Raven

by Heather Atkinson

  “But Sir…”

  “It’s for your own good. The mob have got word you’re in here and they’re back outside.”

  “I’d love to know how they found out about that,” he muttered.

  “As would I,” said the Inspector getting to his feet, looking grim.

  “Right, thanks,” said Raven, phone pressed to her ear, listening to Patrick relaying what his police contact had told him. “Keep me informed,” she added before hanging up. She and Aidan were still at One Eye’s house, the three men anxiously gathered around her. “Jeremy’s been taken back in for questioning. Finally the police found the rifle we planted in his shed.”

  “Took them long enough,” said Aidan. “So what now?”

  “We just wait for them to formally charge him.”

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself,” said One Eye. “It might not get that far. Jeremy’s very slick.”

  Raven nodded. “He’ll probably find a way to wriggle out of it. Even if he does it just means I get to kill him personally. Either way, win-win.”

  “Don’t take anything for granted. Over-confidence always leads to a downfall.”

  “You’re right,” said Raven.

  One Eye’s single eye twinkled with warmth.

  “But if he is let out,” she went on. “I’m going to confront him at Stonefort.”

  “Stonefort? Raven, I wouldn’t recommend it.”

  “It’s perfect. Hopefully it’ll bring back a lot of bad memories for Jeremy and give us the advantage.”

  “Stonefort really isn’t a good idea,” he pressed. “Jeremy isn’t the only one who that place holds bad memories for.”

  “I know, I visited my mum there a few times but I can handle it. I went back there when I retrieved the patient records and I was fine.”

  “But Raven…”

  She looked to Aidan. “You ready to go? I want to be prepared if Jeremy is released.”

  He smiled and nodded, both of them already walking for the door.

  “You’re going to need some back-up,” said Damon, talking over his dad when he tried to speak again.

  “Raven,” said One Eye but she was already going out the door. He found himself confronted by Damon’s huge back.

  “You’re going to need more than just the two of you,” insisted Damon, following them outside.

  “I think between us we can take down Jeremy,” said Raven

  “Wait,” said One Eye. “Get out of the way boy,” he added, shoving his son aside. Despite the tremor he was still as strong as he had been twenty years ago and Damon found himself thrown sideways. But Raven and Aidan were already driving off down the street.

  “What’s up with you?” demanded Damon, rounding on him, fury in his green eyes.

  “Raven shouldn’t go to Stonefort. She really shouldn’t.”

  “Why not? I’m sure the ghosts won’t bother her.”

  He rolled his eye. “The only ghosts I’m worried about are the ghosts of the past.”

  “Jesus Dad, you can be so dramatic.”

  “I’m deadly serious boy.”

  “She can handle it.”

  “You don’t know what happened there. I’m afraid of those ghosts rearing their heads at the wrong time,” he said, watching the Landrover turn the corner and vanish from view.

  “You sure you’re not going senile?”

  “Don’t even think of sticking me in a home.”

  But Damon’s mind had already drifted onto another topic. “Why won’t she let us help? It’s so fucking frustrating.”

  “Language, please,” he said, indicating the elderly lady with the poodle on the lead just returning to the house next door. “Hello Mrs Shelby,” he said with his most charming smile.

  Mrs Shelby stuck her middle finger up at him before rummaging in her handbag for her key.

  “This neighbourhood is going downhill,” he sighed.

  “Forget the old bag,” said Damon. “What about Raven?”

  “She’s trying to protect us. When Aidan inevitably leaves again, we’re all she has. Little does she realise, she’s the one who needs protecting.”

  “Protecting? This is Raven we’re talking about.”

  “I’m well aware of that and she has no idea what’s coming.”

  Damon shook his head. “You’re a loon,” he said before stomping inside, but his dad hadn’t even heard him. He was trying to come up with a way to save Raven from herself.

  CHAPTER 35

  Patrick didn’t want to answer his phone when it rang. Every time he’d picked it up lately it had been bad news. Either police or reporters wanting to talk to him. Or Raven. Truth be told, her calls made him more nervous than the other two put together and he felt foolish being afraid of a woman. But she’d gone into battle mode and he’d never seen her like that before. It made him very uncomfortable and it had only just struck him exactly who he was dealing with. It was easy to forget that she was a lot more than a pretty face with a great arse. He’d thought she was something he could send out to do his bidding, like a particularly attractive toy and now he was realising how naïve that attitude was. Control was slipping from his grasp.

  Steeling himself, he snatched up his phone. “Patrick Bryce.” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose when he heard Raven’s voice on the other end. “What do you need?”

  “How did that go?” said Aidan when Raven hung up, steering the Landrover through the city traffic.

  “He said he’ll do it.”

  “Did you believe him?”

  “He’s not let me down so far. His contact has kept us updated of everything going on in that police station.”

  “So Jeremy should be sprung soon?”

  “With a bit of luck.” She glanced at her phone when it rang again before rejecting the call.

  “Who was that?” said Aidan.

  “One Eye.”

  “You don’t want to speak to him?”

  “He’ll only try and talk me out of it.”

  “Because he’s overcautious, like you.”

  “There’s no denying that. He’s the one who taught me caution. He’ll want me to delay but I’m not doing it. This shit needs putting to bed as soon as possible.”

  “Agreed. We need to prepare. Let’s get back to the barn and collect a shitload of weapons.”

  “Just take it easy in there,” she said, noting his eager look. “I know you’re a warrior at heart but no rash moves, please.”

  “Warrior,” he smiled. “Like it.”

  “Thought you might,” she said, taking the gun out of her pocket and checking the clip.

  Aidan was so surprised he almost swerved into oncoming traffic.

  “Something wrong?” she said, stuffing the gun back into her coat.

  “You’re carrying a gun in broad daylight.”

  “It seemed a sensible precaution with so many people trying to kill me.”

  “But you’re normally so…”

  “So what? Cautious? Being cautious got me into this mess. Fuck that.”

  He took her hand and kissed it. “I love you.”

  “Right back at you. Now let’s go kill us a Jeremy,” she said, making him laugh.

  “Oh Edward, Edward,” cried the woman, flinging back her head, spine arching as he came beneath her. He was well aware that he hadn’t given her any real physical pleasure, it was all acting but he was paying good money for that acting, so he didn’t mind. She was a sweet girl who always made him a cup of tea afterwards and he enjoyed her company. Frequently.

  She rested her head on his chest. “My strong, powerful Chief Constable,” she breathed, sitting up when her cheek stuck to the black latex suit he wore.

  “Say it again.”

  “My strong, powerful Chief Constable,” she smiled, running her hands over his thin shoulders, her sweaty palms making a squeaking sound on the latex.

  “My sexy Cindy. On your hands and knees. It’s time for some spanking.”

  As she climbed
off him, crouching on all fours, delectable backside stuck in the air, the door burst open.

  Cindy screamed and dived beneath the covers, knocking Edward onto the floor in the process. He was appalled to see a suave-looking man in an immaculate and very expensive suit looking down at him.

  “Patrick? What are you doing here?”

  “Sorry, I can’t hear what you’re saying through the gimp mask.”

  Edward yanked off the mask, the air welcome on his warm, sweaty skin. “What are you doing here?”

  “Not having as much fun as you are,” he replied, perching on the end of the bed.

  Edward gaped at him. “Then have the courtesy to leave. This is an outrage.”

  “I don’t blame you for being upset, I would be too but there is a purpose to my visit. I don’t get my jollies from watching incredibly thin men in leather rogering incredibly overweight naked women.”

  “She’s not overweight, she’s beautiful,” he retorted. Edward had always preferred his women on the large side. He’d only married his stick-thin wife because she was from a rich and influential family and he’d been intent on climbing the career ladder. When he held her he could feel her bones and it made him shudder every time.

  “Yes, she is very pretty but that’s not why I’m here.” He glanced at Cindy. “Could you wait outside please? I wish to talk to the Chief Constable in private.”

  She nodded, snatching up her clothes before rushing from the room.

  “How did you get in here?” said Edward. “This is a private establishment.”

  “And who do you think owns it?”

  He swallowed hard. “Please don’t say it’s you.”

  “It is I’m afraid, although no one here knows that, I have someone to manage everything for me. I visit as little as possible, I find brothels distasteful, even high class ones.”

  “Then why do you own it if you’re so high and mighty?” snapped Edward.

  “Simple. It’s a useful way to gather information. And secrets.”

  Edward swallowed hard. “Secrets?”

  Patrick nodded at the dressing table opposite the bed. “You see that mirror there?”

  “Yes,” he said slowly.

  “Looks like an ordinary mirror, doesn’t it?”

  He nodded.

  “What if I told you it wasn’t an ordinary mirror?”

  “You mean, it’s a magic mirror?”

  “You could say that,” he replied, amused.

  Patrick got up off the bed and reached behind the mirror to produce a device that made Edward feel sick. “Do you know what this is?”

  “A camera,” he rasped.

  “A camera, pointed right at the bed, filming everything that’s been going on. Don’t blame poor Cindy, she had no idea. None of the girls know they’re being filmed.”

  “How dare you? This is absolutely immoral.”

  “Coming from the high-ranking police officer who’s just been shagging a prostitute in an illegal brothel dressed as a gimp.”

  “Alright,” he sighed. “What do you want?”

  “I want you to release Jeremy Elias.”

  “Absolutely not. It’s completely out of the question.”

  “You’re Chief Constable, you can order it.”

  “I can’t simply order the release of a police officer suspected of attempted murder and paedophilia.”

  “You will order it, I don’t care how, just get it done. Otherwise a copy of this tape will be winging it’s way to your wife, her very influential family and every newspaper and television station in the country. Not to mention social media. I mean, there’s some things the news won’t show but people with access to the internet don’t care what kind of filth they spread, just as long as it gets them as many likes and views as possible. Footage of a married Chief Constable fucking an obese whore will be gold to them. You might even go viral.” He sighed when Edward looked on the verge of tears. “If it’s any consolation, I have similar footage on a CPS lawyer. He’ll assist you.”

  Edward felt hot and sick. “And if I do order his release, you’ll destroy the footage?”

  “You have my word.”

  “Coming from you, that means nothing.”

  “I always keep my word, ask anyone.”

  “Forgive me for being doubtful,” he glowered. “Well, it seems I have no choice.” Edward got to his feet, the latex squeaking. “Then I suppose I’d better get to it,” he said, trudging for the door.

  “Hadn’t you better change first?” said Patrick.

  Edward stopped and looked down at himself. “Yes, I rather think you’re right.” He peered curiously at Patrick. “What interest do you have in Jeremy?”

  “None but I know someone who does.”

  “And what will happen to him once he’s released?”

  “Who knows? I’m afraid my powers don’t extend to prophecy.”

  “If he turns up dead, the faeces will well and truly hit the fan and there may be nothing I can do to stop it.”

  “We’ll deal with that if the time comes. For now, you need to dress and become the respectable Chief Constable again and get to work. Unless you want the entire country to find out about your penchant for latex and lady layers?”

  “You’re a very odd man,” said Edward.

  Patrick looked him up and down. “Seriously?” He made for the door, the camera held in one hand. “Let me know when it’s done. I do hope the next time I see you isn’t on social media.”

  When he’d gone, Edward sank onto the end of the bed, miserable. His visits with Cindy were the only pleasure he had in life and it was ruined. He also feared what was in store for PC Elias. However, he cared about his fate much less than his own.

  Jeremy looked up disinterestedly when the cell door opened. The paedophile protestors were back outside the station and their chants had managed to drift in through the thick walls of his prison, calling him horrible names and accusing him of things he’d never dream of doing.

  “What is it now?” he sighed when Tom appeared in the doorway.

  “You’re free to go.”

  His head snapped up. “What?”

  “I said you’re free to go.”

  “Why, what’s happened? Have you spoken to Raven?”

  “It’s nothing to do with her. Chief Constable’s orders.”

  “But…why?”

  “Wish I knew.”

  Jeremy got to his feet and held himself tall and proud. “At least someone around here has figured out that I’m innocent.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far. He just doesn’t think we’ve enough to hold you. CPS agrees.”

  Jeremy got to his feet, holding his head proudly. “Told you I was innocent.”

  “There’s a difference between being innocent and lack of evidence.”

  “You really think I’m a paedo and that I shot that woman?”

  “I don’t think you’re the first one but as for the second, who knows?”

  “You’re my sergeant.”

  “I’m not infallible.”

  “You’ve been hanging around Raven too long,” he frowned before walking past him and out the door.

  “Not as much as I would have liked,” he muttered to himself before following.

  Jeremy was led out the back of the police station, given that the front was surrounded by protestors. He dived into the passenger seat, keeping his head down as Tom steered them through the gates, where more protestors were gathered and they formed a ring around the car, shouting and waving their placards. Uniformed officers had to come out to push them back so they could drive away.

  “Jesus, there’s more of them,” said Jeremy, not ashamed to admit that he was a little shaken.

  “Word gets around the city quickly,” said Tom. “And the bad feeling against you has only escalated since the shooting of Janice Blacklock.”

  Jeremy didn’t bother to deny his innocence. He’d said it so many times even he was starting to doubt it. Instead he slunk down in his
seat, gazing out of the window, wondering why he’d suddenly been released. They’d seemed determined to keep him inside earlier. In fact this sudden u-turn made him very suspicious.

  He was half-expecting to see more protestors outside his flat but no one was there. He couldn’t hear any shouts or insults being yelled, just peace and quiet and it was bliss.

  “You want to come in for a brew?” said Jeremy, frowning when Tom shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable. “What’s up?”

  “Nothing. I’ve got to get back to the station.”

  “I’m not a paedo or a murderer if that’s what you’re worried about?”

  “No, it’s not that, it’s…”

  “It’s what?”

  “Nothing.”

  When Tom refused to say anything else or even look at him, Jeremy got out of the car, purposefully slamming the door shut.

  “Jeremy?” said Tom, rolling down the window.

  “What?”

  “Don’t go skipping the city, will you?”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t run off to Puerto Rico.”

  “Good because only guilty people run.”

  Jeremy glowered at the police car as it set off down the street. What a sanctimonious bastard his sergeant was, especially as he was trying to get into the knickers of an assassin-for-hire. Well, if his colleagues wanted a paedo and shooter they were going to get one. They wouldn’t believe it about Raven, they’d already proved that. But her husband might be a different matter.

  “Oy,” called a voice.

  Heart thumping, Jeremy whipped round, relaxing when he saw a boy who couldn’t have been more than twelve. Recalling what he was accused of, he backed away.

  “Leave me alone,” he exclaimed, pulling his key out of his pocket and rushing for the door.

  “Wait, I want to give you something.”

  “I don’t want it. Go away,” he said, looking up and down the street, hoping no one was witness to this scene.

  “The lady said I’ve to give you this,” said the boy, waving a piece of paper before him.

  Now he had his attention. “Lady? What did she look like?”