No Safe Home: the gripping new crime thriller everybody is talking about

by Tara Lyons

  Pete’s attention fell on a group of children skirting around the slide. Hamilton took the opportunity and leapt out from his hiding place behind the suspect, tackling him to the ground. His unexpected attack caused the blade to catapult from Pete’s hand as the man’s head smacked down hard onto the gravelled path.

  “Sir, you okay?”

  Hamilton smiled at the familiar voice as he reached for his handcuffs. Rocky knelt down beside him, but the assistance was unnecessary; Peter Campbell was unconscious.

  “I’m fine, lad.”

  “I exited the train station, sir, and saw you racing across the road. I shouted your name…”

  “Call this in for me, Rocky. I need to find Fraser. She was tracking the suspect, but I haven’t seen her.”

  Hamilton reached for his mobile phone, fingers heavily stained with his partner’s blood, and hit the third speed dial button. A groggy voice mumbled an answer after three rings.

  “Fraser! Where are you?”

  “Boss... I lost him.”

  “We’ve got him. Are you okay?”

  She groaned. “Yeah… I’m fine. I’m on the high street.”

  “Get yourself back to The Swan and check in on Clarke. If the ambulance hasn’t already left, I want you to go with him and keep me updated at all times.”

  “But, boss… what about Campbell?”

  Hamilton detected a strain in her voice, and wondered if the suspect had dented her pride by escaping, or if she was holding something back from him. Distant sirens grew closer to the playground and Pete yelped, struggling as Rocky dragged the man to his feet.

  “Something you need to tell me, Fraser?”

  She hesitated. “No. I just don’t want him to take flight again, boss.”

  “Don’t worry… there’s no chance of that. Now, please get back to Clarke, I’ll join you at the hospital as soon as I can.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Hamilton knocked on the door and entered the private hospital room. He was surprised to find the bed empty and walked further inside. The door to the en-suite bathroom opened and Katy Royal stepped out and shrugged.

  “Never had such treatment in hospital before. No private rooms for me, not even when I gave birth to Frankie.”

  He smiled, and sat in the visitor’s chair while Katy perched on the bed, her feet dangling and grazing along the floor. She was still fully dressed, the hospital gown abandoned beside her.

  “I won’t keep you,” Hamilton said. “I just wanted to check on you and your son.”

  “They’re examining my injuries from yesterday… gosh, I can’t believe what’s happened in such a short space of time. Anyway, I’m fine. It’s Frankie I’m worried about. He seems unharmed, but they’ve got a few experts confirming that and he’s with a counsellor at the moment.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  “How’s your partner?”

  “He’s going to be just fine. There’ll be a nice scar, but the wound wasn’t fatal. He’s currently enjoying all the attention he’s receiving,” Hamilton chuckled.

  “Thank you… to you both. You saved our lives.”

  “That’s our job.” Hamilton stood up to leave and Katy bowed her head. A sense of sadness filled him. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Is Pete Campbell really Frankie’s father, or was that a lie to save you both?”

  Katy sighed and wiped a single tear from her cheek. “I wish I knew for sure, Inspector. All this time I thought Brad had saved me from a life filled with depression and sadness. When my parents died, I couldn’t face the pain. I sailed through denial and did whatever I could to keep me from the truth… that I would never see them again. I took Brad’s possessiveness for concern, and when I discovered I was pregnant just a few weeks into the relationship, it was as though I’d been given a second chance. I could have a family again and rectify my life.”

  “So, the connection with Campbell was?”

  “I didn’t know it was Pete… I still don’t fully recall all the things he said. When Frankie was born, I was confused with the dates and realised things didn’t totally add up.” Katy looked away from Hamilton. “I’m ashamed to say, I brushed the thoughts away, thinking and hoping my son was premature. I know I’ve made some bad choices in my life, but I’m not a slapper, Inspector. When Pete mentioned us meeting five years ago, it would have been just before I met Brad… I honestly can’t remember.”

  Hamilton bridged the gap and touched Katy’s shoulder. She finally looked up at him, her blue eyes glazed with tears. He could see the past haunted her, it was a feeling he understood, and he hoped she could somehow find peace.

  “Katy, it’s human nature to make mistakes. What proves your character is how you learn from them, how you move on, and how you turn your life around.”

  “Frankie… what if that monster is… I mean, what if my son grows up to be like Pete?” She grunted. “Or like Brad?”

  He rested on the bed next to the heartbroken woman. “I do not believe the craving to hurt and damage another human being is innate. It’s how we live, our society and the people we look to for guidance and support that help shape who we are. Plus, you don’t even know if Campbell is your son’s father. You’ve admitted where you’ve gone wrong, but you still have a chance to do something about it. Counselling may also be a good place for you to start.”

  “I’ve just run away from everything for so long.”

  “Well, stop running. Show Frankie there are more ways to deal with your pain. Everything you’ve done has been for your son, so I have faith you can turn this around and create a positive future for both of you. No matter how they come to us, every child is a blessing, Katy… treasure your son,” Hamilton said.

  He patted Katy’s hand and she smiled a smile he’d seen before – the unspoken thank you. A knock at the door finalised their conversation and Hamilton stood up as Matthew and Alexina entered the room. He bid them farewell, and explained they would all need to visit the station to make official statements.

  The atmosphere changed in the room. The chatter increased and Hamilton couldn’t help but peer over his shoulder before leaving. He glimpsed a change in Katy instantly. There was a determination and willpower in her animated gestures as she spoke to her friends. They hung on her every word, flooded with concern and interest. Hamilton walked away, content that no matter the outcome of any paternity test, Katy Royal would use her new, genuine relationships to finally build a safe home for her and her innocent child.

  Fraser and Rocky were still with Clarke when he returned to his partner’s bedside. He congratulated them on a successful arrest.

  “When will you interview him, gov?” Clarke asked.

  Hamilton glanced at his watch. “Tomorrow morning. Pete Campbell is safe in custody and we haven’t been home in over twenty-four hours. I don’t want to make any mistakes with him, so the three of us will reconvene in the incident room first thing and collect our information. Fraser, do you want to do the interview with me?”

  When she didn’t answer, Rocky jabbed her in the ribs. “Sorry, boss. What was that?”

  “Campbell’s interview?”

  “Oh! Yes, I’d like to be there with you, boss.”

  Hamilton instructed his team to go home and rest, and reminded Clarke to be on his best behaviour. His partner laughed off the remark. He was grateful luck had stayed on their side; if Campbell’s knife attack had penetrated Clarke’s stomach any deeper, the result would have been fatal. After bidding their colleague farewell, leaving just Rocky to make his own way home, Hamilton was finally alone with Fraser. They took the stairs, strolling towards the exit.

  “What happened out there today when you were pursuing Campbell?”

  She shrugged. “It’s all still hazy, boss… but, I think I was punched from behind.”

  “By him?”

  “I assumed so, but now I’m not too sure. I stopped briefly to check someone stayed with the elder
ly woman he’d knocked down, then I thought I saw him escape in the opposite direction and I ran like hell after him… except, where you arrested him was in the opposite direction. I just don’t think he could have backtracked, whacked me over the head and made it to the park before you.”

  “Are you in pain?”

  Fraser rubbed the back of her head. “No. I went down like a sack of spuds, but I think it was more shock… and shame,” she said, holding up her grazed palms and wrists.

  Hamilton stopped. “Do you need to get checked out?”

  “Don’t be silly, boss. I fell over like a kid in a playground. A nice, hot bath will take care of all this.”

  As they approached the car park, Hamilton remembered Fraser had arrived in the ambulance with Clarke, and therefore her car was still in Stratford. He offered to drive her back to collect it.

  “I’ll call an Uber, boss. Get home before your wife divorces you.”

  “She’d divorce me if she found out I’d let a young woman get in one of those taxis alone at night.”

  Fraser laughed. “Slightly sexist, but I get your point. I’d better accept then, thank you.”

  During the short drive, Hamilton suggested they request any CCTV footage from Stratford High Street, as a way of determining who had attacked Fraser.

  “I really don’t think there’s much point, boss. The place was swarming with people. It was probably one of those youngsters, who hate the police and thought they’d help their brother-in-arms escape.”

  Hamilton grunted. “You could have a point there. But, I’ll get Rocky to look into it all the same.”

  “He’s been a helpful addition to the team.”

  “Definite potential there I think. Which reminds me, I must touch base with Wedlock before calling it a night.”

  “It’s awful what’s happened to his mum… If he does have to look after her full-time, it will be a difficult job for him to do alone. Pass my best wishes onto him please, boss.”

  A comfortable silence filled the car, and Fraser stared out the window until they arrived at the spot they’d parked a few hours earlier. The crime scene ribbon around the front entrance of the Swan fluttered in the breeze, the night only adding to the dark atmosphere of the street.

  Fraser got out of the vehicle and lowered her head back into the car. “Boss, ever get the feeling you’re being watched?”

  He looked at his colleague and smiled. “In this job, Fraser, always.”

  CHAPTER FORTY

  At the beginning of the interview, Hamilton stated Pete Campbell’s refusal for legal representation for the benefit of the tape. Once again, he glared into the murderer’s soulless eyes and, despite having washed away the mask of bloodstains, the man’s various abrasions were a painful reminder of the heinous crimes he’d committed. With the monster in custody, jubilation soared through Hamilton’s body.

  “Pete Campbell, you have been arrested for the attempted murder of Katy and Frankie Royal and Matthew Webb. In light of securing your DNA, we’re confident charges will also be brought forward for the murders of Emma and Kyle Jones and Scarlett and Noah Mitchell –”

  “Nooo. Nooo.” Campbell’s unnerving tone haunted the small interview room.

  “Mr Campbell, you left this note for Katy Royal in her London apartment, is that correct?”

  Hamilton slid the transparent wallet across the table and identified its evidence number. Campbell didn’t flinch.

  “I’m now showing the suspect another sheet of paper which was found at his place of residence,” Hamilton continued, and inwardly cheered when the man’s eyes flickered down to the table for a moment. “We found this in the shed in your garden. Although, it’s more like a criminal workstation than a mere garden shed. Isn’t that right, Mr Campbell?”

  “I wouldn’t know. I rent it out to someone… a neighbour.”

  Hamilton folded his arms over his chest. “Really? Can you supply us with this someone’s name? No? Could you explain why this paper, and the book accompanying it, are written in the same handwriting as Katy Royal’s note? Why your finger prints are all over it, and why it was found in your shed? This book is a diary of events, detailing daily activities of all three female victims – going back as far as two years in Katy’s case.” He sat forward and thumbed through the pages. “Frequent taxi pick-up and drop-off locations, routine shopping trips and other personal information. You managed to get close to these women and yet stay invisible. They felt safe around you.”

  Campbell smirked, and relaxed back into the chair. Continuing to stare only at Hamilton, the man listened to every question and comment, but remained verbally unresponsive.

  “And the work you did with those keys.” Hamilton changed track and leisurely applauded. “I honestly had no idea it was so simple to copy a key… photograph the original, print and cut the template to fit the blank one, a bit of drilling and hey presto!”

  The suspect sneered, nodding his head at the appreciation he was receiving. Hamilton slammed his fist on the table and jumped up from his seat.

  “It sickens me to know you’ve used what was innocent sharing of information on YouTube, and twisted it to your vile crimes. To intrude and stalk and take the lives of innocent people!”

  Hamilton’s spittle landed on the desk. The pair exchanged scowls, neither one ready to back down, until Fraser cleared her throat and dragged Hamilton from the image of violated corpses. He sat down and collected his emotions.

  “We know all about your ex-girlfriend, Rita, Mr Campbell.” Hamilton paused, and enjoyed the look of fear now shadowing the man’s face. “Oh yes, we found her and explained everything. Rita’s travelling back to London as we speak, with the intention of testifying against you.”

  Before the interview, and in light of Campbell’s arrest, Hamilton had managed to persuade Rita’s protective mother to share her daughter’s contact details. He heard the relief in Rita’s voice as he clarified the recent circumstances and that there was little chance of Campbell’s freedom. Rita explained her ex’s obsessive nature and how, once he had a plan set in his sights, nothing would stop him. Pete’s need to control and know everything had pushed her into running away. Her statement, coupled with the information that Campbell’s mother had died when he was an unstable five-year-old, had gone some way to explaining Campbell’s neurotic character. The man’s need to attach himself and dominate the women in his life had only escalated when he met Katy Royal. His violent behaviour triggered to breaking point when she became the true object of affection test he couldn’t have.

  “As well as your DNA over the equipment in your work shed, tests are currently in process to determine if it matches the samples taken from your second victim.” Images of the women and children’s faces disturbed Hamilton’s thoughts again. “There are some vile creatures in prison, Mr Campbell… but even they don’t condone child killers. You’ll be lower than scum in there, and I’ll do my utmost to ensure the serving jury give you the maximum sentence for your crimes.”

  Rage simmered beneath the surface, and Hamilton could feel the imminent eruption inside him. Sometimes, it wasn’t enough to arrest the monsters. Just sometimes he wanted to be left alone in a room with the murderers of this world. He wasn’t one to tolerate unnecessary violence, but Campbell’s unremorseful demeanour, combined with the memory of those children, caused Hamilton to clench and unclench his fists repeatedly.

  The interview felt pointless. Campbell wasn’t sharing anything new and they had all the physical evidence they needed. Yet, Hamilton remained unsatisfied.

  “Just tell us why, Campbell. Why did you kill those mothers and sons in their home?”

  “Why, why, why… That’s all anyone ever asks,” Campbell finally retorted.

  “What should I be asking?”

  The man’s fingers drummed on top of the table. “Listen to me… Katy is mine! She always will be, wherever she goes. I was furious when she left me. Just like Rita before her and…”

  “Your moth
er before that?” Hamilton finished the sentence.

  Campbell’s nostrils flared, his cheeks flushed a deep red.

  “Except your mother died. There was no choice for her. What you did… you made a decision to end those women’s lives, didn’t you? So, my question remains, Mr Campbell, why?”

  The monster in front of him parted his lips and slowly sucked in a mouthful of air. Glowering at Hamilton, Campbell shrugged and finally answered, “Because I could.”

  The interview door opened and the desk sergeant slipped a note to Hamilton before exiting just as swiftly as he’d entered. He read it and passed it to Fraser who, until this point, had purely observed.

  “We’ve just had some good news from the lab, Mr Campbell,” she said. “Your DNA is an exact match to the pubic hair retrieved from Scarlett Mitchell’s mouth. Plus, the makeshift keys recovered from your shed opened all the front doors of the victims’ homes. We’re also investigating the attack and attempted murder of Brad Royal, and your involvement in it. You will be charged and sent to trial for each and every crime.”

  Hamilton waited for a response from Campbell, who simply stared ahead and ignored Fraser while she spoke. There wasn’t a shred of remorse from the man, and Hamilton felt a pinch of disappointment. He wanted to understand why those women and children had lost their lives. He wanted to know the exact moment and reasoning of Campbell’s decisions to snatch away any future they’d had. But, Hamilton knew today would not be the day his questions were answered, if in fact he would ever find a resolution for them. As much as he tried, sometimes, there was no way to get inside the mind of a killer. Instead, Hamilton chose to celebrate the success of his team, saving a third mother and son from a fatal encounter, and extracting another villain from the streets of London.