled North along Main Road.
“Stop. That’s it.” The image showed the entrance to the industrial unit.
Murray said to Paul, “I’m popping down to my computer. I think I can identify it from one of the Sussex mapping systems I have access to.”
He rushed out of the room. Within five minutes he was back with the full address. Doreen began typing out the information at Paul’s dictation for a warrant. She added the full postal address as Murray told her. Paul already had one typed up warrant and information for the home address, he now added the second. All that was required now was Prodow’s authority to seek a magistrate and apply formally for the granting of the two warrants. Never a predetermined postulation.
Paul was getting on well with Murray who was a quick and enthusiastic learner. Between them, they’d demolished half a jar of coffee with Doreen, and agreed a modern coffee machine that made a mug at the touch of a button would be a better option than a kettle. None believed that they would get away with it though. Paul called Prodow and confirmed his afternoon visit to the office and was told Groves would also be there. He informed Prodow that a warrant was already prepared for the house, but they needed to apply for another for a workshop on the industrial unit.
Prodow said, “Get Jimmy up to speed and you can brief me later. I’d like him to make the application. We’ll get there earlier. Say 3.30pm and Paul?”
“Yes?”
“I won’t be late.”
Murray who had skimmed the working copy of the file, and was reasonably au fait with it, had come to the undemanding conclusion that all the evidence pointing to Munroe was circumstantial and insufficient to gain a conviction. Now they all poured over the bank statements that John had obtained from Masters and it was all there, literally in black and white, as to the goings on. Monies had been taken via cash that Masters had not seen or noticed as he had given up checking his statements after his first collapse. For some reason, which the Doctors were unable to diagnose, his vision had been affected, and letters and figures seemed a tad blurred.
Jimmy got back to the office from yet another visit to the laboratory and was quickly told of the Masters interview and the documents to be appended to the exhibits. He’d soon added them to the growing inventory in his book. Then during a brief discussion about Masters inability to read figures clearly Jimmy instantly explained a side effect of one of the poisons was the disruption of the optic nerves. His knowledge of the various poisons was becoming se
cond to none. When Paul informed him that Prodow wanted him to obtain the warrants, he considered it the greatest compliment and endorsement as to his ability. He felt an inch or two taller.
Everyone in the office was starting to feel positive.
Prodow entered the office at exactly 3.30pm followed closely on his heels by Groves. Whiles was at the desk with his back to the wall facing the door and his eyes closed: not due to an evening out, but sheer tiredness. Paul moved for Prodow, and Groves headed for an empty seat catching his foot in the telephone cable yanking one of the phones off Paul’s desk.
Prodow in true hypocrite’s manner said, “You need to look where you’re going” as Paul replaced it.
Coffee was taken by all, including Groves, without protest, and Paul introduced Murray to him.
“Right. Let’s crack on. Who’s going to brief me today?”
Paul said, “Murray can do it” which confused Groves more than ever. He had learnt his lessons over the previous days that he’d do best by keeping his mouth shut. Looking for, but not seeing Alison in the office, he nearly blurted a question out as to why she wasn’t there. Then he stopped himself as no one else seemed to be missing her. Murray was an old hand at it, so his briefing for Prodow was clear, concise and full of detail. Groves had missed a few meetings due to other commitments, so he listened carefully as he would have done when an active DS. He felt as though he was dropping back into the mix when he concentrated on the case and not the officers themselves.
At the end of the briefing, Prodow sat still with his hands together and fingers just touching his lips as if in prayer. Murray was a chin stroker, and sat gently rubbing it with his right hand. John sat with his eyes closed and Jimmy scrutinised the small crack that ran from the top of the door jamb towards the ceiling. Groves was thinking and looking into the middle distance while Doreen looked at each person in turn.
For a full five minutes there was silence, and then Groves said, “For the love of God. If we know of one person, how many more could there be?”
Murray added as if a post script, “It looks like something went wrong with Armstrong though. His bank statements that we have do not show the same as Masters.”
Prodow said, “I agree with you Mr Groves. How many more could there be? Now you are up to speed, how do you think we should proceed?” It was more a question of hope that something new could be brought to the table that had not yet been considered. Prodow did not hold out much expectation though.
Everyone was surprised when Groves responded as a good DS should.
“Right then. I’ll bring the full team back together for the morning at 5am here. We’ll split them into two teams and hit the house and workshop at 6.30am. Paul can lead the team at the house and Murray can lead the team at the workshop. Doreen: If you can get in for 6.30am please and man the office with Jimmy. There will have to be a deputy exhibits officer at each location and they will acquaint Jimmy with what is found. He will co-ordinate all the exhibits. John will attend the location of the van to confirm it’s the right vehicle. You Sir, and I will be on hand from 5am and will be at one or other of the locations as and if needed. Interview teams can be decided when we know how many suspects we have.”
Prodow looked at Groves in a new light and as if to endorse what he had said, “Any question?”
Paul said, “None. That’s what we anticipated and we will be ready.”
“Good. Crack on.” Prodow scribbled quickly in his murder book. It was filling a lot more rapidly lately.
Paul and Murray had drawn up the two teams and set about phoning everyone and Doreen sent backup e-mails.
“Oscar and I need to speak about other issues, and I may need him elsewhere.”
John didn’t bother to open his eyes, he just nodded. Groves didn’t even give him a second thought.
John and Prodow sat together in Murray’s office with the door closed. Prodow questioned him as to how he came to be in Barnham on the evening he first saw the van. John explained how everyone that went in the conservatory end of the front room had a feeling that they were being watched, and he told of spotting the bird box with the wire at the back. Not being sure is why he went there for two nights. They agreed it had to be divulged and that the following of the van was not a problem as they thought the index number was sufficient to identify the vehicle’s owners. It justified any loss of the vehicle. How were they to know it was on false plates? John didn’t mention his bug.
John went on to explain how he had watched the house in Birdham waiting to check the rear of the van and was able with a lot of luck to follow the vehicle to Angmering and locate Masters. A bird box with identical fittings to Armstrong’s was identified in the only garden tree. All the rest fitted together with John telling him that he went to have another look at the house, and saw the van in the workshop by chance.
Prodow looked at him quizzically and said, “You sure you can explain that all in court if you have to?”
“Yes. I was lucky.”
“You’re telling me!”
94
Wednesday 15th June 2011
5am saw an assortment of twenty-two officers, made up of detectives, uniform PC’s, and two SOCO’s (Scenes of Crime Officers). They were gathered in the first-floor conference cum briefing room, some still trying to get the sleep from their eyes, others full of beans. All were dressed casually mainly in old jeans and top in anticipation of getting dirty during the searches. The noise they were making as they nattered amongst themselves was amplified due to the time of day and no extraneous noises from outside. They had all worked at some time on the murder enquiry and most were surprised to have been recalled to it, even for one day. Those from Brighton who had probably risen from their beds at 3am in order to be sure of arrival at 5 could tolerate one early start. More local officers had probably not set their alarms much before 4.15.
Prodow and Groves entered the room dead on 5am. Instant silence! They could have heard a pin drop. Not one of the officers had expected them before 5.15am. Some looked around and others casually glanced at the wall clock.
“OK folks, thanks for coming at such short notice. I’ll keep this brief. As you know, we charged Munroe and the evidence was a bit weak. There have been some unexpected developments which lead me to believe she may be innocent. Those same enquiries have produced two very strong contenders for the crime. Mr Groves will be handing out a briefing sheet to each of you at the conclusion of my résumé. It gives full names and description of each person, and the addresses.”
He paused to clear his throat. Not one eye left him.
“We all know Armstrong was poisoned with a concoction of unusual substances. Details of which are also on the briefing sheet. Therefore, gloves are to be worn and I would recommend you do not lick your fingers or put them near any open wound. Do not drink anything from the premises and that includes water. We have a medic with us who will ensure any wound can be appropriately covered. It has also been arranged for a paramedic to be on standby between the two premises.”
Some looked at nicks on their fingers and other little cuts visible on their anatomy. “I want any liquids seized that are out of place. The SOCOs will advise you on this. I want all computer equipment seized and that especially includes any form of media. Are we all clear so far?”
There was no dissent.
“Good.”
Prodow resumed, “Each team will go in at 6.30am and the house will be led by Paul and Murray will lead at the workshop. Stand up Murray so everyone can see who you are.”
Murray stood for several seconds before regaining his seat.
“Myself and Mr Groves will be floating between both searches, but as I know most of you and I have complete confidence in you all, I will be having breakfast while you are crawling about getting dirty. I know you will appreciate that I have to keep my stamina up.”
A titter ran around the room.
“Any questions before you leave?”
One wag said, “Basicall
y anything that looks wrong.”
“You got it.”
Groves handed a briefing sheet to each person as they joined their prearranged team.
Jimmy, who had made the appointment the previous evening with the Chairman of the Bench (of Magistrates) at his large house in Boxgrove, had enjoyed a convivial sherry as he expounded his reasons that the warrants should be granted. The Magistrate acceded to Jimmy’s request and after signing them proposed the toast, “To an efficacious conclusion.”
Raising his nearly empty schooner, Jimmy drank to it, although he wasn’t quite sure what it meant.
Now he handed the signed relevant warrants to Paul and Murray, as each gave a further group briefing to their teams and then all descended the stairs and to their allotted vehicles.
Came the appointed time, and Murray led a small convoy of vehicles as he entered the industrial unit through the wedged open front gate and up to the workshop entrance. Paul led a similar small cavalcade of assorted vehicles into the drive of the large house in Birdham.
Calling Murray by radio, he let him know that the van was not there and Murray declared there was no sign of it at the workshops. John was sitting in the position he had been in previously when he had watched the house, and hearing the radio, turned on his Sat Nav. The van was on the move and in the backstreets of Chichester in the general direction of the industrial unit.
John took off with spinning tyres to get in a position between the van and the unit. He got to half way and stopped in a pull-in for a bus stop and waited. Murray’s team were in the process of forcing an entry into the workshop. As soon as he saw the van, he radioed Murray and told him that the van had just passed him on a direction towards the industrial estate.
Instantly Murray called to his team, “Get the vehicles out of sight, the van is on its way here.”
An Urgent Murder Page 30
