Caught in a Trap

by Trevor Burton

  ‘Any ideas why?’

  ‘The excuse she made was that her mother wasn’t well, but they didn’t believe that story.’

  ‘Does sound a bit lame,’ I agreed. ‘So, did they offer any possible reason of their own?’

  ‘Boyfriend trouble, was their conclusion.’

  ‘Predictable. Did the friends in class ever mix socially with the flatmates?’

  ‘They said no, they never met them, couldn’t even remember their names. They knew roughly where she lived in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, near a supermarket, but not the actual address.’

  ‘Strange behaviour,’ I observed.

  ‘Yes, like two separate lives,’ Amelia agreed.

  ‘And what about the records kept by the university?’

  ‘They recorded four absences in the fortnight before she went missing.’

  ‘That all seems to tally, I guess, but wait… did both classmates and university admin agree about the date on which she went missing?’

  ‘Absolutely bang on the same as the flatmates.’

  ‘And the classmates had no communication with her since either?’

  ‘Nope, not at all.’

  ‘Well, added to her mother’s statement, at least that’s conclusive.’

  ‘Sure is,’ Amelia confirmed. ‘But where do we go from here?’

  ‘I’m not sure. I think I’d like to have a chat with the flatmates again. It felt as though they were holding something back the first time we spoke to them.’

  ‘I know what you mean. Should I arrange it, then?’

  ‘No, wait until tomorrow, after I’ve seen Bill Lambert. You never know, he might be able to tell us more, and we need as much background as we can get.’

  We threw the issue around a bit more, to no avail. We ordered coffee and then headed for Stockport station and home. At Crewe station, I paid for my parking ticket in the well-lit foyer overlooking the taxi rank, in contrast to the darkness of the Nantwich Road. I was very cautious as I made my way over the road and into the car park, casting my eyes from side to side, watching the shadows for non-existent villains lying in wait. I told myself to buck up, that there was nothing fear, but it was only when I had exited the car park that I truly relaxed. Reaching home, I allowed myself a calming scotch whisky before retiring.

  Chapter 27

  The following day, I drove into Stockport as I was meeting Bill Lambert at Forest View golf club for lunch later. Parking up behind the Enodo building, I saw Vic the Liq as he entered the building. Still unsure whether his cheque was going to bounce, I held back a minute to save a possible embarrassing moment. I needn’t have worried.

  ‘Good news!’ hailed Amelia as I walked through the door. ‘Lady Jane called. We can re-present the cheque, as she has got hold of some funds. I didn’t ask her where from.’

  ‘That’s a relief! I need you to complete the report on the canal scenario for Bill Lambert for my meeting with him at lunch time.’

  ‘OK, I’m right on it.’

  I set off for Forest View Golf Club at twelve fifteen, giving me plenty of time for our one o’clock rendezvous. I ordered drinks and sat down, the usual for me and a pint of Speckled Hen for Bill on the table in front of me. He arrived exactly on time, plonking down a document case on the table.

  He took a long draught of his beer before he sat down and spoke. ‘Needed that. Been in a briefing for the last two hours. And hello, by the way.’ He shook my hand and grinned, a look of relaxation on his face.

  The waiter came over, and we ordered sandwiches. After that he pushed his document case to one side and began to speak. ‘You know we had enough on Lenny Mack to sink him?’

  ‘Yes, thank God.’

  ‘He was trying to do deals, and gave us the name of one of his best customers: a certain Matt Neville.’

  ‘Wow!’ I exclaimed. ‘Good result.’

  Bill took another big gulp of his beer and continued. ‘They had another gig in town last weekend, and being music lovers, we thought we’d partake of the entertainment.’

  ‘As you would.’

  ‘When the band came on and were warming up there was no sign of Matt. Julian goes backstage to check. To cut to the chase, we follow him back and find Matt dead on the floor and Julian nursing a headache courtesy of a whack on the head.’

  I am lost for words for a moment. ‘I am scared to ask what else could happen...’

  ‘On first appearance, it seems somebody was waiting for the opportunity to get to Matt. Maybe he was unlucky to be the last one out, or maybe he was waiting for someone so hung around to meet them.’

  ‘And Julian?’

  ‘It could be that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and disturbed the killer before he could make his escape.’

  ‘Well, that’s something. Any thoughts on the perpetrator yet?’

  ‘No idea, and I imagine the post mortem will confirm our initial thoughts as being hit from behind by a blunt instrument.’

  ‘And Julian the same, I suppose?’

  Bill frowned. ‘Well, that’s interesting, you see, because his injury is on the left temple, suggesting the blow came from the side. But he says he didn’t get sight of the perpetrator, which suggests maybe he was hiding behind the door.’

  ‘Um… that does seem unusual, but I guess it is possible. Any fingerprints?’

  ‘There are loads of fingerprints, but they are only from the band members and a few others who were entitled to be there. The room is cleaned and wiped daily, and the cleaning staff wear plastic gloves.’

  ‘All that that doesn’t seem to get you very far.’

  ‘Not very,’ he agreed. ‘What can you tell me about canals?’

  ‘Right, I’ve got quite a bit of information.’ I handed him the report. ‘But I’ll summarise. Firstly, about canals in general, there are more canals around Manchester than you would at first imagine, many of which have been restored. All in all, they provide a vast transport network, albeit slow, to many other parts of the country.’

  Bill scratched his head and looked at me incredulously. ‘So, are you saying it’s feasible that Elvis did actually make his escape on a canal narrowboat?’

  ‘Yes, and thanks to your telephone call to the Canal and Rivers Trust, I spoke to and met up with William, a volunteer with the Trust. They had put out a message to their towpath rangers.’

  Bill’s eyebrows raised as he rolled his eyes. ‘They have towpath rangers?’

  ‘Yes, they do, and there’s a lot more happening on the waterways than you would imagine.’

  ‘Obviously, there is. But you’ve lost me now. Carry on.’

  ‘Well, it’s only a theory, but at first I couldn’t see why Elvis didn’t do a runner in his car or catch the first flight out somewhere, but now I feel he couldn’t take the risk of a flight or of being stopped in his car.’

  Bill raised his hand. ‘Let me stop you there. He didn’t have a car. When we checked it out at DVLA at the interview stage, he had a valid licence with no endorsements but the interview notes state he does not own a vehicle.’

  ‘OK, makes sense. I don’t think it is likely, but he could have hired one because he is the fence for the jewellery stolen by Matt and others. He had the jewellery stashed on the boat, which would then explain his hiding on the canals. Therefore, when this chap William called me – from the Birmingham and Fazeley canal – I arranged to meet him there.’

  ‘Right, and what did he tell you?’

  ‘He explained to me how he had first stopped a man getting off a boat and tried to get him interested in contributing towards the upkeep of the canals. Most people are polite and listen even if they are not interested, but this man was downright rude. After he had gone, William took a closer look at the boat and couldn’t square the outside shabby appearance with the state-of-the-art inside. William advised the Trust first, and then as requested he called me. I travelled down the next day. The boat was just as he described: obviously disguised. Without further information, we have no w
ay of knowing if the boat now named Voyager is really Memphis, but it sure looks like it.’

  At this point, Bill held up his hand for me to pause. He finished the last of his beer before speaking. ‘OK, if that’s the case for the boat, we need to check it out, pronto.’

  ‘I agree.’

  ‘But where does that leave us with the man?’

  ‘In the same position, for without further information – or more to the point finding him – we can’t be sure.’

  I could see he had made an instant decision.

  ‘Leave all that stuff to me. The locals can check out the boat, and we’ll get a mug shot of Elvis down to them also. And call in your William chap to see if it’s our man.’

  ‘Doesn’t help us find him, though.’

  ‘No, but at least we will know for certain who we are searching for, and we can put a watch on the boat. Chances are he’ll be back there at some stage. Same again?’ He got up to head for the bar.

  I mulled over our discussion while Bill got the drinks, and although not yet conclusive I congratulated myself on creating some momentum. Drinks on the table, we confirmed our conclusion, with him echoing my own thoughts. The one topic we had not yet touched upon was the missing Tina.

  After a spell of chitchat, I decided to broach the subject. ‘The missing person case… Tina Johnson?’

  ‘Ah yes! I hadn’t forgotten. Maurice Evans is in charge, along with Sammy Wang. Wang is collating statements from uniform who have been interviewing family and colleagues, but he’s on leave until Friday. The general feeling initially was that she would turn up, but another week or two has gone by without any indication. I’d like to see Wang’s summary. She does not have any record, and of course we’re checking her details with bodies of females found since her disappearance. On that sombre note, you’ll be the first to know if there is a match. After her next of kin, that is.’

  The starkness of Bill’s information was shocking, and I was lost for words for a moment. ‘It sounds frighteningly simple when you put it like that.’

  ‘Don’t panic, just yet. There are a dozen other reasons that could explain her disappearance.’

  Bill’s mobile rang, and he listened carefully for a short time. After ending, the call, he rubbed wearily at his face with his hands. ‘Forget what I just told you. Her body has been found, in the canal at Castlefield Basin. She’s just been identified by her mother. I’ve got to go. I’ll be in touch. Can you have another word with the flatmates? There’s got to be more to this affair. And remember, after your first visit to the flat we both agreed that they were holding something back from us.’ Thereupon, he grabbed his document case and headed for the car park.

  I checked the bill, went up to the bar and paid. In the car park Bill had already started his car and was moving off. I saw a raised hand and a solemn face as he sped away. I waved him off from the car park and got into the car. Brow furrowed, I made a call to Amelia.

  ‘Enodo, how can I–’ Amelia started her standard greeting before I interrupted her.

  ‘It’s me. They’ve found Tina’s body!’

  ‘Oh! My God, where?’

  ‘In the canal at Castlefield Basin. I’m on my way back now. I’ll tell you more then, but meanwhile can you contact the flatmates and see if we can get around there, as soon as? Bill also thinks that there is stuff they didn’t want to reveal to us.’

  ‘OK,’ she answered. ‘I’m right on it. See you later. Oh! Wait, do we let Alison know we are going around again.’

  ‘I don’t think so, she’ll be upset enough on hearing about Tina’s body being found in the canal’

  ‘Oh yes of course.’

  I set off at speed down the road leading out of the golf club. Deep in thought, I went way too fast, forgetting the speed bumps. Bang! I hoped the Saab’s suspension was OK. I slowed down quickly and held my hand up in apology to an enraged golfer who was gesturing at me. Emerging onto the A50 road, I headed north and back to Stockport. Castlefield, Castlefield, Castlefield… The place name kept coming into my mind. Was there a connection with Elvis and the boat? Was this the key to the puzzle, it bugged me all the way back.

  Amelia was pensive when I entered the office, similarly trying to make some sense out of this new and unexpected information. There was no greeting.

  ‘I mean, after this length of time to be found floating in Castlefield Basin… It’s a very public spot. You’d expect it to be noticed almost straightaway.’

  ‘Indeed,’ I agreed, ‘but a body sinks quite quickly as water replaces air in the lungs and the body stays down for a considerable time before eventually floating back to the surface after a number days. The time can vary, subject to water temperature and other factors. I’m sure the police will have more info very soon. Did you manage to arrange a visit to the apartment?’

  ‘Yes. I called Susie’s mobile, and she said any time after six fifteen. Both will be back by then.’

  ‘Right. Do they know about the body?’

  ‘I doubt it. She didn’t give any indication.’

  ‘OK, let me have a few minutes to clear up first.’

  ‘Sorry. I’m a bit shocked. I’ll go clear up my stuff.’ She headed for the door.

  I concentrated on the mail, and instantly forgot what I read, putting it to one side as Amelia returned, still looking shocked.

  ‘How are we going to play it then?’ she asked.

  ‘I don’t know for sure, but Bill’s demeanour suggests he does not think it was an accident. He was off like a shot from the golf club.’

  ‘Did he give you any expenses before he went?’ she asked forthrightly.

  ‘Oh! Bugger, I forgot to ask what with the news.’ I remembered that he never even opened his document case.

  Chapter 28

  Discussing possible scenarios for Tina’s untimely death, we drove to our meeting with Tina’s flatmates. We parked up in the supermarket again, and started to walk around to the house.

  Amelia rang the bell, and a tearful Susie opened the door. We followed her in, and saw a visibly distressed Mel sitting slumped on the sofa. Susie sat beside her, and waved us to the two easy chairs.

  ‘Can I make you some tea?’ Amelia offered.

  The girls nodded distractedly, and she moved into the kitchen, leaving me alone with them. Their eyes were downcast, showing fear as well as grief.

  ‘I’m very sorry,’ I began.

  Susie, the sensitive, one stayed mute, while the rather brash Mel, spoke out. ‘We know that Tina’s body has been found. The police didn’t come around, just telephoned. We’re not next of kin, you see.’ She made them sound like second-class citizens.

  ‘I understand,’ I offered, struggling to find better wording. Fortunately, Amelia returned with a tray and four cups.

  The tea was a pleasant relief, allowing a pause to gain composure. After sipping my tea in silence, I could stand it no longer. ‘Look, girls, Tina is dead. Do you know why we have come back to see you again?’

  ‘Because you don’t believe us,’ Mel barked defiantly.

  ‘That’s a bit strong,’ I started, but Amelia stepped in with a softer approach.

  ‘It’s not that we don’t believe you, we just think you may have omitted something that could be of value in the investigation.’

  ‘Unsuitable friends… unwise lifestyle choices…?’ I suggested.

  ‘We said it was stupid,’ Susie blurted out.

  ‘What was that?’ Amelia asked quickly.

  ‘She’d started taking drugs.’ Susie answered. ‘It was affecting her studies at university, and more to the point she couldn’t afford it.’

  ‘She spent too much money as it was, so then she… oh shit.’ Mel stopped there, realising she’d said too much.

  ‘You might as well tell us. We’ll find out sooner or later,’ I challenged.

  The girls looked at each other in dismay. ‘You’ll have to tell them now,’ Susie chastised.

  ‘She’d started working for an escort a
gency in Manchester,’ Mel confessed. ‘Said it was to pay for tuition fees, but we knew it was more for the drugs.’

  In terms of a possible motive, there were now plenty of snakes in the pit.

  ‘Is this when she started staying out some nights?’ I probed.

  ‘Yes,’ Mel answered.

  ‘She stayed with the punters overnight?’ Amelia queried.

  ‘No, I don’t think she did stay overnight, but maybe sometimes it would be too late to get back here, so I think she stayed with Julian.’ Mel said. ‘He is the manager of a rock band, and she was seeing the drummer of the band – a man called Matt Neville. Julian keeps a narrowboat moored up at Castlefield Basin in the centre of Manchester.’

  This was all sounding confused, but Amelia carried on. ‘How did this all start? What came first?’

  ‘The drugs,’ said Susie dejectedly. ‘It was occasional at first – at music gigs – but she became more dependent and could hardly function without something.’

  ‘Do you know where she got them from?’

  ‘It started when she met the drummer in Streetsound.’

  I feigned surprise. Pieces began to fit together.

  ‘And the escort agency?’ Amelia directed the question at Mel, who seemed most willing to spill information.

  ‘She didn’t actually tell us, but we guessed it was the band’s manager, Julian. He knew a lot of people in the business, from out of town, who were looking for… company, shall we say.’

  ‘Nothing new there,’ said Amelia frankly.

  ‘Are we in trouble?’ Susie asked.

  ‘I doubt it, so long as you are not withholding any more information relative to the inquiry, although the police might need a statement from you in due course,’ I replied.

  Both girls shook their heads in acknowledgement.

  ‘That’s about it, from our point of view,’ I finished. ‘And thank you for being so frank and honest with us. We’ll leave you be now.’

  We rose and Susie showed us to the door. We walked back in silence to the supermarket car park.