Treble Clef, page 18
part #8 of DCI Cyril Bennett Series
***
It was the chair that attracted Alan’s attention. Again, time and effort had gone into creating an authentic-looking electric chair. Behind it was a mirror set into the wall and to the right a narrow door. Along the left-hand wall ran a shelf on which were positioned a row of small figures. Each one was different and each perfectly painted. On closer inspection there was a gap. Alan realised why. Taking the ushabti figure from his pocket he placed it on the shelf.
Walking around the back of the chair Alan observed all the straps and buckles. They should provide a clue. The combination lock required four numbers. From behind the mirror two people watched carefully. The inmate had performed much better than they had ever expected.
“He could do this.”
“It’s this one that will take some thinking. When we put the countdown on the speaker he’ll panic. Watch, Christ, I would.”
Alan sat on the electric chair and allowed his eyes to scan every metre of the walls. It was then the tick of the clock began.
“One hundred, ninety-nine, ninety-eight…”
He moved back to the shelf and took hold of the ushabti turning it quickly and looking at the back. He read the letters L, E F, and T. “Each has a value in the alphabet. E is five, F, six so L is… twelve and T is worth twenty, so that’s twelve, five, six and twenty. The first and last both have a two, two positives make a negative… take those away…”
“Fifty-five, fifty four…”
“So, that’s one, five, six and zero.” He added them to the combination lock… Nothing!
“Thirty-two, thirty-one…”
Alan quickly reversed the sequence starting with zero and he was rewarded by the sound of the lock springing open. The countdown stopped at nineteen and it was replaced by the theme tune to “The Great Escape”. He pulled open the door to be greeted by a brick wall. His heart sank.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“So what happened when you got Drakes back to the house?”
“One of the guests was a doctor and let’s say, he was a very close friend of the Laird if you get my meaning. He patched him up and I was told to take him to his cottage and then return. On reaching the cottage it had been completely turned over, furniture slashed, drawers emptied. Nothing was left intact. What we did find was ash in the fireplace and a broken camera. They’d found the other pictures and burned them. I got him as comfortable as possible and then went back as per instructions. I was given an envelope, a big one.”
“For you?” Brian asked.
Tommy laughed. “I was informed that Drakes would be off the estate within twenty-four hours and if he were, then what was in the envelope was his on the understanding it would be enough to keep his mouth shut.”
There was a pause. Tommy kept screwing up his cap and then releasing it as if he were replaying the final moments over and over.
“That’s it? So what did he do?”
Tommy looked back at both officers in turn. “So he left. What would you have done?”
“Where did he go?”
“I have a brother, as you know, who lives in Richmond. I suppose we are brothers but… Anyway, I knew Drakes was fragile so I asked Colin if he could stay with him and his wife. They lived in a flat attached to his parents-in-law’s place. He’d pay his way but he needed a bit of support whilst we sorted out something permanent for him in the way of work and a place to live. He went there. Colin’s wife took a shine to him. He helped with the garden and brought in fresh rabbit and the odd game. She liked that. He’d prepare it for them too.”
“And you?”
“I got my marching orders and in place of a bung I was given excellent references and a couple of months’ salary. One of his new boys got my job but to be fair the Laird introduced me to my boss and I almost walked straight into the position. Managed to get Drakes in about six months later. At first he was only temporary but then he filled a role similar to the one he had before. He also got the lodge and before you ask, you can guess how that was paid for.”
***
The car pulled up at the end of the driveway to the campsite. The two officers watched as the figure walked past the Reception building. On seeing the police car he paused.
“Mr Drakes?” The officer approached.
Drakes stood. He held a small petrol chainsaw in one hand and it hung to his side. “And you are?”
“PC Livesey. I need to ask you to come with me to the station. You’re not under arrest at this moment but I still have to caution you.”
The other officer approached.
“Come to the station about what? Look, I’ve had a long, hard bloody day. I’m hungry, filthy and I need a piss.”
“We have time. Grab a shower and something to eat but make it quick.”
Drakes stashed the chainsaw in a metal cabinet that appeared bolted to the side of the lodge and entered. The officers looked at each other. “We missed that!”
They heard the shower run and one sat by the door whilst the other waited in the car ensuring Drakes would not escape through a window. Drakes rang Tommy.
The ringtone was that of a traditional phone and he stopped talking.
“Answer it, please,” said April. “We could all use a coffee. Sugar?”
Tommy nodded. It showed it was Drakes. “Hi. Where are you?” He listened to Drakes ramble on. He put the phone on speaker. “You’re on speaker. I’m at Harrogate cop shop talking about you. If they want you here, come. Let’s get whatever they want sorted out. The last thing you need is to lose your job and if you’ve done nothing wrong then there’s nothing to worry about.”
***
The door he had come through to enter the execution room opened and the noise startled Alan, but not as much as the pop of the champagne cork leaving the bottle and crashing against the ceiling. Alan looked at the man holding the bottle. It was the same man who had given him the ushabti figure in the pub. He bowed to Alan. “Bravo, young man. I have to say you left us breathless. Your secular knowledge is most impressive.” He handed the bottle to Alan, left the room and returned with three glasses and a small silver trophy on a tray. Taking the bottle, he filled the trophy first and then the glasses.
“Now, before we celebrate your escape I want to introduce you to the man who created it all, designed the sets, painted them and devised the way you were brought here. Jim, please come in.”
Jim West entered the room. There was little space for the three of them. It was Jim who spoke.
“Please sit, Alan. This man you see before you was the tramp who brought you here, as well as the chap who discovered you in the pub. We met in the theatre and he’s helping me out and having some fun. Alan, meet Stan.”
The glasses were filled and both men lifted theirs. “Our heartfelt congratulations. We hope that you not only found it challenging but also enjoyable and we would love you to review our unique, individual escape room when you’ve had time to reflect fully on the experience. Cheers.”
Alan first drank the small amount from the trophy and then was handed his glass. They chatted for about thirty minutes. Alan was handed another bottle and he drank a further two glasses.
“I was more thirsty than I thought and the bubbles have gone straight to my head.”
Jim brought in the locked box containing Alan’s personal items. Slipping on his watch he noticed that he had been in the rooms for nearly two hours. It was 9.12. “Sorry, gents, must fly. I don’t wish to be rude but you said something about a reward worth winning?”
Jim removed his wallet and took out five twenty-pound notes. “Well done, but please, a review would help us.”
Stan took him back to the front room and raised the shutter. It was then Alan noticed the equipment. “Another room in the planning?”
“Maybe,” Stan answered. “Thanks for taking part. Don’t forget to give your mate this.” He handed him the ushabti figure. “I’ve already sent him a challenge. I haven’t mentioned you as yet and I’d be grateful if you can keep your stunning escape a secret for forty-eight hours. Is that okay?”
“That’ll be harder than the game… I can’t promise but I’ll do my best.”
***
Jim was clearing away the glasses. He checked his phone and saw he had three missed calls from Valerie. He dialled her number.
“Thank goodness, Jim. What’s going on at that place of yours? I saw a tramp leading a young man inside and then the shutter came down. The lad was wearing dark glasses. They both seemed drunk to me. I was worried for you.”
“Valerie, Valerie. They were simply sampling the new escape room. One was an actor friend of mine, he was the tramp and the young fellow was an expert in these matters. Because we neither wanted him to see the façade of the place nor know where it is until we open. We had to create that charade, besides I think it made it a tad more theatrical. We went about creating the whole thing before he arrived. He thought it was a wonderful experience and he’s going to review it. We may well have a new and successful venture on our hands.”
Valerie answered with one word. “We?”
***
Alan realised he was unsure of his way and removed his mobile phone but it was dead. He pressed the on button but nothing appeared on screen. “Bloody battery!” He suddenly felt very light headed and nauseous. He staggered and put a hand against the wall. His fingers tingled and his vision began to blur. “I need to get home.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Drakes looked at Tommy who smiled and gave him a hug. “You’re alright, mate, they know the history. They want to know about Colin Boardman. Be truthful and hide nothing. I’ll be here. If you want a solicitor we can have one too. I’ve nothing to hide as I’ve done nothing wrong and I hope neither have you.”
“Other than the pictures, and then I wanted only what was right. I didn’t want anything other than what was due to me and a few quid more for the other lads. You believe me don’t you, Tommy?”
Tommy rested a hand on his shoulder. “You’ll be fine.”
April noted the statement matched Tommy’s until the section where he went missing.
“I left the three other beaters to go for a piss. It was cold. Any road, I don’t remember much until I woke up in the old sheep shelter, you know the one, Tommy, by the narrow burn? I’ve not told you this till now, Tommy, I was too ashamed. Anyway, I woke up with a cracking headache and my trousers and long johns round by my gaiters and boots. I didn’t know what hurt more my head or my arse. He told me that if I ever tried to spread those rumours again it would be a red-hot piece of steel and that’d give me something to moan about. He’d raped me, Tommy, the bastard raped me.”
Drakes struggled to finish the sentence before breaking down. His shoulders heaved and released a wail not dissimilar to that of an injured animal. Tommy moved across immediately, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and drew him closer.
“Shhh! It’s okay, we understand.”
“I’ve tried to forget it, but it eats, Tommy, it’s like cancer. I feel so unclean. Some days I want to just…”
April rose and went to get a cup of water. She knew right now he could do with something a lot stronger but that was impossible. She had seen a number of men cry during interviews, many searching for sympathy, but this was born from guilt, fear and frustration built up over the years and months. She could have wept for him.
He sipped the water, wiping his tears on the sleeve of his jacket; the trickle of snot that ran from his left nostril to his lip was also removed in the same movement. “I’m so sorry. When I realised what had happened, I managed to pull up my pants and I ran at him. I’d have killed him, as God is my witness, Tommy, I’d have murdered the bastard and that’s when the big bastard with him gave me a right seeing to. The Laird just laughed and then he stopped him.”
“What about the shooting?” April asked. Her voice lowered in sympathy.
“I don’t know how long I was there. It was dark when I came to after the beating, and light when I saw the chance to get away. They were at the far end of the pen, probably planning what to do with me. I remembered the Laird was drinking from a silver flask and laughing. I just legged it. It was then I felt the pellets spray my hand as I got to the trees. Not long after that, maybe within minutes, I saw you.”
April looked across at Brian Smirthwaite and raised her eyebrows. Sexual assault cases involving the high, the mighty and the famous were growing in number and becoming an ever-increasing burden on police resources and at this time, it was probably the last thing they needed to hear. April switched off the tape. “Are you okay to continue, Mr Drakes?”
Drakes nodded. “That was the worst bit. I don’t like going over that and… I’ve never talked about it, not proud, just so ashamed, so never told anyone in public, like and in front of a lady too… it just wasn’t easy, I’m sorry, but I want you to know I’m not like that.”
Tommy put his hand on Drakes’s shoulder again. “We know that. We go back a long way and I consider you to be an honest man. Well done for speaking up. That’s what they anticipated you would be, ashamed and full of guilt to the point of being dumb. They wanted you to be embarrassed enough to keep your mouth shut. It’s a game to them. It’s their way of keeping their activities hidden from view. They rule by fear and intimidation and money, of course.”
Most of those words meant little to Drakes, who sipped the water.
“So, when you came to Richmond, Tommy’s brother, Colin, let you stay with them?”
“Felicity was really kind. Made me feel special. I tended the garden when I wasn’t working and did a bit of maintenance about the place. Even helped her mum when she needed it, nothing major, painting, window cleaning, just general stuff. The old lady, Felicity’s mum, even taught me to knit.”
For the first time since the start of the interview April saw the glimmer of a smile and some happiness in his eyes. She realised what a simple man he really was.
“Did you ever meet Felicity’s father?” Brian asked.
Drakes shook his head. “Dead before my time. Tommy will know more.” He turned to look at his friend.
“I’m not that sure I can tell you anything. Christ, can’t really recall much about my own parents let alone hers. Think I only met her a handful of times.”
“Was Colin supportive of all the things you did, Mr Drakes?”
“He let me stay as a favour to Tommy but he was fine. I think he was a bit jealous like. Felicity always brought me tea and biscuits when I was working in the garden or jobbing. I was grateful they’d offered me a roof when I needed it and that’s why I returned the favour when he asked me to help Kevin. I put the lad up who had rented their flat. When her mum died…”
April stopped him. “We’re aware of that and how Kevin Carruthers rented their old flat. Why did he ask you?”
“He said that things were a bit complicated and Colin wanted him out of the house. He really said needed, and not wanted, and he would be grateful if I could return the favour. I couldn’t really say no, I wouldn’t say no.” There was a long pause. “Bit of a weird bugger he was though!”
It was Brian’s turn to ask and from the way he approached the question April knew it was going to upset both Tommy and Drakes. “Did you or did Felicity ever make sexual advances to one another?”
There was silence.
***
The traffic noises seemed amplified and the scream of a police car, all blue flashing lights and noise, appeared closer than it was but it brought Alan to his senses.
“Are you alright?” A hand gently gripped Alan’s elbow. “You look a little unsteady young man.”
“I feel dreadful. I’m trying to find my B&B but I can’t even recall its name, a whisky comes to mind but…”
“Grants?”
“That’s it, yes. Thanks. Is it far?”
“No, it’s just a short walk. Ten minutes at the most. I can give you directions or I can escort you. Either way’s no bother.”
The illuminated sign soon came into view. “It’s just here.”
“Thank you so much. I’d never have found it. Can I give you some money for your help?”
“Not at all. It’s my random act of kindness for the day. Think nothing of it. Do you need me to help you with the key?”
“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”
The front door was still open as it was not yet ten. He fumbled in his pocket until he found the keys. Turning he saw his escort watching from the gate. He raised his thumb. Alan responded and opened the inner door. “Thank you. Good night.” For some reason he whispered the words and his shepherd moved off.
The television was still on in the room marked Private. The drone of the indecipherable voices suddenly seemed reassuring and he felt comfortable. Within minutes he had drunk two glasses of water, taken two paracetamol and was in bed. Even though his head swirled and his fingers and toes felt numb, he was pleased with his evening’s work.
***
Drakes looked at Tommy who nodded. “Tell what you have to tell. Nobody’s judging you.”
“It was her, she came to me once when I was in the garden. She’d brought lemonade. I’d been digging. She asked me to show her what I’d been preparing in the shed. I’d just sorted the cuttings and the seedlings and… It was just that once.” He looked at each person in the room. The same fear had returned to his expression, as if the incriminations of the misdemeanour would damn him forever.
“Did her husband know, find out or suspect?” Brian asked. Realising he had provided maybe too many options he rephrased the question. “Did she tell her husband?”
