by JJ Franklin
Before Matt could say anything, he took a step into the room. ‘I have to apologise. My behaviour yesterday was unforgiveable.’
Shocked by this straightforward admission, and prepared for battle, Matt didn’t know what to say. ‘I’m glad you realise that, Grant.’
‘I wasn’t thinking and could have brought the team into disrepute.’
Thinking Grant’s speech sounded rehearsed, Matt wondered what was behind it. He’d never taken much notice of anything Matt had said before. ‘You could have jeopardised the enquiry.’
‘That’s the last thing I want to do.’
‘Good. Think it’s best if we keep you away from the public for a while though.’
‘Fair enough. There’s a lot to do.’
Now Matt was sure Grant was up to something. It was as if someone had taken his place and left the growling, awkward Grant at home. However, he may as well take advantage of the new version while waiting to see what was behind it all. Standing, he ushered Grant towards the door. ‘Unless there is anything else…?’
‘No, I don’t think so.’ Reaching the door, Grant turned back. ‘Just one thing.’
Here it comes, Matt thought. ‘Yes?’
‘I’d like to get away at five, if possible.’
‘Can’t see a problem with that.’ Matt had a sense this was what he wanted, but couldn’t see why Grant needed to go through the charade. Still, if it brought a more co-operative man for a while he would go along with it and there were plenty of other things to think about.
After Grant had left, Matt picked up Jane’s interim report on Kathy. Reading it made her sound like a model citizen, with not even a parking ticket. She worked as a part-time receptionist at Stratford College. Matt realised that is where she must have met Ida, who used to work there before she retired. Another thing they had in common besides the G&S society. The thought crossed his mind again that he could simply ask Ida about Kathy, but he dismissed it as unprofessional, at least for now, as he had nothing to go on but the sense she was hiding something. In addition, Wendy had obtained Kathy’s car registration number and there had been no reported sightings in Leamington on the night of Dave’s death.
Chapter 52
Sam decided not to use an interview room, thinking they would hold too many memories for Harry. Instead, he begged use of the press office while the staff attended a meeting. He’d brought up the computer database of local mug shots and checked where Harold Harper-Jones was located, a quarter of the way in. This would give Harry time to settle down before having to face him.
Harry looked nervous when Sam met him in reception, and he could understand. Coming into this building would remind him of the worst time in his life.
‘Thanks for coming, Harry. It can’t be easy.’ Sam led him to the press office and indicated a seat in front of the computer, before sitting down opposite. ‘Can I get you a drink, Harry?’
‘No, thanks. I’ll get started, shall I?’
‘Please.’
Sam sat quietly, watching Harry’s face. Over the years, he’d learnt to read the signs that were significant: a hesitation, a slight frown, moving the body just a fraction away or forward. There was no reaction for a while and Sam guessed Harry should be approaching Harper-Jones. His response was immediate and he stood as if the man was in front of him.
‘That’s him.’
‘Great work, Harry.’ Sam walked around the desk to verify and make sure it was Harper-Jones.
‘He’s creepy. Speaks quietly but with a threat in his voice. Acts like he’s your best friend and pretends he’s doing you a favour.’
‘What did he want from you, Harry?’
‘He wanted to know who killed Jon. Said he was working for a friend.’
‘And he didn’t say who this friend was?’
‘No, but I’m pretty sure it’s Jon’s dad.’
‘Why did you think that?’
‘It was the second time. After Dave…’
‘Yes?’
Harry sank down into his seat again, trying to find the words. ‘I think I caused Dave’s death.’
‘How?’
‘I mentioned his name to this man. Then he was dead. There has to be a connection, doesn’t there?’
Sam thought it was probably likely, but he didn’t want to add to Harry’s feeling of guilt. ‘Is it possible Dave could have killed Jon?’
‘No, of course not.’
‘You sound pretty sure.’
‘He wouldn’t hurt anyone.’
‘Yet he’d been involved in a murder before.’
‘Not really. He ran away.’
Harry was now avoiding direct eye contact and Sam was sure he was hiding something. Maybe it was time to take a chance.
‘Do you know who killed Jon, Harry?’
‘No.’
The answer came too quickly and Sam was sure this was the question Harry had been dreading. He did know and was obviously shielding someone. Was he scared of them? Was it the same person who had killed Dave?
‘Did this person also kill Dave?’
‘No.’
‘How do you know?’
‘They told me.’
‘You realise having this information is putting you at risk?’
Harry sat silent, looking like he wanted to be somewhere else. Sam wondered how far to push him.
‘Are you scared of this person?’
‘No way.’
‘So they are a friend and you’re trying to protect them? We’re the only ones who can do that, Harry. You can’t help yourself or them by keeping quiet. You could also be laying yourself open to a charge.’
‘Can I go now?’ Harry stood up.
Cursing inwardly, Sam realised he wasn’t going to get any further. Harry had a sense of misplaced loyalty to this person. Maybe if they could pick up Harold Harper-Jones then he would feel safer and be willing to trust them.
‘Thanks for coming in, Harry. You’ve been a big help.’
‘Glad to.’
‘I want you to remember that the person who killed Dave is violent and extremely dangerous. You, and the person you are protecting, wouldn’t stand a chance against him. It would be much better to tell us who this person is, or persuade them to give themselves up. Believe me, they would be safer in prison.’
Harry looked pale, but simply nodded, eager to leave.
‘I want to help you, Harry. Do you still have my card?’
‘I think so.’
‘Here, have another and ring me anytime, okay?’
‘Yes. Thanks.’
Chapter 53
Eppie calculated the time in Hawaii – 9 pm – and decided it would be a good time to catch her dad, unless he was out drinking with Howie.
‘Dad.’
‘Thought you’d be calling. Don’t tell me – that woman is playing up already.’
‘How did you guess?’
‘I did warn you not to give in to her.’
‘Wasn’t that easy.’
‘No, I suppose not. Epp, you need to put you and Matt first. Your marriage hasn’t had an easy start. Don’t let your mum mess it up.’
‘How do I get her out of here? She says she has no money.’
‘Book her into a hotel. I’ll transfer the money. She’ll soon find some other mug to look after her.’
‘I couldn’t let you do that, Dad.’
‘Then I’ll come over and sort her out. About time I saw my girl too. It’s fairly quiet here and I’m sure Howie wouldn’t mind.’
‘Thanks, Dad, but let me and Matt work on it first. I’m thinking of asking Aunt Sandra if she could put her up. Plus we’re both looking around for a reasonable hotel.’
‘Your Aunt Sandra didn’t do you any good. I still feel bad about leaving you there, Epp.’<
br />
Eppie thought back to that time. Mum had just left and Dad, as a round-the-world yachtsman, had no other option than to leave her and Mike with Mum’s sister, Aunt Sandra. Hating it there, Eppie had run away and straight into danger from the gangs that prey on such youngsters. She shook off the memories, not wanting to burden her dad. ‘It was good for Mike and his exams though. And surely she’ll help her own sister.’
‘I wouldn’t bank on it. They’re not alike.’
‘Chalk and cheese.’
‘Do you want me to ring her?’
‘No, thanks, Dad. My escapade in London was a long time ago now and Aunt Sandra can’t tell me what to do anymore.’
‘That’s my girl. However, I’m here if you need me. Understand?’
‘Thanks, Dad. I’ll let you know how I get on. How’s the business going?’
‘Good. More customers every day. You and Matt must come over. Catch up with Mike.’
‘How is he?’
‘Fine. Getting pretty serious about an American girl. We could have another wedding on the cards soon.’
‘About time. Give him my love. How’s the Mary Lee?’
‘If I’m honest, missing the deep sea challenges, just like me. Still, she is a perfect lady with the punters. You’ll have to come and see for yourself.’
‘One day soon. I promise, Dad.’
After she put the phone down, Eppie sat and thought about the time she’d worked with her dad and of the extraordinary countries they had visited in his yacht, the Mary Lee.
Smiling at the memories, she got ready for work, deciding she would ask her boss, Chris, for help to find her mother a hotel room. If that didn’t work, it would have to be Aunt Sandra.
At work, they were busy preparing for a large medical conference early in the New Year and Eppie had no chance to speak to Chris until they snatched a break for lunch. She laughed as Eppie explained the problem.
‘Newly wed and your mum turning up. Sounds like a sitcom. Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh. I’ll have a ring around later, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up, not at this time of year. Why don’t you pop over to the Chalice and ask. They were very pleased with the Bellemy conference.’
Abandoning her sandwich, Eppie decided to use the rest of her lunchtime to walk the two minutes to the Stratford Chalice hotel. She could smile now at the memories of Natasha Bellemy. With Harry’s help, she’d pulled it off.
Entering the elegant lobby, she was surprised to find Harry at the reception desk looking smart in the staff waistcoat and shirt. He seemed slightly ill at ease, but still managed a big grin as she approached.
‘How can I help you, madam?’
Eppie sensed he’d been rehearsing the words. ‘Nice to see you again, Harry. Are you enjoying your time on reception?’
Glancing at his colleague, who was busy with another guest, Harry lowered his voice. ‘This is my first day.’
Although Eppie guessed as much, she didn’t want to mention it. ‘I’m sure you will do really well. Just keep smiling.’ Her query was one Harry couldn’t answer, but, after seeking help from his co-worker, it was confirmed that the hotel was fully booked until early in the New Year.
Walking back to work, she began wondering again about Harry’s past.
Chapter 54
Vinny was stretched out enjoying a football match when Dan warned him of Ops’s approach. Pleased that the lure of Spain appeared to be putting Dan under his control, he sat up.
‘Glad to see you are taking it easy, my friend.’ Ops came cautiously down the narrow steps.
‘Thought about it and realised you were right. Why keep a dog if you’re going to bark yourself?’
‘How true. Although I wouldn’t automatically liken myself to a dog.’
‘Just a figure of speech.’
‘Of course. I have some news for you that I think you will like. I expect to have your police inspector in my hands by tonight.’
Vinny sat up. ‘And what do you intend to do with him?’
‘We will sit down together for a little chat. I expect him to tell me about the case and if they have any suspects for Jonathan’s murder. This information may confirm my suspicions so that we can move forward with your quest.’
He wanted to ask how the hell are you going to do that? but managed to stop himself, modifying it to a simple, ‘How? He’s a tough man.’
‘Please rest assured I have all the angles covered. If loosening his tongue with the drink doesn’t work, other methods are in place to prompt him.’
‘Let me be there.’
‘I do not think this will help our cause.’
His cause, damn him. Had he forgotten this was his job, his son who had been murdered, and his responsibility to avenge his death? ‘I have a right.’
Ops gave a sigh. ‘Why did you hire me, Vinny? Don’t answer as I can tell you. You had the common sense to realise you couldn’t be seen on the streets asking questions. I believe there is a reward on your head that many of your so-called friends or acquaintances would be eager to claim. It would be such a shame to fall at this last hurdle. Let me do what you are paying me for and I promise that you will know immediately when I have the information you require.’
Vinny sat back, recognising the wisdom of Ops, but the fury inside wanted to burst out, grab him by the throat and demand to be there facing the copper who’d ruined his life. If the bastard hadn’t arrested him, he could have been here to stop Jon getting killed.
Ops watched him, bemused. ‘I am aware how difficult this is for you, Vinny. However, I do feel that I am offering the best service I can, both as an old friend and as your adviser. Shall I proceed?’
All Vinny could do was nod. He daren’t speak, as he knew his rage would explode.
Ops gave a gracious nod and rose to leave. ‘I need a quick word with Dan.’
‘Wait. You said something about confirming your suspicions.’
‘Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that. It may be nothing.’
‘Tell me,’ he demanded, taking a step towards Ops.
‘Very well. The lady called Kathy. I don’t have the connection yet. It may be nothing, but I am working on it. I will let you know.’
Vinny watched as Dan walked with Ops to his car, wishing he could hear what they were saying. If Dan told Ops about his plans, it would be the last thing he did. The little sod wasn’t a good liar and he would soon know. But, more importantly, who was Kathy?
Chapter 55
Harry arranged to meet Nick at a different pub in Leamington, in case anyone was following, and chose to travel by train instead of the usual bus. He didn’t want to put Nick and Tilly at risk, but felt desperate to talk to someone about the turmoil in his mind over Kathy. Since seeing Sam he’d been over and over the pros and cons of telling him everything, even though he knew this would lead to her arrest.
Nick looked around at the unfamiliar pub. ‘Why the change, Harry? I like the Lion, feels like home.’
Harry wondered how much to tell his friend. With the arrival of his baby in a couple of months, the last thing he wanted was to frighten him. Nick talked about nothing else and was already upset at the thought of Vinny James on the loose. Yet, Harry reasoned he had a right to know so he could protect Tilly.
‘Thought it best. Given what’s going on.’
‘You mean Vinny?’
‘Yep. He killed Dave. So I thought—’
‘Hang on. How do you know that?’
Evading the direct question, Harry answered, ‘Makes sense, doesn’t it?’
‘You’re saying we might be next?’
‘Could be.’
Nick glared at Harry. ‘Think you’d better tell me the truth?’
Harry gave a sigh and decided to tell Nick everything. Deep down, it was what he wanted. ‘I’ve been approached by a man
who is working for Vinny. He threatened me, wanted to know about us…you know, Jon’s gang.’
‘And?’
‘I refused to tell him. Except…except I let slip that Dave lived with his sister. I didn’t know then who this man was working for, or I wouldn’t have done it. Honest, Nick. Then Dave was dead and it’s like I killed him.’ For the first time since the trial, Harry felt like crying.
‘Tilly, me, did you tell him where we lived?’
‘No. No, of course not. That’s why I made sure I wasn’t followed tonight and suggested we meet here…’
‘Fucking hell. If you’ve put Tilly in danger…!’
‘…once I realised.’
‘You better be right.’ Nick looked around him, sizing up the others in the pub.
Harry couldn’t help doing the same. They all looked innocent and engaged in their own conversations. No one was on their own, although that didn’t mean anything. Harry shifted uneasily in his seat. ‘Nick. I know who killed Jon.’
‘Good, so shop the bastard and get us all off the hook.’
‘It’s not that easy.’
‘So tell me and I’ll do it.’
‘It’s Kathy Wylde. His mum.’
‘Fuck.’
‘I don’t want to turn her in.’
‘Tough. She did it. I can understand why, but what the hell, we had to pay for what we did. Why shouldn’t she?’
‘She’s only doing it because of us.’
‘Look. If it comes to a choice between her and Tilly… Anyway, how do you know so much?’
Harry hesitated. ‘Jon was only the first on her list.’
‘Shit, then…’
‘I was next.’
‘So…’
‘She said she couldn’t do it.’
‘Why?’
‘I dunno. Guess she’s not a natural.’
‘So we’re off one list and on another, more dangerous one, thanks to her.’
‘She didn’t know that.’
