by M A Comley
Simon was getting out of his car when she entered the drive. He crossed the gravel to greet her, wearing a large smile. She felt a pang of guilt for hanging up on him earlier on in the day. She exited the vehicle, and they shared a kiss.
“I’m sorry.”
He took a step back and stared at her. “For what exactly?”
“For ending one of our calls on a sour note. It’s been a day riddled with frustration. ”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and steered her towards the house. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”
She stopped halfway across the drive. “You have?” She glanced down at the large brown envelope in his hand and tried to snatch it.
“Oh, no you don’t! You’ll have to wait until we’re inside, you eager minx.”
Sally upped her pace and reached the front door before him. She fiddled with her bunch of keys and after finding the right one let them into the grand house.
Simon closed the door behind him and handed her the envelope.
She tore it open and gasped loudly. Tears instantly misted her eyes. She dabbed at them with the sleeve of her jacket and continued to stare at the photo.
“It’s him, Sal.”
“My God. So it is. That’s a remarkable resemblance. There’s no doubt about it now. The Rylands are going to be beside themselves when I share the news. I’ll have to go round there in the morning. Damn!”
Simon slid an arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. “It’s going to be tough on them, and you. Let’s try and forget about it this evening.”
Sally smiled and slipped the black-and-white photo back in the envelope. “Agreed. Although I need to ring Jack before I do anything else.”
“You do that, and I’ll sort something quick out for dinner.”
“You’re a wonderful man, Simon Bracknall.”
“I know. Omelette and chips do you?”
“Wonderful,” she said, punching Jack’s number into the phone as Simon disappeared into the kitchen. “Hi, Jack. It’s me.”
“Sally. Is everything all right? You haven’t had an accident, have you?”
“No, it’s nothing like that. I do have some news for you that I wanted to share right away.”
“Which is?”
“Simon has just shown me a picture of the reconstruction. It’s him, Jack.”
“Damn. Glad it’s confirmed, but I know what lies ahead with the family now. This is going to be bloody traumatic for them.”
“See you at the station in the morning. We’ll have a quick meeting, and then we’ll shoot over to see the parents to share the news. ”
“Maybe we should ring one of the brothers, arrange for them to be there when you break the news.”
“Good idea. I’ll ring Thomas before I call the parents. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Jack.”
“You, too, Sally. Thanks for letting me know.”
She hung up and drifted into the kitchen, deep in thought.
“Hey, are you all right?” Simon asked, breaking into her thoughts.
“Yeah. Jack wasn’t that surprised when I told him.” She blew out an exhausted breath and fell into a chair at the table, which Simon had already laid for dinner. She reached for the glass of wine he’d poured and downed half of it in one gulp. “God, I needed that. Can I help?”
“Nope. I’m just waiting on the chips to brown a little, and then I’ll dish up. You deserve that glass of wine by the looks of things.”
“Yep. Jack and I had a relatively hard time at the prison with Abbott. He tried playing his usual tricks with us again, but I think I got the upper hand on that one.”
“In what way?” Simon shook the chips in the deep fat fryer and placed the omelette pan under the grill.
“I showed him a map of the area where he’d stalked the girls. I watched him carefully and noticed his eyes were drawn to one specific part of the map. It was only briefly, but I spotted it, nonetheless. I’m going to get two of my team on it in the morning. I’m determined not to let this bastard have the final say on what happens to those girls, if only for Katrina’s mother’s sake. This looks yummy,” she said when Simon put her dinner on the table mat in front of her.
“I hope so. Enjoy. Be careful of the spice in there. I dotted around some chorizo.”
“Hmm…I don’t think I’ve ever tasted that before. You’re definitely opening up my eyes with all these weird and wonderful dishes you keep knocking up for me.”
“You’re worth all the effort, not that I did much tonight. Cheers! Enough shop talk now. Eat up.”
Sally raised her glass to him then tucked into her delicious meal.
Chapter 14
“Jordan and Stuart, I’d like you to go to this area of the map and begin searching for any likely hideaways Abbott might have used before he was caught. It could possibly be a house, a shack or shed. Perhaps even a cave along the coast there. Just be vigilant, and if you have to try and think the way a serial killer would go about things, then so be it.”
“Yes, boss. That’s quite a big area you’ve mapped out there. Any chance we could get some backup to join us?” Jordan asked.
“I’ll see what I can arrange with the desk sergeant. Jack and I will be leaving soon to break the unwelcome news to the Rylands. Joanna, when we met up with Steven Jay last night, he dropped a hint that May Childs used to have a lodger. Will you do your best to try and find out who that was?”
“What? He couldn’t supply the name?”
“No, unfortunately not. I’m wondering if the person could be on the electoral roll for around that time.”
“I’ll do my best to find him, boss. A quick question—did any of the older neighbours mention the lodger when you interviewed them?”
Sally thought back. “Actually, I don’t believe they did. Do your best this morning for me.”
“I will.”
“I’ll just grab a coffee to give me some inner strength before I call the first person on my list. Be ready to set off soon, Jack. Oh wait, no, my first call should be to the desk sergeant. I’ll get back to you in a second, guys.”
“I’ll get the coffee,” Jack offered, earning himself an appreciative smile from Sally.
After making a quick call downstairs and receiving an affirmative from the desk sergeant that he was willing to supply two uniformed officers to help Jordan and Stuart in their search, she dipped back into the outer office to let them know. “You’re good to go, lads. Have a word with Pat on your way out, and good luck. Ring me with an update when you can.”
“We’ll do that, boss,” Jordan replied.
Jordan and Stuart left the incident room. Sally collected her coffee from Jack, who was standing at the door to her office, and closed the door behind her. Taking several sips of the hot sweet drink, she inhaled and exhaled a few breaths to calm her nerves, then she reached for the phone again. After looking up Thomas’s mobile number, she rang it and waited patiently for him to answer.
“Hello. Thomas Ryland.”
“Hi, Thomas. This is DI Sally Parker. We met the other day.”
“I remember,” he replied sharply. “What can I do for you?”
“I have some news for you and your family. Obviously, I need to tell your parents first and wondered if you wouldn’t mind being there when I tell them.”
“It’s him… It’s been confirmed now, hasn’t it?”
Sally sighed heavily. “I’m sorry. Yes, it’s Jeff.”
Thomas fell silent on the other end of the line. Sally didn’t say another word until he expelled a sigh of his own that matched the depth of hers.
“Poor Mum and Dad. I have no idea what this is going to do to them. When do you want to do this?”
“I’d like to drop by this morning to inform them, preferably.”
“What? Ten o’clock? Would that suit you?”
“Perfect. Will it be just you there, or will your other brothers be there, too?”
“I’ll ring them, see how they’re bo
th fixed. You can count on me being there. I’ve got a meeting around that time, but I’ll postpone it. This is far more important.”
“I’ll see you then.”
“Thank you for getting us a prompt answer on this, Inspector. It means a lot.”
Sally’s heart lifted at the man’s surprisingly kind words. “You’re welcome. This is just the beginning, Thomas. We will find out who did this to your brother, I assure you.”
“I believe you. I’ve been impressed with how you’ve gone about things so far. See you at ten.” He hung up.
Sally wiped away a stray tear that had slipped down her cheek .
Why does life have to suck so much at times?
She set about the task of tackling the day’s post, but it proved pointless. All she could think about was how she was going to break the devastating news to Jeff’s mother and father.
She glanced at her watch and realised the time.
Damn, we better get a move on. We have an hour’s drive ahead of us.
Jack turned her way when she exited the office. “We better shoot off, Jack. I told Thomas we’d be there at ten.”
Jack shot out of his chair. “Talk about cutting it fine. Do you want me to drive?”
“What are you insinuating? That I’m slow?”
“No! Well, maybe. You’ll have enough on your mind as it is. I’d like to help if I can.”
Sally threw him the keys to her car. “You’re a smooth talker at times. See you later, Joanna. I take it you haven’t found anything yet?”
“That’s a negative. Good luck.”
“Thanks. I can’t say I’m looking forward to doing this. However, with Jack by my side, I know anything is possible.” She winked at Joanna, who stifled a giggle while Jack just seemed confused.
Five minutes before ten, thanks to Jack’s nifty driving, they arrived at the Rylands’ family home. Thomas was waiting for them on the doorstep. He shook their hands and invited them into the lounge. Warren, Shaun and their mum and dad were all sitting down. They all seemed surprised to see them.
Sally smiled at them all. “Hello, everyone. Thank you all for coming.”
“What’s going on?” Shaun asked.
“Listen to what the inspector has to say, Shaun,” Thomas suggested.
Janet Ryland, who was sitting on the couch alongside her husband, clung to his hand when he gave her a bewildered, lost look.
“What’s going on, love? Who is this lady? ”
“You remember, William. It’s the nice inspector who visited us the other day. Let’s listen to what she has to say, dear. Nice and quiet now.”
“Okay, dear. I’m still none the wiser.”
Sally nodded a thank you at Mrs. Ryland and cleared her throat. “It is extremely hard to tell you this, all of you. Last night, I received the confirmation that the remains found next door to your old house are that of your son and brother, Jeff.”
The room fell silent, except for the poignant sound of Janet’s sobbing.
“What is it, dear?” William asked in a dazed state.
“How do you know it’s him?” Shaun asked.
Sally produced the photo of the reconstruction and handed it to him. All the brothers gathered around to view the picture. Then Thomas took the photo from his brother’s hand and showed it to their mother. She gasped and traced the outline of her dead son’s face with her shaking finger.
Warren excused himself and left the room, his colourless face a telling sign that he was in shock. Sally motioned to Jack for him to go with Warren to ensure he was all right.
Jack returned a few seconds later and gestured that Warren had been sick upstairs in the bathroom. Her heart went out to him. Sally scanned the room, taking mental notes of how each family member had accepted the news. Unsurprisingly, Janet seemed the most affected. William sat there, baffled by all that was going on around him. Thomas, who had heard about the news earlier from Sally, seemed almost relieved, as if he had accepted it, while Shaun kept shaking his head in confusion.
Warren entered the room a few moments later, wiping his mouth on a tissue. “I’m sorry. Are you sure this anthropologist didn’t see the photo of our brother and just make it up?”
“That’s not how these things work. It’s definitely Jeff, and the DNA samples match,” Sally replied.
“What happens now?” Thomas asked, taking a seat on the arm of the sofa next to his mother.
“The investigation has been ongoing. We returned to visit your old neighbourhood yesterday and spoke to the neighbours who still own properties there. They told us a few things that we’re sifting through now. We also visited a friend of yours last night who might have given us another lead to go on. ”
“A friend of mine?” Thomas replied, pointing at his chest.
“Well, not just yours. I believe he used to be in a gang with the rest of you. Steven Jay. Do you remember him?”
Thomas and Shaun nodded, and when Sally turned to gain confirmation from Warren, he sank into the chair and buried his head in his hands.
“Everything all right, Warren?” Sally asked.
Jack fidgeted on the spot beside her.
“Warren?” Thomas prompted, concerned.
Warren glanced up at his brother and shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. Sally noted the way his brothers turned to look at each other, seemingly puzzled by their brother’s reaction.
“Warren, is there something you need to tell us?” Sally urged, getting a bad feeling about what was unfolding.
“It was a mistake,” he muttered. “A dreadful mistake.”
Before either Sally or Jack could react, Thomas left his seat and grabbed his brother around the throat. “What was a mistake? What are you talking about? You didn’t? Tell me you didn’t kill our brother?”
Warren tried to remove his brother’s hand, but Thomas refused to let go.
Jack stepped forward and did it for him. “Let’s remain calm about this, Thomas. Let Warren explain what’s going on.”
Thomas stood next to Shaun, who appeared to be equally shocked. Sally’s heart went out to Janet and William, who were staring open-mouthed at their son.
“Warren, do you want to do this here or down at the station?” Sally asked.
“Here. My family need to know the truth. I’ve had to live with the guilt all these years.”
“Okay, I’m going to have to ask the rest of you not to react in any way. Otherwise, I will be forced to take Warren to the station for questioning. If he’s willing to tell you what went on, then I think you should all take the time to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Please remain calm.” Sally moved to stand next to Warren, and Jack stood on the other side.
Warren inhaled a deep breath then let it out slowly. “It was an accident. You have to believe me.”
“Just tell us in your own words. One thing I have to ask you is, had Steven Jay anything to do with this? ”
Warren nodded. “Yes, he killed Jeff. It was him—he did it. But I’ve held on to the secret all these years. Lived through the guilt of knowing what Jeff suffered at his hands, hiding those details from you. You can’t imagine what it’s been like for me to live through this nightmare.”
“Sick bastard,” Thomas mumbled. “How could you do this to Mum and Dad?”
Warren shook his head. “You don’t understand. I thought it was for the best. I never imagined that his body would be discovered, not in a million years.”
“Okay. Enough of the self-recriminations. Please tell us why you think your brother’s death was an accident,” Sally insisted.
“Jeff was walking home from school one day. The gang we all used to belong to were in the town. They were planning on hitting a couple of the shops.”
“What are you talking about? We never did shit like that,” Thomas claimed.
“Neither you nor Shaun were there that day. Fletch let the power go to his head and wanted to up the gang’s profile. I think Jeff walked past at the wrong moment. Steven Jay t
hought Jeff overheard our intentions and told tales on Jeff. Fletch ordered ‘Ginger’, as Steven was known back then, to give Jeff a good hiding.”
“Wait, you were there and didn’t speak up for Jeff?”
“I couldn’t. You know what would have happened if I’d intervened,” Warren replied, his voice rising a couple of octaves.
“Jesus Christ, you call yourself my brother? I don’t know you at all,” Thomas said, flinging his arm out in disgust.
“Please remain calm, Thomas. Carry on, Warren. What happened next?”
“Ginger and I took Jeff down an alley, and Ginger laid into him. Jeff went down like a sack of spuds. Ginger started kicking him in the stomach and in the head. That’s when I jumped in and told him Jeff had suffered enough. Jeff wasn’t moving. I checked his pulse and realised he was already dead. We both panicked. Ginger wanted to run off and leave Jeff there, but I couldn’t do it. We discussed the matter in a crazed way. Wondered if it would be better to throw him in the river or something along those lines, then Ginger—sorry Steven—came up with a solution to our problem. He said that his aunt was having a shed erected and the builder was going to be laying the foundations the very next day. ”
Sally thought this over for a second, and something Steven had said clicked into place. Her eyes widened, and she looked over at Jack. His brow furrowed. She shook her head and mouthed, “I’ll tell you later.”
Warren continued. “We waited until it got dark and moved Jeff’s body. We buried him. I said a prayer over the grave.”
Shaun put his thumb up and shouted, “Way to go, Warren! That was fucking decent of you.”
“Please, please let him speak, boys,” Janet pleaded.
“That’s it. The next day, the builder did his bit. I was so relieved when we moved house. The thought of living next door…well, it was hard enough dealing with the guilt when we moved away. It would have been devastating if I’d had to stare at that shed all day long, knowing the truth.”
“Do you even frigging realise how twisted that sounds, Warren?” Thomas shouted, his face red with rage.
