The Cop, page 5
‘I hear what you’re saying, but I spoke to the woman face to face. She seemed sane enough to me.’
‘How long for? Think about it for a moment. How long were you actually talking to her?’
‘Well, a minute perhaps… two minutes maximum. We were standing at the open door. I didn’t have a chance to enter the house and speak to her at any length.’
Hodgson placed her elbows on the table, leaning towards him, holding his gaze.
‘Yeah, exactly, just a minute or two! Think about what you’re saying. You’re no more expert than me, Chris. You’re a working copper, not a social worker or psychologist. Do you really want to rock the boat on the basis of a fleeting first impression?’
‘The woman seemed frightened enough to me. I got the distinct impression that she was shitting herself the entire time she was talking to me. And the inspector was seriously pissed off. He made that perfectly clear. He didn’t want me there one little bit. He was quite intimidating, to be honest. I hadn’t seen that side of him before.’
Hodgson jerked her head back.
‘Look, Chris, I don’t know what part of this you’re not getting. You’ve got to understand that Mike’s had a great deal to put up with, the poor sod. I don’t know how he manages to stay as cheerful as he does. I don’t think I could handle the situation nearly as well as he does. I’d have walked away long ago. Most people would have. But he’s stood by her. He offers his wife what support he can despite all the hassle she gives him. He deserves a frigging medal. The last thing he needs is us poking our noses in and making things even worse than they already are.’
‘I don’t know, sarge. It just didn’t feel right. Cheerful’s the last word that springs to mind, not on that night anyway. There was a definite tension in the air.’
Hodgson pushed her empty mug aside, wiping her mouth with the back of one hand.
‘I don’t know what else I can say to you, Chris. I’ve explained the situation, but you don’t seem to be listening to what I’m telling you. You’re pretty new to the job. You haven’t got much experience dealing with this sort of thing. Take what I’ve said on board and leave it at that, that’s my advice.’
‘It’s a gut feeling and it’s nagging away at me.’
She glared at him, making her displeasure obvious.
‘Well, so much for a relaxing lunch. Thanks a bunch. We could pay Mrs Conner a joint visit to satisfy your concerns if you really think it would help. But it’s not going to do either of us any favours when you’re proved wrong. You need to realise that. People like Mike – they respect him. You’re not going to be the flavour of the month if you wade in again and give him even more problems than he’s already got. I can tell you that much. You’d be a pariah. The least popular officer in the division. But if you insist, if you won’t let the matter lie, I’ll be at your side, God help me.’
He blew the air from his mouth, his mind racing.
‘Come on, Chris, it’s decision time. Are we going to pay her another visit? What do you want to do? It really is up to you.’
Dawson shifted his gaze to the wall.
‘No, I don’t think so, sarge, I’m sure you’re right. I was sounding off, that’s all. You know, thinking out loud. If you’re certain there’s nothing criminal going on, I’ll happily leave it with you. You’re a better judge than me.’
Hodgson pressed a palm to her heart. ‘You’ve made the right decision. The inspector’s got enough shit to deal with without us stamping all over his private life. And it wouldn’t do Mrs Conner any favours either. She’s got enough stress in her life. She sees a psychiatrist for therapy on a regular basis. Mike told me that himself. Best leave helping her to the experts. That’s what they’re there for. There’s only so much we can do.’
‘You won’t tell the inspector what I said, will you?’
Hodgson looked the young probationer in the eye and smiled, making him wait. ‘Go and get me another coffee and I’ll think about it.’
‘Thanks, sarge, you’re a star.’
‘Oh, and buy me a jam doughnut if you want to seal the deal. This job can be gut-wrenching at times. I could do with a bit of cheering up.’
8
‘Woof, woof, Battersea Dogs Home.’
Kathy smiled as happy memories of times long gone flooded back. ‘Hilarious as always, sis, how are you doing?’
‘Where’ve you been? You haven’t rung for ages.’
‘Well, I’m ringing now.’
‘I’ve tried phoning you loads of times, but all I get is a “number not in service” message. I thought it might be some temporary fault, but I gave up in the end.’
Kathy nodded in reflexive response.
‘Yeah, Mike has changed the number again, ex-directory as usual. I don’t even know it myself. I couldn’t give it to anyone however much I wanted to, and that suits him just fine. It’s the third time he’s done it this year.’
‘And you still haven’t got a mobile?’
‘You have got to be kidding me. He’d never let that happen. Not in a million years.’
‘I’ve thought of visiting unannounced when he’s likely to be in work, but, well… you know what I’m saying. I didn’t want to risk it. Not after the last time.’
Kathy frowned. ‘Yeah, I think that’s sensible. He doesn’t always park on the drive. I think it’s a way of catching people out. He sets traps and then punishes me for the slightest reason.’
‘It doesn’t get any better, does it?’
‘No, it certainly doesn’t. Mike’s not an easy man to live with.’ Anna laughed despite the tension. ‘That has got to be the understatement of the bleeding century. He’s an absolute bastard! Difficult doesn’t even begin to describe him.’
‘Yeah, you won’t hear me arguing.’
‘So, where’s Mike now?’
‘At work, as far as I’m aware.’
‘So, it’s safe to talk?’
‘Yeah, the phone bill only arrived a couple of days back. I’ve got almost three months before he checks the next one. That gives me more than enough time.’
‘More than enough time for what, exactly?’
Kathy counted slowly to three inside her head, pondering her choice of words, unsure of how much to share.
‘I need your help, Anna. This isn’t a social call. I risked phoning you for a reason.’
‘Whatever you need. You only have to ask. You should know that. I’ve said it before. I’m willing to do anything I can to help.’
‘I’m pregnant again.’
Kathy could hear a sharp intake of breath from the other end of the line before her sister responded.
‘Are you certain?’
Kathy shuffled her feet.
‘Yeah, I’ve done a test. The bastard raped me. There’s no room for doubt.’
‘Oh God, that’s awful! Does he know?’
Kathy shook her head, eyes darting towards the window as a car horn sounded in the road outside. She stilled herself and listened, relaxing slightly as it drove on.
‘No, and we’ve got to keep it that way. I want to keep this one safe. And I’m going to do whatever it takes to that end. If I lose another child, it won’t be without a fight.’
‘Okay, so what do you need from me?’
‘You do realise that he’ll come after you if he finds out you’ve helped me, don’t you? He won’t let it go. He never lets anything go. He hasn’t got a forgiving bone in his body.’
‘Yes, I hate to admit that he had me conned for a time, but I know you better than anyone. I know when you’re telling the truth. I’ve tried telling Mum what you’re going through. I’ve tried convincing her what Mike’s really like, but she doesn’t want to hear it. She swallows every word that comes out of his lying mouth. It’s like he’s got her brainwashed or something. She seems to think the sun shines out of the bastard’s arse.’
Kathy closed her eyes tight shut.
‘Yeah, I’ve tried reaching out to her, but I never get anywhere. Mike’s a good manipulator, that’s the truth of it. He’s played Mum perfectly. But I’m not all alone with my problems, and I’m grateful. Just knowing you’re there makes me feel better. If it weren’t for you, I’d have given up long ago. I’m grateful I’ve got you, sis.’
‘Don’t be so daft. Of course, I’m here for you. Best friends forever. Just like when we were kids, you and me against the world.’ ‘I wish Dad was still with us. Things would have been different.
He’d have done something to intervene, made things right. And Mum would have listened to him whatever Mike said.’
Anna fingered her necklace, repeatedly revolving a glass bead between her fingers.
‘Yes, I miss him terribly.’
‘If only every man was like him. He had our backs. He always put us first.’
Kathy hesitated as the past faded.
‘Mike is changing, Anna – and not for the better. The violence is getting worse almost by the day; it’s escalating. And he seems to enjoy it more than before. He’s becoming more sadistic, increasingly cruel. The more pain I’m in, the greater my fear and distress, the more he seems to like it. It excites him as nothing else can. It’s what turns him on. It’s the only thing that turns him on. He can’t get hard without inflicting suffering. If I don’t escape soon he’ll end up killing the baby and maybe me too. It really is that bad.’
‘Jesus… has it really gotten that awful?’
Kathy massaged her bruised ribs, deep in reflective thought. ‘I’ve got to get out of here for good this time. To somewhere Mike can’t ever find us. It’s our only chance. If he finds out I’m pregnant and can get his hands on me… well, you know what I’m saying. I’ve explained what he did the last time. The child never stood a chance, and this one won’t either. He’d make certain of that. He’d do whatever it takes and not worry about the consequences.’
‘He seems capable of getting away with almost anything.’
‘Yeah, yeah, he does. He’s got almost everyone conned. No one else seems able to see past the mask. We’re the only two people who know the reality.’
‘What are you going to do?’
‘This is going to seem like a strange question, but are you still working for the Blood Transfusion Service?’
Anna rubbed the back of her neck. ‘Well, yes, I am, but what the—’
‘That’s what I hoped you’d say. I want you to take my blood, as much as possible and as soon as possible.’
Anna touched her parted lips.
‘Are you saying you want to donate? It’s laudable, particularly given everything you’re going through, but how’s that going to help you? Perhaps now isn’t the best time. You’ve got more than enough to worry about without adding to your burdens. And it’s best not to donate when you’re pregnant. Let’s talk about it again when you’re safe. How does that sound?’
‘No, it’s absolutely essential, Anna! It’s… it’s something I have to do. It really couldn’t be more critical. I can’t stress that enough.’ Anna jerked her head back.
‘Okay, if you say so. But Mike’s not going to like it. The last thing he’d want is the two of us getting together. Surely it’s going to make your situation worse, not better.’
‘This is something I need you to do for me, whatever your misgivings. I want you to come here to the house and do exactly what I’ve asked of you.’
‘You’re not going to change your mind about this, are you?’
‘No, no I’m not.’
‘Okay, when?’
Kathy’s posture slumped, a slow smile replacing a scowl. ‘Mike’s away on a course for two days from this coming Monday. I only know because he left the letter on the sideboard this morning. It’s my lucky break, my winning ticket. I’ve got to make the most of the opportunity while I can. This is it, Anna. I might not get another chance. We need to take full advantage.’
‘I get that you want to leave, who wouldn’t? But what’s the blood donation all about? You’re not making a lot of sense. And why risk it when you’ve got a baby on the way? Are you certain you’ve thought this through properly?’
‘Do you trust me?’
‘Of course, I do. It goes without saying. I always have and I always will.’
‘Then please accept it when I tell you it’s best not to know what I’m planning. No more questions, okay? Just do what I ask and leave it at that. It’s better that way. I’ll take care of the rest. You’ll understand when it’s done.’
‘This has got to be the strangest conversation we’ve ever had, but I’ll do what I can. You deserve to be happy.’
Kathy stared into the distance.
‘This is it. It’s really happening. And there’s no going back this time. Not once we’ve started. Are you sure you want to be a part of it?’
‘I’ve got no idea what you’re up to, but yes, I want to help. When do you need me there?’
Kathy punched the air in silent triumph.
‘Monday morning after he’s left the area. Let’s say ten o’clock if that’s all right with you?’
‘I’ll have to book some time off work. But, yeah, I’ll be with you at ten sharp.’
‘Please don’t come a second earlier. If he spots your car anywhere near the house, he’ll come back to check it out. And that would be the end of it. My plans would be in tatters before they’d even started.’
‘I’ll bear it in mind.’
‘Have you got everything you’re going to need? All the equipment?’
‘Yes, no problem, that’s not an issue, I keep it all in the boot of the car.’
‘How much blood can you take?’
‘It’s usually 460 ml per donation.’
‘What’s that in old money?’
‘It’s a bit less than a pint.’
‘How do you store it?’
Anna laughed despite, or perhaps due to, the emotive nature of the conversation.
‘This is a bit like being on Mastermind. Specialist subject, the Blood Transfusion Service.’
‘So what’s the answer, for one point?’
‘It’s kept in specially produced bags.’
‘And it doesn’t coagulate?’
‘The bags contain an anticoagulant. It’s not an issue unless the blood’s subjected to the air. And that’s not going to happen unless one splits open.’
‘Okay, so, how’s it stored?’
‘It’s just kept chilled. Nothing complicated. Why on earth are you asking?’
‘So, I could keep it outside at this time of year, yes? That wouldn’t be a problem?’
‘It wouldn’t be ideal, but yes… I guess so during the colder months, if you really wanted to. But why would you? Aren’t I going to be taking it away with me? That’s the usual routine. I take the blood, drop it off at the collection point, that’s the norm.’
‘Not this time.’
‘You’re planning on keeping it there?’
‘Yes, somewhere Mike can’t find it. It’s the only way my plan is going to work.’
Anna fumbled with the phone. ‘Okay, if you say so.’
‘Thank you!’
‘Anything that helps.’
Kathy cried out in release. Things were going her way at last. ‘I’m going to need a pair of those thin rubber gloves. I don’t know what they’re called.’
‘Do you mean surgical gloves?’
‘Yeah, that’s the ones I’m talking about. Can you get them for me?’
‘Well, yes, of course I can. But what on earth is this all about, Kathy? If you weren’t my sister, I’d be putting the phone down at this point.’
‘I can’t tell you. Please accept that. But I know what I’m doing. I’ve thought it through very carefully. I’ve got a detailed plan and I think it can work. It will all make perfect sense to you once I’m done.’
‘This is all getting too weird for words.’
Kathy held her breath. ‘But you’ll do it, yes? You’ll bring everything with you as we’ve discussed?’
‘I guess so if it matters that much to you.’
‘I can’t get away without your help. It’s as simple as that.’
‘Okay, I’ve said I’d bring everything and I will. No questions asked.’
Kathy stumbled back on wobbly legs, slumping into the nearest chair. ‘Thanks, sis, I’m truly grateful. Park well away from the house. That’s important! The old bloke living next door’s a right curtain twitcher. He tries to help. He’s phoned the police on my behalf more than once. But he’s best kept out of it given the dangers. He may even talk to Mike and give you away without ever realising the damage he’d caused. And don’t knock. He may hear you and stick his nose in. I’ll leave the back door open. Just come in quietly, and I’ll be ready and waiting. Understood?’
‘Absolutely, every single word.’
‘That’s good to hear.’
Anna raised a hand, brushing her fringe away from her eyes, laughing nervously. ‘I’ll see you on Monday morning, Kathy, even if it is the strangest request you’ve ever made. Is there anything else you’re going to need? Now’s the time to tell me if there is. It’ll be too late once I’m there.’
Kathy paused, her voice hesitant when she finally broke the silence. ‘There is one thing.’
‘Okay, what is it?’
‘I’m completely skint. Mike doesn’t allow me access to money, not a penny. I can order food online with his express permission, but that’s it. It’s his account, his card. If I used it for anything else he’d be quick to find out. I’d never get away with it. He’d beat me to a pulp. I hate to ask, but is there any chance of a small loan? I can’t think of any other way of getting what I need to get away.’
‘How much are we talking?’
‘Um, maybe two or three hundred pounds. Would that be possible? I can’t say when, but I’d pay you back as soon as I could. You know I’m good for it.’
‘How does five hundred quid sound? I’ve got that much in my Post Office account. It’s the best I can do without talking to Tom.’
Kathy beamed. ‘Thanks, sis, that would be wonderful. I really appreciate your help. I won’t forget this. You’re a lifesaver.’
