Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2) (24 page)

Chapter 79

The maternity ward had its own special smell above the usual hospital odours of disinfectant. Matt guessed it was something to do with the babies – maybe milk or powder. He asked for Tilly Rowlands at reception and a nurse took him to a small ward. Before they entered, Matt asked, ‘Is Miss Rowlands alright?’ The picture of Mary James still preoccupied him and he needed to be prepared.

‘See for yourself.’ The nurse held open the door and moved to one side. Matt entered, relieved to see Tilly sitting up in bed smiling. She didn’t look like a woman who’d just lost her baby.

‘Inspector.’ Tilly reached out to him. ‘I’ve had a little boy.’

Matt moved to sit beside her, feeling out of his depth. ‘I’m so pleased. Is he doing well?’

‘He’s fine. They said he was protected from the cold inside me. He’s in an incubator as he’s early. Nick’s with him.’

‘I’m so relieved. Didn’t think either of us was going to make it at one point.’

‘Thank you for saving our lives.’

‘Just wish we could have got there sooner so you didn’t have to go through that.’

‘Have you caught him yet?’

‘No, but we’re getting closer.’

‘He’s out to get Harry and that man’s mother…the one…I thought I’d better tell you.’

‘Thank you. Do you feel up to giving us more details about what happened? It could help us apprehend Mr James. I could send a female officer if you’d prefer it.’ From the look on her face, it was as if Matt had physically struck her. He glanced at the nurse for help.

‘Maybe later, Inspector.’

‘That’s fine. At least we are aware of Mr James’s plans.’

‘I’m glad. I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what…’

Tilly began to cry and Matt could see how fragile she really was. He was at a loss and was relieved when the nurse spoke.

‘Now, now, you’re worrying the inspector. He’d never guess you have a wonderful little boy, now, would he?’

‘I’m sorry.’

Matt stood, hoping to escape. ‘No need, you’ve been through a lot.’

Through her tears, Tilly struggled to speak. ‘I wanted to ask you something.’

‘Yes.’

‘Can we name the baby after you?’

It came as a complete shock to Matt and he sat down again. The nurse laughed. ‘But you don’t even know my name.’

‘Someone said it was Matt, Matthew, and we both like that. Please say yes. It would be our way of thanking you.’

‘She’s very determined, Inspector. I would just give in.’

‘Well, yes, of course. I’d be honoured.’

Matt walked out of the ward in a daze, thinking of the tiny baby boy now stuck with his name. He couldn’t wait to tell Eppie.

Chapter 80

This was the day. Harry woke feeling both excited and scared about the coming performance to reopen the RSC theatre. At the dress rehearsal yesterday they’d worked on the magnificent thrust stage. That was such a thrill. They must have the best sound system and today he hoped to get a look at it, betting they wouldn’t have to wave a piece of tin to create thunder.

He couldn’t help thinking of Kathy and wondering if she’d make it today. According to Ida, one of her grandchildren had been ill yesterday. And would she really hand herself in after the concert? It would take the pressure off the rest of them, yet she was only in this position because of what they did, and he couldn’t decide what he wanted. When she’d said she liked him, despite his involvement in the death of her son, he’d been shocked. Not many people in Harry’s life were so accepting; his parents, for example. Maybe he wasn’t all bad. On the down days, that would be good to remember.

Despite their differences, he liked Kathy. The anger he’d felt over Dave’s death had gone, yet Tilly and her baby were another thing. Nick would never forgive him if they didn’t pull through and he’d been on edge ever since hearing of Tilly’s ordeal. Maybe if she and the baby were both alright, Nick would forgive him for putting them in danger.

Harry decided he would talk to Kathy today, try to change her mind. She was only giving herself up so they would be out of danger. How could she do that after the pain they had caused? On the twelve o’clock news, he’d seen a warning about Vinny James. Maybe he would be caught soon and Kathy would reconsider handing herself in.

Glancing at his watch, he began to get ready, intending to treat himself to a late lunch at McDonald’s before heading to the theatre. Showered and ready to go and with his costume over his arm, he left his friend’s room on the ground floor and waited near the entrance so he could leave with a group of students heading into town. Reaching the American fountain in Rother Street, he glanced around and not seeing anyone suspicious, left the group to make his way down Bridge Street.

After a Big Mac and fries, Harry headed the short distance along Waterside to the theatre and joined the G&S group waiting to be led backstage. Harry looked around for Kathy but couldn’t see her. He tried to get close to Ida but as the group compressed into the narrow passages and corridors backstage, it was impossible.

Entering the Swan Theatre, their guide explained this is where they were to stay until their time to perform. The G&S group settled themselves in the stalls, a few rows back from the stage, and began to get into their costumes. Some of the women, including Ida, opted to change in the toilets so Harry still couldn’t ask her about Kathy.

As he changed, he wondered if Vinny had caught up with her and hoped this wasn’t the reason she was late.

Chapter 81

Sam struggled to sit up, holding his head and fighting the need to throw up. Grasping the waste paper basket, he heaved into it and leaned back against the desk, head spinning. How long had he been unconscious? It was now two twenty so it couldn’t be that long. He tried to think back and could remember entering the room, but after that, it went hazy. There had been someone behind the door who’d hit him over the head. From the brief glimpse, Sam couldn’t be sure if it had been Vinny James, but odds on it would be him. He must let Matt know.

Reaching for his phone, he couldn’t find it, even after crawling around in case it had fallen out of his pocket. Struggling to his feet and holding onto the desk to steady himself, he managed the few steps to the door. Tugging at the handle, he couldn’t comprehend why it wouldn’t open. He remembered security giving him a key but he’d found the door open. Where was the key? Searching the floor again caused searing pain to shoot through his head and he stopped, realising the door must be locked from the outside. Now he was in trouble. Banging on the door, despite the pain it caused, brought no response so he sat on the edge of the desk to contemplate his situation.

Surely security would wonder why he hadn’t returned, but then the man had been busy directing some workmen when Sam arrived. Deciding he might be better attracting attention via the window, he moved towards it. The movement made him throw up again and he took the basket with him, glad it wasn’t an open weave design. Looking out at the empty car park, he didn’t bother opening the window, deciding the door was his only chance.

Searching through the desk drawers brought forth a Swiss penknife. Opening the various implements, he wondered if he would be able to pick the lock with any of them. Feeling unsteady, he dragged the chair to the door and sat down to concentrate on the lock.

Chapter 82

Stamping his feet in an effort to keep warm, Vinny watched as people carrying costumes walked up the steps to enter the Swan Theatre. Ten minutes later, he was beginning to feel uneasy and his toes were turning to ice. By now, Mary could have called the police and although it was only a domestic, it would increase the surveillance for him. The last thing he needed was to be standing here on the street corner.

Kathy and Harry were probably already inside and that is where he needed to be. He fingered the gun, now tucked into his belt; the cold metal gave him comfort. As long as he had his friend, no one could stop him. He was thankful that the police in England didn’t carry guns.

Walking up the steps of the Swan Theatre, he could see a bar to his left. It was surprisingly quiet considering all the people he’d seen entering. Following the chatter of voices, he found himself in a wide space that led to the main theatre. It was full of excited people. Hating crowds, he wanted to push people out of the way, but instead forced himself to smile and nod.

The crowd thinned and he became aware that some of the people were disappearing through an opening in the shiny wall. As he watched, a panel slid open and a young woman with a clipboard took some of the people through the gap. The group kept close together and when the last one had entered, the opening disappeared. Seeing this performance repeated, Vinny realised if he wanted to get in, he needed to attach himself to a group. Taking off his coat, he moved next to an elderly man, leaned against the wall and smiled. ‘Exciting, isn’t it?’

‘Yes, and such a privilege. We’ll be testing out the whole theatre, you know?’

‘Hope we get it right.’

‘I’m sure we will after all those rehearsals.’ The man squinted at him. ‘I don’t think I know you, young man.’

Vinny extended his hand. ‘John. Helen’s husband.’

Shifting his costume and bag to the other hand, the man shook his hand.

‘Here, let me take those.’ Vinny lifted the costume and bag from him and smiled.

‘Thank you. They were starting to feel like lead.’

‘No problem.’

The panel opened and his group surged forward. Vinny stayed at the end, close to the man, holding the costume like a badge. Everyone was excited and eager to get inside and no one turned to see or question him. Their guide led them through the backstage area where the height and space seemed enormous, then into a darker, smaller area where the only light came from an electronic board that flashed in various colours. Although their leader warned them to be careful, coming from the bright into the dark, they still bumped into each other.

Exiting into a corridor with lockers and toilets, she paused. ‘Hello, has everyone caught up?’

Vinny stayed close to the elderly man as some of the group glanced around. He held his breath and was relieved when no one ousted him as an imposter.

The guide continued. ‘With such a large group of performers, we have given the use of the dressing rooms upstairs to the youngsters. You, together with the other adult groups, will change in the Swan Theatre. Just find yourself a space in the audience section and stay together. Toilets are on your left in this corridor.’

Following her, the group slowed to turn right into a dim, narrow corridor, before going up a few steps and disappearing. Stumbling along at the end of the queue, Vinny heard gasps of delight from those in front. Wondering what it was all about, he stepped through the opening and was horrified to find himself standing on a large stage surrounded by tiered galleries that glared down on him with empty black eyes.

Feeling exposed, he thrust the costume and bag at the old man. ‘Here, mate, got to go to the loo,’ he said before shooting back down the steps into the welcome dimness.

Chapter 83

Leaving the hospital still feeling bemused, Matt headed back to CID to reunite with Jane and check on progress. He was in the middle of telling her about Tilly’s decision when a call came in from PC Baker.

‘Hello, Charlie.’

‘Sir, I’m here at the minor injuries unit in Stratford with DS Withers. He’s been struck on the back of the head. We found him in Harry’s room at the college. I’ve sealed off the room and left my colleague on guard in case you want to get forensics to take a look.’

‘Well done, Charlie. How’s Sam?’

‘He’s seen the nurse and is waiting for the doctor. They are talking about possible concussion.’

‘Okay. I’ll be there soon. Can you stay with him ’til then?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Thanks.’ Matt brought Jane up to speed and alerted all units to concentrate on the Stratford area. Both Kathy and Harry would be at the concert tonight and he was praying that Vinny hadn’t acquired that knowledge.

While he went to check on Sam, Matt sent Jane to look at Harry’s room to see if they needed forensics. She’d then continue the search for Kathy and meet them at the theatre later.

The minor injuries unit at Stratford Hospital was at one end of the two-storey building. PC Baker was pacing in the corridor as Matt entered. ‘How is he?’

‘Says he’s fine. The doctor’s with him.’

‘Good. Rescuing members of CID is becoming a habit, Charlie. Think we’ll have to make you one of our own.’ From Charlie’s grin, it was obvious he liked this idea. ‘Tell me how you found Sam?’

‘We’d been making regular calls at the college in case Harry or Vinny showed up there. On our last call, the security man was in a fit about the key to Harry’s room. Seems a detective had borrowed it and not brought it back. We went to investigate, thinking it might be Vinny. DS Withers was locked in, so we got him out.’

‘Any sign of Vinny James?’

‘Not in the immediate vicinity.’

‘Well, at least we can concentrate on Stratford now.’ The small waiting room was full so Matt and Charlie remained in the corridor. Matt felt like he’d spent the last week in and out of hospitals and hoped this would be his last visit for a long time. He moved forward as the consulting room door opened and Sam came out with the doctor.

‘I’d advise rest for at least twenty-four hours and it would be better if you were not on your own tonight.’

‘Thank you, Doctor.’

Matt stepped forward. ‘No work today then, Sam?’

‘I’m fine, raring to go. You heard what the doc said.’

The doctor turned back. ‘Although DI Withers sustained a blow to the head, there are no signs of concussion, no vomiting or loss of consciousness. But he would be wise to rest.’

‘Thank you, Doctor.’ Matt followed Sam, who was already striding out of the department. ‘Rest, he said. Are you deaf, Sam?’

‘I’ve got a hard head. Stop worrying, Matt. I’ll rest when the bastard is caught.’

Still arguing, they caught up with Charlie. Sam stopped to thank him. ‘Thanks, I owe you one.’

‘It was nothing.’

‘Listen to him, Matt. He only broke down the door. My lock-picking skills were getting me nowhere.’

Matt was about to answer when his phone rang. ‘Turrell.’

It was Jane. ‘How’s Sam?’

‘He’ll live.’

‘Good, was a bit worried. Did he tell you he vomited?’

‘No, he didn’t.’ Matt turned to look at Sam, who was avoiding eye contact.

Jane continued. ‘Anyway, I’ve had a quick look around Harry’s room and I don’t think there will be anything of use. But there is a poster here for the concert tonight, together with a musical score, so chances are Vinny is clued up about that.’

‘Damn. I was hoping they might be safe there.’

‘It was in clear view on the desk. Do you want me to head down to the theatre?’

‘Just make a quick check at Pamela Wylde’s in case Kathy has gone back there. I’d rather catch her before she runs into Vinny. If she’s not there, then head on to the theatre. We’ll swing by her house just in case she’s there.’

‘See you at the theatre, Matt.’

Matt ended the call and glanced at Sam, trying to decide whether to send him home. He did look pale and the news that he had been sick, when he’d obviously told the doctor otherwise, was worrying. ‘You were sick?’

‘Nothing much, probably the hamburger I snatched on the way over.’

‘Then why didn’t you mention it to the doctor?’

‘Come on, Matt. You know what they’re like. Got to cover their backs.’

‘Just as I have.’

‘I don’t want to miss out on catching up with Vinny. You’ve got to admit,
you
didn’t follow the doctor’s advice, Matt.’

Despite himself, Matt laughed. ‘Suppose not. But you’ve got to promise me, any feeling queasy or anything at all, you have to tell me.’

‘Will do.’

‘Right, Charlie, if you get back on patrol, we’ll swing by Kathy Wylde’s house and then head to the theatre.’