To Die For: A chilling British detective crime thriller (The Hidden Norfolk Murder Mystery Series Book 9)

by J M Dalgliesh

  Cassie Knight came to stand alongside Tamara who was deep in thought as she read over the information boards detailing what they knew about Aleksandrs Balodis. The information was scant. Besides the man's criminal record obtained through their links with Interpol, they knew very little about him. He had never appeared on the radar of any UK constabulary before now.

  "Penny for them?" Cassie asked.

  Tamara shook her head. "Why was he here?"

  "Balodis? The Border Force have documented him making half a dozen trips to the UK in the last eighteen months. He flew into Heathrow on the last three occasions. Manchester and Glasgow twelve months before that. Neither Greater Manchester or Police Scotland have any knowledge of what he was up to. Maybe he was just topping up his frequent flyer miles," she said, smiling.

  "Or he used a different name when he was here."

  "Or that, yes."

  "But you're missing my point."

  Cassie frowned. "Sorry, what is your point?"

  "Why did he come here? To Hunstanton, I mean. I know we have our fair share of crime but we're not exactly a draw for foreign gangsters are we?"

  "Can Balodis be considered a gangster?" Cassie said. "It's pretty low-level stuff—"

  "That he's been caught for, yes. Maybe he's earned his respect and stepped up a level."

  "Doesn't answer your question, though," Cassie said, distracted by the phone on her desk ringing. "Excuse me."

  She hurried over to answer it, at the same time clocking Eric was on the Trip Advisor website. She picked up the receiver, realising Tamara was coming over to them. Eric had his back to her and Cassie deftly put her knee into the back of his chair.

  "Hey!" he protested, spinning on her and immediately seeing the DCI approaching. He swivelled back and managed to hide the browser as Tamara came to stand beside Cassie.

  "DS Knight," she said calmly, winking at Eric who looked both mightily relieved and horrified in the same moment.

  "DS Knight," a nervous voice said. "It's Colin, Colin Peters. We met this afternoon at my hotel."

  "Yes, of course, Mr Peters. What can I do for you?"

  "The woman – the one you were asking after – who you think may have known Mr Balodis."

  "Yes, what about her?"

  "I think she was here today, at the hotel. About half an hour ago. She just wandered into the reception by herself."

  "Are you sure?"

  "I–I think so, yes. It looked like her."

  "Did you speak to her?"

  "Yes, I asked her if she was all right. She seemed… odd."

  "Odd?"

  "Yes, out of sorts might be a better description," Peters said. "I have to admit I didn't recognise her at first but when I spoke to her, she appeared rather rattled."

  "What did she say?"

  "Nothing at all. She backed away from me and then I realised who she was and I reached out for her and she turned tail and fled."

  "Fled? Were you rough with her?" Cassie asked. Tamara and Eric were waiting on tenterhooks beside her. "I asked you to call me Mr Peters, not detain her."

  "I–I know. I'm terribly sorry, but I panicked and didn't quite know what I should do."

  "Did you see where she went after leaving your hotel?"

  "No, no, I'm afraid I didn't. She was in a bit of a state, though. Upset, dishevelled."

  "I didn't notice whether you had CCTV at your hotel, Mr P—"

  "What use would I have for any such thing in Hunstanton, dear me?"

  In case one of your guests is murdered and the police are trying to catch the killer, off the top of my head, Cassie thought but didn't say it. "Okay, well, if she comes back please call us straight away, Mr Peters."

  "Of course, Detective Sergeant, of course."

  Cassie put the phone down, looking between Tamara and Eric.

  "She came back."

  "The money?" Tamara asked. "Or maybe her passport?"

  "Or looking for Balodis," Eric said. It was a good point. They had withheld the name from the media up until now. There was every chance she hadn't heard.

  "Or both?" Cassie said, thinking aloud. "If it is the money she's after, then she can't think Balodis is dead—"

  "Or she knows he is but doesn't think we have him," Tamara countered. "Either way, if she's come back it stands to reason she's after something." She met Cassie's eye. "So, she'll come back again. The hotel manager may have scared her off this time, but if she's come back once, then she'll likely do so again."

  Cassie sighed. "I know what that means."

  Tamara grinned. "Try not to get a parking ticket this time."

  "Twenty minutes!" Cassie said, holding up two fingers. "That's all we were. Ridiculous."

  Eric looked pained.

  "What's up, Eric?"

  "Ah… I was going to speak to Becca tonight, about…" he nodded his head in a knowing way, "you know?"

  Tamara looked at Cassie. "Do you know what he's talking about because I don't."

  That would explain the Trip Advisor site, Cassie thought. "Yeah, I think I can keep an eye out for Sasha on my own this evening. Eric has something to do with the family, don't you Eric?"

  Eric looked momentarily confused and then realisation dawned and he nodded.

  "Well, you can't watch the hotel on your own," Tamara said.

  Cassie snorted. "Of course I can. It's one woman who runs away from Colin Peters of all people. I think I can manage."

  Tamara stared hard at her, then looked at Eric. "I'll remind the pair of you that this is a murder inquiry."

  "I can always call for support if she shows up, it'll be fine. I can handle it."

  "Eric, is everything all right? It's not George is it?"

  "No, no, he's grand, honest. It's… I know it's daft but it's honeymoon related. I've had a problem and," he looked at Cassie, "I've only just been able to get it sorted and what with the case and all—"

  Tamara placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Eric. Maybe I'll go with Cassie tonight instead."

  "Girls' night out, it is then!" Cassie said triumphantly. "It'll be like old times."

  Tamara shook her head. "Not exactly like old times, Cassandra."

  "Full-naming me already… it's been a while since you've done that."

  Tamara fixed her with a stern glance.

  "What have I done?" Cassie asked.

  "Get your coat," Tamara said, crossing the room to pick up her mobile and bag, "and this time I'm bringing the food and drink."

  "Oh no," Cassie whispered. "That means cardboard vegan wraps and industrial strength black coffee."

  "I heard that, Cass."

  Cassie silently cursed and Eric grinned at her.

  "Did you find something suitable?" Cassie whispered in Eric's ear as she stood up.

  "Yes, I think so. Becca's going to love it!"

  "Good," Cassie said, touching him gently on the shoulder. She thought she saw Kerry Palmer shoot a dark look at her from across the room but, when their eyes met, Kerry smiled warmly. Cassie picked up her mobile phone, slipping it into her pocket. Kerry's back was turned to her now and she indicated to Tamara that she'd be a minute and the DCI said she'd meet her downstairs at the car. Cassie leaned in to Eric, lowering her voice. "I thought you and Kerry went way back?"

  Eric glanced at the seconded constable briefly, nodding. "Yes, we were in the same intake, went through basic training together. Why do you ask?"

  "How come she didn't come to the wedding?"

  Eric looked perplexed. "She was invited, but she had to work. You know, stepping into CID was a big offer for her."

  Cassie patted him on the shoulder, standing up. "Yes, of course. Good luck with the wife."

  "Thanks."

  She left ops, hurrying down the corridor to find Tamara.

  They quickly realised that where they needed to park the car in order to observe the hotel wasn't possible. There were several hotels and guest houses on Westgate and none of them had parking at the front, the road
was too narrow and parking was prohibited as Cassie found to her cost that morning. On the corner of Southend Road, however, was a bed and breakfast tucked away and surrounded by mature trees. It wasn't open for business yet, the owner being an elderly couple who were semi-retired and chose only to trade in the peak months of the year. A polite request saw them offered the use of an upstairs guest room overlooking both Westgate and Southend Road, giving them the best possible view as well as discretion.

  There was a knock on the door and it cracked open. Muriel, their host, peered in on them.

  "Would you care for a cup of tea?" she asked.

  "No, we're fine, thank you," Tamara said.

  "How about some cake? I made it fresh this morning."

  "Cake sounds lovely," Cassie said before Tamara could decline. The thought of an evening eating Tamara's bean wraps and vegetable crisps fresh in her mind.

  Muriel smiled approvingly and retreated from the room.

  "What a sweet lady," Cassie said. Tamara agreed, standing as she was at her vantage point watching the road. "I really could have done this alone, you know?"

  "I know," Tamara said over her shoulder.

  "How are things with you?"

  "In what way?"

  "Well, home, job… got a boyfriend?"

  Tamara shot her a withering look.

  "All right, I only asked… geez."

  Footsteps outside sounded Muriel's arrival and Cassie opened the door for her. The woman passed through with a tray in her hands, two side plates with large slices of what looked like some kind of fruitcake and two glasses of fruit juice. She was a consummate host.

  "This is all very exciting," Muriel said, looking between them as she passed a plate to Cassie who accepted it gratefully. She'd missed lunch and dinner wasn't looking promising either. "It's like being in an episode of Columbo."

  Cassie nodded, smiling politely. Muriel made to pass a plate to Tamara who declined, much to their host's disappointment. It was evident that she wasn't going to leave until someone had eaten something. Cassie lifted the slab of cake, which she found heavy, and took a bite. It was a fruitcake or, at least, a close approximation of one. However, it was burnt and cakes that were burnt carried the taste throughout. Not that Cassie could indicate that, what with Muriel steadfastly watching her eat.

  "Delicious," Cassie said, trying desperately to swallow the dry, charred husk.

  "I'm so pleased. My husband, Derek, is watching his weight and so he's abstaining for a while, so there is plenty more where that came from!"

  "Wonderful!"

  Muriel left the room, a big grin on her face. Cassie coughed what was left of the mouthful into her hand, searching for a bin. She couldn't find one.

  "It's no good. This will have to go down the toilet."

  Tamara wasn't listening, she was distracted by something. Cassie noticed and came alongside as Tamara raised a set of pocket binoculars and looked down the street to their right.

  "Is it her?"

  Tamara shook her head. "No, I just recognised someone. Caught my eye as he drove past. Probably nothing."

  For probably nothing, it seemed to occupy her for several minutes before she eventually set the binoculars down on a small table underneath the window.

  "What do you think of Kerry?" Cassie asked.

  Tamara glanced at her. "I've been impressed. Her attitude is spot on."

  "Yeah, true. Willing to miss her friend's wedding for work shows dedication, I guess."

  "Sorry?"

  "Missing Eric's wedding because she was asked to work. That's—"

  "She volunteered," Tamara said, turning her eye back to the street below. "I think we had someone else scheduled for that weekend. Lucky for her, I guess."

  Cassie thought hard. "Yeah, lucky."

  "Why do you ask?"

  She shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Just had a thought. Don't you think it's a bit odd how she—"

  "That's her!" Tamara said, excitedly beckoning Cassie to the window. "I'm right, aren't I?"

  Cassie looked and immediately saw who Tamara was pointing to. A woman was leaning against a car parked in the bays just up the hill, the only area of on-street parking before the road disappeared around the bend. She was trying to look casual but failing miserably.

  "Yes, that's her."

  "Come on, before she does another runner," Tamara said, making for the door. "You should thank her. She's just saved you from having to flush those two pieces of cake."

  "Clog the toilet more like."

  Once out on the landing, they found Muriel hovering outside the bathroom. She moved aside and they hurried past her and down the stairs. They slowed their pace as they left the building, confident that Sasha wouldn't recognise them. The last thing they wanted was to spook her into running before they had a chance to even address her.

  "How do you want to play it?" Cassie asked as they crossed Westgate and started up the hill, walking side by side and trying to look like two friends on an evening walk.

  "Keep it casual," Tamara said, her hands thrust into her pockets. It was cold now, the sun setting across the water behind them. They walked up the incline, Sasha was visible lingering at the rear of a beaten-up silver hatchback. It wasn't clear if it was hers. She had half an eye on the hotel entrance less than forty yards away, but she was agitated, unable to remain still.

  Cassie tried to initiate small talk as they walked, Tamara picking up the conversation as well. Sasha was paying no attention to them, her eyes fixed on the hotel. As they got closer, Cassie could see what Colin Peters had referred to. She looked dreadful. Her hair was unkempt, hanging free to the shoulder but she looked as if she'd been dragged through a hedge backwards. She was very slight, waif-like, and roughly five-three tall. The breeze coming in off the sea must be cutting through her, dressed as she was in jeans, a thin jumper and with only a sleeveless body warmer to keep out the cold.

  They were within ten feet now and Sasha retreated from the path, moving to the rear of the car. Was she moving away from them deliberately? Cassie didn't think so. They'd never met. Why would they be a threat? She laughed as if Tamara had said something amusing. The DCI did likewise. Sasha was watching them now, barely a step away. They came alongside and Tamara moved ahead of Cassie and took one step past her before turning back.

  "Sasha Kalnina?"

  Cassie moved to her left just as Tamara spoke, stepping from the pavement and into the road to Sasha's left. The woman didn't hesitate. She threw herself at Cassie, lashing out. It was all Cassie could do to avoid the blow. The hand flew harmlessly past her face, but Cassie was suddenly off balance and the action also caught Tamara off guard. Sasha bolted, running out into the road, Tamara ordering her to stop. The sickening sound of metal colliding with a person followed, a screech of tyres and a short series of bangs as Sasha rolled up the bonnet of the car, struck the windscreen and was hurled back into the road where she landed in a heap with a dull thud.

  "Call an ambulance!" Tamara shouted, running to where Sasha lay six feet in front of the car. The driver got out, hurrying over to kneel at Tamara's side.

  "I didn't see her… she just ran out!"

  He was panicking but Tamara ignored him, trying to assess the extent of the injuries. Cassie edged closer, mobile pressed against her ear giving information to the call handler. She hung up.

  "They're on their way. How is she?"

  "Alive," Tamara said.

  Sasha groaned. She was semi-conscious and Cassie cast an eye over her. None of her limbs were at awkward angles, so that was a good sign. Similarly, she couldn't see a head wound. The car must have been slowing down for the bend at the bottom of the hill, travelling at slow speed. Fortunate.

  "I didn't see her," the driver repeated to anyone who might be listening.

  "We know," Cassie said, perhaps more aggressively than she'd intended. He put his hands to the sides of his face. She looked at him, initiating eye contact. "We know."

  Sirens in the distance could b
e heard. The ambulance station was part of the town's police station and less than a mile away. Cassie stood up just as Sasha mumbled something in her native tongue, her eyes remaining closed. Tamara made soothing sounds, carefully moving the hair away from her face and gently stroking her cheek. Cassie moved to the rear of the car which had hit her to guide the ambulance crew to their location. A handful of passers-by were gathering to watch the scene unfold but none was encroaching or at risk of getting in the way.

  The ambulance stopped and the first paramedic climbed out as Cassie saw a liveried police car coming down Westgate to join them. Tamara moved aside to allow the medics room to work, explaining quickly what had happened. They set about assessing the injuries. Sasha was speaking again, only this time it was clearer and her eyes were open. Cassie saw a brightness in them, wide and cat-like. She was an attractive young woman with beautifully sculpted cheekbones, as young Eastern Bloc women often had. How do such pretty girls end up with men like Balodis?

  Tamara directed one of the uniformed officers to move the driver of the car away and take his statement, the other was tasked with keeping the onlookers under control. These numbers were growing with all the lights and sirens drawing people out to investigate the commotion.

  "Cass?"

  She broke her gaze away from Sasha, looking at Tamara.

  "You go with the ambulance when they're ready to move her and I'll meet you there."

  Chapter Twenty

  The ward sister approached them. Cassie smiled and introduced Tamara. "This is my DCI, Tamara Greave."

  The sister acknowledged Tamara, speaking directly to her.

  "She has just come back up from the fracture clinic. It wasn't a particularly bad break, and she is young, so she should recover quickly. You can go through and see her now, if you'd like?"

  "Yes, we would. Has she said anything?"

  "Not a word, no. She's like a startled rabbit, the poor thing. A result of the shock, I suppose."

  "Yes, probably," Tamara said, glancing sideways at Cassie who raised her eyebrows in reply. They walked along the corridor past several ward rooms, all of which had patients in their beds, many of whom were surrounded by family or visitors. Sasha was in a room by herself, a luxury not often afforded to all but the most seriously ill.