Goodbye My Precious Child

by M A Comley

  “Good, I don’t like surprises. I’m listening, Inspector.”

  “The reason we’re here is because we run a cold case team and we’ve recently begun investigating a crime that was committed nineteen years ago.”

  He sat upright in his chair.

  “I see that rings a bell with you.”

  “It does. You’re talking about the Millie Pickrel case, aren’t you?”

  “I am.”

  He shook his head slowly. “Such a shock. You’re aware her mother and I were out on a date that evening? Of course you are, you wouldn’t be here otherwise,” he said, answering his own question swiftly. He ran a hand through his short black hair that was obviously dyed, judging by his grey eyebrows.

  “It was a shocking incident. Perhaps you can tell us what happened?”

  He took a sip of his coffee and let out a large sigh. “It’s something that will remain with me until the day I die. No one, man, woman or child should ever have to deal with such circumstances.”

  “I agree.”

  “Let me think. I turned up at the flat about six-fifty that evening. I spoke to the kids in the living room while Anna finished getting ready. She looked stunning as I recall, a sequinned top over a pair of trousers. The kids seemed happy their mum was going out, and they appeared to take to me in such a short space of time. Anyway, I drove to an Italian restaurant I knew around twenty minutes from where she lived; I still use the same restaurant today.”

  “Okay, carry on.”

  “We were halfway through the main course when Anna received a call from the babysitter—sorry, her name escapes me at present.”

  “Lisa.”

  He nodded. “That’s it. She was frantic, and rightly so. Her father had suffered a suspected heart attack. As soon as I realised something was wrong, I gestured for the waiter to bring us the bill. Poor Anna was beside herself. She told Lisa to leave the kids—we were only twenty minutes away, for God’s sake. She also instructed Lisa to close the door when she left. I’ll admit I broke the speed limit to get back to those kids. I’ll never forget what happened when we arrived.” He took a sip of coffee then continued. “The street was lit up with flashing blue lights. There was an ambulance outside the flat. At first, Anna looked at me in confusion, and then we both ran inside. We found two paramedics at the scene trying to resuscitate little Millie. We found Louie standing at the bottom of the bed. The poor lad was in a traumatised state. Not long after, the paramedic working on Millie stood back and shook his head. Anna screamed, I’ll never forget that. She dropped to the floor. I tried to comfort her, but she shouted at me to leave the house. I didn’t want to intrude on her grief, and as much as I wanted to stay there to support her and Louie, I respected her wishes and left.”

  “I see. Did you see anyone lingering outside the flat?”

  “No. I didn’t look. I had no idea what had happened. That didn’t come out until the media got hold of the story a few days later.”

  “Did you try to contact Anna?”

  “Yes, of course I did; she didn’t want to know. Eventually, Louie took my call and told me in no uncertain terms not to contact his mother ever again. To leave her alone. I had to accept that. The last thing I wanted to do was make their lives more unpleasant than they already were. That child was such a sweetheart. I only met her for a fleeting moment, but she was an absolute doll. Why would anyone in their right minds set out to kill her? The press said it was an intruder, is that right?”

  Sally shrugged. “After speaking to all the neighbours and witnesses, we have come to that conclusion. Nothing else has surfaced at this time.”

  “Is that it? After all these years, that poor family are no further forward?”

  “Regarding the case, yes. We still have avenues we want to explore, but it’s not looking hopeful so far. Have you seen Anna since that day?”

  “No. She left her job, never returned after the…Millie died. I was tempted to go round there, but Louie was adamant that would be a bad idea. So I left well alone. Have you seen her? Stupid question, of course you have. Is she well?”

  “She’s well. Still riddled with guilt, but she’s married with another child.”

  “I’m so glad. It’s wrong to live in the past. Grief is a powerful emotion, I know. I lost my father only last month; I’m still not over his death. Some people bounce back, and for others the grieving process can be a long, drawn-out affair. I have to admit, I have to focus heavily when I’m here. My wife insisted it would be better for me to get back to work as soon as possible.” He smiled. “She works from home, you see, didn’t want me getting under her feet, truth be told.”

  “I got that impression. Are you sure there’s nothing else you can tell us?”

  He pondered for a little while and then shook his head. “No. I’m sorry. Over the years, I suppose I’ve programmed myself to block out that evening. Part of me recognises that’s the wrong decision, but the other part thinks I was within my rights not to dwell on the incident. I couldn’t change anything. Anna and I were out on an innocent date. I regret taking her away from her children; however, she could have always declined my invitation. She didn’t. The result was devastating to all of us in the end.”

  “These things happen in life. If everyone possessed a crystal ball or a time machine, well, we’d all be far wiser than we are. Thanks for seeing us today, Mr Sutton. Sorry if it brought it all back to you.”

  “No need to apologise. Do you think you’ll catch the bastard? I mean, after all these years, is that even likely?”

  Sally shrugged and left her seat. “We can but try. We appreciate you seeing us at such short notice anyway.”

  He walked with them back out into the reception area and shook their hands. “My door is always open if you need to run anything past me.”

  “That’s good to know, thank you. Good day, sir.”

  “Another false avenue that led us nowhere,” Jack muttered as they strode back to the car.

  “Yep. We’re not getting very far on this one at all. Come on, I’ll buy us all a cream cake to cheer us up.”

  They stopped off at the baker’s close to the station, and Sally bought three cream slices, knowing that two of her team would be out of the office when they got back.

  Over coffee and cake, she, Jack and Joanna went over and over the details pertaining to the case so far and drew a blank whichever way they looked at the evidence in their possession so far.

  “Where do we turn to next?” Jack asked, leaning back in his chair and placing his hands on his head.

  “I really don’t know. I’m open to suggestions on this one, guys. We’ve spoken to everyone involved at the time, and nothing. I really can’t see what else we can do.”

  “I agree,” Joanna said. “Usually, we have a hint of something we can delve into by now, but not on this case. I feel a failure and I hate feeling this way.”

  Sally shook her head. “None of us should feel that way, Joanna. If the clues aren’t there, then there is very little we can do about it. We’ve checked the database, covered our arses there. At the time of Millie’s death, there weren’t any other similar deaths on record. The man who did this could be dead by now for all we know.”

  “True enough. Maybe he did the right thing and killed himself after taking Millie’s life. It’s frustrating all the same, the not knowing.”

  “I’ll second that,” Joanna said, staring at her computer screen.

  “Guys, let’s not get downhearted over this. Yes, it’s frustrating, but then so are all our cases at the beginning, usually until something slots into place. Let’s call it a day for now and come back tomorrow, revitalised and ready for action, agreed?”

  Jack shrugged, and Joanna nodded then switched off her computer. “What about Stuart and Jordan?”

  The door barged open, and in walked the two men.

  “Someone mention our names?” Stuart asked smugly.

  “Good to see you, boys. How did you get on?”

>   Jack leapt out of his chair and bought the two men a coffee.

  Stuart acted as the spokesperson and ran through what had gone on during the afternoon. “He’s a decent enough chap. Didn’t get the impression he was pulling a fast one on us at all. He teared up every time his wife’s name was mentioned.”

  “That doesn’t mean anything. It could be guilt, mate,” Jack interrupted.

  “Ever the pessimist, Jack. I’ve got two words to say to you: Craig Gillan,” Sally shot at him.

  Jack held his hands up. “All right, just stating facts. These guys have time to think when they’re thrown in a cell. Maybe it’s a case of him trying to fool you by giving off the signals he thinks will make the most impact. Did that even make sense?” he asked, frowning as if he’d confused himself.

  Sally laughed. “I think we understood you, partner. It’s definitely home time, guys. I’ll put my thinking cap on and decide what to do next on both cases. Get some rest.”

  The team said their goodbyes and left Sally tidying the paperwork in her office. She felt despondent for the first time in ages as she drove home that evening. Simon was busy preparing the dinner when she entered the house.

  He greeted her at the doorway to the kitchen. “Oh dear, bad day?”

  He held out his arms, and she walked into them. He kissed the top of her head.

  “How did you guess?”

  “A nice glass of wine will drive away the workday blues, I guarantee it.”

  She glanced up at him and smiled. “Let’s hope you’re right.”

  He poured them both a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and returned to preparing the meal. “I thought I’d make chicken kievs tonight.”

  “Sounds delicious, can I help?”

  “Nope, you sit there and keep me company.”

  Which sounded like a great idea to her. “How did your day pan out?”

  “Today was a bit of a chore if I’m honest, going back to work. It’s been really great spending the past few days with your father. I think we’re going to make a brilliant team. He’s far more knowledgeable about houses than I first gave him credit for. Don’t tell him I said that, though.”

  Sally laughed. “You two make a superb team. There was never any doubt about that, love. I guess you have your answer about whether to throw in the towel at your day job or not then.”

  “I think you’re right. Okay, enough about our business. Why the glum face when you walked in?”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to see that. It’s been a super frustrating day, and we’re struggling as a team to get this case started.”

  “Can I help at all?”

  “Not really. You’ve looked into the original PM for me and found nothing. I’m not sure what else you can do without any evidence to go over.”

  “I feel your frustration on this one, love.”

  “Maybe have another look over the reports for me. If nothing comes from that, then we’re going to have to close the case again. I hate being a defeatist, you know that…”

  He crossed the kitchen and pecked her on the cheek. “I know. Hey, it’s not often you give up on a case, Sal. Try not to be too down about it.”

  “I think I feel worse about this one because of the age of the victim. She had her whole life ahead of her. Everyone keeps telling me what a precious and adorable child she was. Oh, by the way, Jack and I went to see her brother today. Man, that was a tough visit on all of us.”

  “I can only imagine. Is he still cut up about her death?”

  “Yes, although he’s managed to push it aside a little. He’s married now, and his wife is expecting their first child in a couple of months.”

  “That’s brilliant news. I’m sure having the baby around will help with the healing process.”

  “Maybe. Only time will tell. How long before dinner?”

  “A good ten minutes.”

  “I’m going to take a quick shower and get changed then, if that’s all right?”

  “Of course, it’s a shame I haven’t got time to join you.”

  “Cheeky.”

  6

  Friday came and went. It proved to be far longer than Sally anticipated. The team worked hard all day, sitting down in a huddle, going over every minute detail of the Pickrel case. At lunchtime, Sally decided to send Stuart and Jordan out to question Lucinda Barratt’s friends and work colleagues. That left her, Jack and Joanna discussing the Pickrel case. As promised, Simon rang mid-afternoon after he’d had a chance to go through the post-mortem results a second time in as many days.

  “Hi, anything for me?” she asked.

  “To add to your woes, nothing from what I can tell. The child died of asphyxiation. The original pathologist noted that the death was slightly prolonged, however.”

  “Prolonged? Meaning?”

  “I took it to mean that the person doing the suffocating possibly hesitated. Maybe he had a moral issue with what he was doing. Or it could mean that the boy interrupted him, and the intruder pushed down harder to finish the girl off?” Simon suggested.

  “There’s a thought. Hang on, Louie said that he shouted at the man and he instantly bolted, as far as I can recall.”

  “Maybe he did. I don’t know what the sequence of events was. All I know is what’s in front of me.”

  “Thanks, Simon. Can you do me a favour and send me that report? I don’t seem to have it in my damn file.”

  “Sure. I’ll email it to you within the next ten minutes. See you later.”

  “You’re a darling.” She blew a kiss down the line and hung up.

  “Eew…can you leave the lovey-dovey stuff at home next time?” Jack complained from the doorway to her office.

  “That’ll teach you to eavesdrop. Simon thinks he’s found something of interest in the PM report. He’s sending it through in the next ten minutes.”

  “Interesting how?”

  “About the time it took for the child to die…poor thing suffered a prolonged death.”

  Jack frowned. “Is that so remarkable? Isn’t suffocation quite a lengthy death compared to other methods?”

  “Maybe. Oh, I don’t know, maybe it’s a hopeless attempt on my part to get this damn case started. Let’s face it, we’ve got very little else to go on.”

  “Hmm… You’re right. It could turn out to be something important. Best not to discount it yet.”

  She turned to look out of the window, peered up at the sky.

  “Something wrong?” he asked, following her gaze.

  “I’m searching for that notorious flying pig. Jesus, I can’t believe you agreed with me for a change.”

  He shrugged, turned to walk away and threw over his shoulder, “It was a one-off. Don’t get used to it.”

  Sally laughed, screwed up a piece of paper and aimed it at his retreating back. She caught him on the base of his neck.

  “Now that’s a miracle,” he called out, “you hitting the target like that.”

  She didn’t have the heart to tell him that she was actually aiming at his backside.

  The afternoon dragged by. At five o’clock, she ordered the team to go home and enjoy their weekend, which was what she intended to do.

  Sally and Simon cleaned the house together on Saturday morning and then picked Dex up from her parents and took him for a long walk down by the river. He was always exuberant in their company. Her heart lurched when she saw him, his tail wagging nonstop.

  Lorne was eager to see Dex and insisted they bring him with them to the barbecue the following day. Sally was super excited to catch up with her best friend and found it difficult to sleep on Saturday. Her lack of sleep didn’t make her grumpy the following day, though. She showered, took Dex for another long walk at sunrise and returned home to find Simon preparing a healthy fresh fruit salad for breakfast.

  “I thought about doing a fry-up for a few seconds; decided on going for the healthy option instead.”

  “Great minds. I was going to do the very same thing when I got back. I hope
I didn’t keep you awake last night?”

  “Not really. You know me, once I’m asleep, a herd of cattle couldn’t disturb me. Do we have to take anything with us?”

  “I bought a couple of bottles of wine and two of those salted caramel cheesecakes we love.”

  “Sounds good to me. You needn’t have bought the wine. I could have raided the wine cellar. This auspicious occasion deserves the best wine possible.”

  Her eyes widened. “It’s a barbecue, Si, not a state dinner.”

  He waved a hand at her. “It’s a ‘welcome to the area’ party for your friends.”

  “You win, hey, they’re your friends, too, now.”

  “Sorry, I know that. Come on, eat up, I’m eager to see their faces when we tell them we’re going to be neighbours.”

  “Can I be the one to tell them?”

  He flung an arm around her shoulder and pulled her in for a hug. “Of course. I’d never step on your toes with something like this.”

  They ate their breakfast, and while Sally washed up the dishes, Simon put Dex in the car.

  “I’ll be two minutes. Don’t forget to sort out a couple of bottles of wine,” she reminded him.

  “No fear of that.”

  7

  Sally’s heart was pounding rapidly as Simon brought the car to a stop on the large sweeping drive that was dotted with weeds.

  Lorne ran across the gravel and squeezed Sally so tightly she struggled to breathe. “Oh my God, can you believe we’re here? It’s wonderful to see you. I’ve missed you so much.”

  “Any chance of you allowing me to breathe?” Sally asked, laughing.

  “Sorry. I’m a tad excited. Where’s the boy?” Lorne peered into the back of the car.

  Dex barked excitedly.

  Simon stepped out of his car and into Lorne’s waiting arms. “Good to see you again, Lorne.”

  “You, too, Simon. Can I get Dex out?”

  “Go for it.”

  Lorne opened the back of the Range Rover and bent to kiss Dex on the tip of his nose. “Hey, boy, welcome to the madhouse.”