by JJ Franklin
In the glimmer, Vinny could see the petrol tin tucked in next to the old lawnmower. Picking it up, he was relieved when the weight reassured him it was still there. The rusting false bottom fell to pieces as he pushed against it, allowing the package to fall into his hand. Eagerly fumbling with the oilcloth, he savoured the cold metal and a surge of power rushed through him. The cops wouldn’t expect this and it shifted the balance in his favour. It would need a good oiling but he could do that in the comfort of the house. Stuffing the gun, ammunition and oil into his pockets he left the shed, needing to get into position before Mary came home.
By the time he heard her footsteps crunching on the icy path, his legs were cramping and he was shuddering with cold. It was rubbish collection day tomorrow and if Mary followed her usual practice, she would enter the house through the back door, put down her bag and take the bin out to the street, leaving him time to slip into the house. He relished confronting her about all her failings.
Chapter 70
Minus his wet clothes and wrapped in warm blankets, Matt still shivered as he gave in to the administrations of the male nurse. He’d been here a lot in the last few days and all he wanted was to stop shivering and get out.
As he lay back and tried to relax, he caught a glimpse of Charlie hovering outside, but before he could call out, a female doctor entered and picked up his chart.
‘I understand you’re a bit of a hero, Detective Inspector Turrell.’
‘No way.’
‘Well I hope you don’t take dips into frozen water for fun. Our main concern is your core temperature. You’ve been very lucky and have only suffered mild hypothermia. However, your temperature is below normal so we’ll need to bring it back up slowly and need to keep an eye on you for a bit before we let you go. My colleague will be setting up a drip and an oxygen mask. And although that wound is healing nicely, I think we’d better give you antibiotic cover. There are some nasty things in that canal. Do you have any questions?’
‘How soon can I get out of here?’
‘I would like to keep an eye on you overnight and assess you in the morning. Then it will depend how stable you are.’
‘No chance of making it home tonight?’
‘It wouldn’t be wise.’
Matt sighed, feeling like he was wasting his time. The doctor interrupted his thoughts.
‘Look, I go off duty hopefully at ten. How about I come back and give you the once-over before then? I might be able to discharge you, if you promise to rest. Best I can offer.’
‘I’d really appreciate that. Thanks. Is the PC outside?’
‘The one pacing like an expectant father?’
‘That’ll be him. Could I have a word?’
‘I’ll send him in.’
When the doctor had gone, Matt let the nurse insert a cannula in his arm ready for the drip and fasten the oxygen mask around his face. Charlie came in looking worried.
‘Sir.’
‘Worse than it looks. I’ll need you to let DS Withers, Sam, know how things are here. I may not be out until morning. Could you also phone my wife, taking care not to scare her? I’ll give you the details.’
‘No problem, sir.’
‘Have we heard how Tilly Rowlands is doing?’
‘No, except she went to ICU. I’ll find out and report back, sir.’
‘After what we went through, I’d drop the sir. Make it Matt or guv, unless the higher ranks are around.’
‘Thanks, s…guv.’
After giving Charlie Eppie’s details, Matt allowed his eyes to close as the warmth began to spread through him. He had no idea how long he dozed, but woke up to find Jane standing by his side.
‘Hi, Matt, how are you feeling?’
‘Ready to get out of here. What time is it?’
‘Nearly nine.’
‘Bloody hell.’ Matt made a move to get up, forgetting his attachments.
‘Hey, hold on.’
‘Have we caught Vinny James yet?’
‘No, but, Matt, we’re doing everything possible. It won’t be long. There’s nothing more you or anyone else can do.’
Matt sank back and noticed one of his old jogging suits on the bedside chair.
‘Eppie’s been?’
‘Yes. She was here when I arrived. I sent her to get a coffee. Oh and the latest update regarding Tilly is that she is stable but has been moved to the labour ward.’
‘But the baby’s not due yet.’
‘Matt, she’s in the right place, thanks to you, so stop worrying.’
‘Is Nick with her? We should have a word with him.’
‘If you think I’m going in there to drag him out, I won’t do it.’
Despite himself, Matt laughed. Jane was back on form. This led him to wondering about the fireman. What had she called him? He couldn’t help asking.
‘So who’s your pet fireman?’
Jane sighed as if expecting the question. ‘We’re seeing each other. He was in physio the same time as me, and, well, we just got on. He makes me laugh.’
For a moment, Matt felt jealous. ‘I’m glad.’
‘Thanks. You’ll like Ethan.’
‘He’s why – your nickname?’
‘Yes, he didn’t like it.’
‘Fair enough.’
Any further discussion stopped when Eppie arrived, followed by the doctor, who checked him over and said he could go home if he promised to rest. Eppie reassured her he would and Matt couldn’t scramble into his clothes fast enough.
Chapter 71
As soon as Mary began trundling the bin to the pavement, Vinny crept forward, knowing he only had seconds to get inside the house. He was relieved that she had left the back door unlocked and crept inside, letting the warmth sweep over him as he stretched his legs. Everything must look normal and he didn’t want to alert the patrol car. It would be best to let Mary settle in for a cosy evening thinking she was safe. Deciding to hide in Jon’s room, he made his way through the dark hallway and upstairs to the back bedroom.
Inside reminded him of Jon, all teenage sweat and secrets. He fought a wave of sadness by balling his hands into fists. If only the lad had listened to him, leant on his wisdom, he’d have taught him how to take care of himself, how to deal with the likes of Jack Wylde.
Sighing, he took the gun, oil and bullets out of his pockets and dropped them on the bed. Although he daren’t turn on a light, the gun was an old friend and he could clean it in the semi-dark while listening to the noises below. He heard Mary go into the living room, turn on the television and pull the curtains before turning on the hall light. This allowed a narrow beam to pass under the door of Jon’s room.
By the time the wonderful aroma of Mary’s stew drifted up the stairs, the gun was fully oiled and loaded and Vinny realised how hungry he was. Wondering if he should stroll down and surprise her, he checked his watch, saw it was nearly seven o’clock and time for the patrol car to pass. He’d wait another half hour and interrupt Coronation Street, one of her favourite soaps. That would feel good.
Hearing the familiar signature tune, he tiptoed down the stairs and slowly opened the door to the lounge. She didn’t see him at first but when she turned, Vinny relished the look of horror on her face.
‘Mary.’
‘You can’t be here. They’re looking for you.’ She glanced towards the window.
‘But I am here, and no, it’s not time for the patrol car. I thought we could have a cosy evening in. You are my wife, after all.’
She seemed to be recovering and stood. ‘I’m not your wife and I’ve nothing to say to you.’
‘Oh yes you have. I want to know what happened to Jon.’
‘You turned him into a bully. That’s what got him killed.’
Vinny hit out with the flat of his hand, knocking her back
onto the sofa. At first, he thought he had knocked her out, but then she rallied and drew herself to the far end without taking her eyes off him.
‘You’d have turned him into a mummy’s boy.’
‘He was never that. Didn’t stand a chance with you around. Neither of us did.’
‘He needed discipline, just like you.’
‘He needed love.’
‘Twaddle.’
‘You wanted him to be like you, nothing else mattered.’
‘I wanted him to be a man. To be able to stand up for himself. That’s what men do.’
‘He was a boy. Just a boy. My boy.’
Mary began to cry. Vinny knew from experience she wouldn’t be fit for anything if he allowed her to carry on. ‘We can talk later. Now get me some dinner. And don’t try anything.’ Vinny pulled back his jacket to show the gun tucked into his trousers.
Wiping her eyes, Mary stood, giddy from the blow, to move warily past him into the kitchen. Vinny followed. As he guessed, there was plenty of stew left. Mary always made it last a few days. He gobbled it up, wiping around the plate with a chunk of bread. It was years since he’d enjoyed a good English stew and it mellowed his mood. Once he’d finished, he ordered Mary to find some booze, knowing there was usually something in the house around Christmas. He just hoped it wasn’t sherry or some other women’s rubbish. She brought out a bottle of decent whisky, explaining it was a gift for someone at work. He’d rather have a beer, but this was better than nothing and he snatched the bottle out of her hand, before ordering her back into the lounge. She chose to sit in a chair by the fire, leaving him to sprawl on the sofa. A red mark highlighted her cheekbone.
‘Why have you come?’
‘I told you, I want to know how my boy came to be murdered. No one is going to do that and get away with it. Not even you.’
‘You’re crazy if you think I wanted this to happen.’
‘You should have controlled him.’
‘That was impossible after what you turned him into.’
Vinny put down the whisky bottle and took out the gun, moving across to Mary and waving it in her face. ‘I’m not listening to this.’ He grabbed her arm, pulling her up. ‘You can sit over here with me. A husband has needs.’
As he pushed her down on the sofa, he watched her shudder and laughed. He sat down and pulled her close, one arm around her shoulder dropping down to her breast, making sure that his fingernails bit into the soft flesh. She stayed rigid, like a mouse playing dead with a cat. Slowly moving the gun around her face to end at her lips, he chuckled.
‘Now you are going to tell me everything.’ He was pleased to hear the tremor in her voice.
‘I don’t know who killed Jon.’
‘I’m not asking that. I know who killed him. I’ll deal with her later.’
She seemed bemused. ‘Her?’
‘Yes, another stupid bitch, Kathy Wylde.’
‘Oh my God.’
‘And I wouldn’t be surprised if his friend Harry didn’t have something to do with it. But don’t you worry, I’m going to sort them both out.’
Vinny laid the gun on his lap and reached for the whisky bottle. This silly cow couldn’t tell him much, but he may as well enjoy himself while he was here. She was no match for the young senoritas who came willingly to his bed, lured by expensive gifts, but her reluctance was turning him on. He could feel himself getting hard and decided to continue upstairs.
First, he made her go through her normal night-time routine, just in case the patrol car noticed anything different. Coming to the hall, she hesitated by the light switch, so he leaned forward and snapped it off. Pushing the gun into her back, he forced her upstairs, conscious he’d have to be out of here before dawn. Thanks to Dan and his parting gift, he knew where to find both Kathy Wylde and Harry. And they were next.
Chapter 72
Vinny turned up the collar of his old workman’s coat. He’d hoped never to wear it again but for now it was a godsend, as it would make him look like just another worker setting off on an early shift.
Before dawn, he’d rummaged in the hall cupboard looking for his winter fleece and found this coat with its fluorescent bands. It reminded him of when he worked as a lackey on the council’s gritting team, before he’d realised that working for a living was a mug’s game. Together with his old lunchbox, it made the perfect disguise. The gun fitted easily into the lunchbox and fumbling in the dark kitchen, he managed to put together a ham sandwich that fitted neatly on top.
There was no sound from Mary, but he’d expected that. Silly cow had turned awkward. He supposed it was because he’d not been there to keep her in line. Vinny did what was necessary. Not that he intended to see her again, but a man had to keep control over what was his.
Peering out through a gap in the curtains, he watched the patrol car pass. Now he could slip out of the house by the back door, past the shed and go through the hedge. Safely in the next street, he headed into town, intending to catch the first bus to Stratford. Despite the walk to the top of the Parade warming him, he was glad of the heavy coat and turned up the collar to protect against the chill.
Although a couple of police cars passed by, they only gave him a fleeting glance and Vinny congratulated himself on his disguise. By the time he reached the bus stop he still had twenty minutes to wait. He didn’t fancy standing on show for that length of time so crossed to a nearby all-night petrol station that had a coffee machine. The coffee warmed his hands and by the time he got back, he was relieved to see two other men waiting. He grunted a greeting and leaned back against the wall.
The bus arrived late and with the coffee finished and the cold seeping into his boots, he was glad to enter into its warmth, opting for upstairs where he could keep an eye out for cops. Heading out of Leamington towards Warwick, the houses and streets showed white in a thick hoar frost and coming to open fields, it looked like snow had fallen.
The journey meandered through numerous villages and the icy roads slowed their progress. More than once Vinny had felt the wheels lose their grip and begin to slide, causing him to clutch the seat in front and hold his breath.
By the time they arrived at the bottom of Bridge Street in Stratford, he was glad to get off. He was delighted to find the McDonald’s right by the bus stop had just opened and decided to treat himself to breakfast while thinking over what he intended to do to Kathy Wylde.
Chapter 73
The call came at five thirty when Matt was in a deep sleep dreaming of being in a snowy landscape from which he couldn’t escape. The call could only mean trouble, so he snatched up his phone and went into the bathroom, blinking as he turned on the light. ‘Turrell.’
‘Sorry to disturb you, sir. Mary James has been taken to University Hospital after being found beaten. She is asking for you. Doctor says her condition is critical, otherwise I wouldn’t have disturbed you.’
‘That’s fine. You did the right thing. I’ll get there ASAP, and thanks.’
Matt dressed as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake Eppie, who would try to stop him going. He decided to risk putting the kettle on for a cup of instant coffee, just to make sure he was fully awake, even though the bump on the sofa bed tossed and moaned.
Less than ten minutes later, he was turning onto the A46 heading to Coventry, glad of the almost deserted roads but wishing they weren’t so arctic. Only a short time later he pulled up at the emergency entrance of University Hospital, Coventry, parked and left his card on the dashboard.
Inside, the department looked busy and knowing he couldn’t afford to wait in the queue this time, he went straight to the front to show his warrant card. The rest of the queue eyed him with distaste while the receptionist put up a finger indicating he should wait while she dialled a number. He tried to wait without looking impatient and was finally directed along a corridor to the right.
Matt’s long strides took him along the corridor at speed. When a doctor stepped out of a room to his left, he flashed his warrant card at the man. ‘Mary James?’
‘This way.’
‘How is…?’
‘She’s taken a terrific beating, Inspector. If she hadn’t been asking for you, I would specify no visitors.’
‘Chances?’
‘Not good. If you know of any family?’
‘There is a brother. I believe he lives up north. We’ll try to contact him. Aside from that, no one else, except for the bastard who did this to her.’
The doctor nodded. ‘She’s in here. Please try to keep it short. I’ll be back in a minute.’
‘Of course.’
The doctor moved away, leaving Matt at the door to a single room. Dreading what lay behind it and berating himself for not forcing McRay into providing better protection, he pushed open the door. Lying in the bed, Mary James looked smaller. Her right arm was immobilised in one of those temporary plasters and he hardly recognised her face. Both eyes were swollen red and black with bruises and every inch of her face was covered in a similar pattern. A host of tubes led to the machines that surrounded her. Burning anger rose at the thought anyone could do this to a defenceless woman.
Not sure if she was awake, he tiptoed to the bedside.
‘Mary.’
There was no response so Matt looked for a spot without a bruise and found one on her left hand. He touched it softly.
‘Mary. Mrs James, it’s Inspector Turrell.’
Matt thought her eyes fluttered slightly but it was hard to see with the swelling. He leaned in towards her. ‘Mary.’ Her hand moved under his.
‘Inspector.’ Her voice was little above a whisper.
