The Girl in the Rug

by K Leitch

  ‘Yeh, well I still can’t say…he’ll cut out my mum’s eyes if I tell anyone.’

  ‘Fucking hell Andy,’ said the older boy, ‘I thought my life was fucked up…but you’ve had it bad haven’t you?’

  Andy nodded but didn’t say anything, until a few minute later, ‘Why is your life fucked up Daniel?’ he asked.

  Daniel just shrugged his shoulders, ‘Because my mum really was a murderer…she used to carve men up just for fun.’

  Andy’s eyes grew as round as saucers, Daniel laughed, ‘Don’t worry mate, she’s locked up tight now…there’s no way she’s ever getting out, not the terrible Kerry Webb, they’ve thrown away the key.’

  Andy thought about that for a while before he said, ‘Yeh…but she’s still your mum ain’t she Daniel?’

  Daniel looked at his serious little face and then smiled, ‘Yep can’t deny it Andy…she’s still my mum.’

  CHAPTER 24 - TRACY

  Tracy felt rather nervous as she walked up the pretty garden path and past the pond that gave ‘Duck Pond Cottage’ its name. The house was anything but a cottage with its grand front door which looked like it had been hewn from a single piece of oak and its large mullioned windows that flanked the entrance porch on either side. Tracy thought it looked more like a medieval great house, which probably explained her nerves, but didn’t explain why it had taken her the best part of an hour and several discarded outfits before she had been satisfied with her appearance for this visit which, when all was said and done, was just visiting her next door neighbour. Only now that she had found out how famous Louisa Boulter was…well she was all of a flutter, which was ridiculous to say the least.

  The door was answered by Tim, looking as dapper as ever, he greeted her with a wide smile and invited her in.

  The cottage inside was charming, although Tracy could see that they had done a lot of work to the place. Most of the interior walls seemed to have been knocked down making the downstairs almost completely open plan, but the ceilings were still flanked by the original beams and there were a couple of really impressive open fireplaces that looked like originals.

  Tim showed Tracy into the kitchen, ‘It’s so kind of you to have gone to all this trouble Tracy,’ he said switching on the coffee machine, ‘Louisa and I have been run off our feet since we’ve been home, or we would have looked into it ourselves…’

  Tracy put up a hand, ‘Oh please don’t give it another thought Tim, the walk did me good and anyway I don’t know if what I’ve found out will be of any help…’

  She broke off as Tim said, ‘Oh Louisa darling…come and meet Tracy, she’s just popped in with some info on the big house for us.’

  Tracy turned and was shocked to see a tiny woman in an electric wheelchair trundle into the room.

  She collected herself almost immediately and held out her hand with a smile, ‘Hi, so lovely to meet you at last, and as I was saying to Tim I don’t know how good my information is so…’

  Louisa smiled at Tracy and squeezed her hand, ‘I told Tim he shouldn’t have bothered you with it…it’s not your problem after all. It’s just such a shame that someone saw fit to plant those bloody great trees…they block off all our sun you know, they’ll have to come down one way or another. Anyway it’s served some good if we’ve finally met our neighbours, how long have you lived here Tracy?’

  Louisa wheeled her way over to the table and gestured for Tracy to sit down.

  ‘Oh not long at all,’ said Tracy, ‘although I have lived in Kenley Village for years…’

  Louisa Boulter was the sort of person that made you feel really comfortable. She was very pretty, in a gentle way, with soft brown eyes and hair, and she had a way of looking at you as if she was fascinated by everything you had to say. Subsequently Tracy found herself jabbering on about all sorts of stuff, she told them about her job and how she’d met Simon, her friendship with the witches, which seemed to amuse Louisa no end, and her unlikely friendship with ‘Mad Nora’ her neighbour on the other side.

  ‘Of course we’ve put all that behind up now,’ Tracy was saying, ‘and she’s a sweet old thing really, but I was really upset at first, thinking I’d moved next to some sort of nutter.’

  ‘I’m not surprised,’ laughed Louisa, ‘I mean it’s not often you get an egg thrown at you is it?’

  ‘Speaking of your neighbour Tracy,’ interrupted Tim, ‘did she know who owned the big house? I know you said you thought she might be your best bet.’

  ‘Well she knew enough to point me in the right direction Tim,’ Tracy said with a smile. ‘The house used to be owned by a Ruth and Terrence Robinson. He owned a building company based in Redbank and she was a teacher at the local school, my school in fact although it was before my time there. Anyhow as far as I can tell they bought a place in Portugal when they retired and went to live there, leaving the house and business to their two sons, Gordon and Fredrick, but the house now seems to belong to the business itself. Simon my husband seemed to think this may have been some sort of tax dodge; I don’t know anything about that. But what I did find out, by speaking to the most condescending and snobby secretary in the world, is that the house is now used as some sort of venue, for corporate functions and the such like…which probably explains the parties etc. but I don’t think anyone actually lives there. I did manage to get a number you can ring though.’

  ‘Wow,’ said Tim impressed, ‘you have done well Tracy…thank you.’

  ‘That’s great,’ Louisa exclaimed, ‘at least now we have somewhere that we can phone when we need to complain…oh well done Tracy.’ She grabbed Tracy’s hand, ‘And I’m so glad I’ve met you too, it’s pretty tricky making friends when you’re always on the move…and this thing doesn’t help,’ she banged the side of the chair.

  ‘Oh I didn’t like to ask,’ Tracy began hesitantly, ‘how long have you…I mean was this something you were born with…oh I’m sorry…none of my business…’

  ‘No that’s fine…of course you’re curious,’ Louisa said gently. ‘I had a climbing accident actually, ooh about seven years ago now…broke my back.’ She went quiet for a moment, ‘Still at least I still have my eyes and my ears and my voice, although that was touch and go for a while…and as long as I have got this thing,’ she indicated the chair, ‘and Tim of course, I can get about…so who need legs, bloody nuisance…all that shaving and stuff.’

  ‘Oh tell me about it,’ laughed Tracy, ‘I’m thinking of making blankets for the Red Cross, the amount of hair I get from my legs.’

  Tracy spent the afternoon with the Boulters and walked home with a happy smile on her face. What lovely people, Louisa didn’t have an ounce of Diva about her, despite having performed at some of the most prestigious places, even for the queen a couple of times. And Tim was just one of those rarest of things, a nice uncomplicated man, who was devoted to his wife.

  Her journey home took her past the entrance to the big house and she was surprised to see quite a lot of activity going on, the same white van as before was parked out front but there were also a couple of very flash cars on the drive. Tracy slowed her step and lingered round the gates trying to see what was going on. It looked like they were gearing up for another function, Tracy could see crates of wine being taken from the back of the van into the house. As she was watching two men came out of the front door talking in a jovial way with each other. The shorter and elder of the two men turned and shook hands with the other man, he seemed very familiar to Tracy, she was just wracking her brain trying to remember where she had seen him before, when he got into a very shiny and expensive looking car and with a wave of his hand, drove his way slowly along the drive straight towards where she was standing. The huge gates swung open to let him through and Tracy pulled back a bit from the entrance to avoid being seen snooping, but she got a good look at the driver of the car before he sped away. Now she remembered who he was, it was Redbank’s newly elected Mayor, David Wesley…how mysterious, she must remember to tell Louisa next ti
me she saw her.

  CHAPTER 25 - CARLA

  ‘Have you noticed that there seems to be one name cropping up all the time…well two names but I am convinced that they are one and the same person,’ said Linda pushing one of Ted’s hand written documents over for Carla and James to look at.

  ‘Clive Tutt…hmm he’s been all over the place hasn’t he,’ Carla said, ‘and going by these earlier pictures I agree, the similarity to this Robert Gray is uncanny, well Ted certainly seemed to think so…he puts the two names together all the time.’

  ‘I thought anyone that worked anywhere near children had to have one of those police check thingys…doesn’t that apply to caretakers then?’ James said shaking his head and getting up, ‘More coffee anyone?’

  ‘Ooh yes please,’ said Linda handing over her cup. ‘It does beggar belief though doesn’t it Carla. I mean the man was sacked from that house in Glasgow…um Queen Street I think it was, because another member of staff lodged a complaint about him…’ she broke off and started rummaging through the papers on the table, ‘ah here it is, yes she lodged a complaint because of his inappropriate behaviour towards the children. I mean come on, how does a man like that get to work in another care home…in Glasgow, just three months later…what the fuck’s going on!’

  Carla, after looking briefly through Ted’s ‘project’, had decided that he may very well have been on to something so she had invited Linda over for the evening to go through it properly with her.

  ‘The problem is,’ Carla said, smiling her thanks to James who was handing her a coffee, ‘that no matter how many safeguards the system may put in place, if someone is determined enough and resourceful enough, they’ll always find a way round these things. Obviously Mr Tutt is just such a man, and then what you have to ask yourself is why he is so determined to work with kids, especially vulnerable kids like those at the homes…it’s not like the pay’s anything to write home about…’

  ‘Well I would have thought that was obvious,’ interrupted James. ‘Either the man is a saint who’s life’s work is to help children in care…or he’s a paedophile praying on the weak and helpless, and my money’s on the second given the number of homes he’s worked at over the years.’

  ‘Well Dad certainly seemed to single him out for special attention,’ said Linda looking through the papers again. ‘He’s made notes of all the people that Tutt met up with…and I must say that for a humble caretaker he did seem to have dealings with a lot of people in high places. Look at this Carla, on the 10th of August he met up with local magistrate Harold Shuckter, Gordon Robinson CEO of Robinsons’ builders, Councilmen Len Harris and David Wesley and Martin Hind chairmen of the Redbank round table. All at different times during a single day, what the hell was he up to…’

  ‘Yes but also,’ Carla said eagerly, ‘look how little time he spent talking to each of them…Harold Shuckter- 9.47-10.04, Len Harris-11.02-11.13…the only one he had a proper chat with was Gordon Robinson, over half an hour with him…it’s like he was going around giving people information or receiving information. Obviously something that couldn’t be discussed on the phone…’

  ‘Well I would say that’s as good a place as any to start wouldn’t you Carla,’ Linda said, ‘I need to find out more about this Tutt character…follow him about a bit, see what comes of it…’

  ‘It would be good to find out what he’s up to,’ mused Carla, ‘but you must be really careful Linda…keep your distance, don’t let him know you are watching him…’ she broke off as there was a knock at the door, James went to out to answer it, and came back in a couple of minutes later with Frank in tow.

  ‘Oh sorry,’ he said as soon as he saw Linda, ‘I didn’t know you had company, I’ll go…’

  ‘No,’ said Carla and Linda at the same time, ‘don’t be silly Frank, Linda’s just come round to help me with something,’ Carla said heading into the kitchen, ‘Fancy a beer…or a coffee or something?’

  ‘A beer would be great thanks,’ said Frank sitting down next to Linda, ‘So Connelly, how’s life as a reporter…dug up any scandals yet…naughty goings on behind the cricket pavilion, who’s been interfering with Tommy Sinclair’s giant marrow?’ he finished with a smirk.

  ‘Actually I’m on the crime desk now…’ began Linda bristling, but Frank’s attention had drifted away from her as he had just noticed Ted’s handwriting on some of the printouts on the table in front of him. James, spotting him looking, hastily tried to gather the papers up but he wasn’t quick enough and Frank picked up one of Ted’s reports and started reading it.

  He looked up at Carla who came back into the living room with his beer, ‘What the hell is this?’ he asked holding the paper out to her. ‘Why was Ted watching Glendon House?’

  Carla looked at James crossly, ‘I tried to clear them away but he was too quick for me,’ James defended himself.

  ‘What’s this all about Carla…is it something I should know about?’ Frank asked again.

  ‘I was going to tell you…’ began Carla.

  ‘I asked Carla to look into something that my Dad had been working on,’ interrupted Linda, and she went on to explain about Ted’s conviction that there was a paedophile ring active in the Redbank area. ‘More particularly he thought they were targeting the kids in the care homes…and that even some of the people that ran the homes could be involved so…’

  ‘What evidence have you got so far?’ Frank asked abruptly.

  ‘Well it’s not really evidence…but there was definitely something funny going on, we were just talking about one man in particular before you arrived…’ started Carla.

  ‘I want in on this,’ Frank said shortly, looking bullishly at Carla and Linda, ‘who’s this man that you are interested in?’

  ‘That’s ok Frank I think I can handle it,’ said Linda, her hackles rising. ‘I’ve already told Carla that I will keep tabs on Tutt, and do a little digging around…I’m quite capable of making a few discreet enquires you know…’

  ‘Tutt…who’s Tutt, is he known to us?’ Frank asked Carla, ignoring Linda.

  ‘No…not that I can think of, although he does seem to have used another name, Robert something…it might be worth getting Mandy to check him out,’ Carla said. ‘Um…I think it might be better if we let Linda do a bit more digging first Frank, we don’t have anywhere near enough to make this official yet so…’

  Linda couldn’t help but give Frank a little triumphant look. ‘Don’t worry Frank if I find anything out I will let Carla know immediately,’ she said.

  Frank was not happy, ‘I’m sorry Carla but I think you must be mad letting a…a wet behind the ears reporter investigate something as potentially serious as this, no I’m sorry Linda,’ he held up his hand when she started to protest. ‘I don’t mean to be rude, but let’s face it you’ve been on the crime desk five minutes and already you think you know how to gather evidence…it’s a skill that has to be learnt you know, it takes time.’

  Linda’s eyes flashed angrily at Frank, ‘There wouldn’t be anything to investigate if I hadn’t brought this to Carla,’ she said crossly, ‘and for your information I know exactly how to gather evidence…I’m not going to muck it up, I will be subtle…something I’m sure you know nothing about.’

  Carla thought it time to intervene. ‘Frank, all Linda is going to do is keep an eye on Clive Tutt, make a note of his movements and alert us if he starts acting suspiciously.’ She turned to Linda, ‘And I want your promise Linda that you won’t approach Tutt or alert him to your presence in anyway…you are just observing and making notes…ok?’

  Frank was still far from happy but he didn’t say anymore, just drank his beer in silence while the others looked through Ted’s notes again. He was not going to be sidelined though, especially in an investigation such as this…and especially not one that involved Glendon House…he would bide his time though…and then he’d do it his way.

  CHAPTER 26 - MAGGIE

  ‘I’m sorry Maggie, but I just
thought you had a right to know. I mean after all you’ve done for the girl you’d think she would be more grateful, I just thought…this is disgraceful, I must tell Maggie,’ Maylee finished with a look of concerned pity on her face.

  Maggie was stunned, stunned and very hurt. If what Maylee was telling her was true then she had been mistaken in someone that she held as dear as a daughter. According to Maylee, Jools had been bragging about how she could twist Maggie round her finger, from the way that Maylee told it Jools had inferred that Maggie was so stupid that she could be conned into buying anything for her and Jed just with a bit of flattery and a sob story. Maggie felt betrayed in the most hurtful way…not least because it was Maylee telling her about it.

  ‘I mean,’ went on the relentless Maylee, ‘if you’d bought all that stuff for Dom and me, well we would have been so grateful wouldn’t we, like anyone would, and I did say to her…you shouldn’t be talking about Maggie like that, she’s been very good to you. That made her feel a bit guilty I think Maggie because she stopped talking about it to me then…but I’m sure she was still having a sneaky giggle about it with her other friends.’

  ‘Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand Maylee? Maybe she was joking,’ asked Maggie hopefully.

  ‘No…not a chance, sorry Maggie I know this must be hurtful…oh here comes Dom,’ she lowered her voice to a whisper, ‘he didn’t want me to mention it to you Maggs so don’t let on you know ok?’ Maylee quickly sat at the kitchen table and began flicking through a recipe book, which, if Dom hadn’t been so love struck, he would have immediately been suspicious about, because Maggie didn’t even think Maylee knew where the oven was.

  She made her excuses pretty quickly and went into the living room to think about what Maylee had just told her…surely she had to be wrong. Jools had been Jed’s girlfriend since they had been at school together, she had been in and out of her house for years and Maggie had considered Jools a wonderful extra member of her family. It hurt her to her core that Jools would say something so hurtful about her. Hot tears streamed down her face, she wiped them away crossly, ‘Come on now, this is not like you,’ she said to herself. It did cross her mind that it was rather thoughtless of Maylee to tell her about Jools’ comments, surely it would have been kinder to have kept it to herself…but no, she shouldn’t shoot the messenger as it were; if what Maylee said was true then it was Jools that had betrayed her…not Maylee.