Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2) (23 page)

Chapter 75

Sam drove through the countryside towards Kineton, heading for the Richards’ farm. Passing Compton Verney art gallery on the right, he knew he wasn’t far away. He’d heard that the grounds of Compton Verney had been designed by Capability Brown and decided to take a look in the spring. Maybe Clare would enjoy it. Their first date had gone well but he was keeping the information to himself to avoid the inevitable ribbing.

Finding the Richards’ farm, he turned onto a winding dirt track leading through fields of wintergreens. He guessed sprouts as he could see pickers in the distance. Coming to some outbuildings next to a redbrick farmhouse, he parked in the muddy yard and headed for the house.

A voice called him back. ‘In here.’

Sam changed direction and headed towards one of the outbuildings, hoping it didn’t contain any cows. Since finding himself alone and terrified in the middle of a herd on a school trip, he’d been careful not to put himself in that situation again.

Adjusting his eyes after leaving the brightness outside, he looked around, surprised to see rows and rows of theatrical costumes.

‘You from the Snitterfield Players? I’ll have your costumes ready in about ten minutes.’ The speaker, a woman of about sixty adorned with a tape measure and many pins, came from behind one of the rails, arms full of costumes that she dumped on a long wooden table.

Sam stepped forward to introduce himself. ‘DS Withers. Sorry to interrupt but I’m looking for a Mr Joe Richard.’

‘Someone rang. This about the boat?’

‘Yes, that’s right.’

‘Well, you’re out of luck. I tried to tell them he wasn’t here. Here, hold that against yourself will you, love. You’re about five ten, aren’t you?’ She thrust a vivid pink flounced dress at him, leaving Sam little choice. ‘Pantomime season, always a nightmare,’ she explained while she checked the length.

Handing the dress back to her, he attempted to get back to the agenda. ‘Mr Richard?’

‘Father-in-law. He’s away with the darts team. Lives and breathes for it now he’s retired.’

‘Would your husband know anything about the
Daisy Lou
?’

‘Doubt it. It was Joe’s. Although he didn’t have much to do with it either.’

‘So you don’t know who rented it?’

‘Didn’t know anyone had. This is my sideline. Keeps me more than busy.’ She turned to a notebook and made a tick against the pink dress before putting it to one side.

‘Is your husband around?’

‘Gone to Cheltenham. Looking at some heifers.’

‘When is Joe back?’

‘Couple of days. You can leave a message?’

Seeing she was looking from him to a garish bonnet, Sam backed away, holding out his card. ‘If you could ask either your husband or father-in-law to call me, I’d be grateful. It is urgent.’

‘Will do. You couldn’t just—’

Sam missed the rest as he made his escape.

Chapter 76

While Matt stood imagining the damage Vinny could do, Jane came back.

‘All secure back there, Matt. Any luck?’ Matt shook his head.

The neighbour turned to re-enter his house. ‘I’ll just get my wife, officer. She may be able to tell you more.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I’m pretty sure Vinny has been here, about fifteen minutes before uniform. We may have to break in. Let’s just see what the neighbour says.’

From next door, a woman in her late fifties appeared, tying a fluffy blue dressing gown around her and followed by her husband.

‘Mrs Smart, officer. What is happening? Is Kathy alright?’

‘There is nothing wrong as far as we know, ma’am, but we would like to establish that she is not at home. Do you know if she is away at the moment?’

‘She usually tells me. We have her key and she has ours, just so we can keep an eye on things.’

‘We really need to have a word with Mrs Wylde. Would it be possible for you to come inside with us, just to make sure she’s not there?’

The woman looked to her husband as if seeking his permission. He nodded and she went to go back inside. ‘I’ll just get the key.’

Matt reckoned once they had established that Kathy wasn’t inside, they’d head to Pam’s. They should be able to get there in less than ten minutes, although he thought it was unlikely she would be there at this hour.

Mrs Smart returned to open the door and went to step inside. Matt stopped her and indicated she let them go first, just in case. Entering someone’s home always felt like an invasion of privacy to Matt. Adding to this was the dread of what they might find and he suggested Mrs Smart remain in the hallway.

Matt was relieved downstairs was as he remembered, minus the smell of baking. Trying to take his mind off what they might find, he reflected on what a difference it made.

Full of foreboding, Matt took a deep breath and led the way upstairs. Finding each room empty, a surge of relief swept over him and it took a moment before he could gain control and go down to thank Mrs Smart.

‘She did go to her daughter-in-law’s yesterday, Inspector. There was some problem with one of the little ones. It would be very unusual but she could have stayed over.’

Matt nodded, hoping this was the answer. Pam’s home was the other side of the river, across the Clopton Bridge, but what Matt thought would be a short journey took nearly half an hour. Two minor prangs caused by the road conditions held them up and had Matt cursing. With no way around, there was nothing to do but wait while the damaged cars moved to the side of the road so that drivers could exchange details.

Arriving at Pam’s, he was disappointed when he couldn’t see Kathy’s car, either in the driveway or on the road. ‘Think you’d be best to tackle this one, Jane.’

She nodded. ‘I didn’t have much luck last time though.’

‘Give it a try.’ He watched as she approached the door. There appeared to be no response, but then he saw her bend down talking to someone through the letterbox, before scribbling something on the back of her card and pushing it through.

Returning to the car, she explained. ‘Sorry. Granny has left. I’ve said we need to speak to her urgently. Hopefully the message will be passed on.’

‘Damn.’ As he wondered what to do next, his phone rang. Hoping it wasn’t bad news, he put it on speaker. ‘Turrell.’

‘Thought you’d want to know, sir, Tilly Rowlands is asking to speak to you.’

‘Thanks, Wendy. Has she had the baby?’

‘Sorry, sir, they didn’t say.’

‘Don’t worry. We’re drawing a blank here, so I’ll head over there.’

Chapter 77

Although Dr Meredith was not worried about Amy, Kathy made regular checks on her throughout the night, only managing to doze in-between. At 6 am, she gave up trying to sleep, made herself a cup of coffee and watched the dawn begin to lighten the morning into brilliant clear light.

These cold, crisp days were her favourite. She and Bill loved to go for a walk down by the river, mingling with the dog walkers and joggers. They would wander along, past the bandstand, admiring Holy Trinity Church from the opposite side of the Avon, before passing the weir and crossing Lucy’s Mill Bridge to walk back through the old town. Sighing at the memories, she shook herself into action, hoping that Pam had retained her resolve overnight. Dr Meredith had said it was important for Pam to realise the children needed her as this would encourage her to work towards recovery.

Amy woke saying she was hungry and after checking she didn’t have a temperature and wasn’t in any pain, Kathy cooked the girls a treat of pancakes with some maple syrup she’d found in the back of a cupboard. They were Jack’s favourite and the girls wolfed them down. While they washed up, she took a cup of tea up to Pam, surprised to find her up and dressed. ‘Amy is fine this morning. How are you, Pam?’

‘Frightened, Kathy. I’m frightened.’

Again, Kathy felt the urge to hold her, tell her it would be alright. Instead, she grasped her hands. ‘It won’t be easy, but your girls are worth it.’

Pam nodded and sank onto the bed. Kathy sat beside her. ‘It’s okay to be scared.’

‘What if I can’t do it?’

‘You won’t be on your own. There will be help every step of the way.’ Even as she said the words, Kathy hoped they were true. Dr Meredith said she would do her best, but there were long waiting lists for psychological services. ‘Let’s see what the doctor says today, shall we?’

If the doctor’s visit went well, Kathy made up her mind she’d do the concert tonight. It would provide a good memory for her last night of freedom. First, she’d collect Pam’s prescription and stock the cupboards, freezer and fridge with plenty of easy meals and Christmas goodies.

Town was crowded with Christmas shoppers and it took Kathy nearly half an hour to reach the Maybird Centre. Clopton Bridge proved to be a bottleneck with traffic backed up along the Banbury and Shipston Roads. Phoebe and Zoe had come along so they could choose things they liked and were excited at the unexpected outing.

An hour and a half later, Kathy manoeuvred the heavy trolley into a checkout queue that stretched halfway down one of the aisles. Phoebe and Zoe were enjoying themselves and it was brilliant to spend time with them. After wondering what Pam would say, Kathy had given way and let them choose a small artificial Christmas tree and decorations.

At Pam’s, Phoebe helped put the groceries away. Amy came into the kitchen and pulled at her skirt. Kathy bent down to hear her soft voice. ‘What is it, Amy?’

‘A lady came. Said I was to give you this.’

Taking the card, Kathy’s stomach somersaulted. ‘Thank you, Amy.’ The card was from DC Jane Meadows, the one who had visited her with DI Turrell. Were they on to her already? There was a note on the card asking Kathy to get in touch as soon as possible. Well, they could wait. She tucked the card in her bag and set about preparing lunch.

Dr Meredith arrived mid-afternoon. Kathy hung back as the doctor ushered Amy into the lounge. Pam hesitated, until Kathy indicated she should follow.

Moving into the kitchen, Kathy sat at the kitchen table, helping Phoebe work out menus. Phoebe wanted to take over and do everything until Kathy tried to explain that she should be her mum’s helper, as this would be more of a help to her. She displayed a practical quality that reminded Kathy of Jack.

As Dr Meredith left, Kathy went to let her out. ‘Mrs Wylde has given me permission to bring you up to speed. Amy is fine, there are no worries on that score. Did you collect Mrs Wylde’s prescription?’

‘Yes.’

‘That should give her some support. I’ve stressed she must take the tablets regularly. I’ve also managed to call in a favour or two and I’m hopeful there will be a place on a cognitive behavioural course starting in the New Year. These are hard to come by, so she mustn’t waste it.’

‘I’ll encourage her, but I may not be around as much as I would like.’

Although Dr Meredith gave her a quizzing look, she didn’t ask why. ‘Just do what you can.’

‘Thank you, Dr Meredith.’

After the doctor had left, Kathy realised she was going to be late for the theatre.

Chapter 78

Vinny had arrived at Kathy’s house at seven fifteen but there was no response to his pressing of the bell. Checking that no one was watching, he looked around the back, but could find no means of entry except for putting a brick through a window. In case she was a heavy sleeper, he decided to stick around, but needed to do this without arousing suspicion. Spotting a crew from the water board setting up a little way down the road, he strolled towards them.

‘Hi, mate. Cold enough for you?’

‘Bollocks and frozen come to mind.’

‘Know the feeling. My mate’s always bloody late, supposed to pick me up at seven fifteen. Mind if I wait in the cab?’

‘Sure, help yourself.’

‘Thanks.’

From his seat in the water board lorry, Vinny watched as fifteen minutes later a patrol car called at the house, followed soon after by an unmarked police car that pulled into the driveway of Kathy’s house. The tall detective he’d seen at Jon’s funeral rang the bell while his colleague, a tasty blonde, went around the back. He was pleased to see the cop got no response either. Then the neighbour came out, followed soon afterwards by his wife, who took the cops into the house.

The detectives drove away, and he wished he knew where they were headed. If only he had a car, he would have followed them. Deciding he’d be better off seeking out Harry, he climbed out of the warm cab. Chances are he’d still be at college. Vinny knew from experience how family and friends preferred you to be somewhere else after you got on the wrong side of the law. He called to the workers. ‘Thanks, mate. Think the bugger’s forgotten me, so I’m off home.’

One of the workers called back, ‘Don’t blame you. Wish I could do the same.’

With a wave of his hand, Vinny snuggled down into his coat and headed for the college. He missed having Dan to boss around, but the little rat scuttled after Ops. At least he’d left the parting gift of where to find Kathy and Harry, no doubt to keep him sweet in case the chance of a berth in Spain came up again. Ops, blast him, had withdrawn all his help, except the offer of getting him back to Spain and Vinny figured that was only to be rid of him. The pickup was ten thirty tonight, giving Vinny only a few hours left to avenge his son. The thought motivated him and he increased his stride while trying to figure out a way of getting into the college and at Harry. Passing a newsagent, the Christmas display gave him an idea and he went in to buy a large tin of Quality Street before continuing.

Vinny checked out the accommodation block from the main road. The college was bound to have security but he couldn’t see any sign. Moving to the entrance, he could see it needed a code. He waited until a giggling group of Chinese girls came out.

Holding the tin of chocolates, he explained he was Harry’s uncle and he wanted to surprise him with a Christmas treat. There was some conferring between the students, none of which he could understand, before one pointed to the second floor.

‘Number forty-two.’

Vinny thanked them with a smile while holding the door open. As soon as they left, he bounded up the stairs. Hearing nothing from Harry’s room, he decided to take a look now he was here. The door was no problem and he picked the lock in record time. Inside it was smaller than his last prison cell with little more than a bed and a desk. Disappointed, he placed the tin on the desk, next to a flyer for something called Open House dated this evening. Underneath was a musical score for
The Pirates of Penzance
. Harry might not be in his room, but he knew where he would be tonight.

Vinny heard footsteps in the corridor and stood still. The steps stopped outside and Vinny cursed, knowing the door was unlocked. He moved to stand behind the door, fingering the gun in his pocket. If this was some friend of Harry’s then he should be able to fob them off with his story of delivering a Christmas present. Someone knocked and he heard the key in the lock.

‘Harry, its DS Withers.’

Blast. What were the bloody police doing here? Vinny withdrew the gun and waited, watching the handle turn. Would the bastard be alone? If he stayed hidden behind the door, maybe he would give the room a quick glance, realise Harry wasn’t there and bugger off.

‘Harry?’

The cop took two steps into the room and began to turn. Vinny raised the butt of the gun and aimed for the head, striking hard so that the man crashed to the floor. Kicking his legs out of the way, Vinny hurried to shut the door.

Looking down at him, he wondered what to do next. Cops were like rats: where you found one, another one would be around, maybe waiting outside or in the corridor. He bent down to turn the man over, causing him to moan. Vinny waited in case he was coming round, prepared to strike again, but he appeared to be out cold, so he rifled through his pockets, taking his mobile phone and warrant card.

With another kick to the torso, Vinny turned to leave, catching his toe against something metal. Bending to pick it up, he saw it was the key to the room. Even better, he’d lock the bastard in.