by Sally Rigby
‘No, I haven’t. It does seem suitable. I’m being silly.’
When she’d been to visit the home the social worker had recommended for Rob, she’d been pleasantly surprised. It was a detached house in a nice area of Lenchester, and there were six people living there, plus a full-time carer. They all had their own rooms, and there was a shared kitchen where they were allowed to make meals, under supervision. There was also a garden for them to sit in, and they were encouraged to grow their own vegetables and do some gardening. Not only did the full-time carer live-in, but during the day there were two others working, so there was always someone available to oversee what was going on. The residents were taken to any medical appointments, and to the local day centre where they could mix with other people.
They were lucky a space had become available, and Rob had been put to the top of the list because of the situation with her mum.
She’d also been to visit the home for her mum. It specialised in caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and came highly recommended. Again, someone was looking over them, because there was a room available.
It was just hard to make the change. She was dreading telling her mum and brother, because she knew they’d be scared until they were living in their new homes.
Tiffany rested her hand on Whitney’s arm. ‘Don’t worry. It’ll be fine, and we’ll visit them regularly. Try not to feel guilty.’
Her daughter knew her so well.
‘You’re right, love. It’s for the best. Right, we’re almost here, so smiles on faces and let’s look as if this is going to be an exciting transition for them.’
They got out of the car and walked up to the house. Whitney knocked and waited for her mum to answer.
‘Whitney. Tiffany. How lovely to see you. An unexpected surprise,’ her mum said.
‘I told you we were coming round, Mum.’
They walked into the lounge. Across the room, Rob sat playing on his computer.
‘Hello, Uncle Rob,’ Tiffany said.
He glanced up from his game and gave them a beaming smile. Whitney’s insides clenched. She hoped his happy disposition wouldn’t disappear when she explained the changes about to happen.
‘Mum, come and sit next to me,’ Whitney said as she sat on the old sofa and patted the empty seat beside her.
Tiffany sat on the arm of Rob’s chair, facing Whitney and her mum.
‘Is there something you want to tell me?’ her mum asked.
‘Yes. Jean is going to be here soon, but I want to talk to you before she arrives.’ She swallowed hard. ‘I know things have been really difficult recently, and you’re struggling to manage. So, I’ve found a lovely place for you to live, and also somewhere for Rob.’
‘Will we be together?’ her mum asked.
‘It’s not possible. But the places are close to each other, so you’ll be able to visit. I’ll make sure of it.’
Whitney glanced at Rob, who was still playing his game.
‘Rob, did you hear what I said?’ she asked.
‘I’m not going anywhere,’ he said, his eyes firmly fixed on the screen.
‘You can’t stay here on your own, and Mum has to live somewhere they can take care of her.’
He looked up and scowled in her direction. ‘I told you. I’m not going anywhere.’
She drew in a calming breath. ‘Why don’t we visit the place I found before you decide. It’s really lovely. You have your own room and even your own television.’
His face lit up. ‘My own telly?’
He’d never been allowed a television in his room before because her mother felt he’d stay in there all of the time. Was it mean using it as a bargaining chip? Maybe, but she had to get him to come and see the place.
‘Yes, and a garden where you can grow vegetables. You can plant seeds and watch them grow.’
When her dad was alive, they’d grown most of their vegetables, and Rob had really enjoyed helping him.
‘I’ll think about it,’ he said.
‘That’s all I want you to do. When Jean arrives, we’ll tell her we want to go for a visit, so you can see for yourself.’
‘And I want to see, too,’ her mum said.
It was ironic her mum seemed almost like her old self the day they were discussing moving her into a home. But Whitney knew this side of her wouldn’t last, and she’d go back to being confused.
‘First, we’ll take a look at Rob’s new place, and then go to yours, Mum. We’ll go as a family. All four of us.’
‘Who’d like a cup of tea and a biscuit?’ Tiffany asked, jumping up. ‘It’ll be nice to have something before we go out.’
‘Make mine a coffee please, love,’ Whitney said.
‘She’s a good girl,’ her mum said as Tiffany left the room.
‘Well, you helped me raise her, so it’s thanks to both of us.’ Whitney took hold of her mum’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
The doorbell rang, and she went to answer it. The social worker stood there, a worried expression on her face.
‘When you called and left a message for me to come around, I thought there might be something wrong,’ she said as she walked into the hall.
‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you. We’ve made a decision. I went to visit the places you recommended for Mum and Rob, and it’s definitely the way to go. We’re going to take a look together and wanted you to come with us. Do you have time?’
‘The assessment I was meant to be doing today was cancelled, so yes, I do. I’ll phone the office and let them know I won’t be back for a couple of hours. How did they take it?’
‘Mum was fine. She’s been fairly lucid and understands it’s for the best. Rob was unsure until I mentioned the TV he’d have in his room. That swayed it. I’m sure once he sees the place, he’ll be happier.’
‘It’s a hard decision, but definitely for the best. I know you’re feeling guilty about it, but you mustn’t. Your mum’s and Rob’s needs have to come first.’
‘I get it. The decision’s the right one, and my guilt comes a long way behind. Come on. Let’s round them up. You know how long it takes to get them ready for a trip out.’
Chapter Thirty-Four
After spending the morning in the police incident room, George went back to the university to get some work done. There was a knock at her door, which was slightly ajar, and Robin Delaney poked his head around.
‘Have you got a minute?’ he asked.
‘I’m rather busy.’
They hadn’t spoken since she’d blasted him after finding out about the job, and she wasn’t in the mood for a conversation now. She wanted to finish her work and go back online to see if there were any more messages for her. It wasn’t that she wanted to jeopardise her “proper” job, because she realised her work with Whitney was going to be sporadic. But at the moment, her priority was helping solve the murders. She was up to date on her marking and lecture preparation, and the students wouldn’t be around for several weeks.
‘This won’t take long.’ He walked further into her office and sat on a chair opposite her.
‘What do you want?’ She gave her best intimidating stare, and he visibly squirmed in his seat.
‘I know you’re still upset about what happened, but I want to ask if you’d consider being a member of the university Research Ethics Committee.’
‘Is this meant to be a “runners-up prize”?’ She arched an eyebrow.
‘Not at all. You head the department’s research committee and have an excellent research record, so you’re the natural choice of candidate.’
The natural choice to be on the Ethics Committee, but not to be associate professor. ‘I’ll think about it,’ she said.
She wasn’t going to let on she’d love to be part of the committee. Research ethics were extremely important to her and something she constantly drilled into her students.
‘Let me know your decision by the end of the week. If you’re not interested, I’ll have to find someon
e else.’
‘You could always offer it to our new associate professor, Greg Barnes. I’m sure he’d love the exposure so early in his career here.’ She could’ve kicked herself. Sarcastic belligerence wasn’t the sort of behaviour she usually indulged in.
‘Not going to happen,’ Robin said as he stood. ‘I’ll wait to hear from you.’
She stared at him as he left her office. So much for thinking she’d dealt with being passed over for the job. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind, as she had other things to focus on. Were there any more messages from Jules? Because her gut was telling her she could be the one.
Gut? Surely she wasn’t channeling Whitney.
No. That wasn’t going to happen.
She shook her head to get rid of any Whitney-inspired thoughts, because she really needed to finish her work. Then again, checking the site would only take a few minutes. She logged into the SnapMate app and put in her password. The message light was flashing. She had three messages. One from Vi and two from Jules. She read the one from Vi, which was about something funny her cat had done. Then she opened the first of the messages from Jules:
I hate my life.
Before answering, George read the second message:
Sorry. You don’t want to know my problems.
Her body tensed. The second message didn’t sound like a thirteen-year-old. But it was designed to elicit a response. Was she right about Jules being the one?
I’m here if you want to talk. PM me.
She was meant to be a guy of eighteen, so it seemed an appropriate reply. Jules was still online. All George had to do was wait for her to read the message.
After staring at the screen for a while, willing her to answer, she decided to go back to her uni work. But before she did, the message showed it had been read. Now she wanted a reply. She didn’t have to wait for long. In less than a minute, one arrived in her private message box:
I missed going to the dentist because I got home late. My mum went mad and grounded me. I said it wasn’t my fault but she wouldn’t listen. My cow of a best friend took my purse and I had no money to get the bus. I had to walk home and on the way I fell and ripped my new jeans.
George didn’t want to reply straightaway. She wanted to make sure what she said was enough to elicit more conversation and make her sound genuine. Except she needed to write it in such a way as to hint perhaps she wasn’t who she said she was. It was a tricky path to follow. She eventually decided less was more.
That sucks. Why did your mate do that?
Was it enough? Would she respond?
She’s not my friend anymore. She turned everyone against me. She said I’m trying to take her boyfriend away from her. But I’m not. It’s not my fault he keeps texting me.
Should she say anything about these issues? She could ask for more details, but that seemed like a more girly thing to do. Boys didn’t go in for all the gory details.
How long have you been grounded for?
That seemed a better way to go.
I don’t know. Why is everyone turning on me?
Jules was trying to draw her in. She wanted George to believe her life was awful and hopeless, hoping to be seen as someone who could be groomed. Well, George was happy to oblige.
I’m not.
She debated whether to use an emoji but decided against it. Boys didn’t use them like girls did. At least, that’s what she thought. She’d have to check with Ellie.
That’s because you don’t know me.
And now the sob story. A perfect way to catch a predator. Leaving George able to make her move.
I’d like to get to know you. You’re so pretty and you have lovely eyes.
Even though she was convinced Jules was an adult, it didn’t stop her from feeling sick at how easy it was to lure a young girl.
GTG Mum wants me.
Jules signed off and George was left staring at the screen. Had she come on too strong, too soon? What if she didn’t get a response? She hoped she hadn’t jeopardised the operation. Whitney wouldn’t be happy if she had.
She had a long night of worrying ahead of her.
Chapter Thirty-Five
The next sleazy predator is all lined up. It makes me sick when I think of how many there are in Lenchester alone. He thought he was being so clever acting like a teenage boy. But I can tell. It’s the little things that give him away. Things he won’t even realise.
Word choice.
Punctuation.
Adult perspective.
Just another pervert. But this pervert is going to pay the price.
I usually string it out for a while, because grooming typically can take several weeks, but this time I don’t have that luxury. I’ve got a holiday booked and want to get this over with before I go. If I wait until after I come back, he might have moved on to someone else.
I can’t let that happen.
It’s a risk, but I can see from his profile he’s only recently joined SnapMate. If he’s new to this, it shouldn’t raise any alarm bells. No one’s life is going to be ruined again from livetoplayfootball because Juleslovesyou will make sure of it.
I still can’t believe my letters to Radio Lenchester have been ignored. The only thing I can think of is the police interfered and refused for them to be made public. What sort of newsroom allows that to happen? The next letter I send, after I’ve disposed of livetoplayfootball, will be to the local paper. I’m sure they won’t kowtow to police demands.
It was probably Walker thinking it was right to keep my letters secret. If she was any good at her job, there wouldn’t be any predators in Lenchester. I doubt she’d even considered going after them.
That’s why I’m here.
To deliver justice.
A special kind of justice.
Fatal justice.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Whitney walked into the incident room with a spring in her step. It had gone well with her mum and brother yesterday. Rob really liked the house, and the staff seemed lovely. He already had a friend there. A girl in her twenties who he recognised from the day centre he used to visit. Mum had cancelled him going, but as soon as he moved into the new place, he’d go back.
‘Morning, everyone,’ she called out. ‘What have you got for me?’
‘I’ve checked into George’s account on SnapMate, and she’s been engaging in conversation with one of the girls she was speaking to yesterday,’ Ellie said.
‘Do we have any idea yet whether one of them is our target?’
‘George will know better. We’ll ask when she gets here,’ Ellie said.
The door opened, and they glanced up as George entered.
‘Speak of the devil,’ Whitney said.
‘And good morning to you, too,’ George said. ‘Are you taking my name in vain?’
‘Ellie was telling me you’ve been talking with one of the girls from yesterday.’
‘Yes, I’ve been messaging Juleslovesyou. Have you seen the conversation?’
‘Not yet. I’ve only just arrived, myself.’
‘She could be the one, as she’s already moved to being more personal, and we’re speaking in the private message section. I’m hoping to continue the conversation today. We should arrange a meeting as soon as possible, in case she’s chatting with others she plans to entrap.’
‘Agreed. It’s probably a little early, because if she’s acting like a normal thirteen-year-old girl, there’s no way she’ll be up chatting at eight-thirty in the morning,’ Whitney said.
‘I’ll keep an eye on the app and let you know as soon as she comes online,’ Ellie said.
‘Okay. George and I will take a look at Claire’s report, which has come in.’
She went to her office with George following.
‘You seem happy today,’ George said.
‘I took Mum and Rob to the homes I’ve found, and it went really well. Rob didn’t want to go at first, but when he saw his bedroom and the rest of the house, he was c
onvinced. Mum was a bit more reserved, but she seemed to like the place we’ve chosen.’
‘When’s the big moving day?’ George asked.
‘We’re hoping to get it all sorted so they can move sometime next week. And then we’ve got to do something with the house.’
‘Are you going to sell it?’
‘Eventually. It needs a complete make-over so we can get as much money for it as possible. At the moment, it’s a mess and needs cleaning and completely redecorating. I don’t know when I’ll have time. We’ve got the case to solve.’
‘I’ll help you when you’re ready,’ George offered.
‘You can decorate and clean?’ she arched an eyebrow.
‘Of course I can. Is it so strange?’
‘I wouldn’t have thought you had time to do mundane tasks like that. I’d have bet you paid to someone to do it.’
‘Well, you’re wrong. I can strip wallpaper, wield a paintbrush, and make a basin sparkle. I also have green fingers. Unlike some people around here.’
‘Ouch,’ she said, laughing. ‘I take it that’s a swipe at my pathetic excuse of a garden.’
‘Well, it certainly could do with some TLC.’
‘As you’re so keen to help with Mum’s place, you can come around and do mine, too, if you like.’
She glanced at George. When they’d first met, there had been no banter. Their relationship had been awkward and professional. She knew George struggled in social situations, and it made her feel good the doctor was able to relax in her company. They made a good team.
‘I’d love to. I’ll do the garden, and you can cook us a meal. Oh no, I forgot you don’t do cooking, either. I suppose that will be down to me, too.’
‘I might not cook, but I can certainly shout us a takeaway,’ she responded.
‘I’m glad everything’s working out for you. It must be a huge weight off your mind. Let’s have a look at this report from Claire,’ George said, bringing the conversation around to work.
Whitney picked up the report, which she’d left on her desk. ‘There’s nothing different from what she’s already told us. Apart from now the toxicology report’s back and he’d been given a light sedative.’
