Avaline Saddlebags

by Netta Newbound

  I sipped at my drink. “This makes a change from the muck they give us at the station.”

  “Come on. What’s going on?”

  “The whole case is a nightmare–you’ve seen the news, I’m guessing?”

  “Yeah, I see there’s been another murder but they don’t give the specifics.”

  “You don’t wanna hear them, trust me.”

  “That bad?”

  “Worse.” I placed the mug down onto the table. “I’ve seen some crime scenes over the years, but this was fucking barbaric–what he did to her sickens me.”

  “Are you any closer to solving the case?”

  “We’ve got Darren Wilkes in custody right now. We can’t hold him forever, but that’s more complicated than it sounds.”

  “How so?”

  “Our latest victim gave Wilkes the alibi for Jade Kelly’s murder–he was supposedly with her all night, but there’s a hole in his alibi.”

  “A hole?”

  “Yeah,” I said, feeling like a traitor for what I was about to reveal. “Fred Savage and Layla investigated Jade’s murder, and interviewed Rebecca, but both of them failed to notice there was a rear entrance to the place with a fire-escape ladder that rolled down to the alleyway behind her property.”

  “Shit!”

  I nodded. “Wilkes was seen arriving at Rebecca’s and leaving the following morning, but he could have snuck out when she was asleep and used the other entrance, and we’d be none the wiser.”

  “And neither of them picked up on it?”

  “Nope.”

  “Did you mention it to Janine?”

  “I haven’t said anything yet because I don’t want to hang my own partner out to dry.”

  “You have to tell her, Dylan.”

  “I know, but Layla doesn’t need it right now.”

  “Are things still bad for her and Max?”

  “I assume so, but I don’t know for sure. She won’t talk about him anymore.”

  “That’s understandable.”

  “Yeah, I get it, but missing something as important as that is a massive fuck up, and if it turns out Wilkes is our killer and two of our officers screwed up, it’s gonna cause a massive stink.”

  “Yeah, I don’t envy you right now. You’ll have to speak to Janine.”

  “Then face the wrath of the rest of the team—that lot will never trust me again, and you know it.”

  “Tough.” Bella pushed her mug away. “People are dying, Dylan. You don’t have any other choice right now. Tell Janine because if you don’t and she finds out some other way, she’ll hand your arse to you on a platter.”

  “I’ll tell her when I get back to the station, but I need to let Layla know first so she can come up with some sort of explanation.”

  “There isn’t an explanation for misconduct, Dylan.”

  Bella could be a hard-faced, bitch sometimes and, while I knew she was right, Layla was still my partner, albeit temporarily. I didn’t want to feed her to the wolves, but I had no choice. “Yeah, I know. I’ll sort it.” I got to my feet.

  “Are you going already?”

  “Yeah, I’m sorry, this is playing on my mind, and I need to deal with it.”

  “Let me plate that food up.”

  “Sorry for being such a misery, Bells. I’ll try to come back tomorrow for a cuddle, if that’s okay?”

  “Sure, but Simon might not like it.”

  “Ha bloody ha, you know I meant the baby.” It felt good to smile, but once I returned to the station, I knew my mood would darken.

  “I’ll see you Friday night anyway, remember. Roy is picking me up and bringing me to Dorothy’s. I can’t wait.”

  “Oh, joy,” I replied, sarcastically. “Just what I need, but I’m glad you reminded me because I need to call him and see if he’s still helping me out on Friday. I was a bit of an arse when we lost the Transit van.”

  “Erm, what am I missing?” She handed me two large tubs full of Lasagne.

  “Sorry, I forgot to tell you, but I’ll fill you in tomorrow.”

  “You better.”

  “Promise,” I said, heading for the door. “Thanks for the food and make sure you give Lily and baby Dylan a kiss from me.”

  “Will do,” she said walking me out. “Cheer up. You’re doing a sterling job.”

  “I’m not sure I share your optimism, but thanks.”

  I leaned in to kiss her cheek. Once I was at the car, I called Roy. He answered after a few rings.

  “Well, hello, darling.”

  “Hiya, Roy. How are you?”

  “Rushed off my size nines, but that’s nothing new.”

  “Sorry to hear that, but I’ll only take a minute of your time.”

  “What is it?”

  “I was hoping you’d still be up for helping me on Friday?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “After making you play car chase the other night, I thought I might have put you off?”

  “It played havoc with my nerves, darling, I’m not going to lie, but it was the most excitement I’ve had on a Friday night for ages. So don’t worry, of course I’m still going to help you, especially after seeing the news about that poor young girl.”

  “Thanks, Roy, I couldn’t manage without you.”

  “No thanks needed. Now, have you decided on what song you’re going to do this week?”

  “I really haven’t.”

  “And what about what you’ll wear?”

  “You’re gonna hate me but I haven’t a clue about either.”

  “No matter,” he replied. “I have the perfect outfit in mind, but it’s very daring.”

  I wasn’t in the mood to argue. If I had to wear it, then I’d wear it. After all, I couldn’t be petulant because Roy was doing this as a favour and in his own time.

  “So, what colour is the dress?” I couldn’t believe I was even asking that.

  “It’s a lovely shade of lime green, darling, but not exactly a dress.”

  “Then what is it, dare I ask?”

  “It’s more of a tight sequinned body stocking, but you’ll need some tucking panties. I think I have some lying around that should do the trick.”

  “Oh, God.” My heart sank. “How tight is this body stocking?”

  “Skin-tight, but with your figure, you’ll look sensational. Add a pair of Cerise Pink knee-high boots and matching wig, you’re gonna look out of this world.”

  Something told me Roy was enjoying using me as his very own Barbie doll. “Jesus, isn’t that a bit in your face?”

  “You’re a drag queen, not a Miss World contestant.”

  Well that told me. “Okay, you’re the expert.”

  In my mind’s eye it made for a revolting combination, but I’d grin and bear it. “Do you think it’s a bit camp?”

  “Totally over the top, but that’s what you want. If you’re gonna do something, make it count.”

  “Okay,” I replied, dreading Friday more than ever. “I’ll think of something to lip sync to. Are you free on Wednesday evening? We can have a run through of the performance and I’ll cook you some dinner.”

  “Sounds good to me. You know Bella’s coming on Friday, right?”

  “Don’t remind me.”

  “Okay, darling, I must go. If you think of a song, text me and I’ll get my thinking cap on in the meantime.”

  I turned the engine on, the loud music pumping out of the radio making me jump. But I’d just had an idea what song I could lip-sync to and texted Roy straight away.

  What do you

  think about

  Express Yourself

  by Madonna?

  I really wasn’t a Madonna fan at all, but I knew this song well and thought it would get the crowd going.

  PERFECT!

  That was a relief. I would need to download it when I got home and put some moves together before seeing Roy on Wednesday. I couldn’t leave everything to him.

  Twenty-Seven

  I hesita
ted before knocking on Janine’s door, not in the mood to take an ear bashing for something that was beyond my control. The station was famous for second-hand gossip, and what she needed to know was better coming from me. I couldn’t put it off any longer and decided to bite the bullet.

  I knocked quietly.

  “Come in.”

  Turning the knob and pushing the door, I peeped my head around. “Got a few minutes?”

  “Sure, come on in.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Take a seat.”

  I sat opposite her and took a deep breath.

  “Something tells me I’m not going to like this, Dylan.”

  “You’re not, but I’d rather you heard it from me.”

  “Go on then, spit it out.”

  “While investigating the Rebecca Preston case, I discovered a huge fuck up pertaining to the Jade Kelly murder.”

  “And you’re about to tell me it was something to do with forensics, right?” That was wishful thinking on her part.

  “I wish that was the case.”

  She clasped her hands together as if in prayer and rested them on her desk, leaning closer. “Go on.”

  “It seems two officers overlooked another exit at Rebecca’s flat.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “There was a fire escape exit–”

  “And you’re telling me two of our own didn’t spot it?”

  “Correct. Which means the alibi given by Rebecca for Darren Wilkes won’t stand up in court. He could’ve left her flat and returned without her knowing.”

  She exhaled loudly, her cheeks looking flushed. “This is the last thing I wanted to hear, Dylan.”

  “I know.”

  “Who are the officers in question?”

  “Fred Savage and Layla Monahan.”

  Janine’s eyes narrowed into tiny slits. “Fuck.”

  “Exactly. I wanted to keep you informed, but it doesn’t sit right with me dropping my own partner in the shit. However, the ramifications are huge. If Wilkes is our man, our error allowed him to roam free and commit another two murders.”

  “You did the right thing. Savage I can do nothing about now, but Layla has screwed up big time and there will be consequences.”

  I was worried. Not just for Layla and what she was going through right now, but the overall morale of the team. “I’ll handle this any way you need me to.”

  Janine pinched her bottom lip, something she always did when thinking. “Ask Layla for a written account of what happened on the day in question.”

  “What good will that do?”

  “It leaves a paper trail for one, in case Wilkes is our killer.”

  “Okay, and then what?”

  “I’m unwilling to take it down the disciplinary route at this stage, but if it comes up at a later date, the statement from Layla shows we knew and acted accordingly.”

  “Got it.”

  “In the meantime, have a quiet word with the team and tell them no more fuck ups will be tolerated.”

  “I’ll sort Layla first then have a briefing.”

  “Anything else, come straight to me. The powers that be are breathing down my neck on this one, and with no solid leads, we’re looking more and more inept as the days go by.”

  “It’s only gonna get worse because I think we’ll have to release Wilkes, for now at least. We have nothing concrete to pin on him.”

  She shook her head. “He’s like a cat with nine lives that one. Do what you can. He’s the only suspect we have right now.”

  “I’m on it.” I got to my feet.

  “Thanks, Dylan.”

  I nodded then closed the door behind me, dreading this next conversation.

  I dialled Layla’s mobile.

  “Hello?” she answered, sounding puzzled.

  “Hi, Layla. Do you have a few minutes?”

  “Sure,” she replied. “Where are you?”

  “Interview Room 3.”

  She paused. “Oh, okay. Give me two minutes and I’ll be there.”

  I ended the call, hoping she would understand the reason for the meeting and realise my actions weren’t personal.

  Moments later there was a tap on the door. “Come in,” I called.

  Layla stepped into the room and took a seat opposite me. “What’s all this about, Dylan?”

  I decided it was easier to get right to the point. “I spoke to Janine earlier and had to tell her about the exit neither you nor Savage noticed.”

  The colour drained from her cheeks. “Am I gonna lose my job?”

  “God, no. Nothing like that, but I had to tell her. You understand that, don’t you?”

  Tears filled her eyes. “My job is all I have.”

  “You won’t lose your job, Layla,” I couldn’t guarantee that, but I could see she was hanging on by a thread. “You’ll need to provide a written statement about the day in question–Janine’s orders.”

  “I bet she thinks I’m useless.” Tears trickled down her cheeks.

  “She never said anything of the kind, but thinks a written statement is the best way to go in case Wilkes is the killer.”

  “You know Savage liked to fly solo. He would get me to stay office-based more often than not, so I wasn’t about to question him when he did let me tag along. Now, if Darren Wilkes is the killer, I’ll refuse to take the blame. He was the senior detective, not me.”

  “I know that, we all do.”

  “But what if it turns out it was Wilkes? What then?”

  “I don’t know. That wouldn’t be up to me to decide.”

  “So I could still lose my job.”

  “Getting Wilkes off the street is the most important thing right now.”

  “Maybe for you, but I’m a single mother and have three kids to feed. Max is being a total arse right now and without a job that would be impossible.”

  “Try not to worry. I’m sure it won’t come to that. If you could get me that statement by the end of the day, I’d–”

  “Yeah, I’ll give you the evidence you need to get me fired.” She pushed her chair back and jumped to her feet.

  “Layla, it’s nothing like that, I promise–”

  “Don’t bother making excuses, Dylan.” She stormed out of the room.

  I followed swiftly behind as she barged into the incident room, drawing all eyes toward her.

  “Layla, please, not here.”

  “If I’m gonna lose my job, I’d rather it wasn’t all hush hush.”

  All eyes now turned to me. I could see the confusion as well as the suspicion behind their glares. Layla was one of them, just like I used to be before my promotion. Now, all the hard work I’d put in to win their trust was about to be blown out of the water.

  “You’re not going to lose your job, but please, let’s discuss this in private.”

  “Fuck you, Dylan.” She grabbed her bag from under her desk, then pushed past me, rushing out of the room and along the corridor.

  I ran after her. “Layla, please, talk to me.”

  “Don’t follow me,” she screamed, disappearing through the doors at the end of the corridor.

  I didn’t want to upset her any more than I had already and decided to let her go. Hopefully, when she calmed down, we could talk, and she would see I was on her side. I felt horrible about the whole situation.

  Back in the deathly quiet incident room, the team simply stared at me. I shouldn’t discuss anything private with them, but they needed to know about Savage and Layla’s screw up.

  Will was the first to speak. “What’s going on, boss? Is Layla getting the boot?”

  “No, Will, she’s not.”

  “Then why is she in that state?” Joanna asked.

  Will spoke up again. “Come on, Dylan, we need to know what’s happening.”

  “I’ll tell you what I can.” I took a deep breath. “You might already know this, but when Savage and Layla interviewed Rebecca Preston, they messed up and missed a window exit with a fire escape ladder
.”

  “What does that mean for the investigation?” Joanna asked.

  “Rebecca gave Wilkes an alibi over Jade’s death, saying he was with her all night, but it’s not as cut and dried as it appeared because Wilkes could have used the window exit and returned without Rebecca knowing anything about it. CCTV wouldn’t have picked him up which means not only did he have the motive but also the opportunity to murder Jade.”

  “And Layla will have to take the fall because Savage is no longer here?” Joanna shook her head, a sneer on her face.

  “No, it’s nothing like that at all, Jo.”

  “Then what is it?” Will asked.

  “I don’t know why I’m even having to explain this to any of you, but I will anyway.”

  “Go on then,” Tommo said.

  “If Wilkes does turn out to be our killer, the fact two of our own screwed up allowed him the freedom to commit two further murders. It’s as simple as that. Can you imagine the headlines?”

  “And if he isn’t the killer?” Joanna asked. “What then?”

  “Then nothing. We get on with what we’re paid to do.” I decided I might as well lay my cards on the table. “But, if he is, you all know what that means. Take Layla out of the equation for just a moment and tell me what you think would happen to any officer who was negligent to the point a killer was released back into the community to brutally murder two more people.” I looked about the room. “Well?”

  “We get it, Dylan.” Will didn’t look happy. “But she’s one of us and–”

  I interrupted. “And she’s my partner, or did you all forget that part?”

  Joanna put her head down. “I’m sorry, Dylan.”

  “I don’t want your apologies, but you might try to keep in mind I’m still part of this team, regardless of my position.” My blood was at boiling point. “I never have and never will hang any of my colleagues out to dry, even if they have fucked up. I’d always do my best to help them, and you lot would do well to remember that.”

  “We don’t think you’d hang any of us out to dry, boss,” Will mumbled.

  “Layla has a lot going on right now with her personal life, we all know that, but she’s still one of us.” I needed a strong drink by this point. “I’ll fight for her as much as I can, like I would for any of you in here, but both she and Savage fucked up and that’s the black and white of it.”