Snow Kills

by RC Bridgestock

  ‘It needs photographing and bagging,’ he said pointing inside the freezer to Jasmine.

  Dylan could wait no longer. He now had access to the second freezer. Stepping forward eagerly, he attempted to open the lid with his bare hands, but it wouldn’t move. The garage was eerie, the officers still. Vicky looked up at her boss’s calm face, fearing that the knocking of her knees would betray her feelings. Little did she know that he was shaking inside like a jelly. Andy passed him a jemmy and held one himself.

  ‘You take that end boss, and I’ll take this,’ he said.

  The men prised the lid open with brute force and peered inside.

  Chapter 37

  ‘I think we’ve just found our missing girl,’ Dylan said as he looked down on the naked frozen body that was squashed inside.

  Vicky turned and walked outside. She felt hot and dizzy. ‘I’m going to be sick,’ she said. Dylan followed her a few minutes later. ‘Here,’ he said handing her his handkerchief to wipe the bile from around her mouth. ‘Beware of the bogies.’

  It was just the sort of light touch she needed. She looked up at him from where she was squatted.

  ‘Sorry boss, must have been all the anticipation. Poor, poor kid,’ she said shaking her head.

  ‘No need to apologise. Just glad you didn’t throw up over me.’

  ‘You should be used to that with Maisy.’

  ‘True,’ he conceded, putting another mint in his mouth and offering the packet to her.

  ‘Thanks,’ she said.

  ‘For what?’

  ‘For not laughing at me,’ she said.

  The fact was, he knew exactly how she felt. It was a sad, sorry sight and the only positive he could take from the find was that they now knew where Kayleigh Harwood was and could move forward in the investigation to find out what happened to her on White Wednesday.

  This was a scene within a scene for the investigation team.

  ‘I want necessary examination and photographing to be carried out before anything else is moved, Jasmine,’ he said. ‘I don’t want to lose any evidence that’s available to us here and now.’

  The news of the find spread quickly around the search team inside the house and they came out in force.

  Decisions had to be made – and quickly. Should he switch off the fridge? Would he need it defrosting to get her out?

  ‘How quickly could they get us a hot air blowing heater to the scene to release her from the ice?’ he asked.

  Arrangements were made. Once they managed to lift the body out of the freezer, it would be put into a body bag and taken to the mortuary.

  ‘Not only have you a body sir, some of the bits of smashed up bones from the other freezer are human too,’ Jasmine said.

  ‘So we’re looking at a double murderer?’ PC Jackie May said. ‘I guess I’m glad you left me inside with Ned and the search team now,’ she said, looking at Vicky’s ashen face.

  Jasmine nodded, ‘Or a serial killer; there’s more... Inside an old sleeping bag under the driver’s seat is a pair of girls knickers and there’s a couple of rolls of masking tape.’

  ‘From having bugger all this morning, we now appear to have a vast amount of exhibits. And before you say anything Vicky, I can see by your face...’

  ‘I told you so? To be honest, it’s taken me aback too. Barrowclough was cocky enough to think that nobody would go looking in there. And even if they did, he didn’t expect them to find the freezers or look inside them.’

  ‘A good job we’re thorough, then. You’d think people would know these days that we remove patios, extensions and dig up gardens if need be.’

  ‘Talking about gardens, those markers in the garden are where we’ve found further bits of bone,’ said Jasmine. ‘Some look like they might be human. Maybe he fed bits of his victims to his animals?’

  ‘Grotesque!’ said Vicky, covering her mouth with Dylan’s hankie.

  ‘One thing for sure, there’s a hell of a lot of work to do here. We’re going to have to protect this scene for a few days and get some more staff to assist until we are satisfied we have gathered all the evidence. So can you speak to the Divisional Inspector with my compliments Vicky, and tell them from this evening it needs to be secured, guarded and preserved around the clock.’

  ‘Consider it done, boss.’

  Dylan sat in his car with the door open. He was writing his policy log book – a job which was not easy at the best of times, but he wanted to write this one up immediately, regarding the decisions he had made and the reasons why. He was interrupted by a call from the cells to say that Regan was being discharged from hospital and they were expecting him back within the hour.

  ‘Barrowclough’s housed in the female side of the cell block as requested, so there’s no chance of them seeing each other,’ said the Custody Sergeant.

  ‘He needs to be on an open door policy. I want an officer sat outside his cell at all times. One of my officers from CID will be coming to bag his clothing so he’ll have to go into a paper suit.’

  ‘You’ve got to be joking? We don’t have suits in his size. He only just fits through the bleedin’ cell door.’

  ‘Well I’ll have to leave that with y’ kid, as they say. I’m sure you’ll use your imagination and come up with something. Get hold of the Divisional Administrator and see if she can get locate an extra large paper suit. She won’t have anything else to do.’

  ‘If I said that about Beaky, I’d be hung, drawn and quartered,’ he said. ‘I just saw her as a matter of fact, trailing the Chief Supt.’

  ‘Oh, what a surprise. They’d be going for tea and cakes with someone, no doubt?’

  ‘Actually I think you might be right. I’ve just seen Janet with a family size custard pie. I think they’re entertaining Eddie Thornton.’

  ‘Now why doesn’t it surprise me that they’re courting the Assistant Chief Constable?’

  ‘You do create me some problems Dylan, but I like challenges. They make the shift go quicker.’

  Dylan put the phone down. If Billy Burns called that a challenge he should be sat where he was right now. ‘Vicky,’ he called across the yard. ‘Once the body has been removed from the freezer and is en route to the mortuary, we need to get back to the nick. I’ve confirmed with forensics, her removal is the best way to retain evidence. We need to sort Norris Regan out and then we’ll have Kayleigh’s post mortem to attend, so get cracking. Oh, by the way, have you heard anything about a time for the forensic pathologist, or who it is that might be attending the mortuary?’

  ‘Yes, it’s going to be this evening at the earliest. They’re trying to get hold of Daniel Jones.’

  ‘Great, he’s good. Keep on it will you? And let me know what time.’

  ‘Will do, boss.’

  The temperature of the freezer slowed down the decomposition process to a minimum, but formal identification of Kayleigh Harwood would still be necessary.

  ‘Careful,’ Dylan said to the team. ‘I want the actions videoed for evidence – who knows, perhaps we could use this for training officers in the future?’ he said to Jasmine.

  Heat was used to ease the body out. It was midday before Vicky and Dylan left the scene, knowing that Kayleigh’s body was recovered and safely on its way to the morgue.

  Officers from the Forensic Science lab were on their way to the scene to liaise with Jasmine, Louisa and Stewart. The freezers would be scrutinised inside and out for evidence, as would the garage, HGV, house, garden and the yard. Whatever experts were necessary, Dylan would consider using. This sort of enquiry needed to be a joint effort of the West Yorkshire Police Force. He didn’t want to lose any data, accidentally or otherwise, and so he left the professionals at the scene. The cost had just begun to spiral, but expenditure was essential – although, no doubt, Dylan would be facing some wrath from his bosses in the future. Even though there was the suggestion of other human bones littered about the location, he would concentrate on the body recovered for now and retain the rest
for later. There was only one way with a murder enquiry and that was one step at a time.

  Vicky yawned. ‘Keeping you up, are we?’ asked Dylan as they drove into the police station’s yard.

  She looked sideways at him. ‘No,’ she said, swallowing hard.

  ‘Good, you’ve got a long day ahead of you yet. Better get some food in you. Remind me to speak to Claire Rose at the press office and the Coroner’s Officer will you?’

  ‘You won’t forget though will you? You never forget anything, so why do you always tell me to remind you when you don’t forget?’ she moaned.

  ‘Because one time I might,’ he said. ‘I want to talk to Kayleigh’s mum too and her boyfriend this afternoon, update Hugo-Watkins and get him to do the necessary for the custody extension for Regan. Although,’ he said with a wry smile. ‘If he’s been in the company of the ACC for an hour or two, he’ll still be floating on a cloud somewhere, dreaming about when he gets the invite to Bramshill.’

  ‘You think he will?’

  ‘What, get ACC? Well he’s kissed enough arses in the process to get where he is now – so who knows what dizzy heights he’ll end up at? But these things are definitely not for mere mortals such as us, Vicky.’ Dylan grimaced. ‘He’s not going to be pleased today when he finds out his division is going to be invaded by the world media. The satellite vans will start arriving as soon as they hear, with their live transmitters... I hope they don’t ask him to comment before I get to him. I must tell him, I mean advise him, before he does – since people are under arrest for the murder – or he could prejudice the case.’

  ‘We’ve got one body boss, but since there could be others, I wonder if Barrowclough will speak to us?’

  ‘Time will tell,’ he said pensively. ‘Let’s get something to eat first, because before long it’ll become so manic we won’t manage a cup of tea.’

  Their meal was consumed quickly, and in silence, as they filled up with the fuel to get them through the long journey ahead. Dylan’s mind was focused on what needed to be done. He was confident that his team of officers at Paul Barrowclough’s address would be meticulous in their search and everything would be recorded, ready for disclosure to the Courts or any future defence teams, which was one less thing for him to worry about.

  ‘Post mortem arranged for six thirty this evening, sir,’ said Geoff Painter, the Coroner’s Officer, as he sat discussing the next interview with Vicky in his office.

  Dylan groaned, leaning his head back against his chair and closing his eyes for a moment. ‘Damnation,’ he whispered under his breath.

  ‘Is there a problem? It’s the only available slot today for the Home Office Pathologist Daniel Jones, I’m afraid.’

  ‘No, no, it’s fine Geoff. I’m supposed to be somewhere else...’ he said, looking at the silver haired, bearded ex-police officer.

  ‘Can I do anything to help?’ Painter asked.

  ‘No thanks mate, leave it with me,’ he said with a sigh.

  Dylan picked up his phone and dialled, his head was buzzing.

  ‘Claire Rose, Press Office.’

  ‘You’ve been chasing me?’

  ‘Ah! Dylan.’

  ‘Listen Claire, the family haven’t been notified yet, so what I am about to say must under no circumstance be released until I let you know. Do you understand?’

  ‘Of course,’ she said, seriously.

  ‘Okay. Yesterday, police arrested a fifty nine year old local man in connection with the disappearance of the nineteen year old hairdresser Kayleigh Harwood. He remains in custody. As part of that ongoing enquiry, this morning police have arrested another local man, aged fifty five years, and the body of a female has been discovered. The enquiry is in its infancy and once identification and other important issues have been resolved, a further update will be given and that will be within the next twenty four hours. Thank you for your co-operation.’

  ‘Can we not give them anything to keep the wolves from the doors?’ she pleaded.

  ‘No, absolutely nothing. It is likely to be late tonight before I get back to you, so please do not release what I have just given you until then.’

  ‘Okay,’ said Claire, ‘whatever you say,’ she sighed. Dylan knew the press wouldn’t like it but he had no choice. He had to keep all the plates spinning, otherwise they would start to fall and break.

  Vicky watched Dylan put the phone down and pick it up again, never taking his eyes off the paperwork on the desk in front of him.

  ‘Is Chief Superintendent Hugo-Watkins there, Janet?’ Dylan asked the Divisional Commander’s secretary.

  ‘He is just in a meeting with Beaky... I mean the Divisional Administrator,’ she said. ‘And I was told not to disturb them. They’re going over next year’s budgets.’

  ‘Yes, I’m sure they are Janet, but will you get him on the phone and tell him it’s urgent please?’

  Vicky sat next to him, doodling on a blotter. The office phone rang and she answered it. Her hand seemed to take on a life of its own as it scribbled notes.

  Dylan could hear a lot of scuffling going on in the Divisional Secretary’s office. He heard Janet rap on Hugo-Watkins’ door, open and then shut it again. ‘He will take your call now, Dylan,’ she said after a moment or two, ‘Just putting you through.’

  ‘Hugo-Watkins,’ said with a little dry cough and a clearing of his throat.

  ‘We’ve made the discovery of a body and other human remains this morning. I’ve got two men in custody and I might need your authority to extend the custody time limits,’ he said.

  ‘The missing girl?’

  ‘Kayleigh Harwood? Yes, I’m afraid so.’

  ‘My word Jack, whether we want it or not, it appears Harrowfield has a massive investigation on its hands,’ he said. Dylan could imagine him going to the wardrobe in his office to check his best uniform was there indeed and the buttons polished. He heard him open and shut a drawer and he couldn’t help smiling.

  ‘I presume the television crews will be milling around,’ he said. There was the sound of him pulling his Venetian window blinds. Dylan shook his head. ‘Better get the best uniform out,’ he said.

  ‘Oh, I’m sure they’ll want to speak to you in due course sir, but we are very restricted at what we can say at the moment with people in custody etcetera.’

  ‘Of course, I understand Dylan. Please keep me updated. I had better speak to the Chief’s Office to let them know what’s going on. All eyes on us then, Dylan. Leave it with you,’ he said before hanging up. He couldn’t help himself could he?

  ‘What you got to smile about?’ asked Vicky.

  ‘You really don’t want to know,’ he said.

  ‘Forensic are at the scene with Jasmine and looking closely at the bone remnants that they’ve uncovered.’

  ‘So the suggested plan of action for us is?’ he asked.

  ‘See if Barrowclough has got a solicitor. We need a time scale for the first interview. We’ll see if he’s talking. We will arrange to get all the relevant samples from him, such as hair, DNA, nail scrapings etcetera and everything must be checked for comparisons, boss and then we’ll go into interview with Regan and drop it on his toes about the discoveries this morning, the arrest of Barrowclough and ask him about his contact with him via the telephone to see what reaction we get?’

  ‘Well done! I’m impressed,’ he said.

  ‘Yeah but with our luck he’ll probably have a proper heart attack then.’

  ‘He’s been examined, he’s okay,’ Dylan grinned. ‘We’ll also need to arrange a debrief, or at least an update with the team, before we knock off, so everyone is up to speed before tomorrow. We must speak to Mrs Harwood and the boyfriend. I’ll get them brought down here to save us some time after the post mortem.’

  ‘And you never know, if we’re lucky we might just catch the pub before it shuts,’ Vicky said with a false smile. ‘I’ll need a double by then.’

  ‘I need a drink now,’ he said.

  ‘Dylan?’


  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Is it just me, am I just weird?’

  Dylan cocked his head. ‘Do you want me to answer that truthfully?’

  ‘Serious.’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘I always come out of a post mortems feeling hungry.’

  ‘Yes, me too, I guess it’s because we don’t eat before we go in, for obvious reasons, and then we’re usually stood about for hours – so we’re bound to be hungry aren’t we?’

  ‘Or it may be that I’m just glad it’s all over and thankful I’ve got through it,’ she said. ‘Isn’t it funny how most people think that once a body is found and someone is locked up, the job’s over? My mum always says, ‘Well you’ve got them now love that’s a good job done.’ Done? Done? The general public don’t know the half of it, do they?’

  ‘Perhaps better they don’t. Once it’s out of the news it’s out of sight for many, unless of course they’re involved. Truth be known, it’s only then that the work really starts isn’t it? Well, obviously with the file preparation and the court case later. Like I said before, let’s just take it one step at a time. For now we have to concentrate on the two fish we’ve got already in the net and getting Kayleigh’s body formally identified.’

  ‘And the other remains, boss?’

  ‘They’re not going anywhere, are they? We’ll deal with them later.’

  Chapter 38

  Dylan and Vicky walked into the cell area interview room. Barrowclough was already there with his solicitor, who had a back as straight as a poker. As predicted, the prisoner took over a vast amount of space in the little room and there was a distinctive strong body odour. Vicky covered her mouth, breathed in deeply and gagged, the smell couldn’t be absorbed by her mucus and it felt like there was something stuck in her throat. Dylan looked at her for reassurance that she could continue. She nodded. ‘He reminds me of a block of lard,’ she whispered.

  Barrowclough must weigh over twenty stone, Dylan thought, and the muscles on him made him look like a heavyweight wrestler. He had an unpleasant face, Dylan noted as he took the seat opposite, with red patches over his nose and cheekbones, and his little angry eyes were indeed close together. His beard made him look like a tramp who had not shaved for many days. In contrast, his solicitor was a little, squat, bullet headed man with a very red face. He wore a pin stripe suit, with a silk tie and hanky to match, peeping out of the top pocket.