by Mel Sherratt
They sat in companionable silence, each with their own thoughts. Grace didn’t know what to do for the best. Maybe she should chat to Allie about it once things had died down at work again.
A yawn escaped her and she tried to hide it behind her hand.
‘Fancy an early night?’ Simon suggested.
‘It’s half past eight, I’m not that tired.’
Gently he pushed her to the floor. ‘Who said anything about going to bed?’
As he kissed her, Grace felt the troubles of the day melting away. It was hard as a cop to switch off but she had to try. And what better way to wind down.
2014
September
Over the next few days, Ruby packed away her belongings. She chose a few of her own and a few of Lily’s every day, hoping that Dane wouldn’t notice. Not that she expected him to. Even though he used to come several times a week, sometimes he didn’t show up for days at a time. Those were the good times. So she packed a little each morning before midday, before she knew she had to be on her best behaviour for him.
After turning up one night in the early hours, Dane had suddenly gone missing for a week. Finally, she was told by someone in the flat below that he had been remanded in prison for six months. The relief was instant. It was then she made up her mind to leave.
It had taken her another week before she dared to go. Being afraid that one of his cronies would step in to look after her while Dane was gone was the thing that finally spurred her on. She couldn’t deal with that, not after what she had been through. She had to get out of there now for her own safety, and Lily’s. She had to be somewhere else with her child.
Nearly four years after the first time she had visited Finn’s flat, she walked out of it with their daughter, and sped off in a waiting taxi. The first stop was to see her dad. There was something that she had to do while she was there.
Even though she had been embarrassed to face him, and had never visited since Lily had been born, she swallowed her pride. He’d seen Lily a few times when he had bumped into her in town, pleaded to be let back into their lives. She’d always promised she would go and see him, but never did. Dane was evil. He had no morals.
The look of surprise on his face when he answered the door made her burst into tears.
‘I’ve escaped,’ she said and flew into his arms, relishing feeling safe in his embrace for a moment.
Without a word, he took her bags from her, but when he turned to go upstairs with them, she put a hand on his arm.
‘I can’t stay here.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because he will hurt you to find me.’
Ruby would never forget the look of distress in his eyes as he nodded.
‘You have time for a cup of tea though while I get to hold my granddaughter? She’s so much like you were at that age.’
‘Just about.’
He sighed in resignation. Ruby knew he’d want to change her mind while they drank it so she came clean. But at least it gave her the chance to explain everything.
‘You remember when you met Finn and you weren’t too sure about him?’ she began.
‘He wasn’t good enough for you. I’ve always said that. But you loved him.’
‘I did, Dad. I loved him with all my heart and he loved me too. But it went so wrong.’ She told him about Finn, how wonderful her life was with him. About his past and how he tried desperately to get away from it. How it all changed the night he was attacked.
She told him how he had gone missing. And then she told him all about Dane taking over her life.
Her father looked on in shock.
‘And you never heard from Finn again?’
She shook her head.
‘You should have told me. We could have gone to the police.’
‘Dane’s known to them,’ Ruby explained. ‘He’s a gang member, a criminal at the top of the ladder. Finn was only small fry, and when he wanted to leave, the gang became violent. They threatened me, they threatened Lily and I know they would have got to you if I hadn’t kept away. That’s why I didn’t visit. We were getting ready to leave once but someone must have told him. That was when Finn got stabbed. I … I was there.’
‘Oh, Ruby.’
‘Dane kicked down the front door. We’d talked about what to do if it ever happened. I would hide behind the armchair which was in the corner of the room. Whenever I made a drink or had something to eat, I’d clear up straight away. I’d hide my handbag, so it looked as if I wasn’t home. Things like that. That’s why I managed not to be seen, but I heard it all. It was so awful. When Dane left, I thought Finn was dead.’
She could see her dad wrestling with his thoughts, his anger.
‘Let me help you,’ he said. ‘I’ll find you somewhere to stay, then I’ll sell up here and move to anywhere you like.’
‘He’ll find us, Dad.’
‘So you go on your own? It’s better if you’re with me. I can protect you.’
‘I won’t put you in danger. I have to go.’
‘What about Lily?’ He glanced at the little girl who was now sitting on his knee chewing a biscuit.
‘I’m thinking of her. I don’t know what else to do.’
He stroked his granddaughter’s hair. ‘How long is it before you have to leave?’
She checked her watch. ‘Not long. I wanted to see you though before I go.’
‘That fucking monster.’
Ruby had never heard her father swear before.
He handed Lily back to her, jumped to his feet and grabbed his car keys. ‘There’s a larger suitcase upstairs on top of the wardrobe. Put those bags inside it, it will be easier to carry them, and I’ll go to the bank and get you as much cash as I can.’
‘You don’t have to—’
‘You won’t let me call the police. It’s the only thing my conscience will allow me to do without ringing for help.’
Ruby followed him upstairs, Lily still in her arms. She went into her old room. It was almost as she’d left it, except for the posters that had been removed. Freshened-up walls and a more mature duvet cover to match the curtains. But all her teddies were there. She handed her favourite one to Lily, tears welling in her eyes. She would ask her dad to save everything for her. It would give him some hope that one day she would return.
How her life had changed since she’d left home. She sat down on her bed, popping Lily onto the floor, and was instantly transported to a time where she would be putting on a little make-up, the rest in her bag, before she would go off to meet Naomi. She remembered how they had squashed together when Naomi had slept over, whispering to each other long into the early hours. They’d had their best conversations during those nights. Sadness tore through her at the loss of her innocence. At nineteen, she should be starting life, not feeling like it was already over.
She wondered what had become of Naomi now. She hadn’t heard anything from her since she had left to go to university. She hadn’t even been around to see Lily. But that was through mutual choice. Ruby had chosen Finn over Naomi, even though she wished she could have had both.
Naomi would no doubt get married to a gorgeous husband and have irresistibly adorable children. She’d live in a large and beautiful home, maybe have a career if she wanted one. She had always landed on her feet.
That wasn’t fair, she chided. Naomi hadn’t fallen in love with Finn. She had.
By the time her dad got back, she had done what she’d come to do and the case was packed. She popped Lily down on the settee in the living room, wiping her face clear of crumbs.
‘Mummy’s little angel.’ Ruby smiled at her. ‘What would I do without you?’
‘Mummy’s angel,’ Lily repeated and giggled.
‘There will always be a room here for you.’ Dad was standing in the doorway. ‘I said I’d never change anything.’
‘Thanks, Dad.’ She only hoped he meant it.
‘Can I drive you somewhere?’
‘I need to get to
the bus station.’
‘I meant further afield than that. I can take you anywhere you want to go.’
‘The station is fine, thanks.’ She didn’t want anyone to see her with him. The sooner she was away, the less danger he would be in. Because Dane might send someone there, hurt him to get to her. Try to make her come back.
‘Where are you going?’ he asked, once he’d given them a lift.
‘I don’t know,’ she said. ‘And it’s best you don’t find out. I’ll call you as soon as I can. I promise.’
‘Are you sure we can’t go to the police?’
‘Maybe later, but not yet.’
‘I can’t just let you go like this!’
‘You have to. I just want to feel safe for a while. I love you, Dad.’
‘I’m so sorry I wasn’t around for you after your mum died.’
‘Don’t be. It was hard for both of us.’
They hugged as if they didn’t want to let each other go. But she’d had enough of her life as it was and it was time to leave.
‘I love you, poppet, and this little one.’ He gave Lily a kiss. ‘Stay safe.’
Ruby walked away, knowing she had done the right thing. She had the security she needed now, hidden safely away. Dane might come after her, but it was the chance she would take to keep herself and her child safe. And to have a life somewhere without living in fear.
She would always look over her shoulder, but if she moved around, she might stay under his radar. He was a thug but he wasn’t that clever.
Was he?
FRIDAY
FORTY-EIGHT
Ruby and Luke had spent most of the evening packing things and taking them to the car.
Now it was half past seven that morning. Ruby was making sure that every scrap of evidence was gone, so that nothing would give Dane information about their plans if he broke into the flat once he found out they had left.
It was so hard to think they would have to move somewhere else. Leaving all the furniture behind and having to start again with nothing was unpleasant but a necessity. And knowing that wherever she went Dane could still find her would always be at the back of her mind. But she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of hurting anyone else that she loved.
And she still had what was his.
She’d often wondered what would happen if she’d given it back to him. It wasn’t as if she was safe either way, with it or without it. If he got it, he would still hurt her. And if he didn’t get it, he would come after her until he had. It was a lose-lose situation but she felt better keeping it for insurance.
The car was packed so they told the children they were going on an adventure. Tyler was all excited but Ruby could sense that Lily knew this game from old.
‘Is someone after us, Mum?’ she asked as she dressed.
‘Not at the moment, but I’m not sure.’ Ruby felt it best to be honest with her. ‘We just need to go as quickly and as quietly as possible. Will you help me to do that?’
Lily nodded.
Ruby smiled her thanks. But inside she was breaking. How could her child accept that they had to leave and not question if they would be coming back? She’d lose all her school friends again, her sense of belonging. It was so tragic. Lily had lost her childhood because of her. Ruby had to put things right if she could.
‘Tyler’s in the living room,’ Ruby told Luke when he came back from the car park. ‘Can you go and get him and also fetch his favourite teddy bear? I’ve left it on his bed.’
She ushered Lily into the kitchen. She grabbed the bags that she’d packed for the car journey.
‘Here, take this.’ She gave one to her.
‘Where are we going, Mum?’
‘To visit Luke’s parents.’
It was the only place they could think of going at short notice. Once they were away from here, she could register them as homeless and get temporary accommodation.
She pushed back tears, wondering how many times she would have to do this. Drop everything, leave all their possessions behind, move on, start Lily at a new school. It was exhausting and heartbreaking.
She looked at Tyler, now in his dad’s arms, and smiled. ‘Let’s get your coat, little man.’
Luke reached it from the hook in the hall and she helped him to put it on.
‘We’re going to play a game,’ she told him. ‘We’re going to leave the flat as quietly as we can, like mice, and get into the car. Can you do that for me and Daddy?’
Tyler nodded his head, and put his finger on his lips. ‘Shush.’
‘That’s right, Tyler.’ Ruby turned to Lily. ‘I need you to do something for me, too. I want you to watch your brother when we get into the car. If anything happens, you must stay with him.’
When Lily nodded, Ruby spoke to Tyler again. ‘Do as Lily tells you when you’re in the car. Can you do that?’
He gave a slight nod.
Ruby glanced at Luke.
‘Ready?’ he asked.
‘As I’ll ever be.’
Luke opened the door, had a quick look outside and beckoned them forwards. Quickly, she bundled her children out of the flat, in the opposite direction to Seth. Every part of her body was on full alert for Dane, her eyes scanning the darkness for a shadow, a sign that he was there. She spotted Lily’s anxious face, so she tried to put her at ease.
‘Let’s pretend we’re invisible until we get to the car,’ Ruby whispered loudly, hoping to inject enthusiasm into her words. But only Tyler picked up on them, closing his eyes as if this helped. It would have been comical if it were under different circumstances.
Ruby raced along behind Luke, thankful that he was with her. Faster and faster as they rushed, her eyes were on alert for any sudden movements. All she could see beyond the walkway was the morning waking up. She hoped no one was out there, watching her, waiting for them to make a move.
At the communal doorway, Luke pushed out into the car park and she hurried on behind, Lily in between them. Ruby looked around, continually watching out.
As they got to the car, she almost cried with relief.
Seth had just finished an all-night shift. He was full of life, having taken an upper to get him through the long dark hours. He’d been overseeing a poker game at Flynn’s. Normally he’d join in but he’d been too jittery. Even Eddie had asked him if he was okay, telling him to calm down when he’d got heavy stopping a group of men coming into the club earlier on. What the fuck gave him the right to do that?
He parked at Harrison House. There weren’t many lights on in the flats. He laughed loudly. Idle bastards – he should start shouting to wake them up.
But then again he wanted to keep his cool, not alert Shelley that he was home. She was in for it when he got his hands on her, if she’d dared come back at all. And if she wasn’t there, he was going on the hunt for her. The first place he’d look was her dippy friend, Mandy. He knew she wouldn’t go back home.
He got out of the car and locked it up. As he turned to leave, he saw Luke Douglas and his family coming around the corner. He bobbed down out of sight, watching as they rushed to their car, with bags and a large suitcase. He peered around the side of the boot. It looked as if they were about to do a runner.
Over his dead body.
FORTY-NINE
Eight a.m. The Major Crimes Team briefing wasn’t for another half an hour but most officers were at their desks. When Grace saw her DI coming in, she headed for the kettle. A few minutes later, she knocked on Allie’s office door, two mugs of steaming coffee in her hand, a packet of biscuits in the crook of her arm.
‘I need fresh eyes,’ Grace told her. ‘Do you have a few minutes?’
‘As long as those biscuits are for sharing,’ Allie grinned. ‘Give.’
Grace put down the mugs, handed the packet over and pulled up a chair.
‘What’s up?’ Allie asked, taking a bite of a chocolate digestive.
‘Forensics are in regarding fingerprints found on the stolen car we t
hought that Finn Ridley was sleeping in. They picked up a partial belonging to a guy called Dane Walker. He was the leader of a gang in Hounslow, London, where Ruby said she first lived with Finn Ridley. Frankie’s been doing some digging and according to our records, Ridley was working for them from his early teens but he’s been off the radar for years.’ She paused. ‘Do you think Finn Ridley is really Dane Walker?’
‘As in the same person?’
‘No, as in two different people. Ruby is telling us it’s Ridley and yet it might be Walker.’
‘But why?’ Allie clicked on her screen and began to type.
Grace sat forward as she turned the screen slightly so she could see it too. A police record came up with a photo of Dane.
‘He looks similar to Seth Forrester, doesn’t he?’ she said. ‘So he could have been mistaken for him from a distance.’
‘Or he could be the man running along the path after Tyler fell.’
‘We can’t rule him out of the attack on Milo Benton, either. Milo still won’t tell us who it was.’
‘Do you think giving us the wrong name might be something to do with Lily?’ Allie reached for another biscuit. ‘Could she be Walker’s daughter? He might have wanted to harm Tyler because he wasn’t his son.’
‘It’s possible.’
Allie clicked again and then pointed to the screen. ‘Now we know he’s linked to Finn Ridley, Ruby must be able to give us more than she’s letting on. Off on a tangent, but do his fingerprints come up anywhere at Mary Stanton’s murder?’
Grace shook her head.
Allie paused. ‘Well, this is a riddle. According to Ruby, Finn Ridley is missing. Walker has served six years for armed robbery. He’s been out for three weeks. And let’s face it, Ruby has lied so much. This could be Walker rather than Ridley. Either of them could have come after Ruby.’
‘But why did she lie?’
‘To protect her family?’
‘We could have done that.’ Grace rolled her eyes. ‘Well, maybe we could have.’
‘Whatever the case, we need to speak to her. Do we know where Walker should have been?’
