What Lies Hidden

by Fran McDonnell

Malcolm nodded. “By all means talk to your wife but don’t do anything until I’ve conferred with the police involved.”

  Tim nodded in acquiescence.

  With murmured thanks Malcolm, Patricia and Isobel trooped outside.

  “What time is this meeting?” Malcolm asked.

  Isobel looked at Patricia. “I’ve no idea. Has Simon contacted you?”

  “No.”

  “I need to take Bella home,” Malcolm said, “so I won’t be there until at least nine o’clock.”

  “We have someone else to talk to before the meeting,” Patricia said. “We should be able to meet at ten.”

  “I’m a bit nervous about telling Simon all that we’ve done,” said Isobel. “Perhaps I should tell him before he sees you.”

  Malcolm laughed. “You’re afraid.”

  “A bit. Neither Peter the solicitor nor Simon the policeman know what we’ve been doing today and there could be ructions tonight.”

  “Well, I think we’ve found two bodies.”

  Isobel swallowed noisily. Patricia grasped her hand.

  “I was a policeman. As a lay person and with my lay dog we haven’t done anything wrong. Simon might be put out at your going off on your own but, to be honest, if he knew what you were planning he would probably have felt he had to stop you. This way you’ve found things out and he can genuinely say he had no knowledge of the actions you two members of the public took.” He grinned and winked at them.

  Isobel grinned back. “You’re right.”

  Patricia texted Simon to say they would be at Peter’s at ten o’clock. Isobel gave Malcolm the address and they parted company.

  Chapter 32

  Edward Small worked for one of the big banking giants in the financial district. By the time Isobel and Patricia had got the Tube over it was nearly eight o’clock. When they were close Patricia rang him and he suggested they meet in a local restaurant. It was an Italian with comfortable seats and Patricia and Isobel found a table which was in a corner, affording them some privacy, and waited for their last interviewee of the day.

  Patricia saw him first, his image up on her phone screen to compare. He was short, five foot six, and slim with very pale skin from too much time indoors.

  Patricia waved and gestured him over. “Edward Small?”

  “Yes.” His voice was tentative.

  Patricia indicated the seat opposite them, but he didn’t sit.

  He glanced at each of them, unsure of what to make of the situation, then said in a rush, “What do you want to talk to me about? I’m telling you now that I can’t talk about my clients and their financial dealings, not without speaking to our legal department.”

  Patricia and Isobel looked at each other, a little taken aback.

  Isobel introduced them both and said, “We work for a solicitor involved in family law. This is a divorce and child-custody case.”

  Patricia smiled at him. “There’s no need to worry, Edward. We want to talk about an old work colleague, not about any big deals you’re making. Your client confidentiality is safe and so are your shady deals.”

  He started to protest then saw her smiling and grinned. “Fair enough.” He sat down. “Do you mind if I order some pizza while we talk? I’ve been so busy today that I haven’t had a chance to eat.”

  Patricia said, “Oh, the high-pressure world of big business!”

  Edward laughed. He gestured to the waitress and ordered pizza and salad with a glass of red wine. He encouraged Isobel and Patricia to join him but they both declined and just had a soft drink.

  With his glass of wine in hand and now visibly more relaxed, Edward said, “Who do you want to know about?”

  Isobel once again opened her bag. The first image she showed him was of Thomas and Anne at the dance.

  Edward Small picked it up and looked at it for a long time.

  Eventually Isobel asked, “Do you know this man?”

  “Knew,” Edward said in an ominous tone. “I knew this man a long time ago.”

  Isobel and Patricia made eye contact.

  “Can you tell us his name?” Isobel asked.

  Edward looked up. “Surely you know him if you’re asking about him?”

  “Please, just confirm his name.”

  Edward waited another few seconds and then said, “Matt Cooper.”

  Isobel produced the photo of Thomas Banks that his father had given them. “What about this man – do you know him?”

  Impatient now, Edward pulled the second image to him, another pause.

  Isobel said, “Well?”

  Edward gulped down some wine then said, “Thomas Banks.”

  “We have concerns about this man Matt Cooper and we wondered if you could help us understand what sort of man he was when you worked with him. This is very important.”

  Edward looked at her, his reluctance obvious.

  Patricia added, “Please tell us what you know. We need the information to help a child and a woman – maybe two women.”

  Edward’s forehead wrinkled in consternation at this. “Some of what happened involved other people. I don’t know if they would like me telling it.”

  Isobel chewed her lip. “We’re guessing that some people involved have been hurt. I promise we only ask with a view to preventing future pain to others. One of the problems we’ve had is that no one has said anything all along and so more people have been allowed to get hurt. Please break the silence and help us.”

  Isobel knew there was a moment in communication when the balance shifts and, in silence, agreement of the way forward is reached. This was that moment. Isobel held her breath and willed that this man be courageous enough. He didn’t disappoint her.

  His acquiescence came as a nod.

  Just at that moment his pizza and salad arrived.

  The waitress withdrew and Edward took a few hungry bites. Then he said, “Thomas, Matt and I all joined the financial firm together, although they already knew each other. We were all starting out with money in our pockets at last after our student days and we thought we were the kings of London. That initial madness went on for roughly six months but by then you could see how things were. Basically Thomas was a financial genius and even I could see he was destined for great things. Matt and I, well, we were competent but not in the same class. It didn’t bother me. However, as time went on and the bosses started to see Thomas’s potential, they started to groom him for promotion. I could accept that but sometimes when Matt had a few drinks he would confess how unfair he thought it. But, honestly, he just wasn’t as good as Thomas – the problem was he couldn’t accept that.”

  Edward paused, took a deep breath and picked up his fork which he fiddled with.

  “You can imagine, three young men, attractive enough, money in our pockets, hopefully careers ahead of us. Well, obviously, we were also interested in girls. Our firm had a lot of secretaries and they used to join us on some of the nights out. There was one girl in particular, Charlotte.”

  From the way he said her name Isobel knew that he had felt strongly for this girl.

  He looked down.

  Isobel could feel a knot of tension starting in her stomach.

  Edward swallowed hard. Taking a shuddering breath, he continued.

  “Charlotte was one of the pool secretaries – beautiful, sweet, kind.” He looked up at them, “Obviously I liked her, but I didn’t stand a chance, I knew that. I believe Thomas liked her, but he was the sort of guy to take things slow, a romantic really. I think she liked him too. Needless to say, Matt was also interested in her. I think he guessed that there might be something starting to develop between Charlotte and Thomas, and he was determined to get there first. He started wooing Charlotte. He did everything, flowers, chocolates, cards, perfume. It was a real charm and romance offensive. Everyone knew he was courting her and Thomas, being the guy he was, just left them to it. It took a while, but Matt eventually persuaded Charlotte to go for dinner with him and after that they were an item at work. Ov
er the next few months Charlotte changed but it was subtle. And, yes, I was paying attention. Anyway, six months later it happened.”

  The atmosphere was charged with tension.

  Suddenly he sat up straight and took a number of quick breaths.

  “I’ve never told anyone this,” he said then.

  Isobel could feel how much he wanted to avoid talking about what had happened. What could she say? She bit her lip, wondering how she could prompt him. Then she thought of that old adage and, paraphrasing, said, “There’s a time for silence and a time for telling.”

  Edward looked at her, distress written on his face. “I only know some of the facts from Angela – she was Charlotte’s friend and another one of the group. She’s my secretary now.” He took a deep breath. “At this stage we were with the company a year and Charlotte and Matt had been going out together for six months. Thomas had decided to leave the company and had got a great job, a big promotion with White and Smith.”

  Isobel recognised the name of the company Thomas aka Matt now worked for.

  “Angela told me that Matt took Charlotte out for this really flash meal in a very expensive restaurant. He proposed to her that night. Angela said that Charlotte had been talking to her about getting out of the relationship, but she was afraid. When Matt proposed Charlotte didn’t say yes – she said she needed to think about it, and it was too soon. Needless to say, Matt wasn’t happy. When he took Charlotte home that night he forced his way into her flat, raped her and almost strangled her to death.”

  “Oh my God!” Patricia’s eyes were wide with dread.

  Edward had almost forgotten about them, his eyes fixed on a distant point as he relived the past. “Charlotte rang Angela that night. She refused to go to the rape crisis centre, but Angela persuaded her to go to her own doctor the next day and I know he took pictures of her injuries. Charlotte refused to press charges. She ended up having panic attacks and giving up work but no one at the company knew why. Angela knew I liked Charlotte and cared about her but she told me nothing other than that Charlotte was sick. Eventually, a year later, around the anniversary of it happening, because Charlotte was so bad and Angela was finding it hard to cope, she confided in me but swore me to secrecy. She still tells me very little. She guards Charlotte’s privacy – I know that Charlotte is doing better but that’s all I know. I don’t know where she is.” Edward breathed out in relief. “Thomas also got sick and didn’t work out his notice. Matt brought in his certificates from a doctor.”

  Isobel frowned and looked over at Patricia.

  Edward continued. “Thomas started in his new company a few weeks later and I never saw him again. Matt gave in his notice as well and moved on, I don’t know where. That was it. Everyone was gone within a month.”

  Isobel knew this was important. Charlotte was a possible witness, who could make a definite statement about what had happened to her and who maybe had some photographic evidence with her doctor. Yes, it was old, but combined with Anne Banks’ own statement and the photographs which Yvonne had, it might be enough to trigger a police investigation. They needed Charlotte to be prepared to go on record about what had happened. Isobel glanced at Patricia and could see in her eyes that she was thinking along the same lines.

  “Edward, we need to talk to Angela,” Isobel said.

  Edward threw his fork onto the table. “What? No, no. I’ve betrayed her confidence. You can’t talk to her.”

  Patricia said, “Edward, the man you call Matt Cooper is now calling himself Thomas Banks. The man you call Thomas Banks is dead. He was hit by a drunk driver. Matt or Thomas as he calls himself now, is working for White and Smith.”

  Edward frowned at her and then glanced at Isobel. “What are you talking about?”

  Isobel said, “We know that Matt Cooper is now using Thomas Banks’ name and probably took his job. We suspect Matt of having killed two women. To get evidence we need someone to make a statement. If Charlotte did that, we might have a shot at proving some of this.”

  “And we might get some justice for Charlotte and for a few other women,” Patricia added.

  Edward’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t know. Angela would have to talk to Charlotte.”

  “Yes,” agreed Isobel, “And we need to talk to Angela, in person, so she understands the importance of what’s happening. Please, Edward. There are so many victims here and something needs to be done.”

  Edward bit his lip. “OK, I’ll talk to Angela tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow is the day that Thomas is going to sign divorce papers,” said Patricia. “We’re meeting some police officers later tonight to see if we can persuade them to do something. It would be great if we could talk to Angela now, tell her everything and see if she can persuade Charlotte to make a statement.”

  Edward nodded. “Let me ring Angela and see if we can see her.”

  Isobel glanced at her watch. It was a quarter to nine. “We can get a taxi there,” she said, checking her purse to make sure she had plenty of cash. “That will save time. Just ask her if we can come and talk to her.”

  Edward walked outside to speak into his phone. Isobel and Patricia could see him talking vehemently and then listening.

  Isobel inhaled deeply. “Those sick notes that Matt brought in for Thomas.”

  “Yes.”

  “He did that to cover up Thomas’s death.”

  “That is so cold and calculating.”

  “I can’t help feeling that to be that organised, that together, that quick to come up with something, he might have planned it.”

  Patricia nodded. They sat in silence for a moment.

  “Let’s focus on Anne’s case for tonight and Angela and Charlotte,” Isobel said, “but when we get a chance we need to talk to Simon about the hit-and-run.”

  “Yes . . . here’s Edward.”

  Reaching the table he said, “I haven’t told her much, but she’s agreed to listen to what you have to say. All I can add is that she’s very protective of Charlotte and I’m not sure if you will persuade her.”

  “We have to try though,” Isobel said.

  They left the restaurant, went to a nearby taxi rank and Edward gave the address.

  Isobel asked the driver how long it would take to get there.

  “Half an hour, if you’re lucky,” was his reply.

  It took thirty-five minutes.

  On the way Isobel texted Malcolm and the others that they were delayed.

  The journey passed in silence. What was going on had mushroomed out of all recognition.

  The taxi disgorged them at the address. Isobel hastily settled up and included a tip for their speedy transfer. The door of the house opened as they approached it – obviously Angela had been waiting for them – and they hurried inside. The living room she showed them into was cream, with cream furniture. There was soft music on and candles were lit. It was beautiful and very restful. Isobel could see right away that Angela was one of those people who was great to have around in a crisis – strong, capable and calm.

  Edward made hasty introductions and Angela cut to the chase. “Edward hasn’t said much, but he has mentioned Matt Cooper’s name. Why are you enquiring about him?”

  Isobel looked Angela in the eye. “Edward told us what Matt did to Charlotte.”

  Angela whirled round towards Edward. “What? How dare you?”

  Isobel said, “Under duress and for a very good reason. Angela, we know of two other women who Matt strangled, one like Charlotte who escaped and left the area and a second . . .” here she paused then continued, “who we suspect might actually have been murdered.”

  “Murdered?” In her shock her voice seemed unnaturally loud and she looked away towards the door at the back of the room.

  Isobel was a bit taken aback at her tone and for a minute thought that she was going to bolt through the door. “Yes, we suspect that this woman may have been murdered but at the moment we have little evidence to force the police to get warrants.”

/>   Angela kept glancing towards the door at the back of the room.

  Isobel realised why and raised her voice, “I suppose we’re here because we’re hoping that you can persuade Charlotte to come forward and make a statement. We know there are old photos of what happened. We know people who work with women, who have experience in dealing with these sorts of situations. They have their own solicitor and I’m sure they can provide someone to go with Charlotte to the police station, should that be necessary.”

  Angela said, “Charlotte was deeply traumatised by what happened to her. Maybe she just wants to forget about it, move on, not have to go through it again.”

  Isobel said, again speaking loudly and clearly, “If Charlotte’s fear hasn’t gone in the last number of years then forgetting about what happened isn’t working. Maybe there’s another way. Every woman who encountered this man has been too afraid to do something and the list of victims is getting longer. Maybe it’s time for someone to stand up. Maybe Charlotte can stand up.”

  Angela looked ready to explode.

  Isobel went on, her voice still raised. “We’re talking here about a statement to the police that might give them grounds for a search warrant. She may never have to go to trial and give evidence. That would be up to a solicitor. Please, someone needs to break the silence.”

  “I’ll tell Charlotte all of this and see what she says, that’s all I can promise you.”

  Silence fell. No one moved. Isobel stared at the door at the back of the room.

  Suddenly it opened. They all heard the noise and turned to face it.

  A woman stepped through.

  “Charlotte!” Edward gasped and stepped forward.

  Charlotte shrank back.

  Edward looked panicked. “Sorry,” he whispered.

  Charlotte looked at Isobel and Patricia. “Do you really think it would help me?”

  Isobel said gently, “Are you still afraid?”

  “All the time.”

  “I can’t say what will happen. I just know that doing this may help you to stop feeling like a victim. We can talk to the police about protection. We can put you in touch with people who deal with these types of situations all the time. They can help you, support you. We just want to stop this happening to someone else.” She waited a second and then said, “So must you or you wouldn’t have revealed yourself.”