‘He’s either a man having a terrible time or a stone-cold killer,’ said Zander.
‘I discussed it with DCI Cox. She’s got the armed patrol vehicle on notice. Not to put too fine a point on it, chances are if Clavell’s been taken, he could already be dead.’
On that grim note, Barton found a spot at the bar and ordered another round. He ordered himself an alcohol-free lager this time. The others were already too far gone. They were still discussing the case when he returned. Barton picked up the thread.
‘Right, what are the risks here with not scaling up the investigation fast enough? How much can we realistically get done on Christmas Day and Boxing Day? It’s rubbish for morale if leave is cancelled for a wild goose chase. Most of the other departments are shut.’
‘If Whitlam is the killer, is anyone else at risk?’ asked Zander.
‘There’s no family left, and the boyfriend’s gone. It seems to me that all threats have been eliminated.’
‘What about Claudia? Is she safe?’ asked Strange.
‘I spoke to her on the phone. It wasn’t a nice call, telling her that we have concerns about the state of mind of her ex-boyfriend. I didn’t mention that he might have killed everyone close to her, but after talking this through with you, I realise I need to.’
‘I think that’s the right call. What did she say?’ said Zander.
‘She thinks something’s not right, and her family have had too much bad luck. She’d had a visit from the family GP and they still don’t think that her father would have killed himself, whatever the evidence indicates. She mentioned her dad had been trying to get her to split up with Whitlam near the end. Her brother-in-law hated him from the start.’
‘God, I was joking earlier, but there’s too much circumstantial evidence. Should we have seen something?’
Barton grimaced. ‘We’re not solving maths problems. It often takes time for the full picture to form. We might not even be right. As I said, he could turn up at the station tomorrow and wonder what all the fuss is about. The work we do will never be perfect.’
‘I suppose that’s right. Is Claudia on her own tonight?’
‘That friend is staying with her.’
‘Is she at risk?’ asked Strange.
‘Her friend, Chloe, has never met him. She’s recently moved back to the area. Claudia is the object of his desire, so she shouldn’t be in danger. Saying that, talking to you has got me more on edge.’
‘Christmas does weird things to people. What if he decides that if he can’t have her, nobody can?’
‘That’s the risk. The house has excellent security. I’ve told her not to open the door to anyone and ring if anything is out of the ordinary, but I’m going to go over at quarter to nine. Claudia said she only spoke to him a little while back, and he was fairly reasonable. She doesn’t think he’d hurt her, although from what we’ve discussed, I’m not so sure.’
‘We’ll come,’ said Zander.
‘No, you won’t. You’re both on call tomorrow. If it does kick off, you need to have had some sleep. We’re thinking worst case scenario here. All we might have is a bloke who’s missed a couple of dates and isn’t answering his phone.’
They sat in silence for a while and struggled to drag their minds away from the intriguing and troubling case. When an unexpected person turned up, they tried to put the issue out of their heads for the moment.
‘Hey, isn’t that Sirena?’ said Zander.
Barton’s eyebrows raised, then his eyes widened at her little black dress.
‘Roll your tongues up, boys,’ said Strange.
‘Hi, guys. Sorry I’m late.’
‘I didn’t think you were coming,’ said Barton.
‘I know. It’s a surprise.’ She laughed loudly and appeared to have done some pre-loading elsewhere. ‘I saw Kelly in Queensgate doing some shopping today, and we had a coffee, which was very nice.’ She reached over and squeezed Strange’s hand. ‘She told me your plans, and I love you guys. So here I am! My round?’
Sirena came back with four sambucas as well as their orders. Barton explained he was driving later. She slid herself onto the bench between Barton and Strange, downed Barton’s shot as well, and proceeded to monopolise the conversation. Her life story kept their attention. It sounded as though she’d been all over Europe.
‘I grew up in a small village in Greece. It was beautiful but it could have been a hundred years ago. I couldn’t be myself there. Anything different or new was frowned on. But we watched TV and YouTube. The world was having fun and we wanted to be part of it. So my friends and I left. Amsterdam was cool, France was nice. Berlin made me feel at home, even though it was so different from home.’
‘Why settle in Peterborough?’ asked Zander. ‘Especially after Paris and Berlin.’
‘I like it here. We all have to grow up. I got a job in CSI and enjoyed it, but the main reason is that I could get a really nice house for my wages. It’s also nearly in the middle of the country, which is good for travelling. I enjoy working with John.’ She reached over and tweaked Barton’s cheek. ‘There are many people of all nationalities here. You have all types, and everyone generally gets on well and is accepting.’
They continued to chat and laugh at some of her crazy stories. Barton and Zander shared a wistful look. While Sirena had been chasing adventure through her twenties, they’d been pursuing shoplifters.
Barton’s phone beeped at 20 15. It was Holly. ‘My chariot has arrived,’ he said.
The others also rose. Zander nudged Strange’s shoulder. ‘Best we go home too. If a body turns up, it will be busy tomorrow.’
‘I had fun, guys,’ said Sirena. ‘Let’s do it again. I’ll try not to be late next time, but I had to pick a friend up from the station, and she bought wine!’
They stepped outside into the mild evening air. It was to be a snow-free Christmas. Sirena gave Barton a huge sloppy kiss on the cheek as Holly wound down her window. She poked her head out.
‘He’s yours for a tenner.’
‘You must feel very safe sleeping next to John.’
‘Yes, his snoring would deter even the most desperate of burglars.’
Zander received the same treatment as Barton. She kissed Strange a little more head on. The kiss lasted just a touch too long. Barton got in the car and put his seat belt on with a puzzled expression. Zander crouched next to Holly’s open window.
‘Ring me if it kicks off. I’m great at drunken boxing.’
Barton picked up on the lack of energy in his delivery. He’d seen the kiss, too.
‘I’ll text you after I’ve spoken to her.’
Holly cruised down the village road with a big grin.
‘That didn’t surprise you, did it?’ he asked.
‘Did it you?’ replied a chuckling Holly. ‘Call yourself detectives. I don’t think even Kelly knew. Maybe she’ll be intrigued. You’d expect our prisons to be empty with you lot running the show. You should invite Sirena tomorrow as well. The more the merrier. I can sit her next to your mother, use her like a shield.’
Barton relaxed as they passed the big houses on the main road. Impressive decorations lit up the conifers many grew at the edges of their plots. Luke was waiting at the window when they got back. Barton cursed under his breath. Lawrence was behind Luke. When Barton stepped from the car, they ducked out of sight. Then both of them popped up laughing and wearing plastic antlers. He smiled and waved, feeling rotten inside.
‘I’ve got to go out.’
‘Oh, John. Come on, you promised.’
Barton explained everything to Holly.
‘Can’t someone else go?’
Barton opened his hands. She exhaled slowly and turned to walk away, but then stopped herself. She pointed a finger.
‘Luke will be asleep before you leave and the others know the score by now. But be back for when Luke wakes up because he will not understand if you aren’t there.’
Barton stood alone on the drive and, a
t that moment, hated his job.
77
DI Barton
Barton awoke as his son’s heavy footsteps pounded across the landing. He’d stayed with Claudia for two hours. Annabelle’s paranoia had risen as she’d struggled to cope with her losses and she’d upped the security on the house before she disappeared. There was toughened glass on the windows and the front door had multi-point locks and a reinforced frame.
To cap it all off, they had a top-of-the-range alarm system with Homewatch. Short of having a couple of Rottweilers running around the front garden, there wasn’t much more they could do. Claudia’s friend, Chloe, was an imposing woman too. Apparently she was a member of the rowing club. Her friend had taken the knife block upstairs and put it next to the bed that they’d share. Barton had no doubts either woman would use whatever force was necessary.
Barton’s already high respect for Claudia had gone up further. She must have been under incredible stress and yet she was holding it together. She’d joked with her friend and had made everyone coffee. Eventually she’d thrown Barton out at eleven, saying he should be home with his children and they’d be fine. She believed that David wouldn’t hurt her.
Barton had reiterated that she should not open the front door, but he’d stared at the huge single pane window of the lounge as he’d got in the car to leave. He’d rung Control and, as it had been a quiet night, he’d asked for uniform to wait in Claudia’s street between calls. Short of sleeping at the foot of Claudia’s bed, there wasn’t much more he could have done.
Holly had beamed at him when he’d arrived home. They’d had time for Barton to eat Santa’s mince pie and enjoy a glass of port before they’d retired. He hoped Christmas Day was going to be non-eventful because he already felt shattered.
‘He’s been,’ Luke shouted.
It was 4:45. He supposed that was progress from last Christmas Day. The morning followed as it had for many years and soon Strange and Barton’s mother arrived at midday. Strange looked refreshed and festive in a snug dress that had a hint of elf about it, although his mum looked a bit disheveled, as though she’d been out clubbing last night.
‘You all right, Mum?’
She beamed at him but didn’t say anything. Weird.
‘Anything happen last night, Kelly?’
‘Not in Peterborough. I spoke to Control first thing this morning and it was relatively peaceful. The usual issues with drink but nothing of note.’
‘Excellent. I rang Claudia and she practically put the phone down on me, telling me to enjoy Christmas. Wisbech have no further news on Clavell, though. Let’s hope it’s a day of peace and goodwill for everyone.’ Strange’s comment registered. ‘What do you mean by not in Peterborough?’
‘There’s been an incident in Cambridge. Have you seen the news?’
‘No? What’s happened?’
‘I heard it on the radio on the way over here. A woman’s been found dead in Cambridge at a university property.’
Barton walked into his office and brought his PC to life. He brought the BBC news page up and the headline was Woman Murdered at University. The image was of a property with police tape and vehicles surrounding it. It was the same place as where the lecturer was killed.
‘Shit.’
‘Yeah. That’s going to be trouble all over. Cambridge will have their hands full.’
‘I’m going to ring Tapper for an update. Can you do me a favour and help Holly with the dinner? My mum doesn’t seem herself.’
‘Sure. We won’t need to go to Cambridge, will we?’
‘No, they’ll have enough people on call. I’d just like to know the details.’
Barton rang Control again and got hold of Tapper.
‘Morning, John. I hope you’re having a better Christmas than me.’
‘Sorry to hear that. Is it the wife of the previous victim? Wasn’t her name Charlie?’
‘Yes, she’s very dead. I’m there now. It looks like it was done last night.’
‘Another similar robbery?’
‘Definitely not. It’s too early to know if anything has been taken, but this is personal. A friend came over this morning and saw the body through the kitchen window. She’s had a terrible shock. I’ve not seen anything like it in twenty-five years of policing. It’s so gruesome, even our reluctant pathologist is here. That’s it for me, after this. I’m out of here. I wish I’d retired before today because I will never unsee this.’
‘How did she die? Was it an awl again?’
‘No, she’s been stabbed in the torso multiple times but with a small blade. It was still stuck in her side. He’s then used insulating tape to bind her in an oak chair. Taped her good and firm. He left the rest of the roll behind. And then, he…’
Barton was gobsmacked. Tapper was one of the most hardened officers on the force. Barton knew he’d pulled dead children from a motorway pile-up in the vain hope of saving them.
‘Take your time, Tapper.’
Barton heard a few slow breaths before Tapper continued. ‘There’s a bloody carving knife stuck through a photograph of the couple. It would be a reasonable guess that he used that weapon to decapitate her.’
‘Christ.’ Barton couldn’t think of anything else to say.
‘What the fuck is going on in the world?’
‘I know. It’s getting madder by the day.’
‘CSI and the pathologist think the killer stabbed her with the small knife to incapacitate her. She’d have still been conscious. There’s blood everywhere, thirty feet away. Tell me, John. What kind of maniac cuts someone’s head off while they’re still alive?’
78
DI Barton
Holly bellowed out that the dinner was ready. Barton mouthed to Strange he’d update her after the meal. Everyone appreciated the traditional fare, except Barton, who struggled to focus on it. Then the kids ran off with their presents. Even Barton’s mother seemed less acerbic than usual. In fact, he would almost describe her as polite.
‘You sure you’re okay, Mum?’ he asked.
‘Yes, John here was telling me about his exams.’
‘You mean Lawrence?’
‘Don’t be silly.’
Holly stopped collecting the dessert bowls. ‘Okay, let’s get you lot in the lounge so I can tidy up.’ She ushered them away after taking orders for coffees and soft drinks.
‘What just happened?’ said Barton when just the two of them remained.
‘I meant to talk to you later. She was all over the place preparing dinner. Usually, it’s her way or a hassle. But eventually, she sat at the table and told me to do it how I wanted. Nicely, too. Not at all sarcastic. I was glad of Kelly’s help.’
‘That’s not like her.’
‘I know! And I found a tea towel in the freezer. Now any number of culprits might be responsible for that, but I think I gave her that one to dry up with.’
Holly came to Barton and studied his face. ‘You understand what that might mean?’
He nodded. ‘Let’s enjoy the occasion. Perhaps she’s just having an odd moment.’
Strange was finishing a call in the hall as Barton left the kitchen.
‘I rang in to find out if Clavell had rung in to confirm he was on call at midday. Not yet. Wisbech station have taken the decision to up the ante. They’re door-knocking and checking CCTV. Nothing so far. We haven’t been called in at this point.’
‘I didn’t sleep that well last night. All this was racing through my head. That comment you made about Whitlam being the Compost Heap Killer really resonated.’
‘In what way?’
‘Someone had to know Wisbech to hide the body in that allotment. It wasn’t Rowe, and I can’t see it being that older guy, Franco, either. We don’t have any other suspects apart from Whitlam. His DNA turned up at Stone’s place, too.’
‘He said he’d been in there before, though.’
‘Yes, very conveniently. His DNA was under Somerville’s fingernail, too. He claimed that happen
ed saving him, but maybe it happened killing him.’
‘But he mentioned it before we knew.’
Barton waited for her to cotton on.
‘Ah, he told us because he guessed his DNA might turn up at Stone’s. He also realised we’d match it to what was found under Somerville’s fingernails. He brought it up so he could have his story prepared. It wouldn’t have been a big leap to see who connected the two people. It would have been way more incriminating if we’d joined the dots. Wow. That is clever.’
‘Yes, and scary.’
‘Why scary?’
‘That’s a level of planning and foresight beyond most criminals. We need to get to this guy, or he might prove very dangerous.’
‘Or even lethal.’
Barton grimaced as his mind churned.
‘What were the Cambridge details?’ asked Strange.
‘Someone cut off the head of that lecturer’s wife.’
‘What?’
‘Yeah, gruesome.’
‘Clean off and left it on the side?’
‘No, that’s the sick part. The killer took it with them.’
‘I take it we’re going into work.’
‘Yes. I hope Whitlam doesn’t have any connection to Cambridge. Something is very off here. We need to be ready to react.’
Holly came out of the kitchen, smiling and holding two cups of coffee. She saw their faces and stopped. ‘I’ll drink them myself. I’ll need the hit if I’m going to be doing everything on my own.’
79
DI Barton
The Soul Killer Page 28
