Lying Ways, page 19
‘That’s a lot to pick up in a day,’ Kelly said.
Tom laughed, ‘Yeah, it’s a bit deep, isn’t it? But that’s why I applied in the first place. I want to be on the side that gives these lads a chance, rather than just writing them off.’
‘But many of them are lifers, Tom. They’re in a maximum security prison for a reason, because of their threat to public safety. Do they deserve your respect?’ she asked.
‘I think so. They’re not animals. There needs to be some kind of functionality to prison. Locking them up and throwing away the key is something that undeveloped countries do, not democracies. It’s one of our biggest hypocrisies as a nation,’ he said.
Kelly reflected on his passion. He seemed to have put a lot of thought into it before even turning up for his first shift. It was admirable, but also potentially hazardous. Besides, her job was to find out what had happened to two ex-convicts, not ruminate about the penal system.
‘This reciprocal relationship, then, how much do you allow the inmates to get away with before enough is enough? I’ll give you an example. Say I want to search the cells for phones that could have been used to communicate with the outside to order a murder – when does that override the prisoner’s right to privacy, when they’ve already opted out of society’s rule book?’
‘It’s a tough one. When a police inquiry is on the table, then there has to be a compromise. It needs handling delicately, though.’
‘I appreciate that. Did you see Jeanie Clark yesterday? I saw her leave, but she was supposed to be off sick.’
‘No, I was told she was off, which is why I had Liam show me around.’
‘Liam Fawcett?’
‘Yes.’
‘What did you make of him?’ she asked.
‘Good bloke. Proactive. Not afraid to make tough decisions.’
‘Such as?’
‘He thinks about what’s best for his prison, and not the system as a whole. So he released two cons from the block yesterday because he knew that to keep them down there with no batteries or exercise was counter to what we were trying to achieve.’
‘Which was what?’
‘Preventing D wing from kicking off again.’
‘Isn’t that the lunatics running the asylum?’ Kelly asked.
‘Not if he now has favours to call in,’ Tom said.
It struck Kelly that Tom was easily drawn in, which wasn’t consistent with what she knew of soldiers, based on what she’d been told by Johnny. In her opinion, soldiers were rightly sceptical, and reserved judgement until they’d weighed up all sides. However, it was also possible that Tom was not being totally transparent with her and felt allegiance to his new boss. After all, two days was barely enough time for Tom to get the lay of the land inside Highton prison.
‘I hadn’t realised that Liam was an old pal of Johnny’s,’ he said.
Kelly tensed. ‘Oh, right, yes, neither had I,’ she said. ‘And how’s today going?’ she asked, batting away the unwelcome information.
‘It’s canteen day, it’s crazy. That’s why I’m in, for an extra pair of hands, it’s the most difficult day of the week. I’m on my break.’
‘I suppose Rickie Burton gets plenty of canteen delivered?’ she asked.
‘You know I can’t discuss specifics, but good effort for trying,’ he said.
‘Can I ask you about your time in the army?’ she said, changing the subject. He was quiet and Kelly knew she’d hit a nerve. It had to be done. ‘Sorry, it’s none of my business, but I’m trying to trace infantry soldiers who served in Iraq and were discharged after suffering severe PTSD.’
Another silence.
‘Tom?’ she said.
‘Sorry, I was thinking. It was a long time ago. I know plenty of soldiers with PTSD – it’s endemic in the forces. It would be easier for me to tell you who didn’t suffer from it. Liam Fawcett is one example. Did Johnny tell you he treated him too?’
‘I’ll get to that as part of my inquiry. I’m concentrating on ex-LI for now.’ Kelly’s breath quickened.
‘Light Infantry?’ he asked.
‘Yes.’
‘That’s a blast from the past. I served with several out there. I know a few who are still serving if that’s what you want, under the Rifles now, of course.’
‘I’m more interested in those who left the forces. What dates did you serve in Iraq?’ she asked.
‘2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007,’ he said.
‘Four tours?’
‘Yes.’
It was a terse reply, and Kelly sensed the conversation was nearing its close, but she’d established two important things. One was that Tom knew plenty of men who’d served in difficult tours of Iraq, around the same time as Johnny had said things got ugly, who had suffered from PTSD and now had been discharged. The other was that Johnny had lied to her.
‘Perhaps you could put together a list of names for me?’ she asked.
‘Sure, I’d be happy to.’ His voice was clipped. It reminded her of her conversation with Johnny last night. It was clearly a touchy subject, but they’d both confirmed that they were in the same area at the right time, and both knew veterans from the Light Infantry who’d served alongside them. She realised that both men were uncomfortable with her line of questioning and they both displayed a sensitive loyalty to comrades past and present. One thing she was sure of was that, when the military was concerned, there was a hidden layer of devotion between these men that was impenetrable.
Chapter 33
Rob and Kate sat in silence, each studying their computer screens. Rob was examining data from Rickie Burton’s bank records, which had been requested by Cumbria Police. Burton would soon realise that access to his account had been frozen, in accordance with financial service law, and the bank was under no obligation to share the nature of the decision with him. This would be enough for him to kick off, and so Rob worked quickly.
Kate, meanwhile, scrutinised the burn marks on Jack Bell’s body. It had been the coroner’s report that first hinted that the burns might have been caused by some kind of lamp, in close proximity to the skin. Any lamp held too close to human flesh could cause damage, but this one had burned to the extent that the shape of the element was left on the skin. Kate had ploughed through hundreds of lamp designs, but the one she’d settled on as the most interesting was a treatment lamp, used for conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. She’d found a detailed picture of a Derma UVB phototherapy lamp, used in hospitals, and the pattern was similar enough to the untrained eye to raise suspicion. The lamps were also used in care homes. Emma was working on the list of care homes in the area and Dan was trying to cross-reference ex-army veterans who’d taken paid employment in the health services. It would likely be a short list, as many soldiers went into security work, but even so, it was taking a long time to compile. The Ministry of Defence had promised to do their best, but they weren’t the quickest or most open of institutions, even when there was an urgent request for evidence under section 19, and Dan was becoming frustrated. All he’d asked for was a list of former Light Infantry soldiers who had links to Cumbria, which he could then use to start working out whether there were any likely suspects.
Kate was unable to concentrate, and looked for excuses to distract herself. Thankfully she received an email notification, and she saw that a new message had arrived in her inbox from the lab. Since the dissolution of the police Forensic Science Service in 2012, each constabulary had to hire private companies to do lab work. It cost a fortune, and they were only used in high-profile, serious cases, such as murder. Every police officer on the planet would like to send each scrap of evidence off to a lab, which would allow them to gain immeasurable insight into the crime scene and help them trace the perp as fast and efficiently as was possible. But it wasn’t feasible. It wasn’t anywhere near. Budgets meant that the forensic bill had to be handled carefully. Kate knew that Kelly would love to send each reel of CCTV, speck of gravel and partial shoe tread off to the lab, for every robbery, domestic and ABH, but she couldn’t.
Kate opened the email. It was about the signet ring. They already knew that the ring probably didn’t belong to Jack. It hadn’t been part of the goods signed in upon arrival at HMP Highton thirteen years ago, neither his daughters nor his niece recognised it, and Jack had never been in the military. She scanned the email.
‘Rob,’ she said.
He peered across from his computer screen. ‘Yup?’
‘A print has been lifted from the signet ring,’ she said.
‘So all we have to do is find someone’s finger to match it,’ he said sarcastically.
‘Tetchy?’ she asked him.
‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘Are you coming to the pub tonight?’ he asked.
‘I can’t, I’ve got to get back for the girls,’ she said. She didn’t add that she also needed to get ready for her date.
Rob nodded. ‘I’m going to sneak one in before going home,’ he said.
‘Are you allowed?’ she teased. Kate knew that Rob’s wife was sensitive about his working hours. It was no secret, and was probably no different to the arguments between all new parents over who did what, who needed the most sleep, who deserved a break and who was more tired. Kate no longer had to worry about such arguments; her girls were grown up and independent and Derek was living in his own flat, out of her way. Funny that now Derek was out of her hair, she didn’t mind the housework so much. Kelly’s boyfriend was different, that was for sure. Kate didn’t know if it was because he was a bit older and wiser, at fifty, or because he already had a grown-up daughter, or that he just had an understanding temperament. Some women might call him boring, but to Kate, he was a keeper. Kelly Porter belonged at Eden House, doing what she did best, and if her man’s ego (or lack of it) was such that it made her decisions smoother, then bloody good luck to her. Kate wouldn’t wish her life with Derek on anyone. Had she wasted her life? No. Everything happens for a reason, she thought. Plus, she’d never give up her girls just to go back and change history with a man. The thought of her date made her smile, and Rob looked at her curiously. To avoid his questions, she went to Kelly’s office and told her the news about the ring. She was clearly still struggling to concentrate, and it was a good excuse to move around.
‘They managed to lift a print? Just one? And it was clear?’ Kelly asked.
‘Yes. It’s a partial thumb. You know Derek wears a signet ring, and he constantly twists it with his thumb and middle finger, like this,’ Kate said, demonstrating the fiddling motion. Kelly watched her and nodded.
‘Makes sense,’ she said. ‘Are you off soon?’ she added.
Kate gently closed the door behind her and smiled conspiratorially. She sat down.
‘I’m nervous as hell,’ Kate said.
‘I can see that, you’re like a loaded spring. Why? You’ll knock him dead. Just be yourself,’ Kelly said. ‘Did you decide what to wear in the end?’
‘Well, I didn’t want to appear slutty, and I certainly don’t want to look like a detective, so I’m going for a cream dress I bought for a wedding. Don’t think shoulder pads and hat, it’s elegant and plain.’
‘Perfect. Not too booby? Though you should show them off.’
Kate was well endowed.
‘Thanks. That’s why I chose the dress. I want him to talk to me, not my chest,’ Kate laughed.
‘Quite right, though I’m sure they’ve got a lot to say. Do the girls know?’ Kelly sat back in her chair, welcoming the diversion.
‘They know I’m going on a date, but they don’t know he’s a copper,’ she said.
‘The copper who happens to be in charge,’ Kelly said.
‘I’m trying not to think about it. Did you inform occupational health?’ Kate asked.
‘I don’t see why I need to. I spoke to Andrew this morning, as your line manager. It’s not exactly anything serious yet is it?’
‘Am I being stupid?’ Kate asked.
‘Of course not! Bloody hell, Kate, you deserve some fun. Go and have a brilliant night and stop feeling guilty. You guys don’t work together, there’s no conflict of interest. You fancy each other, that’s all that’s important. Order something expensive, though. Hasn’t that restaurant got a Michelin star?’
‘Apparently so.’
‘How did he get a reservation so quickly?’ Kelly asked.
‘He knows the owner,’ Kate said.
‘Handy.’ Kelly smiled. ‘I’ll remember that.’
‘Will you be working the weekend?’ Kate asked her boss. ‘Or is that a stupid question?’
Kelly looked up and tilted her head as if to say, ‘Are you kidding?’ They both knew the answer. Kelly wouldn’t take a full day off now until they’d gone as far as they could to secure a conviction for the deaths of the two ex-convicts.
‘Did you ask Millie if she could come and meet Lizzie tomorrow?’ Kelly asked.
‘Yes, she’s excited. She’s coming to you about nine, is that all right?’
‘Perfect. We’ve got a baby, remember, we’ll have been up for hours.’
Kate got up to leave.
‘Make sure you take a toothbrush tonight, you never know,’ Kelly said.
‘If it gets that far, it’ll be a miracle. No one’s been that far south in years,’ Kate said. She left and Kelly got back to work. She’d work for another twenty minutes and then suggest they grab a quick beer at The Bell. She hadn’t realised the disturbing irony of the pub name until now. ‘Come on, Jack,’ she willed. Let it be a sign.
Chapter 34
The pub was patronised mainly by a mixture of locals, with a smattering of tourists searching for a convenient bar, after a day sightseeing. When visiting the Lakes, staying in Penrith was cheaper than, say, Keswick or Windermere. If one didn’t mind driving everywhere, it was just as convenient, if not as pretty. From Penrith, most walks could be started within the hour. Getting to the western Lakes was a bit of a hike, but then it was from anywhere in the national park, unless one chose to stay over that way, say in Eskdale or Wasdale. They were remote places where only serious walkers stayed, or couples looking for a quiet romantic escape. The sweeping valleys and plummeting rock over in the west meant that road access was limited, and thus visitors were low in number. But it was well worth the effort.
The small group was well known to the landlord and they’d already had a conversation about the two bodies. It went along the same lines as it always did when there was a serious crime in the papers.
‘Caught them yet?’
‘No business them sort being here in the Lakes, tarnishing our good name.’
‘Bad business, what you doing about it?’
Next came the theories and unhelpful advice, becoming more outlandish as the night wore on. At some point, usually around nine, it would be time to leave them to it, discussing how they’d better handle the police investigation. Kelly usually got a pat on the back. ‘You’re all right, girl, even though you came up from that London.’ Modern habits, such as sexual equality and right-on political correctness, took their time reaching Cumbria, but Kelly didn’t take it personally. Local knowledge could be a powerful thing.
Emma drank Coke, Rob ordered two pints of lager, one for him and one for Dan, and Kelly accepted a small G&T. They found a table to huddle round and Kelly toasted Emma’s efforts.
‘In a rare moment of emotional mushiness, I’d like to take this opportunity to say how lucky I am to be surrounded by the team I’ve got. I couldn’t ask for more, truly. You give me everything,’ Kelly said.
Rob was clearly feeling good about himself and Kelly squeezed his shoulder; well he might. He’d made huge progress with the personal finances of Rickie Burton. He’d discovered hundreds of transactions in cash and thousands of account transfers for various amounts dating back years, and he’d already begun to compile a list of recipients.
They clinked glasses and Kelly enjoyed the moment as they took a well-earned break from work. They asked Emma questions and swapped stories of adventures and incidents in the Lakes. Dan told them about the highlands of Scotland and they teased each other about which country was more beautiful. The atmosphere was buoyant, after all, it was Friday night, and the bar was busy. Kelly’s phone rang, and she took it out of her pocket to see if it was important. It was.
‘Bloody hell, that’s all I need,’ she said. She answered but couldn’t hear, so left the small group and made her way out into the corridor where the toilets were.
‘Ma’am.’ It was the on-call officer at Eden House. ‘I didn’t want to disturb you, but I thought you’d want to know,’ the officer said.
‘Go on,’ Kelly said.
‘After your handover, I received an email from HMP Highton, as requested, of CCTV footage of the family meeting room. Rickie Burton had three visitors over the last two months. Each time, the footage clearly shows Mr Burton being escorted in to the room, but each time, a convict or prison guard gets in the way of the camera angle. Ma’am, I don’t think it’s an accident. I can’t make out the visitor on each occasion. And I think it was blocked on purpose.’
‘By prison guards?’
‘That’s what it looks like, ma’am.’
‘I’ll be back soon,’ she said, hanging up and making her way back to her team. Her face must have given away her concern.
‘Something come up, boss?’ Rob asked. She explained what she’d just been told and her intention to go back to the office.
‘I’ll finish my drink first,’ she said. The alcohol warmed her body and made her head slightly foggy. Damn. She’d forgotten to eat. Booze on an empty stomach, even a small G&T, wasn’t ideal, but she just accepted that she’d be a bit slow for the next half hour, then she’d grab something from the kebab shop, on her way back to Eden House.
