Schoolgirl Missing

by Sue Fortin

  She yanked open the door and jumped out. Before closing it, she leaned down, peering into the car and Jake’s face, mostly now cast in shadow. ‘You’re the one who the police should be interested in. You wanted to meet me at the footpath the other morning. You’re the one who put the key in my pocket.’

  With that, she slammed the car door shut and marched back up the hill away from the harbour. She glanced back over her shoulder at the sound of Jake’s voice.

  ‘You’re a liar!’ he shouted across the roof of the car. ‘I’m not taking the blame. This is my life we’re talking about. This isn’t some stupid game.’

  Neve carried on walking up the lane, wishing there was more than the single street lamp at the bottom of the hill. The sound of a car approaching broke through the still of the night. Instinctively, she stepped back into the shadows of the tree, waiting for it to pass. She didn’t want to be seen with Jake.

  The walk back to Lucie’s didn’t take long at all and Neve was grateful she had her flat boots on. Lucie was sprawled out across the sofa when Neve let herself into the flat.

  ‘Ah, you’re back,’ said Lucie, sitting up. ‘Everything OK?’

  ‘Yeah. Fine. I need a drink. Any of that wine left?’

  Lucie bent down and picking up the wine bottle by the neck, waved it in the air. ‘Just enough for another glass each, I’d say. Fear not, though, I have some more downstairs if we need it.’

  Neve plonked herself down next to Lucie. ‘That was awkward. Jake still thought there might be a chance of us getting together.’

  ‘You’re joking?’

  ‘Nope. I had to put him straight.’

  ‘How did he take it?’

  ‘Wasn’t too happy but he’ll get over it. I probably wasn’t as tactful as I could have been, but to be honest, Jake is not a priority, right now.’ Neve took a gulp of her wine. She suddenly felt weary and tired of thinking about her situation and everything that was going on. ‘Let’s talk about something nice for a change.’

  They chatted in the relaxed way that good friends do, and Neve was grateful for the distraction. She was even amenable to Lucie putting on an old film and found herself enjoying the gentleness of a Doris Day movie. At some point, she must have nodded off because she was woken by the thundering of fists on the door of the flat.

  ‘What the hell is that?’ cried Lucie, jumping to her feet.

  Neve was a second slower in propelling herself from her sleep and joining Lucie at the door. Lucie switched on the outside light and looked through the window. Neve peered over her shoulder.

  ‘It’s DCI Pearson,’ said Neve. ‘You’d better open the door.’

  ‘Sorry to bother you. DCI Pearson, this is my colleague PC Radcliffe,’ said Pearson to Lucie, before looking beyond her at Neve. ‘I need to speak to you, Mrs Masters.’

  Lucie opened the door to allow the detective and his colleague in.

  ‘Neve,’ began Pearson. ‘Can you tell me when you last had any contact with Jake Rees?’

  Neve quickly ran through the list of dos and don’ts Edward had given her and was pretty certain that speaking to Jake hadn’t featured on there. Despite this, she had felt wary about confessing to seeing him earlier. She contemplated telling a lie but opted for a reply worthy of a politician fielding an awkward question.’

  ‘Why? Is everything all right?’

  DCI Pearson gave a small rise of his eyebrows. ‘What makes you ask that?’

  ‘Well, I’m guessing you wouldn’t be banging on the door at …’ she checked her watch, ‘… eleven thirty at night unless it was an emergency.’

  ‘Very well,’ said Pearson. ‘Jake Rees was found by the harbour this evening, with a serious head injury. He’s currently in intensive care at the local hospital. His condition is critical. He was slipping in and out of consciousness and the paramedic who attended the scene said he kept repeating the same thing over and over. Neve. He said your name several times.’

  Chapter 27

  Neve spent the evening once again at the police station in the presence of her solicitor.

  ‘I’m so sorry you’ve been dragged out at this time of night,’ she said, as Edward took his place beside her.

  ‘All part of the job,’ said Edward. He opened his case and took out his notebook. Right, do you want to run me through what happened?’

  ‘I was at Lucie’s flat last night. I got there at about eight. We had a drink and then at about nine o’clock, Jake came to the flat.’

  ‘Unannounced?’

  ‘Yes. I wasn’t expecting him at all. He wanted to speak to me, so we went out to his car.’

  Edward scribbled some notes down. ‘And then?’

  ‘We drove down to the harbour. Jake wanted to talk. Not so much about Poppy, as about us. I told him that I didn’t want to see him anymore. I left him at the harbour and walked back to Lucie’s flat. We watched a film. We fell asleep and the next thing I knew, the police were banging on the door.’

  ‘You make it sound very simple.’

  ‘It is,’ said Neve. She dipped her head into her hands. This was so difficult. She couldn’t get her head round the fact that Jake had been attacked. Edward added to his notes and asked Neve for some more detail before telling Pearson they were ready for the interview.

  Pearson and another officer came into the interview and set up the recording device.

  ‘All set?’

  ‘Yes, thank you,’ said Edward.

  Pearson cleared his throat. ‘I just need to remind you, Neve that you are still under caution.’

  He went over the early part of the evening with Neve. No difficult questions but Neve was careful to consider her answers first, just as Edward had instructed.

  ‘So, Jake called round and you went off with him – where did you go?’ asked Pearson.

  ‘We drove out to the harbour,’ said Neve. ‘It was Jake who suggested we go there.’

  Edward placed a hand on Neve’s arm. ‘Remember, just answer the questions. If the DCI wants any more information, he’ll ask for it.’

  Pearson gave Edward a glare but carried on. ‘And what happened when you got to the harbour?’

  ‘We talked.’

  ‘About what?’

  ‘About what happened at the mill,’ said Neve. She caught the irritated look on Pearson’s face as she followed Edward’s instructions to the letter.

  ‘Please expand. Tell me in more detail what was said.’

  ‘We tried to guess who was behind it all.’

  ‘You didn’t argue?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘How did you get home?’ asked Pearson.

  ‘I walked.’

  ‘What time was that?’

  Neve considered the question. She couldn’t really remember what time she left. ‘About ten-fifteen. I’m not entirely sure.’

  ‘Why didn’t Jake drop you back?’

  ‘I wanted some fresh air. A chance to clear my head.’

  ‘And when you left Jake, he was perfectly OK?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘You didn’t see anyone else while you were there?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘And you got back to the flat when?’

  ‘About ten-thirty, maybe ten-forty. As I said, I can’t really be sure of the times.’

  ‘Did you go anywhere else?’

  Again, Neve took a few moments to think about the questions before answering. She couldn’t really remember walking home. She must have been on autopilot. She remembered getting out of the car and walking up the hill and seeing another car, but after that it was a bit of a blank. Still, she decided not to share that information with Pearson. ‘No. I went straight there.’

  ‘When you left Jake, did he mention about seeing anyone else, was he planning on meeting up with anyone?’

  ‘Not that I remember. I assumed he was going back to his studio,’ said Neve.

  ‘He didn’t mention anyone he might have fallen out with recently?’ said Pearson, and then with a smi
le added, ‘Barring your husband, of course.’

  Neve shot the detective a look, unsure what he was getting at. She felt like she was being lead into a trap blindfolded. It was like one of those stupid corporate trust games and team building exercises. Except she had no intention of trusting the police officer in front of her.

  ‘Jake never mentioned anything to me about anyone,’ she said.

  Edward sat up straight. ‘I think my client has answered all your questions now. She’s been very co-operative and helpful. Unless you have any further questions or evidence linking her to the crime, then we’re done here.’ Edward closed his notebook and rose from the chair. ‘Come on, Neve.’

  Pearson gave another of his glowers, but Neve knew he couldn’t keep her there any longer than necessary. ‘Don’t go very far,’ he said. ‘You’re still under caution.’

  Neve bit down the urge to tell him he sounded like a broken record and she was well aware of the fact.

  ‘I’ll drop you at home or wherever you want to go,’ said Edward, as they left the police station.

  ‘That’s kind of you,’ said Neve. ‘I’ll go to my friend’s flat. I’ll direct you.’

  ‘Sure, no problem.’

  Soon after, Neve climbed the steps to Lucie’s flat.

  ‘Neve! Thank goodness. I was getting worried about you. Are you OK?’

  ‘I’m fine. Just tired. Are you? Did the police need to speak to you?’

  ‘They just wanted to confirm what time you got here last night, when you went out and when you got back. I didn’t have to go down to the station or anything. I still can’t believe it about Jake. You must be feeling awful.’

  ‘It’s all just so surreal,’ said Neve. As she spoke, her legs gave way and she grabbed the handrail to steady herself.

  ‘You need to get inside,’ said Lucie, supporting Neve under the arm and helping her into the flat. She guided her to the living room. ‘Sit there, I’ll make you a strong sweet cup of tea.’

  Neve did as she was told, allowing her body to relax into the sofa, where she finally let the tears fall. Silent tears, turning into sobs and then into a rolling ball of pain from the pit of her stomach.

  Lucie was by her side, holding her, comforting her, soothing her. ‘That’s it, let it all out. It’s the shock,’ she said softly. ‘It’s just hitting you now.’

  Neve wasn’t sure how long she cried for, but exhaustion finally got the better of her and she was vaguely aware of Lucie putting a cushion under her head, lifting her feet onto the sofa and covering her with a blanket.

  When Neve awoke some time later, it took her a moment to get her bearings, to remember where she was and then why she was there.

  She could hardly believe what had happened in the last twelve hours. A night that had felt like it would never end. How the hell did it get to this point? Taking a shower, Neve scrubbed at her body as if the action would somehow get rid of the past week. If only it were that simple to cleanse her soul and mind as it was her body. The despair and grief clung to her.

  ‘Where are you going?’ asked Lucie, as Neve came into the café having now dressed and made herself somewhat presentable.

  ‘I’m going to see Poppy,’ said Neve. ‘I haven’t phoned Kit, in case he makes some sort of excuse for me not to go round, but I need to see her. Just so she knows I’m still here and I still love her. I’m fed up waiting for Kit to say when’s a good time. It’s probably because his mum’s there. Who knows what Cheryl’s been saying.’

  ‘Do you think it’s a good idea?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ admitted Neve. ‘But it’s what I’m doing. See you later.’

  It only took five minutes to walk over to the house. Neve was relieved to see Kit’s car on the drive. At least that way she wouldn’t have to battle with Cheryl who, left alone to defend the family, would no doubt have put up a fight to let Neve in. At least with Kit she could have a reasoned debate.

  The door opened before she had even rung the bell. It was Kit.

  ‘I didn’t know you were coming,’ he said, stepping out onto the porch.

  ‘I didn’t know I had to make an appointment to come to my own home,’ said Neve. ‘Can we not have a repeat of last time. You know, a stand-off on the doorstep, where you make your point, I make mine but ultimately, I end up coming in. I could do without giving Mrs Dalton a matinee performance, albeit in the morning.’

  She saw the corner of Kit’s mouth twitch slightly before he gave a small flick of his head towards the house and lead the way inside. ‘Poppy! Someone is here to see you,’ he called up the stairs and then turned to Neve. ‘I’m assuming it’s Poppy you want to see.’

  ‘It is but I’d like to talk to you as well. Afterwards.’

  ‘Sure.’

  ‘Oh, it’s you,’ came Cheryl’s voice, as she appeared from the kitchen.

  ‘Hello, Cheryl,’ said Neve, smiling in what she hoped was a sincere manner.

  ‘Dreadful news about Jake,’ said Cheryl.

  ‘Yes, it is,’ replied Neve, evenly. What she really wanted to do was to shout at her mother-in-law and tell her not to cause trouble by mentioning Jake.

  As Kit called up the stairs again to Poppy, Neve noticed his hand on the newel post. ‘What have you done?’ she asked, genuinely concerned at the bruised and swollen knuckles. The skin on the middle knuckle was actually cut. Like she imagined it would look if he had been in some sort of fight. The thought made her catch her breath. Jake? No, surely that was the most ridiculous idea. Kit wouldn’t do anything like that. He was a lot of things, but he wasn’t a violent man. She dismissed the notion and took his hand in hers. ‘That looks sore.’

  Kit went to move his hand away and then changed his mind, allowing it to rest in her palm. ‘I scraped it in the garage, against the wall,’ he said. ‘I put my keys on top of the chest freezer and then lifted up the lid. The keys slid straight down the back. I could only just reach them. Those concrete blocks aren’t very forgiving.’

  ‘Ouch,’ said Neve. She wasn’t sure if it was her heightened emotional state or whether it was just wishful thinking, but she felt something shift between her and Kit.

  ‘Neve! You’re back!’ Poppy’s voice came from the landing above. She galloped down the stairs and bundled into Neve’s arms. ‘I’ve missed you.’

  ‘Oh, sweetheart, I’ve missed you too,’ said Neve, overcome with emotion at Poppy’s willingness to hug her. Physical contact from her daughter was a rare occurrence. She pulled away slightly to look at Poppy, running her hand down the girl’s hair and face. ‘Are you OK? I mean, really OK?’

  Poppy, with her gaze fixed to the ground, nodded as two fat dollops of tears dripped from her eyes. ‘Oh, come here,’ said Neve, pulling the child to her again. She kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair. ‘I’m so sorry. So sorry for what happened. I’m never going to let anything like that happen to you again. I promise. I’m always going to keep you safe.’

  Over the top of Poppy’s head, Neve looked at Kit, realising she had no idea if she could keep such a reckless oath. If Kit wasn’t prepared to give their marriage a chance, then she would be going back on her word almost as soon as it was given.

  Kit stepped closer to them, he placed his hand on Poppy’s head. ‘We will all look after you, Poppy,’ he said. ‘Me and Neve have to sort some things out, but we will always be here for you.’

  Neve closed her eyes as Kit’s words sank in. He was going to give her another chance and by default, that meant she hadn’t lost her chance for a baby. Neve felt the small flame of hope inside her heart, grow a little stronger.

  Chapter 28

  Despite the way they had parted, Neve hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Jake, whilst at the same time, she felt disloyal to both Kit and Poppy for not giving them her full attention.

  She had spent the evening with Poppy and Kit, Cheryl having made herself scarce. Kit hadn’t said anything direct, and maybe Neve was reading too much into it, analysing his every wor
d and every gesture to the nth degree that evening, but she couldn’t help wondering if, in some way, Kit held her responsible for Poppy’s disappearance. After all, as Kit had said, she was the sober one that night, she was the one who should have checked in on Poppy, she was the one who supposedly locked the cabin that night. No one could prove anything one way or the other, not even the police but there was an element of doubt which Neve wasn’t convinced Kit had entirely dismissed.

  And then there was Jake. Neve knew that she couldn’t just ignore Jake, not while he was critically ill in hospital but she knew Kit wouldn’t be happy to know she was worrying about him. She hoped she had managed to hide her concern from Kit. She had stayed at Lucie’s again the night before and now, while Kit was taking Poppy and Cheryl out to do some shopping, she knew she had to visit the hospital.

  Neve left the flat, calling in on Lucie downstairs at the café.

  ‘Do you think they’ll let you in?’ asked Lucie.

  ‘I don’t know. I’ll soon find out,’ replied Neve, undeterred.

  Half an hour later, Neve was being directed up to the ward Jake was in. She squirted her hands with antibacterial gel from outside the ward corridor and then made her way down to the nurse’s station.

  ‘Hi, I’ve come to see Jake Rees,’ she said, hoping the nurse wouldn’t ask for any detail like who she was and whether she was supposed to be here. Neve wasn’t sure what the protocol was when someone had been attacked and the police were investigating.

  ‘Are you related?’ asked the nurse.

  ‘I’m …’ Neve hesitated for a moment, deciding a small white lie wouldn’t do any harm in this instance. ‘I’m his sister. I’ve been out of the country. Only just got back.’ One lie followed another, but it had to be done.

  ‘He’s in and out of consciousness, so you can’t stay very long, I’m afraid. He’s just down there. Second door on the right,’ said the nurse, indicating with a nod of her head. ‘Ten minutes.’

  ‘That’s fine,’ said Neve. ‘I just want to see him.’

  She walked towards the room before the nurse could continue the conversation or change her mind. She pushed open the door, which squeaked ever so slightly, and went into the room. There were four beds in the small ward. Two unoccupied. One immediately on the left had its disposable purple curtain drawn. Neve stepped further into the ward, enabling her to see the patient in the cubicle beyond.