by JJ Franklin
‘How would you have liked the courts to deal with him, Mrs Wylde?’
‘I would have locked him up for good.’
‘So it distressed you when he only got a light sentence?’
‘Yes. I felt angry and let down. How would you feel?’
Matt agreed with her completely. ‘If it were my son, I would feel the same.’
Kathy looked at him, surprised at his reaction. ‘Why are you here, Inspector?’
‘It’s a courtesy visit, Mrs Wylde. We’re letting all those involved with the original murder know. One of my officers is on the way to tell Pamela Wylde.’
‘She won’t let anyone in.’ Kathy sat down on a kitchen chair next to Matt. He thought she might be about to cry.
‘Since…since Jack, Pam has shut the world out completely, including me. It’s as if she’s afraid, terrified that it will happen again. I try not to imagine what she saw. I did at first and nearly went mad. For Pam it is always there, the terrible threat – that another innocent day will turn, become murderous for no reason.’
‘The children?’
Kathy hesitated, as if it was all too painful to tell. Matt waited, nibbling, hoping she would continue.
‘The oldest colludes with her mum. Protects her. The younger ones are frightened and bewildered. I don’t know what to do.’
‘I’m so sorry.’
‘When I took Zoe her birthday present, I was lucky Pam let me in. Things are not right there and I feel so helpless. They are Jack’s girls. He would expect me to do something.’
Matt, unsure of what to say, nodded.
Kathy looked up at him. ‘Do you know the children can’t even walk on the carpet? They have to keep everything tidy or it sends Pam off into a cleaning frenzy. Their lives must be a misery. The kitchen looks unused. I don’t know what they eat. They seem to spend most of their time in their rooms. I feel so utterly useless.’
It would be terrible to see your grandchildren in such a situation, Matt agreed. This was one of those unseen, ongoing heartbreaks left behind when a family member is murdered. ‘I can see how difficult it is for you. Do you think Pamela would accept professional help?’
‘She’s reluctant to let me in. It was only because little Zoe begged her.’
‘Yet the children go to school?’
‘Yes. Pam takes them in one of those big four-by-four things – looks like an armoured car. She drops them off and picks them up. The girls have no freedom.’
‘Would Pamela trust the school?’
‘I doubt it. She didn’t want me in the house and I’m Jack’s…was Jack’s mother.’
Once again Matt thought Kathy might be about to cry, but she rallied and he glimpsed her inner strength.
‘Maybe Mrs Wylde will relax now that Jonathan James is dead.’ He detected a slight nod as if she thought of this too.
‘I told her he was dead – when I took Zoe’s present round. It didn’t seem to make any difference.’
Matt thought she seemed disappointed by Pamela’s reaction. ‘When was Zoe’s birthday?’
Kathy gave him an intense look before answering. ‘Yesterday. Why?’
The day after Jonathan’s death, too early for a press release. Even the local television hadn’t picked it up until this morning. ‘How did you hear about Jonathan’s death?’ He watched her, certain the question had thrown her though she rallied quickly.
‘I’m not sure. It might have been at rehearsal or at work.’
‘Well, maybe the news will make a difference once it has sunk in.’
‘Yes, maybe.’
Now that his suspicions were aroused, he was sure she was relieved at his answer. This was a situation where he needed Jane’s input and he cursed himself for not bringing her. At least he would be able to let her know what the situation was at Pamela Wylde’s. He needed to ask one more question.
‘Can I ask where you were on Monday evening?’
‘Monday? I was here at home, Inspector. No, wait a minute.’ She stood to consult a wall calendar. ‘Sorry, it was an extra Gilbert and Sullivan rehearsal. We’re involved in the concert to reopen the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Well, we’re testing it out really. It’s very exciting and we want to be perfect.’
With a shock, Matt realised it must be the same concert Ida was involved in. At least he would be able to check Kathy’s alibi. Something was wrong, but he decided to leave it for the moment. He could always come back.
Chapter 16
Kathy felt unsettled after DI Turrell left. He was taller than she remembered. On the night Jack died, he’d brought a sense of composure as he took charge. When the doctors left her and Pam sitting dumbstruck in the relatives’ room, he’d come to talk to them, said the usual words – I’m very sorry for your loss – but beyond the stock phrase, Kathy felt he’d meant it. He’d promised that he and his team would do everything to catch Jack’s killers and all five of the boys were in custody within two days. At Jonathan’s trial, he gave his evidence in a clear, authoritative manner. Kathy admired him and was glad he was on their side.
Now, she was in conflict with this dedicated detective and didn’t relish lying to him. He would be working hard to find out who murdered Jonathan and to bring her to justice. Although he would treat her with civility, Kathy didn’t think she could bear to see the disappointment in his eyes.
Kathy sat down at the kitchen table, overcome with apprehension. Maybe she hadn’t thought it through. She’d never considered she could be arrested, just expected a sense of relief that one of Jack’s killers was dead at her hand. Even Pam hadn’t been impressed.
Feeling confused, Kathy decided to push it to the back of her mind and began washing the kitchen floor. Giving in to pure physical action usually helped her to get things into perspective, yet this time it wasn’t enough. Pictures of Jack lying battered in the hospital kept coming into focus, followed by Pam and the girls.
At this time of year, there used to be outings to see the girls in their school Christmas shows. Afterwards, Jack would treat them to pizza and they would sit, laughing and talking. That was all gone and the disabling sense of loss and outrage swept over her.
The kitchen floor gleaming, she made a cup of tea and got out her list. She needed to carry on, owed it to Jack and his family. Next on her list was Harry Winters, now eighteen. She’d heard through Ida, who knew his family, that he was working at a hotel in Stratford while studying drama at college. Ida said he was a nice lad and his mother nearly died of shame at what he’d done.
Chapter 17
‘So what are we going to do about her?’ Matt whispered in Eppie’s ear.
‘You wouldn’t like my answer.’
‘Well think of something fast.’
Easing away from the towel rail that was burning into his back, Matt thought how absurd it was that the only place they could talk was in the bathroom. Angela was now firmly ensconced in their bedroom. She was the sort of woman who was used to getting her own way, and declared it imperative that she have a good night’s sleep, adding that a woman of her years couldn’t possibly be expected to sleep anywhere but in a proper bed. Matt wondered why she couldn’t stay in a hotel and pay for the service she wanted ’til Eppie reminded him that her husband had kicked her out without a penny. Not that Matt could blame him; he would like to do the same.
Eppie sat on the side of the bath. ‘We have to think of something before tomorrow. There’s no way she’ll fit around that table – just the four of us will be a squash.’
‘She can have my place.’
The look Eppie gave him told Matt he was condemned to attend the dinner. Mum was no problem, but his feelings towards his dad were stuck back in the time of Granddad’s suspension. Dad had used it to underline how precarious a life in the police force could be in a clumsy attempt to push Matt into going to university and
following in his footsteps. For a while Matt was torn, before turning his back on a history degree and opting to join the police.
‘Do you think she might like to go to rehearsal with Ida? She used to like Gilbert and Sullivan. I think she was quite involved before Mike and I cramped her style.’
‘Anything is worth a try.’
‘Right. You keep her talking while I nip down to Ida’s.’
‘Oh God, what shall I talk about? Rugby’s out, so is work.’
‘Listen to her then. Pretend she’s a suspect. Do you want me to sort this?’
‘Yes.’
Eppie opened the bathroom door, forcing Matt up against the shower cubicle. She turned to kiss him. ‘Good luck, Agent Turrell.’
‘If we come through this, we’ll meet on the other side, Agent Eppie.’ Matt returned her kiss and with a laugh, followed her from the bathroom.
Angela was sitting on the sofa watching the early news. She ignored Matt as he sank into his chair. Giving a thumbs up to Eppie as she left the flat, Matt sought something to say and decided to link into one of the news stories.
‘Dreadful business,’ he ventured in response to a story about serious flooding. All he got back was an ‘Mmm’ so Matt waited until the next item about a dog saving its owner from a fire. ‘Lucky fellow,’ he said. Not receiving any reply, he decided to give up and opened his paper, looking up only when Eppie returned, relieved as she nodded.
Eppie moved to sit beside her mother. ‘Mum?’
‘Yes?’
‘I wondered if you would like to go out tomorrow night with our neighbour, Ida.’
‘Why on earth would I want to do that?’
‘Well, she’s in the Gilbert and Sullivan society.’
Matt watched Angela’s eyes light up.
‘I’ve taken so many leads in G&S. My Yum Yum was rated─’
‘That’s why I thought you’d enjoy it. Plus, they’re involved in something very exciting.’
‘Such as?’
‘The reopening of the RSC theatre and a movement workshop with someone from the RSC. Ida’s checking to see if you could go to their rehearsal tomorrow as she’s not sure they’ll allow you to join at this late stage.’
Matt saw from Angela’s face that she was tempted. He piled on the pressure.
‘They might be very glad of any tips you could give them.’
‘Yes, they might. But I thought I was needed at this dinner party to meet your parents?’
Eppie jumped in before Matt could reply.
‘To tell the truth, Mum, we have a very small folding table and it’s going to be extremely difficult to fit four people round it. I think five would be just impossible.’
‘Although, I know Mum and Dad are desperate to meet you. We thought that a pub lunch on Sunday might be a little more…er…’ Matt looked to Eppie for help and she filled in.
‘Relaxed.’
Matt warmed to his task. ‘We could go out to the Cotswolds, to one of those historic places, all warm stone and welcoming fires.’
‘That does sound rather delicious as well as more civilized. If Ida can arrange it, then I would be delighted to go.’
Behind Angela’s back, Matt gave Eppie a silent high five.
Chapter 18
Knowing they had a lot to get through, Matt started the briefing early. ‘Jane, you visited Pamela Wylde. How did you get on?’
She moved to the front. ‘No luck, I’m afraid. Although I’m sure someone was home as the car was in the driveway. No one would answer the door. Sorry.’
‘Don’t be. As you know, I went to see Kathy Wylde. According to her, Pamela Wylde has never recovered from her husband’s murder and has not only become virtually agoraphobic but appears to be suffering from some obsessive-compulsive disorder. Even she has problems gaining entry. I do think it is unlikely that Pamela Wylde would be capable of killing Jonathan James. However, if we do need to see her, Kathy Wylde has agreed to visit with us. Kathy Wylde is an entirely different matter though. She remains affected, of course, by her son’s death, but she, I think, is quite capable of planning and committing murder. At least, murder in this fashion. Also, she informed her daughter-in-law of Jonathan’s death yesterday. I’m sure this was before it became general knowledge. Could you check on when the news came out please, Wendy? There was still a lot of anger there.’
‘Surely that is to be expected, sir?’ Grant spoke up from the back.
Matt noted Grant drawled more than usual, his voice almost slurred, and he made a mental note to keep an eye on him before replying, ‘Yes, to some extent, I agree. But this felt like it hasn’t shifted in two years. Most people begin to let go eventually. Yet Jack Wylde’s death continues to have dire consequences for his family.’
‘Being worried about her grandchildren must be adding to how she feels,’ Jane suggested.
‘Very likely. I’d like your input on this one, Jane. Could you contact Mrs Wylde senior, with a view to setting up a meeting with Pamela? It would give you a chance to assess both of them.’
‘Will do.’
‘Grant, any luck?’
Matt thought it unusual that Grant sat while giving his report. He usually stood. He resolved to talk to the man before the end of the day, to see what was going on.
‘Nothing worthwhile on the CCTV, just Jonathan staggering along Pierce Street before disappearing into the alley where he was found. No sign of him before that. Have a couple of contacts from his mobile. No known drug dealers though.’
‘Phil Nodding?’
‘Not home.’
‘Right, it’s important we talk to him. If he was with Jonathan on Sunday night, he could be a valuable witness. Grant, will you and Sam see him later today. Sam, can you catch up with Nick Tyler while Grant is finishing off the other leads? Thanks everybody.’
Matt returned to his office knowing he needed to get everything ready to report to McRay. Jane followed him in so he went to join her at the coffee table.
‘What’s on your mind?’ He hoped the case wasn’t proving too much for her. The doc signed her back for light duties only, but she’d sabotaged his attempts to ease her in gently.
‘It’s a bit delicate.’
‘I’m happy for you to work less hours, if you need to.’
She frowned and shook her head. ‘No, I don’t want that.’
‘Then?’
‘You know I asked you to call me Jane, instead of Fluff.’
‘Yes. I did send a memo around. It’s damn difficult though and I couldn’t help wondering why?’
‘Someone commented on it – said it sounded like a dog.’
Matt gave a snort. ‘More like a cat. It wasn’t Grant, was it?’
‘No. I just got to thinking, no one else has a nickname around here – so why me?’
‘Nicknames are reserved for the best.’
‘That’s crap and you know it.’
‘Sam gets called Ginger sometimes.’
‘Hardly ever.’
‘Then there’s Slim.’
‘Not directly one of the team.’
‘Honestly, Fl…Jane, everyone holds you in such high regard. However, if the team aren’t conforming, I’ll talk to them.’
‘Fluff sounds like…well you know.’
‘A bit of fluff?’
‘Yes.’
‘Has anyone around here ever treated you like that, DC Meadows?’
‘They wouldn’t dare.’
‘No, because they all respect you and what you bring to the team. Everyone, especially me, has missed you like hell.’
‘I’d still like you to have a word. Thanks, Matt.’
Mindful of the numerous memos that crossed his desk regarding respect, he stood. ‘Come on then, let’s do it now.’ Matt led the way to stand in front of t
he team, wondering what he should say. Everyone was busy and it took a couple of tries for Matt to get their attention.
‘I need to remind you of the memo I sent round a couple of weeks ago regarding a request from Fl…DC Meadows, that we change the way we address her. Perhaps you can tell the team how you would like to be addressed, DC Meadows.’
‘From now on, I’d like to be called Jane or DC Meadows.’
There was silence at first, until Sam called out, ‘You’re serious?’
Noting the shocked faces and disgruntled comments, Matt thought this is how the team would react. ‘Yes, Sam, this is genuine.’
‘But, why? I’ve always thought Fluff was the lucky one. It’s a sort of privilege, isn’t it? I wish I had a nickname. Anything except Ginger, that is.’
‘Would you feel better if everyone had a nickname?’ Matt turned to Jane.
‘No.’
‘Right. No more discussion. We need to honour DC Meadows’ decision. It’s going to be difficult, I know, but we care about her, so we’ll do it. Right?’
Matt looked out at the glum faces, seeing some reluctant nods, and decided to reinforce how serious he was. ‘That’s an order. Although I’m hoping DC Meadows will be patient with us over the next few weeks, while we get used to using her proper name.’
‘Yes, of course, and thanks, I really appreciate it.’
Returning to his office, Matt speculated again on why Fluff, Jane, had suddenly found such displeasure with her nickname.
Chapter 19
Sam could hear the sound of banging as he approached the three-storey Victorian terraced house. Following the noise, he headed for the rear of the building down a narrow entry and turned the corner to walk into a cloud of brick dust. This didn’t seem to bother the burly man wielding a hammer to what looked like the remains of an outside privy. There was no doubt he was in the right place as a white van with the letters ‘Tyler and Son’ stood next to the skip in the untidy rear yard.
Sam waved his hand in an attempt to get the man’s attention. There was no way he was going to move in closer, not with that hammer swinging.
