“I can’t see very well, but there is definitely someone in there, lying on the sofa in front of the fire.”
Matt had a look. She was right. He banged on the door again. Nothing.
“Round the back. I’ll kick it in.” He darted off. The back door was the usual cheap plywood. He swung his good leg, gave it a hefty kick and it swung open. They were in.
It wasn’t just the outside, the interior, too, reminded him of that other place. Matt stood in the kitchen, transfixed. Only his eyes moved, darting from corner to stone walled corner. It was a dead ringer for that other kitchen, almost bare of utensils. The walls began to close in around him and he was finding it difficult to breathe. He felt as if all the air was being sucked out of his lungs. Motes of dust spiralled around in the odd shaft of sunlight that managed to get through the dirty window. The light was strange, unnatural. He began to sway, he was going to fall to the ground. In his head, he heard a noise, and then a scream. For one crazy moment he could smell the burning after the grenade fell.
Lily was shaking his arm. “Sir! Sir! Are you alright? You’ve gone dead white.”
Matt bent double, clutching his knees. His mouth was open and he gasped for breath. “No. I’m terrified!” It was no good pretending, Lily could see the state he was in.
She spoke to him gently. “It’s okay. You’re safe. This isn’t the same place.”
“I know, I know. But this is how it takes me.” He drew in a deep breath. This was a full-blown panic attack. The only way to deal with it was to let it run its course. He wiped at the cold sweat on his forehead. He was powerless to make it stop. He tried to take deep breaths.
Precious seconds ticked by. “Let’s have a look around. It might take your mind off it,” Lily suggested at last. “The sofa . . .”
He stumbled after her through the hallway and into the sitting room. He couldn’t think. He’d even forgotten why they were here. Then he heard the coughing.
Lily grabbed his arm. “That doesn’t sound good.”
The sitting room was warm. There was a log fire roaring away. A small shape lay on the sofa, covered by a duvet. Matt lifted a corner. Oliver Richards was white, and he was shaking. Every few seconds a harsh cough interrupted his breathing. Matt could tell that the lad had a temperature. He touched the boy’s arm.
“Olly,” he whispered, “You’re safe now. Time to wake up.” Matt turned to Lily. “He isn’t well at all. Ring for an ambulance, and we’ll need a forensic team up here too.”
Chapter 24
Superintendent Dyson patted Matt on the back. “You did good. Kid’s doing okay in hospital, and Alison Wray has taken the mother to see him.”
Matt shook his head. “Wasn’t down to me. We got a tip-off and simply followed it up.”
Matt didn’t mention his panic attack. On the drive back, Lily had assured him she wasn’t about to tell anyone either. If he was lucky, they’d get less severe once he got accustomed to the job again.
“Beckwith arrested Mary Mason in Meltham. The other one, her sister Cora, will be apprehended soon. Apparently she has gone to Scarborough to visit an aunt.”
“The sisters didn’t take the boy. I’ll lay odds on it.”
“You could be right. In her statement, Mary Mason told Beckwith that they were minding him for a friend. Trouble is, she won’t say who that friend is.” Dyson stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels. “But she will, once she comes to her senses.”
“Forensics?”
“Scouring the cottage as we speak. What’re you up to now?”
“I’m following up on a hunch,” said Matt. “Given that both the blue stamp victims were linked to Bella, I’m checking out links between the others. The green stamp killings, for example — there were three of them. I’m checking whether they knew or had dealings with a woman called Caroline Sheldon. She owned the skinned dog. I’m trying to trace the woman.”
“Why? What’s her part in all this?”
Matt looked at the superintendent. “I think she was the person the killer was really after. I think the reason for the three green stamp murders was to get rid of anyone who was close to Caroline. When he took her, he didn’t want her nearest and dearest coming to us.”
“That’s a giant leap! How d’you work that one out?”
“Because I can’t find Caroline. It’s as if she melted into thin air. And at least one of the green stamp victims, Marjory Bentley, was close to her. She would certainly have beaten a path to our door if Caroline suddenly went AWOL with no word. Caroline was supposed to have gone to work in Glasgow. Allegedly she bought shares in a firm called McIntosh Plumbing. The firm exists alright, but Caroline isn’t there. They have never heard of her. If the move had been genuine, Caroline would have maintained contact with Margery. Might even have wanted her to visit. That is why Margery had to be got rid of. Don’t forget, we now have a link to the ‘Mr Apology’ killings and what has happened to Bella’s son. I strongly suspect she is his intended next victim.”
Dyson shook his head. “This Caroline has to be somewhere. There will have been some mistake. Who did you get the info from?”
“Her old employer, Kevin Riley, the chap who owns the builder’s merchants on Marsden Industrial Estate. And I don’t think he got it wrong.”
“Do we know what she looks like, this Caroline Sheldon?”
“I’m getting a photo emailed over from her old work place.” Matt paused for a moment. “Since we have this new information, I’d like to speak to the ‘Mr Apology’ team. Bring them all up to speed.”
“It’s Carlisle’s case.”
“Yes, I know, but he isn’t getting anywhere, is he, sir?”
“Fair comment! But I foresee trouble ahead.” Dyson stalked out of the office.
Matt lifted the phone and called Kevin Riley.
“DI Matt Brindle, Huddersfield CID.” It was tripping off the tongue more easily now. “Would you recognise this Doug person if I showed you a couple of photos?”
“Yes, I think so. He was an odd one. Smartly dressed, but didn’t say much. Not the type I imagined Caroline would go for at all. I did ask her about him, but she was cagey. At one point I began to think he had some sort of hold over her, not that I had any idea what that could be.”
“I’ll bring a couple of photos round a little later.” This didn’t sound like their tattoo man, though. Once Oliver Richards was up to it, he’d ask the boy about him.
The next part of the puzzle was to look at the red stamp murders, and try to ascertain if a particular individual was linked to those. The files were on Carlisle’s desk. Matt went to ask if he could borrow them.
Carlisle handed them over. “Heard you want a conference. Won’t get you anywhere. We’ve done all we can.”
“Another angle has presented itself,” said Matt. “I thought it would be pertinent to tell the team.”
“Whatever. Dyson has called the meet for six. But make it snappy, will you? The missus has got folk coming round tonight.”
Back at his desk, Matt looked at the profiles of the two red stamp victims. They were a couple, Carl and Deborah Thornley. Both of them had been found up on Marsden Moor thirteen months ago, shot in the head. The profile Carlisle and his team had put together was sketchy at best. Carl Thornley had been a partner in a dental practice in Huddersfield. His wife had been the nurse. Matt would visit first thing in the morning.
Of the three green stamp victims, Margery Bentley they already knew about. One of the other two was Oscar Firth, a student at the local university. He had worked part-time at an Italian restaurant on Marsden High Street. Matt knew it. Firth had been found in his car in the university car park, shot in the temple. The last victim was Sonia Crosland, a hairdresser who had lived and worked in Huddersfield. She was unmarried and lived alone. Sonia had been found dead in her flat. Matt needed to check what their relationship was to Caroline.
The email from Kevin Riley at the builder’s merchants had arrived. Matt sent
the photo straight to the printer and waited.
Lily returned from the canteen with a cup of coffee for him. “What do you intend to tell the others tonight? You should know that the sniping has already started. Beckwith is telling anyone who’ll listen that you’re Dyson’s new favourite and to watch out. They are also saying that you and me won’t last. They say I’m working with you temporarily and you’ll get rid the minute you’re able to. They’re calling us ‘chalk and cheese.’”
Matt got up from his desk to fetch the printout. “That’s a bit childish, and he’s wrong. I haven’t made up my mind about the job yet, Lily. Some of what they are saying is true. I am giving the job a trial, and the super placed you with me until I make up my mind. So nothing is certain. But if I do decide to stay, I think you’d make an excellent member of my team.”
“Thank you, sir, I’m chuffed with that. I know it’s just gossip, but I will pass on whatever I hear. I shouldn’t tell tales, but DI Carlisle has a vindictive streak. Beckwith’s not bad, but he follows Carlisle’s lead.”
But Matt wasn’t listening. He was staring at the picture of Caroline Sheldon. He held it up for Lily to see. “Who does she remind you of?”
“Good Heavens! I see what you mean. That blonde hair, the pretty features. She’s a ringer for Bella Richards.”
“So, he’s got a type. Our killer is particular. The women he targets look like this.” Matt held up the image again. “No doubt it’s his idea of perfection. But they only become targets if they lead insular lives. No good going after someone with a husband, loads of family and a wide circle of friends. They’d make a lot of noise when she disappeared. As it is, the women I suspect he has taken have not even been reported to us as missing — like Caroline. Bella fits the bill. She has very few people in her life. Think about it. If it weren’t for the fact she’s in witness protection, who would notice if she disappeared too?”
Lily nodded. “Her son. And your interest was sparked because of Alan Fisher.”
“That was the killer’s mistake, trying to deal with her son. Sending the letter purporting to be from Gabe Parker.”
“Why not just kill the boy?”
“I don’t know, but given time he might have done. He might have been waiting until he’d taken Bella. Maybe he wanted to use the lad as some sort of bargaining chip. We need to check if there is anyone else who knew Caroline well. Relatives. Anyone she might have discussed this new man with.”
“And the randoms?”
“If I am right, they are far from random, Lily. Our killer is getting rid of anyone who might interfere with his plans.”
Chapter 25
Superintendent Dyson had told everyone to attend the meeting, and the main office was packed. Carlisle and Beckwith were there, with a number of uniformed officers, plus a third team that Matt hadn’t yet got to know.
There was a lot of chatter. The teams were discussing the case, and the atmosphere was tense. Carlisle stood with his arms folded, his eyes fastened on Matt. His gaze was hostile.
Dyson rapped on the table. “Keep it down, you lot. Regarding the ‘Mr Apology’ killings, things ’ave happened. Evidence is starting to stack up that suggests links where previously we didn’t see any. That’s down to the fresh eyes of DI Brindle here. We also have the possibility of other victims we don’t know about. Originally, DI Carlisle had the case mostly to himself, but in light of what we now know that will have to change.”
Matt saw the look Carlisle threw Dyson’s way. The DI didn’t like it one bit.
Dyson addressed Carlisle. “The case has grown too big. There’s only you and Beckwith, and with all the new evidence, the two of you will never manage.” The super paused. The room had fallen silent. “I’ve decided to take up the role of SIO myself once again.”
Very diplomatic, thought Matt.
“So the lot of you will report any findings to me. We will collate all information on that board there.” He pointed to a huge incident board set up in the main office. “Since the new stuff has come from investigations carried out by DI Brindle, he is going to explain what we have so far.”
Matt moved to the front of the room beside Dyson, and cleared his throat. “Right. The ‘Mr Apology’ killer. When DI Carlisle’s team found that photo of Oliver Richards in Agnes Harvey’s house, it gave us our link. What we didn’t understand then was what it meant.” He pinned up the photo of Caroline Sheldon next to Bella Richards’ on the incident board. “We know more now. These two women are not only a similar age and live similar lives, but they look alike too. I believe our killer is not primarily interested in those people we have been referring to as ‘randoms.’ It is a female close to them that is his main target.”
There was a buzz around the room. Carlisle was shaking his head. “Where did you get this nonsense from?” he called out.
Matt ignored him and wrote the names ‘Margery Bentley,’ ‘Oscar Firth’ and ‘Sonia Crosland’ on the board. “These are the three victims that have green stamps on their arms. I believe they all knew Caroline Sheldon, and were all close to her in some way. Had she disappeared, they would have raised the alarm and reported her missing, so they had to go.”
“Where’s your proof, Brindle?” Carlisle shouted. “Sounds like a bloody good fairy story, but we’ll need more than one of your hunches to move this forward.”
There was muttering.
Dyson stepped forward, and his voice boomed out, silencing the talk. “I think DI Brindle’s theory has merit. Let’s face it, we’ve got sod all else, so we’ll make it a priority to check these three out. Talk to the staff at the firm Caroline worked for here. Check out Crosland and Firth for links to her.” Dyson nodded at Carlisle. “You and DC Beckwith can see to that.”
Matt took over again. “Thanks, sir. Those victims found with red stamps need checking out too.” He wrote ‘Carl and Deborah Thornley’ on the board. “Look again at their lives, who they knew. They worked in a dental practice in town. We need the name of a missing female to go with this pair.” He tapped the board. “The intended victim behind these two killings will look like Caroline and Bella: blonde and pretty, but more importantly, she won’t have been reported as missing.”
Carlisle grunted. “Very helpful. We’re back to chasing bloody shadows again.”
“Not if we’re thorough. Check back, ask the right questions, and I’m sure we’ll find a female the Thornleys were close to that fits the profile. Back to Caroline. Until we know differently, she is missing. I have followed up on the information I was given by her former employer and drawn a blank. We must extend our enquiries. She was seeing a man shortly before she disappeared. All I have is the name ‘Doug.’ I will show her employer the photo of the man who abducted Oliver Richards, and see if he recognises him. Speaking of Oliver, Mary Mason has been apprehended but her sister, Cora Mason, is still out there. She needs finding and bringing in. It goes without saying that it would help matters enormously if they told us who they were minding the child for.”
The chatter started once more, but the smile had gone from Carlisle’s face.
Dyson’s voice boomed out again. “Good. You all know what needs doing, so go and do it.”
* * *
The tears poured down Bella’s cheeks. She couldn’t help it. Her intense relief on hearing the news about Oliver had opened the floodgates. When the officer knocked on her door and gave her the news, she broke down. He had reassured her, and said Oliver was safe, but Bella insisted on seeing him for herself. The officer had taken her to the hospital.
Her son was asleep, but tossing and turning in his sleep. He looked flushed. His tousled, blond hair was spread across the pillow.
A nurse was sitting with him. “Don’t worry, he’s fine. We’ve given him something so he will sleep for several hours.”
Bella pulled a chair close to the bed. Her tiny boy had a drip in his arm. “Is he . . . injured?” Her voice trembled.
“A few scratches, but nothing serious,” said t
he nurse. “It’s his chest that is giving concern. We know he has asthma, but he has an infection too. That’s why he’s on the drip. We can give him fluids and antibiotics that way.”
Bella took hold of his hand and stroked his brow. Olly slept on. Part of her had believed that she’d never see her boy again, but the police had been true to their word. They’d found him for her. “Can I stay?”
The nurse smiled and nodded. “He is safe now. There is an officer on guard outside. No one will get near him again.”
Bella smiled in relief, but the tears kept coming.
Chapter 26
Day 15
“Today we speak to Oliver Richards,” Matt said.
Lily looked doubtful. “Provided his mum and the doctors are okay with that, sir. The lad has been through a lot. Poor little bugger. He might not be up to going through it all just yet.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll check with his mum first. In the meantime we’ll visit the builders’ merchants, and speak to Kevin Riley again. We’ll show him the photo of the tattooed man, and see if he recognises him.”
“I thought Carlisle had that gig?” Lily said.
“We’ve met Riley. Carlisle is chasing Caroline from a different angle.”
Lily was silent for a moment. “What about Broadbent’s paper mill? Someone there might know him.”
“If this Doug did take Caroline, I doubt he’s been anywhere near Broadbent’s. That will have been a cover. But we’ll ask, just to make absolutely sure.”
“Carlisle’s team aren’t happy. Beckwith’s been gossiping about you. He was going at it like a bloody fishwife when I got ’ere this morning. Clammed up when he saw me.”
Matt smiled. “It’s to be expected. I’m new — well, as far as they are concerned, I am. More than half of the people who work here now weren’t around when I was active before. So they don’t think of me as one of them. They probably reckon I’m Dyson’s pet, what with him giving me a chunk of the case and us being so friendly.”
Lily smiled. “Why is that, sir?”
His Third Victim Page 12
