Waves of Guilt, page 19
‘We both did,’ I replied.
Craig’s jaw was set in a stern grimace, and his leg was jiggling up and down. I’d noticed this mannerism many years ago, but I’d not seen it recently. Perhaps he hadn’t been stressed enough up until now?
‘Are you OK?’ I asked Craig.
He glanced down at his leg, and stopped moving it. ‘I’m still concerned about the vandalism here. The thing is, I’d feel happier if I could stay here all the time, but tomorrow I need to go back to Canterbury as I’m having my gas boiler serviced in the morning, and I’ve got another dental appointment in the afternoon.’
‘Oh, no, another dental appointment.’
‘Yes, it’s this blasted molar. It’s still a bit painful. Then, the next day, I’ve got to go up to London as Clare has called a team meeting for all her contributors. I’ve already bought my train ticket from Canterbury, but I could buy another ticket for the Broadstairs to Canterbury part.’
‘Craig, it’s fine. Really.’
‘Well, I don’t think it’s fine. How can it be fine when things keep happening here?’
‘Sorry. I don’t mean it’s fine, I just mean I’ll be OK.’
Craig was looking at the calendar on his phone, ‘No, I need to stay at my flat on Thursday night as I’m dropping my car off for service before I go to London on Friday.’
‘You’re very busy at the moment. You don’t need to act as my minder as well.’
‘Well, you must promise you will be careful, and the minute anything happens, I want to hear about it, OK?’
‘I promise. So, what about the weekend? Will you be able to come over?’
‘Of course, I will. I might have to do a bit of work, but I’ll be here.’
‘Friends?’ I asked.
‘Come here,’ said Craig.
Chapter 40
Margate Police Station
‘Come in!’ shouted DI Bignell without looking up from his computer. He continued to type slowly. ‘Be with you in two seconds, take a seat,’ he said, glancing up at DS Forbes. ‘I hope it’s good news as I’m having a pig of a day so far.’
Katy steeled herself. She had great respect for her superior, but he could be unbearable when he was in a bad mood. Today, he looked particularly drawn, and a faint sheen of sweat was clearly visible on his forehead, despite his office feeling pleasantly cool to Katy.
DI Bignell hit a key with unnecessary force, waited a few seconds, presumably to be sure that his document had been saved on the system, then lolled back in his seat. ‘So, you are going to brighten my day with good news?’
‘Well, we are making progress,’ replied Katy. We’ve found some CCTV from a shop on the high street which picks up Rory Campbell’s assault. We’ve arrested one of them, Karl Weeks but there are two others. He’s not given us their names yet.’
‘Ah, our old friend Karl. He’s often visiting us here.’
‘He knows the system, that’s true,’ said Katy.
‘See, I knew you would brighten my day!’
Katy smiled.
‘Can we do Weeks for drugs offences as well?’ asked DI Bignell.
‘Not at the moment. We can’t find any stash at his house. He claims he beat up Rory as he owed some money to someone. He won’t give any names.’
‘Oh, he will. Throw the book at him. He’s a menace. I seem to remember he started offending when he was fourteen?’
‘Around then. He spent a year in a young offenders institution.’
‘I’m free this afternoon, so I can have a word with him. Perhaps that might help. I can be very persuasive.’ DI Bignell grinned at Katy.
Katy felt herself relax slightly. It was good to see her superior officer’s good nature return.
‘One of the other ones could be Finley Gladwell, but the image isn’t that clear,’ continued Katy.
DI Bignell pinched the bridge of his nose. ‘They were partners in crime before, weren’t they?’
‘Yes, they worked as a double act, shop-lifting from various small shops and newsagents.’
‘Have you spoke to Gladwell?’
‘We’ve been to his flat, but he’s not there. Enquiries are ongoing.’
‘God, what a family. I seem to remember his father’s got form?’
‘Yes, receiving stolen goods, but he’s not been in jail for a while.’
‘It doesn’t mean he’s been a good boy, though, does it? Try leaning on him. There’s no doubt some dodgy goods in his house.’
‘Probably. The road where they live has a reputation for that sort of thing.’
‘It certainly does. I remember that they often nicked from each other. Someone got a new TV, and then the neighbours would break in a few days later and acquire it.’ DI Bignell made inverted comma signs around the word acquire. ‘So, any current buddies of Weeks who might be able to help us?’
‘A couple. I’ll keep you posted.’
DI Bignell drained the rest of the water out of his plastic bottle and wiped his forehead with his hand. ‘Fucking aircon is crap in this building. I’m going to phone up maintenance about it.’ The temperature seemed fine to Katy, but her superior was often complaining about feeling too hot. ‘I got Carly to complain, but she’s too nice to them. They just fobbed her off with some excuse.’
‘Sir, I wanted to run something else by you.’
‘Sure.’
‘I know there might not be a lot in this, but I just wanted to chat it through with you.’
‘Go ahead.’
‘Well, Sarah Needham phoned me because her house was vandalised.’
‘Badly?’
‘Well, she had a broken window. So, I wondered whether someone is targeting her.’
DI Bignell was frowning. ‘I’m not following you.’
‘Well, it’s just that she was the one who persuaded Rory Campbell to come in and tell us about the drugs operation. His phone was stolen, and her details would have been on it.’
‘So, you think that our drugs gang would take the trouble to find his private tutor and break her window?’
‘It’s possible.’
‘But not very probable.’
‘All I’m saying is that Sarah Needham is very worried. I could tell that from her voice. Also, someone might have scratched her car at the same time.’
‘Might have?’
‘Well, there is a big scratch along the side, but she’s not sure whether it happened on the same night as the broken window.’
DI Bignell moved his head from side to side and massaged his neck muscles as he considered the latest piece of information.
He sighed. ‘You’ve said yourself that you don’t have much evidence and it’s all getting a bit removed from Rory who gave information about the drug gang. Reprisals are normally directed at the immediate circle of people involved.’
‘But there is a connection,’ persisted Katy.
‘OK, so let’s assume there’s a connection. So, what are you suggesting?’
‘Well, there’s no CCTV where Sarah lives.’
‘Sarah, eh? Very pally aren’t you?’
‘There’s no CCTV, but I wondered whether we could ask the patrols to make some regular visits to her road?’
‘No chance. We haven’t enough evidence. Have you checked whether there have been any other incidents of vandalism in Mrs Needham’s road?’
‘According to Sarah, Mrs Needham, someone interfered with a plant pot, and there was some damage to a shrub, but on that occasion, hers wasn’t the only house where something had happened.’
DI Bignell raised his eyebrow. ‘So, there’s only the incident of the broken window and scratched car?’
‘Yes, but it’s the first time anything like that has happened to her in Burlam Avenue. It’s a very good area.’
‘But these things do happen.’
‘The thing is, I think she might be at risk of further reprisals.’
‘Well, I don’t,’ replied DI Bignell abruptly. He got up from his chair and went to look out of the window. Katy could see a small damp patch on his shirt at the base of his spine. As if he was reading her thoughts, he again muttered something about the aircon not working properly.
A few years ago, their working relationship had been so solid and close that Katy felt that it could have developed into something more. However, Aaron Bignell had shown no signs of wanting to be unfaithful to his wife, and thus there remained a respectful distance between them. Recently though, Katy had found him irritable and cold towards her. He seemed to have changed completely, yet had given no clues about anything going on in his private life which might be behind his change in character.
DI Bignell turned around to face Katy, and she met his gaze directly, not wanting to appear intimidated by him. ‘I need to say this, and I want you to listen. We’ve worked together for a few years now, and I’ve great respect for you as a detective. You’ve done some good work and shown a lot of initiative.’
Katy remained silent. She knew that following these words of praise there was going to be some harsh criticism. She could read it across his face. Almost as if subtitles were scrolling across it. She clasped her hands together to stop them trembling.
‘You do seem to be developing an obsession with Mr and Mrs Needham. Firstly, you want to start raking up the details of David Needham’s suicide despite the inquest being satisfied, and now, you are linking a broken window at his wife’s with Rory Campbell’s assault.’
‘Sir,’ replied Katy.
‘I hope you haven’t been wasting any time on a wild goose chase, just to satisfy your interest in the Needhams?’
‘No, sir.’
‘We aren’t here to offer counselling services, DS Forbes. Don’t you think we have enough to do?’
‘I understand, sir,’ she replied.
‘Well, that’s good. I realise I might sound critical and harsh, but I believe it’s good advice, and you would do well to reflect on what I’ve said. I’d hate you to throw away a promising career by getting side-tracked.’
‘Thank you, sir,’ replied Katy. The words stuck in her throat, but there was nothing to be gained by indulging in an argument with her boss. If anything, she had got off lightly. From his moods of late, she had fully expected him to shout and rail at her, using her as a verbal punchbag.
‘So, I suggest you get on with tracing Gladwell. Someone must know where he is.’
‘I will, sir.’
Katy stood and walked to the door. She felt like slamming it but instead closed it carefully as she took some deep breaths and made her way back to her desk.
Chapter 41
After a depressing week and several nights on my own, it felt good to have Craig’s company again at the weekend. The previous day, I had accepted a quote for a replacement front window pane, sent off a claim to my insurance, and had arranged for someone to repair the scratch on my car in a couple of weeks. Therefore, I felt that I had made good progress in returning my life to its ordered state. Yet, there was one issue which was still bugging me, and that was Laura and her relationship with Joe.
Craig was exhausted after his busy week and his trip to London, so I let him sleep in whilst I made an early trip to Waitrose, although I didn’t tell him which shop I was visiting. It didn’t take me long to find what I needed, then I headed to the checkouts.
‘Good morning,’ said the assistant, Isabella as she began to scan my items.
‘Lovely weather today,’ I replied. ‘Are you stuck in here all day?’
‘Yes, unfortunately. Until six.’
‘Oh, poor you!’
‘Well, I’m used to it,’ she said, smiling.
I paid for my shopping and pushed my trolley over to my car. When I got home, I knew what I needed to do. I simply couldn’t put it off any longer.
**
‘Here, let me take those,’ said Craig emerging from the kitchen as I opened the front door.
‘Thanks. There’s one more bag.’
‘I was shattered,’ said Craig. ‘I’ve only been up for five minutes.’
‘That’s OK, you needed it. I’ll put these things away, then I’ll make some coffee.’
‘I’ll do it,’ said Craig. ‘Do you want toast or anything?’
‘I’ve brought some croissants. Let’s have those for a treat.’
‘You’re spoiling me again,’ laughed Craig.
We sat at the kitchen table, eating our croissants and drinking coffee.
‘Oh, I needed that,’ I said. ‘More coffee?’
‘Why not?’ said Craig.
I could tell Craig was observing me closely.
‘Are you OK?’ he asked. ‘Your shoulders are all hunched.’
‘Oh, yes, I’m OK, but before we do anything else this weekend, I’m going to phone Laura.’
Craig opened his mouth to speak, but I interrupted him, ‘I’m going to phone her, otherwise, I’m going to be worrying about it all weekend.’
‘I was going to say that I think you should. You wouldn’t be a good friend if you didn’t discuss your concerns.’
‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.’
‘You didn’t. It’s fine.’
‘I’ll phone her and then I promise that I won’t mention it again. I realise she might not take it well, but that’s up to her.’
‘Good,’ replied Craig. ‘I know it’s important to you.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Well, I’ll give you some space. I’ll go upstairs and check my emails.’
I cleared the table and picked up my phone, hoping I’d made the right decision.
**
‘Hi, Sarah. This is a nice surprise!’ said Laura, sounding slightly breathless.
‘Oh, Laura, is this a good time? You sound like you are outside?’
‘I’m just leaving work, actually.’
‘On Saturday?’
‘I just popped in for a couple of hours as I had a bit of trouble with my remote access. I told you about that problem I had this week, well, there were a few things I needed to sort out.’
‘I hope you’ve made progress?’
‘Yes, we are back on track. So, I can enjoy the weekend now.’
Laura’s last phrase unsettled me. I knew that what I was going to say would doubtless ensure she had anything but a good weekend.
‘So, how are you?’ Laura asked.
‘Oh, fine, fine,’ before Laura could interrupt me, I pressed on, ‘Laura, there’s something I need to say. It’s not easy, but I’ve got to get it off my chest.’
‘Oh, no, Sarah, what’s happened? Is it to do with Craig?’
‘No, Laura, please listen, it’s about Joe.’
‘Joe? What about Joe?’
‘Laura, when we met up for lunch in Sandwich and you showed me Joe’s picture with Bella, I told you that I thought I recognised her.’
‘Yes, and I said I thought you were mistaken.’
‘Yes, but I’m sure that I’m not mistaken. I feel certain that Bella works in Waitrose. I don’t think she’s in France.’
Unsurprisingly, my last comment resulted in silence.
‘I really cannot believe I’m hearing this,’ said Laura, after what seemed an age. ‘You are accusing Joe of lying to me.’
‘I know I am, and believe me, it’s so hard to say this, but I’m worried he’s not being straight with you.’
‘Really? You are so certain of your powers of observation that you are determined to hurt me like this?’
‘I’m not trying to hurt you. I’m trying to protect you!’ Despite my determination not to get too emotional, my voice was becoming strident. ‘Laura, I want you to ask Joe more about Bella. Go to Waitrose today, she’s working there all day until six, and see for yourself.’
‘I am not going to do that because I think you are making this all up.’
‘Why would I do that? You are my friend!’
‘It’s a strange way to treat a friend,’ said Laura. ‘Are you trying to split us up? I knew you didn’t like Joe, but you lied to me and said you did. God, Sarah, I’m so angry with you!’
‘Please, just do as I ask and then chat to Joe. I really think you should!’
‘Well, I don’t. Bye, Sarah. We need to stop this before one of us says something we regret.’
Laura ended the call, and I was left feeling hot, stressed and thoroughly depressed.
Chapter 42
After my painful call to Laura, the day was a bit of a struggle. It was hard to stop thinking about my conversation and whether I could have explained myself better. Craig was very supportive, and I relayed our short conversation to him. As ever, he was pragmatic and felt that Laura would realise I was acting through the best of motives. I wasn’t so optimistic. As the weather was sunny and warm, we took a long walk along the coast, stopping off at a pub for lunch, arriving back home around 4 p.m. We both felt hot and sweaty, so we showered and changed and relaxed in the garden before dinner.
‘How are you feeling now?’ asked Craig.
‘Exhausted,’ I replied.
‘I mean about Laura.’
‘A bit better. The walk has helped, but I hope that it doesn’t mean that our friendship is over.’
‘I know. But think how you would feel if Laura’s relationship turned out to be a disaster like before.’
‘It’s just that after a conversation like that, you can’t help wondering if you could have handled it differently. Perhaps we should have met rather than just speaking over the phone?’
‘There’s no easy way to broach something like this. If it turns out you are wrong, then you can apologise to Laura.’
I sighed. ‘On balance, I know that I’ve done the right thing, but it was just a horrible couple of minutes.’
Craig gave me an encouraging smile.
‘God, it’s two awkward conversations with Laura, although she seems to have got over me accusing her of supplying David and Geoff with information.’
‘It’s possible Geoff got confused or misunderstood where the information came from. I mean, it’s a minor point.’
‘Oh, yes, I’m not going to pursue it with Laura. I’m hoping that Katy discovers something from her examination of David’s laptop.’
