Scamper's Find

by Terry H. Watson

  Search of the immediate surroundings did not locate the absent woman. The brothers frantically ran around the resort and made enquiries from people they met but Peggy was nowhere in sight. Joe’s worst fear was that their mother may have wandered into the sea. They ran to the shore. Others, hearing of their plight, joined with them in searching the shoreline. Holidaymakers ran along the shoreline searching, calling her name, and reporting back to the fraught brothers. Some used binoculars in at attempt to spot the missing lady. A few good swimmers dived into the sea and swam up and down covering as much of the area as they could.

  “I’m scared Bobby. I’m bloody terrified she’s drowned.”

  Joe ran along the length of the bay while Bobby sat on the sand, head in hands rocking back and forward and crying out for his mother. Some people tried to comfort the distressed man. After an hour of fruitless search, Joe held his brother in his arms, something he had never done in his life, and cried with his younger sibling.

  “There’s nothing else for it, Bobby, we have to contact the police and the coastguards.”

  At the local police office not far from the beach area, Geoff Nolan, a senior detective took the brothers to an interview room and assured them their mother was safe and was being looked after.

  “A member of the public on an early dog walk came across the distressed woman and called us for assistance. She was cold and very confused and I have to say, quite aggressive. Our WPC had great difficulty in calming her down.”

  “Where is she, Detective?” asked Joe. “Can we see her and take her back to get on with her holiday?”

  The relief they felt was overwhelming.

  “I’m afraid not, sir. You see, because of her distressed state she was unable to tell us who she was. She kept muttering that Barry was in a hole in a blue dress. Is one of you Barry?”

  “No, no idea who that is. Someone in her imagination, I expect,” replied Joe. “She has dementia and gets mixed up.”

  “Yeah, no idea,” added the tense Bobby whose face was smeared with tears and sand, his clothes not yet dried by the sun. They stuck to his skin as if painted onto his slim frame. His restless manner did not go unnoticed by the detective.

  “So,” continued Joe, “can we see her now?”

  “As I was saying sir, the lady was very confused, and we had no way of finding out who she was. We made enquiries at the two local care homes in the area, but they knew nothing about her. The social welfare department was summoned and has her safe with them until a decision is made about her future.”

  “Well, we’re here now, so we’ll collect her and take her home.”

  “That I’m afraid is out of the question. We have to follow procedure when someone as vulnerable as this lady comes to our attention. I’ll give you the name of the social worker dealing with her and you can contact the department. You will have to deal directly with them. Now, we need some details from you. There are some questions to be answered.”

  The brothers looked at each other in total bewilderment. Bobby mumbled, “I don’t understand why we can’t just take her home with us.”

  “I have to get some details from you both, sir. Don’t worry about your mother, she is being looked after.”

  The detective, a senior figure in his district’s police department, towered over them. His superior manner spoke volumes. No one in his or her right mind would dare challenge him. He was a man used to having respect. Many hardened criminals crumbled under his interrogation. He escorted the brothers to separate interview rooms, and aware of their damp, distressed state, arranged for hot drinks to be provided.

  They spent several hours being questioned about their mother. Joe, well aware of his brother’s emotional state, feared that he would be easy meat for the rather overpowering officer and reveal more than he should about taking their mother from GWR. In the end, the astute detective easily elicited from the edgy Bobby, the entire events leading to their mother’s removal from GWR.

  “We couldn’t have her put in that hospital,” said Bobby. “It was too crowded and there was not enough staff. It wasn’t right for her. We wanted to spare her that.”

  He, along with his brother, were held over until further investigation could be made. Both boys were stunned at the turn of events.

  While stating he understood their reasons for removing their mother, the detective explained that it was now a police matter.

  “This may amount to an offence. You will both be held over until a ruling is made. The Crown Prosecutor will make a decision and a solicitor will be allocated to you in order to explain what charges, if any, will be made against you. In effect you removed a person without permission and this has to be investigated further. I appreciate your concern for your mother’s welfare but I’m afraid it has clouded your judgement. We are in touch with GWR and assure you your mother’s best interest is top priority.”

  “As it is with us officer,” replied Joe.

  Joe was flummoxed as to how having only his mother’s best interest at heart he had ended up in a police cell. This could tip Bobby over the edge, he thought as he tried to settle on an uncomfortable bed, the stench of which told of several occupants of unclean habits. A pigsty would smell cleaner than this. His own clothes smelt of sea, his hair was tousled and full of sand, his stomach churned with nervous anticipation of his fate. He was miserable.

  Several weary hours passed before he was summoned once more to the interview room where a dishevelled Bobby waited patiently for his sibling to join him.

  “I see you have an elder brother who was also with you when Mrs Bryson was taken from the home,” began the officer. “He is being interviewed in Scotland, as we speak. GWR has related the events surrounding your mother’s abduction. They have had a major drain on their time over this, but only want what is best for her. Senior staff there will liaise with a senior social worker from this area and a decision will be made based on our Care Home Law which regulates the provision of care home services throughout the country. When a patient is incapable of making a decision at a particular time, as in the case of your mother, the matter can be referred to the Court of Protection for a ruling. The doctor in charge of elderly care in this area will then most likely liaise with GWR will assess your mother. Let me assure you both again that she is being cared for.”

  Bobby began to moan quietly, withdrew his handkerchief from his pocket and blew his nose with such force that Joe momentarily forgetting where he was, kicked him in the shins, and admonished him for making a racket. The interviewing officer stopped what he was doing and turning to Bobby, asked, “Are you able to continue this interview sir, do you need anything?”

  Shaking his head, Bobby signalled that he was fine.

  Joe interrupted, “My brother doesn’t have the best of health, sir, and this is putting a strain on him.”

  “As soon as we can,” continued the officer, “we will inform you of our ruling. Meanwhile, I’ll arrange for a medical doctor to check you over sir,” he said, addressing Bobby directly. “As for you both and Mr Alexander Bryson, I require more time to decide with the court if charges are to be brought. Your brother is being brought here for further interview.”

  Some time passed before the numbed brothers were allocated a solicitor who had looked into the background of the case.

  “I have secured bail for you and a decision will be made regarding your brother after I speak to him. You will return here at a later date to learn your fate and that of your mother. Please remain in the area.”

  Joe and Bobby, reeling in shock from the events of the past hours, returned to their temporary beach home, showered and changed and took stock of their situation while awaiting the arrival of their elder brother. Bobby had refused assistance from a doctor stating he felt fine.

  “My brother fusses too much.”

  “We’re in real trouble now J
oe. What are we going to do?”

  “We do nothing, repeat, nothing. Sit it out and wait for Alex to join us. They’re sure to give him bail too. Just remember to keep your mouth shut about Barry Jones. We’ve never heard of him. OK?”

  “It ain’t easy, hell I still have nightmares about those pit shafts… I…”

  “Bobby, shut up, just shut up. You’re not helping anyone if you lose control. Did you have to tell that cop about GWR? We could have just said we were on holiday with her and she got lost, nothing else was needed.”

  “He scared me, Joe, never took those eyes off me, and made me feel uncomfortable.”

  “You’ll be less uncomfortable when Alex gets here. Stop sniffling, go and take your calming-down pills. In fact, take two and go to bed.”

  CHAPTER 32

  Alex Bryson, escorted by a police detective, sat uncomfortably in an interview room, unaware of where either his mother or brothers were. He had suffered the wrath of his wife and feared his marriage was doomed. Emotionally drained and exhausted from travelling, he waited to hear his fate. The same senior detective, Geoff Nolan, spoke to him, reassuring him his mother was safe and well cared for.

  “I see you live and work in Scotland, Mr Bryson. I was up in your part of the world not long ago with some of my colleagues. You may have heard of the incidents we were investigating almost on your doorstep, so to speak; two bodies were found in some pit shafts; an unpleasant time for the guys who were dealing with it, not to mention the victims. Did you hear about it?”

  “Yeah, yeah, I vaguely recall hearing something like that.”

  “Coincidence, isn’t it? You coming from that area. Now about your mother, you must be anxious to hear what is to happen to her.”

  A solicitor joined them and explained as he had done so earlier to the others, the procedure for a ruling about his mother’s placement.

  “A meeting has been set to resolve this. You and your brothers will be invited to attend at a later date to be informed of the findings of the care protection people. It appears likely that Mrs Bryson will be given a place in this area. There is an exceptionally good care home for patients with dementia, similar to the high standard of the home she was removed from. Staff are trained in nursing such patients and we hear good reports about them. For the moment, sir, you will be bailed to be with your brothers until a decision is made regarding whether or not you have committed an offence of abduction. Remain in the area in order to be contacted by either myself or a colleague.”

  Alex arrived at the beach house, much to the relief of his siblings. His anger was fierce.

  “I couldn’t leave you two in charge for one night, could I? You damn fools to let Mum wander away. Anything could have happened to her and now we can’t even get to see her. God knows where it will all end. We could be facing a jail sentence thanks to your incompetence. We might be done for abduction. Alice is furious with me. I don’t think she will take me back if things go wrong for us.”

  No amount of explanation was required or would have been listened to by the elder brother, his mood menacing and vitriolic. His siblings had witnessed his rage on several occasions and knew the best course of action was to say nothing, knowing that he would eventually calm down. They waited at their holiday home for several anxious days, void of any holiday feelings. Beach life went on around them, families soaked up the last of the summer sun, and the place was alive with laughter and fun filled days. The brothers stayed indoors, getting on each other’s nerves as they waited to be summoned to hear their fate. Bobby’s stress level increased, his horrendous nightmares disturbing his siblings and adding to the tiredness felt by all. It was not a happy family holiday.

  “It’s so unfair of them not to let us see Mum. She’ll be worried about us,” muttered Bobby with monotonous regularity which only served to fuel the anger of his brothers who despaired at his inability to accept their mother’s health issues. Alex now understood something of Joe’s concern for the youngest Bryson and the responsibility it placed on his shoulders.

  “He really needs professional help,” he told Joe when Bobby had gone for a sleep. “In hindsight we shouldn’t have taken him to Scotland with us. It’s blown his mind dealing with Barry Jones and his mate but we can’t trust him not to tell all if he sees a psychiatrist, which is what he really needs. It’s a mess. Damn you, Barry Jones. He’s haunting us even in death.”

  After what seemed an eternity for the brothers, they were summoned to hear the outcome from the Crown Prosecutor, who spoke to them individually before summoning them together for a final briefing.

  “As you have each been informed, the removal of your mother from her care home without permission from staff does not, in my opinion, amount to an offence in law. Had she been abducted while under a court order preventing her removal, things may have been very different for you. The local authority has now issued a guardianship order that includes power to place her in a suitable place of safety. These orders are set when a person, as in the case of your mother, has impaired judgement and is liable to become disorientated and wander off. You are free to go, but I advise you to reflect on the stupidity of your actions. A recommendation has been made about your mother and officials are waiting to inform you of that.”

  They were then called before a group of people to have the result of deliberation on their mother’s fate.

  “A ruling has been made to place Peggy Bryson in Strand Bay Care Home for the elderly, here in our district. The home caters solely for patients with dementia and is well staffed by highly skilled people. Reports from the Care Commission are excellent. It is on a par with GWR. Now that we have a ruling from the Crown Prosecutor, you will be taken to visit your mother and shown around the home. Her safety and personal care and medical supervision will now be catered for, here in this area.”

  The Bryson brothers had no choice but to accept the ruling, relieved in a way that Peggy was safe. Alex said, “Well, I suppose in the end we have saved Mum from hospital admission. It’s been a nightmare, not knowing where she was or if we were going to prison. This is a nice area with the beach nearby. I’m sure they will take her there at times.”

  ***

  Strand Bay Care Home stood in magnificent grounds that had once belonged to a wealthy businessman, James R. Strand who had willed it to the people of the town on condition that it was used in some capacity for the care of the elderly. The grounds were well tended with colourful flowerbeds and baskets. Seating was in plentiful supply in sheltered spots and a few summer houses adorned the spacious gardens. Ornate garden statues and sculptures from classic to contemporary decorated the area and spoke of a splendid and opulent history.

  “Liam would love to tend these gardens,” remarked Joe.

  At the mention of his name, Alex remembered how they had asked Liam for help.

  “I hope he hasn’t got into trouble on our behalf.”

  Joe took up the conversation, “He won’t say a word to anyone. Liam’s an okay guy. I’ll get in touch with him when we get back to London. He’ll want to know how Mum is.”

  Here, at Strand Bay, Peggy Bryson was reunited with her sons whom she hadn’t seen since the fateful day she had wandered from their holiday home. A social worker and senior nursing sister from Peggy’s new home explained to the brothers that they were free to visit their mother at any time, but that an appointment must be made beforehand. They would not be allowed to take her from the building.

  “I’m looking forward to seeing Mum again. She’ll be so pleased to see us,” enthused the excitable Bobby clutching a bouquet of flowers, as they waited in a tastefully decorated sitting room while a staff member fetched Peggy.

  The reunion did not go well. The boys were shocked at the deterioration in their mother in the few days since they had seen her. Her ordeal had taken its toll. While she was clean and tidy and sported a new hairstyle, her eyes we
re vacant. She looked at her sons and saw them as strangers. She felt threatened and let out an ear-piercing scream. Who are these people? Why don’t they go away? I want to find my Barry and tell him these men have come to put me in a hole…

  “It’s us, Mum, me and Joe and Alex. It’s only us.”

  Bobby attempted to hug his mother, only to cause the confused lady to scream all the louder I don’t want to go in a hole in the ground. Where’s my blue dress? His brothers pulled him away.

  “It’s no use, Bobby. She no longer knows us. You’re upsetting her. Let her go.”

  Two nurses escorted the hysterical patient back to her room where they remained until Peggy fell into a sporadic sleep. The trio was asked to leave.

  “It’s best you don’t all visit at once,” suggested a senior nurse. “Three men towering over her overwhelmed Peggy. She was obviously frightened. I’m sorry, but that’s the way her illness has progressed since you last saw her.”

  There was no alternative but for the brothers to return to their homes: Alex to Scotland to face his nemesis, Joe and Bobby to their London home where they picked up the threads of their lives as best they could. The whole episode had a detrimental effect on Bobby’s well-being. Joe felt guilty at not allowing his disturbed brother access to professional help.

  Alex took charge of visiting arrangements and set out a roster. Before flying home he called the care home and was reassured that his mother was calm and resting peacefully.

  CHAPTER 33

  Geoff Nolan, the senior police detective who had interviewed all three Bryson brothers was not one to let gut feelings beat him. Something bothered him and he was determined to investigate the niggling feeling that there was more to the Peggy Bryson incident than first thought. He loved a challenge and was determined to explore all avenues before he rubber-stamped the case as being done and dusted. He sat at his desk and turned his chair to face out towards the sea. He took this position when he needed to think. He chewed on the end of a pen, scratched his head as if trying to find answers and thought. Mulling over events of the past few weeks since the discovery of a distraught elderly lady wandering along the beach, he thought long and hard. He preferred to work things out by himself, involving colleagues only when he was sure of his findings. Then, as if struck by a light bulb moment of clarity, grabbed a marker and set to working on a whiteboard. He listed his suspicions and explored his thoughts: