The Lie She Told: All Kate wanted was a peaceful life, all Ryan wanted to do was destroy it. (Thornes series Book 1)

by Catherine Yaffe

  “Why did you hide the gun? Why didn’t you just tell Darren what he’d done?”

  Kate snorted. “Are you kidding? You’ve seen Daz’s temper, what do you think he would have done?”

  Ziggy recalled how Darren had reacted violently in his interview. He knew Kate and Darren had a troubled relationship, it was the whole reason for putting her into witness protection.

  Kate continued, “I was scared that if Darren had a gun, with his temper it wouldn’t be long before he took it out on me or even worse, on Joe. I used it to get us away from him.”

  “So you lied?”

  “It wasn’t like that I swear.”

  “So what was it like?”

  “I wasn’t thinking straight. Daz had already kicked off when Ryan turned up at the house.” She paused and took a sip of water to combat the dryness of her mouth. “I wasn’t thinking straight. I tried to tell you I’d made a mistake, but it was too late.”

  “Kate, you went through the whole court case and never said a word.”

  Kate didn’t have an answer as the tears, fear, and anxiety engulfed her body.

  Ziggy had had enough. He stood up. “Take her to a cell.”

  48

  Kate sat on the hard bench that passed for a bed with her arms wrapped around her legs, head resting on her knees. She felt utterly bereft. All she had ever tried to do was keep Joe safe and she had failed him spectacularly. She sobbed quietly and didn’t dare to think about her future.

  The lock on the outside of the cell door rattled and she lifted her head. Ziggy stood there, and she felt a tremendous amount of guilt for having lied to someone who had taken herself and Joe under his wing in the early days. She’d let everyone down.

  “How are you holding up?” he asked as he entered the small, claustrophobic room. He sat on the bench beside her. She wiped her nose on her shirt sleeve.

  “How do you think?” she asked, sniffing. “I’m sorry...”

  Ziggy cut in, “Save it Kate, I don’t want to hear it.” His words sliced right through her. “I’m here to tell you that you’ll be taken to Leeds tomorrow and formally charged.”

  She nodded, resigned to her fate. “Can I see Joe?”

  “Yes, I’ll arrange for you to see him for a few minutes. Your sister’s still here, and she has said she’ll take care of him. I’m guessing that’s OK with you?”

  “Yes, yes of course. What’s happening with Darren and Ryan?”

  “They’re already on their way to Leeds to appear in court tomorrow, charged with kidnapping.”

  Kate looked up at Ziggy. “I really am sorry Ziggy, you were so good to us.”

  “Yeah well. You know you’re facing a custodial sentence Kate don’t you?”

  “I figured as much.”

  He left Kate to her thoughts and headed to the canteen. He felt so let down. It was rare that his gut instinct was wrong and it would take some reconciliation with himself to come to terms with that. He took his coffee and a muffin over to a table and sat quietly, lost in his own thoughts. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned round. The two PCs from Gairloch were hovering in the background.

  “How’s everything?” asked Claire.

  “Yeah, bit of a mess really. Sorry, I didn’t realise you were still here.”

  “We thought we’d hang around to see if anyone needed taking back.”

  “Ah OK. Let me check with Kate’s sister, I’m not sure what her plans are.”

  The two PCs left and Ziggy looked regretfully at his muffin, he wasn’t much in the mood for eating anyway.

  Back downstairs in the family room, Fiona sat alone not knowing what she should do or where she should be. She’d tried to phone their parents but it went to voicemail which wasn’t surprising considering the time. She’d checked on Joe a couple of times but he remained fast asleep. She was just about to go looking for someone when Ziggy stepped into the room.

  “Sorry I haven’t been able to update you Fiona. Can I get you a drink?”

  Fiona sat back down and asked the accompanying PC for a coffee. Once settled, Ziggy sat opposite and brought Fiona up to date with what was happening.

  “So Kate could be looking at time in prison?” exclaimed Fiona. She never expected that would be the outcome.

  “Unfortunately she lied under oath, that’s perjury and it’s taken extremely seriously by the justice system. If you want to help her then you need to find her a damn good lawyer.”

  Fiona’s head was spinning. “Oh my God, I can’t believe this is actually happening.”

  Ziggy gave Fiona a few minutes to gather her thoughts. “You need to consider Joe as well.”

  Fiona’s head snapped up. “What do you mean?”

  “He’ll need someone to look after him, and with both parents likely to be in prison the courts will allocate a legal guardian or place him in foster care.”

  “Of course he’ll come with me, there’s no question.”

  “Then when you speak to a solicitor you need to advise him of that too.”

  It was all too much for Fiona to take in. She was determined not to cry; Kate had done enough crying for both of them. She had to get practical and organised. “Can I see Kate?”

  “Just for a few minutes. Do you want to wake Joe so she can see him too?”

  Ziggy instructed the custody officer not to handcuff Kate as she was led from her cell to the family room. He figured it be would hard enough for Kate and Joe as it was. He opened the door and Fiona rushed forward and threw her arms around her sister. The two stood there sobbing on each other’s shoulders until they felt a tap on their legs. Joe stood with his tired eyes wide, staring at his aunt and mum.

  Kate crouched down. “Hey sunshine, are you ok?” She stroked his ruffled hair and wiped sleep from the corner of his eyes. He looked confused and on the verge of tears.

  “What’s happening mum? Where’s dad gone?”

  “Oh baby, it’s all a bit much to explain right now, and I don’t have much time.”

  Fiona took a hold of his hand. “You’re to stay with me for a little while. Is that OK?”

  Joe looked up at his aunty. “I guess so. Are you coming too mum?”

  Kate felt her heart shatter into a million pieces. “Not just yet sweetheart but I will, soon –- I promise.”

  Ziggy left the room, leaving the custody sergeant with them. It was heartbreaking to watch and it was at times like that he had to remind himself he was a police officer with a job to do, no matter how difficult. He gave them more time than he should have, mostly for Joe’s benefit before he went back into the room.

  “Time to go Kate.”

  The three of them were seated on the sofa, Joe sat on Kate’s knee even though he was far too big. She held him tight and gave him a last kiss.

  “Erm, does anyone need taking back to Gairloch? The local PCs are waiting,” asked Ziggy.

  Fiona looked up. This was actually happening then. She had to leave her sister whilst she took her nephew to his home. She felt as though she had entered some kind of parallel universe. She looked over at Kate but couldn’t find the words to say goodbye.

  As if sensing her sister’s difficulty in speaking, Kate spoke first. “Right you two,” she said with fake positivity. “You need to get yourselves off and let Jack know what’s going on.” She stood and straightened her back, trying to summon a strength she didn’t feel. “Come on Joe, put your coat on.” She helped him into his coat and fastened his shoelaces for him, even though he protested that he could do it himself. A few more minutes passed, with Fiona and Kate hugging each other and promises from Fiona that she would sort everything out until they could no longer delay the goodbyes.

  Kate watched as her sister and son walked away from her and towards the exit. Her life was over.

  49

  Gairloch Spring 2001

  Kate looked out of the coach window at the unfolding scenery. She’d missed the rolling hills and vast open lochs. After spending six months in custody she
feared she would never see wide open spaces again. When the train had reached Inverness and she disembarked she had inhaled deeply, swearing that the air was fresher the further north she travelled. She was nervous, and the butterflies in her tummy could easily have been mistaken for fear and not the excitement that they actually meant. It had been hard, harder than anything she had ever done in her life but on her release she realised that she felt a weight lifted. She no longer had to look over her shoulder or hide her past. She felt a sense of freedom and finally whole but with just one vital piece missing: Joe. As the coach entered Gairloch, passing the golf course and heading round the bay, she held her breath. She knew that around the next corner she would see the harbour, an image that she had maintained in her head during her time away. It had helped her escape the confines of her cell and lulled her to sleep on most restless nights. Then there it was, Gairloch Harbour. She grabbed the backpack that was on the seat next to her and stood up, walking to the front of the bus, waiting for the driver to stop. Lifting her bag onto her shoulder, she climbed down the steps and stepped onto the pavement. There was no party to greet her, she hadn’t let anyone know she was on her way. She was ashamed of her previous actions, and though Jack had been to visit her in prison it had been awkward and uncomfortable for them both. She knew Fiona was visiting for the Easter holidays, she’d offered to pick Kate up on her release date but Kate had put her off. She needed to do something for herself after months of being told when to sleep, when to eat, when to exercise.

  As she walked past the post office she spotted a familiar face walking towards her, and her anxiety levels shot up.

  “Kate!” exclaimed Mr Wheeler. “Why isn’t that a lovely surprise. I had no idea.”

  Kate laughed nervously as Mr Wheeler gave her a hug. “Thank you. How are you?”

  “Never mind me lassie. How are you?”

  “Not bad, thanks. You’re the first person I’ve seen.” Her hands were shaking, and her voice wobbled.

  “You mean no one knows you’re here?”

  “No, I’ve literally just arrived.”

  “Well then, isn’t this a cause for celebration. Come on.” Mr Wheeler turned and walked alongside her as she headed towards Harbour Café. He held the door open as Kate stepped inside. Everyone looked up and a hush descended. Jack poked his head from the rear of the kitchen to see why it had suddenly gone quiet. A few seconds later there were cheers and Kate was surrounded with friends who were shaking her hand and welcoming her with open arms. Jack stepped forward and wrapped Kate in a bear hug until she had to beg him to let go.

  “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?” chided Jack, pulling up a chair so that Kate could sit down.

  She felt a little overwhelmed but took it all in her stride. “I wanted it to be a surprise.” She unfastened her coat and pulled off her hat.

  “Well it’s that alright,” commented Gill, pushing a cup of tea and a slice of cake in front of Kate. Gill was grinning from ear to ear.

  The little bell above the café door tinkled and Kate turned to see who it was. Fiona came into the cafe, with Joe at her side.

  “MUM!” shouted Joe, who pushed everyone to one side and threw himself at his mum. He’d only visited Kate twice while she was inside and she could see that he was uneasy on each visit so she asked Fiona not to bring him anymore. They had written to each other and had regular phone calls which had helped to sustain them both.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” He refused to let go of her, as if she might slip away again.

  “I wanted it to be a surprise.” Tears were streaming down Kate’s face and her heart felt so full of love and gratitude she thought she might burst with happiness.

  Fiona stood back and watched as Joe and the regulars of Harbour Café welcomed Kate and hurled questions at her. She could see that Kate was getting overwhelmed so she decided to step in.

  She clapped her hands together and raised her voice. “Come on now, give Kate a chance to catch her breath.” Everyone laughed and slowly went back to their tables.

  “Come on you,” said Fiona. “Let’s go upstairs.” Kate followed Fiona to the flat upstairs. As soon as the door opened, Kate felt completely at home. Fiona had been a frequent visitor, determined for Joe to keep contact with Jack and his own friends in Gairloch. They entered the kitchen and gathered around the worktop, all talking over each other.

  “So Len’s back behind the bar then?” asked Kate.

  “Yep, he’s doing well. Not back full time but Janice is pulling her weight and Molly does some of the weekends so he’s on the mend, but it will take a while.”

  Jack wanted to broach the subject of Ryan, but Fiona jumped in before he had chance.

  “Ryan had another year added to his sentence last week.”

  “Why?” asked Jack.

  “He attacked a prison guard.”

  “What an evil...” He stopped just short of swearing in front of Joe.

  Fiona had explained everything to Joe, and though he was young he had shown a level of understanding and seemed to take it all in his stride. He had readjusted to life in Leeds, knowing it was temporary and their frequent trips back to Gairloch had helped. Now Kate was home it was decision time for Fiona. She was torn between staying in Leeds or relocating to Scotland. That was a decision for another day, she thought.

  Kate leant back against the worktop and looked at the people she had around her. There was a new lightness to her heart that she couldn’t remember feeling before, and she fleetingly wondered what it was before the answer came to her from nowhere – she was finally home.

  The End

  * * *

  Acknowledgements

  Thank you goes first of all to you, the reader. Thank you for selecting this book, and if you enjoyed Kate's story please do consider leaving a review as these are hugely important to any author. If you’ve enjoyed The Lie She Told then please tell all your friends!

  Thank you to my wonderful, supportive husband Mark for putting up with me as I went through several versions until I felt it was just right.

  Thank you to my amazing son Daniel who has always been my biggest cheerleader.

  Love you sunshine.

  Of course, this book would not be possible without a whole host of experts; former Met DCI Steve Gaskin (The Crime Lab), Shaun Wrightson, Adam Lloyd and the fantastic team over at UK True Crime Podcast. Bridget Braund for being an amazing proof reader (any mistakes are all my own!) and Dr Stephanie Carty (@tiredpsych) for helping me with character development.

  Finally, to my parents for their limitless love and support.

  About The Author

  Catherine Yaffe

  Following a career spent in sales and marketing Catherine took the plunge in 2019 to write full-time.

  The Lie She Told is the first in atriology of the Thornes series of books, with The Web They Wove due for release 2021.

  Catherine lives in West Yorkshire with her husbnad Mark and thier 2 cats, Jenson and Button.

  Books By This Author

  The Web They Wove

  When three worlds collide who will be the first to fall?

  DCI Ziggy Thornes hunts down a sadistic killer whilst rying to manage his complicated personal life. When the murders get a bit too close to home Ziggy has to separate fact from fiction to uncover the identity of the real killer.

  For updates visit www.catherineyaffeco.uk