Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2) (7 page)

Chapter 19

Sam could hear the sound of banging as he approached the three-storey Victorian terraced house. Following the noise, he headed for the rear of the building down a narrow entry and turned the corner to walk into a cloud of brick dust. This didn’t seem to bother the burly man wielding a hammer to what looked like the remains of an outside privy. There was no doubt he was in the right place as a white van with the letters ‘Tyler and Son’
stood next to the skip in the untidy rear yard.

Sam waved his hand in an attempt to get the man’s attention. There was no way he was going to move in closer, not with that hammer swinging.

‘Hello,’ he said nervously as the man stopped to glare at him.

‘Yes? You from the council? We’ve got all the necessary from you lot.’

‘No. Police.’ Sam opened his warrant card as proof, noticing that the man was immediately wary.

‘What now? Can’t you leave the lad alone?’

Sam was relieved when he put down the hammer and began wiping his hands on his overalls. ‘Just a general enquiry, Mr…?’

‘Tyler. As you lot well know. The lad has learnt his lesson, I’ve seen to that. By the time he’s done a hard day’s work with me, he’s no mind for mischief.’

‘He’s not in any trouble, Mr Tyler. This is just a routine check.’

‘Suppose you’ll be doing these “routine checks” until he’s ninety?’

‘I think that’s unlikely, Mr Tyler. Especially as he seems to be turning his life around, thanks to you.’

Tyler grunted, but seemed pleased that his efforts had been recognised. ‘Left to that daft mother of his, the lad had no chance. Just did what he liked, no routine at all. This is what’s needed, hard work and routine.’

Sam nodded, wishing it were that simple. ‘You may have heard that Jonathan James has died. I just need to have a word with Nick about his death, Mr Tyler.’

‘I’d heard. Good riddance to bad rubbish, too. But what’s it got to do with my lad?’

‘We’re talking to all of the people who knew Jonathan in the past in an effort to find out how he died.’

‘Nick’s nothing to do with him since…well since you know what. I saw to that.’

‘I do appreciate that, Mr Tyler, however—’

‘Oh, have it your way. He’s upstairs, back bedroom. Don’t you go upsetting him mind. We’ve only got two weeks to finish this job. Time is money.’

‘I’m sure it will only take a minute, thanks.’ Sam stepped gingerly over the rubble of bricks to enter the shell of the house. He stood for a moment in the remains of the kitchen, to let his eyes become accustomed to the gloom, before making his way down a hallway to the front. The remains of the stairs were on his left and he climbed up with care, as there were no rails to hold onto. He could hear the juddering of a sander as he moved up and the air was thick with dust. Reaching the top, he could see a well-built young man wielding an industrial-sized sander on the floor of the back bedroom. Just as Sam stood wondering how he was going to get the young man’s attention, Nick twisted the heavy machine around and saw him. Turning off the sander, he removed his mask and stepped forward.

‘My dad’s downstairs.’

‘I’ve just spoken to your dad, Nick. It’s about Jonathan James.’ Sam watched as Nick’s body slumped.

‘It’s never going to go away, is it?’

‘Jonathan can’t influence you now, Nick.’

‘It was so bloody stupid.’ As if to emphasise, Nick kicked out at the sander, which shuddered under the blow.

Sam couldn’t help imagining how it would feel to be on the receiving end of a kick like that.

‘Mind if I have a fag?’

Sam nodded his consent and was glad to follow Nick down the stairs to the front door. Outside he took some gulps of clean air as he watched Nick light up. It had only been two years since he’d given up, and the temptation was great to beg a weed from Nick. Nick visibly relaxed as he drew in the drug.

‘I haven’t seen Jon since… Felt pissing sick by what we’d done, afterwards, when the booze wore off. Can’t blame everything on him, though. I was there, put my boot in with the others. Feels like it was someone else. Now I’m with Tilly. And, before you ask, yes, she used to go out with Jonathan. She didn’t want anything to do with him afterwards.’

‘When did you last see Jonathan James?’

‘Not since court. When I came out Dad got me working. Didn’t like it at first – he’s pretty strict. Think he feels bad for buggering off and leaving me and Mum. She’s alright, did her best. Guess I didn’t give her much chance. Took Tilly round the other night, told her she was going to have a grandson.’

‘Congratulations. When is the baby due?’

‘February. Gives me time to do up the flat.’

‘It certainly sounds like you have your life sorted, Nick.’

‘I hope so. Can’t take back what I’ve done and I still feel bad about his family. All I can do is make sure my kid grows up different.’

‘I’m sure you will. Thanks for talking to me, Nick. All the best with the baby.’ As Sam turned to walk away, he was aware of Mr Tyler standing watching from the front window. Nick Tyler was a lucky lad.

Chapter 20

The two years had made a difference and Kathy didn’t recognise Harry. In her mind, he would be hard and cold, the past etched on his face. Yet here was a young lad with an honest, open kind of face that easily broke into a smile. He worked with another young man to place the red plush chairs at the round tables. Kathy thought it looked like they were setting up for a wedding, as there was a top table and many flower arrangements waiting on the raised platform.

The other young man cracked a joke and Harry laughed. Kathy decided this couldn’t be him. Then he looked up, saw Kathy and indicated to the other young man that he was coming over.

‘Hello. Are you one of the family?’

Kathy looked puzzled so he tried again.

‘The wedding?’

‘Oh no. I was just interested in how it looked before all the finery is added.’ Kathy forced a laugh. ‘Actually, I was looking for the ladies’, but think I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere.’

‘That happens a lot. Let me show you the way.’

‘No need – if you just point me in the right direction that will be fine.’

‘Can’t have you getting lost again. If you wandered into the kitchen, the chef would probably chop you up for lunch. Those TV chefs have nothing on him.’

As Kathy followed him along the carpeted corridors, she was sure she had the wrong youth. Harry was one of the last tried and by then Kathy just didn’t have the heart to become even more disillusioned with the system. She’d only attended the one day and, seeing how it was going, couldn’t bear to go back.

Reaching the lobby, he turned to grin at her. His smile was spontaneous. Kathy couldn’t help smiling back.

‘The ladies’ is just down that corridor on the left.’

‘Thank you so much and I’m sorry to have bothered you. Can I ask your name?’

‘Harry.’

‘You should be on reception with that smile, Harry.’

‘Thanks. I have to do so long in each department so I guess I’ll get there eventually. But thanks.’

As Harry walked away, Kathy’s head was whirling. Harry shot all her expectations to pieces and was nothing like the boy she’d built up in her head. With
that boy
, taking revenge would have been easy, but Harry, cheerful, helpful Harry, was a very different prospect.

Kathy had persuaded herself she was a cold, hard woman but now she wondered if she could carry on with her plan. Dizzy with the shock, she decided to have a cup of coffee while waiting for Ida. She would put everything out of her mind for a while and concentrate on the upcoming concert. Today she and Ida were going to look at costumes.

By the time Ida arrived, she felt calmer. ‘Shall I get you a coffee, Ida, or are you ready to order?’

‘Let’s order, shall we?’

Ordering over, Kathy blurted out, ‘I saw him, spoke to him.’

‘And?’

‘He seems like a nice lad. Not the sort…well you know.’

‘I told you he was a decent lad and I’m glad you’ve met him, as you’ll be seeing more of him soon. He’s coming to help us with the Open House. I wasn’t sure how to tell you.’

‘That’s why you pushed me into this?’

‘Forgive me, Kathy. I thought it would be better if you saw him, judged for yourself, before he turns up at choir. I’m sorry, dear, if that was interfering.’

‘No. You were right, Ida. I needed to see for myself.’

‘It was all down to that Jonathan James. He led those boys into what they did. Harry’s parents were horrified. But the young man is working hard to overcome what he’s done.’

Kathy felt sick. How could Harry overcome the fact that Jack was dead and three young girls were without their father?

‘Oh, Kathy, I’m sorry. I know Harry can never repay you, or your daughter-in-law and the children. But rather than going from bad to worse, like so many of them do, he is making an effort. Mind you, he has good parents behind him, not like that Jonathan James. He didn’t have much of a chance, did he? Not with a father like Vincent James.’

Emotions in a whirl, Kathy was confused. She could still justify what she did to Jonathan James, despite his seemingly difficult upbringing, but now she had seen Harry and liked him she wasn’t sure she could carry out her vengeance. Ida knew how much anger she still held over Jack’s death and Kathy realised this was her attempt to help her overcome it. However, Ida’s plan did put Harry where she could observe him and, if he deserved to die, then having him at choir gave her many ways to achieve this. For now, Kathy was relieved to move on to a safer subject. ‘Why, what did Mr James do?’

‘Don’t you remember that post office robbery, about four years ago, the one where the postmistress was shot and injured? The police said he led the gang. I’ve heard he’s been on the run ever since.’

Chapter 21

Matt followed Jane down the path to the neat townhouse, reminding himself he must get used to thinking and addressing her as Jane. The small communal front garden consisted of a square of lawn surrounded by bare flowerbeds. A smartly dressed young woman opened the door to Jane’s knock. With her coat over her arm, she appeared harassed by the interruption. Matt observed her as Jane introduced them both, flicking open his warrant card at the required moment.

‘Why do you want to see Dave? He hardly ever goes out so he can’t be in any trouble.’

‘It’s just routine, Mrs…?’

‘Pritchard…Julie. I’m Dave’s sister. He’s not well, you know. I don’t want, or need him upset.’

‘We are not here to upset him, Mrs Pritchard. We just need to ask a few questions about Jonathan James.’

‘Well, that will get him going for a start.’

Matt decided it was time to enter the conversation. ‘We’ll be as gentle as we can. However, this does need to be done, and the sooner it’s over the better, for Dave’s sake.’

Recognising the voice of authority, she gave in and stood aside.

‘I’ll call work, tell them I’ll be late,’ she said, leading the way into the living room through an arch off the hallway.

‘You don’t have to be here, Mrs Pritchard. We can take it from here,’ Jane reassured her.

‘It’s best I stay. He’s…well…here he is.’ She turned to address the lanky young man who stood at their entrance, TV remote still in his hand. ‘Dave, these people are police officers. They’ve come to have a word with you. It’s nothing to worry about and I’m going to be in the kitchen.’ She turned to Matt. ‘Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?’

Matt answered for both of them. ‘No, thanks, we’re fine.’

‘Okay. Sit down, Dave and let’s turn off the television.’ Mrs Pritchard took the remote out of his hand and flicked the set off before leaving through another archway to the kitchen.

Dave stood for a moment then sank onto the sofa, collapsing into himself, arms locked around his knees. Matt gave a nod to Jane to start. Dave would be more likely to talk to her, as he seemed to get on with his sister. As she went to sit beside him, Matt chose the armchair near the fireplace and sat back, not wanting to appear intimidating.

Dave looked at her. ‘Are you from the hospital? I don’t need to go back there.’

‘No, we’re police officers, Dave. Is it alright if we call you Dave?’

‘Yes, but I haven’t done anything wrong. Not like before.’

‘We know that. We just want to have a chat, see how you’re getting on. Are you willing to talk to us?’

‘Suppose so.’ Dave refused to meet her gaze and hugged his knees harder.

‘That was a bad time for you, wasn’t it, Dave?’

Dave nodded.

‘Do you see any of the other lads from that time?’

‘No.’ Dave turned his head away.

‘I’m guessing you want to forget those awful memories.’

‘They come back when I’m asleep, over and over again. Won’t stop. The pills don’t work. Nothing does.’

Matt became aware that Dave’s sister was hovering in the archway, so he stood up to join her.

‘Mind if I change my mind about that coffee?’ he asked, turning her towards the kitchen. It was obvious that she would have preferred to stay close to her brother but Matt smiled at her, giving her no option. She nodded and led the way into the smart, bright kitchen. He watched her as she prepared the coffee, knowing that she was intent on listening to what was going on in the living room. ‘You worry about your brother?’

‘Yes. Can’t help it. He’s been in a state ever since…since that poor man died. Do you know, I don’t think our Dave had much to do with…with what happened. He was always easily led by the likes of that James lad. It’s played on his mind, made him ill. Here in his head.’

She put a finger up to her forehead and Matt could see the tears in her eyes before she turned away to hide her embarrassment. He didn’t know whether to offer her his hankie, kept especially for moments like this, or pretend not to notice. Snatching a piece of paper towel, she dabbed at her eyes and turned to face him, trying for a smile.

‘I’m sorry. It’s just when I think how it has ruined his life. I don’t think he’ll ever be the same again. I worry about him all the time.’

‘At least he has you.’

Giving another wipe to her eyes, she added, ‘That’s the problem. I don’t know how long he can stay here. Ian, my husband, wants him to go. We’re trying for a baby you see.’

As she stopped to pour the coffee, Matt waited before asking, ‘That would be a problem?’

‘Not for me, but then, I don’t think Dave is dangerous.’

‘Ian does?’

‘Yes.’ Again, the pause, and he remained quiet while she gathered her thoughts.

‘Yes. It’s not just the original incident you see. He has nightmares and…and…gets these thoughts that he could harm someone else. I’m sure he wouldn’t, it’s just in his head, but Ian doesn’t want to risk it, and well, part of me can’t blame him.’

‘Does Dave see any of the old gang?’

‘No. He hardly goes out, except to the hospital group.’

‘Did you know that Jonathan James is dead?’

‘No, but don’t expect me to be sorry. He was always a bad one, used to get our Dave into all sorts of trouble, right from schooldays. And yes, I know Dave has a mind of his own, but I can’t believe he would have kicked that man to death on his own.’

Matt was inclined to agree but he needed to find out more about Dave’s thoughts of harming people. There was just the faint possibility that Dave had decided to finish off the cause of all his problems, although he thought it unlikely. Taking a sip of coffee, he thought of the best way to bring up the subject, aware also that Mrs Pritchard made no enquiry as to how Jonathan died. It was as if she read his thoughts.

‘How did he die, the James lad?’

‘It is uncertain at the moment but we think it was a drug overdose. Did the lads get into drugs when Dave was with them?’

She shook her head. ‘Nothing heavy, mostly grass and alcohol. The psychiatrist thought the grass might have affected Dave. Some people have long-term effects apparently. I wonder sometimes if he goes out at night to get some, although he’s not supposed to mix it with his tablets. I daren’t tell Ian though. You won’t tell him, will you?’

‘If Dave has nothing to do with Jonathan’s death, then no, certainly not.’

‘I don’t understand – you said that he died of an overdose?’

‘It looks that way. These thoughts Dave has about harming people, how do they manifest?’

‘Oh no. I shouldn’t have said anything. Now you’ll try to blame it on him.’

‘I’m just intent on finding out what happened, Mrs Pritchard, and, if Dave has nothing to do with it, in ruling him out.’

She gave him a long assessing look before continuing. ‘I only know about them because I go to him when he has nightmares. In them, he sees what happened over and over again…wakes up shouting. Then, while I’m calming him down, he rambles on about how he might harm someone. It could be anyone, someone he sees at the hospital, or in the street. It’s as if he doesn’t trust himself not to do it again. There’s nothing much I can do, except reassure him.’

‘Does his psychiatrist know of these thoughts?’

‘I’ve tried to get Dave to talk about them, but I don’t think he has. He’s scared they’ll say he’s dangerous and lock him up.’

‘It might be a good idea to have a word.’

‘It’s not that easy,’ she sighed. ‘Dave has to give his permission for me to talk to them.’ She thought for a moment. ‘But you are right. I’ll sit him down on a good day and ask him.’

Matt nodded in agreement. Finishing his coffee, he peered into the living room. Dave was talking in a low voice. He couldn’t hear, but Dave seemed at ease with Jane. Mrs Pritchard came to stand beside him.

‘It’s a pity she’s not his psychiatrist. He’s usually only with her for a minute. Probably gets no chance to talk.’

‘DC Meadows is the best.’

Just then, Jane looked up. She nodded before reaching out to thank Dave, who stood to shake her hand.

‘You can both definitely come again,’ Mrs Pritchard said.

‘I hope that won’t be necessary, but thanks for your help.’ Matt joined Jane in the hallway.

Outside, they waited until they were in the car before talking. Jane broke the silence. ‘I didn’t expect to feel sorry for him, but I do.’

‘Yes,’ Matt agreed. ‘Sorry for the whole family. Sister’s in a bind, as the husband wants him out. Can’t really blame him. Don’t think I’d want Dave around my new baby.’

‘Got something to tell me, guv?’ she teased.

‘God no. Still settling in together. And don’t you go putting the idea in Eppie’s head.’

‘Wouldn’t dream of it.’

Matt hadn’t really thought about it before. He and Eppie met and married within six weeks, but now he felt a sudden excitement. He could, no, probably would be, a father within the next few years. What would it be like to have a son?

She brought him out of his musings. ‘I don’t think Dave is capable of planning the killing of Jonathan. For one thing, he’s frightened of his own shadow and rarely goes out. His ideas of harming anyone are all in his mind. Besides, I can’t see how he would get the drugs.’

‘I agree. But he and his family have suffered a lot through his involvement with Jonathan, so I don’t think we can rule him out completely.’

They completed the rest of the journey in silence and Matt returned to thinking of his role as a father. It would be fun teaching him things, to get him playing rugby. But what about the sleepless nights? How would he or Eppie cope? And where would he sleep? The flat was just about big enough – according to him, not Eppie – for the two of them, but they would need more room for a baby. Resolving to talk to Eppie about waiting for a few years, he tried to push it to the back of his mind.

Back at the office, Matt gathered the troops together for a briefing, conscious of the need to get away early for the dinner party. He’d only just started when his phone rang. As it was Sam, he decided to take the call, indicating for Jane to take over.

‘Matt. No need to worry, but we’ve had a minor accident.’