Heartless Reaction

by Dawn Marsanne

  ‘I’ll be good, nurse,’ he smiled. ‘See you later.’

  Maureen cleared up the breakfast things and loaded the dishwasher, thinking to herself that she was becoming as accomplished a liar as Ron. Today, she was indeed going out but not to Welch Properties nor to have lunch with a friend. Exactly where she was going she wasn’t sure but she had to get away from Brensford Manor. There was a country park nearby, set around a reservoir, where she could stroll and think. She planned to text Laura that she had used Welch Properties as an excuse to get out of the house as she was preparing a surprise for Ron. Collecting her car keys, she headed out into the chill of the morning.

  **

  Mike Harris and Andy Walters arrived at the secure unit where Alfie Crouch was currently being held for his own protection. They showed their identification and were asked to wait whilst the manager went to find Alfie.

  ‘You can speak to him in here,’ said Janine, the manager. ‘He’ll be down in a minute, his key worker, Beverley will bring him along. I’d like her to sit in on the interview, is that OK?’

  ‘Yes, of course, no problem,’ said Mike.

  After about five minutes Alfie was brought in by Beverley and the two men stood and introduced themselves. Alfie looked nervous and waited to be told to sit down. Beverley sat towards the side of the room, away from the detectives.

  ‘Mr Crouch, can we call you Alfie?’

  ‘Yes, that’s me,’ he replied. He started to fidget with his clothes, pulling at his sweatshirt top. Then his leg began to jiggle up and down.

  ‘How are you feeling?’

  ‘Tired. They give me pills to help me sleep. I keep having nightmares.’

  ‘We’re very sorry about what happened at your house. We don’t want to remind you of what you found, we are more interested in what happened in the days beforehand. Can you tell us how the men came to be staying with you?’

  ‘Well, Captain was new to the area and was setting up a building firm, that’s what he told me. I’d no idea they were such horrible people. They kept coming and going at all times of the day and night. I couldn’t sleep!’ Alfie started to cry at the memory and covered his face with his hands.

  ‘Take your time, sir,’ said Andy, quietly looking over towards Beverley.

  Alfie wiped his face on his sleeve and nodded.

  ‘These are the two men who stayed at your house?’ asked Mike, showing him police file pictures.’

  ‘Yes, that’s Captain,’ said Alfie.

  ‘His other name is Tyler Cummings, did you ever hear that name mentioned?’

  Alfie shook his head. ‘No, wait, a girl called him Ty. Is that short for Tyler?’

  ‘It could be,’ said Andy. ‘What girl?’

  ‘She was there one morning. I told her to keep away. She was only young.’

  ‘What did she say?’

  ‘She told me to mind my fucking business.’

  ‘Charming,’ said Mike.

  ‘I was trying to help her.’

  ‘I’m sure you were. Now, the other man was Preston Marsh. Do you recognise him?’

  ‘I never knew his name but that’s his photo.’ A look of panic gripped Alfie, ‘I didn’t kill them! I won’t get into trouble will I?’ Alfie was becoming more agitated.

  Beverley went over to sit next to Alfie on the sofa. ‘Take some deep breaths, Alfie. You don’t have to continue with this if it’s upsetting you.’

  Alfie closed his eyes and did as instructed. ‘I’m OK,’ he said.

  ‘You mustn’t think it wasn’t your fault. We know you didn’t kill them,’ said Andy, hoping that Alfie would believe him and keep calm.

  ‘I thought Bazza was going to ask them to leave. I don’t understand what happened. Have you spoken to him?’

  ‘Bazza?’ asked Mike.

  ‘Yes, he met me and became my friend. He was kind to me. I’ve never had a friend like that. I hope he’s OK?’ His voice began to tremble again at this point.

  ‘Can you describe this Bazza?’

  ‘He’s quite tall, slim, hair shaved off I think. He was wearing a hat.’

  ‘Anything else?’

  ‘No, he gave me money for drinks.’

  ‘Is this the man you know as Bazza?’ asked Andy, showing him a picture of Jed.

  ‘He’s got hair. Bazza doesn’t.’

  ‘Try to look at the face. Is it him?’

  ‘I don’t know. I’m a bit confused. He had a limp, walked a bit strange. He gave me his number, it’s in my phone, under Bazza.’

  The detectives knew this was probably a PAYG phone and would lead nowhere but the fact that the man limped pointed to it being Jed.

  Suddenly Alfie started to shout. ‘Oh, oh I can see the dead men, I don’t feel well!’

  Mike Harris realised the interview was over. Beverley spoke to Alfie, reassuring him that he was safe and he would be looked after. She indicated with her head that the detectives should leave. She continued to offer comforting words to Alfie as his shouts of anxiety became racking sobs. He lay down clutching the pillow as Beverley watched over him.

  The detectives made their way back to the station where soon they would be able to speak to Wayne who would hopefully shine some light on the recent violent murders.

  **

  Matt, Brett and Nick were meeting to discuss the future of PersCure and their own consultancy business.

  ‘Well, it’s all a bit uncertain but I think the situation is largely positive,’ said Brett.

  ‘True, but I’m just a bit worried about our contract, as consultants I mean. There’s no guarantee that Ron Radford will keep us on as advisors. He may have others in mind to take over the management.’

  ‘He’s going to have to take on someone with a scientific background though,’ added Brett, ‘he’s not a scientist. I doubt he’s any qualifications at all.’

  ‘Apart from building considerable personal wealth, running several businesses and saving ClinTry from insolvency,’ replied Matt.

  ‘You know what I mean,’ replied Brett, looking displeased at his old friend.

  ‘I know exactly what you mean which is why we need to make ourselves seem invaluable to him. So, I’ve been thinking, now that the patent is finished and the large-scale batches are ticking over I think it would be good if you investigated options for new premises for PersCure,’ he said to Nick.

  ‘Sure, I’ll get on to it. Any idea of timescales?’

  ‘Well, the University isn’t going to evict PersCure but if we can present an attractive option for the future it will also look good for us. Remember, it needs to be cost-effective. Ron Radford is driven by securing a good deal,’ continued Matt.

  ‘OK,’ agreed, Nick.

  ‘Also, I’ve had some enquiries from other businesses asking about what advice we provide. I need to make sure that we have some more contracts coming through, should our PerzSolve involvement cease here. So I’ll keep you posted.’

  ‘Well, I’m tied up with sorting out all this equity business. You know I’m still not entirely convinced that Ron Radford will buy the whole stake, that’s why I’m contacting other possible business angels and investors. I want to have a fall-back position.’

  ‘Yes, we need to have our options covered. So, what’s the state of play regarding the Radford purchase?’ asked Matt.

  ‘His accountant, Failsworth, has been in touch. He did say that they are going to have to borrow a portion of the finance.’

  ‘Jeez, I can’t imagine what the repayments would be on a couple of million business loan, can you?’ mused Nick.

  ‘Large,’ replied Brett. ‘I don’t think it’s something I’d be doing at his age.’

  ‘I wouldn’t be doing it at any age,’ replied Matt. ‘It’s a huge risk. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.’

  ‘Nor me,’ added Nick. ‘We are going to have to be careful when Polly takes maternity leave but this is in a completely different league.’

  ‘Perhaps your stepfather, will be up for a
further investment?’ smiled Matt.

  ‘I won’t even rise to that,’ replied Brett. ‘He already got in a panic when Jake Marsfield sold his stake. Phoned me up claiming that the business was going down the toilet. He doesn’t trust me, that’s the problem. Goodness knows what tales my mother has been telling him.’

  ‘God, I hope she’s not been telling him the truth about you!’ joked Matt, ‘or we are fucked!’

  ‘Ha, bloody, ha,’ said Brett. ‘He only phones me so he can call me “son” in his patronising way. Then he starts on his usual spiel, I know all about life, running businesses. He’s so boring and predictable. God knows what my mother sees in him?’

  ‘Perhaps it’s his animal passions which attract her,’ said Matt, teasing his old friend.

  ‘I don’t even want to think about that,’ said Brett. ‘Do you know, my father was only sixty-five when he died. It’s such a pity Rex is in such good health. Each time my mother phones, I keep hoping he’s had some nasty diagnosis but he just goes from strength to strength. He recovered so well from his stroke. It’s a shame I couldn’t have bribed the hospital to give him an overdose of morphine.’

  ‘Brett, you are dreadful,’ said Matt. ‘He can’t be that bad.’

  ‘You can have him if you want. A sort of surrogate stepfather. I could rent him out to you, see how long you could put up with him.’

  Nick laughed. It was good to hear Brett’s comments like this. It lifted the tension from some of the worries about their consultancy and PersCure.

  ‘Right, so getting back to business, anything else we need to discuss,’ said Matt.

  His colleagues shook their heads.

  ‘Have good weekends, guys,’ said Nick. ‘Bye.’

  ‘You know I’d love to wangle a meeting with Ron Radford at his place, Brensford Manor, it’s called. I looked at it on Google Earth and its a huge place. Large gardens, a woodland, outbuildings. I’d love to see inside.’

  Matt shrugged. ‘I can’t say I’m that bothered. I never really warmed to the guy.’

  ‘You’ve said that before. What is it about him?’

  ‘I can’t explain, he just seems, I don’t know, dodgy.’

  ‘Dodgy? What does that mean?’

  ‘I don’t know. It’s just a feeling I have.’

  ‘He’s just different to you. Not educated I guess. Perhaps it’s that.’

  ‘I’m not a snob, don’t accuse me of that, there’s just something not right about that guy and it concerns me.’

  ‘Well, as long as he stumps up the cash, that’s the main thing. His money is as good as the next man’s. That’s all we can ask for.’

  The duo left the room and Brett pondered Matt’s recent concerns. He hadn’t picked up on anything, Matt had tended to be a bit of a worrier in the past. His mobile vibrated.

  ‘Hi, darling, everything OK?’

  All thoughts of Ron Radford were dispelled as they discussed the weekend ahead.

  Chapter 55

  Maureen spent the morning walking in the sunshine around the country trails. Being out in the open, allowing her eyes to relax by focusing on the distance helped her thought processes. It had been necessary to put some distance between herself and Brensford Manor. Three months ago she couldn’t have imagined that she would need to do that. Then, the opulent haven of a luxurious large house cocooned from the outside world was the stuff of dreams, more than she could ever have aspired to. Anticipating her divorce from Hubert, it was as if fortune was favouring her.

  She had no idea how far she had walked but it must have been around five miles. Before going back to her car, she sat on a bench and bought a cup of tea from the small cafe there. The time on her own had been time well spent, allowing her to evaluate her predicament.

  Her relationship with Ron had blossomed out of nowhere and for a time it had been amazing, however, of late, she realised that he had reverted to type, as the phrase went. Gradually the gloss had waned, deteriorating into a tarnish coating all aspects of their life together. She knew now that there was simply no future in it as Ron would never change. He’d spent too long controlling people, using them to his advantage and discarding them when they stood in his way or ceased to be of use.

  Her doubts had been growing for a few weeks, the more she gave them attention the more they swelled, feeding on her insecurity, living with her at every waking moment, producing a painful festering sore. Indecision had always been her most troubling emotion but once a path had been chosen, however difficult or painful she felt she could cope with it. Suddenly, Maureen felt that a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She constantly had to remind herself that she was now a wealthy woman in her own right, dependent on nobody and able to shape her own future which could be comfortable and pleasurable.

  After her walk in the fresh air, she felt peckish but the food available in the small cafe here was basic and unappetising so instead, she decided to have lunch in one of the pubs she had passed on her way. Besides, there was no need to rush back to Persford as long as she left time to shop for dinner.

  It was necessary though to maintain an air of normality so she called home. ‘Hi, Ron, how are you feeling now?’

  ‘Oh, hi, Maureen, I’m OK, I felt so sleepy again this morning I almost nodded off in front of my laptop.’

  ‘Don’t forget you need to take your pills with your lunch.’

  ‘Yes, I’ll remember.’

  ‘Why don’t you take a nap after lunch, it might do you good?’

  ‘Well, I’m not used to doing that but I think I might have to. It’s because I’m not well and these extra tablets.’

  ‘Don’t feel guilty about it. You’ve always worked hard, more than most people. Anyway, I better go now I’m expecting my friend any minute. Oh, I’ve just spotted her. See you later.’

  ‘Bye, Maureen.’

  Maureen headed back to her car. Lying didn’t sit easily with her but Ron had clearly lied to her so many times it was merely redressing the balance. Unlocking the car, she headed out of the car park in search of lunch.

  **

  ‘OK, guys, we have some information back from Salisbury Street,’ said Mike Harris.

  ‘The two victims, Preston Marsh and Tyler Cummings were killed by knife wounds to the throat, as was Vincent Hughes. However, the knife appears to be different, from the depth of the wound. The knife was left at the scene and bore fingerprints and DNA from Cummings. So, the assailant used Cummings’ knife rather than his own.’

  ‘So, it could be Dawes or another member of the Kilburn gang,’ added Andy Walters.

  ‘Indeed. It’s going to take a while to check the whole house for hairs, clothing fibres, etc., the place is a tip. There is residue from drugs all over the place so it was clearly used as a centre for dealing and distribution.’

  ‘Four murders, three following the Foal Lane incident and as far as we know Jason Dawes is still at large.’

  ‘Sir, we’ve circulated his description nationwide and alerted border forces,’ said Shani Patel.

  ‘Thanks, anything else?’

  ‘Any other prints at the scene?’

  ‘There are some others in addition to the residents of Salisbury Street, no prints from Dawes, some others which are being run through the system. One set matches a dealer from London, the Met are keeping a lookout for Reagan Wilson, in addition to the Drug Squad here.’

  ‘Well the person who might be able to tie all this together is our old friend Wayne,’ said Mike Harris.

  ‘Yes, but unfortunately he felt ill in the night, then had some sort of panic attack this morning, passed out and banged his head. He’s been taken to hospital to be checked out.’

  ‘God, what a pain,’ said Mike. ‘Hopefully this afternoon then?’

  ‘Yes and let’s hope he’s decided to come to his senses and tell us what he knows,’ added Andy.

  ‘Right, Jason Dawes, we need to find him. Keep at it,’ said Mike.

  **

  ‘For the
tape, present are DI Chris Mills, DS Andy Walters, Mr Wayne Roberts and Mr James Bagshaw. It is Friday 1st October and by my watch, the time is 3.32 p.m.,’ said Andy Walters.

  ‘Mr Roberts, you were apprehended with ten wraps of cocaine and twenty wraps of cannabis and five grams of heroin. Can you explain for the tape where you obtained these supplies?’ said Chris Mills.

  ‘I met a bloke, I don’t know his name.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘In a flat in Regent Road.’

  ‘Number?’

  ‘Can’t remember.’

  ‘Your memory is very poor today. You seem to have forgotten that recently we warned you to stop dealing otherwise you would be looking at a custodial sentence. Yet here we are again having the same conversation.’

  ‘I need the money? My hours have been cut, I can’t pay the rent.’

  ‘So you turned to crime. Did you not think of getting another job?’ asked Andy Walters.

  ‘It’s hard. You’ve no idea what it’s like to manage on the minimum wage,’ pleaded Wayne.

  ‘You will be held here and charged with possession with intent to deal. You will appear in front of a magistrate tomorrow and most likely you will be remanded in custody. You will be looking at a sentence of at least a year, probably more.’

  ‘I’ve told you all I know, honest!’

  ‘Don’t take us for fools. You’ve still not told us your supplier? The one who presumably is now sending you to the property in Regent Road. What do you call him? Thingy? Whatsyourname?’ pressed Chris Mills.

  ‘Look, I’ve not had much to do with him recently. He’s asked me to step up and take more responsibility. More workload.’

  ‘So you admit you’ve been going directly to deal at the flat in Regent Road.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Wayne, sheepishly. ‘So if I tell you then it will help me? Get me off the charge?’

  ‘It might help. Depends where it leads us,’ said Chris Mills.

  Wayne started to fidget. He ran his fingernail down a groove in the table. The detectives sat patiently. Eventually, his solicitor whispered in his ear.

  ‘OK, it’s Vincent. Vincent Hughes. But you won’t tell him I told you? He’ll kill me!’