Waves of Guilt, page 27
‘We found some prescription tranquillisers at Joe’s house, so he must have used those. They were a bit out of date. His doctor confirmed that he prescribed them after Maria’s death.’
‘Oh, well, at least David didn’t get them from a dealer,’ I said.
‘Also, I’ll return David’s laptop to you soon.’
‘Thanks. There’s no rush,’ I replied. ‘I suppose it’s all a bit irrelevant now, but did you find out anything else from the laptop?’
‘I did. I should explain that my superior wasn’t happy about me using police resources to look into this, so I had to ask a friend. I mean a friend who’s not in the police, so I hope I won’t get into trouble for it. I bent the rules a bit.’
I glanced over at Craig, who was listening as intently, as I was.
‘The night when Joe took you, I got a call from my friend who had been looking at the laptop. As I said, he had managed to recover the emails, and he had managed to locate the ISP of the internet connection Joe was using when he had sent them. It took him a while, so this was the last piece of information he gave me,’ Katy paused. ‘Joe’s earlier emails were sent from various public locations. The library, coffee shops, and so on.’
‘So, he never used his home Wi-Fi?’ asked Craig.
‘No. He was very careful. But he sent some of the later ones from the NatWest Bank in Canterbury.’
‘So, when I told you that Joe Fisher worked in a bank, you realised it all fitted together,’ said Craig.
‘Yes. It was all rather, oh what’s the word, superficial, I suppose at the time, as your neighbour had noted down the registration of Joe’s car and that gave us the information we needed. But when you mentioned Joe’s workplace, I realised he was the journalist and his motivation for taking Sarah.’
‘You just told me it was complicated,’ said Craig.
‘Yes, I couldn’t go into it all at the time.’
‘It all sounds fascinating how you can find all this out from a laptop,’ I said.
‘I guess it is. I can’t say I understand it fully, but my friend is an expert,’ said Katy.
‘Well, if you get any criticism, let me know, and I’ll speak to DI Bignell,’ I replied.
Katy laughed. ‘That’s nice of you. Hopefully, my boss will understand that I didn’t use any resources, and it wasn’t an active investigation. We didn’t know it would become relevant until Joe started to wreak havoc.’
Havoc was indeed an appropriate way to describe the result of Joe’s actions. I was catapulted back to my ordeal in the water, and I could feel my breathing becoming more shallow. I put my head back against the sofa and closed my eyes.
‘Are you OK, Sarah? We can stop if it’s too much for you,’ said Katy.
‘No, I’m OK. Just tired.’
Katy waited for me to speak and checked her notes.
‘Actually, I’ve just thought of something else.....,’ I hesitated. ‘I want to know, but at the same time, I don’t want to know.’
‘I’ll tell you what I can,’ said Katy. ‘It’s up to you.’
‘I know David downloaded the dark web browser, so I wondered whether he ever used it.’
Katy fumbled with her notes and appeared to take a deep breath as if steeling herself before answering. I could feel my heartbeat quicken. Should I have asked or let it lie?
‘It seems that David did use the dark web from time to time. There were a few searches on there, and he visited a few chatrooms,’ said Katy quietly.
I felt slightly sick, waiting to hear the answer.
‘The sites were connected with suicide and self-harm,’ Katy replied quietly.
I shook my head, and Craig put his arm around me.
‘I’m sorry,’ said Katy. ‘Despite that, I think we can be certain that Joe was complicit in David’s suicide. We can’t know exactly what was in your husband’s mind, but it’s possible that Joe increased his feelings of guilt and worthlessness.’
‘Are you OK?’ Craig whispered.
‘Yes. I had to know.’
‘There’s something else,’ said Katy. ‘Although I’ve already said that there was no reason to question the coroner’s verdict of suicide at David’s inquest, I did look again at the witness statements.’
I was afraid of what was coming next. The situation must have been horrific for anyone to observe.
‘I’m not sure whether I’m reading too much into this, but knowing what we do from Joe’s confession, it makes sense,’ Katy paused. ‘One of the witnesses said to David, “You could have killed someone.” Meaning that his erratic driving could have knocked someone over. But according to the witness, David replied something like, “It wasn’t my fault. I tried to tell them.” Which didn’t make any sense to the witness.’
I nodded.
‘The witness thought David was drunk and not making sense, but do you understand where I’m going with this?’ said Katy.
‘I think so. David was thinking about his time at QexChem, and in his confused state, he thought the witness was accusing him of harming patients,’ I replied.
‘I just wondered if it was a possibility,’ replied Katy. ‘I suppose it’s just one of those unfortunate things which may have been the final straw for your husband. Completely unintentionally, of course.’
‘You are probably right, but we’ll never know,’ I said.
Katy paused to let us absorb the last piece of information before continuing, ‘Is it OK to carry on?’
We both nodded.
‘So, Isabella told us that her family had rented the beach hut for years, and when she was young, they spent lots of time down at the beach.’
I smiled, then suddenly remembered about it. ‘But it was empty.’
‘Yes. Apparently, they hadn’t used it since her mother died, and Joe had told her that he no longer rented it. It seems he couldn’t stop renting it because he was clinging on to his wife’s memory.’
‘Yet he never used it,’ added Craig.
‘No. I suppose just having it was a comfort to him,’ I said.
‘Or he didn’t want anyone else to use it,’ said Craig.
‘Yes, both are possibilities,’ said Katy.
‘But he put it to good use in the end,’ I said. ‘I’ve always been afraid of the dark, and being locked up as well was so awful. I could hear the wind and the waves, but it was.....’
‘Don’t upset yourself,’ said Craig.
‘We think he locked you in the hut whilst waiting for the high tide,’ said Katy.
‘Yes, I realised that. I knew Joe wouldn’t keep me in there until the morning. There would be too many people around then to hear my shouts. I’m just thankful that Joe had been drinking,’ I said.
‘And the drink contributed to his death,’ said Craig. ‘I was really struggling when I managed to reach him. I don’t think I would have had enough energy to hit him again.’
‘There will have to be an inquest into Joe’s death, but it will just be a formality,’ Katy informed them. ‘Both of you will have to attend.’
‘And give evidence?’ I asked.
‘Possibly, but it’s nothing to worry about.’
‘Any idea when it will be?’ asked Craig.
‘The inquest will probably be opened and adjourned this week. The police will prepare all the information and so on. Then it will probably be reopened in a month or so.’
‘Will Bella be able to organise the funeral?’
‘I should think so. There’s no reason to withhold Joe’s body.’
Memories from David’s inquest flashed through my mind. At the time, the circumstances of his death, though tragic had seemed quite straightforward. Perhaps if I’d thought more about those hours when he didn’t contact me, I might have been more suspicious. Even without my chance discovery of the memory stick, I felt sure Joe would still have come for me, and I would have found out from him about his relationship with David. As was always the case, there was no way of turning back the clock.
‘There was another item on my list, Rory Campbell,’ said Katy. ‘I’ll go soon,’ she joked. ‘We have charged two people in connection with his assault.’
‘Oh, what a relief,’ I replied.
‘One of them has admitted he was in debt to the same drug gang that we think probably killed Luke Shepherd. They thought that by beating up Rory, it would frighten him, and stop him going to the police.’
‘Excellent. So, Rory can put it all behind him now?’ I said.
‘Hopefully,’ replied Katy.
‘So will you be able to charge them with killing Luke Shepherd?’ I said.
‘Well, that’s more difficult. Possibly, but I can’t say definitely at the moment. However, we’ve taken a few drug dealers off the streets in this area,’
‘They’ll no doubt move on to another area,’ added Craig rather cynically.
‘Well, there’s not much I can do about that,’ retorted Katy. ‘The police can only deal with what is in their immediate area.’
‘Oh, no, I wasn’t criticising,’ said Craig sheepishly. ‘I just meant that it’s a scourge which is so difficult to eradicate. It’s like a having a bubble in wallpaper. You press it down, and it appears somewhere else.’
‘Indeed,’ replied Katy. ‘So, I think that about wraps up all I wanted to say. Hopefully, the next time we speak, you will be at home and feeling much better.’
‘I hope so,’ I smiled.
‘Right, I’ll leave you in peace,’ said Katy as she gathered up her papers and placed them back in her satchel. ‘Bye for now,’ she said as she stood up.
Craig and I sat in silence for a few minutes, absorbing all Katy's information. I snuggled up close to him and put my head against his shoulder. I felt tired and drained, but at the same time relieved that the police were finally tying up all the loose ends. Soon, I would be able to resume my life, and now I didn’t have to face everything alone.
Chapter 61
A week later
I could hear Craig welcoming Rory and ushering him through the house to the back garden.
‘Hi, Rory,’ I said. ‘Take a seat.’
‘Thanks,’ replied Rory.
‘Can I get you a cold drink? Coke, orange juice, water?’ asked Craig.
‘Oh, coke, please. Thank you,’ replied Rory.
I could see he looked nervous and embarrassed, and he was wringing his hands in front of him.
‘Sorry,’ he said as he sat down catching the table with his foot. ‘How are you feeling, Mrs Needham?’
‘Much better thanks. I’m still a bit weak, but I’ll recover. I’m having the stitches out of my arm in a few days.’
Craig brought out a coke for Rory and topped up my glass with sparkling water.
‘And how are you, Rory?’ I asked.
‘Oh, fine. My scan was OK, so I can just forget about things. I don’t think I’ll need to go to the hospital again.’
‘That’s great news,’ I said.
‘I was such an idiot. I can’t believe how I got involved in it all.’
‘Well, thanks to you, the police have broken up a big drugs ring. You should remember that.’
Rory looked unconvinced. ‘I should have tried harder to stop Luke getting in so deep,’ he said. ‘I miss him. We’d known each other since primary school.’
‘It must be hard for you, but in time, the memories will get less painful. Believe me. I’m speaking from experience,’ I counselled.
Rory gave a wry smile and drank his coke. ‘Luke could have gone to Oxford. He wanted to be a doctor. It’s so sad,’ he said, gazing past me at the garden.
I glanced over at Craig for help. It was clear that Rory would need some professional help, and I wondered whether his parents were arranging anything.
‘So, how are you passing the summer break?’ said Craig.
‘Oh, this and that. I’ve been doing the garden for my Dad and washing his car, that sort of thing. I applied for some shop work, but I’ve not got anything so far.’
‘Would you like to do some work with me?’ asked Craig. ‘I’m afraid I can’t pay you much, but it would be something for your CV.’
‘Oh, really?’ said Rory. ‘I’ve not got a car, though. Where you are based?’
‘If you’ve got a computer, you can do it from home.’
‘Yes, I’ve got a laptop,’ replied Rory, his mood suddenly brightening.
‘Great. Well, I need someone to do a bit of research for an article I’m writing.’
‘Wow! Yes, please. I’d love that.’ He turned to me and gave me a beaming smile.
‘I also do a science blog, so I need to keep up with the current news about what’s happening in pharma, that sort of thing.’
‘Sounds brilliant!’ said Rory. ‘Thank you. Thank you so much.’
I nodded at Craig, and we both smiled. Craig would probably have to simultaneously do most of the research, but it hardly mattered. We had chatted it through together and decided that Rory deserved some good fortune after recent events. He was a good student whose loyalty to his friend had been exploited. He had lacked the maturity to make a difficult decision, and the shadow of his friend’s death would dog him for some while to come. I knew how hard that was, and I was much older with many more life experiences. If we could give Rory a bit of relief from his anguish, it was the least we could do, and I was so pleased to see his reaction to Craig’s offer.
**
We were awaiting Bella’s arrival.
‘God, I feel like I’m interviewing for “The Apprentice,” said Craig, looking at his watch.
‘Shut up!’ I chided. ‘It’s not funny.’
‘Sorry. I wonder whether we should have arranged Rory and Bella on different days. This is going to be so stressful,’ said Craig, rubbing his hand over his hair.
‘You can go out if you want. I’ll be OK.’
‘No, I want to stay. Besides, isn’t she young and attractive?’
‘Yes, and I doubt she wants a sugar daddy, so please don’t sit with your tongue hanging out.’
‘I only have eyes for you,’ replied Craig.
‘You are such a poor liar,’ I replied, shaking my head.
The doorbell rang. ‘I’ll go,’ said Craig. ‘I’m the butler after all.’
I was pleased that Katy had acted as a go-between, and Bella had accepted my invitation to visit me. She was another young victim, slightly older than Rory, but now without the support of either of her parents. Craig had predicted that she wouldn’t want to come, but I had remained hopeful. Perhaps I could help her through her difficult time.
Bella walked slowly out to greet me. Her shoulders were hunched, and her features looked pinched. ‘Mrs Needham,’ she said almost in a whisper.
‘Sarah, please. And take a seat. Coffee, tea, soft drink?’
‘Tea, please,’ she replied, coughing slightly.
Craig went to make the drinks once more.
‘I’m so sorry about what happened,’ Bella began. ‘I just can’t get my head around it.’
‘I didn’t ask you here to apologise. I wanted to find out if there’s anything I can do to help you.’
‘Help me?’ said Bella. ‘But Dad tried to kill you. Why would you want to help me?’
‘What your Dad did is nothing to do with you, and I don’t bear you any grudges. I’m so sorry that you have lost both your parents and I wanted to know how you are managing.’
‘Well, my grandparents, on Mum’s side, want me to move in with them, but I’m not sure. I’m twenty, not a child.’
‘Are they local?’
‘Yes, in Canterbury. I’ve been staying with them recently, whilst....,’ she paused. ‘Well, whilst the police have been at the house. But I’m moving back home next week. Thank you,’ she said as Craig brought out the tea.
I noticed Bella’s hands trembling as she picked up a mug.
‘Biscuit?’ asked Craig.
‘No thanks,’ replied Bella.
We sipped our drinks in silence for a few moments.
‘I want to go to university, and go into teaching,’ said Bella, unprompted.
‘That’s great!’ I replied.
‘I didn’t get very good A level grades, so I got a job, but now I’d like to see whether I can get on to a course somewhere.’
‘Well, if you need any help with your application or any advice, I might be able to help you,’ I offered.
‘That’s very nice of you,’ smiled Bella. ‘I’ll remember that.’
‘I’m pleased you were happy to come and see me,’ I said. ‘Have you spoken to Laura?’
‘On the phone a couple of times. She’s nice. My Dad used her, and I feel sorry for her.’
‘I’m sure she will be OK. I’m going to see her in a couple of days,’ I replied.
‘Your garden looks lovely,’ said Bella. ‘Fortunately, ours is only small. I don’t know anything about plants.’
‘Sarah gets a gardener in,’ joked Craig. ‘She doesn’t either!’
‘Don’t listen to him,’ I said. ‘He thinks he’s so funny.’
Bella’s face broke into a smile, and some of the tension lifted. The encounter hadn’t been as tense as I had feared, and the rest of our conversation centred around more general matters. Bella stayed for another half an hour or so, and then Craig and I were left alone with plenty to think about after our two young visitors that day.
Chapter 62
The next day
‘Laura. How are you?’
‘Sarah,’ was all she could manage, her voice breaking and her face crumpling.
I patted the sofa next to me, and Craig disappeared into the kitchen to make some tea, which seemed to be his regular job at the moment.
‘Sorry, I can’t stop bursting into tears,’ she sobbed.
I pushed myself up from my cushions and held out my arms to Laura. We’d never been demonstrably affectionate, a slight peck on the cheek sufficing when we met up, but recent events had been so dreadful that we both needed the comfort of a friendly hug.
Craig appeared in the doorway, but I shook my head at him, mouthing five minutes as I continued to hold Laura and stroke her hair.
