‘And if I don’t, I’m on my own? Is that what you’re saying?’
‘Honestly? No. I’m not about to turf you back out and wish you luck, Jenny. But we can only do so much to protect you and we can only do it for so long. And you have to know that Social Services have arranged foster care for Isobel here—’
‘Well, they don’t have to now. I’m back, aren’t I?’ Jenny flashed angry, her cheeks burned red.
‘You are. But think about it . . . will the police and Social Services let you have care of young Isobel, here, if you’re considered to be a target for serious harm?’
‘So you’re going to take my baby away? Because I saw a murder and someone shot at me?’
‘That’s not what I’m saying, Jenny. I want to keep you both safe and I want to keep you both together. That’s my favourite outcome. But if you take a decision that makes that impossible, then I will do what I can to keep Isobel out of harm’s way. Because she isn’t old enough to make a decision that is in her own best interest.’
‘So you just came in here to threaten me with taking my baby away if I don’t help you? You’re no different to those men, they just used guns to threaten me.’
‘I’m very different. If you don’t help me I will still do all I can to keep you safe. I will still do all I can to find those men and to put them in front of a judge who can send them down for a very long time. And if I manage to do that without your help then I will help you get Isobel back in your care. I don’t want you dead. That makes me your best option, Jenny. I haven’t got off on the right foot with you. That was my fault. I still feel like I let you down, and because of that I will work harder and faster. But you need to help me. You need to tell me what you know and you need to let me put that into evidence. Together we will get these bastards. They’ve already given me the hump by shooting a defenceless pensioner dead in her own home. Help me, Jenny, please.’
Jenny snuggled back into Isobel. She kissed her lightly on the cheek. Isobel still slept soundly. ‘And then you’ll move me away? The new identity. A place to live? So I can’t be found by them or their mates?’
‘I will.’
‘You promise?’
‘I have a daughter too, Jenny. She’s nine though. She does this thing — it’s called a pinky promise. You have to link your little finger on one hand. There’s nothing that can break a pinky promise.’
Jenny stared at him. She looked more than a little unsure. George held out his right hand, his little finger extended. Jenny shook her head, the slightest curl of her lips. Then she locked her finger with his.
When George emerged from her room Whittaker and Emily Ryker were stood outside waiting for him.
‘You were ages in there, old boy. I take it you got her talking?’
‘I did, yeah. It’s a hell of a tale.’ George lifted up the DVD that now contained her account.
‘Where are we then, George? We all need to get back together at the nick. I’ll need the team to sit and watch it so we all know what there is. Are there any fast-track actions, though — anything to do straight away?’
‘There are, sir. I need a surveillance team and an armed tactical team that can be available round the clock.’
‘Okay, I agree we need some safeguarding in place. I’m not sure I can get you a whole tactical team—’
‘It has to be a tactical team, Major.’
‘Okay? Are you aware of something that you are not divulging, George? You understand my position as the SIO. I can’t have anything kept from me — especially if you want me to start writing blank cheques for tactical teams.’
‘It’s nothing like that, Major. There’s more to this. We’re not being told the whole picture here. I think there’s still more to play out and we need to be ready. That will be our chance to nab these bastards.’
‘I’ll see what I can do. Teams of seven specialist officers don’t come cheap. It can be done, but you need a damned good reason for not being content with sticking up a camera and putting a marked car outside the address. That would do the same job for a tenth of the budget.’
‘They’re preventative, sir. You can still do that by all means.’
‘So you don’t want the tactical team at the Wingmores’?’
‘No, sir. And I would rather they didn’t know.’
‘Do you think this gang intend on coming back? That maybe they have unfinished business and this is a ploy to flush them out?’
‘I don’t think they will return there, sir.’
‘You have me confused, George.’
‘We still don’t know the real story. We’re getting snippets. I’m getting half-truths, half-stories and downright lies. Right now I can’t pick out which is which. I figure if I’m not being told the truth I might try sitting back and seeing if it gets played out in front of me. You don’t have to like the idea, Major, you just have to not dislike it enough to order me not to.’
‘Oh, I definitely dislike it enough for that.’
‘Are you ordering me not to?’
‘Well, no, George. But we need to go over what you want to do. Then at least I know what I’m not ordering you not to do.’
Chapter 28
George was in the foyer of the hospital when his phone rang. It was Ali.
‘What’s up, Ali?’
‘George, I’m done up at the house, but I’ve just had a rather strange call. The source of that call kept apologising and said that his orders had come from some bloke called DI Elms and that he didn’t know any more. He seemed new, like he might be frightened to ask any questions. Maybe even new enough to respect you.’
‘Blimey. Must be fresh out the box.’
‘I know. And seeing as I don’t particularly care about rank an’ all that, I thought I would call you direct and find out what the hell is going on.’
‘And I’m glad you did,’ George chuckled. ‘You know I always like to help. What do you need to know?’
‘So I’m finished up at the house. But I’m being told to wait for a couple of other marked vehicles to get here. Then I’ll be told when the scene can be stepped down and we all have to leave together in some sort of choreographed convoy?’
‘That’s right—’
‘Then I need to make my way directly to Langthorne beach and — this is my favourite bit — this DI Elms joker needs me to create a crime scene using my body tent and some police tape. So . . . my question is probably obvious, George, don’t you think?’
‘Yeah. You’re going to ask me what colour tent you should use. I know you have the yellow hi-vis one or the plain white. Personally I think you should go for the plain white. I think that’s a bit of a classic.’
‘You’re not funny.’
‘I am, Ali. You get told something enough and you do start believing it.’ George ducked into a disabled toilet cubicle that had become free.
‘Strange you should say that. You hear something enough about someone and you can start believing it too, George.’
George chuckled again. ‘And I bet you haven’t been hearing about how funny I am, have you?’
‘Not even once.’
‘So you want to know why on earth you would be leaving in a big convoy and then setting up a body tent over a mound of pebbles?’
‘Well, yes.’
‘It’s a very long story, Ali, one that you are very welcome to hear right now or you can trust me and let me buy you a coffee in a day or so when this is all over. Your choice.’
‘How long?’
‘I-haven’t-really-got-the-time long. The shortest version is that we had a girl go into the water off the pier out there. I need the people that were with her to think that she washed up dead. You’re perfect for the job. This might be the only way I can get hold of these bastards. I can’t tell you how important you are. That’s not just me buttering you up either, Ali. I’ll explain it all and you’ll know I’m right.’
‘I don’t trust people, George — I’ve never been good at that. And doesn�
�t that mean that we have another scene? On the pier, where this girl was pushed?’
‘I didn’t say she was pushed.’ George was deflecting. He didn’t want to tell her about his expectation of finding a body at the bottom of the sea, tied off on a dumbbell. CSI got twitchy around bodies in water, especially seawater. If forensics was your thing it was possibly the worst environment on earth.
‘You’ve not said much!’
‘Like I said, you can have the long story now or the coffee and full explanation later. You know you can trust me. You remember my face, right? How trustworthy it is? Hold that image in your mind. I think it’ll help.’
‘You’re something, George. That’s an image I really don’t want. You’d better find these people and then you need to do better than a coffee and a cake.’
‘I never said cake.’
‘I haven’t said yes.’
‘Help me out, Ali, and you get whatever you need.’
‘Done. Your cleaners have turned up, by the way.’
‘Cleaners?’
‘Yeah, I’ve kept in touch with the woman you spoke to who runs the cleaning company. They’re at the address now. They should be done in the next hour or so. She doesn’t like you either.’
‘I don’t need to be liked, Ali. That’s good news, though. I’m waiting for Stanley now. I’m taking him back home. He should be with me any minute, and as soon as we get him home that’s when the scene can be stood down.’
‘Can’t wait.’
With the call finished, George stepped back out of the toilet to see Louise in the distance. She was obviously looking for him. He had asked her to meet him here alone before he took her and Stan home. He got her attention with a wave and led her into the first vacant room he found. There were seats and he offered her one, then took one himself.
‘This has the feeling of bad news, George,’ Louise said.
‘There’s no way of hiding it, I’m afraid, Louise. It would appear that I am about to make your day darker.’
‘What is it?’
‘Your brother. Joseph.’ George waited for a reaction. She bit down on her lip and waited for him to continue. Certainly there was no denial of his existence. ‘I’m very sorry to have to tell you this, Louise, but we’ve received some intelligence that suggests he was shot dead earlier today.’
Louise brought her hand up to her mouth. Her eyes flashed wide in shock. ‘Shot? Dead?’
‘It appears to be almost an execution in style. I’m sorry, there’s no easy way to say this and I can’t spare you the details. I think it might all be linked to what happened to your mum and dad. I need to ask you again if you can think of any reason that someone might be targeting your family?’
Jenny flopped back, her body suddenly limp. Her eyes stared up at the ceiling and filled with moisture. ‘No. I have no idea what is going on. Oh God, Joseph! I should have stayed in Italy.’
‘When did you last see your brother?’
‘Years, Inspector. Many years. We don’t talk. The only time he ever used to call me or turn up at my door was to ask for money. The same with Mum and Dad. When he was much younger, he got himself involved in drugs. He had a problem. They put him through rehab — spent tens of thousands of pounds on trying to get him right and all he did was throw it back in their faces. My dad lost all faith, practically banished him. I don’t think they’ve spoken since then either.’
‘What about your mum?’
‘What about her?’
‘Did she still speak to Joseph?’
‘Not that I know of. I mean, I very much doubt it. He’s not even an easy person to find if you wanted to. His life is chaos. He moved away. Portsmouth, I last heard.’
‘I’ve been able to find out a little bit about him, Louise. There are signs that he might have been looking to settle down. He’s got a partner. They’ve been together a while and . . . well, he’s a dad.’
Louise snapped up straight. ‘Joseph!’
‘Yes. A little girl. She’s four months old. She’s a lovely little thing.’
‘You’ve met her?’
‘She’s here, strangely. Her mother was taken ill but she’s going to be just fine. You’re an aunty, Louise, and your dad out there—’
‘A granddad! He always wanted grandchildren. I mean they both did — my mum was even worse. I remember telling them I couldn’t. It was worse than telling my husband. They were absolutely devastated. They tried not to show it, of course.’ Louise was back to sobbing silently behind her hand.
‘This is why I wanted to speak to you alone. I wanted to talk to you about the best way to tell your dad.’
Louise leant forward. She composed herself; she took her time. ‘It’s hard to tell, really. They never got on, but he’s still his son. The baby thing as well . . . it’s all going to be a lot to take in. He’s still struggling. He gets confused. Oh! This is all such a mess!’
‘I think we have options, Louise. I can tell him now and we can manage the fallout between us and take him home. Or we can let him get some sleep in his own bed and I’ll come and see him tomorrow. We can talk to him then.’
Louise was shaking her head. ‘I don’t think I can be with him all night and not tell him about Joseph. It’s massive. It would be like a weight and it isn’t fair. He would want to know.’
‘I’ll talk to him, then. We can bring him in here and—’
‘No. Drop us home. I’ll sit him down at home and I’ll talk to him.’
‘Are you sure that’s the best way?’
‘I think so. Maybe. What about the baby? What is the situation there?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He’s had his heart broken. I’m about to give him more bad news. Can we see the child? Maybe meet the mother? Maybe my dad will react to his grandchild. I think he might.’
‘I can ask the question. I don’t see any reason why she wouldn’t want you to meet her daughter. You are family, after all.’
Louise managed a smile. ‘I can barely believe it.’
‘Your dad will struggle too. I’ll have a word. I think she will be able to go home soon. Maybe I can set something up for tomorrow. That way your dad gets the news tonight from you, but has something to look forward to tomorrow.’
Louise nodded. She pulled a pocket mirror from her bag and checked her makeup. She stood at the door. ‘That just might work. I’ll go and get him.’
Ten minutes later, George was back in the foyer and Stan appeared. He was walking, supported on one side by his daughter with Paul Bearn hovering close to his other arm — just in case. Paul looked genuinely concerned. George loved that about him. He hadn’t been a career cop; he’d been late joining and he was all the better for it. He was as sharp as they came and yet had none of the cynicism that had most cops already making their minds up, believing they didn’t need to consider the evidence.
‘Hey, Stan. How are you feeling?’ George said.
‘Fighting fit.’
‘There’ll be no fighting today, please, Dad.’ Louise said. She looked at George. ‘Let’s go home then shall we?’
‘Of course. I’ve arranged for a marked police car to be stationed at the end of your drive. It’ll be around for a few days at least but I can’t promise how long I’ll be able to spare it.’
‘There’s no need. I think my dad here just wants to get back to normal.’
‘I can understand that. But your dad, here, is a witness to a murder. He’s a target. I’d feel better with a copper on your drive for as long as possible. We’ve also installed a panic button. It’s exactly as it sounds — a big red button that’s linked to our control centre. One push and we’ll all be on our way. I’ve also had the farm added to the standard patrol route for our firearms teams who are working nights. Paul here is going off right now to make sure you’re added to the briefing for every copper coming on duty. You’ll be well looked after.’
‘I’ll see you soon, though, Stan.’ Paul shook Stan’s hand and nodded at Geor
ge before he left. They would get back together at the police station.
‘We appreciate all you’re doing,’ Louise said. ‘I don’t think anyone will be coming back, though, George. If they have any sense they’ll be getting as far away as possible, right?’
‘Well, I would if I was them.’
‘I’ll be staying with Dad for a little while — until he gets back into the swing of things. This has all been such a shock.’ Louise lingered on George.
‘Louise, I already told you that I don’t need to be getting into the swing of anything,’ Stan protested. ‘Stop talking about me like I’m not here. I’m not the useless old fool you seem to think I am.’
‘Please, Dad, I don’t think you’re a useless old fool. You need time to recover. You don’t have your strength back yet. No one would have.’
‘My strength! You mean until I’m strong enough to tie off a noose again? It was a mistake. A stupid thing, and I know that now. I’ll be fine.’
George looked to step in. ‘I understand Louise doesn’t get over too much. If nothing else, you can spend a few days with your daughter, Stan. Don’t think of it as anything else. That’s a big old house to be rattling around in on your own.’
‘The sooner I get used to that the better — right, George? You’ll all go back to your normal lives when you’re happy you’ve done all you can. I can never get back to that. Don’t you people worry about me. I’ll survive. Now take me home.’
* * *
The start of Stan’s drive was clear. The car that had been on the outer cordon was now on the gravel just outside his front door. Ali’s CSI van was there too, as were another two marked cars and a marked 4x4. All the cars were occupied and the officers manning them looked expectant as George pulled up. A small, plain white van was also parked off to the left, close to the side entrance. A woman in a white paper suit leant against its side. She pushed off as George approached. George guessed it was the lady he had spoken to from the cleaning company. He would address her first. He asked Stan and Louise to wait in the car for just a moment.
‘Hey! It’s Kerry, right? My saviour who owns the cleaning company.’ George held out his hand in greeting.
THEN SHE RAN an absolutely gripping crime thriller with a massive twist Page 23
