Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2)

by JJ Franklin

  By the time he placed the mugs of tea in front of them, both women’s tears had dried up. Lynne was looking at her daughter, but Melli refused to return her gaze.

  ‘I’m so sorry, Melli.’

  ‘I should never have listened to you. He was my dad.’

  ‘It seemed best. I—’

  ‘For you.’

  ‘No. For you. I couldn’t let your father destroy you. Not like Tom.’

  ‘What did you think he was going to do? Disagree with me? Did you think I’d fall apart like your precious Tom?’

  ‘I…’

  Melli turned to Matt. ‘I want to see my father.’

  It was a demand and her right, but Matt knew he must discourage her. He’d seen bodies recovered from the water. The bloating, the distorted features and the build-up of gases made for a smell that stayed with you for a week, with colleagues blatantly avoiding you. This might be the wrong time to have a fight with her, could make her dig her in her heels, so he chose his words carefully. ‘Certainly.’

  Lynne jumped up. ‘No, you can’t.’

  Matt held up a hand to calm her and continued. ‘However, I strongly advise against it. Having worked with your father, and being with him in that fight, I felt the same as you. It seemed like the right thing to do and a way to honour him. Yet, my chief inspector stopped me and I’m glad now. You may feel the same in a few days.’

  ‘I won’t.’

  ‘Then fair enough. Give me a ring in…say in three days, and I’ll arrange it.’ Matt was relieved when she nodded. He turned to Lynne. ‘As next of kin, you and Melli need to decide how much input you would like in the funeral. If you wish, we can arrange from our end and you can be sure we will honour our own. Just let me know.’

  Lynne nodded.

  ‘Is there someone I can call?’

  ‘My husband will be calling in shortly, thank you.’

  There was nothing left but for Matt to say his goodbyes. He was glad to step out and feel the cold on his face after the heated emotions.

  Chapter 64

  Tilly waved goodbye to her friend Sarah and stepped out into the sun. True it kept hiding behind the scudding clouds, but the faint warmth felt good on her face and she needed some fresh air. She thought Nick wouldn’t mind if she walked the short distance down the Parade.

  She was looking forward to this afternoon: first lunch with Nick at their favourite Chinese at the bottom of the Parade, then the last scan. Her hands went to her belly and she smiled at the thought that soon their son would be born. He would probably be a Pisces, sensitive and artistic; at least that’s what it said when she and Sarah had looked it up. She thought that would be lovely, but knew she’d love him whatever.

  Adjusting her scarf to keep out the chill wind, Tilly began walking past the shops, aware that her walk was becoming more of a waddle. Just as she was nearing the Victorian town hall, an old car pulled up beside her. The passenger window was down and the driver leaned towards her.

  ‘Special surprise taxi for Tilly.’

  Tilly stopped. She didn’t know the driver. Her first instinct was to keep going, but maybe Nick had arranged this. She knew he was worried after his meeting with Harry. She stopped and took a step forward.

  ‘For me?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘But I didn’t order a taxi.’

  ‘No. It’s a treat.’

  ‘Oh. How lovely. Thank you.’

  Tilly opened the back door and got in. As soon as she sat down the window slid up and she heard a click that told her the driver had locked all the doors. Her sister had this on her car to keep the children safe. But why would the driver need to do it for her? Maybe it was just a habit. She studied him and was sure she hadn’t seen him before.

  ‘Where are we going?’

  ‘It’s a surprise. Don’t worry, we’ll be there soon.’

  Tilly sat back and tried to relax. The driver went to the bottom of the Parade and turned right, going past the railway station before turning left at the next roundabout. Maybe they were going onto the shopping estate where there was a Kentucky Fried Chicken. It had been one of her cravings in the beginning and she’d sent Nick out at all hours to get her some. It would be just like him to tease her with those memories.

  As she watched the shopping centre pass by on the left, Tilly began to feel uneasy and leant forward. ‘Please tell me where we’re going?’

  ‘Nearly there.’

  ‘I think I’d better call Nick.’

  ‘Don’t do that.’

  Before she had time to dial, he reached back and snatched the phone from her. She watched as he lowered his window and tossed it into the road.

  Now she knew she was in trouble.

  Chapter 65

  Kathy finished ironing her long skirt and hung it over the door while she started on the cape. She wished they could have had coloured costumes, instead of black. Still, the straw bonnet she’d adorned with coloured ribbons would liven it up. Today they had a technical rehearsal in the theatre and she’d made up her mind to try to forget about everything else and enjoy it.

  She’d just put the ironing board away when the phone rang. At first, she couldn’t hear the caller and had to ask them to speak up before realising it was her granddaughter, Phoebe. ‘What is it, love? Slow down.’

  ‘It’s Mum. She won’t come out of the bedroom. I’ve fed Amy and Zoe, but I’m not sure what to do.’

  Kathy didn’t hesitate. ‘Don’t worry, Phoebe, I’m coming over. I’ll be there in about ten minutes. It will be alright. Okay, darling?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Try not to worry. I’m on my way.’

  Slamming down the phone, Kathy rushed about the house, threw a toothbrush and a few things in a bag, grabbed her costume and was ready to leave in under three minutes. Mrs Smart, her neighbour, was putting out a milk bottle as she scraped the ice off the car, so Kathy paused to tell her where she was going.

  Not many motorists had ventured out early this Saturday morning, although this meant the ice was still fresh on the roads. Kathy daren’t race, although she would have liked to; instead she kept to a steady, even pace.

  Phoebe opened the door as she parked in the driveway. Close behind her were Amy and Zoe. At least they had each other and that was a blessing. Knowing she mustn’t worry them, she entered with a smile.

  ‘Right, let’s get sorted here. I’m sure your mummy is just feeling a bit poorly. I’ll just pop up and see if she needs anything. Do you want to come with me, Phoebe?’

  Phoebe nodded. One foot on the bottom stair, Kathy turned to Amy and Zoe. ‘Why don’t you two go and watch the television? I’m sure Mummy won’t mind, just this once.’

  The two girls were uncertain and looked to Phoebe for confirmation. At her nod, they went into the lounge while Kathy followed Phoebe upstairs, keeping to the edge of the stair carpet as she was doing.

  Kathy knocked softly on the door to the front bedroom. Not receiving any answer, she opened the door to find Pamela curled up on the bed. ‘What’s the matter, dear?’

  Pam didn’t answer so Kathy went to kneel beside her. She had been crying and again Kathy felt the urge to reach out and hug her, tell her everything would be alright. The barbed wire shield seemed lower and this might be the opportunity to reach her. She turned to Phoebe. ‘Do you mind keeping an eye on the others, Phoebe, while Mum and I have a chat?’

  Phoebe nodded and seemed glad to leave. Kathy risked reaching out to take hold of Pam’s hand. ‘Can you tell me what’s the matter? I’m only here to help.’

  Pam withdrew her hand and moved to sit up. Sitting back on her heels, Kathy waited.

  ‘Amy fell down the stairs. And…and all I could think about was I must vacuum. I must be the worst mum in the world.’

  Resisting the need to move forward and comfort her
, Kathy stayed still, wondering what to say. Could this be an opportunity for getting Pam to seek help? She didn’t want to spoil the chance, yet she couldn’t help asking after Amy. ‘Amy looked fine, did she hurt herself?’

  ‘She cried and I couldn’t go to her.’

  ‘Why don’t I go and see if she is alright and come back and tell you?’

  Pam nodded and Kathy stood ready to go downstairs.

  ‘Tell her I’m sorry and that I love her.’

  ‘She knows that already. I won’t be a minute.’

  Downstairs the three girls were huddled together on the sofa watching some kid’s programme. Phoebe jumped up as soon as Kathy entered.

  ‘How’s Mum?’

  ‘She’s worried about Amy falling down the stairs. Did you hurt yourself, Amy?’

  Amy nodded and looking at her, Kathy thought she did seem a little pale. ‘Can you show me where it hurts?’

  Standing, Amy lifted her tee shirt so that Kathy could see the spreading bruise under her left ribs. She touched it gently and stopped as Amy winced.

  ‘Sorry, love. Does it hurt when you breathe in and out?’ Again the nod and Kathy sought to remember the details of the first aid course she’d done at work. There was something about internal bleeding and damage to the spleen, but which side of the body it was on she could never remember. This needed medical input. ‘Thanks, Amy. I’m sure it’s fine, but just to be on the safe side, I think we’ll get the doctor to check you over. Is that alright?’

  ‘Yes, but Mummy—’

  ‘I’ll talk to Mummy and tell her what we have decided, okay?’

  Phoebe put her arm around Amy to reassure her.

  ‘Do you know where the doctor’s phone number is, Phoebe?’ Following Phoebe into the hallway, Kathy knew she must decide whether to tell Pam before or after calling the doctor. She’d be glad if the doctor could see Pam too, but if she didn’t mention he was coming, Pam would be less likely to co-operate. By the time Phoebe found the number, she’d made up her mind.

  ‘I’m just going to tell your mum that we’re calling the doctor.’ Kathy prayed that Pam would go along with the doctor coming.

  She looked up anxiously as Kathy went into the bedroom. ‘I’ve had a look at Amy and she has a nasty bruise under her ribs. I’m sure it will be alright, but I think we should have the doctor check it out.’ Pam’s hands flew to her face and she started to shake. ‘I can ring him and ask him to come, if that’s what you’d like. And I’m happy to stay and let him in.’

  She didn’t answer and Kathy began to wonder if she had heard. ‘Pam?’

  ‘Yes, please.’

  ‘Fine, I’ll ring him now.’

  Downstairs, Kathy went into the kitchen. She wanted to talk to the doctor in private about Pam. Given the out of hours number, she spoke to a Dr Meredith, who seemed to understand the situation. Kathy hoped she would be able to get Pam onside.

  Chapter 66

  All thought of Eppie’s present had gone after his meeting with Lynne and Melli. Yet the High Street looked inviting with its shops full of tempting Christmas goodies and Matt hesitated. Should he take half an hour and choose something while he was thinking of it? He crossed one of the bridges towards more dazzling shops, but before he could reach them, his phone rang. ‘Turrell. Yes, Sam. What’s up?’

  ‘Nick Tyler. Well, his girlfriend, Tilly. She’s missing.’

  ‘She’s pregnant, isn’t she?’

  ‘Yes. Seven months.’

  ‘Last seen?’

  ‘Leaving Boots in Leamington Spa. She had a half day and was going to meet up with Nick for lunch, then have her last scan. She didn’t arrive.’

  ‘He’s checked all the places she might be?’

  ‘He seems to have done a pretty comprehensive job. Even rang the hospital. Now he’s panicking and seems convinced it’s down to whoever killed Jon and Dave.’

  ‘You didn’t mention Vinny?’

  ‘Didn’t need to. First thing he brought up. He’s in a right state.’

  ‘You know what to do, Sam. Get the ball rolling and I’ll be back as soon as possible.’

  Giving up all thoughts of Christmas shopping, Matt hurried to his car, praying Tilly hadn’t fallen into Vinny’s hands. He had already shown himself to be a vicious, hardened criminal.

  The traffic was light, so Matt made it to the M40 motorway in good time, only having a minor hold-up trying to get past a tractor laden with bales of winter feed.

  Arriving back at CID, Sam met Matt as he walked into the office.

  ‘Had some luck with the CCTV. Shows Tilly getting into a dark green car just outside the town hall.’

  ‘Dark green? Old Escort?’

  ‘Could be.’

  ‘Similar to the car at Jonathan’s funeral. If it is, then Vinny has her.’ Everyone stopped to listen. This was the very worst news. Vinny’s handiwork, displayed on the incident board, reminded them of his capacity for violence. Tilly, a pregnant, defenceless woman, wouldn’t stand a chance. They had to find her, and fast.

  ‘Any more sightings?’

  ‘Last seen heading down the Parade and onto the Old Warwick Road, before going down Europa Way. Picked up briefly on the M40. As no further sighting further on, we believe he took the Stratford exit. From there he had several options. I managed to get a patrol car to the Longbridge Island and another on the A46 pretty quick, in case they made the bypass. I’ve alerted West Midlands and West Mercia. Only one man seen in the vehicle, beside Tilly – no ID yet.’

  ‘Tilly’s mobile?’

  ‘We’ve picked up a signal on Europa Way. It’s now stationary. We think it’s been thrown from the vehicle. Fl…Jane and uniform are searching now.’

  ‘Well done, Sam. You okay to co-ordinate from here while I catch up with Jane?’

  ‘I’m fine. Oh and local television will put out an appeal at 6.30 pm.’

  ‘Good. Let Jane know I’m on my way.’

  ‘Will do.’

  Leamington was busy with Christmas shoppers and Matt wished he had a blue light to ease his way down the Parade. Once he’d turned onto the Old Warwick Road, it became easier and soon he reached Europa Way where he could see the flashing lights of the patrol car. He drew up in front and Jane came forward to hand him an evidence bag containing a mobile phone.

  ‘Present for you, Matt. Obviously thrown from the car.’

  ‘Damn. That cuts out one avenue in finding her.’

  ‘Afraid so.’

  ‘We’ve got the M40 and A46 well covered so while we’re waiting for news, think I’ll take a look at the Acorn. Don’t think they would be stupid enough to use it again, but you never know. Do you want to follow me?’

  ‘Okay. How about uniform?’

  ‘Tell them to keep watch. Patrol from here to the A46.’

  Matt left her talking to the uniform officers and drove to the Golden Acorn. Parking outside, he shivered at the memories the place held. Forensics had gone over the upstairs room but found little except finger marks that matched the Harris brothers and Harold Harper-Jones. However, although the barman had been questioned, he had been released. Jane was only a minute behind Matt and by then he’d calmed down, rationalizing that it was only a building.

  Jane hurried him on. ‘Come on then.’

  Inside matched his nightmares. Even the old men sat in the same place, although the rest of the pub was empty. The floor was still tacky and the barmaid remained nervous. He wondered if she was the only member of staff in the place. Taking the lead, Jane went to speak to her.

  ‘DI Turrell and DC Meadows.’ She held up her warrant card and then produced a picture of Tilly.

  ‘Have you seen this young woman today?’

  The barmaid gave a shake of her head. Jane looked at her intently and moved away to question the old men. Matt stepped forw
ard to the barmaid and raised his eyes to the stairs. She shook her head. Jane joined him as he turned away.

  ‘No one’s seen her, guv. Did you want to look anywhere else?’

  ‘Let’s not waste time. I’m sure we won’t find anything here. Let’s check in, see if there have been any sightings.’

  Chapter 67

  Tilly watched her phone bounce into the gutter, then began tugging frantically at the door with no success. How could she have been so stupid? Nick would be waiting for her, all her favourites ordered, and he would be getting worried. She felt like crying but knew it wouldn’t do any good. Maybe she could open the window and shout for help. With her eye on the driver, she reached for the handle only to find it immovable. Sliding over to the driver’s side, she tried again with no luck. Feeling the baby kick increased her panic. She had to survive for his sake. What would happen if she hit the driver? There was a risk this would make them crash but she considered the risk worth it. Using all her strength, she punched the back of his head. He laughed.

  ‘That will do you no good. I’d sit back if I were you.’

  Where was he taking her? They were taking the slip road onto the M40 and then the exit road to Stratford before going onto the A46 towards Coventry. After that, with panic setting in, Tilly lost track. Nick would never be able to find her this far away. She sat back, hands over her belly, trying to calm herself and think. After about twenty minutes, they went under an aqueduct before turning immediately left into a pub car park. The pub was busy with the lunchtime trade and for a moment, Tilly became hopeful until the driver went past the parked cars and drew up beside the canal where the narrowboats moored.

  The driver parked and clicked open the doors. ‘Here we are.’

  Tilly held back.

  ‘Let’s get you into the warm. He only wants to talk.’

  Moving with as much speed as she could muster, Tilly shot across to the other door intending to make a run for it, but the man moved faster and grabbed her arm before she had gone two steps.