by Sally Rigby
‘So, he was working with someone else, then.’ Douglas stared at her like she was stupid.
‘That is another thing we’ve considered. But … if that was the case, then why was Keira the one to tie up the rest of the family, and not his partner?’
Douglas stared at her for a few seconds. ‘Let me get this straight. You have a boy in custody who was most likely there at the time of the crime, but you believe didn’t actually do it. So, basically, you’ve misled me. You haven’t got very far at all, have you?’ He glared at her.
‘We are making progress, sir, which is what I’m updating you on. I didn’t claim to have solved the case.’ She paused, catching sight of a warning look from the super. ‘We do have another line of enquiry.’
‘Which is?’ Douglas growled.
‘We’ve been led to believe that David Barker was having an affair and that the family wasn’t as perfect as we thought.’ She accentuated the word perfect by doing quote marks with her fingers.
‘I see.’
‘Can you help with this?’
‘I can’t shed light on there being an affair … I’ll admit that sometimes I had detected some undertones between David and Gillian.’
What the … Why the hell hadn’t he disclosed this to them before? Surely, not out of loyalty to the family. Even he wouldn’t be such an idiot.
‘Why didn’t you say anything when we were discussing the family yesterday?’ she demanded.
‘I didn’t believe it was relevant, because I had nothing concrete to tell you. A gut feeling is hardly evidence, is it?’
Whitney glanced at the super, who gave an almost imperceptible roll of her eyes. She could seriously swing for the man. He was a chief superintendent, for goodness’ sake. But she’d get nothing from him unless she calmed herself down a bit. She could let off steam later when he was out of sight.
‘True, but please could you tell me a little more about these undertones?’
Had he realised how much he’d annoyed her? Probably not, knowing him.
‘Occasionally, David seemed secretive when I’d asked his about job and what was happening in his life.’
‘Could you be more explicit?’
‘Not really. I’d ask a question, and he’d deflect it. Like I said, it was nothing you could put your finger on, and I hadn’t even thought about it until now.’
‘Did your wife have the same feelings?’ She clenched her fists in her lap to stop from doing the quote thing again.
‘We didn’t discuss it. I’ll ask her this evening and report back to you in the morning.’
‘Perhaps we should interview her again, sir,’ Whitney suggested. There was no perhaps about it. They definitely should, if he’d let her.
‘That’s not necessary.’
‘But, sir—’
‘I said, it is not necessary.’ His tone was icy, and she wasn’t prepared to challenge him.
Would the super? She should. Maybe she’d do it once Whitney had left the room.
‘Yes, sir.’
‘What are you going to do with the boy in custody?’
‘We’ve got thirty-six hours, as you know, and we haven’t totally discounted his involvement, so we’ll keep him here.’
‘Do we have confirmation on cause of death yet?’
‘I’m waiting to hear back from the pathologist, and I’ll update the super when it comes through.’
‘Make sure you do. If this boy isn’t guilty, which seems possible, then the killer is still out there. That’s not acceptable. I want them found without delay.’
‘This is only day two and we’re already making progress, sir.’
‘Not fast enough for my liking. This case should be top priority and every member of your team should be giving it their full attention. I don’t expect anyone to have a day off until this is solved. All overtime will be authorized by me. Don’t make me regret allowing this case to remain with you.’ He stood and then marched out of the room.
‘Don’t say anything, Whitney,’ the super said, shaking her head.
‘No, ma’am, I won’t. At least you get to witness what he’s like where I’m concerned and can see that I’m not exaggerating.’
‘I know, but my advice is for you to ignore it and prove you’re the right team for the job. Keep up the good work. I’m happy with the way the investigation is progressing. We’ll speak again tomorrow.’
Chapter 14
‘Come in,’ Whitney said to George while she stood on the doorstep holding the bottle of white wine she’d bought from the supermarket on her way there.
‘Am I early? I wasn’t sure what time you were expecting me.’
‘Don’t be daft. Any time is fine, you know that. It’s not like you haven’t been here hundreds of times before. Martin should arrive soon, and he’s bringing a takeaway from that lovely new Thai restaurant in town. I told him to make sure to bring enough for you.’
She’d met Martin several times before and had found him most agreeable. Ross had enjoyed his company, too. But she didn’t like to intrude on this family occasion. Whitney didn’t have the chance to spend a lot of time with him, and now the baby was there, too, having her there might be too much.
‘Are you sure you still want me, I don’t wish to be in the way.’
‘The more the merrier. Tiffany’s really looking forward to seeing you, and I know you want to see Ava. You won’t believe how much she’s grown already.’
George walked into the house and closed the door behind her. ‘I’ll put this in the fridge.’ Wine had to be at the correct temperature to enjoy it, and the journey from the supermarket to Whitney’s house had increased it. Fifteen to twenty minutes should be plenty of time.
‘Help yourself. You know where everything is, we’re in the lounge.’
She placed the wine in the fridge and headed into the lounge. Tiffany looked up and smiled, a contented look on her face. George had never entertained the idea of having children. It wasn’t on her agenda. But seeing the happiness shine out of Tiffany, had she been wrong? At only thirty-seven she was certainly young enough to consider children, but did she want the upheaval in her life? Ross had once told her he’d always imagined having a family, but other than that, they hadn’t discussed it.
‘Hey, George. Look at Ava, she’s twice the size since you last saw her.’
George headed over to the sofa and sat next to Tiffany, staring at the tiny bundle in her arms. ‘She’s still very small.’
‘What do you expect at just over four weeks,’ Whitney said, laughing.
‘Bigger, as you’d said how much she’d grown,’ she admitted.
‘Would you like to hold her?’ Tiffany moved Ava closer to George.
‘I’m not sure she’s ready for that,’ Whitney said.
‘Of course, I am,’ George said, not wanting to admit that the thought of it was unnerving. She’d never held a baby before.
Tiffany passed over Ava, who was wrapped in a pink blanket. ‘Hold her in the crook of your arm and keep her head supported.’
George stared at the child’s tiny face. Maybe she should consider … no … she wasn’t going to go there. ‘She’s beautiful.’
‘Beautiful and perfect. I feel so lucky. There’s something I want to ask you, George,’ Tiffany said, turning to face her.
To babysit? No, she had Whitney for that. Unless they wanted to go somewhere together. She could do it. Ross would help. Both of his older sisters had children, five between them.
‘What is it?’
‘I’m not having Ava christened because it’s hypocritical, as I’m not religious. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be any godparents. I need to make sure there’s someone who could be Ava’s guardian if anything happens to me or Mum. Will you do it, please?’
She hadn’t been expecting that. It was a huge task for anyone to undertake, let alone someone with her total lack of experience in childcare.
‘Um … I don’t know anything about children,’ Geo
rge said, staring down at Ava, panic coursing through her veins.
‘Nor did I before giving birth, but I learnt. And will still be learning throughout her life. Look, it’s not likely to happen, but in case it does, we want to know that you’ll be there for her. We know you’ll take good care of Ava. You are the best person by miles. Say yes. Please say yes.’
She was stunned into silence. A guardian to Ava. Could she take on that responsibility? She’d taken on other responsibilities during her life without there being an issue. But for another human being. What would Ross say?
Should she discuss it with him before deciding? No. It was her decision, and she knew he’d go along with it. How could she say no? Tiffany and Whitney were so special to her, and now Ava.
‘I’m extremely honoured to have been asked and would be privileged to accept.’
‘See, Mum. I told you she wouldn’t say no,’ Tiffany said, a smug expression on her face.
‘Did you think I would?’ George asked, looking up at Whitney, who was leaning against the sideboard staring at them.
‘I knew you’ve never wanted children and assumed you’d say no to Tiffany’s request. Then again the pair of you do have a special relationship.’
Whitney was correct about their connection. George had been instrumental in locating Tiffany’s whereabouts after she’d been kidnapped by a pair of psychotic twins. She would’ve been dead if it hadn’t been for her discovery.
‘Yes, we do,’ George agreed.
‘But now you’ve said yes, I’m thrilled to bits. You’ll be perfect. I know you won’t let any harm come to Ava, and you’ll do your best to make sure she has a wonderful life. Which is all we could ask.’
Her lips turned up into a smile. She’d received many accolades in her life, but this was right at the top.
‘As she will, with both of you. Nothing’s going to happen. And before you say anything about jinxing, that’s ridiculous,’ she warned, locking eyes with Whitney.
‘I wouldn’t say that when we’re talking about Ava. Now that’s sorted, it’s time for a celebration.’ The doorbell rang. ‘It sounds like Martin’s arrived. Good, I’m hungry.’ Whitney left the room.
‘Can I give Ava back to you, Tiffany?’
‘Yes, it’s time she went down.’
‘Here you are.’ She gingerly passed the baby back.
‘Thanks for agreeing to be Ava’s guardian. There’s no one else I would trust with my baby apart from you.’
‘I promise she won’t want for anything if ever the situation arises.’
‘Was Mum right about you not wanting children of your own?’
It wouldn’t be fair to tell the young mother that George’s experience of growing up in a family wasn’t one she’d wish to replicate.
‘It’s not something I’ve considered.’
‘It’s not too late, you know. Lots of women don’t even start having children until they’re in their forties, and you’re nowhere near that.’
‘I’m too busy with my career, helping the police, and being with Ross. We’ve decided to sell both of our houses and buy something together.’
‘Where are you looking?’
‘Close to Lenchester because of my work. It needs to be large enough for Ross to have a studio. We’re thinking one of the villages, rather than in the city itself.’
‘Make sure you have a spare room for visitors, so Ava can come to see you. Me, too.’ Tiffany grinned.
‘You’ll be welcome any time you care to visit.’
‘If you do decide to have children, they’ll be able to play with Ava.’
‘It’s not on my agenda.’
Tiffany was typically idealistic, as kids often were at that age. It was amazing that even though she was only fourteen years younger than George, it seemed an enormous difference.
‘That’s what you say now, but you never know.’ Tiffany grinned.
‘I do know.’
Before they could continue the conversation, Whitney and Martin walked in. Excellent timing.
‘I hope you’re hungry because Martin has brought enough food to last a week.’
‘I wasn’t sure what you all liked, so I have a selection. Take these, Whitney, I want to see my gorgeous granddaughter.’ He handed Whitney the three large brown paper bags that he’d been holding and walked over to the sofa.
‘Hello, Martin. How are you?’ George asked, standing as he came over.
‘Great, thanks. You?’
‘Very well.’
‘Would you like to take Ava?’ Tiffany asked.
‘You bet I would.’ He leant down and took the child from Tiffany. ‘She’s so beautiful, isn’t she? Just like her mother.’
‘Yeah, all right, Martin. No need to get all sloppy,’ Tiffany said, laughing. ‘I’ll put Ava down to rest while we’re eating.’ She took the baby from Martin and laid her in the Moses basket.
‘Come on, let’s eat before it gets cold. We’ll go into the kitchen so we can spread the food out on the table,’ Whitney said.
The lids were taken off the boxes, and everyone helped themselves.
‘This is so delicious,’ Tiffany said. ‘We’ll have to go here again, Mum.’
‘Definitely,’ Whitney agreed.
‘Martin, George has agreed to be Ava’s guardian if anything happens to me and Mum,’ Tiffany said.
The smile on Martin’s face froze. He wasn’t happy. Were they seeking his approval?
‘But I’m her grandfather. Surely I should be down as her registered guardian.’
‘George lives here in Lenchester, and if anything happened to us, we’d want Ava’s life to be disrupted as little possible. Also, it’s not easy to bring up a child on your own, speaking from experience,’ Whitney said.
‘I could manage, if you’d let me. Nothing against you, George, but you’re not related.’
‘It’s all hypothetical. Nothing’s going to happen to us,’ Whitney said, waving her hand dismissively.
‘I understand why you’d want to be involved in Ava’s life. But if it came to it, we could do it together,’ George suggested.
‘Yes, that’s a good idea. Anyway, let’s not talk about this now as nothing’s going to happen to me or Mum. It’s just something we wanted to put in place, for our peace of mind,’ Tiffany said.
‘I second that,’ Whitney said, holding up a glass and then taking a large swallow.
‘Don’t overindulge on the wine. We’ve got a lot of work to do with the case,’ George said.
‘Spoilsport,’ Whitney said. ‘Although you’re right. I feel guilty enough for coming home early.’
‘Six o’clock isn’t early when you left for work at six this morning. You’ve got to get some rest,’ Tiffany said.
‘You know that, and I know that. But try telling it to Dickhead, because he thinks we should be there 24/7.’
‘Dickhead?’ Martin said, frowning.
‘One of my bosses. I’ve known him for years and he hates me.’
‘I think hate is too strong a word,’ George said.
‘What would you say, then?’
‘If you want my opinion, I’d say he’s envious of your ability, and feels threatened by you. He always has done. He’s simply using his position to protect himself.’
‘Even if that’s true, he’s still a dickhead. But that aside, this will be my only drink this evening, because I need to get up early to make a start. I’ve asked the team to be there by seven-thirty tomorrow morning.’
‘I’ve got a research committee meeting at work tomorrow morning and a department meeting in the afternoon, so won’t be able to make it in,’ George said.
‘Does that mean your annual leave is now over?’
‘These meetings were arranged after I booked it. I’ve cancelled it just for tomorrow.’
‘That seems a bit unfair to you. What if you’d gone on holiday somewhere?’
‘I haven’t, so it’s a moot point. I don’t mind going in. I’d rather be
there than not, to make sure my views are heard regarding any decisions.’
‘That makes sense. What about Wednesday?’
‘I’m back on leave then. I’ll see you first thing.’
Chapter 15
By seven-fifteen everyone had arrived, and Whitney called the team to attention. ‘I appreciate you all being here early because we’ve got a lot to do. It’s already nearly forty-eight hours since the Barker family bodies were found, and I want an update on where we are. As we are all very aware, we’re under intense scrutiny and our every move is being monitored.’
‘Providing they don’t start spying on me in the loo, then that’s okay,’ Frank said, giving a loud belly laugh.
‘Not too much curry again? Haven’t you learnt by now that it doesn’t agree with you? Remind me to give you a wide berth, and use the toilets on the next floor,’ Doug said, screwing up his nose.
‘Seriously? You’re starting already, when you know we have so much to do? I have no desire to hear about anyone’s bowel movements. Now, or at any other time,’ Whitney said, unable to suppress the grin on her lips.
‘Don’t blame me, it’s him,’ Frank said, jabbing a finger in Doug’s direction.
‘You started it,’ Doug said.
‘Enough,’ Whitney said, holding up both hands. ‘Let’s get on. I’ll start. Following the interview with Corey Hudson, I spoke to Chief Superintendent Douglas about David Barker possibly having had an affair. He didn’t know but did say that he’d been acting secretively the last time they’d met.’
‘Why didn’t he tell you this before?’ Frank asked.
‘Your guess is as good as mine. I asked to interview his wife again, and he refused. He’s going to speak to her and let us know if she has anything further to add. It’s not ideal, but my hands were tied and as long as we get some answers it shouldn’t matter.’
‘If you say so,’ Frank said.
‘Yes, I do. Where are we on the finances, Ellie?’ She turned to face the officer.
‘I might have something for you later. I’m currently undertaking several lines of enquiry.’
