Stolen Children

by Michael Wood

‘Do you have a preference?’

  ‘There’s no prejudice when it comes to whiskey in my opinion.’

  ‘Man after my own heart. I’m guessing you’d just like an orange juice,’ she said to Scott.

  ‘Yes, sure, why not?’ he replied, clearly deflated.

  Sheila poured three drinks and carried them over on a small silver-plated tray. She took a healthy swig before sitting down in the comfortable chair.

  Christian had no intention of having a drink, as much as he’d have liked. He never drank on duty but didn’t want the topic of drink to distract Sheila from what she was about to say.

  ‘I’m guessing Sebastian’s confessed.’ There was a catch in her throat which she tried to clear. ‘It’s strange how two boys can be so completely different from each other. Sebastian was always sensitive, quick to tears. He had a few friends, but not many. He preferred to spend time in his room with his model cars. Calvin, well, he was the polar opposite: brash, loud, uncaring, a complete psychopath.’ She looked over to the detectives and took in their wide-eyed expressions. ‘I suppose it’s not often you hear a mother talk about her own son like that. I knew there was something wrong with him from an early age. I took him to a doctor, and all he said was that boys will be boys. You wouldn’t get away with that now.’ She took another drink. ‘When the police knocked on the door wanting to question Calvin about those rapes, I knew he’d done it. Oh, he tried to lie his way out of it; he even gave an alibi for one of them, but I could see through it. My son had raped three girls. It made me physically sick thinking about what I’d brought into this world.

  ‘Richard had long since died, thankfully,’ she looked over to the wedding picture again. ‘I don’t know how he’d have reacted. Sebastian was a lot like Richard. It wasn’t easy for him, to have a brother who was a convicted rapist.

  ‘I kept in touch with Calvin, while he was in prison,’ she said, turning back to the detectives. ‘Looking back after everything that’s happened, I probably should’ve washed my hands of him, but, well, he’s my son at the end of the day. When he was released, I wanted us to be like a normal family again. We’d been through so much drama, I just wanted us to be happy, to sit down and have a meal together like families do.’

  Sheila trailed off. She stared into the distance as if into the past. A look of blissful contentment spread across her face as if she was imaging the perfect family she never had.

  ‘Why do you have different surnames?’ Scott asked to break the silence Sheila had allowed to descend.

  ‘Croft was my maiden name. I was Page in everything else, but it was easier for work to be Mrs Croft.’

  ‘Do the staff at Mary Croft know Sebastian is your son?’ Christian asked.

  She shook her head and emptied her glass. ‘Would you like a refill?’

  ‘I’m fine, thanks.’

  Sheila went over to the cabinet, took out the bottle and brought it back with her.

  ‘Sebastian couldn’t get a job anywhere. When he did and people found out who his brother was, they made it difficult for him to stay there. Like I said, he was a very sensitive boy.’

  ‘He wasn’t a qualified teacher, was he?’ Christian asked.

  Again, Sheila shook her head. ‘He was a PE teacher in a primary school. It’s not like he was teaching A-level physics. All he had to do was play rounders and badminton with the kids, keep them active. It suited him. He loved the job. He loved the kids. For the first time in his life, he was happy.’

  ‘And then Keeley Armitage went missing.’

  ‘We couldn’t track Calvin down for love nor money. He wasn’t answering his phone, he wasn’t at the flat, we started thinking the worst. Then he turned up here asking for money. Sebastian was in the kitchen when the knock came on the door. I answered it and in he walks, bold as brass. I told him we’d been looking for him, ringing him, but he didn’t seem interested. Sebastian came storming into the living room. He had him up against the wall, demanding to know what he’d done with Keeley.’ Tears had started to roll down Sheila’s cheeks. She didn’t wipe them away. The half-filled glass in her hands was shaking as she gripped it tight, her knuckles white.

  ‘Like I said, Calvin was a psychopath. He laughed. He actually laughed in Sebastian’s face. He said he’d not even heard of Keeley going missing. Sebastian grabbed the newspaper and showed him the story. Do you know what Calvin said? He looked at Keeley’s photo and said she was hot. Can you believe that? My own son actually said a nine-year-old girl was hot in front of his mother. It made my flesh crawl.’

  ‘What happened then?’ Christian asked.

  ‘I’ve never seen Sebastian like that before. But, I suppose we all have a breaking point. He just flew into a rage. He grabbed my gavel – I had a brass gavel on the mantelpiece – and he hit him. It was like the world stopped turning. Blood started to flow slowly down Calvin’s face. Then he grinned. There was no stopping Sebastian. He kept hitting him over and over and over. I didn’t stop him. I couldn’t have even if I’d wanted to.’

  ‘Is that why you changed the carpet?’

  She nodded. ‘The floorboards are stained though. You’ll see when you take the carpet up. You will be careful though, won’t you? It wasn’t cheap.’

  Christian nodded. ‘Whose idea was it to take Calvin to the old ski village?’

  ‘Mine,’ she answered after draining the glass.

  ‘And the gavel?’

  ‘It’s in the dishwasher. It’s been washed so many times but I daren’t take it out. I’m convinced there’s still blood on it.’ She stood up and went over to a sideboard. From a drawer she took out a Samsung mobile phone in a clear plastic freezer bag and handed it to Christian. ‘You’ll be wanting this.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Calvin’s phone. The PIN is his birthday: 1906. Not very original. Sebastian brought it back with him from the ski village. There are over three hundred video clips downloaded and saved. Prison didn’t change him at all.’

  Christian took the phone from her. She went back to her armchair and slumped into it. ‘I didn’t think Sebastian would be able to keep it a secret, bless him. Have you arrested him? Will I be able to see him?’

  Scott and Christian exchanged glances.

  ‘Sheila,’ Christian began, sitting forward. ‘We were called out to Sebastian’s flat this afternoon. I’m afraid he took his own life. He left you a note.’

  Sheila swallowed hard and nodded her head. ‘I thought he would have done. I wondered why he didn’t come around last night. I was going to go around this morning, but … I didn’t want to find him.’ She looked at Christian. ‘A mother always knows.’

  Chapter 48

  ‘South Yorkshire Police. How may I help you?

  ‘I’ve just seen someone being pushed off Heeley Bridge.’

  ‘Ok. Are you at the bridge now?’

  ‘No. I was in my car when I saw it happen. I pulled over and got out to look, but the river is flowing really fast. I couldn’t see anyone. I’m back at my car now. The rain is coming down heavy.’

  ‘The person who was pushed over the bridge, was it a man, woman or child?’

  ‘I don’t know. It all happened so fast.’

  ‘Did you see the person who did the pushing?’

  ‘No. They were wearing black and had a hood up. Whoever it was was slim and fast as they ran like lightning.’

  ‘What direction did they run in?’

  ‘They ran back down the road as if towards Ponsfords.’

  ‘Ok, sir, can you stay with your car? I’ve despatched a team to come out to you.’

  ***

  PCs Natasha Tranter and Gemma August drove through the busy streets of Sheffield at maximum speed. Sirens were blaring and windscreen wipers tried in vain to give them a clear view of the road and dangers ahead. Natasha, though she didn’t admit it to her colleague, was nervous in the front passenger seat. Gemma lived for these conditions.

  ‘My husband bought me a day out in Silverstone f
or my birthday a couple of years ago,’ Gemma shouted over the sound of the engine and torrential rain. She didn’t take her eyes off the windscreen as one hand was on the wheel and the other on the gear stick. ‘It was absolutely pissing it down and I went round that track like Lewis Hamilton on steroids. Loved it.’

  ‘What did your Shane think?’ Natasha shouted back.

  ‘He was fine until I aquaplaned, and he pissed himself,’ she laughed. ‘Best birthday ever.’

  ‘You’re a strange woman, Gemma.’

  ‘Enjoy every day,’ she grinned. ‘We could all be dead tomorrow.’

  ‘We could be dead in the next five minutes if you don’t slow down.’

  ‘Have a little faith.’

  Cars pulled over on Chesterfield Road and Gemma slammed her foot down on the accelerator and entered the third of four lanes. Halfords, the car wash, and Boots opticians went by in a blur. She drove through a red light and Natasha pointed out the blue Ford Focus with its hazard lights flashing up ahead.

  ‘That’s the guy who called,’ she said.

  Gemma pulled up just in front of him and they both climbed out, putting their hats on to give them a modicum of shelter from the rain.

  ‘I’m driving back,’ Natasha said as she locked the car.

  ‘Fine by me. We’ll be sticking to the speed limit. Where’s the fun in that?’

  ‘Mr Lomax?’ Natasha said to the man climbing out of his car. He was tall and thin and wearing a waterproof coat two sizes too big for him.

  ‘That’s me,’ he shouted over the sound of the downpour.

  ‘You say someone was pushed into the River Sheaf?’

  ‘Yes. It was …’

  ‘Would you like to tell my colleague, here, while I go and have a look?’ Natasha said. She headed off in the direction of the bridge. Gripping the railings, she looked over the side and into the dangerous waters of the river below. It was almost up to bridge level. If the rain continued, it wouldn’t be long before it was spilling out over the road. If someone had been thrown into the river, they would have been swept away by now.

  Natasha turned on the torch attached to her uniform and leaned further over the bridge. There was nobody there, but she hadn’t expected them to be. The dirty water crashed on the rough banks.

  She turned her back on the railings and looked around her to see if there were any signs of CCTV on the nearby buildings. She couldn’t see any.

  Gemma joined her. ‘Mr Lomax has got a dashcam. He played back the footage. It’s only a few seconds but there’s no mistaking.’

  ‘Shit. There’s nobody in the water. They could be miles away by now,’ she shouted.

  ‘Where does the Sheaf lead to?’

  ‘I’ve no idea. The River Don probably.’

  ‘We need to get a search team out here.’

  ‘There’s no way they’re going to be able to look for her in this weather. I doubt even a helicopter will get up in this.’

  ‘I’ll call the Sarge. Let him make the decision.’

  Gemma stepped to one side and spoke loudly into her radio while Natasha crossed the road, playing chicken with the traffic, to look over the bridge on the other side. The river was furious as it flowed. She blinked hard against the raindrops hitting her in the face, but she couldn’t see anybody clinging to life or floating face down in the water.

  As she turned back, a bus passed, its headlights on full beam. They bounced against something shiny on the side of the road in front of the railings where whoever had been pushed over. Risking her life against the traffic once again, Natasha ran across the road. Among the weeds and detritus at the edge of the pavement in front of the bridge, she saw a handbag with a buckle that had caught the buses headlights. She picked it up, opened it, and rummaged around inside.

  ‘Fuck me,’ she said to herself. ‘Gemma!’ she called out.

  ‘What is it?’ She asked back.

  ‘Tell the Sarge to get a team out here right now.’

  ‘Why?’

  She held up the warrant card. ‘It’s DC Ellen Devonport.’

  Chapter 49

  Sheila Croft had calmly gone with Christian and Scott to South Yorkshire Police HQ. She was placed in a holding cell while Scott and Christian went into the changing rooms to dry off.

  ‘Poor woman,’ Scott said as he slumped down on the bench. He kicked off his shoes and struggled to take off his sodden socks. ‘Some people seem to get all the bad luck, don’t they?’

  ‘It would appear so,’ Christian said, peeling off his shirt.

  ‘So, do we think Calvin killed Keeley or not?’

  ‘I don’t think so. She hadn’t been raped and the sexual assault was old. He’d have to have had contact with her on several occasions going back months. I don’t see how he could have done it.’

  ‘So, we’re back to square one with no suspects.’

  ‘Not really. It does leave us with one.’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘The father.’

  ***

  The Homicide and Major Enquiry suite was in darkness. Christian opened the glass doors and switched on the lights. They buzzed and flickered into life. He went over to his desk, but something caught his eye. He looked up and saw Matilda Darke sitting in her small office. She was looking straight at him but hadn’t seen him. Her eyes were wide, her face expressionless.

  Christian tapped lightly on the glass, but she didn’t hear him. He knocked louder but didn’t wait for her reply before walking in.

  ‘Is everything all right?’

  It was a while before she realised anyone was there. ‘Sorry?’ She asked.

  ‘You looked like you were a million miles away. What were you doing sitting here alone in the dark?’

  Matilda looked around her as if wondering where she was. ‘I just needed somewhere to think.’

  ‘And a big farmhouse in the middle of nowhere’s not good for that?’

  Matilda smiled painfully.

  ‘Have you been here all day?’

  ‘Most of it. I had arranged to meet with Danny Hanson. I was going to give him the Carl Meagan story, but I couldn’t go through with it.’

  ‘I’m glad,’ Christian smiled.

  ‘It doesn’t help Aaron, though, does it?’

  ‘I like Aaron, I really do,’ Christian said, hitching his chair closer to Matilda’s desk. ‘He’s a good detective and a nice bloke. He’s made a mistake, a huge one, but a mistake nonetheless. And he has to answer to that mistake.’

  ‘But what about the Mercer case?’

  ‘I was thinking about this earlier. If Leah Mercer had been an actual witness to the murder of her family, the case would be in trouble, but she wasn’t. She wasn’t even in the country when the murders took place. If she’s called as a witness when it goes to court, all she’ll be able to say is what wonderful people her parents and brother were. She can’t give any evidence, because she doesn’t know any.’

  ‘But Rachel does. And while Aaron has been seeing Leah, he’s been seeing Rachel. The defence could say Aaron’s been coaching her for giving evidence while pretending to be a caring friend of the family.’

  Christian blew out his cheeks. He hadn’t thought of that. ‘Ok. Ok. Rachel’s evidence is a lot to lose but look at everything else. We’ve got the attack on you, the car chase to Ladybower, the connection between Millie Jonson and the Mercers, your evidence on top of that. The jury could be full of village idiots and they’d still see the truth.’

  It was a while before Matilda responded as she mulled over what Christian said. ‘You’re right. I know you’re right. I just don’t want to throw Aaron to the lions.’

  ‘I know you don’t. Neither do I. But he’s a grown man. He knew what he was doing when he began the affair and must face the consequences.’

  ‘Christian, if you were in my position and had Danny Hanson practically blackmailing you and a detective having an affair, how would you handle it?’

  ‘For a start I wouldn’t let Danny Hanson
blackmail me. I’d let him print his story and pass it on to our lawyers. As for Aaron, I’d have him in the office, ask him to explain his actions, then deal accordingly.’

  ‘You wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with Aaron being a close colleague?’

  ‘Not if he’d made such a monumental cock-up. I’d be incredibly sad, but it’s of his own doing.’

  Matilda sat back and smiled.

  ‘What?’ Christian asked.

  ‘You’re going to make a great DCI.’

  His eyes widened. ‘What?’

  ‘There’s going to be a restructuring at some point next year. The ACC is recommending me for Superintendent, and I can’t think of anyone better to take over my role.’

  ‘Are you serious?’

  ‘Would you be interested?’

  ‘Of course. When is this restructuring happening?’

  ‘I’m not sure. It’ll be another year or so.’

  ‘Oh good. I’ve got plenty of time to pay off my secret second family,’ he laughed.

  ‘Don’t even joke about that, Christian,’ Matilda smiled, genuinely.

  The door burst open and a saturated Sian Mills entered the office.

  ‘Why is it I can never break down outside a chocolate shop or a millionaire’s mansion or a vineyard?’ She said breathlessly.

  ‘In Sheffield?’ Christian interrupted.

  ‘My sodding engine flooded and died on me. I look up and what’s the first thing I see? The bloody South Yorkshire Police sign.’

  Matilda stifled a laugh. ‘Would you like a lift home?’

  ‘Yes please. Last time we had a big rainstorm, my house flooded. I’m dreading it happening again.’

  Scott pushed open the door and practically sent Sian flying.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘Something bad’s happened. Ellen Devonport’s been attacked. She’s missing.’

  ***

  While Scott was on the phone trying to get hold of anyone on the team to come in and help with the search for Ellen, Sian was co-ordinating with sergeants and inspectors in uniform to put a search team together and find out whether the helicopter would be useful in this weather.

  Christian grabbed Matilda by the elbow and pulled her to one side. He filled her in on Sheila Croft and everything surrounding Sebastian and Calvin.