HIDDEN SECRETS (25 page)

“I’m sorry Kate, I really am, I wish I could turn the clock back and start again,” he attempted to reach out and touch her, but she backed away from him.

“Don’t you dare touch me,” she spat the words at him, but they were drowned by the sound of a phone ringing somewhere in the room. The phone was not visible, and Ben began search amongst the furniture and cushions, eventually discovering it under the sofa. Without looking at the screen he answered.

“Who is this?” he asked guardedly.

“It’s Pat. Is that you Ben?” his voice quivered.

“Pat, what the bloody hell have you done?”

“It was an accident; I promise you. He’s not dead is he?” Pat was whispering.

“Not yet, but he’s critical. If he dies

“I know, you don’t have to tell me,” he interrupted.

“If it was an accident, why didn’t you phone the police instead of running away?” Ben whispered.

“I can’t talk now, is it safe for me to come back?” Pat replied

“Where are you?”

“About a ten minute walk away. I’ve left the car in a disused warehouse,” he explained.

“You’ll have to come in through the back, this place is crawling with police, and they’re leaving two more at the front door.”

“I don’t know the way?” Pat continued to whisper.

“Go to the back of the hotel and turn left by the store room. There’s a flight of stairs that lead to the kitchen. Knock four times on the door and I’ll let you in; and for God’s sake don’t let anyone see you, o.k.?” the phone went dead.

“He’s coming back here?” Kate had heard the conversation.

“I didn’t know what else to say; he’s in a bad way.”

“So is Alex.”

Ben was unaware of Inspector Harper’s presence in the room.

“We need to cordon this room off now Sir, if you could make your way to another part of the hotel,” he ushered them towards the door.

Ben slipped the phone into his pocket and followed Kate out of the room.

“I’ll check all the doors are locked,” Ben spoke as Kate made her way up the stairs. Out of view, he watched as the lounge was sealed off, and the Inspector with the reminder of his team, eventually left the hotel.

“Ben,” Kate called from the hallway, “Are you there?”

“Yes, but I’m going down to the kitchen, keep a look out and phone me if you see anyone.”

Ten minutes later he returned with Pat, who was ashen faced and trembling from head to toe.

“We’d better get out of sight of the front door, follow me,” Ben led him towards Alex’s office, where he hoped they’d be safe.

“Sit down Pat. Do you want a drink?” he asked instantly regretting his words.

“I could murder one. I haven’t had one for over two weeks.”

“Perhaps a cup of tea would be better then?” Kate suggested.

“Is there any scotch?” he asked.

Kate searched the cupboards and draws until she eventually discovered a bottle of scotch and a couple of glasses.

“Will this do?” she asked.

“Thanks, will you join me Ben? I won’t feel so guilty then?”

“This isn’t a good idea Pat,” Ben pleaded with him.

“I just need one drink that’s all,” he replied desperately.

Ben filled two glasses and handed one to Pat, who stared at it before placing it in front of him at arm’s length. He had come a long way in the last two weeks, but now in his weakened state, his resolve deserted him as he snatched the glass and downed the scotch in one gulp.

“Fill it up mate,” he stared at Ben

Realising it was futile to disagree, he complied.

“What happened Pat?” Ben asked as he cradled the glass between his cupped hands.

“That’s what I keep asking myself. I thought he’d calmed down. He apologised and said he’d over-reacted. I was bloody relieved and sat down where you’re sitting. Alex was standing by the fireplace staring at me, he looked weird but I didn’t feel threatened. He kept on staring, then turned his back on me and left the room. When he came back he had something in his hand. At first I couldn’t make out what it was, but I soon realised it was a gun. I stood up and backed away from him, but he kept coming towards me with the gun pointed at my head. Then he started threatening me and ranting like a mad man. I tried to reason with him but he wouldn’t listen. When I attempted to take the gun from him, there was a struggle and we were on the floor,” he paused and picked up his glass, but hesitated before taking a sip.

“That’s when the gun went off,” he drained the contents of his glass, rubbed a trembling hand over his chin and looked up at Ben.

“I thought he was dead, blood was coming from his chest; he was motionless Ben. I panicked and took off.”

“You’ll have to go to the police Pat,” Kate spoke up.

“How can I? They’ll think I’m guilty because I fled the scene. They only have my word until Alex comes round; if he does. Even then, do you seriously think he’s going to admit pulling a gun on me?”

Pat’s phone was ringing and he glanced nervously at the screen. It was Danny Wilder, and he swallowed hard before answering.

“Hi Danny,” he paused and swallowed hard, “I’m in a spot of bother.”

Pat tried to soften the blow, but Danny was furious with him and picked up on his slurring.

“I’ve only had a couple. I have to go Danny, there’s another call coming in,” Pat had to lie to silence Danny’s ranting about misplaced trust, and leopards never changing their spots. But he was right, and Pat was incensed by his weakness. Picking up the bottle of scotch, he hurled it with force at the wall and watched as it shattered into tiny pieces. What remained in the bottle, trickled slowly down the wall leaving a stain on the carpet.

“I’ll fetch a brush and clean the mess up,” Kate left the room

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Its O.K. mate don’t worry about it,” Ben replied, as he carefully picked up the pieces of broken glass.

Kate returned with a brush and pan and trigger spray, and began to clean up.

“What are you going to do now Pat?” Kate looked up.

“I think I’ll phone the police and tell them what happened,” he replied after careful consideration.

“It’s the only thing you can do,” she agreed

Ben’s mobile was ringing, and he glanced at Kate.

“Christ, its half past two in the morning, who the bloody hell is this?” he snatched the phone.

“Hello,” he answered sharply.

Pat and Kate listened as he nodded and paced up and down the room barely speaking a word. After a brief conversation, Ben dropped the phone into his jacket pocket and turned to stare at Pat and Kate, who knew instinctively that something was wrong.

“What is it Ben; what’s happened?” Kate held her breathe.

Ben didn’t speak, but his expression was alarming.

“What’s wrong mate?” Pat asked.

“What’s wrong? You’re in deep shit mate, that’s what’s wrong. That was the hospital on the phone; Alex died half an hour ago,” Ben eventually got the words out.

“Oh my God Ben,” Kate cupped her hands to her mouth. Pat’s face drained of colour as he sank into a chair.

“Get up Pat, this place will be crawling with police in the morning, you’re going to have to get out of the way,” Ben pulled him roughly to his feet.  

It was three o’clock before Kate and Ben trudged wearily up the stairs. Kate paused outside her room and smiled at Ben. “Goodnight,” she said and turned the door handle. Ben took her hand, “let me come in,” he pleaded.

“Goodnight Ben,” she closed the door. 

Alone and cold, Kate was desperate to be with Ben, but her pride would not let her. If she allowed him into her bed he would assume he was forgiven, and she was not ready to do that, not by a long way.

CHAPTER 20

FRIDAY 7
TH
OCTOBER (MORNING)

“I’ve already told you Barbara, there’s nothing I can do about it. The police are here now I have to go;” she stabbed the call end button and dropped the phone carelessly onto a cushion.”

“I wish she’d leave me alone,” she moaned to Ben.

“I’d ignore the next call if I were you,” he suggested.

“I’ll be lucky to have a job to go back to at this rate.”

Three police officers were wandering around the hotel; one of whom was Inspector Salt and he was heading in their direction.

“I’m very sorry to hear of Alex’s death,” Inspector Salt addressed Ben who didn’t reply.

“I can’t believe it’s happened,” Kate replied sadly.

“We’re having trouble contacting his family. Do you know if he has any relatives in this area?” he asked.

“I really don’t know. There’s a brother in America; Sebastian I think,” Kate replied

“I don’t suppose you have an address?”

“No, but there might be some details in Alex’s office,” Kate suggested.

“I’ll get someone to take a look,” Inspector Salt replied.

“What about Stanley, he’ll be here shortly expecting to see Alex,” Kate suddenly remembered, as he appeared in the foyer.

“I’ll go and speak to him,” Ben offered. Kate watched as he delivered the devastating news to the shocked man, who was visibly shaken. Ben ushered him towards inspector Salt, who was anxious to question him.

“You have my condolences Mr. Austin, but this is now a murder case, and I need to speak to Patrick Hinds. Have you any idea where he might be?” he asked Stanley.

“I’m afraid not Inspector. How can you be so sure he’s responsible for Alex’s death?”

“We can’t, but we need rule him out of our enquiries. Of course this could be a burglary gone wrong, or a random act of violence, but it’s highly improbable.”

“I’m sorry I can’t help you. I stayed at the Harlington last night,” Stanley replied.

“Do you have anyone who can verify your whereabouts Sir?”

“Surely I’m not a suspect; Alex was a very good friend of mine?”

“If you can answer the question, we can rule you out of our enquiries Sir.”

“I stayed in room twenty five at the Harlington; I was in the bar until one thirty, the bar staff will verify that I’m sure,” he replied impatiently.

“Are you alright Stanley?” Ben asked.

“I’m shocked; who would want to kill Alex; I just can’t believe it.”

“I don’t know Stanley,” Ben placed a hand on his shoulder. 

“I’ll be in touch with you later; and if you do think of anything else, don’t hesitate to phone me,” Inspector Salt gathered his officers together and left the hotel.

As soon as they were out of ear, shot Kate spoke.

“He knows we’re not telling the truth Ben. We should have told him.”

“He’s calling our bluff that’s all. Come on, let’s go and find Pat.” Ben headed towards the door, but Kate called out to him.

“Just a minute Ben; where’s Stanley gone?”

“I don’t know he must have left. We’ll have to look for him later. We need to get Pat out of here before that bloody Inspector comes back asking more questions.” 

Pat was nowhere to be seen when Ben opened the cellar door and turned on the light.

“You can come out now Pat they’ve gone,” he called out.

Pat peered cautiously from behind the boiler with an anxious expression on his face.

“Have they gone?” he glanced furtively round.

“Yes, thank God, but I don’t think that inspector believes us.”

“You should give yourself up Pat. Tell them it was an accident; they’ll have to believe you. They won’t know that you’ve found out he’s died, will they?” Kate pleaded with him.

“I don’t know what to do,” Pat sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

“Someone’s coming. Quick get back behind there,” Ben pushed him roughly.

“Who’s down there?” Inspector Salt called out from hallway above.

Ben and Kate began to climb the steps, as the Inspector watched from the doorway.

“Oh it’s you two; I thought I heard voices.”

“We were just taking a look at the boiler; it isn’t working properly. I’ll have to call someone out to repair it,” Ben attempted to push past him.

“It’s probably the pilot light I’ll take a look at it.” Inspector Salt began to descend the stairs with Ben and Kate following closely behind.

“You do know it’s against the law to mess with gas if you’re not Corgi registered?” Kate warned him.

“I’m only going to look,” he opened the boiler door and stared at the pilot light.

“Just as I thought, there’s nothing wrong with it,” he stood up and turned to Ben.

“Now would you like to tell me what you were really doing down here?”

“That won’t be necessary Inspector,” Pat appeared from behind the boiler.

“Surprise surprise, the elusive Mr. Hinds.”

“Kate and Ben didn’t know I was here,” Pat tried to defend them.

“I’m sure they didn’t. That would be withholding information wouldn’t it Mr. Preston?”

Ben had nothing to say as the Inspector handcuffed Pat and escorted him out of the room. Following a call to the station, three officers arrived at the hotel where Pat was arrested and formerly charged with the murder of Alex Lawton. Electing to remain silent, he was led away.

“If I had proof that you two had been harbouring a criminal, you’d be following Hinds through that door,” Inspector Salt turned to Ben and Kate.

“Goodbye Inspector,” Kate called out to him as he turned and left.

“He must have watched us go down to the boiler room, the devious sod,” Ben frowned.

“He couldn’t hide indefinitely Ben, at least now he’s got a chance to tell the truth.”        

“Let’s just hope they believe him,” Ben’s mobile rang and he answered it.

“Stanley, where the hell are you?”

It transpired that Stanley Austin had left the hotel in fear of his life. The thought of his daughter being responsible for so many deaths was too much to comprehend. Anne may not have been directly to blame for Alex’s death, but she the catalyst that had bought it in to being. He went to pay his last respects to Alex at the hospital chapel, before leaving to return to his London home,” Ben explained to Kate.

“What a shame he must feel responsible,” Kate sank down on the sofa and yawned, she had barely slept, and the events of the last two weeks were taking their toll             

“I can’t take any more of this Ben. My heads screaming, I can’t sleep and I don’t know what’s going to happen to us. I thought we we’re happy,” she began to cry.

“Why did you sleep with Emma Lewis; wasn’t I enough for you?” her body shook as she sobbed.

Ben knelt down beside her and gently took her hands in his.

“I never meant to hurt you love; and I know this is all my fault but we can start again, I know we can,” he paused and squeezed her hand.

“How would you feel if it was the other way around Ben? Do you know how humiliating it is to know our marriage meant nothing to you?” she continued to cry.

“I’m sorry Kate, but I just don’t know how to put it right,” he pleaded with her.

“I could have lived with your affair; in time I would have completely forgiven you, but she was pregnant with your child; we’ll never be the same two people again.”

Ben stood up and ran a hand through his hair. He knew she was right, and the truth stabbed at his heart when he realised what he had done to her.

“We could move away, start again,” he pleaded with her.

“No matter where we go Ben, it’ll follow us,” Kate wiped her eyes. The old saying ‘everyone has a skeleton in the cupboard’ sprang to mind, only Ben didn’t have one he had army of them, and they had come out fighting. Kate’s faith and trust in her husband was gone forever. With his head lowered Ben walked slowly from the room.

***********************

Toby Lawrence was proving to be very co-operative whilst being questioned at length by several senior detectives. It became apparent however, that he certainly wasn’t the brains behind the organisation. Like most bullies, he was a coward when there was no one else to back him up; basically he was a dangerous liar. There was no doubt that Anne Parish was solely responsible for arranging and executing the majority of the murders; with the exception of Emma and Charles Lewis. There was no forensic evidence to link Lawrence with any of the victims and consequently, he could only be charged with aiding and abetting a criminal. He had however, revealed some interesting facts from which the police had been able to ascertain Anne Parish's whereabouts. Inspector Salt sent two police cars to the address immediately; but unfortunately she had fled. There was no trace of her at the address Lawrence had given, although after questioning her neighbours it transpired that she had left a few hours previously carrying a large suitcase. Her apartment was thoroughly searched by a team of forensic officers who took away hair samples, clothing, shoes and all her recent correspondence.

      Toby Lawrence had eventually admitted that she was planning to kidnap someone connected with Charles Lewis; but denied any further knowledge.

“You’ll never catch her Inspector; she’s always one step ahead of you, always,” Toby Lawrence smirked as he leaned back in his seat.

As he spoke Anne was heading towards the golden-stoned city of Bath with Glen Meadows as her unwilling passenger.

“Turn left at the next junction,” Glen instructed Anne.

“Are you sure; I haven’t seen a sign for Marshfield yet?” she doubted his directions.

“Just drive, I’ll tell you which way to go.”

“O.k., but if it’s the wrong way we’ll miss our target,” she warned him.

“Trust me I know where we’re going,” he peered through his mirror at her.

Anne turned left and drove a few hundred yards before she noticed a sign for Marshfield. Five minutes later, they joined the High Street which was lined with huge Georgian houses.

“There must be some big money guys living here,” Anne nodded.

“This High Street is one of the longest in Britain, nearly a mile long,” Glen pointed out.

“How interesting; it’s a pity your attention span isn’t the same.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“It doesn’t matter, where’s the school from here?”

“I don’t know.”

“What have you done with the bloody instructions I gave you?” she lashed out at him.

“In my pocket,” he flinched in anticipation of another whack.

“Well get them out you moron. I knew I was making a mistake bringing you along.”

Glen took a folded piece of paper from his inside pocket and quickly read through it.

“Turn left at the next roundabout and immediately left. The school should be at the end of the road.”

“What time is it now?” she asked.

“12.30.”

“Right we have half an hour before the children go into the playground. Remember what I said, you don’t speak unless I ask you something.”

“O.k. let’s just get on with it.”

Anne drove the car directly into the grounds of St. Gregory’s Junior School, and parked at the rear of the building, close to an exit. A sign above an adjacent door indicated the whereabouts of the reception area. Anne got out of the car and unbuttoned her coat to expose a dark blue nurse’s uniform. From the boot, she picked up a leather briefcase and with Glen following closely behind, made her way briskly towards the school reception. Behind a small desk sat an elderly lady, who looked up as they entered. A small badge on her lapel displayed her name - Molly Hughes.

“Can I help you?” she asked

“Good afternoon, I’m Nurse Margaret Adams and this is my assistant Mr. Owen Benson. We’ve had a report of an outbreak of head lice in a neighbouring school, so I’ll need to inspect all your children,” Anne explained.

“We usually have Nurse Chadwick, is she ill?” Molly asked.

“She’s on holiday, I’m a relief nurse.”

“Do you have any authorisation; we have to be careful who we allow into our school these days.”     

“Of course, Anne opened her briefcase and took out a fake identity card together with a letter of authorisation from the local health centre.”

“There we are, I think you’ll find everything’s in order,” she slid the documents across the table.

Molly read the letter and passed it back.