Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2) (26 page)

Chapter 88

Matt, confronted by a medieval knight and several other costumed characters, struggled to get through them and into the theatre. Once in the lower gallery, he saw that every exit was jammed with people in a panic to get out. From where he stood, he noticed a still figure lying at the edge of the stage. From this angle it looked like Harry and he was relieved to see Sam pushing his way through the crowds to reach him. A movement on the balcony above caught Matt’s eye and he searched for a way up. Finding the steps, he took them at speed.

Reaching the top he stood with his back to the wall listening. In the comparative quiet, he thought about what he was doing. He had every right to back off, follow orders and keep himself safe. Eppie would want that. If Vinny was here alone, he would be happy to do just that, but it looked like he’d already attacked Harry. Matt needed to find Kathy before she ended up like Mary. He couldn’t deal with his emotions around Mary now and pushed her from his mind, except to hope she had been mistaken about the gun.

A faint scuffling attracted his attention further around the gallery. Matt crept forward, hugging the wall.

‘Police. Come out with your hands up. You’re surrounded.’

A dark figure emerged from between the seats, dragging a smaller shape with him. Eyes adjusting to the dimness, Matt could see it was Kathy. ‘This isn’t going to help you, Vinny.’

‘Nor you, bastard.’

As Vinny swung Kathy around, Matt caught the glint of gunmetal. Bloody hell, so it was true. Armed Response should deal with this, but it was too late now. Vinny was levelling the gun on him. Kathy appeared dazed and Matt could make out a mark across her cheek. Anger surged and he struggled to press it down in case it interfered with his judgement. He’d seen enough of Vinny’s handiwork. Loudly, so that Sam would hear, he called out as he moved forwards. ‘Put the gun down.’

Vinny laughed and moved backwards, dragging Kathy with him. ‘You’ll have to do better than that.’

Vinny gave a quick glance around and Matt realised he was edging towards the fire exit. If he reached it, he would kill Kathy and make a bid to escape. Matt took two steps forward.

‘Stay back.’

The gun straightened again and he stopped, held up his hands. ‘The building is surrounded. Give yourself up now.’

‘Not ’til I’ve sorted her out.’

Matt edged closer. ‘What good will that do?’

‘My boy will be avenged.’

‘And get you a life sentence.’

Vinny laughed and aimed the gun at Matt’s heart. ‘Then I’d better make it worthwhile.’

Matt could see Vinny’s hand tensing.

Although concentrating on the gun, Matt was aware of a figure edging along the top row of seats behind Vinny. Angela! What on earth was the stupid woman trying to do? That was all he needed. There was no way he could signal her to go back without giving her away.

Kathy suddenly cried out, ‘No!’ Taking advantage of Vinny’s attention on Matt, Kathy twisted out of his hold and flung herself on his gun arm.

At the same time, Angela hurled something that caught Vinny on the side of the head. It did little to distract him, but Matt used the moment to fling himself forward. The force threw them both to the floor. Desperate for possession of the weapon, Matt clung to Vinny’s gun arm with both hands. Vinny used his free hand to gouge at Matt’s face. As they twisted and turned, Matt felt Vinny’s hand tighten on the trigger. He bent his head as far back as possible as the shot blasted across his face.

Chapter 89

Eppie wished Matt could be in the empty seat next to her and hoped whatever he was working on would soon be finished. She tried to discount the small voice that suspected he might be using work to get out of coming to the Open House with her.

The buzz from the audience as they looked around the new theatre quietened as the curtain went up. The commentator introduced the first act, a lively dance routine from a local youngsters’ group, and everyone settled down to enjoy the show. The thrust stage meant that the performers were right amongst the audience and Eppie decided she liked it.

After the applause, there was a long break and people began talking amongst themselves until the commentator came back on the stage.

‘Well, ladies and gentlemen, we did say this was a test evening and unfortunately we seem to have hit a small technical problem and we have to ask that you retire to the lobby while we fix this. The staff are waiting to help anyone in need of assistance. Thank you for your cooperation.’

There was a collective sigh amongst the spectators but they took it in good part and began to filter out. Eppie rose to join them and soon realised this was more than a minor technical fault. The lobby was full with uniformed police who were ushering the crowd out onto the wintery Bancroft Gardens. She was glad she had kept her coat with her and pitied those who had checked them in.

Pausing to offer her scarf to an elderly woman, she moved as close to Waterside as she could only to find the road filled with police cars and cordoned off. What worried her even more was the arrival of two ambulances. Matt was bound to be at the heart of whatever was going on.

The ambulances stopped outside the Swan and she tried to get closer to watch as a stretcher was brought out. Pushing her way through the crowd, frantic in case it was Matt, she sighed with relief, until she took another look and realised it was Harry. He appeared unconscious and she wondered what had happened to him. The paramedics loaded the stretcher into one of the waiting ambulances and it sped away using lights and sirens. She had to find out if Matt was alright.

There was talk amongst the crowd of a gunshot. Matt wouldn’t stand a chance against that. Images of Matt already dead, lying covered in a coat or a sheet, swept through her head.

Chapter 90

The blast from the shot sheared across his eyes so he couldn’t see or hear. Knowing Vinny would be suffering the same effect, Matt tightened his hold on Vinny’s arm, knocking it against the rear of the seats to loosen his grip. Vinny brought up his left arm to push Matt’s head away. With a tremendous effort, Matt managed to roll Vinny over and pin him to the floor.

Powder residue blackened Vinny’s face and he guessed he looked the same. At least his eyes were clearing. Matt daren’t let go of Vinny’s gun arm. How long could they go on like this? They were evenly matched and each as determined as the other. Taking a chance, Matt released his right hand to land a punch on Vinny’s jaw. Although Vinny tried to move his head, it caught him squarely and his eyes flickered. In case he was faking, Matt hit him again with renewed force and felt Vinny’s fingers loosen on the gun. He snatched it away, sliding it along the gallery and out of reach.

Staggering to his feet, Matt was relieved to see Sam and Jane racing around the gallery, followed by several uniform police. He nodded towards Vinny in disgust.

‘Caution him and get him out of my sight. The gun’s along there somewhere.’

With the adrenalin evaporating, Matt let the weariness overtake him and went to the balcony rail, needing to get his breath and compose himself. Below, Harry was being taken out on a stretcher attended by paramedics. At least he was still alive.

Kathy. He had forgotten about Kathy. And Angela. Without them, he would be dead. Angela was talking to a PC further round the gallery. Kathy sat in the seats to his left, also looking down at Harry. She appeared forlorn. Matt knew it was his duty to arrest her and wished it could be otherwise. He moved to collapse into the seat next to her.

‘Thanks.’

She nodded towards Harry. ‘It doesn’t make up for him, or the others.’

‘No. Maybe not.’

‘I couldn’t let him hurt you too.’

‘I’m very grateful. It took a lot of courage.’

She turned towards him and he could see Vinny’s handiwork. He should get the paramedics to check her out.

‘You know what I need to do?’

‘Yes.’

‘I’m sorry.’ She nodded and he helped her down from the seats while quietly cautioning her and formally making the arrest.

‘What happens now?’

‘Let’s get you checked over by the paramedics, and then if you’re fit enough, DC Meadows will take you to the station and book you in. You’ll be interviewed later and can make a statement if you want to.’

‘Can I ask one thing?’

‘Yes.’

‘Could someone tell Pam? Oh, and let me know how Harry is doing?’

‘Certainly.’

Jane came forward to take her arm. Matt put up a hand to delay her. ‘Thanks again, Kathy. You saved my life.’

She gave a brief nod before Jane led her away. Matt sat down on one of the nearest seats and beckoned to Sam, noting how pale he still looked. Before Sam could reach him, a paramedic arrived and began placing wet dressings on his face and eyes. Not wanting a fuss, Matt would have liked to push the man away. Instead, he gave in and tried to speak to Sam through the gauze. ‘How’s Harry?’

‘Broken arm and collar bone, not sure yet about internal injuries. He should be alright. They’ll let us know.’

‘Good. Now you can go home.’ From the look on Sam’s face, Matt could tell he wasn’t expecting this.

‘Never mind me, I’m feeling fine.
You
should go home. Jane and I can handle this. She’s just texted to say Eppie is outside wondering what the hell has happened to you. Best you put her mind at rest. You can pick up the pieces and debrief in the morning. Besides, McRay is on his way.’

Matt had the impulse to laugh. ‘Someone’s ready to take their inspector exams.’

Chapter 91

When she saw Jane escorting a woman towards the remaining ambulance, Eppie shouted out. At first, she thought Jane hadn’t heard. The paramedic began opening the doors and she shouted again. On the steps of the ambulance, Jane turned, searching the crowds. Eppie waved frantically and pushed forward. Jane saw her and hesitated, said something to the paramedic and came towards her.

Reaching the police tape, Jane grasped her hands. ‘He’s okay. Don’t worry. The danger is over. Look, must go, have a prisoner. I’ll let Sam know you’re here and get someone to take you in.’

She hurried back to the ambulance, pausing only to direct a woman PC in her direction. Eppie breathed a sigh of relief, aware that tears were streaming down her face. A quick wipe of her eyes and she went towards the PC who held up the tape and waved her through.

‘If you would follow me, Mrs Turrell.’

‘Thank you.’ Eppie followed the PC into the Swan Theatre and Sam came to meet her.

‘Hello, Mrs Turrell. Please take your husband home.’

‘He is alright, isn’t he?’

‘He’s fine. Just looks like a chimney sweep, that’s all.’ At Eppie’s anxious look, he clarified. ‘The paramedic says he’s fine, no permanent damage. But he’s done enough for today and I can’t make him see that.’

‘And you imagine he’s going to listen to me?’

Sam smiled. ‘It’s the only chance.’

‘Suppose it’s worth a try. But, Sam Withers, if I get grief for the next month, I’ll come back to you.’

Laughing, Sam led her up to the first gallery. Eppie was too worried to take in her surroundings. Seeing Matt, she was relieved to see him looking more or less normal, just a grimy redness across his nose and eyes. She waited until he had finished talking to the uniform officers, before moving to his side, making sure not to embarrass him with the hug she needed.

‘Eppie.’

As he turned, she could see how tired he looked. The week hadn’t been easy: besides the fight, he’d suffered hypothermia, plus the loss of a colleague. She could see why Sam was concerned. He was running on automatic pilot.

‘Matt?’

He put out his arm to draw her in. ‘I’m fine. Don’t worry.’

‘Can you come home?’

‘There’s a lot to do.’

‘Sam and Jane can cope. You’ve trained them well.’

‘Come on, guv, it’s all paperwork and the boring stuff. Just take a break, get something to eat. One of us will report in every hour.’

Eppie could see Matt was weakening and applied the final incentive. ‘Steak and kidney pie, followed by apple and blackberry crumble.’

Matt grinned and gave in gracefully. ‘Give me five minutes.’

Eppie waited until he had gone to speak to the manager before high-fiving Sam. She was sure, when she got Matt home, fed and relaxed, he would see the sense of getting some rest. Angela was the last thing on her mind so she was shocked to see her walking round the gallery in the company of a PC. Eppie thought she looked rather pleased with herself.

‘You have a lot to thank me for, young lady. I’ve just saved your husband’s life.’

‘You? How?’

‘Oh just a well-aimed bottle of water. All those years playing tennis finally paid off.’

‘Mum, you’re making this up.’

‘No, she’s telling the truth.’

Eppie turned to find Matt behind her. He stepped forward to shake her mother’s hand while she watched, shocked out of all speech.

‘Thank you, Angela. You were a bit foolhardy, but what you did certainly helped the situation. Do you want a lift home?’

‘No, thank you. I have to go and make a statement and then Derek will be waiting. Don’t wait up.’

Angela went off with the PC and just when Eppie thought Matt was ready to leave, he turned back to talk to Sam. ‘Don’t forget you’re supposed to have someone with you tonight.’

Sam grinned. ‘I’ve got that well covered, guv.’

‘Clare?’

‘Spot on.’

‘Good for you.’

Giving a tug on his arm, Eppie led him away before he could think of anything else to worry about.

Chapter 92

It was a replica of her son’s funeral: the same elderly neighbours, the vicar, Mary’s brother and himself, this time on his own. The rest of the team were getting ready to say farewell to Grant, whose funeral was later today. Matt needed to be here for Mary. He’d tortured himself going over what he could have done to bring about a different outcome, to keep her safe. With everyone’s head bowed in prayer, he asked for her forgiveness.

Shaking her brother’s hand afterwards, Matt was at a loss to know what to say beyond the usual platitudes. As they moved out to where the flowers were on display, he was glad that he had sent a wreath that helped augment the sparse contributions. Not knowing anyone and keeping a note of the time, Matt stayed for ten minutes before making his excuses and leaving to make his way to St Mary’s Church in Warwick and Grant’s funeral. He’d heard from Lynne that she and Melli were attending and he wanted to be there to greet and look after them.

By the time he arrived, the top brass were already beginning to assemble. Briefly acknowledging them, he went to stand in the doorway of the church. With over a thousand years of worship, St Mary’s held a unique atmosphere, as if spirits from those thousand years lingered to comfort those in the present day. Not that Matt felt any spirit could console him today. Taking a deep breath, he moved back outside to wait for Lynne.

‘Inspector Turrell.’

Matt turned to find DI Fraser. ‘Inspector Fraser.’

‘A sad day.’

Hardly trusting himself to speak, Matt replied, ‘Yes.’

‘We did do our best, you know?’

‘Pity it wasn’t good enough.’ As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Matt regretted them, knowing how it felt when an investigation failed to save a life. He tried to soften the impact. ‘It was probably too late before you became involved.’

‘Maybe.’

‘Any luck with Harper-Jones?’

‘Not yet, although we did get close thanks to your whisky tip-off. He’s a cunning old bastard.’

‘That’s for sure.’

It was a relief when the cortège arrived accompanied by two motorcycle outriders. He waited as the Chief Super helped Lynne and Melli out of the funeral car. Matt thought they both looked overwhelmed and hesitated as to whether he should step forwards. Lynne solved the problem by moving to greet him.

‘Inspector Turrell, I’m so glad you are here. Would you mind escorting us?’

Matt glanced at the super, not wanting to tread on his toes, and received a nod to continue. As they paused for the coffin to be unloaded, Matt sought for something to say. Melli stood pale and quiet, appearing to be in a world of her own. Following the coffin up the aisle, Matt chose to sit next to Lynne, hoping that having someone else to support would take his mind off the fact that Grant was dead and this was the final goodbye.

Lynne remained dry-eyed throughout and didn’t seem to need his support. As always with funerals, the music brought feelings to the surface and Melli burst into tears at the start of the first hymn and cried throughout. The super had come prepared and offered his hankie while Lynne held her hand. Matt hoped this indicated their relationship was back on track.

As the service continued, he risked glancing round to see stony-faced colleagues, including Jane and Sam, successfully burying their feelings and turned back to concentrate on the elaborate carved pulpit. When at last it was over, Matt sensed the relief of the whole congregation.

Outside, as Lynne received condolences from the top brass, Melli dried her eyes and approached him. ‘Inspector Turrell, can I talk to you?’

‘Of course. What’s on your mind, Melli?’

‘I want to join the force, here in Warwickshire, like Dad.’

‘Aren’t you going to university?’

‘Not now.’

Matt paused. This sounded like some sort of grief reaction and he didn’t want to encourage her, even though it echoed his own choices. He was aware of Lynne’s anxious glances towards them and guessed she was aware of Melli’s decision. Choosing his words carefully, he led Melli away from the crowd. ‘This may not be a good time to make such an important decision.’

‘That’s what Mum says.’

‘And she’s right, Melli. You would be better getting your degree and then, if you still want to join the force, it would give you more choices.’

‘Dad worked his way up. I want to do the same.’

‘Things have changed so much since your dad and even I joined. The advance in technology alone calls for better-educated officers. And yes, there are advantages to working your way up, but if you were my daughter, I would recommend getting your degree first.’ Matt realised this was the first time he could understand where his dad was coming from. Could he have been right after all?

Lynne approached. ‘I hope you are not encouraging her, Inspector Turrell.’

‘Of course he isn’t. No one understands.’ Melli began to flounce away.

Matt reached out to stop her. ‘Hang on. I have an idea. You have nine months until you go to university. How about you keep your options open until then and, if you’re still keen, sometime next year I’ll try to get you a few days’ work experience.’

‘You’d do that?’

‘Can’t promise I’ll be able to swing it, but I’ll ask.’

‘No tricks?’

He wanted to laugh, already seeing an astute mind that someday could make an ideal member of the force. ‘None at all. I’ll send you some information meanwhile.’

‘Okay.’

‘Thanks.’ Lynne touched his arm as she followed Melli back towards the cars.

Matt wondered what Grant would have made of his offer. Maybe he wouldn’t thank him.