by M A Comley
Katy kneeled beside her and reached out two fingers to feel her mother’s neck for a pulse. It was thumping well, which came as a relief. “What’s your name?”
“Trina. Please, you have to help her. Is it true?” Her eyes widened and glistened with unshed tears.
“One thing at a time. Why don’t you help me to make your mother more comfortable?”
“How? Oh God, I can’t deal with this shi… Jacob, get the others upstairs. We’ll see to Mum, don’t worry, she’s going to be fine.”
Katy smiled at the teenager and nodded. “Yes, she will.”
One of the older boys rounded up his siblings and marched them out of the room and up the stairs.
“Charlie, help me lift her onto the sofa.”
Together, they hoisted the woman off the floor and crossed the room, depositing her on the sofa where Trina positioned a furry cushion under her head.
Trina then ran back to the kitchen area and filled a glass with water. She returned and placed it on the coffee table and stared down at her mother. The tears fell. Charlie tried to comfort the poor girl with an arm around her shoulder, but she was having none of it and shrugged her off.
“Why isn’t she coming around yet? How long does it take?”
“As long as the body needs to take to recover from the shock. I’m sorry you had to witness this,” Katy replied, a burning sensation heating her chest.
“What if she dies as well?”
The words gave Katy a sucker punch to her solar plexus. She shook her head. “We mustn’t think like that. Let’s try and bring her around. I don’t suppose you have any smelling salts here?”
“What’s that?” Trina asked, her innocence coming to the fore.
“Never mind.”
“Will vinegar do the trick?” Charlie asked.
“It might do. Look in the cupboards, Charlie.” Katy pointed back into the kitchen.
“No, there, on the dining table. Dad has it on his meals every night,” Trina told them.
Katy smiled at Trina, and Charlie went to collect the bottle. She handed it to Katy who removed the top and wafted it under Mrs Peters’ nose.
“What’s your mother’s name, Trina?”
“Adele.”
Katy kicked herself, she knew that, Charlie had told her that much back at the crime scene after she’d spoken to the neighbour. She’d merely forgotten when all the drama had kicked off. “Adele, can you hear me?”
Nothing. The woman’s eyes didn’t flutter at all. No movement in any of her limbs either.
Katy tilted the bottle onto her fingers and dabbed the vinegar under Adele’s nose. Then she shook the woman’s shoulder gently and called her name over and over.
Finally, after a few minutes of trying, Adele’s eyes opened a touch. Trina flew into her mother’s arms and broke down.
“Mum, Mum, we thought we’d lost you.”
“Hush now, child. Give me some room to breathe. I’m all right.”
Trina kissed her mother on the cheek and took a few steps back.
“How are you?” Katy handed Adele the glass of water.
Adele slowly sat up and took a sip from the glass. “Tell me what happened to him, to my Dale.”
Katy turned to look at Trina. “Maybe you should go check on your brothers and sisters.”
“Mum? Should I leave you?”
“Yes, love. I’ll be all right in a second or two.” Adele swung her legs off the sofa and onto the floor and took a larger sip of water.
The three of them watched Trina stomp out of the kitchen and listened to her thunder up the stairs to the room above to be with the rest of the children.
Katy smiled at the woman. “I’m so sorry to cause you so much stress. It’s never easy giving someone this kind of news.”
“I’ve never fainted before. The shock was too much.” She held up her wrist and studied her gold watch. “He should have been home long ago. I didn’t realise it was so late. I’ve only been home an hour myself. By the time I sorted the kids out with their homework—a couple of them had a few problems with their maths—it was time to start on dinner. I haven’t even bothered looking at the clock since I got home.”
“You lead a busy life, it’s understandable. What job do you do?”
“I’m a secretary at the university where my husband works. Saying that, our paths rarely cross during the day. He’s busy giving lectures, and I’m situated in an office at the other end of the complex. That’s by the by. What happened? Was it an accident?”
Katy shook her head. “I’m sorry to have to tell you that we believe your husband was murdered.”
Adele held her gaze, and her mouth dropped open. She shook her head as if to recover from the shock. “My God, no, not Dale. Do you know who? Where did this happen, at the university? Was it one of the students? No, it couldn’t be, could it?”
“We don’t know. We’ve come directly from the scene. Our first task is always to inform the next of kin. Are you up to answering a few questions?”
“Of course. I mean, I think so, there’s no telling if I’m going to pass out again or not. Bloody hell, this has come as such a shock. Murdered? I find it incredible to believe. Do you think it’s one of those road rage incidents? My husband has always been a careful driver, never one to cause problems behind the wheel, not to my knowledge anyway.”
“We’re unclear about the circumstances, as you can imagine, being out here there weren’t any witnesses. I have to tell you, bearing that in mind, it could prove very difficult to solve your husband’s case.”
“What? You can’t tell me that. What nonsense. How dare you say such a thing? Are you telling me that you’re going to give up at the first hurdle? Not bother investigating his death?”
“No. I didn’t say that. Sorry, of course we’re going to give it our very best shot, that goes without saying. What I meant was, without witnesses or evidence, our undertaking is going to be that much harder.”
“I see. In that case, I’m sorry for snapping. What a bloody mess. How the hell am I going to bring up five kids on my own, what with me working full-time?” She waved a hand, dismissing her own statement. “Ignore me, I’m being selfish, thinking of myself when I should be thinking of my dear husband. Please forgive me.”
Katy shook her head. “Seriously, there’s nothing to forgive. I can’t predict what your life is going to be like in the future but I’m sure the kids will pull you through this and help out as much as they can. Do you have any relatives in the area?”
“Unfortunately, both sets of parents are now dead. All I have is an elderly aunt who lives in a care home. She won’t be able to help, she barely remembers my name most of the time.”
“Sorry to hear that. What about friends or your neighbours?”
“Yes, they’ll probably do their best to help out now and again. It doesn’t matter, that’s not your concern. I need to know how he died?”
“You don’t. It wasn’t very pleasant. I’d rather save you from knowing that, if it’s all the same.”
Adele stared at her hands in her lap and whispered, “Did he suffer?”
“We have no way of telling, not until the post-mortem results are in,” Katy lied. It was only a white lie, saving the woman from yet more anguish.
“Why? Was he robbed?”
“No. His wallet was found on him at the scene. There was money inside, so we’re going to rule out that scenario. Has your husband had any problems at work or in his personal life in the last few weeks?”
Adele contemplated the question for a while and then glanced up at Katy, her head swishing from side to side. “No. If he did have any then he kept them from me.” She ran a hand around her face. “I can’t believe he’s gone. He was such a wonderful father. Not bad considering when we first met, he told me he didn’t want kids. Then, once he held Trina in his arms for the first time, he was smitten. Couldn’t wait to have more. If I hadn’t told him that five was enough, he would have wanted a whole tribe o
f them, not that five isn’t a tribe.”
“He was a devoted father then?”
“Yes, and some. All his spare time was spent with the kids. He never ventured out on his own to the pub with friends or anything like that. He adored the children and was always voicing his disgust at the men who walked out on their families without a second thought of the struggle their wives or partners would go through bringing the kids up alone. And now, I’m left to do just that. If I know my husband, he would have fought tooth and nail for that not to happen. Is that how he died? Defending our reputation?”
“We’re unsure of the facts. I’ll tell you what we do know. He lost his life a few miles from the house.”
She gasped. “No. He was nearly home? Is that what you’re telling me?”
“I’m afraid so. Someone attacked him. He had several wounds, which tells us it was a prolonged attack. The pathologist who attended the scene believes that your husband possibly knew his killer. Which is why I asked if your husband has had any problems or fallings out with anyone recently.”
Fresh tears gathered and dripped onto her cheeks. “No, I don’t think so. Why would he fall out with someone? He had his family. He no longer had what you’d call close friends. He did back in the day, but nowadays, like I said, it was his choice to be at home with me and the kids. We used to go away one weekend a month, take the tent and go off camping. The kids loved to do that. To spend valuable time with him, and he loved to be around us all.”
“You say he was a lecturer. May I ask what subject he taught?”
“He was an English literature professor. He cherished the job he had and was blessed to have good students. Some of them have gone on to become famous authors. He was thrilled to have had a hand in their success. A couple of them even went out of their way to visit him, to hand him a signed copy of their books.” She darted off the sofa and went over to the pine bookcase in the corner. She returned clutching five paperbacks. She flipped a few of them open and showed them to Katy and Charlie. “You see, each one has written a special note, thanking him for his wonderful teaching over the years. He was so proud to see the success they had achieved thanks to his lectures.”
“Those must have been wonderful and satisfying endorsements for him to receive.”
“Yes. So why would anyone want to rid a man like that of his precious livelihood, let alone his life? None of this makes sense.” She covered her face, and her shoulders moved up and down rhythmically as her sobbing filled the room.
Katy cringed and glanced over at Charlie who was shifting uncomfortably on the spot.
“I’m sorry to put you through this at such a sad time. I really appreciate what you’re telling us. Can I get you anything?”
“A tissue,” she mumbled, wiping her nose on the sleeve of her colourful jumper.
Charlie raised a finger, indicating she would see to it, and returned with a couple of sheets of kitchen roll.
“Thank you,” Adele said, after blowing her nose. “Oh God, what a sad week this has turned out to be.”
“In what way?” Katy asked.
“Only a few days ago, my husband was a pallbearer at one of his oldest friend’s funerals, and now this…”
Katy stared at Charlie and then back at Adele. “What was the name of his friend?”
“Bruce, um, let me think. Yes, Bruce Crawford. I had a prior engagement so I couldn’t attend the funeral.”
Katy’s heart tempo increased significantly, forcing her to take a seat.
“Oh my, we’re aware of Bruce’s death. We’re also in the process of investigating his murder.”
“No!”
6
“What the…? Did you know Bruce?” Katy’s mouth dried up. She didn’t know how she got the words out with the lack of saliva present.
“Not really. Dale was friends with him before I came along. That’s why I didn’t feel up to attending the funeral. Murdered, you say? How is that possible? Both of them gone within a few days?”
“I don’t know but I intend to find out. We’re going to have to make a move now, if you’re sure you’re going to be okay?”
She sniffled and wiped her nose on a second piece of kitchen towel. “Yes, I have Trina and the other children to help me pull through this. Will you keep me informed?”
“Of course. I really do hate leaving you like this, but we have a killer to catch.”
“Go, please, don’t worry about me.” She rose from the sofa and showed them to the front door. “Who do you think is doing this and why?” Her eyes shone through the tears.
“At this stage I have no idea. We’ll go back to the station now and put our heads together with our team, see what we can come up with. Hopefully, we’ll catch the person soon, we have to.”
“I have faith in you, you seem a very capable officer.”
“I like to think so. Take care, and again, you have my sincere condolences.”
“Thank you.” She closed the door gently behind them.
Katy dug Charlie with her elbow. “Come on, we need to get on the phone and call the team back. Are you all right to pull some overtime tonight?”
“Sure. I’ll ring Brandon after I’ve contacted the rest of the team.”
“Good. You do that from the car while I ring Roberts, he’ll need to sanction the overtime. I can’t see him objecting to it in the circumstances. Then I’ll have to call home and break the news to AJ. Bugger, our lives are all work at the moment and no play. Not sure I’m liking this much. Will we ever get used to it?”
“I doubt it. I look at it this way, as long as I’m busy and the time passes quickly, then I’m fine with it.”
“That’s logical, Charlie, well said.”
“Shall I leave my car here? I can pick it up later.”
Katy thought it was a strange statement but accepted Charlie’s decision, thinking she might have wanted to unburden some puzzling thoughts on the way back to the station. “If that’s what you want?”
Charlie got in Katy’s car, and Katy remained outside to speak to Roberts. “Hi, it’s Katy, sir, sorry to disturb you.”
“You’re disturbing my microwave meal for one. This had better be good, Inspector.”
“Oops, anything nice?”
“Inspector…say what you have to say and leave me to get on with it.”
His tone held a warning that he wasn’t in the mood for a discussion on his choice of meals. Neither was she, truth be told.
“A quick summary for you then: I need you to authorise overtime for this evening, sir. Charlie and I have just left the home of a second victim in our murder enquiry.”
“What? Are you telling me you’re dealing with two murders now?”
“That’s what I said, yes, sir.”
“Jesus, and you think they’re connected, how?”
“After speaking to the second victim’s wife, she dropped the bombshell that both men knew each other and her husband was actually a pallbearer at Bruce Crawford’s funeral the other day.”
“Whoa! Seriously? What’s running through your mind, Katy?” he asked, finally climbing down off his high horse.
“I’m not sure. I have an inkling but I need proof or at least some evidence to back my suspicions up. At present, all that is lacking.”
“Go on, what are you thinking?”
“Forgive me. I’d rather not say at this point. I’m not that keen of having egg plastered over my face.”
“What if I ordered you to tell me, would you?”
Katy blew out a breath. “You could try.”
“DI Foster, I’m ordering you to share your suspicions on this extremely perplexing investigation.”
“In that case, sir, you leave me no option than to say, I think the daughter has something to do with this.”
“How sure are you?”
“At least ninety percent at this stage.”
“That’s not good enough, not to act upon. If you need to bring her in for questioning, I would caution you to do
so with care.”
“I’m aware of the pros and cons of working on instinct. I was privy to it whilst serving with my previous partner, if you remember. Maybe some of her shenanigans have finally rubbed off on me.”
He sniggered. “Let’s hope you don’t pick up on too many of her traits, like how she used to speak and deal with me.”
“No, sir. I’ll be sure not to go down that route. I respect you for one thing.”
“Ha! Are you saying Lorne didn’t?”
“I think I’ve said too much already. Getting back to the reason I’ve rung you, is it okay to forge ahead with the overtime?”
“Yes, of course. Keep me updated every step of the way. Umm…maybe not every step, every significant step, I should have said.”
“You know that goes without saying, sir. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“I will. Damn, I’ll have to reheat my dinner now…or maybe I’ll just put it in the bin where I should have dumped it in the first place.”
“May I ask what it was?”
“Chicken tikka served with bullet rice, at least that’s what it damn well tastes like. I’m going to have to get a woman in.”
“To cook your meals?”
“Yes, why, what else did you think I was talking about, Inspector?”
“Umm…is that the time? I should get going, sir. I hope you sort your dinner out soon.”
“I will. Tread carefully. Make sure you gather all the evidence first and foremost before tackling the daughter.”
“Thanks for the advice, boss.”
“Maybe say that without the added sarcasm attached next time, Inspector.”
“I’ll try. Goodbye, sir.” Katy ended the call and looked over at Charlie to give her the thumbs-up. Then she checked in with AJ to break the bad news to him. “Sorry, love. It’s a necessity.”
“Stop apologising. I know you wouldn’t make the call if you didn’t deem it important. Thanks for ringing me.”
“Goes without saying. Will you give Georgie a kiss for me?”
“She’s here. Hang on. Say hello to Mummy, sweetpea.”
